[008] [audio]

[sacredbrand]

For the love of whatever you hold dear, don't stray from the light.

Kevas. Talia. Joe. Everyone here. Please say you're all fine.

Albel too, I suppose. At the very least mind what you point your sword at. If you can, refrain from attacking the people who are as captive as you are

Comments

[drinkuntilidie]

Well I wouldn't say fine but I'm not dead.

[audio]

[sacredbrand]

If you're not any worse than you have been, I consider that to be fine.

[Still a little cranky with you, mister.]

[audio]

[drinkuntilidie]

[Okay so she's still upset. He's not sure why he thought she wouldn't be.]

At least you still care then.

[audio]

[sacredbrand]

[Nel can hold an impressive grudge, but the aggression stems from the fear she has of losing the only people she considers to be left alive.]

Of course I care, Kevas. It's not-- as you people say, it's not a switch I can just turn off.

[3wayforjustice]

What's happening here? Do you have any idea?

[Someone's been walking around with a fireball in hand lately.]

[sacredbrand]

If you mean, do I know what's attacking, then no, I'm sorry. All I know is the danger.

[Fireballin' fistbump! Except not because that would be explosive.]

[3wayforjustice]

That's exceptionally helpful.

[Fortunately, it's not really directed at her. Just in general.]

He warns us something's gone wrong, but refuses to elaborate. How are we supposed to manage?

[sacredbrand]

[And for Nel, this is just a tired old routine.]

We have nothing in the way of leverage against him.

[Holding a staffmember hostage wouldn't work unless they found a way to restrain the lot of them, or keep the others from interfering. Too doubtful and too many open endings to be worth risking.]

There's little to do but manage. The other option is to let the darkness take us.

[audio]

[knife_envy]

Tell me if you find Talia.

[audio]

[sacredbrand]

[oh well that's not a good sign]

Then she has gone missing?

[audio]

[drinkuntilidie]

No, she be wid me.

[audio]

[sacredbrand]

Ah.

That. . . is a relief. I'm glad.

[Audio]

[virulentrouge]

[You could've said that nicer, you know.

Actually, staying pressed is perfectly fine. It wouldn't really matter either way.]

And just who died and made you king of the land?

[Audio]

[sacredbrand]

[She could have. But who would Nel be if she didn't sass him?]

I don't presume to think you would follow orders if they were given. Consider it a request to behave while we're under attack.

[If she was still into praying, she'd pray that appealing to his military sense works.]

[Audio]

[virulentrouge]

[And according to Albel's strict set of military rule, her argument is automatically invalid.]

Do tell where I can find some of the calvary if that’s what you're inferring. There is no 'attack'. And by all means, I’m sure disposing of a couple of worms would not only be better than sitting around in gripe, but very worthy of my time.

[Audio]

[sacredbrand]

[Cool it Nel. Cool it. Don't bite. Do not bite, girl.]

Almost everyone here is capable of defending themselves. The hell is wrong with forming alliances against an enemy that strikes without showing itself or even giving a hint as to its nature beyond hostile?

[dontgiveafock]

Aye, m'alright Nel.

Trust you've shacked up with a flame somewhere, aye?

[sacredbrand]

[That's her three important people accounted for (and one cantankerous jackass). She sags a little in her cell, relieved.]

Yes, I have. There are some techniques to preserve enough light for a candle, or a meal, that don't drain my reservoir.

[Rubbing a hand over her face. She should warn him.] Also. The man I mentioned at the end of the message? Please stay out of his way if you can.

[dontgiveafock]

[Sorry Nel. That's not about to squander his interest. If anything, it amplifies it. His tone turns a little more serious.]

...

Some asshole givin' you trouble?

[WHO DOES HE GOTTA PUNCH?]

[sacredbrand]

[shit]

Nothing new and nothing I can't handle. He has a variety of issues, chief among them the inability to understand basic courtesy and why he needs to control his violent impulses.

[That doesn't feel like it's enough to convey how deeply she needs to look after this on her own.]

He's the only other living being from my world.