#abira faye

[ofsteelroses]

SA POVS >>> CE POVS

(This is not meant to be a contest and is instead, thematic journeys of the following):

Damocles (bk1) + Abira (bk2) -> Leah Weston

2 sides of the same coin of her being a change agent, deciding on the fact of sinborne rights

Refuses to conform to expectations & forbidden loves; specifically w/ abira - dodges marriage, gives up a position of power (throne, Leah's title)

literal mentors in how to be nobility, but still stand for justice - doesn't always work? but they are the ones that have her like "don't you dare settle"

still privileged as fuck, but they try to be chill about it

Rowland -> Mitchell

Defined by wishful thinking and unfortunate absence

literal progression in the sinborne fight (from rowland opening the cause by opening damocles' eyes to mitchell rightfully saying "fuck being patient")

actually sassy fuckers

Maeve -> Jane

need to emphasize in their upcoming scene the fact they connect on words and research and a love of scientific fact

Jane needs to learn to listen like Maeve does if she actually wants to be persuasive in the future

both privileged, who like fine art and wine and dresses, and yet hardworkers who see things others don't

George -> Malcolm

despite their ENTIRELY different temperaments, Mal is just as impulsive as George in SA & (more importantly) fed-up with the status quo

defined in weighty expectations and duty - and they actually live up to their responsibilities

Adelina -> Karyn

outsiders who decide to say 'fuck it, i'm going to act to make a difference' and take either revenge - or act to heal someone, both unexpectedly

in touch with their dark side & happy to be who they are

Marcus -> Geoffrey / Valeria

"somewhere between fuck you and i'd want to fuck you"

Garrett -> Frederick

literal "fuck it i'mma do what i want fuck who i want" attitude (and plot)

often spends the book in a way that ends up with them needing to earn redemption, show humility, etc

Jude -> Arthur

sinborne with One Specific Thing(tm) they care about (music, fine linens)

very, extremely prone to saying "fuck off" to all class distinctions despite their position that is somewhat half-and-half

Evelyn -> Ariadne

survival of self is a reason to betray someone important to them, actually

actual feminist (TM)

willing to bend the rules as long as, in the end, they get what they want

survivors of abuse

Rebecca -> Alec

the fact they are from the future is NOT the most interesting thing about them. their gigantic "you shouldn't know this" intelligence, IS.

literally they break the time continuum to be with who they love. repeatedly.

I HAVE EMOTION ABOUT THE FACT ALEC TAKES AFTER HER A LOT, OK.

[fysecretaffairs]

{chapter eleven}

It was a peculiar morning, Madelyn noted as she traipsed down the hall. There was a vial clasped in her hot hand, protectively tucked against her skirts lest it be noticed. That much she knew for certain: it could not be found on her until it was empty. It had begun usual enough. She had reported to the Lady Rebecca's chambers while the sun and the lady both slept still. The lady--for that was how Madelyn knew she must think of her now, referring to her with the familiarity of her first name had earned her a beating once--was different than she remembered from her first visit. She had thought that without the other one, Brandin, whispering at her, that she not be regarded with such suspicion. Yet the lady must still be angry she had reported to her friend, for she regarded her ever colder. Her gaze had cast over to her sleeping form at the thought, startling out of an imagined danger. It was not truly fair, Madelyn thought while she set the food down. Brandin had provided her with coin enough to feed her family and self for several moons, and in return only asked that she tell him if his friend was truly engaged in liaisons with a servant. He might have asked that question of half a dozen chambermaids: the truth of it was plain to see. She had never meant neither of them ill, neither. Rowland was friend to everyone who knew him in truth, and until lately she had never known the lady to be cold. They seemed to make each other happy: why should she care what they did? There were worse secrets Madelyn knew, were she fool enough to tell. These lords and ladies were the masters of them: from adultery to theft, bribery to plain treason. There was only one secret Madelyn would tell if she could: they all practiced Satan's art of magic. Her hand flew in the sign of the cross, warding off the demon even at the dark thought. Of that she remained as frightened as she had the night they'd bound her arm with some tendril of a spell and made her swear never to speak of it in service to the house. Then the lady had awoken and spoken to her...or she thought she had: it went peculiar after that. Or had the idea taken hold of her in the morning when she had awoken? It must have been then; it must have been before she even went to her mistress's chambers, for she already had the vial in hand, it must have been acquired long before the sun rose, though in truth now she could not remember paying for it. She had stopped walking. At the far end of the manor home now, she was far away from her mistress. The thought was comfort. Turning the vial over in her hand, she stared at it with blank eyes. It was such a small vial to hold such contents, to spread such evil. Her heart pounding wildly in her chest as she pressed against a stone alcove, she knocked once. A gruff voice bid her entry. Lord Edward Faye did not look at her, but then he never looked at her. The truth of that inflamed her unnaturally: perhaps he truly did deserve this after all, perhaps it wasn't such a fool's fancy that had grabbed her. From what she knew of the man, her hatred of him was not truly questionable. The tales his servants whispered with her left her cold to even look at him. He was brusque and violent; he had raped one of the maids long ago; he was a thief; he had bastard children raised with a terrible curse placed on them...and they said he was a murderer too... The fact that every Lord had these tales told about them did not dissuade her of these terrible thoughts as it once might have. As he disappeared behind a divider, Madelyn raised blank eyes, pulling the stopper out without a sound. &. "Milady!" The cry stirred Claudia from her sewing. Turned away from the frantic messenger, a smirk flitted across her lips a heartbeat in her success. As the smugness fell from her lips, she turned to blink wide-eyed as she lowered the needle. "What is it? What has happened? Speak plainly." The courtesies that usually made Claudia smile would not be necessary. That morning she already had ample cause for joy. "It's the Lord...the Lord Edward..." The maid was evidently too frightened to speak. Rising, Claudia went to her with a kindly smile across Rebecca's lips. She took the girl's hands, pulling her to sit with her as she chased breath. Tears of surprise, Claudia was sure they were not of affection, were caught in her eyes. "He's ill." The girl's final words were quiet, her eyes wide. "A sickness sprang on him so...so quickly it's...anyone might..." That was the trouble, Claudia realized. The girl was frightened she might catch it. Small chance of that, she thought ruefully, more curious to hear precisely the details of her lordly father's suffering. The girl's worry was a trifle. Squeezing her hands, her lips flicked up as she said simply, "Have faith, child. If his sickness was so quickly caught, we would already know other cases of it. Have there been others?" Her shaking subsided before she slowly shook her head. "No, m'lady. Tis strange as well, I could have sworn he was well when they woke him..." He was, Claudia thought amusedly to herself. He would have been perfectly fine until Madelyn made her way there, while she lingered here. "And now they say he will not last until the evening." The girl's voice was no more than a whimper now. He would not last past the noon, Claudia knew. "That is terrible. I trust he is not alone?" "I...I do not know, but I believe not. I believe his brother and son are with him." And shortly, Claudia thought as she rose, so would be his daughter. &. The room had not been cleaned. Claudia shook her head, her tongue sticking out in distaste. He lay on the bed, the room devoid of others. She had timed her entry to coincide with when they would run to fetch a priest for last rites; from there it had only been a simple matter of disturbing the hall away from his room to move his guard. Picking her feet daintily through clothes strewn on the floor, Claudia paused at his bedside to wrap her hand around the post. When he did not so much as flutter, she coughed under her breath, waiting until he opened his eyes with obvious considerable pain before speaking. "I thought you should look at me." Claudia remarked idly. "It would be the first time." Her father did not show any sign of understanding; her heart leaped angrily to realize that. She knew she could not be his only bastard child, the way he acted, so she had expected he would at least grasp her meaning in the vague way if he could not pinpoint her specifically. His mouth opened, twisted with discomfort, and she sighed realizing the drug had already stolen his voice. Yet he regarded her with fear, and that she cherished. "You deserved less, father." She spat. "You threw me away, fearful of the blight I would be on your oh-so-reputed honor. As if others do not know already what you are? Still now you lie trying not to acknowledge it, acknowledge what you did to me, what you did to my mother. You denied my existence, denied me life. So that is what I will deny you. I wish only that I could have put a sword in you myself. This way feels cowardly, however much it is prudent." At the word 'father' he had stirred, a low groan in his throat as he understood. It had been her step-father who told her the truth. Her mother had hidden it closely, wishing, Claudia was sure, to spare her the knowledge that she had been so unwanted. Her brother alone had understood her pain over it. He had never shied from talking to her plainly; he alone had never hid from her, lied to her, or patronized her. Now he was gone, stolen from her, and the trouble of it all had began here with the man who would have been her father. "How sadly you cling to life I already stole from you, in payment to the debt you owed my mother. " She spoke cruelly, a smirk back on her lips. "It won't be long now." And it wasn't. &. Madelyn did not understand. Her hands were bound, her knees scraped and bloody against the stone she had been thrown on. The colorful banners of the house fluttered around her: the only brightness in the room. Fellow maids were tittering behind her, her sister somewhere among them, surely lost to tears already. The council stood grim; the knights were gaunt. Sir Derrick--or she supposed now he would be Lord--was glaring down at her with nothing short of fury, as though he longed to cross the room and swipe her head from her shoulders himself. His sisters were not there. Her heart pounded wildly as she ducked her eyes from him, frightened of the glare. It was right, she thought dimly. Her actions had already come to fruition: the notion that had gripped her as such the right thing to do the morning could not be undone. She had poisoned the Lord Edward, and he already lay dead. His son was right to be furious. She could not remember why she had done it, hard as she pressed her mind to find a reason that might save her life. She thought to lie, to say he had violated her in some regard, but in truth she could no longer remember anything the lord had ever done her. Ladies Abira and Evelyn stood beside their brother, both ashen-faced, all three attended by their own servants. Rowland was glaring as well, and Madelyn ducked her eyes again, hurt to be looked at so by so many. Madelyn did not notice it was not she whom Rowland glared at. She knelt in front of Lord Merwyn, speaking in a quavering voice as she confessed the truth of her actions, tears already spilling from her eyes. It was his brother she had killed, and still she could not remember why. Her eyes sought instead her given mistress, standing beside her betrothed (who gave no impression he was even listening to the proceedings, apparently bored by them), but the lady said nothing at all as Merwyn sentenced her to death on the morrow. Heart escaping her chest as she shook her head in her confusion, she half wailed. "No, please, no, I didn't...I don't know...please sir..." The only one in the room apparently stirred by her words was still not looking at her: his glare was still on her mistress, which truly was strangest of all to Madelyn, for she would have sworn once the pair were in love.

&.

