A Sound Like Breaking Glass

@breakingglasscomic.bsky.social

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Panel 1: Fiona follows Elder Colle who glances back toward her to ask, "How old are you, Miss Grant? I'm afraid I can't recall." Panel 2: Fiona, flushed and sweating from climbing the stairs answers, "Eighteen, your Grace. As of two months ago." Panel 3: Elder Colle mutters, without looking at her, "And a virgin, no doubt." Panel 4: A close-up of Fiona's booted feet ascending the stairs. Elder Colle asks, "And the letter I received? You wrote that yourself, I take it?" Panel 5: Fiona dashes up the stairs to keep up with Elder Colle as she answers, "Yes, your Grace. I began to learn my letters as soon as I could hold a pen. I was reading The Service tomes at six years old."
Panel 1: Fiona looks away with an ashamed blush. Panel 2: Elder Colle stands with his back to Fiona. He raises one hand, the other tucked behind his back. He says without looking at her, "I've things to attend to. We will speak on the way to my office." Panel 3: A close-up of Elder Colle gesturing for Fiona to follow. Panel 4: Elder Colle and Fiona walk to the staircase. Panel 5: Elder Colle and Fiona round the top of the stairs, heading toward a further staircase.
Panel 1: Lord Grant, in flashback, looks down at Fiona and says, "Better. Take care that he never finds out why you were actually absent." Panel 2: Fiona, in flashback, looks warily up at Lord Grant as he continues, "You would be turned away the moment he learned the breed of woman that you are." Panel 3: Fiona sits curtsied on the floor, looking down as Elder Colle looks on. She says, "As for this morning, your Grace, presumption delayed me. I thought only of myself when I chose to wander with my brother instead of making my way here. I beg your forgiveness." Panel 4: Elder Colle, his expression blank, responds, "You speak the words- but I wonder if you really understand that the Four Perils of Purity are more than just excuses for our behavior."
Panel 1: A flashback showing Fiona being hit in the stomach with a cane. Her father says "Curtsy properly!" Panel 2: A flashback of Lord Grant holding his cane and glaring with gritted teeth as he says "You must show your respect!" Panel 3: In the present, Fiona curtsies deeply, her gaze downcast as she says, "I am undeserving of such honor, and I thank you for considering me in your work. I apologize for my years' long absence. As sickness had forced me into Passivity."
Panel 1: a middle aged man stands with his hands clasped before him, his face expressionless. Panel 2: Fiona bows her head with her eyes closed and curtsies. She says, "Elder Colle, greetings." Panel 3: Fiona smiles. Panel 4: Elder Colle, still expressionless says, "You missed today's sermon." Panel 5: Elder Colle looks down on her and says, "Your family used to be in weekly attendance. But after three years of absence- Panel 6: Fiona gives a nervous frown as he continues, "I wrote today's lesson on Passivity for you. A shame that you missed it for a dalliance."
Panel 1: The camera looks down from a floor above, Fiona appearing small in the doorway. On the second floor, a man walks along while reading, and a woman in the distance walks along the ledge. She says "It's more impressive than I remember." Panel 2: A woman walks up a curving length of stairs. Panel 3: Fiona stares upward, open-mouthed. From offscreen, someone says, "Miss Grant." Panel 4: Fiona turns to look over her shoulder at a middle-aged man.
Panel 1: Fiona stands in a stone doorway Panel 2: Fiona looks up a long staircase at several floors of stone floors. Panel 3: a close-up of Fiona nervously laying a hand on her chest.
Panel 1: The horse carrying Fiona and a mercenary pass through a stone wall with a man holding a spear standing guard on either side. Panel 2: Fiona and the two mercenaries dismount in front of the entrance to The Service.
