[audio]

[she_was_a_gift]

[ For a long while there's nothing. Silence, ambient noise, as though she's pushed the wrong button and is simply listening. ]

...I know you're here.

[ It's the voice of a young girl, thin and soft, but certain. ]We're too old for hide-and-seek. I don't want to play anymore. It's cheating when they lock off doors and gates and streets and herd

Comments

Voice;

[giftedistheterm]

[He was listening, brow furrowed, to what sounded like an accidental wave. His thumb was just hovering over screen to stop listening when he heard her voice come through. Instantly he's shifting to respond.]

River?

[she_was_a_gift]

They don't stop.

[ Expecting her to be surprised by any of this? She's really not. Of course, given what they've both gone through, it would take a lot. ]

[giftedistheterm]

Where are you? Are you still at the diamond or did they show you to the Towers...?

[In the background there's shuffling noises like Simon's pulling on a coat one-armed while he answers.]

[she_was_a_gift]

Followed the rest. I didn't want to stay outside.

Permavoice

[1800deadguy]

Are you all right?

[she_was_a_gift]

...I'll be fine.

[1800deadguy]

I hate to see a little lady so frightened. Maybe I could come stay with you until someone can pick you up?

[Says the disembodied voice to the girl who probably hears voices. He really is only meaning to be helpful...]

[she_was_a_gift]

He won't be long.

[ It's okay, she knows you mean well. SHE KNOWS. ]

[worldhaditsway]

Wow. And I thought my big intro was cryptic.

[she_was_a_gift]

The one who needed to hear it did. He understands.

[worldhaditsway]

Who is he? Your boyfriend? [Bitter, jaded boyfriend-murdering-because-he-tried-to-kill-her-first antichrist is bitter and jaded.]

[she_was_a_gift]

My brother.

[Video]

[kissesdarling]

The screaming doesn't tend to stop.

[Mildly.]

It gets annoying if you don't sleep.

[she_was_a_gift]

[ You get a look, searching and curious. But it seems the sad little king traded his face to bigger fish. ]

Not tired yet. Slept too long to be tired.

[kissesdarling]

How fortunate for you.

Your name?

[she_was_a_gift]

Gentlemen first.

[tavar_of_alera]

[ The voice is that of a boy about her age, maybe a little older. ]

Are they saying anything? The screams.

[she_was_a_gift]

They're tongueless and mad. Doesn't lend well to conversation.

[tavar_of_alera]

Conversation isn't communication.

[she_was_a_gift]

...pain. Trapped. Betrayed.

I've heard them before, in other mouths.