-9-

[worsetodie]

[Some people may have noticed his door returning to normal at some point early today if they passed it, but it's not until the evening that Rumpelstiltskin decides to announce his presence. On the video he's sitting in dim light, the subtle golden glow of a lamp somewhere on his desk showing the lines in a very tired face. He has the look of a man who has just made a leap of faith, who is tearing off the bandage quickly.]

I don't suppose anyone would be willing to tell me how long I've been gone.

Comments

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

Almost two weeks.

[worsetodie]

[he's a little dazed at that.]

So little time?

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

How long was it for you?

[cantwalkwithoutit]

...Some months, dearie.

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

Did you find your son?

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Yes.

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

Good. [She doesn't ask more; it's his business. But her eyebrows do jump as she remembers his ring, and she pulls the chain it's on out of her shirt, tugging it over her head and holding it up.]

I still have your ring. Do you want it back?

[cantwalkwithoutit]

It was a gift.

[He forces a smile, though it's clear that's very difficult for him right now.]

It's yours.

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

[Her arm lowers, and she stares at him for a moment.]

What's wrong?

[cantwalkwithoutit]

[He hasn't been away so long that he can't remember he's on the public network.]

Long journey. I'll be fine.

[Private]

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

[She purses her mouth slightly, twists it to the side, then pulls the necklace back on. After a moment, she tries making the feed private - because she knows what avoidance is life.]

Will you tell me?

[Private]

[cantwalkwithoutit]

[He looks down at his hands a moment and it may seem as though he's about to say no. A little shake of the head. Lines of worry on his brow.]

I lost him.

[Private]

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

[Lost. She knows what lost means like that.]

What happened?

[Private]

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Magic always comes at a price. [And beyond that he's still uncertain the full details.] ...He was mortally wounded, as I understand. I wasn't there.

[Private]

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

I'm sorry. [Because not being there - being close and not getting there - can be the worst.]

Are you here for him?

[Private]

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Yes. This place should be good for at least one thing, shouldn't it?

[Private]

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

I guess.

I hope it helps.

[Private]

[cantwalkwithoutit]

I'm sorry that I left without really saying goodbye. [he also didn't know he would be returning so soon as he didn't intend to come back at all]

[Private]

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

It's okay. [Her brother did it. She just doesn't really want to think about it that much.] I'd leave fast, too.

[Private]

[cantwalkwithoutit]

...I'm glad you made it back from Silent Hill. I understand a few did not.

[Private]

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

They didn't. [She wants to talk about that less, and looks away. It's as good as saying 'I almost didn't.]

I had people with me.

[requiresssacrifice]

I have no idea.

What are you doing back?

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Guess.

[requiresssacrifice]

Ah. [He can guess.]

Try not to abuse your inmate too much. When you get one.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

You've enjoyed your time away, I trust.

[requiresssacrifice]

I have. Can't say I've even looked back until today.

And you?

[cantwalkwithoutit]

It's been eventful.