( she's distracted from her flirting when the woman focuses on the item and this time river doesn't miss the comment. she knows that it is, seeming not too happy with it. it takes her attention momentarily from the fact that she was going to be bidding on it but, let's be real, river has a backup plan for getting the item.
that plan now involves this woman who she pulls back down into her seat, voice serious as she whispers-- )
( oh dear. maybe using this woman as part of her plan was going to be more work than she'd anticipated, though she's had challenges before.
she puts a hand on the woman's, the one holding the paddle, and whispers again-- )
Follow my lead.
( she waits for the man to bid again before whispering what to go up to, sliding her hand along her arm as she removes it. a little light attention never hurt catch someone's attention, bending them to your whims.
river had money, she had a large score from her last job, but if she could get this item another way... even better )
More touching than she's had in a while. It's nice though, it makes the Doctor feel solid and grounded. She does as River tells her to, her voice reaching an excitable pitch each time. Her bidding opponent doesn't seem to be enjoying himself. In fact he's getting more and more angrier as time goes on.
What does he want with the box? Surely it isn't that important. )
All this for a bit of myth. What's the point? Sometimes a story should stay a story.
( Except, not really. She's the kind of story that makes herself known wherever she goes. )
( her fingers still trace over the woman's arm, a little absent-mindedly now, focused on the auction, on that comment.
rather than bid this time she shakes her head )
Let him take it. ( she ducks her head down, turning towards her more ) Do you believe it's a myth?
( something told her that this woman didn't, not when she'd known that the item was just a toy rather than anything else. either she was a scholar, someone that had done extensive research like river or--
there was no or. the only answer was that she was very well read. for this auction, at least, river had another plan )
( It's sudden, but not accusatory. The Doctor swivels towards her, waiting for a sign. Trust has already found its way to her gut, something primal and real, something she knows deep down in her core. It's that and only that which makes her lower her bat, conceding.
Another feeling prickles along the edges of her conscience, and she turns to watch the man as he accepts his victory. Could there be something about this object she's just forgetting? Is that the reason she's here? )
( there's a light smile at the fact that she's cottoned on to what river is doing and, other than being absolutely gorgeous, river knew that she'd liked her for a reason.
she slips her hand from her arm, holding it out to her )
Come with me.
( as they step away from the seats river deposits her half-full champagne glass on a table, leading them from the room out into the hall. she keeps them going, only stopping halfway down the corridor. river only leaves a few seconds before she pulls the woman closer to her, wrapping an arm around her waist before full on snogging her.
she just happens to be leaning against the emergency exit door at the same time. anyone that comes looking due to the set off alarm will just find two lovely ladies a little preoccupied )
That's not usually part of her plans. The Doctor makes a soft surprised sound as River moves closer, hands flying into the air in shock. But it doesn't take her all that long to touch back. Actually, one ends up winding in the curl of the other woman's hair, another noise pulled from her this time.
Because she's a very, very good kisser. 10/10.
It maybe takes her a second or two to realise the alarm's going. )
( oh, she is a very clever thing. when river steps back, giving a quick check down the corridor before tugging them both quickly through the door she's grinning, though whether that's at the compliment or the kiss is anyone's guess.
(it was a very enjoyable kiss, though)
river keeps her hand on the mystery woman's, quickly leading her down this new corridor, someone that would normally be auction staff only )
We don't have long before they start to move the items.
( yes, the new plan is stealing it before it can be sold )
But maybe this new regeneration is a little bit starstruck and a lot forgetful and there's something about this woman that has he all a-flutter. )
Good thing I chose pockets!
( They reach the end of the corridor, the Doctor beaming at the thrill of it all. It freezes for a second when one of the auction employees strides into their path with a you shouldn't be here. )
Actually! We should. Auction inspectors. Didn't the boss tell you? Anyone could wander in and take stuff from the back. There's been a whole bunch of crimes. Someone's sticker collection got nicked. Tears everywhere.
