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* Marten is looking in a mirror, razor in his hand, shaving. He shaves his face clean, then concentrates on cutting his hair, then shaving his head to boot.
* Marten reaches for a towel, hanging over a chair in his room. He wipes the stray hair from his face, and dips a washcloth in a bowl of water on his bedside table. * Marten wipes his face clean, then looks in the mirror a final time before packing it back in one of his bags. <Zoya> ::When he turns around again, Zoya is standing in the doorway, watching him solemnly.:: * Marten starts suddenly at Zoya's appearance, and reaches slowly for a shirt draped over the trunk at the foot of his bed. "Hello there, love. Looking for something?" * Zoya 's face is almost a mask. "Marten. I must have the truth." She meets his gaze without even a hint of smile. "Do you understand me? The precise and complete truth." * Marten pulls the shirt over his head, and looks confused. "Of course. I've promised you..." He stops, realizing there's something else. "What is it?" <Zoya> What do you remember about your trip to Suzail? Everything, Marten. <Zoya> ::Her eyes have faded to the palest silver, and her stance in his doorway is stiff and uncompromising.:: <Marten> ::Marten puts down the towel he was using to dry his hands:: Other than what I told you? Not much. I set off for Suzail, and arrived in the city. I went to the marketplace, asking questions about my brothers, and got nowhere. I went back to the inn I was staying in, and slept. <Marten> I woke up three days later. The only difference from when I went to sleep and when I awoke was that there was a bag of gold pieces on my bedside table. <Zoya> ::she frowns almost imperceptibly:: That is the truth? How did you know how much time had passed? <Zoya> You didn't wonder about the gold? ::The frown deepens.:: *ALL* of it, Marten. * Marten nods, slowly. "It's the truth. I knew how many days had passed when I went down to the kitchen of the inn for breakfast. The keep asked if I'd be checking out soon, or if I'd need the room for another few days. I was confused, and so... * Marten stops, and gets quiet for a few seconds. <Marten> You suspect something of me, don't you? * Zoya sighs, and her stance relaxes a hair. "The gold didn't appear from thin air, Marten. Nor did the time disappear. I've been making some inquiries." * Marten frowns. "Inquiries? Behind my back, without asking me first? What kind of inquiries?" <Zoya> ::her eyebrows raise:: I wasn't aware I needed your permission. Please, Marten, answer the question, and then I will tell you all that I know. * Marten looks at Zoya cautiously. "Did I wonder about the gold? Yes. But..." * Marten stops again, looking at the floor. * Zoya waits impassively. * Marten mumbles quietly. "I've stopped trying to figure out where the time goes, Zoya. Sometimes there's something left behind. Clothes out of place, things missing... gold. I tried to figure it out for awhile, but kept coming up empty. I just accept it. This time, I thought I'd turn the gold into something for you, since you've been so wonderful and have meant so much to me." * Zoya softens a bit more. She takes a few steps forward, stopping in front of him. "Look at me, Marten." Her voice is calmer, less implacable now. * Marten looks up at Zoya, slowly, having a hard time meeting her eyes. * Zoya waits calmly until he finally meets her gaze. "Swear to me this is the truth, Marten. I... regret the necessity, but it is imperative." * Marten looks at Zoya, seeming to relax when she asks for his promise. "I swear it's so, Zoya. I cannot ... could never lie to you." * Zoya closes her eyes for a moment, and when she opens them again they have darkened to their usual storm-cloud grey. She lifts her hands and places them, trembling gently, on the sides of Marten's face. "I am sorry, love. The possibilities..." She closes her eyes again, this time in seeming sorrow. * Marten seems to shake his nervousness and fear, and pulls Zoya close to him. "What is it, love? What have I done?" <Zoya> ::She takes his hand and pulls him down with her, to sit on the edge of the bed. She pauses a moment, considering how to begin.:: * Marten sits, looking worriedly at Zoya. <Zoya> You... Before you lost