Damocles: *after having been shocked as rowland leapt to taking the credit for the theft, he looked between rowland and rebecca and decided to himself rowland was lying for her sake, having already become aware of their relationship; he attempts after rowland is arrested and abira and rebecca both leave the room, to talk to his father for a moment, but he sees there's no good coming of it and that he might accidentally do more harm than good, so he ceased telling his father that he'd known rowland for years, that he had come to rely on him, always had trusted him and that there was no *way* he was a muggleborn wizard--and it is only after he spies abira's panic that he starts putting the pieces in his mind together; a few odd incidents resurfacing in his mind, the most obvious to him being having caught abira and rowland two or three times in odd situations, and he realizes slowly that while he doesn't think rowland *did* steal from abira, he'd been wrong after all and it was likely rowland did have magic; the fact does nothing but anger and confuse him, so that he spends a day thinking all of it through, thinking of abira and john, and how this makes even less sense to him than that did, before he heads down to the dungeon himself, ignored by the guards as he goes, left alone by them instantly and stops outside the bars to look at rowland with narrowed eyes and naturally an arched eyebrow before he opens the door reluctantly and comes through, arms folded on his chest, his voice rather firm, for he still doesn't know if he believes muggle borns can be "born that way", so he simply asks* How long? Rowland: *sitting against the wall, his head in his hands as he's finished with the initial panic, and rather has progressed into worry, and fear though he knows the second he lets himself feel it, it would undoubtedly consume him, so he's instead focusing on the good this is doing- Rebecca being safe. He swallows with difficulty thinking about everything though, and exhales noisily before he hears the key sliding into the lock and the door opening- lifting his head immediately and dropping his hands to his sides as he sees Damocles enter his cell, wondering what he was doing there before just presuming he was there to yell at him. And at his question Rowland just stares up him incredulously and confused for a moment despite him being pretty sure of what he meant by the question before exhaling again, shaking his head once* How long what? Damocles: *his expression shifts seeing the incredulity, and he looks away for a moment, as though both waiting for rowland to catch up to his train of thought (...as if that's reasonable) and slightly abashed, before he looks back at the mirrored question, just narrowing his eyes as he says both demanding, and with a faint trace of hurt in his otherwise firmly obviously angry tone* How long, have you been practicing magic in this house? Rowland: *nods softly as he looks back down at the ground, exhaling silently as he catches the tone of his words. Yet, he chuckles once, humorlessly, under his breath before he swallows soundlessly once more* Under the assumption I *have* magic, that is? After all, I haven't exactly been granted an opportunity to say otherwise or to defend myself. *shrugs and then looks back up at Damocles* With all due respect...does it honestly matter? If I did, or did not? It would not change who am I, for it would have been a part of me, despite it being a secret. Damocles: *with an eyebrow arching with slight surprise, he nonetheless tightens his jaw into a rather thin line, waiting for a moment before returning* Under the assumption that you are guilty for the crime you have been convicted of, yes. *his head turns a bit as he adds* I thought, my father was being ridiculous and I thought, that I might be able to make him see reason, as I thought simply, there is no way that for the many years you've worked here you could have kept this secret, as you're not exactly the most mindful and inconspicuous person there ever was. *arches his eyebrow* And then, I talked to my sister. *swallows hard and then says firmly* You don't think this changes, you? You don't think breaking the law, changes you? It means you have been lying, to my face, since the moment I met you. Rowland: *he frowns, beginning to feel a bit guilty as he hears that Damocles had tried to help him at first and he has to look back down at the ground to swallow a sudden lump that had built in his throat and then snorts at his vague insult, biting back a comment, and then closing his eyes as Damocles brings up Abira and nods, realizing he knows definitively and exhales, opening his eyes and looking back up at Damocles, narrowing his eyes and stands up quickly in one fluid motion as he snaps* An *unjust* law. A law that punishes me for something *I* didn't choose. A law that *forced* me to keep it secret lest I end up....well, right where am I right now. *exhales, passing a hand over his face* So yes, I did keep it from you, just as I kept it from everybody else. Why on Earth would I do otherwise, knowing the risk? Watching executions and knowing it could easily be me? I know you think I'm daft, Damocles, but give me some credit. *shrugs* You would have done the same in my position. So you'll have to forgive me if I'm not feeling particularly regretful for deceiving you. *swallows and then clears his throat, brows furrowing as he realizes the manner in which he spoke- he'd never even responded in anyway similar to anyone.* It wasn't personal. *quieter* Damocles: *as Rowland stands, he doesn't move, simply watching him snap now with open surprise and confusion, though he keeps his jawline thin as he first says in a low growl, following the 'you'll have to forgive me' immediately in an incredulous hiss,* I don't have to do anything. *he cuts himself off there, still surprised as to the manner in which Rowland responded to him, disregarding the quieter comment as he continues to consider the fact that he didn't 'choose' magic, swallowing hard and his tone the same* Don't presume to tell me, what I would have done in any, situation. And the law's morality is not the question. How am I supposed to be able to trust you, knowing that you have been lying to me? *turning around and pacing as he continues, volume rising* You chose to tell my sister, you chose to learn and study and practice magic for God knows how long; lying, deceit, manipulation, conspiracy--these are not the acts of an honest, innocent man, Rowland! *frowning, his voice rising, but he continues suddenly in a rather different tone of voice, turning back around to look at him with his brows furrowed and he shakes his head once* However. *there is a pause and he says in a lower voice* You did not steal from my sister. As far as I can tell, you haven't actually committed any acts of harm to anyone. Magic, or not. *says so quite incredulously, just staring as though he's still trying to understand* Rowland: *rolls his eyes and he exhales once more as Damocles snaps back at him, keeping back comments once again deciding it would do nothing beneficial, the quite opposite actually and he crosses his arms in front of his chest, leaning against the wall once more as he watches Damocles pace in front of him, wincing slightly as he disagrees with some of what he says, but stops himself from interrupting. At the sudden change in tone, Rowland blinks in surprise for a few moments before clearing his throat* ...for the record, Lady Abira finding out was an accident. She caught me cleaning your chambers with magic. Attempting to at least. The curtains were dancing and the pillows were attacking each other. *exhales* And yes, I chose to. I've been learning since I was seven. Lie? Technically I never uttered the words 'I'm not a wizard'- I withheld the truth. Deceit, yes. Pathetic deceit at times, involving all kinds of pests. Manipulation? Hardly. Manipulate everyone to believe I'm a normal servant with no education whatsoever? Yes because as long as I was uninteresting no one would come prodding along asking intruding questions. Conspiracy? *eyebrow rises* why exactly do you think I wanted to learn magic? To take revenge or start a revolution because I want overthrow wizard nobility? *shakes his head* I just wanted to learn how to control it. Magic is a part of me as it is a part of you- why shouldn't I want to learn it? *purses his lips and then clears his throat* I haven't. Yet I am still sentenced to die. The law's morality is not the question? *eyebrows rise before he slides down the wall to sit again and waits a few seconds before he exhales* Trust breeds trust. *looks back at Damocles* Why should I have trusted you, when you never gave me a reason to? Damocles: *his brows furrow and his face twists with sudden amusement at the description of when Abira found him, and he says in a rather wry tone* The...curtains were dancing. Well, I suppose it's nice to know some things don't change. *rolls his eyes, decidedly looking a way for a moment as Rowland goes point by point, bothered by the answers and loathe to show it, his frown flicking again and his head shaking a few times, looking back at the mention of conspiracy with an eyebrow arched, asking both rhetorically, if arrogantly to suppose, and because he's honestly curious, with his brows furrowed* So you don't want then, for the law to change? You bear it and the Ministry no ill will--you wouldn't be tempted, for instance, if someone was to come and ask you to use magic to aid them against my family if it meant you were able to practice freely instead? *arches his eyebrow higher, distinctly bothered by the last question and looking away again not saying a word for several moments before he mutters* Yes, well I trusted you. So I guess that was my mistake, then. Rowland: Of course I want for the law to change, you- *purses her lips and exhales through his nose, catching himself and then continuing again in a more calm manner* of course, I do. But I want it to change on its own accord, because people *realize* it's wrong, because they understand the immorality of it. I know it's naive of me to want it that way, given the human disposition for violence, but. *frowns at his next questions and then shakes his head, affronted and insulted* ...what kind of man, do you think I am? Yes, I was born with magic, yes I kept that from you and your family, and now suddenly I'm capable of violence, lawlessness, and God knows how many atrocities? *shakes his head once, immediately* Well no, I wouldn't. Not even a sliver of temptation because I bear you and your family no ill will, yes even now. Nor would I ever be capable of doing so to anyone else. Whether or not you choose to believe me is your decision. *afterwards, when on the floor he brings his knees up, letting his arms rest on top of them, brows still furrowed as he keeps looking in front of him, even as he hears Damocles speak, even as he's briefly surprised with his words* ...Must not have been that awful of a servant as you claim, then. *lips twitch in dry amusement* You had to have a reason after all...I'm just sorry you feel that my lying to evade persecution and death makes me unworthy of it. Damocles: *as Rowland cuts himself off from insulting him, his eyebrows join together a moment even as his lips twitch and he gestures with a hand almost to say 'no, please do go on' -- even though Rowland continues calmer. he purses his lips as he listens, because truth is of every man damocles knows, perhaps the only one he could have learned this about and still believed *wasn't* capable of violence-- it would be rowland, and while he doesn't particularly mind that he affronted him, he's frustrated enough by an immediate desire to believe him and turns again, a hand going up and then settling on his waist on his sword's hilt, curling his fingers around it and looking down with his eyes narrowed, buried deep enough in thought to be silent for a few moments and nods, instead of responding verbally to that, still attempting to process, his lips twitching again at the quieter words and his eyes shut for the briefest of moment and he says much calmer* Merlin, Rowland. Did I not tell you to keep yourself out of trouble and be careful? Rowland: *his lips twitching once more with small amusement, gaze turning upwards to look at Damocles once more momentarily, eyes returning to the bars in front of him and his head leans back completely against the wall even as he nods* You did, yes. *chuckles once* And it's a good thing I didn't listen to you. *adds in quickly to placate* You know, just this once. *a sad smile flicks across his lips* She was worth it. *says so quietly before taking another moment and just clears his throat and says louder* Maybe your next manservant will be better behaved. Though I tell you my mirror polishing skills are unmatched. *his jaw clenches once more, brows furrowing and his eyes fall back to the ground* Is there something else you wanted to ask? Damocles: *at the amusement, he smiles a bit wider himself sheepishly & as he says 'she' he holds up a finger, pointing as he says, half joking* And(!) I told you to end your affair with the Lady Rebecca. *he presses his lips together* You should have listened to me. Perusual. *he bites his bottom lip, for the softer look in Rowland's eyes as he said it unnerved him--he recognizes it, as how John looked when she spoke about Abira--and his brow furrows and he cannot help himself from asking, much softer* You love her then? *he presses his lips together still thinking--he does have another thought, but he's distracted thinking of Rowecca* Rowland: *nods* To be fair, you told me to do so a little bit too late...actually by the end of the ball it would have been too late. *passing a hand through his hair, the smile flickering with the private memory before he looks back up at Damocles at his question, and he looks up at him for a moment before he replies surely with strength he didn't know he had left* More than anyone else in the world. With my whole heart. *licks his lips* She means more to me than life itself. I don't regret my decision *shakes his head* I'd do it all over again without hesitation. Damocles: *eyebrow arches a bit in surprise as he half-exclaims* At the ball?! *looks at him and then just exhales, thinking to himself that was apparently a fateful night all around considering himself and Anastasia, and he shakes his head, dropping his gaze only to lift it up once more at the sudden strength of Rowland's words, brow furrowing as he considers them, holding his chin up and then nodding once, twice, very slowly* I suppose there is an honor in this then. *shrugs his shoulders saying cockily after a moment as if to save face* Even if it was a *completely* impulsive and idiotic move. *he straightens again and looks back, saying firmer* Don't confirm it. To my father or anyone else. Rowland: *grins sheepishly and then shrugs and then shrugs at his exclamation* It was...fate. *nodding to himself as he keeps relieving memories of their shared times as he speaks and only being broken out of his daze by Damocles' words and then chuckles at the half-compliment covered by subtle insults that he's grown used to and his lips twitch* Love tends to be impulsive and idiotic by nature. *looks up at him curiously and with confusion but shakes his head at his words* I won't. Damocles: *now looks a bit smug as he shrugs a shoulder saying stubbornly & wry* Ah right, and to add you into the equation you were just screwed to begin with, weren't you? *shakes his head, as he's amusing himself, and then says firmer, nodding* Good. *he presses his lips together, a slight edge of a warning in his tone* My father has made up his mind. I'm not sure I can make him see sense. But it will go easier without you blurting anything else out. *arches his eyebrow* Anything else I should know? *sarcastic/wry* You haven't got a sibling whose part mermaid or something? Rowland: Hmm, that sounds pretty much right, yes. *nodding, surprised but glad that there was at least some form of amusement is to be found in such a somber and morbid time. nods onces again softly as he hears that Merwyn has made up his mind, Rowland not doubting that in the slightest, he understood the severity of the situation--the fact that there was little hope, if any at all* Well, as long as I'm getting out in the open there is something you should know. *nods* The rats? Fictional. At least they were in the beginning. Then I gathered some up and released them into the manor so they...wouldn't. Be fictional that is. I feed your mare sugar cubes, despite her strict diet. I don't rewash your clothes if they fall on the ground, merely dust them off. And the female servants place wagers on how many times you'll look at your reflection in any reflective surface in a day. They make me tally. Your personal best is 97, in case you wanted to know. Oh, and I'm part leprechaun. *motions to his ears* I sacrificed some chickens and livestock to the horned god, make sure they didn't end up pointed. *beat* ...that was a joke. Damocles: *arching his eyebrow higher, looking ... displeased & reluctantly amused at once, shaking is head muttering* I already knew you were incompetent. *and then as Rowland continues he just rolls his eyes and averts them, exhaling noisily, 'waiting for him to finish' and then he looks back and faux-brightly smiles, exclaiming* Oh, that explains the ears then! *lips twitch with his resultant smirk & he folds his arms on his chest* Are you quite finished? Rowland: *lips twitch* I'm allowed to poke fun at myself in my last hours, who said you could? *chuckles under his breath and then shakes his head once* No, not quite. *looks at him again* You're pompous, arrogant, narcissistic, overbearing...very overbearing. And at times just plain mean. *lips twitch* But you're a good man. Might even become a great man, I'd reckon. Maybe. And it was an honor to work for you, m'lord. *nods once* Now I am finished. Damocles: Well, that's my perogative. *smirk twitches, and then after his brow flicks he exhales in a half laugh at the adjectives, screwing his jaw up and nodding with his lips twitching, looking down and looking back up a moment later, much slower--looking immensely gratified even if he won't say as much, and then he nods firmly, just once, saying simply* Well. You were right--you weren't *all* as bad as I've said. *brow arches* You're all right, Rowland. And for what it's worth, I think...that this is wrong. *jaw tightens* Rowland: *chuckles silently as Damocles admits he wasn't *all* bad and nods slowly, still amused and very much pleased with Damocles words to him and then swallows dryly* Thank you. It does have some worth. *nodding again, jaw clenching as well before he exhales with difficulty* So. Shall we shake hands and depart like men? Except, you'd be doing all the departing and I would probably only move a few inches to the right, if only for diversity. Damocles: *with his lips twitching the slightest bit, he had been nodding when he suddenly laughs again in another exhale, pressing his lips together in amusement and surprise at his last words* Never do anything normally, do you Rowland? *uncrossing his arms and going to stand next to him, waiting for him to stand up* Rowland: I was dropped on my head when I was a leprechaun-baby, I can't help it. *grins slightly as he stands up, wiping all the soot and dirt off his hands on his shirt and then when as clean as possible, he extends just right arm out to him, finally wordlessly* Damocles: *nods, just as faux brightly and smirky* Well, that explains it. *lips twitch and then his smirk fades a bit, a more genuine smile across a tight and drawn expression, extending his hand as well, grasping and shaking tight just once saying carefully, if a bit incredulously* You've been...almost a friend. *immediately releases his hand & turns to leave* Rowland: *swallowing dryly, but still manages to maintain a pleased and content smile on his face as they shake hands tightly, nodding as they do, dropping his hand down as his lips twitch a bit at his words* Likewise, m'lord. Oddly enough, likewise. *watches him leave his cell and lock the door, he hears the footsteps retreat and then sits back down on the floor, exhaling, thrown off by the silence and semi darkness once again. He rests his chin in his hands as everything starts to sink in again much more rapidly. He bites down his bottom lip to keep it from trembling and sniffs once. Then, he scoots down three inches to the right.* &. Rebecca: *spent two hours arguing with brandin--shouting herself hoarse and into tears, while he stood unmoved, letting her throw things at him while he calmly side stepped them, having soundproofed the room so as to keep her meltdown private. she eventually kicked him out--his immobile position was doing nothing but hurt her more, and she heard him lock her in; causing her to collapse into tears again after she slammed herself up against the door. she cried herself into silence for an hour, unable to stop, her head bent into her forehead when she suddenly hears a knock at the door, and hears the soft voice of abira on the other side. rebecca stays still, hastily dragging a hair brush through her hair and rubbing make up back on, not responding at first, before abira asks if she could come in, saying back quietly* Yeah. Abira: *opens the door quietly, her eyes sweeping the room to take in the disheveled bed, the broken vase, the flowers having been swept back up with an uncommon tenderness and rearranged on the vanity, for rebecca couldn't bear to see them on the floor, and she finally looks at rebecca's face herself. she doesn't say anything immediately, and then stands to the side of the door, gesturing with her hand* Rebecca: *brows furrow, as she draws a shaky breath, tilting her head with her confusion* Abira: *calmly, yet softly* Don't you want to see him? Rebecca: *her eyebrows skyrocket, even though she's loathe to question it, she can't help but say* He was forbidden visitors. Abira: *with a sad smile* They won't refuse me. Rebecca: *immediately walks out next to her, not saying another word and follows Abira down the halls, down the stairs, down, down, down, the metaphors hurting to even consider, before she stops with abira in front of a guard, her ears filled with ringing so that she doesn't hear what words are actually spoken between them, before she follows abira through, taking the keys abira offers her* Abira; *nods, heading further off down the hall so as not to over hear or bother them* Rebecca: *the keys clang against the metal twice, her hands shaking too hard to properly turn the lock for a few moments, while her eyes are locked through the iron bars to stare at Rowland; wide and panicked, whispering his name. as she finally gets it open, she slides in through the bars, leaving the door a bit ajar, wishing wholeheartedly for a moment she could just leave the door all the way open, distract the guard, and help him to escape instead, the thought painful as she hurries to his side, collapsing to her knees beside him, not caring a wit for the elegant dress ballooning into dirt and grime, hugging him desperately for a moment, repeating her whisper,* Rowland... *and then pulling back so as to look at him, her hands falling so that one rests on his shoulder, and the other goes to close over one of her hands while she asks in the same desperate whisper, her brows furrowed in confusion* Why did you do it? Rowland: *had been sitting on the floor of the dirty dungeon, his back against the wall and his arms resting on his knees, as he looked down in silence, thinking about what he had done and trying to find peace with it but he is still very afraid, sheer will alone keeping him from crying, though some tears had managed to slip out, staining his cheeks with the salty trails that dried. He kept thinking that at least Rebecca would be safe, and reminding himself that despite it all, Desmond and him had made a pact long ago to take care of each other's families if anything were to happen. Deep in thought, he barely registers the voices from down the hall and only looks up as he hears the keys clang against the metal, his eyes widening in surprise as he sees Rebecca there, too stunned briefly to speak or even to move, though he lets his knees fall back to the ground and he straightens up and off the wall as she gets the door open, whispering in a tone of surprise still* Rebecca *putting his arms around her tightly as she hugs him, leaning back with a hand cupping her face, the other taken by her own hand and just looks at her, exhaling once; he's overjoyed to see her yet at the same time, he didn't want her to see him like this* Rebecca...I couldn't...*shakes his head slightly* I had to make sure you were safe. *quietly* Rebecca: *at his words, she seems to literally deflate, as though she'd fall into the floor itself if she were not holding on to him, and being held by him so tightly. her lips open once, before closing again, her face already broken open and her eyes seeming to go even wider with her look of heartbreak, understanding, fear, and love, exhaling just as softly as he did and shakes her head a fraction of inch* But. *her voice cuts out again* But. *she can't seem to get past the word, feeling much as though it were a response to the entire situation. but now he wasn't safe. but he just couldn't be executed. but she just couldn't have to leave. but they just couldn't have met for no reason at all; but they couldn't be forced to say goodbye in such a brutal and final way, but they couldn't say goodbye at all, not after they'd met and danced, and played cards and laughed, not after he saved her life, and saved kassandra's life and anastasia's life and kept her secret, and kissed and caressed and loved, not after they had been together; but, but, but.* But. *she repeats it quietly, her eyelids dropping a bit to shadow her eyes and squeezes his hand, continuing* But I can't lose you. *her voice is hushed, cracking a bit with emotion, even as she smiles a small smile* I've only just found you. Rowland: *holds on to her tighter as the weight of them seems to become heavy, swallowing dryly, continuing to shake his head as she continues to repeat the same word, his face(/and heart) breaking at the look on her face, hating that he's causing this reaction from her. Swallowing with difficulty once again as she manages to continue, his jaw quivering even as he smiles sadly and rubs her cheek with his thumb* You won't lose me...you'll never. lose. me. *his heart beating so fast and so hard against his chest that he's surprised that they can't hear it and he licks his dry lips, another sad smile on his lips* I'll always be yours. *quietly* Wherever I am, wherever you are. Whenever we are. *closes his eyes for a brief moment* You are safe, your friends are safe. That, is what matters. Rebecca: *exhales noisily, her breath feeling so constricted she's having trouble breathing, blaming how tight her dress and takes her hand off his shoulder to wrap around his quivering jaw to draw it to a still, her eyes fluttering shut as his thumb moves against her cheek, drawing another shaky breath before letting them open again as she listens, not wanting to look away from him, the intensity of their gaze palpable in the air, for she's desperately aware of how short a time she has to actually be able to lay eyes on him, and so she struggles not to blink as a tear falls from her eye with his words, tracing her cheek slowly, and her brows stay furrowed* I know. *her heart seems to skip a beat and says quietly, almost stubbornly* But that is not all that matters, especially not to me! I didn't...ask you to...I don't want you to die for me. Rowland: *exhales again, the breath coming out intermittently, small and shuddering despite his best attempts to control himself, and then swallows once more, nodding his head once and slowly, not wanting her to move her hand from his jaw and moves a strand of hair behind her ear* I know you didn't, I know you wouldn't...*he leans in to kiss her once, lips meeting almost desperately for a few moments before he forces himself to pull away, breathing heavily against her lips and whispering* I love you, Rebecca *grip tightens around her hand* You mean more to me than life itself. *sniffs once* I couldn't just...stand by and do nothing. *shakes head once more* Who knows what could have happened, otherwise? *swallows* I couldn't bear it- you need to go home, you have to go back. Rebecca: *her hand grasps his cheek tighter as she leans into the kiss just as desperately, letting his lips guide hers while her eyes flutter shut again and focusing on the way it feels to brush her lips against his, loathe to pull away as well, breathing heavily and, she feels, pointlessly as her eyes open again slowly at his words, with the slightest bit of surprise at them that fades almost instantly, simply because she already knew in all the ways that mattered and murmurs immediately against his lips as he grips her hand* I love you too. *even as she understands what he's saying, she contradicts if only because she thinks by doing so she can somehow talk him out of it, rewind time, make it all not happen; and she moves her hand to grasp his neck, fingers dancing against the nape while she returns* And how can I just stand aside and let this happen? How am I supposed to stand there, and watch, and not interfere while they-- *her voice breaks again and she cuts herself off, unable to say that and after a breath she just asks in a soft whisper* How can I leave you? Rowland: *closes his eyes and leans his forehead against hers, shaking his head stubbornly no, mouthing the word "no" as she speaks, but not being able to say it out loud until she starts speaking, in which he exhales again, shutting his eyes tightly to clear away the tears that are threatening to come out, before opening his eyes again to look at her own, his look almost pleading* No, you can't...*swallows dryly and with difficulty again before licking his lips* I don't want you to watch, I don't want that to be the last memory you have of me--promise me, Rebecca. Please...promise me you won't be there. *his voice turns quieter at her next question, gaze softening* ...we knew you'd have to leave eventually. We made the best of the time we had...I don't regret it. Rebecca: -*smiling at his insistence, she nonetheless inhales sharply as he cuts off, breath still difficult & a few more tears leaking out of her eyes, as she nods reluctantly within his grasp, whispering* I promise. *her bottom lip trembles as he continues, before she swallows, hard & says desperately* I don't either. But our time...it's not up yet. *shakes her head, voice louder with her desperation* Not yet...just...not yet. *leans forward to press her lips against his hard, sliding her hand free of his to wrap both arms around him* Rowland: *nodding once slowly as she promises, brushing the tears away from her cheeks and eyes as gently and softly as possible, managing to keep his hand from shaking as he does so, exhaling and looking down momentarily as she insists stubbornly, wanting so badly to believe her but at the same time not able to. Yet when she presses her lips to his, he responds immediately and desperately, both hands cupping her neck as their lips move together, savoring her in every moment of the kiss as if trying to remember every feeling, every reaction and sensation perfectly, a singular tear sliding down his face and he realizes how much this was really hurting him--to lose her like this. He pulls away an inch, barely, a small almost pained gasp as he does, his eyes remaining closed as he whispers breathlessly* Don't forget me. *eyes open, taking in every detail of her face, his own overwhelmed with so many emotions before he clears his throat* The guard will come to check on you if you're here much longer. *says so incredibly pained and in a mutter* Rebecca: *kissing back fervently & deeply, her arms tight around him and her breath frantic as her chest presses to him, each kiss as though a silent plea, an earnest and most heartfelt prayer, even as he pulls back and she opens her eyes again, lifting her hand quietly to wipe away a single tear as more fall from her eyes, as fast as he can brush them away, wondering how many pieces her already broken heart can break into in the space of a singular conversation, shaking her head and meeting her forehead to his again* Never. *her voice cracks as she continues* I'll think of you every day. Every morning, every evening...when I...read Beauty and the Beast..or play rummy, or...god, never. *is speaking too quickly for her breath to support her words, shaking her head against his, eyes shut as she's yet crying and she stays like that for a moment before stilling, taking a single long, deep breath* Rowland. *she swallows, her tears stilling and her voice suddenly stronger, though still quiet* You're saving my life. You're saving...all of our lives. You are without a doubt the strongest most courageous & honorable man I have had...the honor of meeting. *she couldn't say 'knowing' as that was too past tense* You're in my heart. Always. *she swallows at his last words, not wanting to move though, she knows he's right* And this is wrong in so many ways. Don't give Merwyn that. *she licks her bottom lip, as it's dry* Even, if I won't be there, I'll be with you. And..*her face flicks and she says softly, yet her words sound oddly resolute, as though they're resonating with her in a way she doesn't understand* And this isn't the end. It's not. I will see you again. Rowland: *holding onto her with as much strength as he could muster but with a gentleness he had previously thought himself incapable of due to the roughness and callousness of his hands, nodding with small relief as he hears her say and repeat that she won't forget him taking small, yet still more than he'd expect to have, comfort in her words. He continuously wipes at her tears, yet they've become too plentiful for him to stop from spilling and he opens his eyes again as she begins to speak to him, his throat all but closing up with emotion, feeling immense gratitude and love at her words and then nods* And you in mine. *he manages to speak out hoarsely, swallowing again and nodding as she tells him to be brave and that she'll be there with him even if it isn't physically and he bites down on his bottom lip at her last words, noting the true belief in her last words, noting the true belief in her eyes and then nods after swallowing once more* Yes. You will. *kisses her once more, hard and quickly before he whispers in a breath* Go. *his jaw trembles again, before he repeats it quietly again, with more reluctancy* Go. Rebecca: *quiets as his hands move against her cheeks, bringing her own down the front of his chest, bunching the fabric up to pull him into her & kisses him as he kisses her, reluctant to pull away even as she nods at the urgency in his words, taking a breath and says firmly, though quietly* I will always, love you Rowland. *after a moment she releases him, standing and basically point blank refusing to shake and she pauses for a moment, before lifting her hands up to her hair, removing the long, lavender ribbon, and she offers it to him gently* Here. Just as a ... reminder of what we already know. *she swallows hard, taking a long look at him trying to savor the memory, fingers brushing against his as she gives him the ribbon, and pulls back only as she doesn't want to start crying again and have that be his last image of her, turning on her heel and sweeping out of the room with her skirts gathered in one hand, the other hand pressing to her the base of her eye, to stay tears*