Panel 1: a wide shot of a tall stone tower surrounded by a wall and a small village with the narration "Even when I was a child, when mother was still well enough to make the trip once a week, this place frightened me." Panel 2: Fiona looks up with unease. Narration reads "The windows are supposed to serve as a visible reminder of the Glass and what's at stake but," Panel 3: a view of an eye-like glass window with the narration "They've always made me feel like I'm being watched..." Panel 4: Fiona looks down nervously with the narration "and judged." Panel 5: Fiona and the man she's riding behind pass through the village. A pair of men walk through the town, having at each other
Panel 1: Fiona and Thame stand in the rain. Fiona looks down as Thame smiles and adjusts her glasses for her Panel 2: A close up of Fiona looking up and blushing Panel 3: A close up of Thames' parted lips. Panel 4: Fiona blushes up at Thame as he cups her cheek and leans closer Panel 5: A close up of Thame brushing his thumb across Fiona's lip as she rests her hand on his.
Panel 1: Fiona rides side-saddle behind one of the riders. She looks over her shoulder where Thame stands, watching them leave. Fiona says, "Good bye." Panel 2: Fiona continues to look over her shoulder, watching as Thame, unmoving, recedes further into the distance. Narration reads, "The Service." Panel 3: Fiona looks sadly down. Thame recedes even further into the distance. Narration reads, "Our church teaches that the soul takes the form of an unseen circle of glass on the crown of the head." Panel 4: Thame looks into the distance where the tower of The Service can be seen over the trees in the distance. Narration reads "Actions they deem 'impure" can damage it, preventing the soul from passing to the land beyond after death."
Panel 1: Fiona looks up sadly at Thame as he lifts a hand to her face. Panel 2: Fiona closes her eyes, tears in her eyes as Thame kisses her forehead. Panel 3: A close up of Fiona blushing as Thame speaks close to her face. He says "I love you, Fiona. Nothing will ever change that." She says "I... Love you too." Panel 4: A close up of Thame wiping a tear from Fiona's eye. Panel 5: Thame looks sadly down at Fiona and says, "I'll try to visit, if father will allow it "
Panel 1: Fiona and Thame hug. Her fingers strain on his back as she looks at him out of the corners of her eyes and thinks "I wish I could tell you." Panel 2: Fiona closes her teary eyes and thinks, "Don't leave me. Take me far away where Father will never be able to force us apart again, but..." Panel 3: Fiona looks away as Thame pushes her gently back. She thinks, "I can't." Panel 4: Thame rests his hand on Fiona's shoulder as she continues to look down. She thinks, "Not when your future still holds so much promise. Without me." Panel 5: Thame smiles sadly.
Panel 1: A close-up of Fiona looking up at Thame with tears in her eyes. Panel 2: Thame suddenly embraces Fiona. Panel 3: A close-up of Fiona looking distressed.
Panel 1: a close-up as Fiona grabs Thame's arm. Panel 2: Fiona, with tears in her eyes, pulls Thame away. The Service tower looms in the background. Panel 3: Fiona holds Thame's hand, looking sadly down as neither of them speak. Panel 4: a close-up of Fiona's hands around Thame's. She says, "I'm sorry to leave you." Panel 5: Fiona looks away, blushing and says, "But staying isn't fair to you, and I-"
Panel 1 : Fiona with tears in her eyes thinks "What?" Panel 2: Fiona turns to Thame, a hand on her chest as she thinks, "No, I'm not ready!" Panel 3: Thame looks sadly down as Fiona looks at him Panel 4: The riders sit unspeaking on their horses as Thame and Fiona stand across from them. Thame says "But I hoped... To see her settled "
Panel 1: a dark skinned mercenary with a spear resting on his shoulders looks off into the distance and says "Whatever the case, we've found you and we can take you safely the rest of the way." Panel 2: Thame bows slightly to the man, his left arm behind his back, and his right arm against his chest and says "Again, we thank you." Panel 3: the scruffy mercenary cuts in front of the dark-skinned mercenary to say "Just the young lady, mind. Elder Colle has sent us with supplies to cover your return journey, lordling. No sense in you walking the rest of the way just to turn around and make your way back, eh?"
