Rifted
Rifted
Episode 6: Breathless
Twitter: @Riftedpodcast
Cast:
Aurora: Justice Hart
Daniel: Karma
Rowena: Elizabeth Plant
Harriet: Mimi Brown
Elizabeth: Valerie Rose Lohman
Wren: Dea Elizabeth
Aazyra Collins: Ken Rou
Zayne Crossvale: Adrian Garcia
Jackson/Silas: Aubrey Poppletron
Emery: Scottye
Narrated by: ChristopherK
Sound design and editing by: Elizabeth Plant
Extras:
Emi Ray
Dan
AJ Carter
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/riftedpodcast)
So,
SPEAKER_00:Cottage was... small. No one's been here in ages.
SPEAKER_03:Just one set of horse tracks, so... my guess... Pretty shit lock on this door, too. Place is empty. We... wait, we don't need to go in there.
SPEAKER_00:Inside, it was no more impressive. Decorated plainly, and utterly empty.
SPEAKER_03:You sure this is the right place? No, I'm sure of it. No matter. This is just the first stop. We don't have to keep speaking common, you know? It's good practice. Yeah, I guess so. You want to check the rest of the house then, bounty hunter? Make sure I'm not stepping all over your clues? We should get moving. It's clear no one's been here. No need to waste time. Are you eating something? Crackers. I found them in one of the cabinets. Stay in this old hell. We shouldn't go through their things like that. Says the one hired to kill them. Capture, not kill. You even need that thing? The map? Trained bounty hunter, best of the best. Following some map with, look here, printed right on the damn thing. Seems like cheating to me. Don't even need to track them. There's no guarantee they will be in any of these places. And if they aren't? Our job gets a lot harder. Oh, it's our job now. Hmm. Can you shoot a gun well? Likely better than you, Crossfail. I'm asking you sincerely. I'm better with knives. Throwing them, mostly, but I can shoot well enough. Why's that matter? Should this turn into a firefight, I want to be sure you can defend yourself. I certainly won't ask you to get involved, but I like knowing that I don't have someone else to worry about. Right. You're not used to company like me dragging you down. You got that nag, and that's plenty. Don't call her that. Where'd she come from? Not a breed I see much of this way, with the cold and all. A present from my father. What about yours? Big... drafts? Draft horses aren't usually riding horses, are they? Sometimes, but Tretter was a cart horse before I got him. Change of career, then. You could say that. I was hoping they'd be here. Further south would make them harder to find them. And if they reach... Do you always talk to yourself this much? We will find them. No problem. You say that pretty confidently for a guy with no clue where his targets are. Si. Well, I haven't failed the task yet, and I don't plan on starting now.
SPEAKER_02:Well, you can hear me now, can't you?
SPEAKER_03:Yes.
SPEAKER_00:Her wheelchair was different. That was the first thing he noticed. The gloves she wore on her hands, too. But her face was unmistakable.
SPEAKER_02:So, how do you feel?
SPEAKER_03:Fine. A bit floaty, I guess.
SPEAKER_02:The pain isn't bad?
SPEAKER_03:Not as long as I avoid moving.
SPEAKER_02:Good.
SPEAKER_03:Or breathing.
SPEAKER_02:I see you haven't lost your... Blair for the dramatics.
SPEAKER_03:It would take more than a bullet to rid me of that. How are you?
SPEAKER_02:Really? Almost six years of not hearing from you and... That's your first question for me. You know, Daniel at least wrote back. For a while, anyway.
SPEAKER_03:I... I don't know what else to say.
SPEAKER_02:Why didn't you tell us you were in trouble, Roar?
SPEAKER_03:And endanger you?
SPEAKER_02:We didn't even know anything was wrong until Daniel brought you back here. Half dead of infection, by the way. You didn't even wake up for any of it. Which I'm glad for now, but I... I thought you were done for, Roar. Do you know that?
SPEAKER_03:I'm not the only one that cut off contact. Daniel.
SPEAKER_02:Oh, don't you doubt it for one second. Daniel has gotten his share of scolding while you have been out. Six whole years.
SPEAKER_03:I'm sorry.
SPEAKER_02:You're saying that like, like sorry even begins to cover it. I'm fine.
SPEAKER_03:What?
SPEAKER_02:You asked how I was, and I'm fine. So is Jackson. Silas is fine, too. Not that you'd know what even happened to him after that night. Would you? If you read my letters, you'd know. I
SPEAKER_03:did read them. Every single one of them. But when I picked up the pen to write one back, all I could think about was what I did to you. And my hand shook too badly to even write your name.