your memory, Marten, you were an assassin as well as a teacher. ::she looks away, out the window:: What... If you were offered an assassination job now, what would you do? ::she glances back at him:: Truthfully. * Marten looks at Zoya, surprised. "Truthfully? For a moment, I'd consider accepting it. There's a certain excitement, exhilaration in the hunt and the chase, and a part of me misses that. But, that moment would be both short and fleeting." He pauses, and frowns. "I'd turn it down. I'm past that part of my life. When I first arrived, things might have been different, but now..." He smiles. "I have a reason to avoid anything that would threaten taking me from you, love." <Zoya> ::She sighs, and takes his hand in hers.:: The week that you were in Suzail, Marten, there were a number of... unusual and convenient deaths." She meets his gaze worriedly. * Marten frowns. "And you suspected that..." He lets the sentence die in the air, the accusation remaining unspoken. <Marten> How many of the deaths were at the hands of an assassin? <Zoya> I... Could not take the chance of ignoring the possibility. ::She closes her eyes:: I'm sorry, Marten. <Zoya> ::A short, almost bitter laugh escapes her throat:: Would a skilled assassin allow his work to be recognized as such? The deaths seem natural, or the work of footpads... But there are too many of them, Marten. Suzail, for its size, is not a cutthroat city. * Marten places a hand on Zoya's shoulder. "I don't blame you, love. If our roles were reversed, I don't know that I wouldn't think the same. I'd like to think I wouldn't, but when faced with reality... I understand. I'm glad you came to me, instead of someone else." * Marten smiles. "An assassin wouldn't be known, of course. But, they don't kill indiscriminately, either. There would have to be a motive, a gain of some sort for someone, either rich or powerful. Or some sort of revenge." <Zoya> ::She looks back up at him, smiling sadly:: Marten... There's still the possibility that you... ::she raises a hand to touch the side of his head:: That whatever is up here that you can't get to - is doing it. * Marten places his hand over hers, holding it to the side of his head. He looks at her seriously, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Do you think there's a chance of that, love? Be honest; keeping my eyes covered won't help either of us." <Zoya> ::she shrugs:: I have what information can be had on the deaths. None of those who died were poor, or without enemies. Two were certainly prime candidates for assassination. * Marten nods, and frowns slightly. "Then you were wise to ask. I cannot fault you for that. Still, I didn't murder..." He laughs nervously. "You're right again. I can't say that I didn't, can I?" <Zoya> ::she meets his gaze:: Yes, I think there's a chance. There's something... dark in it. I don't think it's *evil*, but... ::she sighs:: * Zoya frowns and takes his shoulders in her hands as if she were about to shake him. "No, Marten. You didn't murder those people. Even if that... Even if this body committed the acts and that other soul stole your skills, *you* did not do it." She is very intent. <Marten> Then what, Zoya? How can we... I don't want this hanging over me, or the thoughts hanging over you. How can you trust me if I can become someone else without warning? <Zoya> ::She relaxes a bit and touches the side of his face tenderly:: I've already seen it, Marten. I have nothing to fear from this... other person. But the others... ::she sighs and trails off, thinking:: * Marten frowns. "What others?" * Zoya smiles and waves a hand toward the window. "Any others you must meet, Marten. Glossaria, Lisl, Jaret, Michelle... The baker down the street and the beggar on the corner. We can't protect anyone if we don't know what it *wants*. <Marten> ::in almost a whisper:: Do we know what it *is*? * Zoya shakes her head slowly. "I can make some guesses, based on what little we've uncovered, but I can't know for sure without..." She shrugs. * Marten puts a hand on Zoya's shoulder, as if to steady himself. "Without what, love? Tell me." <Zoya> ::She continues only reluctantly:: ...without magic. * Marten smiles reluctantly. "I thought you might mention that. What did you have in mind?" <Zoya> ::She shoots