[interlude // talent show sign-up]

[ravkanwitch]

At first, it was disconcerting to not be able to control the undead with her Corpsewitch abilities -- but then it was freeing. The fight, her Grisha abilities flowing, the unity of everyone assisting each other; it felt like Nina was back with the Crows again. The sight of Janet relentlessly cutting down the undead and Qi Yan on Fenyes reminded her of Inej, the way her dearest friend carefully balanced ferocity and grace, anger and peace. Her own banter with Nightingale reminded her of the way she and Jesper never shut up when they were in each other's presence (using banter as a way to ground themselves during crisis). Sagramore's generous, warm compliments were reminiscent of Jesper as well. She saw Wylan's ingenuity and excitement in Tress and Magnus -- and the way that Lancelot took on the undead with single-minded strength reminded her very sharply of Matthias. In a strange twist, Galahad makes her think of Kuwei, caught up in a destiny that isn't his own. Of course, nobody can come close to resembling Kaz Brekker, and she isn't sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

She's left the Crows behind twice now. Once, willingly, following the Ice Court heist, when she traveled back to the Little Palace in Os Alta to receive her commands from King Nikolai. Again, unwillingly, when she deliberately disobeyed those commands and then found herself in the mansion. She misses them desperately -- but there isn't time to think about that when she has new friends to talk to, a cafe to help decorate, and a talent show to plan. She's not allowing herself enough time to think about it.

There's a new sheet of paper that's temporarily on the welcome table, the title written in Nina's cursive. Anyone is welcome to sign up!