Fourteen Turns Of The Rack [Video]

[suaveleather]

[The feed turns on to show almost complete darkness, the only view being shown by the light of the tablet. Zevran's face can be seen, blood speckling it and streaks caking through his normally light hair. There are bruises all along the skin which can be seen and there is a disturbing lump in his shoulder that shows some things may be out of

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[Action] I HOPE YOU WERE PREPARED FOR SOME TEAL DEER.

[adeptible]

[Starwind, at the very least, has managed to drag himself into a sitting position--either the pain has faded or he's simply adjusting to it, though more likely the latter. He's also erected a pathetically weak shield around his mind, so at leas the thoughts of others are abated for now, but he is shaking under the strain of keeping it up against the onslaught without center and he doesn't have the energy or attention to spare finding it again.

He moves slowly--it still hurts, after all--but eventually reaches through the bars of his own cage. But even with his slight build and long arms, he only manages to brush the metal of the other cage with his fingertips. Everything, just out of reach.

At least he sounds somewhat clearer than he has recently when he speaks softly, something like sadness and regret in his voice, even if he can feel the thin shields of his mind starting to break.]

You should not have done that for me, ke'loshra.

[Action] That deer is a freak of nature

[suaveleather]

[Once his conversations on the device are finished Zevran turns his head to look at Starwind. When he moves it is with great effort and it feels as if he is more dragging his body across the ground than anything else. He reaches out from the bars, his fingers brushing against Starwind's and smiles. If only his friend did not have to see the full effect of the torture.

He knows at least a couple ribs are broken and he suspects there must be a puncture. If their rescuers do not arrive soon he knows he will be joining the dead. Still, through the smiles, the out of place joints, and the pain he tries to joke.]

Perhaps not but since when do I do what I should? Are you better, my friend?

[Action] But it shows up EEEEEEEVERYWHERE anyway~ Forgot a comma >>;;

[adeptible]

[He'd be lying if he said he didn't have his suspicions. But that isn't anything they need to be speaking about now. They're living the torture, they don't need to speak about it.]

Better, no. Poorly-guarded, but guarded nonetheless. [And the unspoken--"for the moment." It's only a matter of time before the poor shields that he could manage crumbled, and he knew it. He'd be right back to Feeling and Sensing everything and back to the mental anguish that he was trying to forget, even as he continued to feel the edges of it as it faded and returned and faded again with the pulsing of the barriers.]

You, ke'loshra, are in a worse state than I.

[Action]

[suaveleather]

[He chuckles and winces, turning his head to the side so Starwind cannot see the pain. Even if his friend knows, he would rather allow the illusion. If it is not mentioned it is easier to deal with.]

Much like my former employers, the Crows, these people do not know what to do with me. They seem to be trying ever possible form of abuse. They will have to work harder.

[He wonders if it was a test. If so they have gone too far and would now be losing one of their toys. He holds onto Starwind's hand through the bars.]

The others are forming a rescue.

[Action]

[adeptible]

[Somehow, he manages a small smile, clinging to Zevran's hand as best he could. There was so little that either of them could do...]

Despite being told not to...how stubborn the children are...

[Action]

[suaveleather]

[He smiles, rearranging himself so he can look at his friend.]

We have formed the most odd attachments in our stay down here it seems. I understand them coming to your rescue. Yet. The thought of them 'rescuing' me is different. I must admit, I like the thought of people caring whether I live or die, don't you?

[When he speaks he has to pause every few moments to catch his breath.]

[Action]

[adeptible]

I do. Though it takes some getting used to.

[His grip on the elf's hand tightens slightly at every time Zevran has to pause to breathe, his small smile growing less warm, more flat each time he hears a gasp.]

I will not leave you behind.

[Action]

[suaveleather]

[He registers the grip and gives his friend a reassuring smile.]

Death is not forever here my friend. If it comes to it you will leave me behind.

[Action]

[adeptible]

Forever or no, I'll not leave you.

[Action]

[suaveleather]

[He loses the smile and looks at Starwind with a serious face.]

You will. I [He pauses, though this time it is not entirely to catch his breath.]

I must confess I have grown fond of you my friend. I would rather not see you suffer.

[Action]

[adeptible]

Do you think I have not? I am not leaving you behind.

[Action]

[suaveleather]

[He sighs and allows himself to relax, only holding on to his friend's hand.]

It is pointless to argue.

[When the time came he could make sure Starwind left. For the moment it hurt too much to speak and his energy is needed elsewhere.]

[Action]

[adeptible]

[It's just how he is. Stubborn, really, and far too loyal for his own good.]

Should the call come, I would die with you.

[Action]

[suaveleather]

You will not.

[Action]

[adeptible]

I would. I believe you know I would.

[Action]

[suaveleather]

[There is a string of curses under his breath.]

I do not want you dead. If you die here you will never return to your lover.