A study in the eldritch (Lunaraia;Pervy;MortalitasBorealis)

“Oh you’ll be set up for life alright…” Korrie mumbled darkly, though she was still wasn’t feeling very confident. “Well use the iceflame then! They have those collar things, Korrie doesn’t want to get close to them again.” She then whispered to Fey after her previous idea got shot down. She knew Aya was watching over them, but not being able to do much herself still kept her nervous. Or maybe it was just a lack of faith in herself. Sure she figured she could easily punch out a few thugs, but with so many, if she made a mistake or one got lucky… It was better to stay at range, and Fey was just far better at that than she was.

======

The twins would normally be a bit more shy about public intimacy, but it was the dead of night with no one else around, and dinner’s got them frisky too. Well, there was Baba Yaga, her presence causing Shiroi to still maintain some restraint. Hearing the old witch’s grumbles though only made Kuroi more forward, giggling softly while she nuzzled against the golem girl. There was a part of her that liked being able to annoy the crone and get away with it.

The anticipation built when they finally arrived on the dock, and Aila grew even more brazen with her affections. “Whoah, so direct all of a sudden.” Shiroi was surprised as playful caresses turned to thirsty gropes and dirty talk, but she chuckled and gave the golem girl’s butt a reciprocal squeeze. Kuroi purred from the attention and brazenly put a hand on Aila’s chest in turn, pressing herself close. For as lewd as their company has been on this adventure, she didn’t think she’s ever been this horny before they’ve even gotten started. They’re definately making a beeline for the bedroom as soon as they can…

"Really persistant, ain't they?"
Fey chuckled over to Korrie, too lackadaisical to note something such as 'too stupid to be intimidated' as she lifted a burning hand again, well if it was a match of who could burn longer the rogues wanted...

"I dun quite know if this is fine to use on people but y'know what if they ask.. uh uh, better idea, how about you use your Korrie punch, and I use fire-punch!" Facing the chaotic threat of robbers, as well as noticing her sister-slaves lack of confidence, Fey moved back to her side, all the while summoning large, fiery .. gloves, seeming actually quite enthusiastic about them, as yellow flames formed into large, fiery gloves, to slam down upon the thugs with fiery determination. "Mwahahaha! Fey-Punching!"
She'd encourge Korrie along, her hand waving to 'Swing' the flaming constructs at anyone daring to get close, perhaps leaving a scorch-mark or two in the ships deck.

The intruders approached again, still giving their berserk leader a wide berth. Just as they were about to strike, however, sound could once again be heard from the ship’s intercom system. “It would seem Baba is on her way back, so no need to worry about being taken away from the ship, so go wild and have fun.”



The intruders looked around, confused, but didn’t seem to get the meaning of the statement. Though they probably would in time. This also meant that Korrie and Fey could go wild without worrying about any repercussions, however. Which most likely spelled trouble for the group, since both Korrie and Fey were strong enough to handle them if they just put their minds to it. The group itself however now advanced on Korrie and Fey with renewed vigor, given they were just informed that reinforcements were inbound.



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Baba Yaga landed on the ship and found Aya on the deck surrounded by a bunch of men who looked completely out of it, with some lying completely still on the ground. “Ah, you’re back, Baba. Would you mind going to the new pool room and helping Korrie and Fey? Half of these lugs went under deck, and I got my hands full dealing with these guys.” Baba Yaga gave the intruders the stink eye for a moment. “Fine. You three go to your room, no dawdling.”

Aila looked at her before snickering. ”Oh, I can assure you we won’t be going anywhere else, barring a few seconds pit-stop in the kitchen to stock up on something to drink, I believe they will need it by the time I’m done with them.” If looks could kill, Aila would probably have died right then and there, as Baba disappeared under deck.

“Korrie just said she doesn’t want to go near them…” The wyvern girl grumbled, but there was clearly no convincing the phoenix to go with a ranged strategy. Just as she was pondering what to do, the announcement came that reinforcements had arrived. Not that victory was ever in doubt just by Aya being here, but it did bolster Korrie’s confidence. She really just didn’t want to embarrass herself by needing to be rescued, but she also didn’t want to sit back and let everyone else do all the work. With help on the way real soon, she felt like she could fight without too much worry anymore.

