private . 19th metal

[godsays]

[ private to anya ]

I think I need help.

[ private to kelsier ]

I want to ask you to keep Vin away from me, but I don't trust you to put my safety over her comfort.

[ Bald and honest. He cares about Kelsier, and Marsh, and it is unbelievably painful to understand that he would be betrayed. ]

[ private to iris ]

You've been killed before. By people here.

[ private to morgana ]

How did you die?

[ a couple days later, private to Cassel ]

I'm sorry I've been so afraid.

Comments

[private]

[godsays]

She killed me!

[ He deserved it. Without a doubt he deserved it, and he would have done the same and worse in her circumstances. And yet. ]

[private]

[onlysurvivor]

The Lord Ruler killed me.

I know what happened, Zane. What do you need now?

[private]

[godsays]

The Lord Ruler isn't a warden with power over you.

[private]

[onlysurvivor]

You're right.

[A terrible thought occurs to him.] What if that changed?

[private]

[godsays]

What if the Lord Ruler came here?

[private]

[onlysurvivor]

[Not exactly what he meant but he'll go with it.]

I would be where you are now. That wasn't the change I meant, unless wanted that sort of company.

[But that does get Kelsier on a new thought. One he's not even sure he wants to voice.] I know what I would need.

What do you need?

[private]

[godsays]

If I kill her, it makes everything worse again. I don't want her to come anywhere near me unless she wants - to understand.

[ Understanding, and empathy, is the only way things have ever gotten better here. ]

[private]

[onlysurvivor]

Because of what you might do or what you might otherwise. I will talk to her.

Is there anything else?

[private]

[godsays]

I used to dream about being away from my father.

I don't anymore.

[private]

[onlysurvivor]

What do you dream about now?

[private]

[godsays]

Giving up.

[private]

[onlysurvivor]

Do you want to?

[private]

[godsays]

I'm done, Kelsier! I don't want to try if I can't succeed!

[private]

[onlysurvivor]

[The sad thing is Kelsier has been there when trapped deep in the earth with his arms bleeding. It takes some effort to keep his voice even.]

Then... what are you going to do?

[private]

[godsays]

What should I do?

[private]

[onlysurvivor]

[He's quiet for awhile like he's not quite sure he should just tell him what to do. Eventually... his voice comes through, lower than usual.]

Survive.

[private]

[godsays]

[ Without another word, Zane ends the connection. ]