&.

Madelyn: *sitting against the farthest wall, wearing a threadbare grey, scratchy dress & tear-streaked cheeks, hugging her legs to her to try not to shake, and she lifts her head very slowly, running a hand across her cheeks to try and make herself a little more presentable out of habit and she blinks in surprise, asking hesitantly, not sure she's seeing things right* Rowland? What...what are you doing here? Rowland: *managed to get past the guards with help from Desmond and quietly made his way over to Madelyn's cell, his whole skin crawling as memories of last year flood his mind and he's filled with sadness for the girl. He reaches through the door, curling his hands around the bars* Madelyn...*slides down to a kneeling position seeing as how she's sitting, frowning in concern* What happened? You would never...you're not capable of this Madelyn. Madelyn: *hesitantly slides across the floor, dragging the skirt until she's in front of the bars as well and curls them around the bars beneath his, her eyes wide and blinking slowly and she draws a shaky breath behind her words* I...I don't..I didn' think so, it just seemed...the thing to do. Not even the right thing, just, the thing, I know it was wrong--knew, it was wrong--*her voice gives way to trembling instead and she breathes another moment to ask confused again* Why are you here? Rowland: *his face falls further at her panicked and scared expression, brows furrow in confusion at her explanation but only for a moment as he's dead certain it was Claudia's doing* But then...what were you doing before that? *still frowning and looking down at the ground before he looks up at her again at her question, eyes softening* I just wanted...I didn't want you to be alone. I know how it feels...being here, just waiting. *quietly* I am so sorry. Madelyn: *her brows furrow in confusion* Before...? *licks her rather dry lips as she tries to think* I don't know there was a before. I woke, I went to the Lady...*She blinks once and looks to the ground, and then shakes her head* Then I must have gone to get th--the poison. *she rubs her forehead* It's the only thing that makes sense. *she looks back up slowly in surprise at his words, tears back in her eyes that she rubs away angrily with a swift swipe as she says softly* You're too kind. Always have been. *she swallows hard* But...sorry for what? This wasn't your doing...it was mine. Rowland: *momentarily glares at the mention of "the Lady" as if that explains it all, and nods a bit, face returning to it's fallen and sad expression* I just wish I could do more...*purses his lips briefly* It wasn't your fault either...it wasn't. *shakes his head once* I'll stay with you for as long as I can, if you'll let me. Madelyn: *her eyes widen seeing the slight glare & she nods once with the briefest smile* I'd like you too. *she takes a shuddering breath, still trying to calm herself, and then says quietly* I know you...you and the Lady...*she swallows, adding hastily* You have no reason to listen. *she bites her bottom lip* But Rowland...I'd stay away from her now. Rowland: *answers her smile with one of his own and nods* Then here I shall remain. *pauses as he hears her and then exhales* I know. I wish I would have warned you of the same sooner. Madelyn: *heartened a bit by his smile, she lets her hands fall from the bars to her lap as she looks at him curiously and wets her lips again--forcing herself to focus on him instead of what awaits her* She was kind last time. I had even fancied she liked me...I know that sounds foolish. *she tucks hair behind her ear, saying quietly* Do you know what happened? *pauses and adds hurriedly* You don't have to tell me, I'm sorry, that...it must be painful... Rowland would find no words to answer her, and she hastily would change the subject to something brighter. Madelyn spoke wistfully for home and her sister, distraught of what her mother would think of her for having done this thing...but she cut herself off and let Rowland's kind company bring her what help it could--though she earnestly continued to try and dissuade him that this was his fault, until a guard comes in and demands he leave, startled to find Rowland there, lest he get locked in himself. They executed Madelyn on the morrow.

[fycourtera]

{chapter one: 1} abira & leah.

october 29th, 1903.

Leah: Aunt Abira! *squeals and hugs her, and then pauses* …don’t tell me it’s not lady like to squeal, I know. Abira: *chuckles once, hugging her back* And when I was your age I did a lot less ladylike things than squeal. Leah: *slow grin* Well— Abira: *holds her hand up* No, I don’t want to know. Leah: *chuckles* …right, sorry Aunt Abira. Abira: *a bit softer* How is he, anyways? Leah: *confusedly* How is who? Abira: *arches an eyebrow* Leah: ……….you know everything. Abira: I’ve heard that. Leah: It’s really aggravating. Abira: I’ve heard that too. Leah: I mean really, truly— Abira: *chuckling* So he’s that well, is he? Leah: Very well, yes. *head shaking trying not to be amused* Whomever you’re talking about. Abira: Mmm. Leah: *asks a little quieter* How did you handle it? Abira: How did I handle— Leah: I know, that my mother won’t make me marry anyone I do not wish to. But at my age, everyone is staring at me…I am surrounded by sharks. Abira: Ah. *quieter* Well, I suppose I handled it by knowing it what was right for me. Leah: I suppose that makes sense. *quieter* And I also realize that she still believes I will get married and— Abira: …is it a fault that she should want you to fall in love? Leah: Well no, but— Abira: And as for all your suitors, surely there is one… Leah: *frustrated exhale* Meaning Willas? Abira: *admits* I had heard a rumor. Leah: Again, I rather wish you knew less. Abira: *brow wiggle, but says seriously* What did you answer? Leah: What did I answer? You mean to his generic statement of wonderment when I expressed surprise that he assumed I should be telling him my deepest thoughts as he presumed I realized he was hoping I would consider marriage? Abira: …rather convuluted. Leah: A bit, yes. And I said I had no considered it and would not, which I think does count as an answer. To his entirely unasked question. Abira: You know he will not give up, of course. Leah: *frustrated groan* Yes, well, I could always take my sword and just- Abira: Leah. Leah: *exhales and rubs her forehead and then says in a different tone* Why did you ask about him? Abira: *quieter* Because I thought you might want to know that soon—soon here having the meaning of a few hours—he will not…officially have to hide. Leah: Hide what? *brow arches, hand on her hip* Abira: *tiny smile* Leah: ….you. know. everything. Abira: Oh this I only guessed this afternoon—if I had not heard the strangest tale from two children on my way here— Leah: *grumbles*Isaidtobecareful- Abira: And even then I would never have known except, I mean, it makes sense actually, considering his family and a few other scattered incidents and your sudden defensive attitude about them— Leah: Why won’t it be a secret any longer? Abira: Well…it can still be if he chooses— Leah: Abira. Abira: *hands her Damocles proclamation* Leah: *spends at least a minute reading—almost seeming to savor every word, her mouth hanging open and then she looks up in surprise, saying very slowly* …this is… Abira: I know. *with the tiny smile* Leah: But he’s saying— Abira: Yes. *now wider smile* Leah: He’s…but how… Abira: There’s a bill, I authored it anonymously and gave it to another committee because—well, let’s put it this way, it stands to reason that this is going to be unpopular by… Leah: …many. Abira: And as such, it is helpful to give myself political cover while— Leah: While Uncle Damocles stands up and proclaims that centuries of law are about to be undone because it was all bloody bullshit to begin with. Abira: Leah. Leah: *arches eyebrow* Abira: *chuckles in spite of herself* …Yes, that rather summarizes it. Leah: *is perusing the document wide-eyed, starting to beam* The study it refers to—when was it commissioned? How was it commissioned? Abira: *with a tiny grin* Well if, by commissioned you mean…when did I start secretly tracking down and convincing to trust us, while Damocles covered me and Maeve wrote it? Leah: The three of you did this?! *going round-eyed and looks up again* Abira: *nods, and then admits quietly* We weren’t the ones taking the risk, every one we uncovered…they were the ones in danger. Leah: *nods softly* Of course. How long have you… Abira: Nearly twenty years ago. *exhales* It…took a long time to complete and then, I had to make sure we had the votes… Leah: Twenty years? *lowers the proclamation, holding on to it tightly and then she says softly* …oh of course. Abira: *the tiniest smile* …yes. Leah: *rubs her forehead* Rowland’s… Abira: *presses her lips together and nods just once, gesturing they should sit down and says softly* Has Mitchell… Leah: …told me it was true? *smile flicks* I suspected as much regardless. *softer* I remember Rowland as well. *falters a moment and then says quietly* …it all really had that much of an impact, didn’t it? Abira: *nods, rubbing her forehead* On my brother, you mean? *tiniest laugh as she says teasingly* Oh sometimes I rather wondered… Leah: *laughs* Mother has often said. Abira: *lips flick and she nods* Leah: *quieter* Do you think that Rowland… Abira: *as Leah trails off she tilts her head and says softly, immediately* No, I don’t. Leah: *arches an eyebrow in surprise* What do you think then? Abira: *pauses* Do you remember…the Lady Rebecca? The real one, that is? Leah: *nods once immediately* Of course. She died when the dragon attacked our village. Abira: *nods quietly* Yes…and then Rowland…he was gone in the following weeks? Leah: *tilts her head* What is it? *looks at her expression and then her jaw drops* No…oh Lord, Really?! Abira: *smile flicks softly* Oh they were very much in love. Leah: *grinning* Well that is…that…is brilliant! So you believe they.. Abira: *nods* I believe they found somewhere to be together, yes. *quietly* As they could…not be here. Leah: *quieter* Do you believe with this proclamation they may return? Abira: *shrugs a shoulder* I don’t know…depends how far they are, if they are going to hear it… Leah: …of course. Though I rather think…this is going to be…heard. It’s drastically changing… Abira: *firmly* It is meant to. It will not fix everything, not by a long shot. It might even make things worse, as I know already how many of our fellows will receive it. But it will be a step. It is long—centuries really—over do, and it is the right thing to do.  Leah: *nods* I agree with all you have said. …ecstatically really. *grinning* …and I will be glad to be able to say so freely, finally. Abira: *soft* That may be dangerous. Leah: No more dangerous than any of this has been. And it is past time they know they are not unsupported… Abira: *grins* Very true. Leah: That there are people who knew all along how truly ridiculous it was and that it would get better. *exhale* That we are not all ignorant bastards, basically. That people know they are not monsters, they are the same as us. And that they should not have to live in fear, but rather be open with their fellow kind at least. That there are still people who know they are good, and true, and loved. Abira: *smiles* Leah: *beams and looks down at the proclamation and then looks back up* May I take this to him? Abira: *nods suddenly* Of course you can. *leans over to hug her and kiss her cheek* I’ll be inside. Leah: …don’t, tell them I’m going to him, yet— Abira: *smile flicks as she laughs* To who? Leah: *breaks into a wide grin, and then takes off at a run*

