[Video]

[elderfrahma]

[Video clicks on to Charle and Caron grounded in a scrubland at night, the odd sickly-looking tree silhouette in the background. They are lit by a slightly greenish glow, and both look exhausted. Caron's expression is equal parts worry and wariness and Charle is failing miserably at keeping her calm facade, her small smile slipping repeatedly.

Comments

[bonywings]

Charle! Charle, you can't be harmed, I forbid you to!

[Video, about ten minutes later]

[elderfrahma]

[Charle's pale as a sheet as she looks to the viewer, one hand curled around the camera obscura while the other clutches an even paler one. She's sprawled on the ground, and what can be seen in the pale green glow suggests a cave wall behind her. The owner of the other hand is off screen. Charle tries for a smile but gives up partway, looking down and out of frame instead. She tries to speak, but it takes a moment to find her voice, her breathing irregular.]

I- I'm alright, child. I just- and Caron-
[A deep breath]
I'm a mess. I'm no help to her like this.

[bonywings]

Calm down, please. I don't want to see you upset, and the person you need to help can wait.

[Video]

[elderfrahma]

[A few more gulping breaths, and some colour seems to return to her face. It is a bit difficult to tell with the green tint to the light, though. She no longer sounds on the edge of tears, but her voice still hitches sporadically.]

You're right. I'm sorry you saw that d-dear. I wasn't quite myself.
C-Caron... [She looks down and out of frame again, seemingly to her companion] Please wake up.

[bonywings]

She isn't waking...? I'm so sorry.

[Video]

[elderfrahma]

No, she's f-fine. No wounds. Nothing I can fix. Just... gone somewhere.

[Shaking herself out of it, looking at viewer]

She's still b-breathing. She'll come around, I'm s-sure.

[bonywings]

She will. Have faith in her, and your faith will carry her through.

[Video]

[elderfrahma]

[She nods, her eyes glassy as she looks down at her friend. A watery smile pokes through.]
She was always the strong one in the war, sometimes I forget she's as fragile as the rest of us.

You're using my own words against me dear, who'm I to fight their truth?

[bonywings]

Do you need anything? A glass of water, some food?

[Video]

[elderfrahma]

N-no, child, I - we're alright. We just need to hold out for dawn, and we'll have a day of rest.

And thank you. For your concern, and help.

[Looks back to Caron, expression dark]

Melbu...

[bonywings]

I wish that I could do more for you. You were kind to me.

[Video]

[elderfrahma]

[It takes her a moment to register, but when she looks up again there is the glimmer of tears in her eyes. She takes no notice of them and speaks directly]

Don't.
Please.
Being here is enough, I'd hate to see you involved in all of this too.

[bonywings]

I'm so sorry... No one should have to go through this.

[Video]

[elderfrahma]

[A soft laugh, no real mirth to it]

Oh, I'm sure I'm due. Soa Rose, I had no idea.

[Deep breaths as hand brought to her cheek, tears beginning to fall]

No idea at all.

[bonywings]

Don't cry! If you cry, I will surely cry as well!

[Video]

[elderfrahma]

[She smiles through her tears, eyes glittering in the darkness]

I-I can't seem to help it dear, forgive me.