Panel 1: Her face obscured, Fiona curtseys to the mercenaries and says, "Please forgive me for succumbing to homesickness." Panel 2: The scruffy mercenary rests his hand thoughtfully on his chin and asks "That would be .. the sin of Presumption, would it not?" Panel 3: The scruffy mercenary looks down at Fiona, his hand out before him and asks, "Or would that be Passivity?" Panel 4: Fiona clasps a shaking hand to her arm and says "Passivity..." Panel 5: a close-up of Fiona's clasped hands as she says "I suppose."
Panel 1: A scraggly man on horse looks down on Fiona and Thame and says "Elder Colle has sent us to escort you to The Service. You were expected yesterday." Panel 2: Fiona looks nervously down as Thame bows beside her and says "We thank you." Panel 3: Thame looks up at the man and says "We were delayed by the storm." Panel 4: The scraggly man glances over his shoulder at The Service in the distance behind him and says "You're a good ways off the main road, lordling." A second mercenary with dark skin and braids looks away in disinterest. Panel 5: Thame frowns and says "Forgive us." Panel 6: The scraggly man looks on as Thame continues. "I thought from the hills here, I might be able to offer my sister one final glimpse of our family home. I apologize for inconveniencing you and causing Elder Colle concern."
Panel 1: Two men on horses approach. They carry spears and their horses are wearing banners with a circle with a line running through it with a bell shape beneath Panel 2: Fiona looks nervous and thinks "Weapons? Are they... Mercenaries? But why?" Panel 3: Thame puts himself between the men and Fiona and says "You're correct. We are the Grant's."
Panel 1: Fiona and Thame sit in silence, not looking at one another. Panel 2: Two riders approach, their horses wearing the symbol of The Service, a lined circle with a bell beneath it. Panel 3: Fiona stands as the rider near them. Thame sits defeated behind her. The rider asks "Thame and Fiona Grant, I presume?"
Panel 1: Thame looks sadly down at Fiona. Panel 2: A close-up as Thame looks down, his brow furrowed. Panel 3: A close-up of Thame's eyes as he looks into the distance. Panel 4: Thame and Fiona sit in the foreground. In the distance, two men on horseback can be seen coming through a part in the trees. Further in the distance, The Service tower stands tall over the trees. A small village sits at its base.
Panel 1: Fiona and Thame sit on some rocks. Thame looks at Fiona as she rests a hand on her forehead, her eyes closed. She says, "I'm sorry." Panel 2: Fiona glances at Thame as he insists "Don't apologize." Panel 3: Fiona turns shortly toward Thame and says "Thame." Panel 4: Fiona rests a hand on Thame's missing hand and says "Let me speak." Panel 5: Thame looks down, his brow slightly furrowed. Panel 6: Fiona rests her chin on her knuckles, her eyes closed as she says "I can't go. I can't risk you getting hurt again. Not for me." Panel 7: Fiona looks imploringly at Thame and says "We should do as we've been instructed by Father. We both lost too much that time. This isn't worth the risk."
Panel 1: Fiona, panicked with tears in her eyes shouts "T-Thame!" Panel 2: Fiona stands gasping, open-mouthed, tears streaming down her face. Thame grasps her by the shoulders and says "Fio, look at me." Panel 3: Fiona looks up at Thame as he presses her hand to his chest and tells her, "You're alright. Count my heartbeats. Breathe with me." Panel 4: Fiona closes her eyes and lets out a deep breath.
Panel 1: Thame stands between Lord Grant and Fiona, looking at Lord Grant. Lord Grant stares in shock at his axe which is dripping blood. Fiona, blood on her face, says "Th-Thame." Panel 2: Fiona grasps Thames' wounded wrist between her hands and looks up at him, tears in her eyes. He stands motionless, sweat beading on his face. She shouts "Ah! Your hand! What have you done?" Panel 3: Thame forces a smile toward Fiona despite the pain. He says "Fiona." Panel 4: Thame passes out while saying "You're... Okay."