[fyrowecca]

THE BEST OF SECRET AFFAIRS: moments that made me double over in tears.

Abira exchanges a look with Evelyn as she leaves and she stays standing a moment, hands folded on her skirts. Unlike her siblings she has no tears in her eyes, despite her heartbroken expression as she regards him.

Softly she asks, "Father? You wanted to see me?"

Merwyn still looks at her, seeming to forget why and his gaze darts around the room, before he sees something else out of the corner of his eye. She turns and falters, not entirely sure what he’s seeing and then he rather suddenly looks back at her, and nods once. His lips press together before falling open in a quiet exhale as his voice breaks,

"Oh my daughter. Can you ever forgive me?"

Seven. Merwyn's Farewell.

Okay. So see. Merwyn was not supposed to hurt. And his ... death, didn't, not really; because...of a few reasons. He was the reason that Rowland was in danger in Pendulum: that entire story he was strictly a villain. And I hated him. He went more ambiguously sympathetic in SA--a villain to Maecles, obviously, but it became more like he was just trapped in expectations and tradition than was like...a bad person. Or maybe I just felt that way because Damocles respects him so in my head, wanted him to be proud of him.

But by that point we had already decided to kill him-- if only because Claudia & Marcus needed to succeed at first (though it's hilarious because really they succeeded about 95% of the time; we beat them a grand total of three times, and not without losses. Throwing them out (which killed...nine people), killing Claudia (which required Rowland to do it) and stabbing Marcus. Which he survived.) -- but yes, Merwyn was always going to die. The other reason for me was cause then Damocles would be Lord. And that needed to happen!!! Totally required/important character growth. Like why Dumbledore had to leave Harry on his own, why Gandalf leaves Frodo, etc.

So I didn't expect to cry when I wrote it, let alone sob! It wasn't that Merwyn died that got me though, it was...the way he was with his kids. Because Merwyn made his peace as he died--it's funny because if he hadn't died, he would not have supported Evett, we would have had issues; but he did and cause it was his last chance here with his daughter, because he was able to reach this place in his head where he just wanted to die knowing his children did not have still have issues with him, were prepared, were happy.

And for the three of them when I sat and started writing them, I realized they all had different things they needed to resolve with him, all had different issues. Damocles was simple, so I wrote him first: he wanted to make Merwyn proud. He wanted his father to know that his difference in policy had nothing to do with disrespecting his father, but rather --honestly--honoring the lessons Merwyn had hammered into him! Merwyn wanted Damocles to be his own person, to respect his people, to be as fair and honest a Lord as he could be. Uphold the law, yes, but...do what he felt was right, follow his heart. And in their goodbye, which made me teary a bit just because of how Damocles reacted--him grabbing his father's hand and begging him,

"No, no you still can't leave me alone, I'll knock the manor down--"

"No. Trust yourself, son. I do."

made me choke a moment--but I was still fine--Damocles finally learned how much his father did trust him with his legacy. He still struggles with holding to what he feels like is a promise to do right by his father, his family, but he was able to let...a lot of that anxiety go.

And then Evelyn. I knew already Evelyn was never as close with her father as Damocles or Abira were--that she stuck to her mother, that she never had the inclination to be outwardly willful or disdainful of things, that she was much more...propriety-based, whatever her later rebellions (which were partially due to how she restricted herself as a teenager). Her father never got to really know her--he had no idea when she was brutally unhappy, that something was wrong.

All Evelyn wanted was her father's love where Damocles wanted pride. She didn't want to disappoint him; she honestly was terrified she'd lost his love because he had been so angry with her since the affair came out. Which... then as they talked, gave me the first heart-stopping moment of this scene I had.

Merwyn nods and then finally says breathlessly, his face inscrutable,

"Garrett. Yes?"

Evelyn's brows wrinkle, and she sighs. Her eyes cloud over, but she smiles slightly—unable to help herself whenever she heard Garrett's name.

"Yes."

Her father looks at her for a very, very long moment and then says rather simply,

"Tell him he has my blessing."

I was as startled as Evelyn was!! I couldn't--Merwyn had been angry and snapping about it for a week, he'd never approved, he was the one who arranged her marriage to Rword in the first place!! And it wasn't like he was inclined changing his mind!  But the reason he gave for the change of heart...it was so simple. Evelyn had smiled hearing the name Garrett--thinking about the man she loved, the father of her child. Even wary, she couldn't help it. And Merwyn realized in that instant, how differently she had been smiling for years: how fake it had been. So he gave his blessing: that was all he wanted, his daughter's happiness. But he wanted...quite a bit more from Abira. Forgiveness.

I didn't realize that until it happened. When Evelyn left, relieved, relaxed, happily, and at the same time scared--realizing if her father was talking like this, the end truly was near subconsciously--Abira came in. And she wasn't crying. Damocles, my headstrong reckless angry proud and vain baby-- he cried. Evelyn definitely was hormonal and emotional always, she had no issues crying. Abira wasn't. It wasn't like it was a conscious choice, she doesn't cry easily anyways: but it was cause she had hated and been angry at her father for a long time, rationalizing herself and saying she really just was angry with the "law"--that was safe. She didn't want to hate her father, but she couldn't admit her anger, her hurt--she couldn't show him that. It buried itself deep, and she kept her head held high.

And then Merwyn asked if she could forgive him.

I realized what he meant instantly, I stopped writing, and I broke down sobbing, I remember that very vividly cause I was procrastinating going to the animation lab that day and suddenly I couldn't move and just...I felt this, swelling, crippling, panic, anger, hurt, and mostly-- loss. Abira's character is...actually more flawed than she seems, than she ever projects. So good, so kind, so wise, so just-- right? That's how she acts. Maybe a little morally superior--like with that conversation with Cyrus, maybe a little aggravatingly knowledgable ha understatement ...and maybe brutally terrifying when she's angry-- but mostly, over all, a good person who took her hardships and turned it into a positive opportunity, right?

...No. She doesn't show it often; I don't ever know if I write it well, but the thing is...Abira has not moved on. I believe she did find a way to make it a positive! I believe she is strong as hell, kick ass, will make a difference in the world that is long lasting and makes the world better. But for all her wisdom about love...Abira buried things, she didn't heal them. She is still angry. She has not forgiven John for dying "for" her without a thought to how she could survive after--for throwing his life away in "misguided sentimentality." It still hurts. It's a very open wound, kept from light by her close-minded determination not to think about it...and it's something I look forward to working with in CE, to beginning to move her on, because I know she will not...be that way the rest of her life. But by dedicating her life to teaching muggleborns, to saving others, to getting them equality: all incredibly good things, she also tied herself forever to the fight that caused her more pain than anything else had in her life. Of course that's going to hurt. They reunite in France in 2010 okay?! And she gave him hell for having sacrificed himself and he yelled at her that he would have died anyway, that Septimus always would have turned him in, that he let her live, and let her be free of him--and she argued back, saying she'd felt guilty and lost and alone and confused and he broke and said that was the last thing he ever wanted for her and she snapped at him that then he shouldn't have left her ---and then he grabbed her, and they threw their arms around each other and met in a soul-deep life-ending kiss and then pulled back, breathing hard and heavy, and then one of them meekly, quietly suggests they get coffee.

But so yes, this, is the guilt and anguish and loss that Abira keeps under tight lock and key, the first step for her ever breaking free of that...was her coming to grips with her father's role in it, to stop disassociating it, to be mad at him. To yell at him. To feel horrified and like she would never forgive him. And the second step...was to accept it, and forgive him.

Which she proceeded to do, after having made my heart bleed, and I used an entire tissue box up and then had to like, get in the shower and go to the animation lab. Because for the only time ever in this plot, my cool, calm, collected Abira who reacts to heartbreaking news with wide-eyes and then determined optimism and logic...........she broke down, admitted her vulnerability, and sobbed. And that was my saddest moment in this farewell of her father: cause then she has to say good by to her father while dealing with the renewed surge of loss over John, and it overwhelmed her. I remember afterwards sending Damocles to Maeve and Evelyn to Garrett...and then realized I didn't have a ship for Abira--hurting again--until the answer hit me so hard it was like, must have been staring me in the face for so long and if I remember properly Ama had the same idea at like the same time: Abira went straight to Rowland, who embraced her, let her cry, and then...let her just...talk.

And ever since...she's felt better. She has a long way go...but she's better.

Abira spoke firmly, her eyes snapping open once more. "He was innocent. He was innocent of everything. It was me-- I was the one that would not marry Septimus, I wouldn't do as I was bid, it was my fault and--and I cost him..." But she couldn't continue.

" I am so sorry, my dear." Her father's words were soft. "I thought I was protecting you."

Abira turned, a hand going to her lips.

"And I was wrong."

Starling again, she turns back to look at him, fingers crawling at her lips, breathing hesitantly, faltering .Her father's face was broken in regret in pain, his words harried and desperate. "I was wrong, I was so wrong, I shouldn't even--"

She breaks. Suddenly, her heart pounding wildly in her chest, tears beginning to stream down her face as her eyes shut, she bends forward, one hand clutching her skirt to keep her from falling, the other pressed hard on her lips to stifle the sounds of heartbreak.

"--ask for your forgiveness. I didn't--I don't understand how you felt but this is selfish of me..."

"Is this why?" Abira was breathless, wiping at her own tears, tone accidentally accusatory.

Merwyn breaks off in surprise, wiping his own cheeks. "Is what..."

"Why you did not make me marry Septimus. Why you let him leave when I turned him down again the next day--why you banished him from court, why you never sought to make me marry anyone else despite my age and stature."

Breathless, her father murmured "Yes."

Her face screws up, voice breaking high-pitched with loss and incredulity, "Because you knew I loved John?"

"Yes. I am sorry. I caused you..."

She breaks over his harsh and sudden. "The law did." Her head shakes a hundred times furious, rapid, breath heavy. "You did what the law said, you did what John told you to do. He saved me from suffering similarly and by extension, that is why you did."

Her father furrows his brows. "What..."

"I haven't stopped." She admits this quietly, rubbing tears away and standing straighter with purpose, voice taut and firm. "John was innocent. Others are innocent. I won't let it happen again. The law was to blame. That is what I will not forgive. That is what I mean to change."

[courtera]

(abira & leah)