him a look as if to assess his seriousness:: I can... I can put you in a trance deep enough for you to drift past the barriers in your mind, and light enough for you to still talk to me. From there, you might be able to remember things you have forgotten. Or you could... go to sleep, and I might be able to convince this *other* to speak to me. <Zoya> ::frowning:: There are more strenuous approaches if that fails, of course. But that would be the easiest, and safest. * Marten frowns. "A trance. I've seen something similar done, to erase thoughts, but not to bring them back. Is it safe?" * Zoya starts to answer, stops and thinks a moment, then shrugs. "No less safe than going to sleep at night." <Marten> ::nods:: I understand that it's safe for me, love. Is it safe for you? <Zoya> For me? I'll probably surge casting the spell, but the surges so far have been fairly benign. Once the spell is cast, I won't be doing anything more strenuous than talking. <Marten> Magical effects aside. We don't know anything about this other... person... in my head, if he exists. If you try to draw him out, and he decides that his best route to safety would be to go through you... I don't know if I like that thought. <Zoya> You're worried that he might try to kill me? The Tower won't let anything harm me. * Marten looks dubious. "Anything magical, or anything at all?" * Marten frowns, having another thought. "And, love, what if he decides to wait. If he's the cause of my missing memories, he must be pushing my conscious mind aside to do his will. He could wait, and then make his move when you leave the Tower." <Zoya> I haven't tested the limits of its protection, but I believe the protection extends to the physical. <Zoya> We can't let this fear paralyze us, Marten. If he wanted me dead, he could've handled it pretty easily Monday night while we were sailing, don't you think? <Marten> ::shakes his head:: Yes, he could have. But, you may not register as a threat to him yet, Zoya. Do we need to get his attention this way? * Marten sighs, and looks desperately at Zoya. "Do you mind if I have something to drink, love?" * Zoya turns so she can lean back against the headboard and her eyes roll up slightly as she considers alternatives. "Hm? Go ahead. Get me something too, if you don't mind." Her brow furrows in thought. * Marten summons the Blue Light Help, and the shimmering light appears. "Two Sembian brandies. One for me, and one for milady, if you please." * Marten watches as the lights dissipate, as if a breeze scattered it across the room. * Marten shivers, and the serving lights reappear. A glass of Sembian brandy seems to coalesce from the light, which Marten takes before the light drifts over to Zoya and repeats the same ritual. <Zoya> ::sighs and absently takes the glass of brandy:: I can't think of another way to pin down what he is, what his motives are... * Marten takes a long sip of brandy, and leans back in his chair, thinking. He responds quietly. "I... I don't know either, Zoya. Maybe I'm just overreacting. I just don't want to lose you again." * Zoya looks at Marten sharply. "Again?" * Marten looks up at Zoya. "What?" <Zoya> You said you didn't want to lose me *again*. <Marten> Did I? I don't think I did. <Zoya> ::carefully setting down her brandy:: Yes, Marten, you did. And then there was... ::she sighs:: I'd *really* like to trance you, Marten... If you like, I'll promise not to try to talk to this Other, and make sure you can remember everything when you wake up, but I'd really... <Zoya> ::she stops and sighs:: I'm sorry. I know how you feel about magic. I won't press. * Marten looks at his glass of brandy, and swirls it around absentmindedly. After a few moments, he looks at Zoya. "Did I actually say, 'again'?" * Zoya nods emphatically. "Yes." * Marten returns to looking at his brandy, swirling in his glass. Without looking at Zoya... "If you think you'll learn something, love... You know I trust you." * Marten takes another long drink from his glass, then sets his brandy down. "What do I need to do?" * Zoya leans forward and touches his face gently. "You are amazing, Marten." She kisses him lightly, then stands up. "Just lie down, and try to relax. * Marten stands, and looks around the room. "Here? Will this