Panel 1: A memory of the past. A younger Fiona is pushed back by a middle-aged man. He says "I won't let you destroy this family." Panel 2: Fiona looks away with tears in her eyes, holding herself as the man shouts at her "You whore! Temptress!" Panel 3: The man lifts an axe to swing and shouts "I'll cut the sun clean out of you!" Panel 4: Fiona closes her eyes, bracing herself for the incoming impact.
Panel 1: Fiona frowns as she watches a bird in the foreground pull a strip of flesh from its prey. She thinks "Would people be willing to help us? Would our money be of any use?" Panel 2: Fiona follows Thame. Panel 3: Thame wears a serious expression. Fiona thinks "Is all of this worth it if we're put into even more danger than we were at home?" Panel 4: Fiona has stopped on the path. She stands alone, her back to the viewer. She thinks "Thame thinks so but... If he got hurt again..." Panel 5: Fiona wears an apprehensive expression, a bead of sweat on her chin.
Panel 1: Thame helps Fiona up over a rocky outcropping. She thinks "We have food and water enough for two days. Three if we restrict our rations." Panel 2: Fiona walks through tall grass. A rabbit sits in the grass in the foreground. She thinks "Beyond that we'll have to rely on the land." Panel 3: Fiona follows behind Thame through the grass. A bird of prey flies overhead. She thinks "We don't know how far the mountains will stretch on for and what kind of flora grows on the other side." Panel 4: Fiona glances over her shoulder and sees the bird swooping to grab the rabbit. She thinks "I don't know the first thing about hunting, and Thame will have a hard time with one hand."
Panel 1: Fiona follows Thame through tall grass. Panel 2: Fiona glances at Thame, sweat on her face. Panel 3: Thame offers Fiona some bread as she wipes her face, a water skin in her hand. Panel 4: Fiona is about to take a bite of the bread. Panel 5: Fiona looks at Thame as he packs his bag and asks, "Aren't you going to eat?" Panel 6: Without looking at her, Thame answers, "I had some before you got up." Panel 7: Fiona stares at him, the bread in her hands uneaten and says, "Thame." Panel 8: Thame glances over his shoulder at Fiona and says, "We have to conserve what he can." Panel 9: Fiona looks down sadly at the bread in her hands as he continues, "You should go ahead. You're not used to all this exercise."
Panel 1: Fiona and Thame stand hand in hand before some mountainous terrain with old paths winding through it. Panel 2: Fiona looks over her shoulder. Panel 3: A tower with a large eye-like window looms over some trees. Panel 4: Fiona turns her back to the tower.
Chapter 1 The Children of House Grant Two sad red heads stand beneath the cover of a tree, neither acknowledging the other but almost touching hands.
Chapter 2 The Divide Fiona and Thame gaze sadly at each other as they are pulled in different directions. Fiona reaches out as yellow ropes at her waist and throat pull her backwards. Thame is pulled back by hands grasping at his wrist, arm and hair.
Panel 1: in the foreground, Thame rolls up a bedroll while, in the background, Fiona dresses. Panel 2: Fiona silently buttons her shirt Panel 3: Fiona is interrupted from sweeping the ashes from the oven by Thame saying "Leave it. The next travelers will have to forgive us for not cleaning up everything. If we're going to go, it needs to be now." Panel 4: Thame looks at Fiona and says "You want to do this..." Panel 5: Thame looks down and says, "Don't you?"
Panel 1: Thame reaches out to Fiona who reaches toward him from inside a jawed mouth. She shouts "Thame!" Panel 2: Thame reaches inside the mouth to grab Fiona's arm. He shouts "Fio!" Panel 3: The jaws snap closed on Thames arm. Panel 4: Inside the closed jaws, Fiona says in fear "Don't leave me. I can't do this alone." Panel 5: Fiona looks over her shoulder at a figure out of frame who says "You look like you could use a friend." Panel 6: A figure looks down at Fiona clenching the blankets in her sleep. Panel 7: Fiona wakes with a start. Panel 8: Fiona stares blearily at the ceiling.