SPEAKER_02:You didn't have to write my name, Roar. All I ever wanted was some proof you were okay.
SPEAKER_03:I... wasn't. I wasn't okay.
SPEAKER_02:I know... That's why I kept writing.
SPEAKER_03:You should have given up.
SPEAKER_02:I never gave up on you, Roar. Not once.
SPEAKER_03:You have every right to be angry at me for what happened.
SPEAKER_02:You think I'm angry at you for that? Oh, Aurora. What happened was an accident. I was never angry at you. Do you hear me? You know what? I was angry. When I woke up and you and Daniel were gone and Silas was gone or dead for all I knew and it was just Jackson and I again. I was angry. I was so angry, Roar. But not because of you. Not because I knew that I wasn't going to walk again after that night. Not because of the accident, but... But I was angry. You're right. I was furious. And maybe... Maybe some part of me was angry at you too. But not because of what happened. When I wrote to you the first few times... before I even knew how bad my injuries really were. I never heard anything back. Then yes, I was angry at you. But more than angry, I was just... sad. When I needed you most, you wouldn't even spare enough time from feeling sorry for yourself to write me back. Just one letter, Roar. I would have settled for a word. I reached out to Daniel when you wouldn't answer because even though I'd only known him for a few months, he was the only connection to you I still had. And I wasn't ready to lose you.
SPEAKER_03:I'm sorry. And I mean that. Even if you weren't angry... I'm still sorry for what I did.
SPEAKER_02:Please. You don't have to treat me like I'm broken. I...
SPEAKER_03:I ruined...
SPEAKER_02:Because I'm not. And I never was. That night changed things for all of us. But it didn't... It didn't ruin anything on its own. You did. You're right. But it was in what you did after. Ruin... isn't the right word. Implies it's beyond fixing, doesn't it? No... Don't think I'll let you mope about this any more than you already have. I forgive you, Roar. For everything. I'm just glad you're okay.
SPEAKER_03:Funny way of showing it.
SPEAKER_02:You, on the other hand, are broken right now. Got a hole blown clear through your belly.
SPEAKER_03:It's slower, actually. I think she was aiming for my car.
SPEAKER_02:Gross! It's not that low. I'm stopping you right there.
SPEAKER_03:What? It's a genuine
SPEAKER_02:question. No. No, that is enough out of you. You need to stop getting all bloody, Roar. Hey, Roar. Just look at me. Just breathe. I'm...
SPEAKER_03:I'm trying. I can't...
SPEAKER_02:Yes, you can. Can you give me your hands?
SPEAKER_00:He hesitated, raising his shaking hands to set them at the edge of the bed in hers. Elizabeth closed her grip, thumbs pressing lightly.
SPEAKER_02:Hey, look here. Like what we did with your room?
SPEAKER_00:It's fine.
SPEAKER_03:Different than before.
SPEAKER_02:It is. Figured it could use a bit of sprucing up. I almost brought you flowers. But, uh, Jackson said it made it look more like a memorial with them on the table. Hey, can you take another breath for me?
SPEAKER_03:Yes, I'm fine. I'm fine.
SPEAKER_02:You're fine. You want something to drink?
SPEAKER_03:Don't leave.
SPEAKER_02:I'm not going anywhere. Excuse me, ma'am. Did you hear me?
SPEAKER_01:Yes, patrols. I trust your judgment on them.
SPEAKER_02:Ma'am, I stopped talking about patrols a while ago. Is
SPEAKER_01:something wrong? Tuffet, have I ever told you about my father? Don't think so. He was the single greatest officer the Dravara have ever seen. An expert on most anything you could imagine. Talking about patrols earlier reminded me. You wouldn't know about what happened to him then, would you? I've heard things before, but not sure I know the whole story. Why? He was murdered. Yes, I heard he was killed when the two of you were out riding. Murdered? Of course. It was during a patrol. And he had taken men against the beasts of the Rift, but wasn't aware of the ambush waiting for him. The monsters murdered him, killed him, and would have torn his body apart had they not been frightened off. You understand, Tuffet, that the Rift is a savage place?
SPEAKER_02:Yes, I know.