work?" <Zoya> ::shrugging:: Is there another place you'd be more comfortable? We can do this in any quiet spot. * Marten smiles. "Comfortable? No, there's not really anywhere I'd be comfortable, dear. I just didn't know if you needed somewhere specific." <Zoya> ::shakes her head:: No; anywhere is fine. * Marten laughs, and shakes his head. "I finally get you to ask me to bed, and it's to pick my mind." He walks over to a couch, and lays down. <Zoya> ::eyes widening in mock innocence:: Had you been trying? <Zoya> ::She laughs:: <Marten> ::shakes his head, a wry grin spreading across his face:: Not at all, love. * Zoya chuckles and touches his face once again. "Are you comfortable?" * Marten tries to smile. "As comfortable as I'm going to get." <Zoya> All right. ::she takes his hand:: Close your eyes, and try to relax. Take a deep breath... Hold it... Let it out... Feel yourself sinking deeper into the couch... * Marten does as Zoya instructs, and starts to feel himself slipping into semi-consciousness. <Zoya> ::As she continues, her voice becomes deeper and resonant, seeming to echo through his mind. After a few minutes, he feels a slight tingling over his body, but there's no way to tell if it's magic or simply the body going to sleep.:: * Marten tries to keep his eyes open, to listen to Zoya's voice, but his eyes start drooping until they fall closed. * Zoya pauses, and when Marten seems disinclined to reawaken, she silently mouths the words to the spell that will sustain and enhance the hypnotic state. When she is done, she lets go of Marten's hand and carefully lays it at his side. "Marten? Can you hear me?" * Marten remains silent, his chest rising and falling with each deep, relaxed breath. <Zoya> ::slightly louder:: Marten? * Marten doesn't answer Zoya's questions, but his eyes seem to dart wildly underneath his closed lids. * Zoya frowns, considering. "Who can hear me? Answer with your name." * Marten quietly answers back. "Insistent, aren't we. Perhaps you could introduce yourself first." Marten's voice answers, but it somehow sounds... older, colder. More removed from the situation at hand than Marten has ever been. Perhaps even more confident. * Zoya 's eyes narrow slightly, and a barely whispered word and sharp gesture increase her own magical protections. When she answers aloud, her voice remains resonant and calm. "If you wish. I am Zoya, chaos mage and priestess. And you?" * Marten nods almost imperceptibly. "Masato will do for now. What do you want." <Zoya> I want to ask questions. Will you answer my questions? <Marten> As long as it suits me, Zoya. <Zoya> Fair enough. What did you do with Marten? * Marten chuckles. "I didn't do anything with him. He's just... quiet for now. He speaks when I want him to." <Zoya> I see. Which of you had control of this body first? <Marten> He did, of course. Haven't you figured that much out yet? <Zoya> I assumed that was the case, but I'm sure you understand the difference between assuming and knowing. <Marten> I do. And, it seems he's quite fond of you. <Zoya> ::She doesn't answer this:: Why did you take him over, then? Who were you, before? <Marten> I am who I am, who I've always been. Masato. That should be enough for you. <Zoya> But it isn't. I'm certain you took control of this body for a reason. I'd like to know what it is. <Marten> The opportunity presented itself. There are things I need to do, things I need to stop. This was the easiest way to do it. <Zoya> What things, Masato? <Marten> Personal things. You enjoy looking places you have no need to look, don't you? <Zoya> Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. What things? * Marten remains silent. <Zoya> ::shrugs:: All right. There's plenty of time. Why are you killing innocent people, then? <Marten> No one is innocent. We just vary in our degrees of guilt. <Zoya> A valid point. But why *these* people, Masato? <Zoya> Who else is on your list? <Marten> Why these people? As opposed to what? Some other people? No one at all? Why *not* these people? * Zoya looks down at Marten for a long few moments, memorizing the way Masato holds his face, and thinking. * Marten frowns slightly. "Are you done with me now, Zoya?" <Zoya> No. Would you like to tell me who Akiyata is? * Marten stops breathing for a few moments, and