The moments stretch on, feeling much longer. Though there are sounds of violence in the distance and too close for comfort, the two of them are in a strange, insular standoff that's separate from all of it.

As desperate as her words are when she finally voices them, they're an immense relief to Linden. They've all witnessed enough loss during this war; it's a small but significant blessing that he can offer salvation to someone he's known for years.

"Thanks for letting me," he murmurs, offering a hand. "We'll have to move fast. Be prepared to put your hands up and make your surrender explicitly clear. 13 might be better than what Snow runs, but it's not trusting."