unseelie; video.

[survivra]

They're going to take our power, one by one, and the lives of everyone here. I don't consent to live like this. I don't know about worlds being eaten in our homes or being born again later, and I don't care. Our lives are being ended as they are now.

I don't like to kill needlessly, but it will keep happening—if you meet someone who wants to let that thing destroy everything, including you, then you should find your chance and stick a blade into their heart.

[ she hurls her locket at the wall, and the video hits its target and shuts down. ]

Comments

video;

[survivra]

I have to know your history first. [ Her expression softens a little. ] You seem quick to think you won't survive, though.

video;

[benumbing]

A prince who fell from grace isn't very original. I have faith that you can make up something far better.

[Jack tilts his head, considering that last part.]

I don't plan on dying, but I've already escaped a worse fate - don't add that to my story, it'll detract from the tragedy. And people love a good tragedy.

video;

[survivra]

What an honor, then, to be gifted with the responsibility of your story, lord prince.

[ She's teasing him, though her joke delivery is as deadpan as usual. ]

I'll do my best. Shall I add in a broken heart as well?

video;

[benumbing]

Make it a beautiful young peasant girl. People love fairy tales like that. Or, you could say that you did the deed, and that I rushed into battle and never looked back.

The personal touch never goes amiss.

video;

[survivra]

[ Katsa might be trying not to smile. ]

History would remember you as foolish if you rushed yourself into battle over a broken heart. You'd have no one but your own choices and risks to blame for that. And I would have to be cruel then to brag about it to other people—assuming I'd even wish to link myself to you in a story.

video;

[benumbing]

[Then he'll keep trying to make her. She can be angry and smiling at the same time. Or at least he's done it.]

But I couldn't live in a world without you. So I rushed off to prevent its end, hoping you could live on. It's only after I died that you realized you still loved me, and swore to make me immortal with the power of your very lips.

[Jack sighs heavily. Dramatically.]

You're right, it's hideous.

video;

[survivra]

[ That does it. The tight band of her anger loosens, and Katsa laughs a full, loud laugh. It's a nice feeling. ]

Yes, absolutely hideous. Has anyone told you that you're a ridiculous man?

video;

[benumbing]

[It's not a bad sound, either. One of the better things Jack has done.]

I can't say that they have. Another honor I lay at your feet.

video;

[survivra]

Oh. Well, I'm just getting all sorts of honors today. Aren't I lucky? I'll make sure others know to inform you of your absurdity from now on. What name shall I give them, lord prince?

video;

[benumbing]

[He almost gives her someone else's name as the cherry on top, but decides to go with a touch more sincerity at the end.]

Jack Benjamin.

video;

[survivra]

At least that's not as absurd as the rest. [ she would know. she's thinking of one very absurd princely name particularly, but she doesn't imagine that jack knows it. ] My name is Katsa, and I don't have the power to make anyone immortal.