[MaC] "I didn't know..." [LONG]

[Jvstin]

On Tue, 18 Jan 2005 20:38:32 +0000, Nowsounds at comcast.net
<Nowsounds at comcast.net> wrote:
>  
> > > "Dear God," Arabella murmured, almost under her breath. Her heart went
> out, 
> > > in a brief, instinctive moment, to all of them... to Nola Diamond, who
> had 
> > > died too young, too brutally, as so many were dying, to this poor, 
> > > anguished, young man, maimed in both body and soul, to Esme Fitzroy, to
> her 
> > > own daughter, who felt so trapped by duty and tradition... to all of
> them. 
> > > Instinctively, her eyes went to Michael's face, searching for something
> - 
> > > perhaps wisdom, perhaps simply understanding... 
> > 
> > Michael's eyes offered strength and support as he offered her a 
> > handkerchief, his hand touching hers and lingering a few moments. 
> She allowed the touch, took comfort in it... indeed their little secret
> seemed as nothing compared to the torments that had swirled around them in
> Mortmain Mansions... then brushed the handkerchief lightly under her eyes,
> which had become moist. She looked for Pamela... "What happens now?" she
> asked.


James looked shocked, amazed, and most of all, saddened by the tragedy
described.  He looked down at the ground for a moment, and then back
at everyone else.

"The endgame." he said softly.  "The fall of knights, bishops and
rooks, leaving just a few of us pawns on the board, alone, to carry on
after the blood and fire."