~30th Dance~

[donttelldaddy]

[The handwriting you're about to see is nothing like Lili's neat, perfect cursive. This looks like someone gave a monkey a quill and told him to write.]

This is Emilie's butler. She doesn't tell me anything until the day before so I'm not sure If you had any plans with her for the rest of the summer, I'm afraid you'll have to reschedule.

[Private - Matthew. Alfred if he makes an effort.]

You should...she never gave me permission, but I don't think it's fair to just...

We should have a chat.

Comments

[Action]

[donttelldaddy.livejournal.com]

[He shakes his head. When he speaks, his voice is scratchy, dehydrated.]

His name's Vincent Fortier. I worked with him. He caught her on her way to Reims.

[Lili's father wipes at his eyes, and gently takes her hand. She coughs and sputters, almost in response.]

They don't know what the curse is that he hit her with, but it's suffocating her. She'll stay just awake enough to struggle for air, that's it.    

[Action]

[invisicanuck.livejournal.com]

Oh...

[ Matthew nods, the back of his throat constricting. There's that flash of anger again. He inhales, working his jaw before he speaks. ]

S-she'll... they'll find it, the curse. And she'll... sorry.

[ He gestures lamely, unable to work through anymore words. He does not trust his voice. ]

[Action]

[donttelldaddy.livejournal.com]

[ He nods. They'd figure out a counter-curse. But until then...he wasn't sure he could sit here and watch his daughter being tortured any longer. The desperate gasping was going to haunt him forever, if he listened to any more of it, he would surely drive himself mad. So, Monsieur Rochefort stands up, and heads towards the door. He stops before Matthew, offering a quick hug before he leaves.]

I have to go talk to the healers. See if they've figured out anything yet.

[Action]

[invisicanuck.livejournal.com]

[ Matthew stiffens, but accepts the hug with a small nod. His own father wasn't really one for physical affection, so to receive one from Lili's was -- nice. Different. If it weren't for the circumstances, it would have been nicer.

Not trusting his voice, Matthew only nods wordlessly once again and stares helplessly down at Lili's form. ]