"They are always so surprised, the men like Steel," Yelena remarks. "Like they really think their little plans and powerplays can put them out of reach of dying."

She catches motion out of the corner of her eye, amidst the strange blur of the room becoming, somehow, more real, and half-turns - grimacing a little as even that much motion jars her - in time to see Elidibus slump to one knee. She doesn't miss the expression on his face, though she only frowns at him, something like concern in the crease of her brow.

"Are you too hurt to walk?" she asks. "I'm thinking we will be able to find help now."