( stealing, liberating. to river this relic was better getting stolen by her than being allowed to fall into that moron's hands.
the woman manages to jump in quicker with a response than she could and, with how beautifully spun it is, river can't help but be a little turned on by her. she had made a good choice in friend tonight.
the response has the desired effect though. whilst there's a little complaint, mostly some fluster, one of the guards does recall something being stolen not that long ago. though they're not entirely convinced, mentioning something about phoning to check it in, the fact that they do so, turning to go and find a phone to make the call, allows river to start swiftly moving them on again )
I'm a quick thinker! Maybe a little too quick. I don't know, everything's all a little --.
( She seems to almost skip down the hall, a bounce in her step and the love of the chase in her heart. It feels like she's running too many programmes at once, brain whirring away at a mile a minute. )
Wait, I think I know you. Do I? It's right at the tip of my tongue.
( But a shove through a door and there's the box with its little Gallifreyan knot and her attention snaps to it. It's sitting on a table and she's quick to cross to it, touching it gently with the edge of her fingertips. )
( river's about to question how this woman knows her, considering that she's never met her before (and she would remember) when they find the box.
river stays by the door watching whilst the woman moves over to it. part of her, for all that she's enamoured, is concerned. this woman knows what this item is but how? or maybe she doesn't, maybe she still thinks that it's celtic. whatever her story river knows one thing: she can't let her have it. this woman had been a means to an end, assistance in getting her to her prize and maybe a little fun.
she steps forward, picking the box up and moving to put it in her purse )
( Her hands fist in the short blonde of her hair, knuckles pressing against her temples. )
Think, think, think. What have I forgotten?
( For the first time frustration creeps more solidly into her voice. ) You'd hope I'd learn to take a nap when this happens! Maybe have a cup of tea before I go bounding about the universe, but nope! Always running.
( She hears the click of a gun before she sees the man who had been bidding, but her reaction is all instinct as she reaches for River's hand. )
Time to do that now! This way!
( The bullets fire on empty hair as she pulls the two of them down behind a large crate. They need to get to the TARDIS. They need to that now. And for some reason letting this woman get hurt, losing her - well it's not something the Doctor's going to let happen. )
Okay. Okay. You're going to have to trust me. There's a box. A different box. Big and blue and beautiful. It's below the ball room. Behind a fern. You won't miss it. But you have to run. And run fast. Because I've been having a lot of trouble with my stuff lately. Shorting out. 'Course I did make it with spoons. I'll distract him!
( it isn't until the click of the gun that river starts paying attention to anything back in the room again, seriously considering chiding the woman for her rambling.
but they're quickly behind a crate and the woman is still talking. god, she really isn't good under pressure )
Oh, shut up.
( she's digging in her purse again, pulling out a small weapon. just before she can aim it at the man the woman's words seem to register.
a blue box
it couldn't be. there was only one big, blue and beautiful box but it didn't belong to this woman. it absolutely couldn't be the tardis. there's a shake of her head before she pushes the woman a little, lifting herself up just enough to shoot )
( Sorry River, but some things never change. She's not going anywhere by herself, that's for sure. But she is pulling free her sonic screwdriver ( spoondriver, who knows ) and zapping it at the man. )
Oh, come on!
( Because those are some very distinct readings. )
A billion years later and you're still around trying to get your hands on anything Gallifreyan? ( He reacts to that, taking his eyes off River. ) There's no one around to hear your crowing. They're all gone, and really, even back then nobody cared if you had Rassilon's mouldy underpants, you weirdo!
( This has been a very trying day. She is tired. So she's stepping out from her cover and waving her arms around as she does so. )
You're not going to shoot me! I only just got these clothes. And you're not going to shoot my friend here either, because she has amazing hair and is an awesome kisser. ( A glance behind. A wink. ) You're going to let us go. Otherwise I will be very, very cross.