SPEAKER_01:Good. You... Well, with a patrol so young. I thought he died... Well, maybe I'm getting things mixed up, but I thought he died when you were very young. The patrol? I... I... I was very young indeed. You weren't with the patrol then? Do you know I have the hide of the beast that killed him? Her fur was like coal.
SPEAKER_02:Her?
SPEAKER_01:Excuse me?
SPEAKER_02:Mum? Mum? We are talking about one of the beasts,
SPEAKER_01:right? Without them, the beasts, the East would be something great. You know that, don't you? Yes, ma'am. Why don't you just end it quickly? I'm sorry, not sure how else to say that. You're a practical woman, aren't you? You understand that practicality may require sacrifice, right? And sacrifice is something I'm willing to make for the time being. For now, there are other more important matters I have the misfortune of dealing with. I
SPEAKER_02:understand. I
SPEAKER_01:know you do. And that's why I trust you to continue operations as they have always been carried out. You, uh, you asked me early on why I chose you. And I believe my answer was that you showed promise. Yes, ma'am, it was. There is a great deal of trust between us, and the relationship between me and my officers must be built on such a thing. However, I'm quite certain I can trust you already, and since I can do that, I know you trust me to make the correct decision when it comes to all things. Of course I do. Wonderful. Then you trust my decision to wait and attend to certain matters before moving against the rift. You see, plenty of things are about timing, and right now isn't the right time to do that. I have people to deal with. Excuse me, traitors to deal with.
SPEAKER_02:Well, I'll keep patrols running just like they were. Everything is handled, ma'am. You just focus- That will be all,
SPEAKER_01:Tuffet. Come by in the morning, won't you? Of course. Good
SPEAKER_02:night, ma'am. Stop doing that.
SPEAKER_03:I'm not doing anything.
SPEAKER_02:You're wiggling. It
SPEAKER_03:hurts. Of course I
SPEAKER_02:am. Daniel, can you come here? What?
SPEAKER_03:Are you going to have him restrain me?
SPEAKER_02:No. He can handle it. He kept you alive this long. Barely. But he can change that for you.
SPEAKER_03:Is something wrong?
SPEAKER_02:Your turn with the princess. Hey!
SPEAKER_03:Right. I think Silas wants you anyways. What did Silas want? Nothing. I'm just tired of hearing you two bicker. Take that off. No wonder you two keep having issues. Usually I charge for a show like that. Take your shirt off, Aurora. Just finish tying it off. I'll be fine. There. Good as new. Help me up. Leg is stiff from sitting here so long. You sure? Positive. Or I can attempt on my own. No. Here. Give me your arm. Up we go. Thank you. Are the others still upstairs? Jackson is minding things downstairs, but Silas and Elizabeth both are. I was actually about to go help him if you'll be alright.
SPEAKER_02:Oi, set him down before he pulls those stitches. Working on it.
SPEAKER_03:Now what will I do without you worrying over me?
SPEAKER_02:Tear your stitches. That's what.
SPEAKER_03:I'll be downstairs if you need me. Can't say I'll miss the extra eyes on me. Just behave for once. You're looking better. And you're sounding better.
SPEAKER_00:He raised an arm slowly, cupping his fingers at the center of the scarred patch of skin on his throat and tracing to where it continued up over his jaw and curled into thin, discolored tendrils beneath his left eye.
SPEAKER_03:Practice. Talking still hurts. Some days it's worse. How are you? Feels more like I should be asking you that. In fact, it all... It's good to see you two again. I'm... Well, maybe now isn't the time for apologies.
SPEAKER_02:No more apologies at all would be ideal, Roar. We're fine. I promise you.
SPEAKER_03:Have
SPEAKER_02:you met the girls yet? Guess Jackson has been keeping them away with you sleeping so much and all.
SPEAKER_03:Girls? More strays.
SPEAKER_02:Right, that's what you called us. He took in two more a few years back. They're, um, seven and five, I think. There were others, too, over the years, but they never stayed long. This place has mostly been an in-between.
SPEAKER_03:Sounds like you've all been busy, then.
SPEAKER_02:Between helping out around here and regular supply run south, we are never bored, that's for sure. Last I heard, we were about ready for another one when you two showed up.
SPEAKER_03:What's south? Obviously further from the Travara, but...
SPEAKER_02:Um, not to stamp on your fire, but you're not exactly the only one stupid enough to fight back. It's, uh, it's probably the safest place for you right now, anyway.
SPEAKER_03:What? You mean the Resistance? I doubt they'll want me. You do know that fighting nearly killed me the first time, right? Ask Daniel. He was there for it all.
