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[Public, video]

For everyone who hasn't heard yet, I graduated, a little while ago. I'll be staying, of course.

[Private to Arthas]

It happened while I was a death knight, actually. I should have told you sooner, I know, I'm sorry. I was figuring a lot of things out and I half believed it wouldn't even stick.

I don't know what that means, or if it means anything. But...you deserve to know.

Thank you.

[Private to Hannibal]

[She pays careful attention to the effects of the flood; she knows he would, too. When she's certain the waters have receded, she starts to cook. With the roast is in the oven and the soup simmering, she calls.]

I'm sure you know by now that there was another Dr. Lecter on board, before you. He was one of the first people who spoke to me here.

He made me lunch, when I was cold and shaken and alone. I realize you aren't in that sort of position, but I'd like to pay it forward, if you're willing.

[Spam for Nathan, also distinctly post-flood.]

[She knocks twice, smartly. She brought cookies.]

Nathan? It's Anya. I'd like to talk to you.

[Spam for Iris, slightly backdated.]

[Anya has found some interesting things in her new and improved warden's cabin. Like this old-fashioned hand-cranked ice cream maker, for example. Iris seems to be having a rough time of it, so Anya hauls the bulky little machine over to her cabin, kicks the door awkwardly instead of knocking.]

Iris, it's Anya. I want to show you something.

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[Mal nods, and then slides suddenly towards seriousness, her eyes sharp and curious.]

Do you know what I've been asked several times already?

[Anya tilts her head, her attention honing a little further.]

Tell me.

Whether he's redeemable at all.

[Which isn't really a question she's equipped to answer. Besides which, even if he wasn't, she'd still try even if it was like beating her head against a brick wall.]

I'm curious about your impression on that subject.

[She tilts her head, actually steeples her fingers, considers the question very, very seriously.]

I don't know him well enough yet. Which is a cop-out. And here's another: any time I try to answer, it devolves into a schizophrenic debate on the definition of redemption.

I don't think his crimes are so much worse than the worst of mine. I don't think he can ever manage something as monumental and idyllic as making amends, but I also don't think that's actually required. I think he is compelled by his neuroses and in ways he believes he is in control of, and I think that is neither excusable nor insurmountable.

I don't know if he can ever be brought to care for other people as you and I understand caring, but I believe his...perspective on the objective value of others can be shifted, whether he feels anything for them or not. I believe he can made to modify his behavior. He's a survivor, and adapting is what we do.

[The consideration - the seriousness with which Anya considers this question - is heartening. The answer, the skillful navigation of a true yes or no, coincides so smoothly with Mal's own opinion on the subject that she huffs out a pleased little half-laugh and rests her chin on the knuckles of her long fingers, considering Anya with unconcealed respect.]

I think you're absolutely right.

[It's really very nice not to have to explain. Not that she'd try for most people, but she'd try for Anya, if it weren't so damn effortless.]

Adapting is what we do. Circumstances just need to change enough that modifying his behavior seems like his best choice.

I'm going to be cruel to him. Mostly because I wouldn't want any less, myself, but for other reasons, too.

I want to see if I can charm him without changing.

[Read: without backsliding. That she's aware of the risks means she has a much better chance.]

I think it's probably what he needs. From a certain quarter. For continuing as he has to become intolerable.

You can. It's a matter of whether you will.

[So - if she makes the right choices, if she doesn't let herself get careless, if she doesn't give in to temptation, if she stays focused and controlled. All of which Mal has complete faith she will do. Well. 95% complete faith. Everyone makes mistakes.]

He's good at cruelty. But I don't think he knows other people can be as good. That's why it's for the best that we're paired, you know. We're not so different at the heart.

[More different than she gives herself credit for; similar enough that she can feel his motivations, even if not see them.]

You won't play his games. And I will, even if I win. I think he needs that too.

[The ways in which Mal is different from him, from both of them.]

I think he needs significantly more than he knows, or wants.

I'd give you my blessing if I believed in them.

You could let me poke through his file instead. If there's anything interesting I don't know yet.

[She hesitates, considering. She'd never have considered it with Pietro. But then, Hannibal's about as far from Pietro as it's possible to be.]

Wouldn't that be cheating?

[Not a no, just a thought.]

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