EVENTS:

Eigla continues to work, keeping a close eye on the road. No sign of the messengers yet. Makes sense, in a way - It took the truck most of a day to get through the tunnel, the horses can't be faring much better.

She momentarily thinks about the pursuing meatblob. Hopefully it's not much faster, either.



Rosa takes the waterskin, drinks from it, then splashes water all over her face, hair and torso. Pierre looks momentarily amused.

Pierre: "Mademoiselle, if you're trying to appeal to me, I'm a bit too old to be moved by such antics... And, I was given to understand you were already engaged to Eigla?"

EVENTS:

Pierre: "Mmm hmm. Why's that? It does seem to suit you quite well, and I've seen you move through the snow - No one could be as fast on two legs."



Meanwhile, Klimt finds a box of dried rations, and begins slowly feeding them to Peggy. It's a bit of a chore, with her needing to stop and breathe every few seconds, and almost gagging after each bite.

Peggy: "...Hey, Klimt. Tell me a bit about who I am. So, so I won't forget.

Tell me what you like about me."

EVENTS:

Pierre: "Swamp kings... There's plenty of those to the North and West, closer to the coast. Nasty creatures, they are, always encroaching on the roads and preying on pilgrims.
Mother always warned us not to take their flesh, saying it did not flow from the Master. Guess I know why, now.

You, mentioned a... coffin, though. What's that?"

EVENTS:

Pierre: "And, it's a machine? Huh. Impressive. I'd never heard of anything like that. Must come in handy."

There is a long pause, as he takes the waterskin back and drinks some himself.

Pierre: "You know... I'm quite convinced regarding Eigla's faith, but what about you? What is your opinion on the Master?

You sounded a bit less... Compliant, earlier, is why I'm asking. Probably just my imagination, but still~"

EVENTS:

Pierre looks away for a few moments.

Pierre: "The Master provides, and asks for nothing in return. But. He has a way of, making people want to give something back. Some times, too much. Some times, themselves.

I do not know if this is intentional, or just a byproduct of his powers. Some may find respite in oblivion. I... Fear it might be wasteful. Suppose it's a side effect of being alive.

What I'm trying to say is - from the brief time I spent with Eigla, I could feel she had a good head on her shoulders. Now, I'm not so sure.

Don't leave her alone for too long."

EVENTS:

With every phrase, every morsel, Peggy's eyes grow more watery. By the time Klimt finishes his speech, she's sobbing openly.

Peggy: "I, I don't get it. Out of all the people out there, why did I meet you? I, I mean - Product of my environment or not, I'm still a mean, acrid, shitty person. I, I keep seeing that. When I get hungry, it's like, I'm a different person looking at myself. And, I-I don't really like what I see.

You gave me this body, sure. But- Before that, you gave me your time, your protection, your love. I don't deserve any of that! D-don't say otherwise. I know, good things are supposed to come from good things. Having an awful life doesn't mean I'm entitled to having a pleasant death.

If- If I ever start talking again of luxury and conquest - Oh who am I kidding, I totally will, but still - Let me tell you right now, it's all bull♥♥♥♥. What I wanted, what I needed the most, was you. And you've given it to me, freely.

I'll probably never be able to actually repay you. But, I'm a dumb, persistant jerk. So I'll keep trying and trying, until undeath rolls over and becomes life again. So you'll see, the things I'll do for you -HAH! They'll be the stuff of legend!"

She moves closer, hugging him tightly, kissing his neck.

Peggy: "So, my love... Tell me, what would you like from me today?"