Imprints in Stone [AU]

[GamesMaster]

The cat frowns. "Yes, alone, but no window. What is a [Chirples]?"

[Bethany]

Bethany pauses a moment. "Special bird, share Healer elf's magic," she explains after a moment's thought, gesturing at Merrill. "Can hold healing spell. Tiny bird, easier to sneak in than full adult healer. Songbird, only two cupped hands in size. Smart, like child smart. Do you have a box or something to hide Chirples in?"

[GamesMaster]

"A box, yes, I can get a box," he says, his eyes lighting up as he dips into a bow. "Thank you, thank you," he babbles, then darts off to find one.

Soon enough, he returns with the box, and carries the songbird off toward his home in Cattown. Don isn't far behind him; he saw the kid heading to and from Anders' place and decided to drop by and check on things. "Everything alright?" he asks Beth casually, as they watch the kid go. 

[Bethany]

Bethany looks at Don out of the corner of her eye. "...he was very polite and gracious. Certainly no danger to us," she finally says.

[GamesMaster]

"Good," says Don, nodding. "Jun is a good kid. Shame about his sister."

[Bethany]

"Oh?" Bethany asks as casually as she can. Which isn't very- she's a terrible liar really.

[GamesMaster]

Don presses his lips together, choosing his words carefully. "She's shamed the Tribe. She will probably die. It's unfortunate, but that's what Bharnorol has decided."

[Bethany]

"How do you know that?" Bethany asks softly. 

[GamesMaster]

"We followed the procedures," he says sadly. "At this point, it's up to Bharnerol to judge her. If she is found to have been punished enough, she will recover, and can resume life in the Tribe. I was hoping that would be the case, but..."

[Bethany]

"Bharnerol isn't the one with governance over rot and illness. That's Tessaline," Beth says tartly.

[GamesMaster]

"Bharnerol governs us, the Tribe." Don frowns. "You didn't... help him, did you?"

[Bethany]

"I translated but I couldn't help him," she says honestly. Merrill could though. "Would you really let her die?"

[GamesMaster]

"Yes," says Don bluntly. "And you should, too. If he comes looking for help with her, anything more than information, send him away. For the good of everyone."

Don turns away, heading back for the door. 

[Bethany]

"Why?" Beth calls after him. "What did she do that was so bad you'd let her die slow, in terrible pain, as her insides turn to rot?"

[GamesMaster]

He winces, turning back to face her. "It's... not something you'd understand. You don't have to choose between one person's life and the welfare of the whole Tribe the way our Keeper does. Someday, I will."