(open.) in spite of ourselves

[decrypter]

who: helena and others!
what: variety catchall for the month.
when: end of july/ all of august.
where: across the boat.
warnings: likely discussions of death.

Comments

[moonlesstides]

~Unacceptable. The you there is my friend, my very first, and the me there...I must be my own friend as well. The Baron dies screaming, crucified in his own putrid halls while the Manor burns. I will abide nothing less.~

[decrypter]

"Don't cut the corn in spring. We don't even know if someone could get there again. That's a puzzle to solve when we reach our destination."

She shifts her hold on Grace, to rest a little better.

"The you and me that are still there, we are still friends. However long they have to keep striving. And he will never have his chains on us again, because we have others who will make sure of it."

[moonlesstides]

~And what of our chains here, Helena? Long they might be, their clink ever-so-soft, I can still feel them. The door stands barred and guarded.~

[decrypter]

"...They will not hold us forever. I believe that, with all of my heart. There will be a way out."

Exhaling softly, she murmurs something half to herself, and this close Grace can catch a few words - have to be with... - before the sentence trails off.

[moonlesstides]

Grace's head, resting on Helena's. ~Do not worry, Helena. I know I am a dead thing. If there are only so many to walk through the gates, my place is yours, and you may be free. I am...aware, that I am difficult. For you.~

[decrypter]

"What? Grace - where on earth did this come from? This idea of only so many? That's not the goal of those who wish to leave."

She sounds as shocked as she feels by that.

[moonlesstides]

~You...you spoke, Helena, you said...I...I assumed you were speaking of me. My apologies.~

[decrypter]

"What did I say?"

[moonlesstides]

Silence. Long, shameful silence.

In her smallest voice: ~It sounded as if you were asking the powers of this place why it has to be me here.~

[decrypter]

"Grace...that wasn't what I was saying at all. I was saying that when it comes down to it....I have to be with them. With the other people here, not just on my own. Escape means nothing if I can't witness us all free, the Captain included."

[moonlesstides]

~I...I see. I have mishandled the power of words and managed to cut myself upon them. My apologies, Helena, I - should have known better than to doubt your heart.~

[decrypter]

Instead of verbally responding at first, Helena draws the other woman in for a second hug, holding her firmly. It's okay. It will be okay. It must be okay.

"We all do that, with words. Even the most skilled there ever will be, they're still going to get tripped up and confused and assume things. You're among the ranks of the great poets, in that."

[moonlesstides]

Grace shakes, overcome by relief, and squeezes her friend in the hug. ~If you've ever need of me, for anything...~

[decrypter]

"I will let you know. I will ask you."

Because that's what friendship is. A tidal pull of give and take.