XVI. [Video]

[leaporfall]

[The dim light of the tablet's display turns the streaks of blood marring Marian's face nearly black against her pale skin, leaving the wet gleam as the only thing to distinguish between fresh and old. Her lips are cracked and bloodied and faintly blue tinged, and she appears to be having difficulty focusing her eyes

Comments

video.

[doesnotbrood]

[His eyes widen as worry grips him.] ...Marian...

video.

[leaporfall]

[Her eyes flicker briefly shut, and she exhales slowly.] Good. You didn't get caught up in this.

video.

[doesnotbrood]

No...at least, not yet. [A pause.] We know where you are. We're coming.

video.

[leaporfall]

Shouldn't. Not worth the risk.

video.

[doesnotbrood]

[His eyes narrow and his markings start to glow faintly.] I disagree.

video.

[leaporfall]

How many at risk to save how many of us? It's a bad bargain. [And one she would have made without hesitation if she were the one on the outside of the cage.]

video.

[doesnotbrood]

So willing to save and not to be saved. [And he can't keep the fond smile from his lips, even if it is a little sad.]

video.

[leaporfall]

Just...one of my weaknesses.

video.

[doesnotbrood]

Will you let us save you? Just this once?

video.

[leaporfall]

[Something like guilt chases across her face.] Just...just promise me you'll be careful. I don't want anyone else hurt because of me.

video.

[doesnotbrood]

[He smiles gently.] We'll be fine.

video.

[leaporfall]

I'll hold you to that. [How she intends to do so is anyone's guess.]

video.

[doesnotbrood]

Have we ever let you down before?

video.

[leaporfall]

No. You never have.

video.

[doesnotbrood]

Then why would we start now?

video.

[leaporfall]

[There is no answer but static this time; her tablet seems to have died.]