RP:Eva’s Trials
Summary: Brennia and Daermon are having odd conversations with their other sides and where they derive their power from. Evanescenz cannot sleep and ends up revealing a whole lot more about what the Flewminati and Senatorial Candidate Draft are planning. There is another secret, but it is a very sad day after that. Eva’s press conference went on without a hitch and Brennia was a strong presence next to her in her time of need.
Their Room
This space of the castle is most private and not many get to see it anymore. This section of marble is covered in a thin layer of black onyx stone accented in gold and platinum, but no spare in opulence. Their own double king size bed centered against a wall sitting up a on a platform with a few steps, build out of dark oak and dressed in burgundy bedding and canopy curtains. This room has it’s own fireplace between it and the large washroom and thick curtains to block out the sun from all of the windows including the stained glass balcony door. A couple of elegantly plush love seats, a coffee table, and a wet bar adorn the opposite end of the room.
Daermon had slept soundly, wrapped in the embrace of his bird, his love. But eventually the thoughts of a troubled mind pulled him awake. Rather than wake her, gods knew Bren needed the sleep; he slipped out onto the balcony wearing not a stitch. It was still dark, the sun not having yet risen, but he closed the door firmly to be sure that if he was still out when the sun rose, Brennia would not accidentally cross its deadly path. It was amusing in a sad way, that the sun should so affect Brennia, when it had no effect on the vampire anymore. When he had been newly turned it had been fatal, but with age, comes a certain immunity…not to mention the amount of magic and other etheric things poured through his body. One aspect that had troubled him. He knew what Brennia wanted. He wanted it as well. He hadn’t before, not again, but…he did with her. A life…marriage, children. Yes, the thought made him smile. But it also filled him with terror. They would have to find a way to free him from undeath to even try. Then if they did manage…would the children be alright? Would they be normal? Brennia had Raven inside her and who knew what she would do. Daermon had so much etheric energies twisted into his ancient form that he wasn’t sure either. He’d been the vessel to a god, the right hand of another god, had his soul split from his form, died, rose, and died again. He’d lived a hell of an adventurous life. If he gave up the mantle of a vampire, would his body function properly? Would he be able to give what they both wanted? Would it harm Illyane, his companion for so long? It was then a gentle hand fell onto his shoulder. He turned glacial hues to find the named woman beside him on the balcony. She was wearing her dark elf form, though not nearly as endowed as normal. “I will be as I have always been Daermon,” she says, touching his face. “Your companion. I was here before you became a vampire and will be still if you are not,” she assures. “I have not seen you recently…” he whispers, happy to see her. “No, you have not. I have kept away, or inside. Your love is new again, perhaps fragile. I didn’t want to scare Miss Smyth off by parading about.” she explains. Daermon understood the reasoning. “Come Daer, get dressed, let us take your mind off such dark thoughts.” she tells him, slipping inside the room, her form rippling to be covered by training clothes. He followed, curious, throwing some clothes on as he looked to Bren, still fast asleep. She would be safe with him only a room away. The bond breaking was another fear of his, but it would be worth it if they could have what they wanted, then he would reform it if he was able to reclaim his mantle of the night. He slipped from the room into the forbidden wing’s more open area. Illyane was already prepared. She threw him a wooden practice sword, dropping into his own fighting stance. He dropped into a mirrored one, smiling as their swords met with a clack.
Brennia sleeps peacefully and through Daermon’s worry, but it only because her worry was mirrored in her dream. The more the dreamt about what she wanted the more it changed throughout time and in a peculiar way. Was it Raven? She’s done that once or twice before - invade her dreams, but she didn’t realize it was as often as she actually does. She shifts atop her now empty bed and she doesn’t realize the cold rugged body that usually occupies the space. Looking at herself in her dream she realizes something she’s never seen before… has it always been this way? Liberty blue eyes study the look of her own skin and she cannot believe she’s never noticed before that her skin is without that tattoo ink. Her stomach sinks with that worry and she cannot stop looking at herself and then the twins then back again. Yeah, she has often imagined her life without the burden, but this was different as she didn’t feel the woman’s spirit and how tame she became after she learned of her own past. “Raven?” Her voice was barely a whisper in her dream and that’s when the woman appeared. Tall, porcelain, willowy and midnight wings, Brennia was in awe even if she won’t openly admit it. She always thought the bard was beautiful and she is grateful for her gift… There is silence between them as Raven looks at the dream, “I wondered how long it would take you to notice. I’ve seen it to and no, I don’t know what it means.” Eventually emerald eyes find the children and lips upturn in a smirk right before its wiped away due to Brennia’s accusatory question, “is it because you would mean them harm? Is this a possible future? If so, you should know I would do anything to protect this.” Brennia was pointing at Daermon and the children. Raven sighs, “if there was anything I have set out to do. It was to exact revenge on your father, but he is gone and I now know my purpose for when the time comes.” There was a palpable sadness in the air between them and Brennia couldn’t understand, but the confusion and Raven dissolving in the dream caused Brennia to sit up with a start. She feels for Daermon in her bed next to her and when he isn’t there terror fills their bond while she stands up to search the bathroom or the hidden study for him.
