(Untitled)

[blue_eyed_lord]

It is Midwinter's Day and the Black Rider is in the bar, a cold shadow in the warm-lit room. Subtle tension is noticeable in his stance, leaning as if at ease against an unoccupied table. That the tension shows at all is a measure of how great it is. Impassively, he watches the snow accumulate on the far side of the windowpane, obscuring the

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[hands_unclean]

She carries nothing but the clothes on her back, and the knowledge and the power in her being. And a smile, of a certain tenor.

"Well met, my lord."

The shiver is anticipation.

[blue_eyed_lord]

He straightens, arms crossed. "One would hope. All is ready and well, set up to cover our departure. And you?"

[hands_unclean]

She lifts her chin to look him in the eye. "Macbeth is settled. I am trackless, and wait only on your lead."

[blue_eyed_lord]

"And you are settled about Macbeth?" It is the sort of question many in Lady Macbeth's position have been asked, over the centuries. They must be sure.

[hands_unclean]

And there he doubts her again. She keeps her voice level, though. "I have done the deed. He bears nothing on you any more than me. Would you meet him and see for yourself, or will my word suffice?"

[blue_eyed_lord]

The corners of his mouth tilt upwards. "Your word."

He takes her word.

"I trust you realize that coming here again will be out of the question. To have the door close behind you would most likely Bind you here once more."

[hands_unclean]

"Aye, you have made it clear enough. I have had my fill of sticking places, sir. I have not yet come in through the door, and I do not intend to begin now."

She casts a glance around the floor. "So, d'you see Truman about anywhere?" The matter is closed.

[blue_eyed_lord]

"He is the fool near the fire, with the mug of hot chocolate. He is looking for us."

[hands_unclean]

"We should not keep him waiting, then. Wouldn't be polite." She raises an eyebrow. "What does he know you as?"

[blue_eyed_lord]

"Aphelise, a Bound gems dealer. It is the identity I have most used, here."

The Black Rider uncrosses his arms, straightening. "There is no need to stay here any longer."

[hands_unclean]

"Then let us leave. The wind does not linger, and neither should we."

[blue_eyed_lord]

He reaches out to take her hand, linking their arms as though he meant to escort her. Aphelise' expression changes, a soft smile of love and longing forming upon his face. "Come then, dearest, and we shall go together."

And they do, approaching the fireplace and the one who sits there.