[Marianne has always been an only child, but she imagines that her relationship with Darin must be what having a brother is like. It's tragic and unfair that they've bonded so closely over their respective traumas and the vast overlap between them, but it's not like those traumas are going to go away even if they aren't close. And the kinship makes carrying the weight so much easier.

Especially in times like now, where he can speak directly to her heart as he shows her what he sees in the mirror. Her own reflection remains unchanged, increasingly small against the towering shadow of Darin's deepest fear. It's metaphorically appropriate, perhaps, that the difference in size was the same when he stood against hers.

Several moments of silence pass after Darin says his piece, but the effect of his words on Marianne is clear as tears spill down her cheeks. Her hand in his tightens, and after a heavy breath she finally turns to look at him.]

Thank you, Darin. I... I needed to hear that.

[Because he's right; some of the worst monsters she's met were merely people.]

And... I have a confession. I don't know if you remember talking to some mossatee earlier this month, but the small blue one... that was me. [Her gaze falls away from his guiltily.] I was practicing my animal magic when you found me, and I didn't know how to tell you that I could understand what you said.

Please don't be mad. I... I'm only bringing it up because I saw something in your eyes then that really inspired me. When you resolved to rise above everything. And... [She makes herself look back up at him, since this point is important.]

I have faith in you, too. I truly believe you'll find a way to remain yourself, no matter what.