Panel 1: Fiona surprises Thame by kissing him. Panel 2: Fiona and Thame blush as they kiss. Panel 3: Fiona rests her hands on Thames' shoulders as he holds her waist as they continue to kiss.
Panel 1: Fiona and Thame sit on the floor on their bedrolls. Fiona pours tea into two cups as Thame looks to the side and says "I guess it looks like a home to me." Panel 2: Thame thoughtfully touches his face as he glances at the far wall with a horizontal alcove built into it. He says "Maybe they slept off the ground in those alcoves, since there didn't appear to be doors to keep creatures out and- Panel 3: Thame points off screen and says "That looks to me like it could represent a family." Panel 4: a shot of the wall above the door shows three shapes carved into the wall with different proportions. Thame says "Maybe those three shapes above the door show a mother, a father and, a child."
Panel 1: A rumble of thunder startled Fiona to turn away from Thame. Panel 2: Rain falls on ruined, vine covered buildings. Between a gap in a broken wall, a glimpse of a person can be seen. Panel 3: Fiona holds her fist to her chest and frowns into the distance. Panel 4: a closer view of the gap in the wall shows no one standing there. Panel 5: Fiona glances back toward Thame and says "We should head back."
Panel 1: Fiona stands in the rain, her arms outstretched. She stands before an old stone building. Stone ruins can be seen on a slope further in the background. Panel 2: Fiona looks over her shoulder as Thame calls to her from off screen Panel 3: Fiona runs through the rain. Panel 4: Fiona ducks behind a crumbling wall.
Panel 1: The man looks silently out into the rain. Panel 2: The man looks toward Fiona and say, "It doesn't look like its going to let up. We should probably press on if we want to arrive before nightfall. Panel 3: The man turns away as he pulls the hood of his cloak over his head. Panel 4: Fiona picks up an armful of firewood as she says, "Perhaps it would be best if we hunkered down here for the night? There's no sense in rushing there is we wind up sick from the wet and the cold. Panel 5: The man doesn't look at her as he says "They'll be expecting you." Panel 6: He rests a hand on his arm which is severed at the wrist.
A digital illustration of two red-headed siblings standing beneath the cover of a tree. The woman in the front looks distraught while the man behind her has his features hidden by the tree. Their reach toward each other but do not touch. Text reads Chapter 1 The Children of House Grant
Panel 1: Fiona looks down, her thoughts conflicted. Panel 2: Fiona closes her eyes and touches her forehead, her mind becoming less jumbled Panel 3: Fiona looks up, startled by her own indecision, tears in her eyes. Panel 4: Thame looks down, quietly saying "Fio..." Panel 5: Fiona clenches her fist. Panel 6: Fiona holds her hands to her chest and decisively says, "I want to be with you."
Panel 1: in the foreground, Thame rolls up a bedroll while, in the background, Fiona dresses. Panel 2: Fiona silently buttons her shirt Panel 3: Fiona is interrupted from sweeping the ashes from the oven by Thame saying "Leave it. The next travelers will have to forgive us for not cleaning up everything. If we're going to go, it needs to be now." Panel 4: Thame looks at Fiona and says "You want to do this..." Panel 5: Thame looks down and says, "Don't you?"
Panel 1: Fiona glances toward Thame. Panel 2: Thame rests a hand on the wrist of his missing hand. Panel 3: Fiona looks down. Panel 4: Fiona silently rests a hand on her stomach. Panel 5: Fiona looks up as Thame takes her hand. Panel 6: Thame brings her hand to his lips as he says "Something like that never has to happen again."
Panel 1: Fiona runs a hand through her hair and looks toward Thame who says, out of frame "You're up. Good." Panel 2: Thame enters the room from behind Fiona who looks over her shoulder at him. Thame says "I've already packed up most of our things and I checked the road. If we leave now, no one will see us." Fiona says, "What do you mean?" Panel 3: Thame sits on the steps, not looking at Fiona as she gazes at him. He says "I couldn't stop thinking about it all night, of running away. I know it will be hard, but I really think we can make it. If it means not losing you, I think we should try."