SPEAKER_02:That's exactly who they want. And you were fighting alone before. This is different. We need people who know what she's done.
SPEAKER_03:Lived in.
SPEAKER_02:Exactly. There aren't many of us, but...
SPEAKER_03:We? Us? You're making it sound... Well, I suppose I'm not sure.
SPEAKER_02:It's a few days' ride from here. They're camp. They move around a lot, but...
SPEAKER_03:Why are you telling me this?
SPEAKER_02:You can't stay here, Roar.
SPEAKER_03:I... Well, I guess I knew that.
SPEAKER_02:You can ride with Silas. He'll take you to them. I run a supply wagon down every so often, but... It's safer for both of us if you go on horseback. Faster, too.
SPEAKER_03:You'll be going alone, then?
SPEAKER_02:I've done it dozens of times.
SPEAKER_03:Not alone.
SPEAKER_02:I'll be fine. You just worry about getting Roar and Daniel someplace safe.
SPEAKER_03:And you'll be there, too. After us? She wouldn't hold out on Josephine. I... Josephine.
SPEAKER_02:You be quiet.
SPEAKER_03:Oh, don't you tease her. I won't put you or anyone else in danger. You don't have to coddle me about leaving. That means keeping her out of trouble as best you can. You say that like I have a choice now.
SPEAKER_02:I'll be fine. Sounds like your girls are getting into trouble. Hope
SPEAKER_03:they're not giving Daniel too much hell. We get some rest, all right? Will do. Thank you. Wrecks it all, I'm a sap. Are you crying? So what if I am?
UNKNOWN:I'm a sap. Thank you.
SPEAKER_02:Good morning.
SPEAKER_03:It's night, isn't it? I couldn't sleep. And Jackson went to put the girls to bed, so... So you decided to sit here and gab as loud as possible,
SPEAKER_02:huh? What's gotten you all prickly?
SPEAKER_03:I'm... I'm sorry. Not a good night, I guess.
SPEAKER_02:Come, sit. Been meaning to cut that rat's nest off your head since you got here.
SPEAKER_03:It's not that bad, is it? I wasn't going to say anything, but... Just don't nip my ears again.
SPEAKER_02:That was one time. One
SPEAKER_03:time I lost the tip of my ear.
SPEAKER_02:We were twelve. I'm better at it now.
SPEAKER_00:Aurora shuffled over, getting on the floor stiffly where Elizabeth had propped herself up against the hearth. He leaned back, eventually ending with his head in her lap while Daniel passed over a pair of scissors.
SPEAKER_02:How long has it been since you've done this? Should have dug a comb out first. You've got knots on top of knots.
SPEAKER_03:Want me to get one? Apparently, she's just going to rip them out.
SPEAKER_02:I'm trying to be gentle.
SPEAKER_00:His eyes were blank. His movements slowed.
SPEAKER_02:Silas? Help me up. I'll get him.
SPEAKER_00:You sure? Silas rummaged through the cupboard, unresponsive.
SPEAKER_03:He dropped me clear to the floor once when I tried waking him up. He's not
SPEAKER_00:usually violent.
SPEAKER_03:Maybe he just felt like decking you. You know, I do sometimes.
SPEAKER_00:Elizabeth moved over to him, stopping her chair a few steps away from where Silas stood, empty glass in hand.
SPEAKER_02:Silas? Let's get you back to bed, yeah?
SPEAKER_00:Yes.
SPEAKER_02:Here, get my hand. No! Silas, look at me. Look. Where are we?
SPEAKER_03:Kitchen.
SPEAKER_02:Who am I?
SPEAKER_03:This. I know.
SPEAKER_02:And who are you?
SPEAKER_03:Been ages since I did this. I'll clean that up.
SPEAKER_02:Don't worry. I've got one of the boys to do it. Head back to sleep, alright?
SPEAKER_03:Yeah. Night. Sorry about that. Changes. Brings things back up again. No need to apologize. Just glad I didn't get punched this time. Way to go. I wasn't trying to upset him.
SPEAKER_02:He'll be fine. Roar, come sit in front of me so I can fix that mess.
SPEAKER_03:You'll have to deal with a whole lot more than just my hair before this mess is anywhere near fixed, I'm afraid.
SPEAKER_02:It's a start. And you won't look like a vagabond anymore. I
SPEAKER_03:like to think that's just part of my charm. Don't you? Silas doesn't do that much anymore. Hmm?