Daermon was in the middle of a defense when he felt the terror from Brennia. That terror distracted him, cost him a good stab and a whack. He held up his free hand with a grunt, indicating a stop. Illyane fought identically as he did, so it was always a pleasant challenge. Along the bond he sent his concern and location to Brennia, feeling to make sure her terror was internal, not external. Illyane of course knew all of what was happening, and waited patiently. She didn’t sweat and neither did Daer, neither being built for it. Illyane took the moment to look about, only briefly letting her eyes linger on the hard form of Daer, he had only opted for pants after all, as normal for training, and her eyes spotted something else. Eva had apparently been drawn to the rhythmic clacks of wood, having found them and been watching in secret. She was also staring at Daer, and Illyane could only smirk, thinking that perhaps Eva’s fear of the man had dissipated. He was so easy on the eyes after all. Daermon sent his thoughts rushing along to Brennia, showing her that he was training, easing his mind a bit, asking if she wanted to join him, or for him to come to her.
Brennia finally made her way out to the hall and once she noticed Eva she pulled her robe tighter before glancing to Illyane. She noticed she wasn’t as voluptuous as she made herself and she wonders if the being did that on Brennia’s account. Pity? Yeah she doesn’t need competition, but she definitely doesn’t need another female pitying her. Maybe Daermon felt the uncertainty, the disgust, but that was quickly dashed away when she set her attention back on Eva. She gives a soft smile to Daermon before quickly sidestepping Illyane in order to reach the human, “hey. Is everything alright?” A hand outstretched to Eva as to pull her out from the hiding spot and Eva easily sinks under the avians wing, “yeah… I just… Need to talk to someone. To you.” Brennia nods once, “of course. Let us retire to your room and I’m all ears.” It was light hearted joke about herself since avians have those ridiculously long and pointed ears. Eva only smirked before asking, “but who is that?” She motions her head behind them to indicate she was asking about Illyane to which Brennia responds, “I think that is a better question for Daermon. Shall he join us?” She asked tentatively and once they reached the door to Eva’s room Brennia looked down the hall at her vampire and motined for him to follow. Once Eva got situated on her bed Brennia occupied the space at the foot of it and faced the young woman and this is when Eva began, “that man, Vermillion,” She cringes at the name, “there is something not right about him. When I applied to work there they asked me some rather odd questions,” she shrugs, “like where my closest relative lives and how often I speak with my parents. How many siblings I have and how close I am with them…” her dulled brown eyes stare down at the hands upon her own lap, “after my first couple of weeks… I found out why the form asked for such peculiar information.” A shaky sigh let out, “they wanted to make sure no one would come looking for me.” Brennia sat quietly throughout Eva’s story and she reached out a hand to the young woman which was received weakly, “well they were wrong.”
Daermon caught the look and set the wooden sword aside. Illyane set hers aside as well, stepping close to the vampire to give a kiss to the cheek, then she was gone, likely back inside him. Brennia had no need of worry or jealousy where Illyane was concerned. The being could be male, female or neither. It was a part of Daermon, and separate at the same time. He loved it as he loved himself, which is a wholly different love than what he had for Brennia. As to the voluptuous bit...well that body was certainly built for sin and looking sexy, but wasn’t very good for fighting. Daermon joined the women in Eva’s room, closing the door and leaning back against it, his shirtless form hard and scarred even in the low light as he listened to Eva speak. He wasn’t sure she was comfortable with him, but it seemed his ruse had worked and she at least appeared to be welded to Brennia now. He smiled warmly to her when she looked at him, encouraging her story, and was pleased that he got a small, shy smile back before she continued. “Dead wrong in fact.” he agrees with Bren, then had to laugh at his own horrible and inopportune joke, a hint of madness there. “Eva.” he says softly, gently, kneeling, though still beside the door, but it put him on her level rather than making her look up. “Do you know what it was they wanted from you?” he asks kindly. “I’m sure information about this place, but why do they take people?” he says, for they didn’t have a solid answer to that yet.
