002 | Video

[unitas]

[ The room behind her is ensconced in darkness, and only her face and neck are visible, lit only by the cold light of her phone. She's clearly apprehensive, and uncertain, filled with new doubts, and worries.   This is not a post she had ever thought she would have to make, but now, with Hope announcing the safety of the temples (safety that comes with a price, she believes), she has no real choice.  She swallows, suddenly all nerves. ]

I know it's tempting, but... [  Is there any way to say this where people will listen? ] don't use the temples, don't hide in them.  If you have to hide, then pick a building, find a room, and hunker down.  When the Darkness comes, you might have to move, but... [ She licks her lips, expression pained for a moment before she shakes her head, as if giving up on something.  ]

This is for the best.

[ ...Maybe. ]

Comments

[hotspurred]

[It's not that he cannot sympathise with that sentiment, given how he and Maketh conspire -- indeed, he loses much of the hostility in his bearing -- but action has consequences which must be weighed and managed. Action should be the honed power of a precise sword strike, not desperate and wild flailing, however strong the blow that lands might be.]

So this is your action? To what end? By your own admission it is we, your fellow victims, who must flee from this... Darkness.

[unitas]

They have no control over the city right now, not while this is happening. This could give me a chance to find them, to... [ a smart person does not usually shout to the mountains that they're totally planning on murdering gods, but come on, she's all in now. ] to kill Fear, to find the Door!

Give me a chance. [ it's basically a plea. she does not want to be the villain in this scenario, but she will be if she has to. ]

[hotspurred]

[Henry considers her words, dipping his head and pressing the back of a gauntleted hand to mouth. It's highly unlikely that she'll succeed in her stated aim. He doesn't approve. But nor does he quite disapprove either.]

You are courageous, certes. Herein you embark on a fool's errand, for which you shall likely face harsh repercussions.

[Yet when he lowers his hand, he gives her a curt nod. If it is already in motion, and the gods already move against her to bring it to an end, then perhaps they should see where this leads while it lasts. Just in case there is some deeper truth that she might glimpse while the gods' attentions are diverted. It is a brief window of opportunity, however questionable.]

The city guard shall muster and defend our inhabitants. That does yet include you.

[unitas]

[ those aren't words she'd ever thought she'd really hear. her expression twists as she looks down, away from the camera, letting the darkness obscure her features. ]

Look, just... [ she doesn't deserve protection, doesn't need it. if she gets hurt, it will be her own fault. if she dies, it will be her own fault. she's been ready for her consequences since the thought first struck her. ] Keep everyone else safe? I know it won't be... be easy, and I'm... [ she swallows, the word on her lips but it won't come out. I'm sorry. ] sure you guys can handle it.

[ look at all they've survived thus far. what can this place possibly do to them? ]

[hotspurred]

[Henry frowns, this time in concern. It is a wretched contrast, this looming terrible power and the vulnerability showing through the fissures in her desperate resolve. He finds her equally disconcerting and piteous.]

We shall do our utmost. That I vow.

[But it is her prerogative to turn from help, in the end.]

Nor are we difficult to reach, if you change your mind.

[unitas]

Thank you. [ her voice is thick with emotion. she means it. ]