SPEAKER_02:Oh, sleepwalking. No, he, uh... He doesn't. Usually just when he's anxious about something, or... change, like he said. Don't worry, he'll barely remember this in the morning. Just... be sure he doesn't wander off when you three go on your boy's trip. Wouldn't want him getting lost in the woods, eaten by some... woods thing while you two snooze under the stars.
SPEAKER_03:Right. Sleeping on the ground. My favorite.
SPEAKER_02:It's a few days. You live... Relax. It's not even cold, so you won't have this one climbing into your bedroll with you.
SPEAKER_03:That was really close to my ear that time. What's wrong?
SPEAKER_02:Nothing. Just don't like the idea of you two leaving when I just got to see you again.
SPEAKER_03:You're meeting us, aren't you?
SPEAKER_02:Yeah. A few days behind, but I'll be there. I guess I'm just worried.
SPEAKER_03:We'll be careful. Cross our hearts. Ow! You're pulling.
SPEAKER_02:Oh, hush. I know. Doesn't mean I can't worry about you three anyhow. Just do me a favor. Don't do anything stupid until I get there, okay?
SPEAKER_03:You've got my word. My ass is killing me. Not the first time. Hilarious. Vex it all. How long until we stop? Couple hours. It's still light. Admittedly, also getting tired of writing if it means anything. Couple hours. Like I said. It's good to hear you talk again.
UNKNOWN:Mm-hmm.
SPEAKER_03:It doesn't hurt much now? Some. I've gotten used to it. Still sore, but I can handle it. You used to sing. I did. Try doing that sense? Hurts. Worse than talking. Wish I could. You take over. Not likely. Never much cared for singing myself. That's not true. You sing to yourself all the time. I think you do it most when you're lonely. I hum. That's different. Haven't heard it. Guess you're not lonely now, though. Not when I have Daniel hovering over me all the time. And you, and Elizabeth, and Jackson, of course. What about you? Hmm? You never married, or, well, anything like that? No. I didn't... Did you ever think about finding someone like that? Certain. I'm just making conversation. Six years is a while to just not talk to someone. I never married. Not sure I'm interested in that. What? Having a wife? Wife, husband, anybody. My friends, you'll meet them. They're enough for me. Not sure I could handle time without just... Sticking your prick into something? No, that's not what I was going to say. I just think I'd get lonely, that's all. Is there someone now? For you? No. I don't think so. Someday. It's not because of me or what happened, right? I just ask because you did a lot for me... For Elizabeth too. And I know you were hurt because of me. So I just... No. I'm happy with this. With myself. Honestly. Always felt this way. Just tell me you didn't turn down a chance at happiness because of me. Would I turn down anything to keep you safe? But no.
UNKNOWN:No.
SPEAKER_03:Losing you, Elizabeth, would end me. You know that, right? I know. Not about us, anyway. All this goes beyond our family. Beyond us. For a while, it didn't, but it does now. I think everyone starts that way. Till they find... People that need help as much as they do. And with those people, they find some way to make sense of things. How long does it take to be fixed? Well, I mean, how long before... How long until... There's no fixing... You aren't broken. I feel... You... Whatever happened, we're here. But there's nothing wrong with how you feel. Every day it gets a little easier. Not so heavy. And some days you barely notice it at all. Give it time. Wounds heal. Promise me you won't go at it alone. That's something I wish I learned sooner. I know. You have us. You have Daniel. And someday, I promise you, you won't feel it anymore. Until then, don't be afraid to let others take the weight sometimes, all right? You're speaking a lot of full sentences for someone who claims not to like talking. Smartass. Always was. Always will be. Sore ass back here. Are we stopping for camp soon? Afternoon.
SPEAKER_02:Need a room?
SPEAKER_00:She was tall. Southern, from what Elizabeth could tell. And the sharp line of her muscular arms beneath her coat certainly didn't go unnoticed. Her clothing was dravara, or some amalgamation of it anyway. But she lacked the scarf, and any indication of rank whatsoever.
SPEAKER_03:Don't think we're staying in town that long. My partner's just chatting with some folks, and we'll be on our way.
SPEAKER_02:Shame.
SPEAKER_03:I'll take a drink, though. Whatever ale you got.
SPEAKER_00:She swiveled in her chair, grabbing a mug from behind her, and quickly filling it before sliding down to where the woman stood.