Brennia watched guilt wash over Eva’s face and also had to force herself not to look upon Daermon to prevent obvious swooning. Eva’s voice got weaker and quieter, “it was you. They wanted to know things about you that I didn’t even know. They assumed I knew a lot as I was observed to have been tailing you a lot.” Her shoulders rolled up in uncertainty, “which, I guess I have, but you are always so cautious to not get too close to students.” She quickly wiped some tears away, “they take a lot of young, dumb, employees. I’m not sure, but I think his wife is down there too because there was a woman sobbing their daughters name a few rooms over from mine…” she shudders and shakes her head, “not room. Cell. They kept us like animals and were preparing us for these sick rituals they did where they…” her hands go up to the sides of her own head and she’s nearly crumpling I’m on herself again and her heartbeat quickens in the memories. Brennia scoots closer to Eva and pulls her in to calm her and stroke her hair gently, “sh, shh. It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me that part. I do have one question for you.” Eva sits up while Brennia’s hands gently squeeze the frail woman’s shoulders. Their eyes meet and Eva blushes in the intensity of it all, when was this avian ever this fierce looking? Daermon might possibly note Eva’s newfound excitement and the room felt impossibly still as if the time had slowed. It was still dark outside and the white fluffy flakes of winter swirl just outside Eva’s windows and it’s beautiful in the darkness as Eva whispers, “yes?” Brennia took a deep breath, “do you feel up to the task of helping those still trapt down there? Shining light on the mistreated and being a heroic voice for them?” Eva looked scared, it was visible and the fear intensified in the pounding of her heart within her chest. “I… I don’t know…” she wanted so bad to look away from Brennia, but couldn’t. “I won’t let anything happen to you and you will be saving some people from certain death. Please just think on it?” Eva nods as that is all she can do in this moment… She can at least think on it.
Daermon did note the sudden excitement. He could see the quickening of her pulse, hear the hard beat of her heart as she looked into Brennia’s eyes. He knew that feeling well from his own long gazes there. Eva had done something painful by sharing with them, so perhaps he could make amends as he hadn’t before. He moved before her, stealing her attention for a moment as he knelt, head bowed. He was so tall his face would have still been at chest level with her sitting like that. “Eva. Forgive me for my actions after your rescue. They were...impulsive. I was hungry and angry.” he says softly, tilting his face, those cooly beautiful blue eyes to hers. “What Brennia asks of you...you would not go alone. And you would have my protection as well. Hell, if you wish, I can train you so that you are not so defenseless, helpless ever again.” he offers. She would need something to make her feel strong again after the violation of being kidnapped. He knew from personal experience that being hurt like that, caged, it could break you if you weren’t careful and having someone offer to help lift you again, that helped. He saw then, finally, what Brennia saw. Potential. The girl could be something, someone if she could let go of her ego and her resentment. She had been living in their wing for a time now, and while this was the first they’d spoken, he’d felt her eyes upon him as he’d trained in the main room other nights and days.
Brennia watched Eva’s eyes widen when Daermon said the words ‘go alone’ and his offer of training and Brennia shook her head slightly which caused that loose wavy black tendrils of hair to lazily dance about her torso, “no, no. You won’t have to go anywhere near there again. I would like to call a press conference at the fountain of wishes and have you tell the world of your account. Firstly we would have to take you to the local healers and they would have to… Examine you, and soon. I could let your father know so when this comes out he’s supportive and not surprised.” Brennia knows and understands the level of violation she must have suffered, “we will continue our therapy sessions as well. This will never go away, but we can hope that, together, we can at least make everyday better little by little.” Eva seemed to calm down without the aid of Brennia’s Bardic power and she was lost in the avian’s words once more, “actually,” Eva started weakly, “I think I can do that.” Brennia smiles warmly and it was at this moment that Eva shyly smiled and started to realize something about herself, but was unsure given the circumstances. “When I tell your father. He will want to come here, do you want me to allow him?” Eva nodded once and Brennia asks finally, “is there anything I can get you? You should get some more rest.” Eva declined the need for anything and agreed that she was very tired and she forgives Daermon for their unfortunate encounter, but couldn’t meet his gaze because she felt equally guilty for her own previous actions. Brennia tucks Eva back in and holds the door open for Daermon to follow, but once they are alone in the hall once more she links her arm through his, “we have a long day tomorrow.” Brennia finalized almost exhaustively, “I think I’m finally getting through to her.” A soft smile remains on her lips, but she doesn’t entertain the idea that maybe it’s because Evanescenz is realizing she was never jealous of Brennia, but just wanted to keep everyone away from her and to herself. Maybe it is because she’s discovering she’s only attracted to women, or maybe it’s because she sees Brennia as her mentor and thinks no one is good enough for her. Either way - it is still probably not a healthy infatuation.
