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[ Desperate times call for desperate measures; would travels fast around Caer Scima that Reynard may or may not take to the field in Maupertius.

There's no way she's good enough to hold off forces in battle, she's too small. Not another should have to defend her this time, they won't be there forever. And it's simply not fair. It took well over ten years to accept that it was not her fault for the fire, but now, of course, she has plenty of lingering guilt for the past battles. So Alice returns, making sure that the elven sword is still at her side, just in case. She's always with the vorpal blade. Once she gets to the shrine she made, Alice stops, glancing around. ]

I think I may need your help.

[ It feels silly to ask for help, at a shrine, when Alice was far from religious or spiritual. She wrote those things off years ago in bitterness. ]

[ He isn't expecting a call so soon after speaking to her in the library, but he answers immediately. The Drowned Crown is on his head again, and the Outsider offers her his hand when he appears, in case she would like to take it.

It seems like a thing that people do, though he's aware that she's not terribly tactile with other people. ]

What is it, my dear?

[ It's a large risk Alice is willing to entertain going off to Maupertius to see if Reynard did show up again. It wasn't long ago that she promised she'd keep an eye out for him. She hasn't forgiven what happened so easily. She'll give her hand out, as strange as it still is. ]

I am sorry if I disturbed you, Outsider, but I must ask you a favor, if you allow me to.

You have not.

[ He squeezes her hand slightly; enough to show comfort, not to confine, and his grip is lax a moment later. ]

And of course. There is no harm in asking.

[ Not this time, at least. ]

[ That's a little... strange. Alice doesn't comment on it, because it's already awkward enough. ]

There's another battle in Maupertius and word has it Reynard the Fox may appear there, but nothing is for certain. I'm not strong enough, I'm terrible with a sword and I only have my knife.

[ The level of Alice's insecurity spills out, as she continues on. She doesn't mean to, but she's kept it to herself for weeks. ]

I've seen my friends injured and others killed. And the most I can do is make paper cuts, nothing else. I've only survived by luck alone and by the vigilance of others. I should hold my own better and I can't.

[ 'Strange' is to be expected, really. The Outsider is a bit surprised by all of his, however; his eyes widen slightly and he blinks once, then shifts enough that he's closer to her level. ]

There is more to strength than what can be found in your arm, my dear. It is strength of personality that has drawn us together, not any ability you may or may not have with a blade.

[ It has been a long, long time since someone has actively confessed to him and expected him to answer; a long time since has been before someone saying such things. He has watched tears being shed, watching dreams in the grip of nightmares, seen doubt and grief pass over faces. This is... different. ]

Are you planning on joining the battle?

[ And yet that still doesn't seem enough for her. She'll always be that miserable mental patient with nothing but her madness. It's what she feels, when the urges of her mother to come back and help them ring in her mind after these years. She frowns when she's a loss for words. ]

I was.

[ That frown grows into a grimace. ]

If that were true, then that idiot wouldn't have used himself as a shield. I won't forgive myself for that. Or not being able to do more when my friends were tossed around in Redgate.

It does become far more relevant when you place yourself in situations where it will be required, yes.

[ If the quest is to kill a dragon, well. You're going to have to try and kill the dragon. ]

[ she's shaking her head. She shouldn't be surprised to hear this and really, it is the nature of each tasks, but Alice feels more and more like a burden than she should. ]

It's still unacceptable. If I am asked to help, then I should help.

Have you been asked?

[ He wonders how truly important that first gift was to her. ]

Miss Grell and Sir Lancelot have asked me the two times before in which I helped them with Regate and Reynard.

[ She hates liars and refuses to lie. She wants to do something before anyone does anything stupid. Clearly, the logical conclusion would be to do something stupid. ]

I come of my own volition this time. Just as I did to try and convince Mr. Celegorm to not go further.

Loyalty is a rare trait, where I am from. Especially when it is among equals.

[ He says this slowly, as if he is coming to a conclusion. ]

I will offer you a gift once again, my dear, and a charm. I would advise that you keep the charm close, as I will also be coming with you.

Loyalty in general is a rare thing and I believe in repaying the favor.

[ She's sure she would be dead if it weren't for Berserker, Celegorm, and Korra. Her heart aches just thinking about it. But this? She looks genuinely surprised when he tells her he'll be going with her. She was expecting him to be more aloof like the cat. ]

You will?

Yes. Reynard seems to be stirring things up, making a great deal of excitement -- I would rather like to see what the fuss is about.

[ His hand tightens on hers for a moment. Unlike last time, this time she'll feel a faint itching on the back of her hand and see a glow -- there's a Mark this time, one that will last until the world strips her of the powers she's been given. Two, for now, unless she makes or finds runes of her own: Blood Thirsty once more, as well as Vitality.

This time, he also pulls his hand back rather quickly in case she decides to try and stab him for the surprise. ]

[ That took longer than she thought it would initially. Alice now has both of her hands to notice the glow. It dissipates into that stranger mark, almost etching into her pale skin. Suddenly, there's a feeling of dread.

Alice's consciousness asking her what she had done.

She can't forgive herself for sitting there. She had to be carried off and Alice still can't shake the vision of Alyosha falling and Lancelot's injuries. A knot in her stomach unwinds and finally, Alice speaks. ]

I know. And I would like to see him pay for it.

[ His Mark. His, and there's a feeling of satisfaction there, to see it on someone else's skin. His gifts to her will fade, as is their nature in this world, but she is His now. ]

To the battlefield, then.

[ Ah- but first. A bone charm is pulled out, offered to her. ]

This will make all rats fond of you; mine will not seek you out to devour you as long as you carry it.

[ She doesn't ask him about that, as much as she wants to. Maybe another time, when she can understand more of it. What matters is that Alice won't be eating alive by rats. Now that would be a pitiful death. It's placed in one of the pockets in her apron as she twitches her hands to remember that her weapons are still with her. He can come if he likes, Alice isn't expecting him to join in. She saunters on her feet, turning on a heel to seek out a fairy ring. ]

Very well.

CONTACT ;; eachdraidh

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