( even with everything going on river doesn't put the gun away. this woman might not like them but she did not feel reassured to put it away, even with the fact that this man's attention had shifted, even if he didn't seem to be shooting at them for the moment.
but--
things were starting to click in place. a screwdriver, gallifreyan, rassilon-- a blue box. god, how many clues did she need? but it also seemed that this woman didn't quite know who she was despite definitely being from river's future. but river knew what regeneration brain was like. this was new for her and river had to do everything she could to help her-- wife )
Sweetie--
( it's warning a little. even though river is happy to let her keep talking, brilliant things always happened when the doctor was allowed to keep talking for extended periods, this man couldn't be trusted, not if he knew what the box was.
especially not if the doctor also seemed to know who he was.
river's taking a step forward, gun still steady on him. whilst she expected this to go badly, when didn't it, she hoped that the doctor knew what she was doing )
( There it is again. That little niggle in the back of her head, the twist in her hearts. She does know this woman. And better than she knows this man. Or this kind of man.
There's too many things happening at once, too many spiralling emotions and when he makes a movement she does too, boots skidding across the floor to stay in front of him and before River. ) Ah ah ah! I told you. You're not getting the box. What do you want it for anyway? It's a child's thing. You collectors. You could try stamps. Or bottle caps. Or trading cards, but no. Just someone else who thinks the Time Lords were the be all and end all. Spoilers! ( Wait. ) We weren't. Actually, most of us were pretty boring.
( That might have been the wrong thing to say because he definitely seems to react to her being one. The Doctor, in all her infinite wisdom, swears blindly and colourfully for a moment before she's reaching for whatever she can get her hands on - a vase, this time - and flinging it at his head.
Hopefully River actually runs when she's grabbed this time. ) Come on!
( oh, she's a beautiful idiot. it's one thing to let on that she knows what the box is but another to say she knows because of the fact that she's a time lord. which he definitely reacts to.
though river does run as she's pulled she doesn't leave without firing a shot. it's to the ground, a warning in case he's thinking of following them.
but she runs, no one quite able to stop them in time before they're gone. they're moving through the corridors, down the stairs, not stopping until they make it to that incredible, impossible blue box.
though river had had it click in her mind a moment before seeing the box confirms it, making her smile, feeling a little relieved as she sees it. and she can't help but notice the repaint )
( The Doctor lets go only to open the TARDIS, the thrum of noise more welcoming than anything else. The engines give a low whine as River joins her, a bullet ricocheting off the forcefields just in time. With a cheery wave at the block still pursuing them, she shuts the door and sprints to the console.
Soothingly, she runs a hand over the coral and metal, talking to the ship again. )
I know, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for you to get shot but the paintwork's fine.
( A pull of a lever and she spins to lean back, glance at River. )
( safe inside the tardis river stows her gun. she takes a brief look around, admiring the new look. she'll take a proper look later once they're out of this situation.
instead, not quite caring what the doctor is doing, river strides over to her. she nudges her hands away from the lever that she'd been about to pull, working on controlling the tardis to get them out of there. it might be a new layout but she had that special connection )
Not the time for that button, honey.
( they didn't need to empty the swimming pool at this moment in time )
( River moves her out of the way and the Doctor lets her. A step back and the knowledge hits like a locomotive. Pulling in a breath, she sweeps to the side so she can lean against the console and beam at the other woman as she works. )
River.
( Oh but that's perfect, that's wonderful. She's bouncing a little on her toes in excitement. )
( river's still working on getting them out, sending them into the time vortex rather than with any specific destination in mind. she just wanted them somewhere safe and quiet so that they could--
she wasn't even certain. talk? they clearly had a lot to talk about now that there were a few revelations in the air but oh, god, river didn't even know where to begin.
she waits until the tardis is settled, giving a little thankful rub on the console before (finally) turning towards her wife )
An auction? What were you doing there?
( because to start with it hadn't seemed like she'd known )
The box. ( She pulls a face, wrinkles her nose as she does so. ) It's silly, but I heard a rumour and I just wanted to see it. I mean I almost didn't go but then the TARDIS gave me a little shove and --.
She must have known you'd be there!
( Whatever, her ship is in love with her wife. It's fine. She likes it. )
She's been trying to help me get my head around -- well, all of this.
