I wouldn't. I'll kill anyone who does.

She sucks in a breath at that, and consciously presses closer to Pradnakt. Because Ma'am might've stopped things, but she'd only ever killed one person for Rhoda (and that was because that person had nearly killed Rhoda). Thank you, she sends, not quite sure how else to show her gratitude.

She gives her a squeeze. I want things to be right for you. And that's not, at all.

And Rhoda finds herself believing that. The same way she believes that Pradnakt can make sure things are right for her. It's just how it was, she tries to sound reassuring. Nothing...nothing really happened? She doesn't like Pradnakt being upset (and for reasons other than the possibility of Pradnakt lashing out at her).

That's not nothing. She takes a deep, somewhat ragged breath. But I'm glad it wasn't worse.

Hesitantly, Rhoda shifts very slightly to wrap her other arm around Pradnakt and squeeze very slightly (barely enough, really, for the increased pressure to be noticed). I'm sorry I brought up bad memories. (Because that sounds like this did bring up bad memories.)

She closes her eyes and nods. It's all right.

She doesn't quite believe that - no-one likes being reminded of bad memories - but she doesn't argue. And if the hugging seems to be helping, she isn't going to move, just keep hugging until it seems like Pradnakt wants to move.

She gives herself a minute.

I should go meditate, she says eventually. I'll take care of the dishes later if you don't feel like doing them.

Rhoda is almost reluctant to separate, but slides slightly away from Pradnakt. I'll do them, she decides, something to do would be a good distraction.

You can come sit on the roof with me, if you'd like.

That...actually sounds nice. If you don't mind, she says, looking at Pradnakt from the corner of her eyes, fingers twisting together.

I really don't.

She nods, and gets to her feet, obviously waiting for Pradnakt to lead the way. (She's also not immediately moving to put herself out of arm's reach.)

She hesitates for a moment, and then grabs a cushion from the bedroom before heading outside. The ladder leading to the roof is on the shaded side of the house, where Rhoda hasn't yet had occasion to go.

Rhoda follows, staying closer than she has been to Pradnakt, although with plenty of room for them both to move. Unless Pradnakt motions otherwise, she'll wait for Pradnakt to climb the ladder first.

She does motion for her to go first; it's entirely irrational, with no-one around for miles, but that doesn't especially change how protective she feels at the moment.

Then Rhoda will climb the ladder first, immediately moving away from the top of it to give Pradnakt room to get up as well.

There's a platform at the top, set into the roof; wood, well-made and reasonably well-kept but still weathered by the sun and sand. A cushion, deep navy underneath faded almost to white on top, sits in the center of it. Pradnakt sets the second cushion next to it and settles into her accustomed spot.

You can move around, or leave if you want to, it won't disturb me. If you do need to interrupt me, that's fine; you'll probably need to touch me to get my attention.

She nods, but settles down on the cushion for now, curling her legs up to her chest.

She closes her eyes; after a few seconds she makes a face and shifts over so there's room, just barely, for Rhoda to sit next to her on the cushion.

Rhoda notices that, hopes she's read it right, and shifts over to sit on that edge of cushion.

Yeah: she doesn't smile, exactly, but her face softens and she relaxes as she puts her arm around Rhoda's shoulders.

Rhoda leans slightly against her, and seems perfectly content to stay there for the forseeable future.

And she settles in to meditating proper.

It's pretty boring to watch, honestly; occasionally her breathing will go a little rough, or hitch, or she'll go very still or very stiff for a few seconds, but otherwise she's just - sitting. Breathing.

The sun begins to set before she's done, though.