[b][u]Aurora Claudwell[/u][/b]

Rory saw the shift in Luna’s manner through a blur of pain. Luna’s bestial snarl seemed strangely appropriate, even complimentary, when paired with her golden eyes and fangs. She was like a graceful, mythical creature. Perhaps it was the similarity in their mutation, but Rory understood her fierce rage. She did do her best to calm her, though. 

“I’m not sure,” she strained the words from her lips. Her dark haired head gave a shake, “No…no, I’ll be fine.” Her words were meant to be reassuring, but she had trouble speaking them without the tension that was indicative of her pain. Her efforts didn’t seem to be entirely fruitful. She watched with wrinkled features as Luna tore the cloth from the fallen soldier. She accepted the torn clothing without question, giving another wince as it pressed to her bloodied wound.

She wanted to speak, to try and sooth her friend, but the pain was blaring through her body and dizzying her thoughts. She was grateful when Luna murmured a hushed, “Sorry…I didn’t mean to…” Her tone had softened, and she sounded more akin to the Luna with whom Rory shared her dorm room. It reminded her of the nights they’d spent whispering into the dark hours, saving her from more than one night’s nightmare. If it hadn’t been for the pain, she might have smiled then. She hoped her eyes shared the sentiment enough as she answered, “I know. It’s okay.” 

At Luna’s prompting, Rory gave an unsteady nod of her head in agreement. Words were beginning to escape her. Her breathing had become rather ragged and shallow. The pain seemed to develop a new sharpness as the adrenaline wore off. She was damaged, and exhausted from the round of endless sprinting and phasing that she’d endured. At Luna’s offer for support, she was nothing but grateful. 

She leaned into her friend’s side, thankful for her strength. Each step felt as if it took enormous effort and time. She’d never felt so [i]slow[/i] before. 

“…well you did say you wanted to spend more time in the infirmary.” The comment was unanticipated. “Getting yourself shot just to spend time with Mender is a little over the top though.” For a moment, Rory was quiet. She tilted her head to give a taken-aback, sidelong glance at Luna. In was only at the subtle twitch of her companion’s lip that Rory’s own shapely mouth spread into a weary smile. Her body shuddered with laughter. It came out sounding tight and it was rather short-lived, ending with another grimace of her features. “Hilarious,” she teased in retort as they staggered to the opening in the museum wall.