[ He's warm. Stars, he's warm and he's real, and that's all she needs for that momentary respite. She isn't alone anymore. Gustave's right here. And while Sciel's always known it would be all right if something might happen to her, the relief is palpable in those moments she's pressed against him, and she can only stuff it away as much as she can when they part. But he's got her by the hand, and that brings another smile to her face, enough to split into a grin. ]

I've got you, you know that. And you've got me.

[ The words cut in her mouth. She swallows the dagger and says nothing. She does have him; Gustave's always been there for her. Things have changed but nothing's changed, like the stars: some nights you see them, some nights you don't, but the love is still there. It doesn't go anywhere even if it's not visible.

He draws her attention back to the others, and she nods. ]

It wouldn't be off the mark. I tried to wait around as long as I could at the, uh-- [ Car depot. ] The loan place. But I didn't want to be too far behind if everyone had gone ahead. And I imagine they've got the same logic as me. I know Lune would.

[ Lune wouldn't wait; she'd go on ahead to the next town, especially if it's a central hub like this. Maelle... Probably would too, if she couldn't find anyone else. She can't say what Verso would do. Probably keep going. ]

They've got to be around here somewhere. And if they aren't...we should try scouting just around the city when it's light. Maybe make a marker for them.