audio; un: Sabriel.Abhorsen

[bindsthedead]

They're dead.

[Sabriel's voice comes out, far more emotional than her usual, carefully controlled tone, far grimmer than the bubbliness she'd faked while undercover. Instead, Sabriel sounds like she's on the edge of hysteria.]

They were dead the whole time- that was why the orb started draining me when I tried to sense them- it was blocking me but now I can't stop feeling it-

They all died. All at once. Hundreds of deaths all at the same time. But there aren't any spirits- and that many people, all dying so suddenly, some of them should have tried to linger. But there's nothing.

No spirits. Just the death.

Comments

audio; un: lanxichen

[calmness]

Even the Branson family? [he had hoped they were still near, somehow. for ford's sake.]

[bindsthedead]

No. There's nothing lingering. I'd thought that the orb might have been hiding them too, but it's- the same as when I walked into Death at the start of the mission.

If we get answers, it won't be from the Dead.

voice; un: finn

[hatejakku]

[ Wait. Wait, what?

Finn takes a moment before responding, trying to extend his reach outwards but-... He never expected to feel anything because he wasn't connected to the people here. Now that he's trying, though, he's not sure what to make of it. ]

I can't feel anything of them either. What does that mean?

[calmness]

If none linger.. then there is a chance the pulsefire does more than kill. [and that is a horrifying thought, his own voice fills with dread at the weight of it.

someone always lingers.]

[bindsthedead]

I don't know. Either the nature of this world is such that spirits pass swiftly, or there's something else at work.

[bindsthedead]

It's... possible. Utterly destroying a spirit isn't unheard of, but it's generally not an easy process.

[hatejakku]

I-... I've never seen death change so much between planets or species. [ The actual act of dying, he means. The passing on part of death. ]

Could the orb still be blocking us? [ Wishful thinking. ]

[bindsthedead]

Doubtful. It seems to have withdrawn its influence completely.

[hatejakku]

Could they be... gone? [ Like. Gone gone. Completely gone. ] No, that can't be. I've never even heard of something like that.

( video | un: jaguar )

[scarcastically]

[ . . . ]

You holding up okay?

[bindsthedead]

It's not impossible, but-

I don't know. We've seen no magic in this town, but a fire that only burns living things...

That sounds like magic to me.

[bindsthedead]

I'll manage. I wouldn't be much use as Abhorsen if I couldn't tolerate being around death.

But I want to get out of here as soon as I can.

[scarcastically]

Wasn't really asking the Abhorsen.

Anythin' we can do?

[bindsthedead]

['Wasn't really asking about the Abhorsen' gets a weak but sincere smile out of Sabriel.]

I don't think so. Some time out of town will help, but that will carry its own risks.

[scarcastically]

Think we can manage a little time off with a body-guard. I've got my suit, it hasn't let me down yet.

[calmness]

In my home, it occurs when great duress occurs to the soul at the time of death but can also be forced. [he's heard of practical examples of both.]

That is unlike this...

[then a pause, he asks softly and tentatively.] Are you alright?

[bindsthedead]

Thank you. Maybe we can see what's out there too.

[bindsthedead]

It's something done deliberately and individually. This is different.

I'm not harmed, it's just- overwhelming.

[scarcastically]

It's worth a look.

[calmness]

Yes. This seems senseless.

[a little relieved.] I am glad. Is there anything that would ease this for you? I can play Clarity for you, if it would help. It is a song infused with spiritual energy meant to ease mental distress and to calm.

un: blue

[firstroar]

Sabriel.

Are you injured? By this awareness.

[bindsthedead]

I think that might help- for a little bit, at least.

[calmness]

Where are you? I will come find you shortly.

[spoilers]

That's unusual, I assume.

[ She's never believed in ghosts, despite having come from an afterlife of sorts herself. But the young woman's distress is obvious. ]

[bindsthedead]

Right now? I'm near the church.