un: starburst, toward the end of this arc.

[valeas]

( Emilia di Carlo has seen better days, by the look of her. Her battle leathers are torn, soot and cuts still on her face — but she doesn't give in to the exhaustion just yet, nor the bile in her throat. First, she addresses the people of Alem, dignified and resolute. )

Prince Haiva sacrificed himself and leaves his sister, the young Cle-Florens, spared.

I was witness.

( A pause, then, as she allows that to sink in. )

Hell is sealed.

You fought with valor so others might live. I'm glad to have fought beside you, and will remember your fallen just the same.

If you've yet to evacuate, the time is now. Hassir awaits.

Comments

[valeas]

You are a dear friend, Hermione. I hope you know that.

[reparo]

I do! And you are a dear friend as well - so it's not terrible if we argue from time to time, we are opinionated women. It matters that we can still come back to being dear friends in the end, right?

[valeas]

It isn't terrible at all. I don't believe our friendship so fragile it cannot withstand quarrel, and I'd always want you to feel comfortable enough to speak frankly. But in this instance, there was no real provocation. It was nothing you did, and I admire your determination in helping an innocent child.

( it was the right — the only — thing to do. )

[reparo]

[A relief.] Being in the room of Seals was really doing a number, wasn't it? [A small smile.] It's alright - I've got some experience with being around magical interference that turns a lovely person into an arsehole.

[valeas]

I can tell you've your fair share of experiences.

( With the sort of darkness an object or a place can draw, yes, but also war itself. It's never fair in that sense. )

We'll leave Alem soon enough, but with the state of it, I don't have much hope for its beacon.