[oh, she is more than aware of her fate. it may have been hundreds of years ago that she died, but there are still times where, out of nowhere, she swears she can feel the guillotine about to slice through her neck.

he'll find her among the flowers that ring the hare's abode. she hears footsteps in her general vicinity, and her eyes are wide as she turns, but she relaxes once she recognizes who the other person is.]

Ah—Jean-Pierre!

[she flashes him a familiar smile.]

[Well, at least she's not hurt. A quick scan reveals that, and some of the terror that grips his heart releases. He slows, coming to a halt a few feet away from her.]

Hey.

[A beat, and he offers her a smile: affectionate, but strained.]

You all right? I mean, with the . . . y'know . . . I figure I oughta come see how you're doing.

So you know your history?

[she laughs, though it's lacking that airy optimism that marie usually has about her.]

I'm fine. It was just... unpleasant, as you might have guessed. But I thank you for coming to check on me.

Yeah.

[Yeah, he knows. Frankly, even if he didn't, this shit is disturbing enough as it stands. But soon he's sitting next to her, his legs crossed beneath him, only a few inches of space between them.]

You don't have to thank me, though. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm grateful, but--

[He offers her a little grin, meant to be teasing. Meant to be distracting, because he's no good at feelings but he is good at being loud and bright and making everyone focus on him instead of their thoughts.]

I'm a knight at home, y'know, I've got to make sure you're okay! It's all part of the job description. Run you errands, take you out for sweets, defend you from whatever bastard tries anything, give you a kiss--

[Polnareff.]

I mean, it's a hard duty, but I'm dedicated to it.

[the sincerity in his words make her laugh openly, now, and she genuinely appreciates his way of cheering her up. when he sits next to her, she scooches a little closer toward him.]

Any royal would be thrilled to have you as a knight, Jean-Pierre, so I am pleased you have chosen me to pledge your loyalty to. But rather than a knight... [and here she places her hand atop his.] Couldn't I consider you a dear friend instead?

[ah, to be young again.]

[He glances down, a little certain about how to take that hand. It's not that he's opposed to any way, but he doesn't want to make the wrong move and alienate her.]

Sure. Whatever you want, Marie, I'm easy.

[she keeps her hand where it is, continuing to smile at him. does it help or hurt that she looks like a young adult instead of the 39-year-old she died as??]

I do wish we could have met under... ah, more fortunate circumstances, though. That is maybe the only thing I would change.

Ahh, well, nothing's perfect.

[He hesitates, then catches her hand, holding it carefully between thumb and forefinger so he can kiss the back of it.]

But I'm pretty glad I got to meet you. Even if they gotta be under these circumstances. It's real lucky for me, you know? I mean, I'm a lucky guy in general, but this? This is way above and beyond what I usually get.