empty in their fullness, like a frozen pantomime

Guernica's departure from more diplomatically-attuned duties as Elder to stand on the front lines has always perplexed Masha. There can be no overstating of her wild and singular ways, her choice of fashion seemingly far, far above function, and bejeweled steamroller manner of speech. In comparison, the mostly-reticent top of the currently-standing Vandham line gives her an example to aspire to that she fears she can never reach.

She knows she is valued for who she is, and no other, by Guernica and Monica alike. But still...the bar is dreadfully high, for a lowly lapidarist with no pugilistic dreams.