[ so marta stays firm, steady. unyielding even as his grip adjusts and readjusts, perfectly ready to be the support she offered to be. ]

I wish I knew. This orb... It seems to be more cruel than the others I've heard about. Whatever happened — [ even now, she still isn't sure. she hasn't had the heart to ask those who were there. ] — it seems like it was what the orb wanted.