[ video ]

[hostage]

[Here's a guy who looks like shit. Not like he's been beaten up or injured or anything like that. The kind of "looks like shit" that comes with recovering from a meth bender curled up on the floor of some catacombs while there's a war raging outside. His body needs sleep desperately but the chaos has kind of prevented that, so he looks pale and sick with dark circles around his eyes and he's subtly shaking - which means the camera is shaking as he holds it.]

Hey, so... Hey. I know we're busy cleaning up and all, but I need, um... I'm just wondering if anybody could bring me some cigarettes. Or, like, anything else to smoke.

[Vague because he's not sure what's legal here.]

I'll pay you back or, you know, whatever. I'll owe you.

And, um, Nananea? You're probably busy with all them hurt people, but - that thing we talked about? I'm ready when you are.

[Despite looking like he should spend the next two weeks in bed.]

Anyway, yeah. Thanks in advance.

Comments

[hostage]

They probably got more important things to do with their magic.

[sunlitcrown]

Nuh-uh. They're doctors; they're supposed to help people. [She crosses her arms.] Especially if I say so.

[hostage]

Oh yeah? Are you the boss of them?

[sunlitcrown]

Not... really. I'm the queen, though. [a beat] Well, a queen. I guess that doesn't really mean much here. But they should still listen to me; I know what I'm talking about.

[SO THERE.]

[hostage]

What's your kingdom like?

[Doesn't matter if he believes her or not. He wants to hear the story.]

[sunlitcrown]

It's a queendom, actually; only women get to rule. But... [She taps her chin thoughtfully.] It's always very sunny and warm, and it's fun to go sailing down the river. And... we're in the middle of a civil war right now, but my brother is gonna fix it and make everything better.

[Firm nod. Her bro is the best.]

[hostage]

I hope he does. It sounds real beautiful.