001. (v2) [audio + commentlog/open]

[snowtop]

A...Again?

[Xanth lets out a hollow, bitter laugh.]

I... n-no, you, you have to be k--kidding. I-I already d--did this. M-My world was... a-already gone. Th--The End took it. K-K'lai, a-and Grams, they... th-they were... already gone.

[He takes in a shuddering breath. His chest tightens, his voice cracks.]

N--Now you say it... it's all g-gone? Unmade? D--Didn't ev--even-- h-happen? How!? I-- I lived that! It-- it can't-- not again--

[There's a small gasp, like a prelude to a sob, but then Xanth slams the book shut.

Xanth takes his record, takes his key, and immediately sets out into the Keep. He's tired, he's so fucking tired, but he has to know if anyone else got snatched into this mess too.]

Comments

[Commentlog]

[aegisofsilk.livejournal.com]

[Isabel nods her approval. He may be ill-mannered, but it certainly is not deliberate, which is more than can be said for most guests.]

Your name?

[Commentlog]

[snowtop]

[With the pressure of appeasing Isabel off his shoulders, Xanth relaxes, though the irritation lingers.]

Xanth Aum-meli, m--ma'am.

[Commentlog]

[aegisofsilk.livejournal.com]

Welcome then, Xanth, to Holloway's Keep.

Do not cry. The battle is done. You will soon find yourself on your way home, provided you do as you're bid.

[She sets a hand upon the door's handle, ready to go.]

Is there any other way that I might help you?

[It's a perfunctory farewell. She does not honestly expect an answer.]

[Commentlog]

[snowtop]

[Just as she's about to leave, Xanth finally looks up.]

Th-there's... a-a girl here. Who-- wh-who I kn-knew, back-- b-back home. But-- it-- i-it's like th-the girl here, sh-she doesn't-- e-even know me. But-- I-- I-I know her.

[For a moment, he stares at Isabel, giving her a look of utter confusion and complete sadness.]

M-Ma'am, why-- wh-why isn't she th--the girl I-I knew?