ƒ 004 [voice/action] open } { i can’t promise to obey you, i can’t swear i won’t betray you

[deathlessness]

[The ambient sounds of Lux Deux is prominent in the background as the feed starts up again, and for a long time it is the only sound aside from the clink of the glass being moved against the bar while Freya tries to get her words in order. She’s ascertained from her siblings at this point that she’s been gone far longer than would be considered “normal” for Wonderland – if there ever was such a thing.

She could simply announce that she’s returned and leave it at that, let those who wish to seek her out come find her, but that has never been her way, and while she doesn’t wish to talk about herself, she’s curious about something else.]

A question for you, Wonderland, though it is a rather specific one.

[Her words are slow and deliberate, likely indicating the amount she’s had to drink at this point – enough to dull the events of the last few months spent home, but not enough to make her sloppy – and the sound of her placing the glass back down on the bar can be heard before she continues.]

At this point, I’m sure we’re all aware of the … complications, involving those of us arriving from different points in the same timeline. For those of us who have come here and then learned of our future before actually going home to live through it, what do you think was worse? The speculation of what was to come, or the events themselves?

[There’s a small scrape as the glass is lifted again.]

Would you prefer to have remained ignorant, or do you feel at peace having lived the truth for yourself?

[And she’ll have the device with her to answer replies, though if you would prefer to visit her in person, she would not say no to company either. She’s probably going to be at the bar for a while.]

Comments

[deathlessness]

[Part of her is relieved that Cami doesn't want to know. Telling her that she sacrificed someone she cared so deeply for to stop Lucien is likely not going to go well. But she also doesn't want the secrets that have embroiled her family for so long to continue here in Wonderland, and in their time here, Freya and Cami have become quite close.

She doesn't want to lie, but as always, she will respect Cami's choices. In the end, it's all she can do.]

I will be. It just ... all happened quite quickly. I'm still adjusting to being in Wonderland again.

[therapize]

[Even if she weren't a professionally trained, licensed therapist, Cami suspects she'd recognize Freya's glossing over for what it is. Whatever's on her mind doesn't just have it's roots in the sudden, should-be-impossible transition from their world to here. Because they are friends (and really, because Cami's who she is), the question is on her lips almost before she can stop it: Why don't you tell me what really happened? But the instinctive rush to call out Freya's denial is halted by Cami's own words, and the thick lump of emotion in her throat as she wonders how much more she actually has to take.

Apparently, even dying isn't going to be good enough to escape the horrific reach of their world.]

That can take a bit. The whole returning memory thing really isn't fun. But from the looks of it, you at least made it to a bar safely, so that should help.

[deathlessness]

Indeed it does.

[There's a long pause, as she weighs the unasked question that Cami wouldn't say. To be entirely fair to her, she didn't know that Cami died. Well, she had died, but she was also undead. She was still present. And her brother never shared his grief beyond the fate of her family. It wasn't until she went home that she knew the full story, and now she feels like she must explain herself, if nothing else.]

I didn't know, when I was here before. When I left, you were still there. And you didn't wish to know of your future, so I assumed that when you were ready to know what I did know at the time, you would ask.

[She doesn't want to take from her any more than she already has, and she knows that the confessions she has are going to cost her their friendship, but she needs to be honest with her, if nothing else.]

When you are ready to know, all you have to do is ask, and I will tell you the truth.

[therapize]

[Freya offers what sounds too much like an apologize, and in her continuing ignorance, it's quite easy for Cami to simply shake her head.] No, it's okay. You did exactly what I asked. I really didn't want to know what about what happened.

[In so many ways, Cami wishes she never had to find out.

But in light of what truth she has learned, the certainty of her demise, Cami has silently made it a goal to live as much as Wonderland might allow. It's an extended chance she wouldn't be granted back home, time she would never possess. Certainly existence in this world comes at a painful price, but at least here she lives on.]

I know you will. I trust you, Freya. [She offers her friend a small smile, hoping to comfort her in the wake of whatever she's endured.] It takes some time for all of the Wonderland memories to resettle. Walking around to places I'm familiar with helped me when I got brought back.

[deathlessness]

[Freya nods in response, a small smile crossing her face.]

I think I'll spend some time in the gardens, eventually. But for now, I think dark and loud is probably for the best.