_{[his hand is both rougher and smoother than she was expecting. his palm and the underside of his fingers aren't even close to what they once were, but they've a sort of softness to the skin. and — gods — it nearly dwarfs her own. her fingers curl around his with only a heartbeat of hesitation. too fast, and she worries she might scare him off. too slow, and... well, probably the same thing. after another, she brings her second hand up to join the first and she moves to sit cross-legged before him, bringing his hand down with her. it's easier to look at him like this on equal ground.]}

People don't always get what they deserve, whether it be good or bad. And those who think themselves undeserving are often more than those who believe they deserve the world simply because of... whatever else. Status. Position.

_{[carefully and oh-so-slowly, morga turns julian's hand over in her own. her fingertips brush against the rough scales across the top of his hand, while her thumbs work their way across his palm. it's... surprising to be sure, but with how often she has handled Jæger's talons? it doesn't shock her as much as it ought to. this is sort of the same thing, only more "human" and, well. much, much bigger. if she had to guess, she'd guess they were almost as large as a bear's paws. not as wide, but long. yet however big they are, she shows no fear or disgust. and why should she be afraid?]}

This... You didn't deserve to have this happen to you. No one does.

_{[but especially not him. a kind heart was supposed to get people killed. not... tormented by a fiend. not like this.]}