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[whichend]

[ Arya has practiced for this. The camera does not shake; she does not blink. She can give off no impression of weakness, of youth. What she is asking is not child's play. ]

As I am sure you already know, the gods of this city are seeking offerings. I shall be making an offering to the one who calls himself Fear. Those who give him an offering shall receive a blessing, should he deem it sufficient.

I have an offering. But I shall need some assistance in delivering it. If you are interested, please contact me.

[ She does not give a name. Her face, she figures, is enough. ]

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[whichend]

I arrived here with the face of another, dead girl. In my old world, I was taught how to swap one face for another, but the task requires two people. It's not pleasant, and I intend to perform it on Fear's altar.

[ There will be screams. ]

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[unknowable]

[Well, that sounds awful.]

I'll help you, if you really need it. Are you sure it's a good idea, though?

[whichend]

I'm sure. If I get Fear's blessing, I have another weapon to use, and he...he may bring them here.

You will need to help me change faces.

[unknowable]

Not everything is about finding ways to fight. But if it's what you really want, I'll help.

[Even if he's really not sure it's the best idea.]

What's involved in that?

[whichend]

It is.

[ Do not doubt her conviction, Adam. She's given up everything else for this purpose. ]

We go to Fear's altar. You and I will stand on it; I'm sure it's big enough for the both of us. [ He seems like the type. ] You will press the corpse's face on my own, and no matter what I say, no matter how uncomfortable you become, even if I beg you to stop, you must not let go.

I will do the rest.

[unknowable]

[He's certain he can do it, that's not the issue here. Adam has always been the sort of person who does what needs to be done, no matter how unsavory it might be. He's suited for it, at least in his own mind. You can't dirty something that's been tainted since birth.

So it's not that he's worried about. It's whether giving Fear power is a good idea, and how it might affect Arya.]

Will it change you?

[whichend]

It may.

[ She's trying to be reassuring, but really, she probably sounds more ominous. Gentle words were never her strong suit. ]

But that does not matter. I'm no one. I can become who I like, and still be just a girl.

[ She isn't Nymeria any more than she will be the woman who's face she assumes. ]

[unknowable]

[Adam's never much needed reassurance. Truth is more helpful, in his experience. He thinks that over.]

It's your life to live, and your face to change. So long as you're doing it of your own free will, I'll help you.

[whichend]

Thank you.

I will meet you at Fear's altar at midnight. [ She gives him the tiniest, wry smile. ] Be very afraid.

[unknowable]

[If he were a more paternal person, maybe, he would try to stop her. But Adam believes in letting people choose their own fates, make their own mistakes, and clean up their own messes. If it's his help she wants, he'll give it, and do what he can to make it a bit less dangerous, if possible.]

I'll be there. [He smiles, just a touch.] That shouldn't be a problem.