“Alright, then let’s at least deal with some of them first.” Korrie said with renewed determination, and after eyeing her options, immediately bolted towards a thug on the edge of the formation, breathing painful flames to disorient and throwing a simple punch as hard as she could before backing away and dashing in again, intending to chip away at outer targets. It was like how she’d deal with groups of enemies in games, kiting the crowd and targeting stragglers, a time-consuming but safe tactic. If Fey could blast the core of the group with something, then maybe they’ll even wrap up before Baba Yaga gets here.

======

The increasingly hot and intimate mood for the twins was briefly interrupted when they realized something off had happened, seeing Aya on deck surrounded by unconscious strangers. “Huh? What’s going on?” Shiroi asked. Aya’s answer was a bit vague, but she could get the gist of it. “Some local gang, I guess? Sure are a lot of them. Looks like it’s all under control though.”

Aila swiftly swept that distraction from their minds, and while Shiroi suppressed a smirk, Kuroi’s affections for Aila only grew when the golem girl annoyed the old crone, the neko giving her a playful snuggle as they went downstairs. “Let’s go then~ Oh, I wonder if we’ll find something that’ll enhance the fun? Not that any of us need help getting in the mood anymore.” She pondered aloud. Getting a bit tipsy could be fun for example, and who knows what otherworldly possibilities there might be to make their first night even more memorable…

"Uuugh... Alright, fine, I believe you've been given ample warning."
Fey nodded, exasperated by the assaulters unyielding spirit. "The ice-flame is more useful against fire entities. I recommend averting your eyes, sister."

She mused, lifting her hands in a cone like shape, a small flame gathering in them, slowly shifting in color "The Truth is, I don't really need any spectacular flames, I just didn't feel like turning people into living torches, but I'm getting pissed off by your insistance you could take me as slave, whilest we dilly-dally. Armor of flames."
She noted, coating herself in her own flames to a degree, before redirecting them at the invaders, aiming at the eyes were given a chance, but clothes and hair would do. "Flames of purgatory."
She wouldn't stop until someone managed to stop her, or their last screams turned into death-gurgles.

As Korrie unleashed her flame attacks, and Fey suddenly burst into flames and announced her intent to kill, some members of the attackers faltered. They glanced at one another and backing off. When the new leader noticed, his smile faltered as well, and he seemed to think about anything but profit for the first time.

Just then, Korrie’s punch hit an attacker that avoided her initial flame breath, sending him flying into the warm water. He surfaced a few moments later, floating limply face up in the water itself. Whether he was alive or dead was impossible to tell.

Then Fey’s flames washed over the new leader and the two nearest to him, and their pained screams were enough to send the others fleeing towards the door. The three burning intruders jumped into the same pool that Korrie punched her target into to put themselves out.

They emerged from below the surface horribly burnt, but alive, before they tried to make their way towards the door, clearly not in any shape to fight back. Whether they would make it there, was up to Korrie and Fey’s mood. As in their current state, they were at their mercy.



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Aila lead the twins below deck, following in Yaga’s wake. As she said before, she led the twins to the kitchen where she grabbed a few bottles of water, before the trio headed to their room. Once there, Kuroi and Shiroi wouldn’t have much time to react at all, before Aila would drag them both into bed.

Shiroi would, as promised, be treated to more of that mind-numbing pleasure tone from before, sending her back into the putty state from before. Meanwhile, Aila turned towards Kuroi. “I grabbed something for you as well.”

Before Kuroi could ask what she meant, Aila would stick an herb under her nose. It was an herb with a pleasant smell that would cause Kuroi’s mind to spin. Catnip. “Now the two of you should just relax and let me take care of everything…”

Korrie had no attention to spare for the fate of those she struck. Nervous, inexperienced, and still not having quite internalized the scale of her improved strength, she was focused entirely on taking out threats while keeping herself safe. Perhaps that lack of certainty in herself would translate into an actual dampening effect on her own strength that would subconsciously spare the thugs of her true might, but either way, that was not a consideration for her right now. The only mercy she showed was not pursuing those that were actively fleeing. Those outside this room were more dangerous than those within, afterall.

