thecutdiamond: (the brightest shine briefest)
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.
thecutdiamond: (the lioness)
That the former Diamonds Castle had managed to sustain itself this long against the barrage of attacks from the Chess Set was a testament to both its people and its architects, but the time had come when things were literally and figuratively about to crumple. Those who had needed to be evacuated already had been long ago-- all that remained were those who had stayed to fight for their home and the people who they were fighting against.

Rachel isn't sure how they managed to get separated from the contingent of Cards she and Eileen had been fighting with, but then, most things in battle are a blur. It's growing clear to her, though, that this battle is one they're going to lose.

And, she being the former Queen that she is, knows exactly what she's going to do about it.

Tugging her niece from the main scene of the warzone will feel to the younger woman like retreating, she's sure, but it's necessary so that Rachel can manage to shut them away for a few moments in a room she knows isn't all that it seems.

"There's too many of them. You need to go."

You. Not we.

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thecutdiamond: (Default)
Rachel Caustello

September 2023

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