[ARCANA PLOT - OTA] one minute to midnight [threadjacking welcome so we don't have tons of threads]

[stacks_the_deck]

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[heart_the_art]

She's heard whispers, been told most of the picture by Jordan. And apart of it hurts. A large terrible part that's the utter romantic for others that allowed her to try to look at the story the Arcana told different. Tried to see too much with the emotion.

She's not seen Gustave since then, more ashamed than fearful. While the diplomatic excuse may be a lie, she's sure the emotions she saw that day were not. When she follows the light, she didn't except that the Magician would do the ritual so soon. She was going to dinner tonight with Nicholas to try and get his mind off the challenge if he needed it. She sent him a text that she might be a little late.

As she approaches the Magician, Sandy has a faint feeling she's going to be very late. "Why are you doing this, Mr. Asarlai?" And she truly sounds at a lost.

[stacks_the_deck]

The column of light surrounding him is a bit brighter now than it was when Alasdair saw him and they spoke. It's not, quite, ready yet, though. And that does make him a rather captive audience since he can't step out of the circle without breaking it. But he can, at least, focus on the magic and speaking words at the same time.

Even if there's something a little inhuman in his gaze when he looks at Sandy. "You should go home, Lasandra."

[heart_the_art]

Of course there's a frightened expression that crosses her face, how could one not. Her stomach feels heavy and her limbs try to instigate the fleeing instinct.

She fists her hands to the side, tightening so hard that her nails dig into skin as she bites back words she wants to say, it doesn't matter if I go home, you're going to take me away from it anyway. Those words won't solve anything. She knows he lives a long time, she knows that changes the nature of... everything about him and the Arcana.

But there's loss and she doesn't know if any of the Arcana knows that loss. "You're hurting. I know why you're still hurting and I think... you're trying to stop the pain."

A quiet breath, "And that pain has been around for... a very long time."

[stacks_the_deck]

Gustave really wouldn't understand the taking home away argument anyway, he would say he's not taking anything, but adding to what is already here. Already there. But that nothing has to go.

"And does that mean you're here to assist me?"

Because if she was here to interfere or stop him...well...he wouldn't stand for that.

[heart_the_art]

But the piece the Arcana lost has changed. Time has weathered it away and that piece has forgotten their history and as such made it anew. It leaves it gaping and empty.

"Mr. Asarlai, I want to help you." Her voice is soft, concerned, but warm. "I know... I should have talked to you more. I should. I was just so ashamed for what I done in hoping to understand you and your people.

But... I can't assist you." She steps closer, but not close enough to get into the circle, her voice an appeal, "I can't do it because this is going to star a War if you take us there. I... can't possibly see anyone wanting that."

[stacks_the_deck]

Now he's almost earnest, pleading at least one of them to believe him.

"You don't even know what you're missing. What you're choosing to leave."

[heart_the_art]

She's surprised, almost taken back by the tone in his voice. It's not the fact he believes he's trying to do good, that's why she's not trying to attack him.

Everyone's the hero in their story, she knows he's trying to do something good. He's not evil though his actions will have lasting damage.

She's surprised that Gustave's allowing himself to be so earnest and hopeful in the sincere belief someone might listen. "But you're not allowing anyone to have that choice. You're making it for them and... you're trying to force something that can't be again. The Arcana and the Deck have changed and it's so scary, I know change is scary to me. So I can't imagine how it's like for you. But... It's not the answer. It's not going to make the hurt go away."

And another step closer. "Things will be broken all over again."

[stacks_the_deck]

"Don't cross the line," he says earnestness dissolving into a tone of warning.

Not least because he isn't entirely sure what would happen if she did.

"And you're too late, anyway."

[heart_the_art]

She glances down, stands still, and quietly looks up at him.

"No. No it's not. You can stop now and go home. Or... you can take us back, if the spell can't be reversed while it's being cast."

Her voice is earnest, hopeful, and her hands refuse to relax. "I know what you did... To the Queen of Diamonds. We... we don't want war so if you show a sign of good faith, we'll be happy. Maybe something can happen.

I don't think... she wanted it to be like this."

[stacks_the_deck]

His expression flickers a moment at the mention of Rachel. "That was...unfortunate. An accident."

And then it hardens. "But what sign of good faith would make you happy?"

[heart_the_art]

"I know." It's quiet, it's plain, it's simple. "You're not like that. You're not a sadist." But he's not innocent, either.

And Sandy is quiet then, unsure. "Stopping this is a start. Going back to the Arcana and allowing them to decide what's right. Finding ways to help Rachel if you can."

[stacks_the_deck]

Gustave shakes his head, "I think you misunderstood me a moment ago. When I said you're too late I meant this can't be stopped."

Or, well, it could, but the results would be...unpredictable. The entire Deck might break apart into so many pieces.

She likely wouldn't approve of that either.

[heart_the_art]

Sandy looks startled, eyes going to the chalice before looking back at Gustave. "Then when the spell is finished, take us back or have someone take us back. If our ancestors were able to manipulate the magic, it can be done again."

She stands there and the expression relaxes. "It doesn't have to be the end all, please."

She's not leaving.

[stacks_the_deck]

He doesn't answer right away. In fact, he takes so long, she might think he isn't going to.

But finally.

"If you wish to return afterward, I will do everything in my power to make it so."

[heart_the_art]

"It's not just me. There are so many families... there are people who have families on the Outside and even if those families are dysfunctional, they're family and connect us and make our culture." Her hands relax and run through her hair before returning to her sides.

Maybe she's getting to him, Sandy can't help but hope.

[stacks_the_deck]

"No one ever said you wouldn't be able to go Outside."

Yet another thing he doesn't understand about the people of the Deck.