As the thugs finally gave up and collectively tried to retreat, Korrie stepped back as well, glaring at them and poised to swing again, but not over-extending herself. Hopefully this was the last of tonight’s problems…

======

After a quick visit to the pantry to get some water (they’ll need it), the trio swiftly returned to their room to get started. The twins were eager, but evidently their golem girlfriend was even more eager, as the two hardly had time to settle down before they were immediately dragged onto the bed. “Whoah, you’re really excited, huh…” Shiroi snickered, before a dose of that pleasurable tone swiftly dulled her eyes and put a dopey smile on her face while she relaxed in Aila’s grasp. It was cute, hot, and just a little worrying for Kuroi to watch that happen so quickly.

Little did the neko know that the same would happen to her shortly. Before she had time to ask what Aila had brought, something was placed under her nose, making her reflexively sniff it. She didn’t know how to describe it beyond it being a pleasant ‘herb’ smell, ‘fluffy’ maybe, and that fluffy feeling was quickly filling her head as her body relaxed and warmed up, leaving her dizzy yet craving more. “T-That was…?” Kuroi stammered, unable to finish while she supported herself with one hand, nearly falling over.

It was so easy to just let their girlfriend take charge after that…

The Phoenix girl panted a little, catching her breath, cracking her neck. "And where do you think you are running off to? Your burnt skin will just infect, and your death be all the more miserable."
She'd step forwards, taking a collar.. time to test those out on at least one badly injured would be robber, rushing forward to attempt and slap a collar around a neck, commanding, with iron clad voice: "Masturbate until you die, it's about time you enjoy the same pleasures you wished to bestow upon us."
"I've tried really hard in the past to be a hero you bastards, but if you insist I'll stop."

She'd grit her teeth, cracking her neck again, finally easing up a little. "Are you alright, Korrie? I'm sore tired of this fucking dream. I really should supress my lusty desires and just murder whatever gets in our way more efficently to avoid troubles from now on."

The group of intruders fled the room, leaving Korrie and Fey by themselves. As Fey finished speaking, she began to give off a soft glow and faded away to nothing. A few moments later, Baba Yaga entered the room. “Ah, there you are. Where’s the fiery one?” After listening to Korrie’s explanation, she would nod. “The fire child must have woken up. She’ll be fine, if likely perturbed since we have no way to pull her back here again. Though she might be able to return on her own.”

She gave Korrie an appraising look, then produced a cup of hot cocoa out of nowhere. “Here should help to calm any remaining nerves. When you feel up for it, you can join me in the dining room for a bit to eat if you like. I am sure Aya will be there as well.”



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As Kuroi and Shiroi became putty in her hands, she slowly lowered both onto the bed on either side of her. And as Kuroi tried to presumably ask what she was just exposed to, Aila would place a finger on her lip. “Hush now, this isn’t the time to talk but to feel.” As she spoke, Aila leaned in and kissed Kuroi on the mouth while one of her hands began to slowly caress her through her clothes. “Be good girls and help me get you naked, would you?” Aila’s voice was husky from lust as she leaned in and nibbled one of Kuroi’s pointy ears.

She then turned her attention to Shiroi. “I haven’t forgotten about you either. She leaned in and whispered in her ear, not words that she would comprehend in her current state, but Kuroi could see her sister's back arch, as if she was being pleasured by invisible hands all over her body. Aila grinned at the result of her work before she turned back to Kuroi. “And now for the beautiful little kitten.” She leaned in and kissed Kuroi gently as her hands began to roam her body, causing the dopey sensation from the catnip to intensify.

The night passed, and the next morning came. Korrie was the first to wake up, a rare occurrence for her, and equally rare for her was the restless feeling so early in the day, that made her want to get some fresh air and walk around rather than just laze in bed for longer or go get breakfast. A bit too much had happened last night, and it left her with questions that she wasn’t sure she wanted answers to.

That was how Shiroi found her, on deck early in the day, staring out at the sea rather than the city with an uncharacteristically sober expression.

“Welp, here I thought I could get some time to myself.” The white-haired girl grumbled half-heartedly, before walking up to lean on the railings next to the wyvern girl anyway. “What, feeling lonely after Fay disappeared?” That earned a surprised look from the wyvern. “Ran into Baba just a minute ago, she told me we’re short one. She looked completely refreshed too, grumbled something about having to change plans on short notice. Sometimes I wonder if the old crone even sleeps or if she just stalks the halls at night. Well, she was probably doing some unspeakable shit to those bandits all through the night this time. I don’t even wanna think about it.”