SPEAKER_02:Travelers,
SPEAKER_03:huh? Something like that, yeah.
SPEAKER_02:Javara?
SPEAKER_03:Not anymore. Well, don't think so, anyway.
SPEAKER_02:Not many come through here for no real reason. Not exactly a popular spot for travelers.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah. Elizabeth frowned. Tugging a rag from her apron to wipe a spot from the counter.
SPEAKER_03:Alright. That's it? We can't be going. Good afternoon.
SPEAKER_02:You're the partner then? I...
SPEAKER_03:um... yes. Was hoping you'd be longer. Wouldn't have come in here if I knew it was so quick. Did you want to stay? Nah, like sleeping out in the woods. Here, for the ale. And the company.
SPEAKER_02:Anytime. Anytime. You two decide you want a room anyway, well, we'll be here. A
SPEAKER_03:good day to you.
SPEAKER_02:Same to you. Safe travels.
SPEAKER_00:Once the door was shut, it returned to the same type of monotony she was used to, until she felt a heavy hand on her shoulder.
SPEAKER_02:Watching me work?
SPEAKER_00:No.
SPEAKER_03:Just overheard you talking.
SPEAKER_02:They seemed nice.
SPEAKER_03:You should go.
UNKNOWN:Huh?
SPEAKER_02:Now? The wagon isn't even packed yet, and I'm still waiting on a few things.
SPEAKER_03:Even early might be for the best.
SPEAKER_02:What? Scared of a few strangers now?
SPEAKER_03:Strangers? No. But bounty hunters. Like those two. I'm scared of what trouble they bring with them.
SPEAKER_02:You don't know they're bounty hunters?
SPEAKER_03:I do. And I know it's time you got to move on. How much did you know? Huh? Back when we were with the Dravara, I mean. Did you know what she was doing? Not everything, no. I still don't. I was just curious. You think I just- It was just a question, Daniel. That's all. If you think I just let her- He's supposed to be getting supplies from the town back there, right? Right. Maybe he's... hunting? Face it all. Relax, it could be entirely unrelated. Give me your hat. My what? What happened? You're after us. Where are you hit? Side. Is that a crossbow bolt? The hat. Give it. You're coming. Get him on the horse. I can't lift him. Give me the hat. Why? I think it's you. Get him up. We need to get out of here. I can't ride far like this. Tupac, we aren't about to leave you behind.
SPEAKER_00:Wrestling him into the saddle was none too easy. Aurora climbed up behind him. Whatever you do, don't take it out.
SPEAKER_03:Just leave it there? He'll bleed to death if you don't. And if he hit anything vital...
SPEAKER_00:Sorry. Who's that? Go! Go!
SPEAKER_03:Get out of here! Right now! The hat wasn't that bad of an idea. Give it here! None of you will move! or the next shot won't miss.
SPEAKER_00:Out of the trees, out of the shadows, he was there then, trailed by a second figure and two horses. Miss,
SPEAKER_03:oh, were you aiming to maim him further? Got to say, you did a wonderful job already. Aurora, shut up. Down from the horse. And to think we just got him up here. He can stay. You, get down.
SPEAKER_00:From his left, the second came forward, a tall woman wielding a gun. Far more practical than the miniature crossbow the first carried.
SPEAKER_03:Whoever you are, we don't want any trouble. Wait. I know you. Yes, Norton. If you're both quite finished, not sure this is the best time for a reunion. He's our guide. He has nothing to do with this. He is not part of the job, so he will go. You'd think being affiliated would be enough, no? We can't move slow enough to bring him with us. Not wounded. So you'll leave him to die? My name is Zane Crossvale. And by order of the Javara, you two are... How wonderful. We get a whole speech while he bleeds to death. Stop. You two are wanted men. You know that, yes? Yes, we know. If you come quietly, your friend may go. Go where? He's... There is a town nearby. No one will die here. Please, come. Silas. Go. Go with them.
UNKNOWN:Silas.
SPEAKER_00:I'll be fine. Daniel went quietly, and Aurora watched the careful motions of the bounty hunter as he shackled the man's wrist. He stared, waiting, until they locked close, and Aurora was left with the realization that he was next. Your arms. He couldn't go back.
SPEAKER_03:Aurora, don't!
SPEAKER_00:The knife struck before he did. Camp was delightfully busy, but despite the crowd that rushed around between tasks and tent, Elizabeth still hadn't seen her. Any of them, for that matter.
