[Voice | D516, after the fiasco with the sea serpent]

[damselled]

It has come to my attention that in light of recent events, we have had little enough time to ourselves. Naturally, this is only to be expected in a time of war. However, we must not lose sight of ourselves in the midst of all this havoc, and I therefore have a proposal for the women of Asgard.

Would anyone, perhaps, be interested in joining me for an evening of light entertainment? We have precious little time before everything comes crashing down around our ears, and I wish to attempt to use some of that time to get to know my fellow ladies-in-arms a bit more.

Comments

[tonsofpun]

You're right.

[That's the thing that makes her so damn mad. Clementine's seen as much as Ellie has, in some ways. In others, she's been responsible for even more.]

She's amazing. And you don't know what she's been through.

If I could have one person guarding my back that wasn't from my world, out of this whole city, it would be her.

[damselled]

I do wish I could help. It's simply terrible that those in awful situations might very well have to go back to them when this is over.

[If they survive at all, that is.]

[tonsofpun]

Sometimes, even if the situation really sucks, you've got something important to be there for.

[This is one of those times Ellie sounds decades older than she is.]

[damselled]

Yes, I know. But that poor girl... if only there were a way to save everyone.

[tonsofpun]

There isn't.

[It just sounds harsh, now, but. Ellie is not idealistic. She says it with a sigh, the kind of self-fulfilling reassurance that says that it's not just a sad thing to say, it's a measure of comfort to the living. To the survivors.

Sometimes, there is no way to save someone.

Sometimes, things just happen.

It wasn't your fault.]

[damselled]

... I know.

[Emmeryn.]

You'd think there might be some way to, in such a place as this. Really, now! Here we are, risking life and limb in a war we didn't even realize was happening, much less volunteer for, and yet, those who have nothing left - or next to nothing - are allowed no ultimate escape! It's shameful, I say!

[tonsofpun]

[Something tightens across Ellie's shoulders, and she puts on a very bland expression. Poker face, poker face.]

Yeah, exactly.

[damselled]

[The look on Ellie's face tells Maribelle that something is very wrong. She's not that stupid, Ellie.]

Ellie, darling, what's the matter?

[tonsofpun]

Nothing. Just... that you're right, and it pisses me off sometimes.

For a lot of people, they're just never gonna go home.

[damselled]

If only there were something we could do - anything.

[If the gods can pull people here, surely there'd be no harm in keeping them?]

[tonsofpun]

You can't bring back the dead, and you can't stop time.

It was already their turn.

[The pain is palpable, but in the brittle tone, there's also this note of bitter ferocity.]

I'm gonna take every second I can get.

[damselled]

I suppose you're right.

[She sighs, looking older than her years for a moment.]

And so shall I.