Leah: Aunt Abira! *squeals and hugs her, and then pauses* ...don't tell me it's not lady like to squeal, I know. Abira: *chuckles once, hugging her back* And when I was your age I did a lot less ladylike things than squeal. Leah: *slow grin* Well-- Abira: *holds her hand up* No, I don't want to know. Leah: *chuckles* ...right, sorry Aunt Abira. Abira: *a bit softer* How is he, anyways? Leah: *confusedly* How is who? Abira: *arches an eyebrow* Leah: ..........you know everything. Abira: I've heard that. Leah: It's really aggravating. Abira: I've heard that too. Leah: I mean really, truly-- Abira: *chuckling* So he's that well, is he? Leah: Very well, yes. *head shaking trying not to be amused* Whomever you're talking about. Abira: Mmm. Leah: *asks a little quieter* How did you handle it? Abira: How did I handle-- Leah: I know, that my mother won't make me marry anyone I do not wish to. But at my age, everyone is staring at me...I am surrounded by sharks. Abira: Ah. *quieter* Well, I suppose I handled it by knowing it what was right for me. Leah: I suppose that makes sense. *quieter* And I also realize that she still believes I will get married and-- Abira: ...is it a fault that she should want you to fall in love? Leah: Well no, but-- Abira: And as for all your suitors, surely there is one... Leah: *frustrated exhale* Meaning Willas? Abira: *admits* I had heard a rumor. Leah: Again, I rather wish you knew less. Abira: *brow wiggle, but says seriously* What did you answer? Leah: What did I answer? You mean to his generic statement of wonderment when I expressed surprise that he assumed I should be telling him my deepest thoughts as he presumed I realized he was hoping I would consider marriage? Abira: ...rather convuluted. Leah: A bit, yes. And I said I had no considered it and would not, which I think does count as an answer. To his entirely unasked question. Abira: You know he will not give up, of course. Leah: *frustrated groan* Yes, well, I could always take my sword and just- Abira: Leah. Leah: *exhales and rubs her forehead and then says in a different tone* Why did you ask about him? Abira: *quieter* Because I thought you might want to know that soon--soon here having the meaning of a few hours--he will not...officially have to hide. Leah: Hide what? *brow arches, hand on her hip* Abira: *tiny smile* Leah: ....you. know. everything. Abira: Oh this I only guessed this afternoon--if I had not heard the strangest tale from two children on my way here-- Leah: *grumbles*Isaidtobecareful- Abira: And even then I would never have known except, I mean, it makes sense actually, considering his family and a few other scattered incidents and your sudden defensive attitude about them-- Leah: Why won't it be a secret any longer? Abira: Well...it can still be if he chooses-- Leah: Abira. Abira: *hands her Damocles proclamation* Leah: *spends at least a minute reading--almost seeming to savor every word, her mouth hanging open and then she looks up in surprise, saying very slowly* ...this is... Abira: I know. *with the tiny smile* Leah: But he's saying-- Abira: Yes. *now wider smile* Leah: He's...but how... Abira: There's a bill, I authored it anonymously and gave it to another committee because--well, let's put it this way, it stands to reason that this is going to be unpopular by... Leah: ...many. Abira: And as such, it is helpful to give myself political cover while-- Leah: While Uncle Damocles stands up and proclaims that centuries of law are about to be undone because it was all bloody bullshit to begin with. Abira: Leah. Leah: *arches eyebrow* Abira: *chuckles in spite of herself* ...Yes, that rather summarizes it. Leah: *is perusing the document wide-eyed, starting to beam* The study it refers to--when was it commissioned? How was it commissioned? Abira: *with a tiny grin* Well if, by commissioned you mean...when did I start secretly tracking down and convincing to trust us, while Damocles covered me and Maeve wrote it? Leah: The three of you did this?! *going round-eyed and looks up again* Abira: *nods, and then admits quietly* We weren't the ones taking the risk, every one we uncovered...they were the ones in danger. Leah: *nods softly* Of course. How long have you... Abira: Nearly twenty years ago. *exhales* It...took a long time to complete and then, I had to make sure we had the votes... Leah: Twenty years? *lowers the proclamation, holding on to it tightly and then she says softly* ...oh of course. Abira: *the tiniest smile* ...yes. Leah: *rubs her forehead* Rowland's... Abira: *presses her lips together and nods just once, gesturing they should sit down and says softly* Has Mitchell... Leah: ...told me it was true? *smile flicks* I suspected as much regardless. *softer* I remember Rowland as well. *falters a moment and then says quietly* ...it all really had that much of an impact, didn't it? Abira: *nods, rubbing her forehead* On my brother, you mean? *tiniest laugh as she says teasingly* Oh sometimes I rather wondered... Leah: *laughs* Mother has often said. Abira: *lips flick and she nods* Leah: *quieter* Do you think that Rowland... Abira: *as Leah trails off she tilts her head and says softly, immediately* No, I don't. Leah: *arches an eyebrow in surprise* What do you think then? Abira: *pauses* Do you remember...the Lady Rebecca? The real one, that is? Leah: *nods once immediately* Of course. She died when the dragon attacked our village. Abira: *nods quietly* Yes...and then Rowland...he was gone in the following weeks? Leah: *tilts her head* What is it? *looks at her expression and then her jaw drops* No...oh Lord, Really?! Abira: *smile flicks softly* Oh they were very much in love. Leah: *grinning* Well that is...that...is brilliant! So you believe they.. Abira: *nods* I believe they found somewhere to be together, yes. *quietly* As they could...not be here. Leah: *quieter* Do you believe with this proclamation they may return? Abira: *shrugs a shoulder* I don't know...depends how far they are, if they are going to hear it... Leah: ...of course. Though I rather think...this is going to be...heard. It's drastically changing... Abira: *firmly* It is meant to. It will not fix everything, not by a long shot. It might even make things worse, as I know already how many of our fellows will receive it. But it will be a step. It is long--centuries really--over do, and it is the right thing to do.  Leah: *nods* I agree with all you have said. ...ecstatically really. *grinning* ...and I will be glad to be able to say so freely, finally. Abira: *soft* That may be dangerous. Leah: No more dangerous than any of this has been. And it is past time they know they are not unsupported... Abira: *grins* Very true. Leah: That there are people who knew all along how truly ridiculous it was and that it would get better. *exhale* That we are not all ignorant bastards, basically. That people know they are not monsters, they are the same as us. And that they should not have to live in fear, but rather be open with their fellow kind at least. That there are still people who know they are good, and true, and loved. Abira: *smiles* Leah: *beams and looks down at the proclamation and then looks back up* May I take this to him? Abira: *nods suddenly* Of course you can. *leans over to hug her and kiss her cheek* I'll be inside. Leah: ...don't, tell them I'm going to him, yet-- Abira: *smile flicks as she laughs* To who? Leah: *breaks into a wide grin, and then takes off at a run*

[ofsteelroses]

you might think it's easy being me, you just stand still, look pretty

if i should tumble, if i should fall, would anyone hear me screaming

trying not to lose my sensibility, but gravity pulls me into you

i say "fuck you" while i'm thinking of you as my husband

oh, i'd risk my health for one more day with you (+john deschard)

if i hear one more "keep your head up".. you don't know what it's like (+damocles faye)

i can't help but love you, even though i try not to (+john)

how can this happen? how can this be? please come back (+john's execution)

somebody get my hammer, wanna break all the clocks & mirrors and go back to a time that was different

even after all this shit, i'm resilient (Cause princesses don't cry)

i'd rather watch my kingdom fall i want it all, or not at all (+abira giving up her throne because, she doesn't owe anything anyone anymore)

secrets aren't safe, keep em to yourself and no one else, so hush my loves, now don't you lie, i might look sweet but i don't play nice

she makes up her own rules, she never looks back (she can see right through you, knows exactly how she'll kill you)

every night, i'm dancing with your ghost (how do i trust again?)

it's strange, what i became when part of me was ripped away; if i wanted to end you, i could

they think she did it, but they just can't prove it

i will spend a lifetime trying to understand, why someone sharing my bloodline would not lend me their hand

how you've made my life a story, filled with whirls you've rearranged

i never listen, but i see you with my eyes closed

our love is six feet under, but i can't help but wonder; if our grave was watered by the rain, would roses bloom?

a heart that's been broken is a heart that's been loved

beg her now for anything, beg her now for one more day, you can do anything, anything

i won't live unspoken, cause i know i won't go speechless

even in a different life, you would have been mine the story started when you said "hello"

when the world is getting stranger, take control of who you are, show the people what you're made of

there's so much more, you can reclaim your crown

i'm gonna build me an empire (just one word, i'll let the world burn), but madness & greatness share a face, and no one will ever convince me to stop

Abira-Goddamn-Faye. The Queen Who Never Was, the Priestess who lost her love and gave her all to the kingdom she wished to build.

[ofsteelroses]

the faye family tree; (3/3) and this would be the final culmination - in the song “family tree”! I did include Tony because the scene fit and he is Dani’s brother and Lyda’s uncle so WHO CARES). every major char that has a playby for the Fayes is in here:

from the proclamation and the royals to the politicians to the cops and all - they absolutely change the course of generations forever.

I actually think my fave is Cole pulling his badge on Oli & Parker being like “booyeah” but :) i do love Noah teaching Lyda how to lock-pick too.

(note that leah and brandin aren’t in here because i’m considering “any part of the 4 gif sets” as included and well, i just plum ran out of room in 10 gifs and i’ve also been doing this for like, 5 hours)

[fysecretaffairs]

{chapter six}

Rowland: You need to slouch. Maeve: I *am* slouching. Rowland: Oh...slouch more? Maeve: Rowland, I agreed to feign being a servant, not the hunchback of Notre Dame. *tugs on the hood of her cloak* Rowland: *bites on his bottom lip to keep from laughing* ...I don't think you could if you tried. Maeve: *lips twitch* I'll take that as a compliment. Rowland: And nothing el-corner! *pulls her out of the way to hide behind a tent as a group of ladies made their way to the stands* Maeve: *arches her neck a bit to watch them pass and then continues to follow them with her eyes and says quietly* I know the majority... Rowland: *nodding* I...figured, otherwise it wouldn't have been a problem. Women hardly miss a trick. Maeve: *smiles slightly* Quite true. Rowland: Here. *gives her Damocles' shield* Hide behind it, subtly. Maeve: *holds it and then looks around it at Rowland* Is this necessary? Rowland: A bit yeah, you look the part but seeing as how you refuse to slouch and not look anyone in the eye *slight tease*-- Maeve: *hmphs* Speak louder, Rowland, I believe you haven't alerted Merwyn of my presence. Rowland: *grins slightly and then leads her through the maze of tents, having taken the long way to avoid detection and when they're outside of Damocles' tent he looks around to make sure no one's watching and holds open the flap for Maeve, walking in afterwards* Maeve: *walks in the tent with a quiet thank you to Rowland, lowering the shield and the hood of her cloak as she looks up at Damocles with a bright beamy smile* Hi. Damocles: *is standing against the far end of the tent, looking a bit excited, though his jawline is firm with a grim determination as he is weighed down by thinking how much his father is counting on him to win, and because he simply is proud, unsheathing his sword and checking his sword and checking his grip through a few practice swings, mostly dressed in his armor, though he's missing the shield obviously, and he looks up in confusion as his shield appears to walk itself in, before he brightens in a wide, delighted, cheerful if a bit startled smile* Maeve! *he says it in a whisper out of habit even as he immediately insures Muffliato is cast/the tent's curtain is down, and his lips twitch wider in his state of delighted surprise* ...you actually made it. I...*pauses, as her appearance has left him happily speechless; he clears his throat & casts glance at Rowland for a second, in a light tease* I would be impressed, but...I'm sure Maeve did most of the actual work. *eyebrow wiggles* Maeve: *smiles even wider and brighter as she sees his reaction, nodding quickly and happily* I did, thanks to Rowland. *gestures at him, smile still in place* Rowland: Nah, it was nothing. *chuckles and shrugs before his lips twitch at Damocles' words* Yes, of course. All her, no need to thank little old me. Maeve: He was brilliant--*turns to Rowland* You were brilliant. *smiles sincerely* Thank you. Rowland: *smiles* You're welcome. *remains standing here for a few moments with both of them just looking at him* ...oh that was a dismissal wasn't it? Right then...I'll wait outside. *nods, lips twitching a bit before he exits, making sure the flap closes entirely* Damocles: *brow wiggles in faux agreement with Rowland and takes the time she compliments Rowland in to put his sword down & he chuckles in that "ah you're getting it. slowly." kind of way, and nods appreciatively in silent gratitude with the briefest look at Rowland as he leaves, gaze immediately casting back to Maeve and then after a slight moment of hesitation he takes a step forward to take her hands, still beaming* I am glad you came. *lips flick* You look...*pauses, looking at her for a heartbeat* Amazing even in the disguise. Maeve: *smiled and nodded as Rowland departs before turning back to look at Damocles, breath catching in her chest as it tends to do around him, a wide smile on her face, exhaling softly and quietly as he takes her hands, looking at them briefly before returning her gaze to him* Of course, I wouldn't miss it. I did say I was going to watch you duel one day. *beat passes in which she grows a bit self-conscious knowing that her clothing was less than ornate but looks back at him with a genuine, easier smile as he says she looks great either way* You're too kind, *really* because--*chuckles* these aren't exactly very flattering but *lips twitches as she smiles at him again* I wanted to see you. Damocles: *grin softens and he gently runs his thumb across the back of her hand, grasping both hands as his own gaze stays steady on hers & his lips twitch* You did. *grins* I said you'd see me win one day. *smile flicks* I still have to teach you to swim though. *he pauses as she flushes at his compliment and he tilts his head, amused, saying lightly and playfully* Well, it never really is the clothes in the first place...*teasing with a smirk and he softens for a second, nodding* I wanted to see you too. Maeve: *laughs once softly* Oh, so those words *aren't* mutually exclusive with you? You had me under the impression that winning went without saying. *grinning playfully* Oh that's right, you did promise me a lesson. *beaming slightly before she chuckles, eyebrows rising and wiggling in amusement at his comment* Are you suggesting I do away with them entirely then? *lips twitch before she smiles and admits a bit bashfully* And I *suppose* I would have gone...slightly mad if I kept picturing other ladies approaching you with tokens. *bites bottom lip briefly* So that *might* have also been a reason minimal but *smiles* mostly I just...missed you, really. Damocles: *laughs and shakes his head amused, nodding & then his eyebrow wiggles* I certainly would not...want to dissuade you if you felt that was the direction my comment lead you in. *lips twitch, then he shakes his head and looks back up saying honestly, as he gestures at his unadorned arm* I...was not going to wear a token if I did not see you. *he smiles softly* As the only lady's favor I am interested in is yours. *grin flicks, and he moves a little closer, gaze looking at her lips for a moment & nods, gaze back on her eyes as he murmurs* And I you. Maeve: *wets her lips before capturing her bottom lip with her teeth as she listens to his comment, laughing with amusement and shaking her head* You have a rather great...and unfair way with words, has anyone told you that? *lips twitch before her eyes flick to his arm as he gestures to it, his next words causing her to smile warmly and let go of his hands only to reach into her hair and undo the silk white ribbon, pulling it out of her hair and looking at him again with a smile* May I? Damocles: *chuckles* My sister. However, I think she was referring to my extensive knowledge of...the lower vernacular, at the time. *teasingly and he shrugs a shoulder to add seriously without removing his gaze from hers* Honestly, I just...like, words. And talking. *his brow flicks with his jest, and softens again* ...and it helps, milady, that I am so inspired by your mere presence. *nods, releasing her hands as well without moving away* It would be my honor. Maeve: Oh? *eyebrows rise in curiosity and amusement as her lips twitch* You know, that is not entirely difficult to believe. *smiles softens at his flattering words* Well, I'm glad to be of help. *she looks down at his arm as she ties the ribbon securely around it. Her eyes gaze back up to his after she finishes, a moment passes before she leans in to kiss him, hand cupping his cheek and leaning away after a few seconds, smiling up at him and moving her thumb in small circles against his cheek* Good luck today. Damocles: *laughs and justifies* Nothing wrong with knowing the language of my people. Even if it is a little crude and vulgar at times. It's...raw, *is now watching her tie the ribbon* I believe. Emotional. *swallows and meets her gaze again, softly and says in a lower tone* Passionate. *his eyes fall shut as she kisses him and he meets her enthusiastically, moving his lips against hers, reluctant to pull away only to smile at her words* Thank you. Where will you be watching from? Maeve: *grins slightly* Funny, I don't recall saying I had a problem with it. *breath becoming more and more difficult for her as she listens to his words while tying the ribbon, afterwards kissing him, smiling slightly as she feels his reluctance to pull away and lets her hand fall from his cheek to his shoulder* I'll be standing with Rowland and a few other servants, off to the side of the stands...designated to keep noble eyes away...*lips twitch* His idea. Damocles: True. *grin flicks; gently lifting one hand to her waist, it rests on her hip as he laughs and nods once, lips twitching* Really? Huh. *his words light*For once then, I believe I owe him. *he shakes his head bemused without looking away* I'll look for you, then. I am sure just the sight of you will propel me to victory. *his brow arches and wiggles* Unless of course you were rooting for someone else... Maeve: *chuckles in amusement* Don't you think maybe you're a tad bit hard on him? *eyebrow rises but she smiles nonetheless and then shakes her head once* Oh, I wouldn't waste my breath on anyone else. *lips twitch and she adds teasingly* I'll try not to distract you too much. Damocles: *he laughs and shrugs a shoulder amused* He's not all rainbows himself. *shakes his head softly, not wanting to dislodge her hand and he nods once, grinning* I would appreciate that. *he pauses* Will I see you after? Here? I...know I'll be expected places tonight but after...*he trails off curiously* Maeve: *her grin grows wider at his questions and bites her lips briefly before she nods* If you'll have me of course. *smiles* My parents are visiting some family members...planning on what to do next *frowns a bit, shrugging, but she rather not think on it and instead returns her attention back to him, being able to smile again almost immediately* I'll see you afterwards, then? Celebrate your victory? *slight grin* Damocles: *he swallows a bit tightly, seeing the expression on her face and wishing he could change it for her, he smiles easier at her words, and grins with a nod* That sounds right to me. Maeve: *grinning* Perfect. *she licks her lips before leaning in to kiss him again, lips moving against his but in a soft manner as she pulls away slightly, fingers tracing the ribbon on his arm as she smiles, putting her hood back up and waving her fingers wordlessly before exiting the tent* &. Evelyn: *initially walking down to the field with Abira, she turns and tilts her head, spying Garrett go off into the tent and brightens slightly, and then turns back* ...hm? Abira: *mid sentence, she stops amused and then just laughs* I asked if you knew whose favor our brother was going to wear. Evelyn: It is probably someone father chose... Abira: *shakes her head* No. *gestures with her head at him, and her lips twitch* I do not recognize it. Evelyn: *her brow furrows* ...I do not either. Abira: Intriguing. Evelyn: *laughs and her lips twitch* Well what about you? Who are you giving your favor too? Abira: ...*shakes her head* Whomever approaches me at the box, I presume. But, *her eyebrow wiggles* you have someone in mind for yours, do you not? Evelyn: *grins* Perhaps. *nods* I'll see you in the stands. Abira: *nods, turning and walking to wish certain knights luck* Evelyn: *waits a moment and then turns back to the tent, moving the curtain aside to smile at Garrett inside as she asks hesitantly* May I come in? Garrett: *had been making sure his sword hadn't been tampered with as revenge, checking it with his wand and then swinging it about in a few forms before being satisfied and sheating it once again, looking up as he sees the tent curtain moving out of the corner of his eye, turning to face Evelyn fully with his own smile and inclines his head in greeting* M'lady. *smiles again and then nods once* Of course, please. *beckons her inside* To what do I owe this honor? Evelyn: *delighted, her lips purse a bit as she watches him move through the forms, and her smile widens as she lets the curtain drop behind her as she moves in* I wanted to wish you luck. *she pauses* Though I presume you're going to tell me you don't need it? Garrett: *laughs once, licking his bottom lip as he guiltily inclines his head slightly in a nod in admittance that she has a slight point* Well...I wouldn't have told you so outloud. *grins* And who am I to deny the well wishes of a beautiful lady such as yourself? *eyebrow rises as he grins* I hope, however, that this wish of good luck isn't one of pity, like one offered to a soldier with a hopeless cause. *chuckles* Because, see, that would just ruin the moment. Evelyn: *blushing a light pink, her smile flicks and she just shakes her head from side to side a fraction of an inch saying simply* So do not deny them. *with her own eyebrow arch a bit and she laughs once goodnatured* No, not at all. Simply one of hope. *her brow wiggles* And perhaps a desire to see my brother knocked down a peg or two. I did hear what happened to his sword yesterday...*lips twitch* Garrett: *grins, shaking his head once* I had no intention of doing so, milady. I accept them most graciously and am honored by them and yourself. *laughs in delight, nodding his head* A desire we share then...*lips twitch as he refrains from adding anything else (because the writer is urging him to behave), and then he smirks briefly at her mentioning the events of yesterday* Yes, it was...most curious, don't you think? And very much amusing to myself and the other knights. He seems to think it was of my doing, though I can't imagine why. *eyebrows flick upwards as he smirks again, shrugging afterwards and laughing* Evelyn: *her smile (and eyebrow) flicks, and she nods at him as well in agreement, still with a slight flush from the compliments; she tilts her head at his smirk and her brow wiggles* Most suspicious. *pouts slightly, teasingly* Shame, I had hoped to thank whomever was responsible...but if they won't take credit...*shrugs a shoulder herself, still looking delighted* Garrett: *grinning in amusement, lips twitching and then he chuckles* And risk discovery? For the show of your gratitude? ...well, *begins in slight admittance as he takes a step forward, grin still on his face* I cannot deny that the risk would be worth the reward. *lips twitch again before continuing* Shall I pass your thanks on to the person responsible then? Evelyn: *laughs once, just as good natured and she nods twice, moving a blonde strand of hair back behind her ear as she grins at him* I suppose you'll have to. *lips twitch as well* I would not want my brother to do them injury on my behalf, after all. Garrett: *chuckles and then nods* Yes, well, he would certainly make the attempt. Whether or not he would succeed, however, is an entirely different matter. *grins, eyebrows flicking cockily before laughing once* Evelyn: *laughs again & she shakes her head, the hair falling free* Brave words. *brow wiggle* I look forward to them being upheld for once. Many men have...tried. Garrett: *nods in acknowledgement, pursing his lips in false seriousness* Yes, many men have tried to no avail...*takes another step forward before he breaks out into a half smirk, raising his eyebrows and then finishes* But those men weren't me. *grins and chuckles once* But I'm afraid words can only do so much. It will be my pleasure...to show you. Evelyn: *smile flicks--she purses her lips amused and nods once, saying just as teasingly* At this rate I should hope you win simply to save you the embarrasment. *brow wiggles* Would you consent to wear my favor, good sir knight? Garrett: *laughs sincerely, nodding his head* True words, otherwise I fear you may never let me live it down. *grins in absolute delight as he nods once by inclining his head* Nothing would please me more. *pauses, his lips twitching and then admits* Well. That's not entirely true, but it's the most appropriate to say. Evelyn: *her lips twitch as she nods, a slight smirk visible* No, I am afraid I would not. *she tilts her head, laughing in good humor as she retrieves the ribbon and her lips purse, ducking her eyes, bemused* And heaven forbid we forgo propriety, after all. *casts her eyes back up at him as she starts tying it* Garrett: I can think of worse things than being teased by you continuously *lips twitchinto an easy grin as he remains looking at her as she ties the ribbon, chuckling slightly* It'd be an atrocity, definitely. *grins again as she finishes tying the ribbon and then takes her hand and brings it up to his lips, kissing the back of it* M'lady. Evelyn: *she chuckles once in an exhale, absolutely beaming as she repeats playfully* An atrocity. *her gaze flicks to her hand, lips in a sly little smirk as his lips brush her skin and her breath catches for a moment as she stills and nods, taking her hand back slowly and pulling it to her chest, where it hovers over the beaded bodice* Good luck, Sir Garrett. *her lips twitch* I sincerely do hope you triumph. Garrett: *lets her hand go when she takes it back, letting it fall back to his side with slight amusement, lacing his face and then nods, a smile on his face* Thank you, m'lady. I hope the tournament is to your liking. *lips twitch and then inclines his head* Till we meet again. Evelyn: Till we meet again. *smile flicks and she drops her hand slowly, one going to her skirt and the other lifting the curtain again so she can exit with a small smile etched across her lips*