( you bet the tardis loves her child. the whole babbling just makes river smile, happily listening to her wife.
god, her wife. it's words that she's said before but that had never been a true marriage. but calling the doctor her wife... it might take a little getting used to (she loved it).
she's pulling the box out from her purse, holding it out to her )
I was. A lost Gallifreyan "artifact". ( even if it was only a child's toy ) It doesn't have any meaning to me but... it's something of your history. Besides, I couldn't let it fall into some idiot collector's hands.
( especially the kind of idiot that they'd run into tonight, someone chasing myths and legends and having no idea what it truly was. which was nothing.
river had been there for sentiment -- she'd had no idea where the doctor was in time or when she'd see her again but she could at least chase some connection. river had never known gallifrey, not in the same way. it would never be home, never be somewhere she felt that fond a connection to (she doubted that they'd accept her existence) but it made her feel a little closer to her love just having something like that around. it was small, it was silly, but it was good )
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that plan now involves this woman who she pulls back down into her seat, voice serious as she whispers-- )
Have you ever done this before?
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( Her gaze flickers from the box to the man bidding against her, ears tuning out the rumble of conversation around her. )
Also, I don't have any money.
( SURPRISE. )
But I like having a good shout. It usually clears my head.
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she puts a hand on the woman's, the one holding the paddle, and whispers again-- )
Follow my lead.
( she waits for the man to bid again before whispering what to go up to, sliding her hand along her arm as she removes it. a little light attention never hurt catch someone's attention, bending them to your whims.
river had money, she had a large score from her last job, but if she could get this item another way... even better )
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More touching than she's had in a while. It's nice though, it makes the Doctor feel solid and grounded. She does as River tells her to, her voice reaching an excitable pitch each time. Her bidding opponent doesn't seem to be enjoying himself. In fact he's getting more and more angrier as time goes on.
What does he want with the box? Surely it isn't that important. )
All this for a bit of myth. What's the point? Sometimes a story should stay a story.
( Except, not really. She's the kind of story that makes herself known wherever she goes. )
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rather than bid this time she shakes her head )
Let him take it. ( she ducks her head down, turning towards her more ) Do you believe it's a myth?
( something told her that this woman didn't, not when she'd known that the item was just a toy rather than anything else. either she was a scholar, someone that had done extensive research like river or--
there was no or. the only answer was that she was very well read. for this auction, at least, river had another plan )
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( It's sudden, but not accusatory. The Doctor swivels towards her, waiting for a sign. Trust has already found its way to her gut, something primal and real, something she knows deep down in her core. It's that and only that which makes her lower her bat, conceding.
Another feeling prickles along the edges of her conscience, and she turns to watch the man as he accepts his victory. Could there be something about this object she's just forgetting? Is that the reason she's here? )
What do we do now?
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she slips her hand from her arm, holding it out to her )
Come with me.
( as they step away from the seats river deposits her half-full champagne glass on a table, leading them from the room out into the hall. she keeps them going, only stopping halfway down the corridor. river only leaves a few seconds before she pulls the woman closer to her, wrapping an arm around her waist before full on snogging her.
she just happens to be leaning against the emergency exit door at the same time. anyone that comes looking due to the set off alarm will just find two lovely ladies a little preoccupied )
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That's not usually part of her plans. The Doctor makes a soft surprised sound as River moves closer, hands flying into the air in shock. But it doesn't take her all that long to touch back. Actually, one ends up winding in the curl of the other woman's hair, another noise pulled from her this time.
Because she's a very, very good kisser. 10/10.
It maybe takes her a second or two to realise the alarm's going. )
Oh, you clever thing you!
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(it was a very enjoyable kiss, though)
river keeps her hand on the mystery woman's, quickly leading her down this new corridor, someone that would normally be auction staff only )
We don't have long before they start to move the items.
( yes, the new plan is stealing it before it can be sold )
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She knows that.
She really does, she swears.
But maybe this new regeneration is a little bit starstruck and a lot forgetful and there's something about this woman that has he all a-flutter. )
Good thing I chose pockets!