Panel 1: Fiona lays on her stomach in her bed roll, holding her head and looking tired. In the background, sunlight fills the room. Panel 2: Fiona sits up and rests a hand on the empty bed roll beside her and says "Thame?"
Panel 1: Thame reaches out to Fiona who reaches toward him from inside a jawed mouth. She shouts "Thame!" Panel 2: Thame reaches inside the mouth to grab Fiona's arm. He shouts "Fio!" Panel 3: The jaws snap closed on Thames arm. Panel 4: Inside the closed jaws, Fiona says in fear "Don't leave me. I can't do this alone." Panel 5: Fiona looks over her shoulder at a figure out of frame who says "You look like you could use a friend." Panel 6: A figure looks down at Fiona clenching the blankets in her sleep. Panel 7: Fiona wakes with a start. Panel 8: Fiona stares blearily at the ceiling.
Panel 1: Fiona grabs onto Thames arm as a three eyed beast snarls at her and says "I see you for what you are." Panel 2: Thame tries to lift Fiona to her feet. She is staring down at her tangled skirt and blood covered thigh. The monster's tongue wraps around her ankle as it says "Murderer. Seductress. Broken thing." Panel 3: The tongue yanks Fiona toward its open mouth. She says "No. No!"
Panel 1: Fiona lies asleep on her back. Panel 2: Fiona grimaces in her sleep and rolls onto her stomach Panel 3: Fiona and Thame peer through the trees at a tower with a large circular window in the distance. Thame says "There it is. The Service." Panel 4: The window of the building appears to look down at them and it says "It's been three years since you last visited these halls. Explain your absence." Panel 5: Fiona grips Thames' arm as she cowers behind him and says "I've been ill." Panel 6: The building opens a fanged mouth as its windows form three eyes to glare at Fiona. Hands form at its base and Fiona turns away in fear as it shouts "Liar!"
Panel 1: Fiona looks sadly away as Thame kisses her neck. Panel 2: Thame looks sheepish as Fiona rests her hands on his shoulders, holding him back. Panel 3: Fiona and Thame both lay in their bedrolls. Fiona says "Good night, Thame." Thame says "G'night Fio." Panel 4: In the dark, Fiona peers shyly at Thame. Panel 5: Thame stares at the ceiling as he touches his lips thoughtfully.
Panel 1: Fiona surprises Thame by kissing him. Panel 2: Fiona and Thame blush as they kiss. Panel 3: Fiona rests her hands on Thames' shoulders as he holds her waist as they continue to kiss.
Panel 1: Fiona sips from her tea cup as she says "Father would send someone after us. Your marriage potential is too valuable to him." Panel 2: Thame furrows his brow and says "Then we'll go North, into the pagan lands where no one would dare follow us." Panel 3: Fiona raises a brow and asks "You and I? Coddled children of a Lord? We have no idea how to survive out there. Panel 4: Thame lays a hand on his temple in frustration and say "We could figure it out. Anything is better than-" Panel 5: Fiona cups Thames' face in her hands. Panel 6: Fiona sits on her knees, holding Thames' face in her hands. He looks up at her, his hand rested on herself and says, "Mother made me promise the day you were brought to us, and again on her deathbed, that I would always keep you safe. I feel like I've failed her in that up until now." Panel 7: Thame looks down sadly and says, "Please don't go where I can't follow you."
Panel 1: Fiona holds her cup of tea in her lap with a sad smile as she says "You know I do too, more than you could ever know." Panel 2: Fiona places a cup of tea into Thame's hand and says, "But Father has made it very clear." Panel 3: Fiona looks down and says, "I cannot stay." Panel 4: Fiona takes a sip of tea. Panel 5: Fiona looks at her steaming cup. Across from her, Thame looks down at his missing hand. Panel 6: Thame sets down his cup. Panel 7: Thame's brow furrows as he says "Are we not old enough to choose how we want to live? You and I could leave tomorrow and never look back."
