In some ways, it’s easier this time. Alone. She is scared, and hurt, and lonely, but she’s not performing for anyone. When she and Fjord and Yasha were taken, so long ago, she spent her time humming. Then at least, if they woke up, if they heard her, they would know that she was still there for them. They would know that they weren’t abandoned.
There is no one to hum for, now. It is only a waiting game. The few times that someone has visited, it’s been to press something against her neck that makes the whole world go fuzzy with pain. It leaves her feeling drained, not just of energy, but of her magic. Of her connection to Artie.
When the doors finally open again, metal scraping on stone, she does not move. Better to play at sleep, to wait for a free moment— but when a hand brushes against her neck, she thrashes. Jester kicks out blindly, screams through her gag. Defiant. Exhausted.
Somebody will find me, she would yell, if she could. But she is the Nein’s only scryer, and how will they know?