Daermon did not mind in the least that Brennia had taken the brunt of the infatuation. It made things simpler for himself in that regard. Though, they would have to be equally cautious with her being infatuated with Brennia, if not more so. He didn’t know the reasons for the girls actions, but they still rubbed him wrong. Old instincts screamed around her. As in all things though, he would follow Brennia’s lead. The madness snickered inside. What a good hound you make, it taunts. The vampire shook his head as if to clear it, looping his arm with hers. “When don’t we have a long day?” he points out, happily resting his hand on hers. “We haven’t had a proper day off, or even a proper day with just us since this started.” though his tone was lamenting, he didn’t mind. He knew how important all this was. There would be time for them later...hopefully at least. On the way back through the main hall, he stopped to pick up the wooden training swords, stuffing them away in the chest tucked back in the corner for such things before rejoining the patiently waiting Bren. As he walked up, his fingers trailed into a soft wing before moving back to take her arm. “What else is our agenda for today? It is, very early.” he points out, only then seeming to realize he was still half dressed.
Brennia shivered slightly at his touch within her wings as his cool touch was always welcome within the warmth of them. Goosebumps can be seen raising on that caramel skin and when her blue eyes noticed she was recalled to her dream… What did she mean ‘I know my purpose when the time comes’? Her wing nearest him was curving around his shoulders and resting there like some feather blanket and she mentally shook herself from that thought, but those damn hands in her wings cause her cheeks to warm with a pinkish hue and it travels on up those elongated ears. “W-well… I-I think we should get a h-head start on the morning.” She can’t fall asleep now after such an odd dream and the roller coaster of emotions after, “let’s get dressed for training, fetch a light meal from the kitchens and find the proper training room.” She sideways glances at him with a smirk, “then we will retire up here to get cleaned up and dressed to find Corvo. Have him set up an energy press conference and get Eva an outfit while we take her to the healers in order to have an examination on record.” She takes a deep breath to calm her nerves, “then let the chips fall where they may.”
Daermon loved the reaction his touch to her wings always caused. It was one reason he did it so often. “What is wrong with my current training outfit?” he asks, taking her hand in his own. “Do you not like my lack of an outfit?” he questions, placing her hand on his hard muscles before joining her in the walk towards their room. He didn’t know her dream, having been too distracted that morning to see as she had. Hopefully, when she was settled, she would tell him, voice her thoughts or fears. After all, they worked best when they were honest and open with each other. He stepped up, opening the door to their room and holding it for her, letting her pass by before he turned and closed it.
Later that afternoon
Daermon and Bren had finished their morning and had promptly set out to get the rest of the day started. Corvo had been contacted and went about the duties necessary for this stage of Brennia’s plan. He found a nice dress for Eva, well made, but subtle. He made the rounds and sent runners, some himself, some actual people who worked on the campaign. Soon enough a crowd was gathering for the press conference. He procured several doctors and thought that perhaps bringing them to Eva would be better than making her go to them. He waited outside the girls room with Daermon while Brennia stayed with Eva. He was unsure what she was hoping to get from this, but once again, her campaign, so he merely facilitated her requests. He eyed the vampire, who was dressed in his suit again, watching the other man when he thought Daer wouldn’t notice. “Have all your injuries healed up?” he blurts stupidly. Daermon turned those cooly glacial hues to the avian and nodded. “Yes. Days ago. Thanks to you. And Brennia later.” he says. “Good. We...she needs you in strong form in case there is another attack.” Corvo says, clearing his throat and adjusting his tie.
