=12= [video]

[twoswordjuniper]

[The video turns on just as the Forge is a little too close to a pair of big blue eyes.]

And it's yours, Deneve?

[As she turns her head and lowers the Forge, the owner of the blue eyes can be seen. She's a young girl, about twelve years old with sunny blonde hair and what seems to be a terminal frown. She glares off screen, presumably in Deneve's

Comments

Voice

[applelimber]

Oi! Deneve!

[There's a growl, something more animal that human. And her energy spikes with it.]

I'm stomping that little bitch!

Voice - only Helen gets a timely response

[twoswordjuniper]

Helen. No.

[And in contrast, Deneve's voice is soft and weak with none of its usual harshness or command. More 'human' than usual.]

Don't.

[It's a plea, not an order.]

Voice - *special!*

[applelimber]

Deneve!

[That voice, the pleading...definitely unsettling. Not something Helen knows how to deal with.]

What the hell. Is that brat who I think she is?

Voice - of course!

[twoswordjuniper]

Yes. My sister.

[A jostling sound as the Forge is forcibly taken.]

That's right. And that makes me more important than you, Helen. So go away.

Voice

[applelimber]

Hey! Your name ain't Deneve, so butt out of this!

Voice

[twoswordjuniper]

No, but she is my little sister, so she does what I say.

[Some mumbling in the background, Deneve speaking although her words aren't loud enough to be distinguished.]

... fine.

[A pause, and the Forge changes hands again.]

It's fine, Helen. You don't have to worry.

Voice

[applelimber]

Tch. Fine. Little brat.

[Even though the girl is technically Deneve's big sister...well, Helen's opinion of her stands. :| ]

You let me know if she gets out of line again! I'll put her over my knee!

Voice

[twoswordjuniper]

[Long pause. There is a lot Deneve could say, a lot she wants to say, but she can't.]

It's hard to say when I might come home.

[There is an odd finality to that statement, like she is prepared to make her farewells now in case she doesn't get the chance to later.]

Voice

[applelimber]

[And an even longer pause with Helen. It's hard to stay still and trust Deneve, honor her request when it sends shivers up and down Helen's spine. The craziness of this place had them separated not so long ago too. Back then, it was Helen making the requests.

Guess she owes her this one.]

Don't sweat it. I'll come looking for you.

[She's not accepting any goodbyes. No matter what.]

Voice

[twoswordjuniper]

Whatever happens, don't hold it against her. She's just a child... who never should have had to die.

Voice

[applelimber]

We've all been through crap we shouldn't have had to.

Voice

[twoswordjuniper]

I know. But she's my sister. I have to do whatever I can to make it up to her.

[Even if it means dying. If that girl told her to take her own head, she would do it. Such is the power of her guilt, of which this child is the epicenter. Even if she doesn't seem quite like the sister Deneve remembers.]

Voice

[applelimber]

Just don't do anything that you'll have to make up to me. She's not your only family.

Voice

[twoswordjuniper]

I know. I haven't forgotten. I haven't forgotten any of it.

[Helen's words to her the day she stopped her from killing herself. The promise they made to each other not to die unless they die together. Everything, everything.]