21 - Video

[bodilesswarrior]

[Barbara looks - worn, mostly. It's been a few days, but she's still processing the experience. Everything she felt, everything she did. Her mind still aches, faintly, and there a

But she's smiling, a little, as she addresses the Barge.]

So which one of you plays the piano and the lute?

[Zane]

[It fades immediately, though, as she considers what she wants to say.

It was process of elimination, really, after she drew all the connections.

Finally, softly - ]

Is that how you feel all the time?

Comments

[private]

[godsays]

I got a little peace this flood. It made me like him. [ Like Aslan. ]

I didn't think that would ever be pushed on - someone else.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

[She wonders if she'd have preferred that. It's a different sort of strength, that the Emperor needs, ones she isn't certain she can match.]

Expect the unexpected, right? [A wry smile, a slight shrug.] It was...it could have been worse.

[private]

[godsays]

Yes. It could have been.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

Would have been, probably, if it'd lasted longer.

Is there - can I do anything, to help?

[private]

[godsays]

No. I'm strong enough.

I worry about him.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

I know you are.

[A slight smile, soft and concerned.] Have you talked to him, since the flood?

[private]

[godsays]

Not yet.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

You should.

...You've helped him a lot, Zane.

[private]

[godsays]

He's getting worse.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

I know. [Barbara raises a hand, rubs her brow. She hates looking so weary, hates admitting she doesn't know what to do - but she also feels like Zane deserves honesty.] I'm not sure how to make things better. Or if I can, right now.

[private]

[godsays]

He has to break.

I know that. He's not the kind to change slowly or gracefully.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

[After a moment, she nods.] Makes sense. [She thinks of Bruce - the Bruce here, hitting rock bottom and clawing himself up into the light.]

So we should just - let it happen. Be there to help him put the pieces back together.

[private]

[godsays]

I don't know.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

That's okay. [A wry, thin smile.] People are difficult.

[private]

[godsays]

Him, especially.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

Yeah. You sure know how to pick 'em.