Brennia sympathized with Eva and held her hand while she was getting examined, gently stroking some hair out of Eva’s face and that sultry alto timbre calming in its own way, “just trace the pattern on the ceiling with your eyes…” she did just that as silence grew. “Do you remember helping Hinder put up all those colorful drapes for The End of Term Promenade in the main hall?” Eva remained quiet, but the corner of her mouth was turning up just slightly before Brennia continued, “that night was a riot - and the belly dancing competition?” Brennia is always careless with their bond and Daermon might be able to pick up on the fun of the memories, the vibrant colors, the outfits (like Bollywood) and jewelry. Eva did giggle ever so lightly, “that henna tattoo didn’t come off my skin for two months at least.” Eva was looking at Brennia now, “that was a nice way to end the term, especially after finals.” The physician sighs while backing away and fixes the two women with a sour look and the assistant taking notes for him stopped. “The examination is complete. Based on physical evidence… You have been through quite a lot Miss Greene.” He nodded for the assistant to leave before helping Eva sit up and taking a seat next to Brennia, “given the circumstances. We must terminate or else Miss Greene will not survive the birth.” Both of them looked shocked and Brennia clarifies, “terminate? What?” He looks perplexed now as he saw the horror on Eva’s face, “I’m sorry. I thought you knew. I thought…” Eva slowly laid back down, rolled away from them, pulled her legs up to her chest and started openly sobbing. Brennia exchanges her seat to the bed next to her and smoothed her hand down the human’s slender back while the physician went on, “given her current state of her health even a normal pregnancy will diminish her and even more so because she’s human. Whatever has been growing in her is not and will surely kill her if it’s brought to term. I’m sorry. Next week she should attend her appointment I’ve made for her to take care of it or else she will surely die, but of course it is her choice entirely.” He stands, folds his pristine white wings closer to himself and places his fist over his heart with a bow to Brennia, “I’ll be seeing you Senator and I’ll have my assistant give you a copy of the reports within the hour. I’ll hopefully be seeing you too Miss Greene.” He leaves after his assistant and nods to the gentlemen in the hall silently in his departure, but Eva could be heard within letting out an agonizing howl. Brennia is in shock and doesn’t know what to do, “Eva… I am so sorry.” She knows it isn’t right and probably crossing a line, but she cannot help it, the avian adjusts herself to lay next to the shaking human and pulls her in to hold her while a wing drapes over Eva entirely. She’s so small and petite that it was easy for one wing to hide the crying girl from the world, but it was easier to keep Eva from seeing a tear streaming down Brennia’s cheeks. Eva surprisingly accepted such comfort and warmth, the smell always reminded her of her mother who died when she was five and it was almost like it was her mother here comforting her instead of the avian and she closed her eyes under the warmth and darkness of the wing. She said nothing, she couldn’t even think right now, but she just felt so angry.
Daermon did not know what was happening in the examination per se. He could have listened, but he was often very proper when it came to manners, and didn’t eavesdrop usually. He had been just about to answer Corvo when he felt the bond quiver with the force of shock, sadness and anger. He immediately stiffened, but didn’t barge in as he wanted to. He didn’t feel any fear, or pain, so likely Brennia was not in immediate danger, but something awful had happened. He stepped back as the door opened and the physician and his assistant stepped out. They knew who the two men were, but didn’t say anything at first. “It is up to them what they tell you gentlemen, I’m sorry.” the physician says and looks it. That poor girls face was burned into his mind and he cringed as she let out her agonized howl. Corvo made a noise and moved forward to barge into the room. Daer and the doctor both stopped him at the same time. “It really would be best-” the doctor was saying. Daermon simply said, “No.” and blocked the door. Corvo might be tough and fit, but they both knew that he was no match for the vampire as they locked gazes, Corvo breathing heavy and oddly smelling of...excitement? That perplexed the vampire. The doctor cleared his throat. “If you’ll excuse me gentleman. I’ll send my reports over as soon as I can for Mistress Smyth.” he says, turning and leading his assistent away as Daermon filled the door with his form, prepared to stop any from trying to enter. Corvo finally sat back down, but made an effort to avoid looking at Daer. The vampire reached along the bond. ‘Bren?’ he asks softly, a gentle probe to check. It conveyed all the things a single word could not. It was filled with are you ok and what has happened, and always that feeling of love that accompanied everything in the bond.
