Marianne leans further forward on her perch, so much that she swings around and dangles upside down from the underside. She folds her arms across her chest and taps away at the crook of her elbow with an impatient finger. Her face is frozen in a permanent smirk, and all her breathing is done by way of half-laughing snorts out of her nose. But she is quiet enough, still enough, hidden enough to allow for this small indulgence.

So, this is what it looks like when a shield plays at being a spear. And for that matter, what it looks like when a mongrel dog plays at being a gentleman. [i]Quelle suprise,[/i] their dance is a wonder only to slack-jawed dimwits and drunkards waiting to stumble home with lightened pockets and heavier hearts. It takes patience and vision to see a sham for what it is.

And still, she holds her hand. This is Canada's moment to shine, bright as she is, and her moment to dance. A cloak must know when to hang itself on the rack, lest its owner stumble on the tattered, fluttering ends. Therefore wait, Marianne! Watch, Marianne! A dagger in the knight is worth ten spears in the glittering sun! And when the trumpet sounds your song, then it will be your turn to dance, yes yes!

Marianne's eyes dart all across the room, marking each grovelling Annunaki in turn. She is out of patience with Shamash, beyond needing to care about the nameless dredge, but Jezcha holds her attention longer than the rest. Ah, is this your doing, little star? How sweet you are to worry! Fret not, Marianne has found tonight's calling card, yes!

It's not sloth that's held her hand. It is not mercy. It is not fear. It is not even trust. It is merely the understanding that a castle must sometimes be pulled down brick by single brick. Her chosen sisters, they were dreamers with heads full of glittering ideals. But she, Marianne, was here to do a job. And she did not achieve that job by selling out results for anybody's pretty thoughts. Canada would not fail. Canada might get herself maimed beyond recognition tonight, but even that will serve the Cause. The opening, the crack, the moment where the mission will smother everything like a blanket carved from pure night sky will come. And when it does, she will dive. And they will, together, tear loose another brick or three. 

[i]Attendre et espérer.[/i]