SPEAKER_02:Easy boy.
UNKNOWN:Whoa.
SPEAKER_00:She pulled back on the reins, bringing the wagon, finally, to a halt. Climbing down wasn't entirely easy on her own, but having that chair placed just below made her descent from the wagon far faster.
SPEAKER_02:You seen... Elizabeth! Didn't
SPEAKER_03:know you were coming so
SPEAKER_00:soon. Spotting them was no trouble, certainly not with how their voice carried, and how the smile shined from their face.
SPEAKER_02:They
SPEAKER_00:stopped a few steps away, arms crossed in front of their chest.
SPEAKER_03:Thought you were supposed to be the second wave, though. But plans change, eh?
SPEAKER_02:She moved
SPEAKER_00:swiftly, almost like her feet never really touched the ground for more than a fraction of a second at any time. A familiar ache swelled in Elizabeth's chest, tugging a grin to her lips.
SPEAKER_02:Don't tell me you missed me.
SPEAKER_03:Wouldn't have to miss you if you just stayed a while.
SPEAKER_02:I am sorry to say, but I am pretty sought after back home, too. I can't leave Jackson all on his lonesome.
SPEAKER_00:Josephine pressed a kiss to her head, one hand cradling behind her neck.
SPEAKER_03:We're glad you made it safe. Not to cut in, but you're not due for another day or so.
SPEAKER_02:Plan's changed, like you said. We had some company at the inn, and, uh, well, figured I'd get an early start. Trouble? Don't think so. Nothing too bad, but, uh, didn't want to risk it. Surprised my brother isn't, uh, standing in for your shadow like he usually is.
SPEAKER_03:Allie, you haven't seen him. Was planning on asking you.
SPEAKER_02:What do you mean? He's not here?
SPEAKER_03:You're the first.
SPEAKER_02:They never made it.
SPEAKER_00:He dreamed of the place often. They weren't dreams of the dravara, or of how heavy an issued pistol felt in his hand, how clumsy his fingers had always felt on a trigger that was never his to pull. They weren't dreams of his room, or the wall he slept by where the wood always cracked and let the air seep inside. They weren't dreams of any of the men themselves, No ranks and no patrolmen, no horses and no new recruits rushing around blindly for something meaningful. Simply, they were dreams of the rift. They were dreams of pained screeches, blood, scattered snow, and the crackle of ice beneath his boots. They were dreams of their camp, sharp claws against skin and the rage-filled snarls that never managed to fully leave his ears. They were dreams of a heartbroken wail, a cry that came across the loss of one's love, and of hides painted for war they never had any chance of winning. There were dreams where it was just him and the massive expanse, The chasm that stood between him and what horrors lay on the other side. There were dreams of the snow, the lack of anything beyond the whiteness and the cold. He could see nothing, not the trees, or the stretch of the keep that peeked out over them far beyond. It was simply there, grand and silent. Other times he found himself in the very same place, always the same side and looking out where the horrors lay. The rift itself would groan, waters rushing below exploding up into the sky, swirling into the heavens, and there they joined the lights, the rivers combining in an arc above his head. They would fade then, dripping back to the snow, only to disappear the moment they descended. He would stare at the bridge, watch it sway, and then finally fall, crumbling down and shattering far below. All of the world would heave. The ground would quake, and the skies would bleed as stained snow from fumbling clouds. Finally, the rift would lash out. It would drag him by the ankles, the wrists, the throat. But he would not fight. It would swallow him up, leaving nothing behind. And then, he'd wake up. A little further. The sky itself felt heavy on his back. The air littered with iron and choking him with an invisible smog. The tingling in his fingertips was something too wrongly familiar for him to think about. Things hurt, burning like a fire that even when doused, never fully went out. The creek was difficult to navigate to, and his knife was difficult to reach, awkward, and even heavier in his hand than any pistol had ever been. The blade glinted as he moved to slice away the cloth of his shirt. It was in tatters already, but cutting it off was more of a task than he anticipated.
SPEAKER_03:His
SPEAKER_00:chest was smeared with it. dried veins of crimson melding with fresh trickles that slipped down over his ribs. The blade was against his skin, but the handle was slippery. slicked with blood and sweat from his quivering hands. He lunged for it, fingers grasping at thin air as he collapsed onto his belly and was left still swatting at the shallow creek.
SPEAKER_01:Please.
SPEAKER_03:Ali! Where are you? Alicao!