Claudia: *pulling herself back against a tree, smirking at him and shaking her head slightly from side to side coy, gently biting on her bottom lip as her hands are undoing the front buttons and strings on her dress and just popping an eyebrow without words; her breath is quick and a bit uneasy with apprehension, for she's both filled with desire and fear at once, but mostly simply lost in satisfaction as she hits the tree, her heavy skirts rustling as she succeeds in undoing the ties mostly by simply ripping them; she opens her mouth, but only teasingly, seeming to think better of speaking* Marcus: *taking slow deliberate steps in her direction, moving her against the tree without even touching her, his eyes narrowed and dark with lust and hunger, inhaling in the smell of her blood which was now flowing more freely through her veins and the faint but growing scent of her arousal. He takes another predatory step towards her, lips curved in an almost menacing smirk and he extends his hands out, gripping the remaining fabric and ripping it off easily before closing the distance between them and capturing her mouth with his in a rough and passionate kiss as he pushes her against the tree even further* Rowland: *had kept a close eye on Rebecca and Marcus during the tournament, having already decided to follow them if only to see if Marcus wasn't keeping Rebecca at his side by force, but it struck him as odd as they head into the woods instead of the manor and then made sure to look around before he takes out the wand that Abira had forgotten to collect from him during their last lesson and spells himself with a silencing charm and a disillusionment charm before following them silently, keeping a distance away and moving slowly and cautiously. He crouches down by some bushes as they seem to stop, however he's struck dumb as he sees their intentions clearly written on their faces and next in their action. Disturbed by the scene in front of him, he immediately feels sick, and adverts the sight as his hands clench into his fists, closing his eyes and begins to back away but he causes the brushes to move slightly* Marcus: *his actions pause briefly as he hears something that normally would be inaudible to the human ear, and strains his ears for a moment, eyes quickly searching but the only human heartbeat he hears is Claudia's and soon, not even a few seconds later he's back on her mouth, showing no relent, his fingers sinking into her hips and moving down, effortlessly controlling his grip as he knows he could easily snap her in two, hands reaching the back of her thighs and he spreads them apart in a quick motion* Rowland: *sunk further into the bushes out of sight, briefly forgetting he's disillusioned and remain still as Marcus stopped and looked around at the movement.His eyebrows furrow even further, lips twisting from disgust, hurt, and anger into a determined scowl, now curious as to the nature of the man, finding it odd that he could hear so far away. That, and he sees he cannot back away without making too much noise, so he's stuck there for the moment being. He feels like his heart has been wrenched from his chest through his throat, hands shaking violently as he struggles not to react to the scene and trying to keep his eyes from the two* Claudia: *her breath cuts out as he claims her mouth and she lifts her arms to bring around his neck, the gesture feeling as though she laid a feather across a stone, bringing one hand down to lift the back of his shirt, pausing as he does--which causes her to practically heave as she's suddenly able to breathe, her brow furrowing in confusion at the break and as she looks down, untying the front of his britches, she notices through her trembling hands that they're beginning to shift and she swallows, realizing that within a few minutes she'll look like herself once more, but her wand and poly juice both sit in the pile of fabric he's ripped from her & she ceases to care as he turns back, gasping once, lips twitching in a smirk as he wrenches her thighs apart and she kisses back deeply, fervently, hands wrapping back around him and gripping the fabric, still feeling light and small against him* Marcus: *leans away for a moment, taking off his shirt and undoing his britches at superhuman speed, impatient with the slow speed, letting the fabrics fall somewhere on the ground before he returns back to her lips, slipping his tongue into her mouth as he kisses more fervently, keeping his teeth away from her at the moment, as his hands at her thighs move inwards, palming her and then moving his hand against her, as his other hand sliding back up her body, gripping her hair* Rowland: *startled, his eyes widen as he sees Marcus move in a blur, overtaken by sudden fear, swallowing dryly and he starts wondering what on earth is going on, confused to the point that he can't seem to look away, despite his anger. He inhales deeply, passing a sleeve over his eyes as his lips purse in a small thin line and he exhales again* Claudia: *as her vision seems to blur and go fuzzy, she exhales in a soft sudden chuckle at his impatience and heaves again, her chest knocking against him, breath quick and heartbeat rapid, she runs the back of her hand up his arm and shoulder so she grasps his neck as he grabs her and gasps again as his hand slides inwards, turning her head as she shudders, lips twisting against his breathily and she knocks back into the bark in the sudden shock of pleasure, scratching her back and as she hitches up against it to wrap her legs around him, she shifts faster, aided by the fire of his touch to quicken the transformation so that as he grabs her hair, she chuckles again in delight to know she's herself again* Marcus: *an animalistic growl seems to reverberate from his chest at her sounds of pleasure, the rate of her heart rapidly increasing and drowning any other sound, the scent of her all but driving him wild with bloodlust. his eyes are now absolutely black with lust and desire look at her hungrily, his hand moving to grip the back of her thigh and steady her as he pulls her face back to look at her as he pulls her face back to look at her back to normal, a smirk on his face before he leans in and whispers* Welcome back. *immediately afterwards he pushes into her, he groans out in pleasure, his fangs coming out and in another moment he sinks his fangs into her neck, drinking from her and moving simultaneously* Claudia: *as he lifts her jaw, she smiles coy with dark amusement, heady with lust before her eyes snap shut and she cries out in low, breathy moan as he pushes in and her grip around him tightens, nails digging into his back as he bites, hissing at the sharp jab and tightening before sinking into a whimper, consumed by him* Rowland: *his hand covers his mouth in shock as he stares at the face of a woman who is clearly not Rebecca, his skin sickly pale if it were visible, not breathing anymore but rather too stunned to move. Not even noticing the lewdness of the activity anymore as he stares, straightening up and backing away suddenly as he sees Marcus' fangs and watches him bite into her neck. A frustrated as angry tears slips down his face and he keeps backing away, not being able to stand it much longer. his hands shaking, he walks away as fast as he can without arousing suspicion. after he's a fair distance away he breaks into a run.

[fysecretaffairs]

