[Estelle can't help it. She laughs, just a little. And at the same time, she has to wipe a tear from her eye. It's as if several conflicting emotions just happened to come out at once.]
[He opens his mouth to deflect, as per usual—only to stop short once he sucks a breath in to give those words voice.]
. . . I don't know. I had the feeling that I'd lose out on our ridiculous agreement if I confessed before the verdict. But I was approached early in the week, and that's when it extended its deal.
Mari's safety was the reward. The shadow wanted to assist me toward it. Killing someone might've been the means for that end, unless there was an ulterior motive . . .
[He shrugs—then thinks about something before rising from bed and walking over to the bars, where he pulls out one (1) paper ticket from his pant pocket. He holds it out between the bars.]
[If Rita is the hostage, it makes more sense for Estelle than he to have her likeness in a positive depiction. Small comforts matter. He'll just have to ask Lucretia's forgiveness if he ends up coming back without it.]
That's all I needed to hear.
[Even if it's something small, he wants to do what he can.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[Her expression softens a little.]
What is she like?
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[The corner of his lips twitches.]
Honestly, she'd be just like Rita if she were louder.
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She must be a wonderful person.
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Here, however, his eyes fall on Estelle.]
. . . It isn't Rita for you, is it?
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... until the hesitation lasts long enough that the answer is probably obvious. She nods.]
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We'll get her back, Estelle. So don't lose heart, okay? For Rita's sake.
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I... I won't! I promise.
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Do you have any more questions? If not, you should head back and get something to eat. You shouldn't go to bed hungry.
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But... actually, there is something more I wanted to ask.
When did the shadow approach you? And... what did it say? Is Mari still going to be okay, after...?
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. . . I don't know. I had the feeling that I'd lose out on our ridiculous agreement if I confessed before the verdict. But I was approached early in the week, and that's when it extended its deal.
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Mari's safety was the reward. The shadow wanted to assist me toward it. Killing someone might've been the means for that end, unless there was an ulterior motive . . .
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Did you know who you'd be crossing paths with that night?
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Do you think the agreement's still valid now? Mari won't get hurt because you were caught... will she?
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. . . Sooner or later, I'll find out.
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[There's probably nothing they can do now. She doesn't want him to have to worry.]
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[He shrugs—then thinks about something before rising from bed and walking over to the bars, where he pulls out one (1) paper ticket from his pant pocket. He holds it out between the bars.]
Here. You can have this.
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A ticket... Are you sure?
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Thank you. I don't know what they're for, but I'll try to use it wisely.
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[He pulls out a folded piece of paper next. She's seen it before when practicing with a dull rapier.]
Take this, too.
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... She takes it and unfolds it to give it another look.]
I... I'll treasure it.
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That's all I needed to hear.
[Even if it's something small, he wants to do what he can.]
Anything else you want to know?
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No... I think that's all I needed to ask.
I feel bad about just leaving you here, though...
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