( They reach the end of the corridor, the Doctor beaming at the thrill of it all. It freezes for a second when one of the auction employees strides into their path with a you shouldn't be here. )
Actually! We should. Auction inspectors. Didn't the boss tell you? Anyone could wander in and take stuff from the back. There's been a whole bunch of crimes. Someone's sticker collection got nicked. Tears everywhere.
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the woman manages to jump in quicker with a response than she could and, with how beautifully spun it is, river can't help but be a little turned on by her. she had made a good choice in friend tonight.
the response has the desired effect though. whilst there's a little complaint, mostly some fluster, one of the guards does recall something being stolen not that long ago. though they're not entirely convinced, mentioning something about phoning to check it in, the fact that they do so, turning to go and find a phone to make the call, allows river to start swiftly moving them on again )
That was quick thinking.
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( She seems to almost skip down the hall, a bounce in her step and the love of the chase in her heart. It feels like she's running too many programmes at once, brain whirring away at a mile a minute. )
Wait, I think I know you. Do I? It's right at the tip of my tongue.
( But a shove through a door and there's the box with its little Gallifreyan knot and her attention snaps to it. It's sitting on a table and she's quick to cross to it, touching it gently with the edge of her fingertips. )
How did you get here?
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river stays by the door watching whilst the woman moves over to it. part of her, for all that she's enamoured, is concerned. this woman knows what this item is but how? or maybe she doesn't, maybe she still thinks that it's celtic. whatever her story river knows one thing: she can't let her have it. this woman had been a means to an end, assistance in getting her to her prize and maybe a little fun.
she steps forward, picking the box up and moving to put it in her purse )
That's not important. Short on time, remember?
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( Her hands fist in the short blonde of her hair, knuckles pressing against her temples. )
Think, think, think. What have I forgotten?
( For the first time frustration creeps more solidly into her voice. ) You'd hope I'd learn to take a nap when this happens! Maybe have a cup of tea before I go bounding about the universe, but nope! Always running.
( She hears the click of a gun before she sees the man who had been bidding, but her reaction is all instinct as she reaches for River's hand. )
Time to do that now! This way!
( The bullets fire on empty hair as she pulls the two of them down behind a large crate. They need to get to the TARDIS. They need to that now. And for some reason letting this woman get hurt, losing her - well it's not something the Doctor's going to let happen. )
Okay. Okay. You're going to have to trust me. There's a box. A different box. Big and blue and beautiful. It's below the ball room. Behind a fern. You won't miss it. But you have to run. And run fast. Because I've been having a lot of trouble with my stuff lately. Shorting out. 'Course I did make it with spoons. I'll distract him!
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but they're quickly behind a crate and the woman is still talking. god, she really isn't good under pressure )
Oh, shut up.
( she's digging in her purse again, pulling out a small weapon. just before she can aim it at the man the woman's words seem to register.
a blue box
it couldn't be. there was only one big, blue and beautiful box but it didn't belong to this woman. it absolutely couldn't be the tardis. there's a shake of her head before she pushes the woman a little, lifting herself up just enough to shoot )
Just move.
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( Sorry River, but some things never change. She's not going anywhere by herself, that's for sure. But she is pulling free her sonic screwdriver ( spoondriver, who knows ) and zapping it at the man. )
Oh, come on!
( Because those are some very distinct readings. )
A billion years later and you're still around trying to get your hands on anything Gallifreyan? ( He reacts to that, taking his eyes off River. ) There's no one around to hear your crowing. They're all gone, and really, even back then nobody cared if you had Rassilon's mouldy underpants, you weirdo!
( This has been a very trying day. She is tired. So she's stepping out from her cover and waving her arms around as she does so. )
You're not going to shoot me! I only just got these clothes. And you're not going to shoot my friend here either, because she has amazing hair and is an awesome kisser. ( A glance behind. A wink. ) You're going to let us go. Otherwise I will be very, very cross.