{chapter five}

Rowland: *walking to Damocles' room with a breakfast tray, still a bit upset from last night but trying his best to push it away for he's already wondering, thinking, suspicious- but he doesn't want it to interfere with the day's chores. He walks in the room, knowing it's pointless to knock for Damocles won't be awake, and wont no matter how loudly he knocked, and closes the door after him rather loudly. He sets the breakfast tray on the table and then heads over to the curtains, pulling them apart* Up and at 'em! Come on, come on. *claps his hands together* The sun is shining, the birds are singing- plenty to do today! Chop chop! Damocles: *is lying rather sprawled amongst the sheets and pillows, looking rather content at first, as he had been having a marvelous dream that apparently, is not to be shared or repeated, when he startles and groans under his breath at the light, his hand falling off his pillow to press to screwed up eyes, rubbing as he barely cranes his neck off the pillow, peering bleerily at Rowland to blink once* Do you have to sound so bloody cheery? Rowland: *lips twitch* I believe it's part of the job description, yes. One must exude happiness and joy at every given moment of the day to show how much we truly love this job. *grins* Or would you rather I storm in here as Sir-frowns-a-lot and complain about what a drag it is to wake up? I am quite versatile after all. Damocles: Yes, well it's bloody irritating. *promptly shuts his eyes as he continues to prattle, groaning again and rolling back over into the pillow as though he intends for a moment to suffocate himself, after a moment he wrenches himself to a sitting position, looking first at the breakfast tray and then arching his eyebrow at Rowland's expression* And at least that would be a change of pace. Rowland: oh I have no idea what it is to find someone that irritating *sarcastically as he looks at Damocles roll back into the pillow, shaking his head and then exhales* I'll make a note of that then, m'lord. In the mean time however, you should really try to put a smile on that face. As I'm...pretty sure you're not supposed to have wrinkles this early on in life. Damocles: *missing the sarcasm entirely as he's getting off the bed, reaching for the roll, taking a bite of it before he pauses, hearing him and his face contorts rather humorously, and he blinks* I do not have wrinkles! *aggravated and rolling his eyes as he takes another bite of the roll* It's just too blasted early, is all. Rowland: Are you sure cause when you frowned just then you got those lines *passes a hand over his face to indicate where* And every time you frown the lines just go away less and less. I would see someone about that if I were you. *purses his lips a moment* A bit early, yeah. And two hours ago it must have been even worse, silver lining, you had two more hours of sleep than some unfortunate people out there *turns around to start picking up some things from the floor and mumbles* Likeme. Damocles: *frowns and then forces a bright much too cheery "this spells danger" smile under wide eyes and his head tilts* I'll give *you* something to frown about--*throwing the empty goblet as Rowland turns his back, much cheerier now and he pops a grape in his mouth afterwards, saying with a shrug* That is your job. *brows flick as he pops another grape* Though I'm a bit surprised you're on time. Rowland: Oww--hey! *rubs the back of his neck where the goblet hit him and mumbles something like 'you try an offer advice' and then shrugs still not turning around* Couldn't sleep. Don't worry though, I won't be taking a nap anytime soon. *picking clothes off the floor and putting them in a basket before turning around to face him* Judging by the drool on your pillow, I can see you slept soundly though *grin* Damocles: *brows furrow and he nods saying ruefully* Wonder why that was. *shakes his head and eats another grape, slightly surprised by the assurance and nodding, and then he rolls his eyes* Yeahyeah. *his lips twitch; he did quite enjoy that dream and he looks down again, waving that off* So I take it you saw her, then? Should I be expecting you to vanish? *eyebrow arches as he looks back up* Rowland: *hesitates in both movement and words, pausing for a moment and then nodding once* I did yes...*chuckles humorlessly and then shakes his head softly swallowing dryly* Oh no, there's no need to worry about that. Damocles: *his eyebrow arches in surprise at the hesitation and hand pauses with a grape near his mouth & he tilts his head slightly confused, and his lips press together for a heartbeat* ...no? *brow arches higher* What happened? Rowland: *just shakes his head again and then answers quietly* I sincerely don't know. *frowns a bit and then licks his suddenly dry lips* But she doesn't want to...speak to me anymore. *purses his lips and then shakes his head again* She's not...the Rebecca I know. I don't know what happened but...well, I'm going to find out. *determinedly and then adds after a moment* On breaks and off-hours, of course. Damocles: *brow arching slowly at the quiet words & he blinks, a bit surprised, before he purses his lips and says equally quietly* ...Rowland, it has been months. I know you might not want to...accept that she's changed, and with someone else...*trails off looking a bit befuddled, but nonetheless sure, and saying it as kindly as possible* But if she doesn't want to speak to you...isn't that for the best, considering the circumstances? Rowland: *just looks at him, unable to comprehend* If I may be able to speak freely, sire. *Continues to do so without waiting for a yes or no* I know Rebecca much better than you do, better than I know most people, sometimes better than myself...and while I value you words and advice normally, as much as I pretend otherwise, you're wrong about this. What we have...had...have. *frowns a bit as he settles on a tense* isn't something flimsy or fickle, it doesn't suddenly change. Not in the course of eight or nine months. It was never about what was best, but what was right, what felt right...is there a part of you that understands? *suddenly goes red, and turns around to busy himself with a chore, and then clears his throat* Don't worry I won't do anything stupid or rash...*quietly* I think. Damocles: *had been about to nod yes, and his lips twitch in bemusement as he continues without awaiting permission, eating the roll while he listens, brows flicking in surprise and his lips purse a moment, he swallows the roll and shakes his head looking down as he considers and then nods once* I imagine you would be more of an authority, yes. *swallows* And I do understand that a little more than you probably think. *he looks back up curious* But what else do you imagine happened? Rebecca always had a duty to her family, and I doubt she would find it easy to continue to...converse, with you knowing such an end would be forthwith. *swallows painfully* Though I do...understand doing so anyways, painful or not. Rowland: *frowning and then exhales* I don't know what happened I just know it's not as simple as it seems to be. *pauses for a moment, biting his lip as Damocles brings up the "duty to the family", knowing fully well that's not the issue but unable to say it is and so he begins cautiously* her...situation at home, with her family...well it's a lot more complicated. *sighs and then adds quietly* It didn't stop her before, why should it stop her now? *looks at Damocles curiously at his last statement, realizing that he really wasn't talking about Rebecca anymore, and nods silently* Damocles: And...you're certain you're not just looking for an explanation, despite the one rather...obviously presented? *bites his bottom lip, exhaling once as he realizes Rowland's expression is rather deadly serious, but doesn't know how to take that, considering he really doesn't think there could be anything else going on; blinks and licks his lips, looking back down and finishing off the roll, a bit curious* She never discussed her family much, as I recall, actually...*is attempting now to drive Maeve from his mind* Rowland: *nods* I'm certain of it...its just that something doesn't feel right. And forgive me if I'm wrong but as a knight don't you trust your instincts often? I'm trusting mine. *continuing to do...whatever chore hes doing now and then turns back to Damocles, nodding softly* She...all of them really, they were private people. Damocles: *eyebrow cocks for a moment as he nods in surprised agreement, startled to find himself agreeing now three times with Rowland and shrugs a disgruntled shoulder as he starts eating the cheese, muttering* Fair point, f that is your instinct. *brow furrows as he looks back up, ceasing chewing and tilts his head* She did not tell you? Anastasia...*has to pause*, she talked of Russia often. Rowland: *shakes head and then begins again hesitantly, watching his words* No, I did not say that...we spoke often of her home and family...I meant in general, to others. *nods and then looks at him curiously* You miss her, don't you? Damocles: *shrugs, conceding that, brow flicking as he swallows saying slowly* That is not...so unusual. Beyond celebrating a name--which the entire party did, obviously. *shakes head* Close to the royal Tzar itself...that Brandin did like to boast. *rolls eyes* It was rather aggravating. *pauses at the question and adverts his eyes, breath quiet for a moment and he nods* Indeed. Though I...will not see her again, that I should like to see her again, that I cannot deny. I...owe her, a lot. *he furrows his brow and looks back at Rowland, thinking it was Annie that actually got him to stay the execution, swallows hard again* A lot. Rowland: *snorts in amusement of the irony of Damocles' words and then clears his throat* Right, I can't imagine why anyone boasting would be aggravating *lips twitch briefly before he exhales, shrugging* In any case, Rebecca isn't a...Zytsev, just a family friend. *shrugs and then pauses as he listens to Damocles and then nods sofftly* Maybe...someday you will. You never know. Damocles: *brow furrows at the trace of amusement in Rowland's words, decidedly moving on a disgruntled moment later after averting his eyes back to his food, and taking another bite, shaking his head and pursing his lips* So she is not in line for the crown. *he arches an eyebrow* That does not mean she...is without the trappings of the life, however much she might have acted that way before. *is rather curious as to how Rowland is dancing around her exact history, but his mind is too focused on Anastasia to honestly pause and he presses his lips together and then slowly shakes his head* No, I do know. I owe Anastasia a lot. And will always...care. *his lips flick* But she has a life where she is, and my life is here. *looks out the window for a moment, his brows furrowed, as he's thinking now that he also is not beholden the same way he was, as his mind seems to instantly fly to Maeve, and he swallows, clearing his throat* Rowland: *exhales and then shakes his head in defeat, looking down and continuing his chore and then saying quietly* You just don't understand. *looks up at Damocles again as he speaks, and his head tilts a bit in curiosity, a small smile flickering on his face and also in awe because he knows that he himself didn't feel that way about Rebecca- he felt like their lives were...somehow joined, despite it all, and then nods* Great then. And you know things aren't so bad here for you, right? *lips twitch in another smile* Damocles: *hears him, but he sighs and admits to himself that they clearly were not going to agree on this and that really, anything he said wasn't going to stop Rowland from "investigating" in the first place so he decidedly admits defeat internally--"for now"--and keeps eating, looking back up only after a moment, curious about the small smile--as he gets the feeling Rowland knows something else he doesn't get, a feeling he really does not like, but at this moment he seems to think that perhaps in someways they were alike in this--having loved ladies from Russia they never were to see again, that is--and then he nods in amusement, much more cheerful* No, not at all. In fact they have been looking up lately. *clears his throat* Now I have a question--what became of my sword in the the armory? *arches his eyebrow* You said you polished it...and yet it is not there. Rowland: *mostly glad to be away from the subject of the supposedly-from-Russia-but-really-from-the-future-Fayes and nods at Damocles' words* Yes, so it seems. *suddenly pauses as he just remembers the fact that Sir Garrett had taken the sword- though he thought that it would have been returned my now and then frowns a bit looking up at Damocles* it's not there? Are you sure? Damocles: *he pauses, thinking to himself that was a bit tactless considering it obviously wasn't looking up for Rowland, but he decidedly pushes past it and he blinks, furrowing his brow* Well, it wasn't there last night, no. I suppose I obviously haven't checked today. *brow arches* You know what happened, don't you? Rowland: *immediately* noooo...no no no no. *shaking his head* not at all. I polished it, just like you instructed me to do, and left it there and then came back up to bring your lunch and that was the last I saw of it. *nodding* So...no, no idea. Maybe it was a...practical joke or something. *shrugs* Damocles: *getting an exasperated expression, he just shakes his head and arches an eyebrow higher, pressing his lips together and finishes off his breakfast, getting up, stretching, which causes the writers mind to go blank for a moment, and then nods at him as he moves to the dresser* Strange practical joke. ...and what were you doing just leaving it there? Rowland: gee, I have absolutely no idea why anyone would want to purposefully look for and steal the sword of the much acclaimed Damocles Faye *obviously sarcastic, but still expects the sarcasm to be overlooked as it usually is as he continues to dress the, what he finds to be ridiculously oversized, bed* If you want me to try and find it, sire, I shall do my best to track it down. Damocles: What good exactly--*says so while getting into the tub, for once deciding the water temperature is perfectly fine, if a bit on the hot side (to be expected though), and he slides down to the little seat, beginning to bathe* -- would my sword do anyone else? Not as though someone else can wield it properly. *rolls his eyes and mutters under his breath* At all, really, never mind improperly. *shakes his head, ducking under the surface to wet his hair, coming up a moment later with a gasp mid-splash* And yes, I need it. Considering the tournament is only a day away. &.

Leanne: *sitting cross legged in a night gown on Abira’s bed; she giggles* Wait, what? Abira: *smile flicks* Oh come on. No one will care as long as we just stay really quiet. Leanne: But. It’s a full moon out there. Abira: Yeah? Exactly. We’ll be able to see. Leanne: But…there are werewolves on a full moon. Abira: There was one, yes… Leanne: *sighs* It came from somewhere, didn’t it? Someone bit that poor muggle? Abira: *bites her bottom lip and then shrugs a shoulder* Well, we haven’t seen any sightings… Leanne: *as if she hadn’t heard her* I wish Damocles didn’t have to kill them, you know. Half of me… I wanted to let them go. Abira: *quietly* We all wish that, Lea. Half of everyone always wants to let them go. Leanne: *shakes her head* No, a lot of the knights don’t. Most of the knights actually just wish they’d been the one to steal the glory for themselves. But I think…there must be a way that we could help… Abira: *arching an eyebrow slowly* What do you mean?

Leanne: *shudders a bit* They…scare me, believe me. But so do vampires, and centaurs and—*she bites her bottom lip* and I still believe they deserve rights too. Abira: *lips twitch* You, just want centaurs to keep their lands so they don’t storm the village and stay very far away. Leanne: *laughs once* Well…why is that a bad thing? I believe all creatures have the right to live. To hunt, to survive. It doesn’t mean you want to catch me near one. Abira: Vampires too? Knowing how they feed? Leanne: *quietly* Well, if there was a way we could change that…maybe animal blood, or… Abira: *just as quietly* I suppose. The only advancement I know of though is…well there’s been speculation they can walk in the sun now. Leanne: *startled* What? Abira: *shrugs a shoulder* I don’t…know for sure. Leanne: *swallows* But that could mean one could be amongst us even now. Abira: *bites her bottom lip* It is possible…though I think unlikely. Leanne: Why? Abira: *quietly* Well…I should think there’d be more disappearances or deaths if there was. Leanne: ..there was a death. Abira: *quiet* Last I checked, poison wasn’t the choice weapon of vampires. Leanne: *shudders* I suppose. Still. That’s a frightening thought. Abira: *mms* Well, then maybe we should keep an eye out. Leanne: Well, my point was that if they could change… Abira: But who says they want to change? Leanne: Well, no one. *bites her bottom lip* And if they kill or attack us, then yeah, we have a right to defend ourselves. But they were people once…why should we just…hate them? Werewolves too. They’re at least…part, human. Abira: *thinking about it slowly* I do not disagree, Leanne. I just think it will be…hard to see this through any sort of legislation. People are terrified of them. Leanne: *a bit fiercely* I am terrified too. That doesn’t mean fear should rule our laws. Abira: *her smile flicks* I know. *quieter* People are terrified of muggle-born wizards too. Leanne: *clears her throat* Yes, well. *quieter* I agreed with them on that once, ‘bira. Abira: *her lips twitch* Until you met John. Leanne: *smile flicks, and she laughs* Met John? Do you not mean when I happened upon the two of you mostly derobed in the back of his stable? Abira: *amused* Well that was a sort of meeting, wasn’t it? Leanne: *rolls her eyes to the ceiling* Yes, I suppose it was. In any case…I believe you’re going to have a hard time convincing anyone of that too. Abira: Fear. *she shakes her head swallowing* It rules us too often and yet it is our natural way of self-protection. The voice telling us not to do something, that if we risk that…we might be hurt, or worse. And yet without fear, without risk, where do we find meaning at all? Leanne: *her lips flick* This is your way of getting me to go outside, isn’t it? Abira: *laughs, a full sound* It was an honest question. However, yes, I would like to go fly. Leanne: *Shakes her head* Oh all right, I will come. But if we see any werewolves, you’re on your own. Abira: And vampires? *lips twitch* Leanne: And vampires. Abira: I don’t know, you know. *her lips twitch* You are rather beautiful…I’m sure you could reason with a vampire should we come across one. Leanne: *gasps and whacks her with the side of her pillow* You are awful. Abira: *lips twitch* They’re just people aren’t they? Leanne: *whacks her with the pillow once more, getting up to follow her outside* Awful.