his face twists into a ball of anger. "You will not speak that name again." <Zoya> Won't I? Why not? ::her voice hardens into something implacable:: Who is Akiyata? <Marten> ::without warning, a magical ward erupts around Marten. Cursory examination reveals it is quite impenetrable:: You will not speak of her again, or you will never speak *to* him, again. Do I make myself clear? * Zoya considers the ward with interest, but not fear. Her eyes drain to silver, and her face becomes a mask. "I will not be threatened, Masato. I stand protector to any number of people, and Marten is only one of them. You are gravely mistaken if you think my feelings for him will result in the least hesitation in carrying out what I consider to be my duty." <Marten> You can choose your path, girl. Consider carefully before you do. <Zoya> I am always careful. But out of curiosity, what choices do *you* see before me? <Marten> Just one: do not interfere with me. When I am done with him you may have him. <Zoya> I see. And his missing memories? Is that your doing, or were they walled away when you... moved in? <Marten> ::Marten smiles:: I needed the room. <Zoya> Did you? For what? <Marten> For me, naturally. Were you attached to them? <Zoya> They'd be useful. When you're gone, will he have them back? * Marten is silent for a few moments. "Some of them." <Zoya> What will be missing? * Marten rolls his eyes under his lids. "I don't care. I don't know what was there before, so I really never bothered to check. Do you want anything else, or are you just worried about his damn memories?" <Zoya> I want any number of things, Masato. You don't seem inclined to help with most of them, however. Are you sure you wouldn't like to tell me what your real goals are? <Marten> I'm quite sure. There's really only one thing I want. The rest is just icing on the cake, as it were. <Zoya> Yes? And what's that? <Marten> You, of course. * Zoya only blinks. "To what end?" <Marten> To what end? He hasn't told you his feelings, yet? Surely, he has. Why wouldn't he? <Zoya> I know what *Marten's* feelings are, Masato. I'm not inquiring into *his* motives. <Marten> Not him. He must not have told you. ::he stops, and frowns:: Then he has not told you. He must know your feelings for me would never allow you to forget. He must be waiting until he sends me away. <Zoya> ::eyes narrowing:: Who, then? <Marten> He will be surprised, then. Very surprised when I stop him from taking you. I let him take you once, only to save you. He will not... WILL NOT do it again. <Zoya> I will not be discussed like an object to be coveted! ::Her voice is outraged, but her face is still unnaturally calm, and her eyes narrowed:: <Marten> Still, I have to get to him. He is well protected, and I am alone. Suzail is a large city, and... * Marten begins mumbling quietly... * Zoya leans in very slightly to listen. * Marten starts speaking in tongues unheard by Zoya, but which sound quite a bit like the recitations Glossaria gave her of Marten's last fever dream. As he continues, he gets quieter, and the mumblings more spaced. * Zoya moves her hands in a quick complicated rhythm, and a bright purple light bursts into being and begins bouncing around the room as she casts the spell to understand languages... <Marten> ::as Masato's mumblings wane, Zoya casts the spell just in time to catch the last bit - "The King will be stopped. I swear it...":: * Zoya waits a moment to see if anything else if forthcoming. <Zoya> ::A moment later, she shrugs and lets the spell drop.:: How'd you get that ward up without moving or speaking? * Marten doesn't respond, and breathes quietly and deeply, as if sleeping. <Zoya> ::Considers:: Masato? * Marten doesn't stir one bit, and continues his deep rest. <Zoya> ::sighs:: Marten? * Marten opens his eyes slightly, and turns his head toward Zoya's voice. "Have we started yet?" <Zoya> Yes, Marten. I need you to close your eyes again for just a moment... <Marten> ::Marten nods:: I'm sorry. ::he closes his eyes:: I hope you don't have to start over. * Zoya examines her spell and curses softly. "Never mind, Marten. I think I'm done. Sit up slowly, you might be a little dizzy." * Marten opens his eyes, and looks at Zoya. "Done? I don't remember you beginning. Did I cause your spell to