Panel 1: A side profile of Thame as he says "What do you think?" Panel 2: Fiona looks away and says "I think that sounds a lot like your family before I showed up." Panel 3: Thame lays his hand atop Fiona's clenched fist and says "Our family." Panel 4: Thame looks down and says "I know Father always treated you like an inconvenient truth But-" Panel 5: Thame smiles and says "My mother loved you from the moment your mother placed you in her arms." Panel 6: Thame grasps Fiona's hand and says "As have I." Panel 7: Fiona looks sadly at him and says "Thame " Panel 8: Thame releases Fiona's hand and says "You don't have to answer." Panel 9: Thame looks away and says "I just wanted you to know "
Panel 1: Fiona and Thame sit on the floor on their bedrolls. Fiona pours tea into two cups as Thame looks to the side and says "I guess it looks like a home to me." Panel 2: Thame thoughtfully touches his face as he glances at the far wall with a horizontal alcove built into it. He says "Maybe they slept off the ground in those alcoves, since there didn't appear to be doors to keep creatures out and- Panel 3: Thame points off screen and says "That looks to me like it could represent a family." Panel 4: a shot of the wall above the door shows three shapes carved into the wall with different proportions. Thame says "Maybe those three shapes above the door show a mother, a father and, a child."
Thame stands looking thoughtfully at the aged stone room as he says "Hm "
Panel 1: The kettle on the stove whistles "Phweee" as it boils. Panel 2: A close up of Fiona in profile with arms folded atop her knees. She stares into the distance as she says "Before..." Panel 3: A wide shot of the now dark room, lot only by the fire burning in the stove. Thame stands to lay out his bedroll. Fiona, still seated, asks, "What do you suppose this place was before it became a travelers' stop?"
Panel 1: Fiona and Thame sit on the floor beside the stove. Fiona sits with her knees to her chest, wearing just her undergarments. Thame sits with his missing hand propped on his knee. Their clothes hang above the stove to dry. Fiona says "Sorry." Panel 2: Fiona looks sidelong at Thame and says "I said we should stay so we wouldn't have to go out in the rain, and then I dragged us out there anyway." Panel 3: Thame looks away and smiles as he says "It's alright." Panel 4: Thame lifts his arm to look at where his missing hand would be and says "It reminded me of... Before."
Panel 1: A rumble of thunder startled Fiona to turn away from Thame. Panel 2: Rain falls on ruined, vine covered buildings. Between a gap in a broken wall, a glimpse of a person can be seen. Panel 3: Fiona holds her fist to her chest and frowns into the distance. Panel 4: a closer view of the gap in the wall shows no one standing there. Panel 5: Fiona glances back toward Thame and says "We should head back."
Panel 1: Fiona and Thame stand in the rain. Fiona looks down as Thame smiles and adjusts her glasses for her Panel 2: A close up of Fiona looking up and blushing Panel 3: A close up of Thames' parted lips. Panel 4: Fiona blushes up at Thame as he cups her cheek and leans closer Panel 5: A close up of Thame brushing his thumb across Fiona's lip as she rests her hand on his.
Panel 1: A close up of Lord Grant saying "You're distracting Thame." Panel 2: Fiona looks away and says "I haven't-" Panel 3: Lord Grant sits at his desk, looking down at a paper that he's writing on as Fiona stands before him. He says "And still he ignores his duties and responsibilities to this family." Panel 4: Fiona looks shocked as Lord Grant says "I thought I was clear with you last time, but it seems permanent separation will be necessary." Panel 5: Lord Grant continues to looks down as he says " Fortunately for you, word has reached me that Elder Colle of The Service is in need of a Housekeeper. You will pen him a letter, begging for work." Panel 6: Fiona looks down as she thinks. "You're sending me away, and you still can't bring yourself to look at me?" Lord Grant says, "Do you understand this is an opportunity for you to actually be useful again?" Fiona answers, "Yes Fa- Lord Grant. I understand."