( Elizabeth's face is covered with tracks left by her tears, and intrepid new ones seeking to forge new routes down along her cheeks and nose. She inhales a deep, shaky breath, feeling her heart rest heavily in her chest. Perhaps she is still in the process of being turned to silver. That is certainly how she feels now, weighted and leaden. )

I was born the eldest of ten. There are but six of us left living, and I am fortunate indeed that my memory of them was not snatched from my mind along with the month I have lost. Someone entered my mind and did something to my memory. Where was I for that month long, Katsa? Do you know? I do not. Whether I was asleep, in the Void, at home—I may never know. Whomever did this to me did so with tremendous ease.

( When it comes to belonging to someone as their property, as in marriage, Elizabeth well understands Katsa's aversion to it. She shares in it. But as for the rest? No. As much as she is wary of her family's cannibalistic tendencies at home, felling their own like a rabid fox, she still could not live without her connection to them. Which transcends time and distance, so that even if her memory is altered again, her heart would know them. Would that be so with the loved-ones she has here?

She would like to think so. But the unknown frightens her. The look on her face reflects that, as she bites the inside of her cheek, nostrils flaring as she exhales deeply. ) I do not want to own you! I would never presume..

( She breaks off again, upset, and dashes a frustrated hand across her face to smear away the tears. )

I want you to be a part of me. My body, my spirit, my blood. I would be certain in that fact that should my memory be robbed from me tomorrow, those other aspects of myself would knowever hurt you again whilst I draw breath.