fail, waking up?" * Zoya watches him from behind a mask of implacability as he recovers. <Zoya> I don't think that's what caused it to fail. It's not your fault. Would you like some water? * Marten slowly sits up, holding a hand to his head. "Yes, some water would be lovely. Is my head supposed to hurt?" <Zoya> ::Still cool and masked, Zoya summons the Staff and sends them to fetch water.:: No, it shouldn't hurt. How bad is it? * Marten frowns. "A dull throbbing, over at my left temple. Should I be concerned?" <Zoya> I don't think so. It should fade in a few minutes. ::The Staff returns, and Zoya hands Marten a glass of water.:: * Marten takes the glass, and catches Zoya's eyes. He stops, holding the glass where he took it. "What's wrong, Zoya?" * Zoya smiles slightly. "It's a protective mechanism, Marten. Don't be alarmed. When I'm sure you're all right, I'll take it down." * Marten looks puzzled. "Protective mechanism? Why wouldn't I be..." He suddenly realizes what she's avoiding having to say. "What did you learn?" <Zoya> ::calmly:: Please relax, Marten. Just drink your water. I promise, I'll tell you everything." * Marten drinks some of his water, and sits uneasily. He stands, and walks to the other side of the room. * Zoya watches him carefully. "Are you all right? How's the headache?" <Marten> ::drinks a bit more water:: Still there, but slowly waning. <Zoya> Good. ::She moves over toward him and touches his throat, then his forehead, examining him for lingering ill-effects with almost clinical detachment.:: <Marten> ::as Zoya examines him, Marten looks uneasy, and watches Zoya closely:: <Zoya> ::After a moment, she nods.:: You'll be fine. ::Carefully, she backs up and sits on the edge of the bed. She meets Marten's gaze, then closes her eyes and slowly opens them again.:: <Zoya> ::When her eyes re-open, they are dark again, but her face suddenly drains of blood, and she begins shuddering with reaction. She pulls her knees up to her chest and wraps her arms around them, ducking her head to rest against them. In very short order, she's obviously sobbing.:: * Marten stands immediately, and moves like a dart to Zoya's side, putting an arm around her, and pulling her towards him. "We'll make it through this *together*, remember?" <Zoya> ::gasping, she leans into him and wraps her arms around him:: Oh, gods, Marten... * Marten starts to slowly rock Zoya, from side to side. "Shhh. Quiet, love. It will be okay." * Zoya allows herself the luxury of being comforted for several minutes, then pulls herself together and sits up straight. She looks Marten in the eye, her own eyes still dropping occasional tears. "Marten... I won't lie to you. It could kill you, to get rid of him." * Marten loosens his grip on Zoya, and his hands fall to his side. "So. There is a 'him' after all?" <Zoya> ::She nods, and then slowly and carefully fills him in on what happened.:: <Zoya> [Thank the gods for eidetic memories... ;) ] <Marten> ::as Zoya fills in the blanks, Marten's face gets hard and dark, as if a storm cloud were passing over it. After she finishes, he speaks:: "What now, then? How do I allow... How do I..." Marten just stops, and looks at Zoya, paralyzed with the realization that he is not in control of his body or mind. * Zoya reaches out and rests a hand on Marten's shoulder. "You continue on as you have been, love, except you are not alone, even for a moment." Her face is serious, but not overly so. * Marten grabs hold of Zoya's hand, as if it were his only anchor to the world. "I don't... I will never be alone again, it seems. I wonder..." <Zoya> ::she raises an eyebrow questioningly:: * Marten looks at Zoya. "Is this what Moon Dancer felt like? Never alone, and wondering when someone ... something else would take over his body, and he'd lose control?" * Zoya considers for a few moments. "I don't know, but... perhaps." * Marten looks around the room, and then at Zoya. "Is there somewhere we can go, outside? Where's the closest balcony?" <Zoya> There's one off my suite. ::She stands and leads him across the hall and into her rooms. Just off the sitting room, hidden by a small wall-hanging, is a doorway to a balcony. He feels a slight tingle as he crosses the threshold. The view faces away from the city, into the forests