thecutdiamond | it is not adversity that kills [For Eileen]

When Rachel had forced her niece to go into the passageway, she had honestly expected it would be for the last time. The thought had been kept in the back of her mind so she could focus on helping those who needed it, on ushering the retreating Cards to the escape routes, but it lingered there. Came swimming to surface when she was finally cornered by the Chess Pieces.

She'd fought as hard as she could; she always did. But just like it had been with the Magician, there was only so much one woman could do.

She'd not expected to wake up. In time, she would come to wish she hadn't. But she held on to the hope that her niece would lead their people to victory, and so she kept fighting-- spat at her captors' questions, held her tongue under their torture while she could, screamed only curses when she finally couldn't. And so it went for what felt like an age.

Until one day, the Chess Pieces didn't come. She wasn't sure how long it was she was left alone, didn't know that it was because the war was over at last. Didn't actually wake up when the Cards come to free her and the others the Chess Set had taken prisoner.

When she starts to regain consciousness, the first thing that comes back is the feeling of pain-- and it feels odd, numbed and dull like she was feeling it from behind a veil. The second thing that comes back is her hearing-- and the sound of soft hospital monitors and gentle, distant murmurs greets her instead of harsh words.

It takes effort, but she finally, finally opens her eyes and realizes that she's home.

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"I know, little one." And she isn't ready to let go of this either, she finds. Isn't actually willing to be with their loved ones lost if it means leaving this loved one behind.

It's a change from how things used to be, and she doesn't mind it.

"I love you. And I'm-- not going anywhere."

Not for now. Hopefully not for a while yet.

It's likely the kind of realization that would make those on the other side of the veil breathe a sigh of relief. This, after all, is what they want for their loved ones still alive.

Eileen isn't fully thinking of them. It's so much more important to think of the one still here, still warm and breathing close against her in this moment.

"Not for-- a long time. Please. I... I want you to see what... we build here."

It's hard for her to move too much, but she manages a nod and to briefly pat the young woman's back before having to let her hand drop to the side again.

"And-- I want to see what we-- make of everything. Truly."

"You will. You'll-- help, Rachel, you will."

They'd need, after all, those who had seen the Deck through more than one era. They'd need as much as they could to build something better.

"I will, little one," she affirms, shifting carefully, tentatively to kiss her niece's forehead.

"I promise."

It's easier to breathe calmly with that reassurance. It's easier to settle back, cling less tight to the older woman's hand.

"It... ended definitively, you know. Their Queen is dead."

There's a calm, slow exhale of breath at her niece's words, and she nods after a moment.

"Good. That's... good."

Or something. At least the war is done.

They can talk later about who killed the woman. They can talk later about who sobbed in the half-decimated graveyard with an old bodyguard holding her tight.

For now, there's just victory to focus on.

"So you can... breathe, Auntie. Focus on getting better."

They'll have time later. That's the nice thing. Time enough to talk about everything that had passed. Time enough to grieve.

Time enough to heal.

"I will," she murmurs softly.

"Promise." A childish request, perhaps, but something she needs in this moment. Her pinkie finds the older woman's almost without instinct. "Please promise."

Her pinkie wraps around hers, and Rachel nods, "I promise."

So much easier to make than the one she had before they parted ways all that time ago.

That manages to get her smile back. That gets relief in the light kiss against the older woman's cheek. "Thank you, Auntie. Rest."

"All right."

Although her hand does catch a little at her niece's sleeve.

"You'll visit again when you can?"

She knows she must be incredibly busy, but it would be such a help to see her, even if it's only rarely.

"I'll make time. I promise." She was here sitting with Julien all the time already--had still carved out time to be sitting waiting for Rachel to wake up.

Keeping the acting Queen sane was a real priority for the reforming society. This had to be allowed.

"Thank you, Eileen."

It would be good, for them to change the attitudes towards how Faces needed to behave. If there was anything that needed to be taken away from this war, it was the importance of knowing they could trust one another enough to be a little weaker in some things, at some times. The balance in abilities each Suit brought to the table was what had helped them stand strong to the end.

it is not adversity that kills [For Eileen]

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