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[lingeringhope]

[Hope's voice is clear and clipped.]

If you would like to leave a message, you may do so here. I can't promise to respond. I have many demands on my time, and this sort of thing is far down the list. Still, if you would like to, you may.

Comments

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[theladyofhighever]

[she remembers them all too clearly]

How we may help you in the trials that are likely to come. Your original . . . people are here. And they are angry and they are taking it out on us. What would you have us do about them?

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[lingeringhope]

I have asked people to find them, so that I may communicate with them. It may be that they're simply lost and scared.

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[theladyofhighever]

I hope it's that. They must have been terribly shocked, to lose so many of their own and, in their perspective, being left to their fates after all but two of you were killed.

How did you and Fear survive? No one has ever told me that part of the tale.

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[lingeringhope]

We ran. It is Fear's power, after all - the ability to teleport. We were outnumbered and dying. Sorrow sacrificed himself to give us time to get away.

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[theladyofhighever]

I see.

I've been told that Sorrow did that for you before. Sacrifice himself so that you were safe. He must be very brave.

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[lingeringhope]

Yes. He is the bravest of us all.

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[theladyofhighever]

[she nods] I'm--I'm sorry if this sounds intrusive, but. It must have been terribly lonely when there were but two of you.

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[lingeringhope]

It was.

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[theladyofhighever]

[she nods] I know. . . something of how that feels. My family was slaughtered by a man my father held as close as a brother. Only my elder brother and I remain.

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[lingeringhope]

You know loss. You do not know what it feels like to have your entire species slaughtered.

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[theladyofhighever]

No. But I faced the possibility with the Blight. I, at least, was fortunate and able to keep that possibility from happening. I am sorry that you were not able to do the same.

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[lingeringhope]

We had no way to do so. We had no warning.

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[theladyofhighever]

It--that is how it sounds. From what I've heard from others. But others aren't always the most trustworthy resources.

[she crosses her hand over her chest, so that her fisted hand is clasped over her heart and her head is bowed]

You have my oath of protection. For whatever that may be worth. If you have need of me, all you have to do is ask.

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[lingeringhope]

Thank you. You do not have to do so - I know that many here do not trust or like us, and I cannot blame them, though it's frustrating.

Still. I appreciate your words.

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[theladyofhighever]

[she crosses her right arm over her chest, hand in a fist over her heart, and she bows her head]

Thank you. This is a vow I intend to honor.

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[lingeringhope]

I will do my best to look after you in return.

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[theladyofhighever]

[she smiles shyly] I appreciate your efforts.