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but--
things were starting to click in place. a screwdriver, gallifreyan, rassilon-- a blue box. god, how many clues did she need? but it also seemed that this woman didn't quite know who she was despite definitely being from river's future. but river knew what regeneration brain was like. this was new for her and river had to do everything she could to help her-- wife )
Sweetie--
( it's warning a little. even though river is happy to let her keep talking, brilliant things always happened when the doctor was allowed to keep talking for extended periods, this man couldn't be trusted, not if he knew what the box was.
especially not if the doctor also seemed to know who he was.
river's taking a step forward, gun still steady on him. whilst she expected this to go badly, when didn't it, she hoped that the doctor knew what she was doing )
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( There it is again. That little niggle in the back of her head, the twist in her hearts. She does know this woman. And better than she knows this man. Or this kind of man.
There's too many things happening at once, too many spiralling emotions and when he makes a movement she does too, boots skidding across the floor to stay in front of him and before River. ) Ah ah ah! I told you. You're not getting the box. What do you want it for anyway? It's a child's thing. You collectors. You could try stamps. Or bottle caps. Or trading cards, but no. Just someone else who thinks the Time Lords were the be all and end all. Spoilers! ( Wait. ) We weren't. Actually, most of us were pretty boring.
( That might have been the wrong thing to say because he definitely seems to react to her being one. The Doctor, in all her infinite wisdom, swears blindly and colourfully for a moment before she's reaching for whatever she can get her hands on - a vase, this time - and flinging it at his head.
Hopefully River actually runs when she's grabbed this time. ) Come on!
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though river does run as she's pulled she doesn't leave without firing a shot. it's to the ground, a warning in case he's thinking of following them.
but she runs, no one quite able to stop them in time before they're gone. they're moving through the corridors, down the stairs, not stopping until they make it to that incredible, impossible blue box.
though river had had it click in her mind a moment before seeing the box confirms it, making her smile, feeling a little relieved as she sees it. and she can't help but notice the repaint )
Oh, she's beautiful.
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( The Doctor lets go only to open the TARDIS, the thrum of noise more welcoming than anything else. The engines give a low whine as River joins her, a bullet ricocheting off the forcefields just in time. With a cheery wave at the block still pursuing them, she shuts the door and sprints to the console.
Soothingly, she runs a hand over the coral and metal, talking to the ship again. )
I know, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for you to get shot but the paintwork's fine.
( A pull of a lever and she spins to lean back, glance at River. )
Sorry about that.
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instead, not quite caring what the doctor is doing, river strides over to her. she nudges her hands away from the lever that she'd been about to pull, working on controlling the tardis to get them out of there. it might be a new layout but she had that special connection )
Not the time for that button, honey.
( they didn't need to empty the swimming pool at this moment in time )
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River.
( Oh but that's perfect, that's wonderful. She's bouncing a little on her toes in excitement. )
Hello again!
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she wasn't even certain. talk? they clearly had a lot to talk about now that there were a few revelations in the air but oh, god, river didn't even know where to begin.
she waits until the tardis is settled, giving a little thankful rub on the console before (finally) turning towards her wife )
An auction? What were you doing there?
( because to start with it hadn't seemed like she'd known )
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She must have known you'd be there!
( Whatever, her ship is in love with her wife. It's fine. She likes it. )
She's been trying to help me get my head around -- well, all of this.
( Dying. You know. )
Where you there for it too?
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god, her wife. it's words that she's said before but that had never been a true marriage. but calling the doctor her wife... it might take a little getting used to (she loved it).
she's pulling the box out from her purse, holding it out to her )
I was. A lost Gallifreyan "artifact". ( even if it was only a child's toy ) It doesn't have any meaning to me but... it's something of your history. Besides, I couldn't let it fall into some idiot collector's hands.
( especially the kind of idiot that they'd run into tonight, someone chasing myths and legends and having no idea what it truly was. which was nothing.
river had been there for sentiment -- she'd had no idea where the doctor was in time or when she'd see her again but she could at least chase some connection. river had never known gallifrey, not in the same way. it would never be home, never be somewhere she felt that fond a connection to (she doubted that they'd accept her existence) but it made her feel a little closer to her love just having something like that around. it was small, it was silly, but it was good )
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