“Korrie is surprised you know already. And surprised you don’t seem more surprised.”
“Oh I was, but y’know, thinking about it, since when was that hothead ever predictable? You’ve been with her longer, you probably know that better than me.”
“...Korrie guesses that’s true. She’s just worried, about her. About us. There’s so many possible reasons…”
“Well considering the rest of us made it through the night, I don’t think it’s anything we have to immediately worry about. Though that does remind me that our real bodies have been very vulnerable for a while now…” Shiroi tsked. It seemed to remind her of something else as well, and the white haired girl went quiet.

Korrie allowed the silence to go on for a bit, before looking over and studying her current companion. “You troubled by something too? Korrie thought the date went well?”
Shiroi flinched, a hint of color showing on her pale face. “How did- Oh whatever. No, it went great. It’s just something else on my mind, don’t worry about it.”
“You sure? Korrie won’t tell anyone.”
“I’m quite sure.” Shiroi answered, and soon silence reigned again. She was not nearly close enough to the perverted lizard girl to start spilling her heart to her, and besides, of all people, she wouldn’t trust Korrie’s opinion on the subject. She didn’t even know if she should ask Kuroi about it.

Something like the sheer vulnerability she felt in hindsight, when she woke up sober earlier and remembered how Aila made her into smitten putty so easily, that lingering yearning of addiction… Her trust in the golem girl didn’t change how unnerved she felt. She didn’t blame Aila at all for the experience, and that made it all the more awkward for her on how to broach the subject going forward. If the poor golem girl finds out her true reaction, after the confidence-boosting charm spell falls off…

“...Anyway, what d’you think today’s schedule will be?” Shiroi asked after a long silence.
“Korrie doesn’t know. She’s the kind that’d just follow the tour guide.”
“Boorringgg. Come on, we’re in a completely alien world, don’t you want to explore a little without a chaperone breathing down your neck all day? You like video games, right? Surely you’re not the kind that just follows a guide and that’s it?”
“But that’s a video game! There’s no real consequences! This isn’t the same.” Korrie retorted, giving Shiroi a reproachful look. “Last time you and your sister ran off without a chaperone, you got us into this mess in the first place! Even while chaperoned we keep getting into trouble! Fay and Korrie got kidnapped, Kuroi got possessed by some elder god fragment, and we keep getting attacked by things like those squid guys or those bandits!”

“Yeah, and we got through all of it just fine in the end! What’s an adventure without some danger along the way? Some challenge, some unknowns?”
“You say that until your luck runs out. There’s no plot armor here. Korrie gets what you’re saying, but… maybe Korrie’s just weak. Korrie always relied on Fay to actually deliver the real firepower. Now she’s gone, and… Either way, this might be a dream, but it’s also real, not like a show or a video game. Korrie would just rather stay safe, with people she can rely on for back up if things go bad. If you two and Aila want to sneak off on another date though, Korrie won’t snitch.”
“Hah.” The two shared a brief smirk, “We’ll think about it.”

After a moment longer, Shiroi went back downstairs to check on her sister and Aila, who were still fast asleep cuddling each other last she checked. Korrie remained above deck, thinking about things going forward now that she’s on her own.

While this conversation was going on above, another was happening below. “The scrying shows her pacing the house. She’s fine, if annoyed.” Aya nodded. “That’s as good as I can hope for given the circumstances. As it is, we will need to get the gear we need for the others.” Yaga nodded. “Indeed, I take it you will handle this yourself?” Aya was silent for a minute before she slowly got to her feet.

Elsewhere, Aila was lying next to Kuroi just silently gazing down at her sleeping form. Once she finally wakes up, she would give her a shy peck on her cheek, then would blush before she hurried into the bathroom to wash herself in such a hurry she even forgot to close the door. This would give Kuroi the possibility to join her now re-timid girlfriend should she want to. And if she does she would timidly allow it, even tentatively press up against her in the shower.

Either way, once Aila finished and dried herself off, she would either wait for Kuroi to finish her cleaning, or if they showered together, shyly take her hand and suggest the two find Shiroi then go to breakfast. Once everyone finished eating, Aya would round up everyone. “Alright here’s today’s plan. We will be heading into the city to grab some cold-weather gear for everyone. During this trip, I must insist that no one wander off or any funny business. We want to get this done as quick as possible so we can get back to business.”

