16 ◦ [VIDEO]

[akingmuststand]

[Schneizel sits with his jaw balanced on the curve of his fingers, but straightens somewhat after a moment to address the feed. His voice is, as ever, clear; composed. Utterly calm. There is a low quality to it, however, something to underlie the usual veneer with what might just be concern - not anxiety, no. Schneizel never looses his cool that

Comments

1/2 - [NOT POSTED]

[a_la_turk]

[ Valeria frowns at her communicator as she listens to the transmission for a second time. That he should continue to remain so calm, so cool and level-headed despite the circumstances is nothing short of what she would expect of Schneizel. Not once over the course of the time they have worked together has she witnessed him lose it; he has never abandoned that mask. And that's what it is, isn't it? The more she considers what she's seen and heard of these Shadows, the more the edge of reality sharpens and reminds her that people wear them all the time. She wears a mask all the time, but with Schneizel...

She purses her lips briefly, her fingers weaving between themselves and locking as the transmission draws to a close. She's second-guessing, of course. His intent seems so obvious, but she's worried. Can't help but worry because she isn't there. Even though she knows he's capable, even if she thinks that if anyone out of those taken is likely to accept their Shadow, it's him, it just... it doesn't sit well with her, not when she

2/2 - [AUDIO | Private]

[a_la_turk]

Schneizel.

[ Personal feelings are forcibly shoved aside. She's cool, calm, audibly concerned, but in control. At least, that's what she wants him to think. What she needs him to think. What she needs to think.

Because she's useless otherwise, a burden. A hindrance. ]

You intend to confront it?

[ Like hell I'll be.

She has no intention of him losing her partner, to himself or anyone else. ]

[AUDIO | Private]

[akingmuststand]

Valeria.

[If he sees what she's hiding, can shift the mask aside, he has the good graces not to show it. His tone is a mirror to her own, but with the hint of a smile, as if his lips have just curved at hearing from her.]

I do. In fact, I intend to accept it. This is a burden that I cannot risk the people here bearing. If it is in my -

[Strength of will?]

- conviction to do so, then it will be done.

[AUDIO | Private]

[a_la_turk]

I don't doubt that.

[ But can you blame me for being concerned? You, you're-

She frowns. Furrows her brows at the thought of Schneizel facing himself and unconsciously sinks her teeth into her lower lip, prompting the taste of raw, rusted copper to flow into her mouth. The idea that anyone should be forced to face himself or herself and all that that might entail is enough to throw her calm, to make her nothing short of anxious for the safety and well-being of the people she has come to care for in her time in Demeleier. That Schneizel should be among those forced to do so is...

She takes a breath.

It's just as unfair. It's infuriates her just as much as it does that other residents have been forced to go through this ordeal. At least, it should. Somehow, though... somehow, when it comes to him, it's worse.

And it shouldn't be. ]

You're not planning to face it-him alone, are you?

[AUDIO | Private]

[akingmuststand]

If it can be helped, Valeria, I refuse to drag others into this.

[It could say quite a great deal, after all. He doesn't want to risk that at this point in time, not when some alliances are so carefully forged, when things are so delicate.]

But I will not put myself at undue risk, either. If I feel that things will turn ill, I know that I am not alone.

[AUDIO | Private]

[a_la_turk]

I will respect your decision.

[ Even if she'd rather not, though she won't think upon the why. To lend herself to reason would be infinitely easier. After all, if there is anyone amongst the residents who has a Shadow and would be able to accept it, it's Schneizel. ]

I don't suppose I really have to tell you to be careful. Still.