Brennia didn’t say a word, she could barely breathe and was just there for Eva until her soft voice spoke up in dark determination, “I want to tell everyone what they do. I want them to pay for what they’ve done… I want to bury them.” Her voice broke as she sniffled and wiped her tears away just as a soft sob caused more to spill over the rim of her eyelids. The back of Eva’s hand caressed over the inner part of the wing which was covering her before she used her fingertips to gently shift the onyx massive from atop her. She quickly got up and picked up the kerchief from her nightstand, wiped her eyes, blew her nose and straightened her nightgown. All the while Brennia stood as well when she felt Daermon in the bond, but was distracted by Eva’s next words, “I-I’m going to get a bath… Take some time to get ready for what is to come.” The lines in her little angular jaw were stern and her fists were balled up, “y-you’re going to be up there with me right?” Dark brown eyes finally look at Brennia and for a moment it’s silent before she nods once, “and I’ve sent for your father.” Eva sighs shakily, “please, don’t tell anyone.” Brennia nods once while dabbing her wet cheeks and taking a deep breath. “Okay… Um, I’m going to get things in order. The dress Corvo got you is hanging in your armoire.” Brennia pulls open the door with a warm smile once Eva retired to her own washroom and that velvety alto timbre greets them, “hello gentlemen. Thank you for keeping watch. Eva should be ready by the time we get the report back. Corvo, could you head to the stables and receive her father?” Once the guys settle out their ways and the game plan because she obviously wasn’t going to tell Corvo. She looks to Daermon, “could you escort me to ou-... my room, Daermon?”
Daermon stepped aside as Brennia opened the door and exited. She was in politician mode, giving orders. “I can.” Corvo responds and turns to go. Daermon nods at her request and moves with her, that unearthly glide, that half step behind her, but he doesn’t say anything until they are in their room, the door closed. “You seem very shaken.” he says, setting a gentle hand on her shoulder, there for comfort and support. Corvo moved down to the stables. He didn’t know what kind of man Eva’s father was, but assumed he’d recognise the man by his presence. He was not sure this was the right way to do things, to expose this kind of corruption to the piercing light of everyone, but then...it was her campaign to run. Eva would be a target even more than she had and Brennia would have a larger painted on her wings. Corvo shook his head and sighed, though, he wore a soft smile. At least it was always exciting.
Brennia fixed Daermon with a look for a long moment in the quiet of their room, but slowly those deep blue eyes were brimming with tears on the verge of spilling over while those large wings slump down over her shoulders in reflection of the deep sadness she was feeling, “she’s… Pregnant.” Her lower lip quivers just before she gives in and leans herself against the front of Daermon with her face buried in his neck and her hot tears came splitting over once more. It shouldn’t be this sad, but with everything going on and with Brennia going through baby fever in her dreams it was just too much. Daermon knows that children are special on her Island and celebrated, but this was different and wrong.. It gets worse, “and if she doesn’t get it terminated she will die because she is just a human, a weakened human at that.” Eva has been working with Brennia the past few weeks in therapy and typically she wouldn’t divulge her secrets, but this required explaining, “they were trying to cross breed different races to make powerful, but pliable henchmen; abominations. So, on top of being violated and forced to do unspeakable things they treated her like some sick science experiment and she thought that their attempts did not work… She was wrong.” Her arms slipped around Daermon and wings followed around them as she finally has a chance to have a little moment to herself to cry it out. Mostly Brennia feels responsible though because it was her she was after to begin with and Eva has asked for none of this.
Daermon was shocked and surprised by the revelation and as she pressed herself to him, he held her close and tight. Yes, it must have been something strange, for usually the vampire could smell when a woman was pregnant. He didn’t agree with Bren that is was her responsibility, but he wisely didn’t say that now. That wouldn’t help. “It’s ok. Or it will be.” he says soothingly, his arm resting against her wing to cradle her head. He didn’t really know what else to say though, so he merely held her, letting her cry, being strong for her, and as she slowly brought the pieces back together, he wiped her tears and kissed her cheek gently. He met her gaze, locking eyes. “She needs you to be strong. At least in public, because she is going to be a mess. You can be weak here, with me, and I’ll hold you while you cry. You can always be yourself with me, regardless of what you feel at the moment. But you are strong, and you have this under control. So take a breath, square those shoulders and prepare to go back into the chummed waters. You must be cunning, for out here, sharks are swimming.” he says, gently touching her chin with a hand and stealing a quick kiss. “For luck.” he says, then takes a longer one. “And love.”