She looks over at everyone. “We leave in half an hour; until then, you are free to get ready in whatever way you see fit.” With that she left the room, leaving the girls with Erfek, who wasn’t going anywhere, and Yaga, who was still drinking her tea.

It wasn’t much longer after Aila woke up before Kuroi did, though the golem would get to enjoy the sight of the neko’s peaceful slumber, her fluffy ears twitching sometimes in her sleep. The ravenette awoke to the sight of her new girlfriend watching her, and before she could say much more than a drowsy “Good morning…”, Aila gave her a quick peck on the cheek and hurried away. Kuroi was a bit taken aback by the response, taking a moment to collect herself and remember the events of the previous night. It was all a bit of a blur once they got into bed, though she felt like she could still smell that sweet fragrance that made her thoughts all cloudy and her body all tingly. She blushed at what she could remember. Aila really was quite a savant at it when she had the confidence to take charge, she remembered both herself and her sister were like putty in the golem’s hands. Speaking of, where is Shiroi? She looked around and confirmed that the albino wasn’t present. A bit odd that she would slip away quietly like that.

Kuroi ended up prioritizing finding her sister, gently closing the bathroom door to give Aila some privacy. Being so familiar with her sister, her first hunch proved to be correct, though she ended up running into Shiroi halfway towards the deck when the latter came back down to check on her. After some quick small talk, with Shiroi catching Kuroi up on the current situation, the two returned to the showers, though by then Aila would be nearly done, and the two girls would be waiting politely outside anyway, Shiroi casually greeting the golem with a light blush, not a word of the night before. She hadn’t even told Kuroi about her feelings yet. It was much too awkward a conversation to have so early in the morning.

The siblings would shower together as they tended to, then head to breakfast along with Aila, with Korrie having beaten them to it. Wasn’t long after before they were called to a briefing for the day’s agenda. The pet wyvern was obedient as usual, nodding docilely. She did shoot a side-eye at the twins though, who were clearly bemused by how tight a leash Aya intended to hold for this shopping trip of theirs, though both suppressed their bemusement until their handler had left.

“So much for exploration…” Shiroi grumbled with a roll of the eyes. Even Kuroi looked uncharacteristically annoyed, a growing part of her resenting the strict control.

“Oh come on, we have an important mission to finish! You two can come back and get into as much trouble as you want after we save Mistress.” Korrie interjected. That seemed to assuage the sisters’ annoyance a bit, though Shiroi soon led Kuroi and Aila back to their bedroom to rest and cool off. It’s not as if they need much time to make themselves presentable for an outing, given their dreamer powers. Korrie lingered in the dining room a bit longer, though she seemed more pensive than usual, looking a bit lost. If not spoken to, she’d return to her own room after a few minutes as well. Half an hour isn’t enough time to really do anything, and the source of impulse that used to fill the gaps of her passivity was gone now.

After the half hour was over and everyone was assembled on deck, they found that Aya’s method for getting them ashore was quite the same as Baba Yaga the night before. As the group floated over the water, Aya would explain the agenda for the day. “Alright you three, here’s the plan. First, we will be getting cold outfits, and then we will get a sled to transport food and shelter on. After that, we will be looking into other essentials for everyone.”

Aya then looked straight at the twins. “I am fully aware you want to explore the city. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t have any issues with it, but we are on a schedule here as the ship is only allowed to remain moored for so long.” As the group landed on the pier, Aya would do something that Baba didn’t.

She would lead them over to the nearby zebras. “Six people to the market square.” The lead zebra would eye Aya for a moment, then nodded and neighed softly. Aya nodded. “That’s a fair price.” She would then drop a bunch of coins into a small bag on the zebra's side.

A few moments later, a pair of zebras dragging a wagon would separate from the group. Aila hurried up and opened the wagon door and made a “come hither” gesture to the twins, “Let’s go, we might not have free rein, but this beats walking, that’s for sure.” The seats of the wagon were padded and made for comfort, while the wagon itself seemed to have some suspension.

