[ of course she'd rather not reveal her scars; she'd rather not reveal anything to anyone, but least of all this. Iske's reaction to the sight of her bare back is still fresh in her mind. even though her relationship with Set doesn't hinge at all on him wanting her body, it's nevertheless a detriment to her character for him to see this, the same as it was with her husband — these are marks that make her undesirable in many ways, that say: something is wrong with me. but she'll hardly be able to wrap her back well on her own, and with the state of her hands, she's not sure she could even tie a knot. ]

It's just for the ones on my back. [ she doesn't turn to look at him as she speaks, her head down and focused on ripping through fabric. ] They're the ones that will bleed the most, so...

[ it really is less about hiding them. they hurt. she isn't sure whether they'll be left healing for the natural amount of time, or whether they'll close up once the curse effects have subsided, but it stings too badly for her to want to leave them exposed for however long that takes. there's one particular spot that she knows must be bleeding profusely, too.

the tears that drip onto her skirt are a surprise. Ruby sniffles and rubs at her eyes quickly, dismissive: ] Sorry. This is a little embarrassing, that's all.