beyond the walls.:: * Marten follows, and walks out onto the balcony. He looks up, staring at the stars, then collapses against the wall, sliding down it until he's sitting on the floor. * Zoya sits next to him, resting one hand on his arm. She looks slightly uncomfortable. "Marten... The amulet I gave you, so you could move freely about the Tower? I think I must ask for it back for the time being." She looks unhappy. * Marten sits, staring at the stars, the moonlight reflecting off tears running down his face. He takes the amulet off slowly, and hands it to Zoya. "I expected as much. I'll pack my things tomorrow morning, and find a room at the Hall." <Zoya> ::She tucks the amulet into her robe:: No! Marten, at the Hall... ::She bites her lip:: I think it would be safest - for you, and for everyone else - if you stayed here. <Marten> ::without turning his head, he answers her quietly:: Do you? It's what I was afraid of, Zoya. Fear. Of me, and of what's inside me. I don't know if I can stay here, if you're afraid of me. * Zoya reaches over and turns Marten's face to hers. "I'm not afraid of you, Marten." * Marten looks at Zoya, surprised, then at the amulet he just gave her. "Aren't you? It's exactly what I didn't want to happen. You're afraid of the other man inside my head..." <Zoya> ::she shakes her head:: I'm not afraid of him, either. ::she smiles:: He worries me, true, but now that I know more about what he is and what he's capable of... ::she smiles:: I'm not afraid. Just wary. <Marten> :shaking his head:: What's the difference? It won't change how you look at me. ::he stands, and heads back inside, through Zoya's room and back to the study:: <Zoya> ::Zoya catches his arm:: What do you mean, how I look at you? <Marten> ::he turns, tears filling his eyes:: The look of suspicion. The wondering, the questioning Zoya. If you trust me so much... ::again, he looks at the amulet in Zoya's hand:: <Zoya> Damn it, Marten, I'm trying to keep him from taking you away from me! <Zoya> He can't keep you locked away all the time. He gets tired - I just *saw* that. If you stay here, stay with me, the Tower can keep him from taking over and walking you out the door! <Marten> ::tears begin to flow down his cheeks, and his voice falters:: By pushing me away?!? ::again, he starts for the study, taking wide strides:: <Marten> So, you suggest I become a prisoner here, then? Not trusted in your home, but not allowed to leave? * Zoya catches up to him as he crosses the threshold and takes his arm again. Angrily, she says, "Damn it, I'm doing the best I can on short notice! What would you have of me, Marten?" Tears raise in her eyes. "*HE* cannot be trusted alone. I cannot allow it. If you insist on moving into the Hall, then I will have to re-ward that place as well." The tears spill over and her look becomes pleading. <Zoya> ::whispers:: I love you... ::her eyes search his:: <Marten> What do you want of *me*, Zoya? I cannot get him out of my head, and you don't trust him. But, he's a part of me I can't control. You can't trust me because I can't trust me, either. If I could force him out... but I can't... <Marten> I... I love you, dear. More than you know. That... that's why this hurts so much. Without trust, what do we have left? <Zoya> You made me promise, Marten - *together*. ::She searches his eyes again:: I promised, Marten. On my oath to Erdian, I promised not to leave you until this was finished. Please. We will find a way to destroy him. Together. * Marten looks past Zoya, at the night sky, and works his jaw as if gnawing his teeth. <Marten> ::looks at Zoya, jaw set:: I don't know if I can stay here tonight, Zoya. You've given me more than I can deal with. ::he takes her hands, then lifts one hand to put it on her cheek, wiping the tears away:: I will be back, love. I promise. * Zoya turns away, raising her hands to her face. "Go then, if you can't believe in my love. I won't stop you." Crying, she walks back out onto the balcony. * Marten watches Zoya walk to the balcony, eyes welling with tears. He takes a step toward the balcony, then stops. He puts his hand where the amulet used to hang under his shirt, and wipes away a tear. He turns, and heads back to his room quietly. |
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