Blood from Stone [AU]

[GamesMaster]

No, no! It's no use -- he knows it's no use -- but he twists and writhes anyway, trying to get his extended claws near the silk binding his wrists.

[NPCs]

"None of that now," he murmurs, smacking Don's hand with the declawing tool sharply. "Bring that vial- no, the other- good. Good. And let's just..." Don can feel a sharp prick on his wrists, one after the other. "Won't help with the pain at all, I'm not afraid, but should keep you nice and relaxed." More specifically, it paralyzies the muscles without dampening sensation.

[GamesMaster]

Too late, he tries to retract his claws, tries to make it that much harder for them -- but of course, if they have the tools they likely know where to press to force the claws out.

Out of nowhere, he recognizes the voice: a servant, one who had been interested in Beth and resented him for being with her. What was his name? And more importantly, was Beth safe?

[NPCs]

"Make sure his mouth is clear," the man orders whoever brought him the vial. With a grunt, the assistant twists Don's head to the side. The ropes dig into his neck, choking him, as the man shoves his unwashed fingers in Don's mouth to put in a horse's bridle. 

[GamesMaster]

Don hisses, spits, and at one point manages to sink a fang into flesh before lack of blood flow weakens him enough for them to get the bridle in place.

[NPCs]

The assistant curses sharply, yanking his hand back when Don draws blood. Which just opens the wound worse of course, though it also jars Don's fang painfully. Cursing again, he cuffs Don twice before finally getting the bridle in place. "I suppose I didn't specify doing it safely," the first voice observes dryly. "Still, done is done. I think the crowd consensus is starting with your right paw. Oh I have been dreaming of this for nearly two years, Kitty."

Two years? Definitely a servant or something of that sort from Light business, not old Bandanna stuff. The posh upper class accent, the careful dictation... And that phrase from earlier: Delightfully delicious. Who was it that used that phrase? Pan something, yet another attempt at an homage to the Lord Hand. He was a minor noble. No, that's not exactly right. A distant member of a moderately powerful noble family. Well connected but not powerful in his own right. Pandis? Pandias. Pandias Bleudfor. Competent, clever and a political animal through and through. Beth had mentioned him a few times during his first year as a Light but Don himslhi had only met him in passing. Not high enough in appointment to work with Lights directly really. Still, something about him had made the man stick in Don's memory. A little anyway.

[GamesMaster]

He can't speak now, not with the bridle in place, so he focuses on breathing. Slow, deep breaths, in and out. Calm yourself. Seek the truths within you. Seek Bharnarol, and the connection to him that lives in your very bones. Call to him and he will aid you, for you are his child.

Bharnerol, help me. I have done nothing wrong. I have done everything for the Tribe, everything for my people. I do not deserve this punishment. Do not let it happen.

But is it true? Has he really done everything for his people? Beth's face, the taste of her lips, flashes before his eyes. No. I will not regret her. I do not regret being with her. Surely you cannot be so cruel as to punish me for loving whom I love?

[NPCs]

Just as the thought forms and a part of the catfolk waits for an answer, despite knowing such things do not happen so directly or openly, Don feels cold metal around the tip of his pinky finger. A heartbeat is all he has to brace himself before grinding pain sears down his arm as the claw is half cut and half ripped from his finger.

"One down."

[Carver Amell]

Carver sags against the wall, rubbing his palm across his exhausted eyes. Should have spent more time at the Temple, he chides himself. Should have learned Divine Mercies. Too late now. 

A snack in the breakroom, then a break to pray, then I can get back at it. As soon as he can will his legs to carry him to the break room.

[Bethany]

"When do you learn the no-tired thing," Beth mumbles into his shoulder. With a groan, she forces herself upright. "No. No sleep. Food. Need to eat." She glances at Carver, pondering a moment. A little sneaky but for a good cause, I think. "Food is important for babies. Need to eat."

[Carver Amell]

"Sleep is important for babies too," he says, gently. "Let's get you some food and a nap."

[Bethany]

"I miss being small enough for you to carry," Beth grumbles good-naturedly as she pushes herself off the wall. "Come on, let's see what they have, yeah?" Offering a smile, she reaches to take his hand almost without thought, just like they used to while walking back in Golden Shores.

[Carver Amell]

He holds her hand gently, leading her around the corner to where the break room is. Maybe I should have a nap as well -- no, someone has to keep working.

[Bethany]

Knowing her brother far too well, even now when their lives have inevitably diverged somewhat, Beth squeezes his hand when they reach the break room. "Will... will you stay with me? I..." She laughs, soft and a little sad. "Place might not bother me as much as Liz but... it's still creepy. And... well, between Don, Merrill and Silence, I'm not used to being alone when I sleep anymore."

[Carver Amell]

Carver winces. "Rather not think about that, thanks," he mutters.