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

private.

[valeas]

I don't, if I'm honest. I prefer to make my own assessments.

( Emilia would not simply trust the word of another, certainly not when they've only just met. But then, she is a skeptical person by nature, one that does not like to walk in the dark, and she doubts he's revealing the true extent of his motivation as it is.

She can't exactly fault him for that. It's smart to be cautious. )

Our group is not homogeneous by any means, but I've yet to meet someone within it who would sabotage our efforts to reach the beacons that might take us home. You can trust in that.

( They work toward that goal, however else they might differ. )

If it is its history you seek more information on, then I advise you speak to Wei Wuxian. He was among the first to arrive, and well knows the dangers we face and the personalities you'll meet, including the Merchant. I trust his judgment.

private.

[nachocheese]

[ Making her own assessments? That's smart, in a place like this.

It's not the system Nacho is used to, though. Where he's from, you know a guy, who knows a guy, who knows a guy. And everything happens in secret. Someone's reputation has to precede them to an extent. You have to do it that way, because not everything can be done openly enough for everyone to make their own candid assessments about everyone else.

But he gets the sense that's not the case for her.

She mentions Wei Wuxian, though, and he has to bite back the smallest of smiles.

Yeah. That'd go great for him right about now.

But he appreciates her candor. He offers only: ]

Thanks, Emilia. I'll keep everything you said in mind.