As the trio clambered aboard, Korrie would feel a hand on her shoulder. “You seem lonely without your fiery friend. If you wish to talk, I am open to listening. I am sure Aya would as well, but as you can understand, the child has other things on her mind right now.” As she spoke, she pulled out a small caramel candy and handed it to Korrie and gave her a pat on the cheek in a loving, grandmotherly way.

Once everyone was on board, the zebras pulling the wagon would start heading into the city. The city itself differed from the night before. During the evening hours, the streets were mostly empty, but now they were filled with people heading here and there. The zebras were also in wide use, with a single or a pair of customers riding while three or more used carts like their own.

As the Zebras transported the group through the city, the twins and Aila would recognize the place they ate the night before as they traveled past at a brisk trot. The sight would make Aila blush and shrink into her seat as she sat between the twins, as the memories of the night before returned to her.

It wouldn’t take long before the zebras pulled the cart into a large square lined with stalls and with stores on the edges. As it pulled over and stopped, Aya would usher the girls off the cart and towards a store filled with various winter gear. As they all stepped inside, the proprietors, a middle-aged man and woman, would immediately head over. “Welcome, welcome, gold gear for the group I take it?” the old lady smiled at the group in full ‘customer service’ mode. Aya nodded and soon the girls would be led away to be measured by the woman while Aya discussed price with the man.

Korrie arrived on deck a few minutes early, with the trio of the twins and Aila arriving not long after. Floating across the waters onto the docks was a novelty for the wyvern girl, but the twins weren’t surprised anymore. “We get it, don’t worry.” Shiroi responded to Aya nonchalantly. They’ve had some time to cool off, and as much of a shame as it felt to not be able to explore this grand place their own way, it was all pretty reasonable, especially with the confirmation that they’re not just free to dock there as long as they like. One day, they’ll come back here on their own terms.

For now though, they’ll at least get to ride the zebras. Apparently they’re sapient and Aya could even communicate with them, to the others’ mild surprise. The twins were the first on board with Aila leading the way, while Korrie lagged behind a little to take in the sight of the wagon. The wyvern girl was taken aback at first when Baba approached her out of the blue, a part of her still nervous of how powerful and stern the crone was, but to her surprise she was shown a grandmotherly kindness and given some candy. “Oh, thanks. Korrie is fine right now, but she’ll keep that in mind.” She said with a light smile. With nowhere to keep the candy, she just popped it in her mouth once she took her seat, taking her time savoring it.

For a while, everyone was content to just enjoy the ride and take in the view outside. The hustle and bustle one would expect from a city has returned compared to the dead of night before, and the twins entertained themselves observing the myriad passersby, silently pointing out things of interest. At one point they pass by the restaurant from last night, which the twins thought of as just a quaint coincidence at first, having not tied it to what happened after dinner until noticing Aila’s embarrassment, which spread to her partners for a moment, the twins looking away awkwardly with light blushes, to Korrie’s amusement. It did make the wyvern girl briefly wonder if she would ever find romance herself, though it has never been a subject of much interest to her. She’s never sought it for herself, and in the unlikelihood of it coming to her, she didn’t know how she’d respond. Right now, she’s more than happy to be a pet to a loving Mistress. Maybe that in itself counts as romance?

Amidst these musings, the wagon eventually arrived in a bustling market square. It was a dazzling sight that passed by too quickly for the girls to see much as Aya ushered them to the correct store, not that they had any currency of their own even if something were to take their fancy. Efficiently, the girls were guided off to get their measurements taken. Shiroi could hardly remember the last time she went out to buy clothes like this, having worn nothing but simple shirts and hospital gowns for years. It awakened memories of a very different time. Kuroi pondered the fact that her clothes will need custom adjustments for her feline parts. She could just will those bits away for practicality, come to think of it, but at this point, not being a catgirl actually felt unnatural.

As for Korrie, it’s now as she’s getting her measurements taken for winter gear that she really processed the fact she’s going to have to wear a set of cumbersome clothing for a long period of time, which made her feel a slight sense of dread. Ever since that strange Event in the city instilled in her instincts an aversion to clothing, she’d been able to get away with just wearing few and loose clothes, and ever since becoming Mistress’ pet she’s nearly had no need for clothes at all. Well, needs must. As uncomfortable as it’s going to be, she’s just gonna have to bear with it.