Attention; it was something that Maggie gave a great deal to the world around her, as she sought to avoid much of it. For her, the game at hand didn't exist; it was an exhibition of people -- some to fear, some to trust, most to avoid. Her eyes flittered from place to place; space to space; person to person, like two blades of grass in a heavy wind, as she attempted to map out the motion, in order to escape as quickly as she could, should the need arise. It was her greatest hope that it wouldn't arise, but, she never fancied herself that lucky. A smart person knew her escape route.

[[i][color=f7976a]And, you're ever the smart, little girl, aren't you?[/color][/i]] asked a lecherous voice, slipping into her thoughts; invading her mind with its maddeningly pervasive tone and whim. "[color=f26522]Don't talk to me,[/color]" Maggie muttered, bringing her knees to her chest, hiding her face. [[i][color=f7976a]Don't talk to me.[/color][/i]] mocked the voice, arrogant in tone and bemused, as well. [[i][color=f7976a]I haven't a single soul else to. Surely, you'll indulge an old man the fruits of his labor.[/color][/i]] Maggie groaned, trying to seem smaller -- less noticeable. It wouldn't work on him. It hadn't in the span of a week; surely, it wouldn't start now. [[i][color=f7976a]Come, now, child. A little flower such as yourself should be vibrant. Not hidden away like a wilting bloom. You're only just beginning to bud.[/color][/i]]

Maggie opened an eye, still behind her arms, crossed before her, "[color=f26522]Why? Why do you talk to me like this? I know what you mean! Don't... I don't... I don't like it...[/color]" A faint chuckle sounded. "[color=f26522]Why does my misery amuse you? Why do you haunt me? I'm nothing, nobody. I'm --[/color]" [[i][color=f7976a]--all you need to survive.[/color][/i]] interrupted the voice. [[i][color=f7976a]I'm strong. You're not. Embrace that, little flower. Embrace me. We're destined for each other. I didn't simply appear, because I wanted to.[/color][/i]] Maggie opened her mouth to speak, but, suddenly the walls ratted, and the bleachers shook with the tremendous force coming in. If she screamed, the bellow of the elephant crashing down the western wall, and the demands of an ancient -- and dead -- king drowned out her misery.

	Against her breast, the card in demand warmed in maddening desire to be "played from her hand," so to speak. [[i][color=f7976a]Let's show him what you can do, little flower. A kindred spirit is ours, he and I. I can sense it. I know you can. Aren't you drawn to it? Don't lie, little flower. It might kill you.[/color][/i]] taunted the voice. "[color=f26522]Y-Yes,[/color]" Maggie stammered, as she clenched her fists before her knees. "[color=f26522]I c-can f-f-feel it... Bu-But, I c-can't![/color]" she cries, legs tensed, ready to spring up and run away. [[i][color=f7976a]Oh, you can, little flower. Just open your eyes. Let me help you... water your garden...[/color][/i]] 

Maggie drew a shaking breath, and her right hand shook, as it drew to the card. "[color=f26522]Pl-Please... I don't... I don't wanna... I feel...[/color]" she let the world fall silent, with her right hand; the only sound was the heavy, dull THUD of a pearl-white, immense jawbone. "[b][color=f26522]...I feel... that no-one demands anything of me.[/color][/b]" Maggie snarled, as she drew to her feet. "[b][color=f26522]I serve no-one, but myself,[/color][/b]" she says, brushing back her hair, "[b][color=f26522]Besides, subservience to you is impossible... if you're dead.[/color][/b]"

[[i][color=f7976a]Bloom, my little flower.[/color][/i]]