“So, then, kiddo. What motivates you? I don’t think we’ve covered that topic before.” Kailio swished the contents of her drink around, and took a sip. “Friends? Family? Money?”
Lux raised an eyebrow. “S’a random topic, but all-righty… uh… I dunno, t’be honest. Kind of a hard question. Guess just… myself, experiencin’ all that stuff I can, 'n my family? What’s left of it, anyway.” After a few moments, she added, “…I mean. Technically only myself ‘n the second at this point. Y’know how things’re goin’ at home.”
Kailio nodded. Noting the growing look of somberness on Lux’s face, she added, “Jeez. Not fighting for your Aunt Kailio now, are we? Don’t I feel appreciated. I mean, I’ve only been your aunt for like… a week, but wow. I thought I was doing a good job.”
A reluctant grin spread on her face. “Fine, fine. At least some of the family. Happy now?” When Kailio nodded, Lux rolled her eyes. “‘N y’are doin’ a good job. You’re my favorite aunt. Also the only livin’ one, but hey. Technicalities.”
“Not to mention not even blood related,” Kailio added. “But, that works. Technicalities.” She shifted in her seat. “Speaking of family, though…” Lux frowned. “You really should try talking to Sydessin soon. I don’t mind having you at the lab, don’t get me wrong, but.” Kailio shrugged.
“So. What motivates you, Kailio?” She entirely ignored her latter latter remark.
Kailio stifled a sigh. The joy of Gilneans… more stubborn to move than mountains. “Frankly, at this point, nothing at all. Literally nothing. My motivation was killed about… 13 years ago, maybe. Who knows, maybe they’re shambling around Orgrimmar now or something. Or where ever they went after Lordaeron become uninhabitable.” Her lip curled upward. “…Again.”
“…Oof. Not fightin’ for your niece?” Lux grinned, and nudged her elbow. When Kailio didn’t smile, she gave up. “…Yeh. Fair enough.”
“That’s more a reason on why I bother actually existing. Seems like some people around here still need me. Cora, you…” she shrugged. “And that’s about it. That’s actually a lot more depressing than I thought it would sound.”
“Oi, I mean, if it helps any, y’can add Syd t’that list. She, uh. Talked about invitin’ y’over sometimes to go over research stuff. But, y’know, s’not like you don’t have motivation. Just gotta find it. It feels like it’s nothin’, but maybe it’s some cool dog y’saw on the street. Good piece of pie that y’wanna find the recipe to. Continuin’ t’live, for the sake of the ones you’ve lost. Never lettin’ the memory of ‘em go, just by… existin’.”
Kailio looked up with a strange expression. “I’ve got to admit, Lux. You’re going to make me cry if you continue with what you just said.” She grinned, “That’s… that’s true, though.”
Lux nodded. “Yeh. Last one kept me goin’ through some, uh, real fun times. But, see? S’that easy to have motivation. Soo… how about this. You find some reasons t’be motivated, ‘n I’ll go and… maybe… see about talkin’ t’Syd ‘n makin’ amends. Deal?”
Kailio chuckled, resisting the urge to roll her eyes at her. “You drive a hard bargain, you know. But, for the sake of not having my mailbox get blown up with magical teleporting letters anymore, deal.”
Lux got up. “Right. You start on your list, I’ll head back 'n see if she’s awake.”
As she started off towards the door of the lab, Kailio got up. “Lux, can you hold on a second…?”
She glanced back. “Uh… sure. Whatcha need?” With a grin, she added, “D’you need help with the list? I’d be happy t’help.”
Kailio ignored her words, walking over and catching her in a hug. “No, I’ll be fine on that. I just wanted to say thanks. For nothing in particular, just… thanks.”
Lux smiled as she returned the hug, patting Kailio’s back. More than likely unbeknownst to her, it was obvious she was shaking a little. “No problem, Auntie.”