Luella sighs, withdraws in on herself once more. Her feet sliding beneath the chair, her ankles crossed. There is experience at play here that she doesn't have, and she respects that. But it is hard to understand why someone would walk so willingly to their deaths. The great moral question, she supposes. Would you sacrifice your one life for many? It used to be a common topic of debate amongst her siblings. But she thinks for now, it is easier to be quiet and learn. She'll need all the knowledge she can get.
Into the Delve (Open!)
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Thatcher frowned more at the man’s word choice. Matriarch, it sounded familiar. Morana shifted in the corner of the room, the ears of her three head spinning back tightly as she laid down. The hound gave a sound that seemed to be a mix of a clicking noise and a low growl. Thatcher shifted his gaze to the hound and gave a quick click of his tongue, seeming to understand the beast.
He turned his attention back to the group at the table. He thought about the options a bit more, blindly grasping for the jumbled thoughts in his mind. He made a slight hum in response to what the man said, boot tapping on the floor.
The Monarch gave them only that pretty motherly smile. "Children…I am touched you wish to save me somehow, but I know that some things just have to happen." She sipped her tea and moved to the other desk in the room to get them some paperwork, handing a stack to each of them. "I've already approved of all the supplies you need, take these to the markets to gather your things before you go. I've also gotten your transportation out of the capital, all you need to do is get the map from the Kings office and leave with the supplies you gather."
The cloaked man nods, hood still completely covering his face. "I will do what I can. I promise, Matriarch." Taking the offered papers he looks them over, and stills in surprise. "I cannot possibly accept all of this. Not from you." For a moment he seems to calm himself, knowing that she wishes for him to have it. "Thank you Matriarch, for everything. I cannot offer you much in return, only a painless death if you would allow me. You should not be burned like the others were."
Luella flinches at the mention of burning, the reality of the situation settling in on her. She sits frozen before looking through her papers in silence. Trying to understand what is about to happen. To grieve for what she has not yet lost. She says only a quiet, "Thank you, Madame." It is barely louder than a sigh. She knew she had lived a sheltered life until now. She did not know just how sheltered.
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Thatcher continued to stay silent as he flipped through the papers. Did he really need all of these items? He had gotten by with just his notepad and pen, scythe, and Morana just fine for centuries. He didn’t think that any of this would be useful to him. He didn’t say that out loud, of course. He had to simply appreciate the Madame’s offer in his silence.
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( Wow, thanks for starting without me…)
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Lizzy had stayed silent the entire conversation, not wanting to participate for now, but watching from the distance observing what was happening. She had listen for what Madame was planning to do. She thought it was unnecessary, but she was willing to do what she wanted. She tapped a message on the table without thought and was confused on what it said. Why? She was glad the others in the room probably didn't know it.
Raising his head, one of the figures looks over at Lizzy. "Why do you ask?" Definitely masculine in nature, a strange melodus quality to it. He doesn't seem unkind, and seems genuinely curious.
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Lizzy was genuinely startled by his reply to her. " What do you mean?" She asked in a soft , calming tone.
(Sorry guys I got called into work but I'm back now.)
The Madame looked between them all then outside… "I suggest you all quickly get your things together. I would hate to see you leave important things behind. Quickly, go."
"Once again I will offer to give you a death with grace, and set fire to this place in your absence. I fear there are a great many things here that the king should not see, many more than we could ever hope to carry. For you, Matriarch, I would call Shadows to try and save some of the knowledge kept here." Using the word again, 'Matriarch,' an odd word to choose. A ring to it that light folk wouldn't use.
Turning back to Lizzy, he shakes his head as if to clear it. "Apologies, I must have been hearing things."
The Madame looked at him…and slowly nodded. "I suppose you're right. A fire it shall be then." She glided her hand along the desk, clearly sad to see her life go, but still accepting of it.
He in turn nodded his head. "I can give you the choice of your death, Matriarch. Fire. Poison. Suffocation. Knives. Choose and I will make it so. Those 'kingsmen' will not have their pleasure in killing you. You deserve so much more than to die here Matriarch, but you will not die alone." As strong as he seems to be, the next breath he draws holds the hint of a tremor, as if he s trying not to cry.
Luella stands, hovers uncertainly. She barely knows these strangers, but she has to place her trust in them. It is not an easy feat to do. She bows her head, pulling her hood back up and tucking her plait beneath the fabric. She clutches the papers to her chest. They would not fit in her bag. But, if she wants to fit all of this in, she'll need a bigger bag. Silently, she swallows hard. She has not seen death before. She isn't sure if she wants to. But she does not want to let such an… Incredible woman die alone. Someone placing her utmost trust in them. In her. She deserves a kind passing.
She smiled softly and went to him gently touching his arm. "My dear, be still…I will be alright, just set fire to my home. I will go and be executed by the King, and that is okay with me. Worry not, everything will be alright, child." She spoke softly so she could calm him.
"They should not hurt you. They should not kill you. They should not even touch you. After what you have done for them, Matriarch. I will not leave you to burn alone. For I can make no guarantees of fire if they come while we are in the market." Soothing slightly at her words, he still says his piece.
"You won't," The Madame said softly. "You'd risk hurting many innocent people, my child. Please, just do what you must and get where you need to go. I do not mind dying alone, I've been alone my whole life."
Luella steps forward, towards the two. She asks, in a gentle voice, "Madame, is this truly the way this must be? It just- it simply doesn't seem fair." None of this seems fair. But it feels childish to point that out. If she does not already feel childish enough.
The Madame looked over and sighed. "If I could manage to escape this execution, I would come with you. But I've not foreseen any way to escape it."
Slowly, the man nodded. "When do you wish for the fire to be set, Matriarch. It will be done. Ver'koth!" With the sharp word, a small snake, less than a foot, twines around his arm. Boldy orange and almost shimmering, with a mouth full of sharp teeth and fangs.
She sighed and looked to the man. "As soon as I am killed, set the fire and leave the capital."
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Thatcher’s fingers tapped on the table top as he listened. His eyes narrowed in thought once again as he looked at the snake. Moran gave a low growl from where she layed, and Thatcher threw a sharp glance over his shoulder, silencing the hound.
She looked at them all, giving a soft sigh. "I hope you all travel well. I am sorry to leave this burden on you."
"It is a burden that I am willing to bare for you, Matriarch. We would best be going soon, much as I hate to say it. They will be coming for you." Seeming to have regained his composure, he stands once again to his full height. Snake curling up his arm, and vanishing into the depths of his hood.
She nodded, giving only a little smile. "I hope you all succeed in your journey. Be careful, stay safe. A watchful eye will keep you all alive."
( @Nerd_Girl2.0 , you alive? Is anyone alive other than @insanleymyself ?)
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(I am but I’m trying to get something together so I keep forgetting to respond to this)
Luella stands there, unsure of what to say. She sighs, ever so light, gaze keeping down at the floor. She has everything she needs physically. These papers, she thinks they are worth more than her family owns. All she can think to say is a whispered, "I'm so sorry, Madame."
(I'm about to pass out for the night, been working late so I've been distracted. Apologies :(! )