&. Rowland: *in the armory, bored, finished polishing swords and armor....proceeds to begin to play with swords* Garrett: *walking by, destination unknown (but then again, I don't really want to know) and passes by the open door, pausing for a second and then takes a step back and looks into the room* Rowland: *waving a sword around as if fighting with an invisible opponent* Garrett: *lips twitch in amusement and he leans against the doorframe, crossing his arms in front of his chest to keep watching* -This goes on for two more minutes with Rowland doing…Merlin knows what, ending with the above gif- Garrett: *bursts out into laughter that he had been holding back* Rowland: *lets the swords fall to the floor in surprise, turning around to see Garrett laughing and immediately goes red, picking up the swords from the ground* I’m-I’m, sorry! I wasn’t, er, just… Garrett: *has stopped himself from laughing, still amused* Please, don’t stop on my account. Rowland: I was just…testing them? Garrett: *lips twitch* I see. *pushes off the frame* Remarkable form, by the way…if you were facing a toddler, that is. *chuckles* How about you leave the swordfighting to men with the skill for it? *eyebrow rising* Rowland: *abashed, nods* Sire. *inclining his head forward* I’ll just…polish these again. Garrett: *purses his lips as he thinks on something and he steps forward* Are those Damocles’? Rowland: this one is *holds it up* Garrett: *extends his hand out and then waves his fingers towards him to indicate he should give it to him, Rowland does so and Garrett inspects it briefly, lips flicking before looking back up at Rowland* Right, I’m going to borrow this- Rowland: That’s not really such a good idea- Garrett: It’s not?…But you didn’t know about it. Rowland: I didn’t? Garrett: No, you weren’t even here. Rowland: I…wasn’t? Garrett: You did your chores, went to deliver his lunch to him and by the time you came back the sword was gone. Rowland: ….it was. Garrett: *grins and then claps his hand on Rowland’s arm before pointing at him* See, I knew you aren’t as daft as he says. Rowland: *winces at the clap, it being a bit too hard* Can’t possibly imagine who could have said that. Garrett: *grinning still* Farewell, Rowland. *walking out, from the hallway* I’ve always liked you. Rowland: *just…shakes his head in small disbelief* &. Maeve: You’re horrid. Rowland: What? I am not- Maeve: *repeats, enunciating* Ho.rrid. Rowland: *grins slightly and shrugs* I merely just…*drifts off, unable to explain it* Maeve: Ask questions with the deliberate purpose of wanting to watch me struggle with words? *eyebrows rise* Rowland: I am incapable of such a thing. Maeve: Then that last question? Rowland: Curiosity at its best. Maeve: You mean its worst. Rowland: Ah *waves his hand in the air dismissively* details, details. Maeve: *exhales as she shakes her head in amusement, walking back together from the market* Rowland, you are very strange. Rowland: So I’ve heard, as you seem not to be careful with your words either. Maeve: On the contrary, Rowland, everything I say and don’t say is filled with meaning. Rowland: *laughs* That may be, if your meaning is to insult me. *slightly teasing* You call me horrid, strange- Maeve: *grins* You know I don’t mean any of it in a negative way. Except the former one, because you are quite horrid for asking me about m- Rowland: *laughs* Yes, yes, I understand. *lips twitch* Besides, I’ve heard worst, hear worst every day. Maeve: I hope most are in a teasing manner? *eyebrows rising* Rowland: …Well, I wouldn’t call it *teasing*, not really but…I’m not actually insulted, if that’s what you mean. Maeve: *nodding* I suppose that’s the gist of it, yes. *frowns a bit* You know, if you ever did feel offended, I would urge you to say so- Rowland: *smiles slightly* Oh it’s quite alright. Besides, Damocles is in higher spirits which means he’s gone from sufferable to tolerable. *teasing* Maeve: *lips twitch before she bites down on her bottom lip, keeping a laugh at bay* I think you are much too hard on him, as he is on you. Rowland: Oh, all in good fun, really. Maeve: Honestly! *chuckles and shakes her head briefly again* Rowland: Well, if anything he’s much more polite when you’re around. Your presence should never depart from side, I say. Maeve: *chuckles* Or, you could simply let him know that you find his behavior unfair. Rowland: Right, that’s exactly what I’ll do. Oh, but wait, what would I do afterwards when he tells me to quit whining and assigns me more chores to toughen me up? *grins* Maeve: *laughs* He would nev…wait, would he? Rowland: *grins* I don’t know, I’ve never complained in his earshot for fear of finding out. Maeve: *shakes her head* Of course not, you just speak of his inability to put on a shirt to a degree in which it reaches even the loweliest members of nobility *eyebrow rises* Rowland: Ah, but see, that was before….*pauses for a moment* well. Before I was accused. Maeve: *nodding softly, voice quieting immediately as the conversation turns into a more severe topic* I see…I didn’t hear much except the briefest of explanations. Rowland: *clears his throat as he remembers the day, and nods as well before explaining with slight detail* Well, Lady Abira had an artifact stolen from her chambers, and my friend and fellow servant accused the visiting Lady Rebecca, having seen her sneaking around the night before. Debating and accusations and pleading occurred and finally Merwyn was ready to throw Lady Rebecca and her company out of the manor, and since one of their party was sick and recovering if they left then he would have died, or considering how hysterical things were getting, Merwyn’s temper could have peaked and who knows what would have happened. *swallows dryly* So I said that it was I, who stole from Abira. Maeve: *had been listening intently to him recount the story, blinking in surprise at the information and then turning to look at Rowland curiously* …why would you… Rowland: I grew to love Rebecca *says quite honestly* Though, I’m not sure those are the correct words to use…because at times I wonder if I was not born, loving her so. Maeve: *blinking in complete surprise but he can’t help but smile at the way he talks, nodding* Go on. Rowland: *bites on his bottom lip* In any case, by the time I had confessed, Abira had already asserted that the item in question had to be stolen with help from magic. Merwyn took my confession of theft as a confession of having magic and threw me in the dungeon, sentenced me to death for the next day. Maeve: *nodding gravely, that being the part she had heard about* Without any proof? Without you having admitted outright? *frowning* Rowland: *shaking his head* No…And after an argument with Damocles in which I could finally speak freely without fear of retribution *lips twitch* and with help, of course, of Lady Abira and Lady Anastasia…Damocles saved my life. Charges were dropped. Maeve: *exhales, nodding* Well, thank God your safe. Rowland: *lips twitching* I’m pretty sure Damocles’ ego would become permanently unbearable if I referred to him as God. Maeve: *laughs sincerely, nodding in agreement and happy to have a lighter tone back in the conversation* Alright, fair point. *smiles* Rowland: *chuckles* So, yes, after that…I already had respect for him, believe me I did, but it grew. And I trust him implicitly now. I’ll always be grateful. *nodding* Not that I’d ever tell him so. Maeve: *rolls her eyes playfully* No, heaven forbid you two admit your love for one another. Rowland: whoa whoa, *hands in front of his chest* let’s not get carried now- Maeve: I did mean it platonically- Rowland: Of *course* you did- Maeve: But now that you mention it- Rowland: I didn’t- Maeve: You two do spend a lot of time together- Rowland: Maeve, please. Maeve: *gives in to the laughter she’d been holding back* Rowland: *mumbles* This isn’t funny at all. Maeve: *stops laughing and all but beams* I’m just glad your safe now, Rowland. Rowland: *smiles and nods, looking at her* Thank you. Maeve: *after walking in silence for a couple of minutes, approaching Glenda’s house and the street starts getting less crowded* Rowland, may I ask you a rather intruding question? Rowland: *looks at her from the corner of his eyes, guessing what the question would be and then nodding* Go right ahead. Maeve: *doesn’t speak for a few seconds before she stops walking and turns to him, looking at his eyes* What you were imprisoned for…is it true? Rowland: *searching her face, hesitating slightly as he bites his bottom lip, debating to himself whether he trusts her with his secret or not, and briefly wonders if she’ll think any less of him if he does, before he quickly dismisses that, knowing she wouldn’t and then nods before he exhales* Yes…it’s true. Maeve: *inhaling slightly at his answer, nodding along, as if she was half-expecting it, and then smiles softly* Darwin must be right. Rowland: *blinks repeatedly and then asks* Darwin? Maeve: *looks back up at Rowland* have you Heard of Charles Darwin, Rowland? They both continue on to Glenda’s house, where Maeve explains Charles Darwin, his theory of natural selection, evolution, and dominant and recessive genes, DNA and how this could relate to how magic is passed on from generation to generation. Maeve doesn’t treat or think of Rowland any differently; Rowland appreciates this more than he would ever be able to say. &. Rowland: *exhales as he fails yet again on the spell they're working on, not being able to concentrate enough to focus on it, his mind distracted and elsewhere. he shakes his head once, as if that would help clear his thoughts and then looks up at Abira who appears to be mid-sentence, yet he blinks repeatedly and then looks slightly abashed* I'm sorry, what? I didn't...get that. Abira: --no Rowland--wait--it's clockwise, not counter clockwi--*pauses and throws a hand up, taking a breath and evanesco'ing, biting her bottom lip and arches her eyebrow, hand going to her hip and after looking rather stern for a moment, her face falls and she nods, lowering her own wand* ...It's clockwise. *her lips twitch in a soft smile* ...why don't we take a break? *arches an eyebrow* ...you okay? Rowland: Oh...right. *waves the wand in the motion without saying the spell just to practice it a bit and lowers it, nodding as she suggests a break and then pursing his lips slightly, not really knowing how to answer at first* I've been better, really. *frowning slightly and then exhales before shrugging* Just confused mostly...very confused. Abira: *chewing on her bottom lip for a second, and she nods in understanding, releasing her lip and rubbing it with the back of her hand* ...of course. *swallows* ...have you...seen her? Rowland: *nodding, the tone of his voice changing to one of sadness* Yes I..*clears his throat and then he nods again, looking at the ground* I did. She...said she'd rather not make this any more difficult than it already was. Asked me to not come and see her...anymore. *brow furrowing and exhales, biting on his bottom lip for a brief moment* It was...very unlike her. Abira: *blinks slightly surprised, and arches her eyebrow, a bit confused* ...well I could see, why she wouldn't want to make it more difficult...*brows furrow* ...but that ...doesn't exactly coincide with...what she had said to me. *blinks*..Unlike her how? Rowland: *presses his lips together, tilting his head towards Abira as he acknowledges begrudgingly that she does have a point, but he's still unsure* Maybe but...she's never acted with me. Well not...like that. And its...*struggles with words again and exhales, looking up* She's lying to me...she won't...say why she's really here, avoided answering that out right, always tried to focus on something else...when she looked at me she wasn't looking *at* me, but more...through me. It's- *purses his lips and rubs the back of his neck, shaking his head* There's something off about it all, something's not right. Abira: *puzzling, slowly, she tilts her head as she folds her arms across the many skirts and looks at him, considering things critically, and brainstorming a bit* Perhaps she does not want you to get hurt? I have...not spent any time with Lord Marcus, but I doubt he would...take kindly to...*she presses her lips together decidedly not finishing that and exhaling, as her mind's on Septimus and then after another moment she lifts her shoulders in nonchalance/slight amusement as she changes tact* So what are you going to do then? Rowland: *he frows immediately at the mention of Lord Marcus, not being able to say that the reason for that was mostly having no idea where he fit into the whole thing, for he doubts the engagement story because it simply doesn't fit, none of it does, and it just frustrates him beyond measure. He merely passes a hand through his hair and frowns again before shrugging* I don't know...yet. But I'm going to find out the truth. Somehow. Abira: *looks away, swallowing hard as he frowns, thinking to herself that she was pretty sure jealousy played a factor as well, her brows furrow sadly as she's reminded of exactly what John used to say about Septimus, and she shakes her head to clear her thoughts--annoyed, as she doesn't usually let herself think about them--and when Rowland speaks again she looks back, not at all surprised by his words* ...please be careful. *her brows flick* If she's trying to keep you away...there's a reason. And it's probably to keep you safe. *she swallows hard and says quieter* We already almost lost you once. Rowland: *he can't help the tiniest of smiles at her words, nodding once softly as she tells him to be careful* I will...Aren't I always? *slightly joking but then he clears his throat again and swallows silently at her last words, remembering that time too well, and nods again* I promise to keep safe...But I have to follow my instincts on this, and I need to know what's wrong. Abira: *her own lips twitch in a bit of a wider smile at his smile, and she just arches an eyebrow at his joke, shaking her head* ...no, not really. *her brow wiggles and then furrows* ...of course you do. *she presses her lips together, asking hesitantly, and because she's not sure what he's thinking but she's curious, and so she's tending to...brainstorm* ...you don't think she's in trouble, do you? Rowland: ...Alright, so maybe I'm not but *chuckles softly, shaking his head from side to side still in the disbelief that this is really happening* this time I'll be careful.*nods once and then looks up curiously as she asks and then after some thought shakes his head* It's possible but...I don't think so...at least not...entirely? *his brow furrows again* But something changed her...or affected her drastically to cause her to...lie and act this way...*purses his lips, liking this less and less the more he thinks about it* Abira: *pauses and then she shakes her head amused* ...nah, you won't. Not really. I would not be either, I suppose. *she shrugs a shoulder and exhales, still confused, now a bit frustrated by this herself, deciding she needs to talk to rebecca herself, but in a way that isn't obvious and she looks back up as he continues, brow furrowing* ...what do you believe she's lying about? Rowland: *smiles slightly* Well, I already promised I would be...to the best of my ability. Which granted, isn't very much when it involves staying out of trouble but...*bites on his bottom lip as he considers her question before answering carefully* Why she's back...why she doesn't want me talking to her...her engagement to Lord Marcus, and no that's not solely because of jealousy...maybe partly but. *shrugs* And it's not...wishful thinking, it's not. I feel it. There's something wrong. Abira: *nods with a soft smile, amused and then she laughs in an exhale, a rueful smirk crossing her lips and she shakes her head in agreement, running her hand through her hair once more, not because it's loose--it's spelled and pinned too much for that--but because it's an acceptable form of fidgeting; had been about to open her mouth to mention jealousy, and closes it again with a faint smile as he dismisses that and nods slowly, before furrowing her brow very slowly* ...but if she is lying about all that, why...would she be back? *blinks once* What would she...possibly be able to achieve? Rowland: *exhales as he tosses his hands up in the air, shaking his head and biting on his bottom lip as he looks back up at Abira, still shaking his head* I honestly don't know. Why would she be back in the first place if she didn't really want to hurt me? *swallows dryly* She said she insisted on visiting again, knowing that doing so would only hurt...me. *now frowning more than ever and shrugs again* She'd never be that insensitive, that careless...*licks his dry lips before he repeats* I've got to find out what's wrong. Abira: *though she doesn't move, it's only from years of being taught strict posture, and honestly she wants to throw her hands up in the air too, her brows furrowing and she nods very slowly* That is...very true. *her brows flick* Honestly when I first heard she was coming back, I had thought she meant to...*she pauses, her eyes flutter to him and then she looks back down* ...well, run away with you. *even quieter* That is what I was going to do, after all. *she waits a moment and then looks back up, saying hastily, as if she can't bear the thought that something is going wrong either* Maybe she just wanted to see you again, know you were safe, I do not...know. Rowland: *his brow furrows and he looks back at the ground* no, we...always knew that'd be impossible but...*pauses for a brief moment* I always felt like...one day I'd see her again but..not like this. *shakes his head* Definitely not like this. *exhales and then nods softly* Maybe. Your guess is as good as mine I suppose. *shrugs and then spends a couple of moments in silence before he clears his throat and looks back up at her* I think I'm ready to give that spell another go. Abira: *bites her bottom lip, because if "Rebecca" wasn't back, she'd honestly have said it wasn't impossible, but now she doesn't...want to raises his hopes when it appears the opposite was true, and instead she just holds his gaze steadily, her lips pressed together and nods, still burrowed in thought, before she smiles very slowly and nods, leaning off the tree (and drawing her own wand for safety reasons)* Clockwise. And don't...move your wand so much, *she pauses and then says ruefully, amused* ...never said that before, have I? *her lips flick and she looks at him determinedly* You are getting better though. Rowland: *grins slightly and then chuckles as he shakes his head* No, you haven't. *lips twitch before he smiles sincerely and nods once, inclining his head in her direction* Thank you, I try. *smiles again before he raises his wand and begins to attempt the spell once more*

[fyrowecca]

Adelina had excused herself from the main hall, following seeing Damocles, Rebecca and his party of knights return--and who with. She leaned against a column now, pressing a hand to her lips, tears threatening to fall despite her best attempts to hold them back. Reminding herself, her inner voice almost pleading, that her father was alive yet--that Ellaria and her mother had sent word the three of them were fine, it helped a little to stay her sorrow. Yet a tear still leaked free, followed by another and another before she was forced to rub her eyes with her forearm until they would stop.

It was Amber.

She knew she had to tell Damocles who it was they had found--who Rebecca had led them to, if only so she could tell him where to find her family. She knew more about Amber than she wished at that moment: her father had left her mother when he'd discovered the magic their daughter had. Her mother had turned to drinking, left Amber to run into the woods for her own safety. Yet incredulously enough, she had found a new family when she found the other muggleborns in the forest--eventually found love. Amber had taught her many spells, and more than that several tricks about how to survive. Now her body was a mystery for the nobility to puzzle over, evidently already benevolently pieced back together.

Her stomach churned at the thought and she doubled over behind the column. When she lifted her head, she realized secondly she had to swallow back a seething, bubbling, raging pit before she could approach Damocles. Otherwise, she would tell him things she should not. She thought softly of George sitting with Malcolm, of Oliver teasing her that morning, of Leanne talking about André with her cheeks as red as her hair. The images calmed her.

Even if she did still wish to retreat to George's arms.

When she re-emerged, she headed down the hall once more, gathering up her courage before she knocked on the door. Rap, rap, rap. Her fist seemed small and inconsequential next to the reinforced wood, and she snapped back against it harder, adding in a fervent voice,

"Damocles?" It was only after a moment she remembered, and added a bit reluctantly, "My Lord?"

The door swung open of it's own volition. Wondering if she could ever get used to such open magic, she nonetheless smiled a tad bit, knowing she envied their ability. Exhaling to calm herself, she realized Damocles was mostly alone now. Only his sister stood in the room--looking at her in such a way that Adelina tensed. She bit her lip.

"Adelina?"

Damocles sounded tired and a bit resigned. His face had the gaunt, drawn expression of a man twenty years older than him, scribbled on prematurely with wrinkles and lines she knew would go away if he would lay down and rest properly. Or if he'd prefer, she knew of an herbal concoction that could help--but of course, that she could not tell him. Nodding once, her eyes were still wide and locked on his sister. Abira had not moved, though she seemed to be offering a sad smile. Adelina thought it was meant to be encouraging.

"I wanted to inform you." The words stuck in her throat. "I know..I know whose body you recovered."

Damocles brows creased with surprise, but he said nothing at first, seeming to realize she needed to get through explaining before he should interject. Her voice rang with the same exhaustion as Damocles' had as she continued.

"Her name is Amber." Her voice broke slightly with anger. "She was my friend. I was expecting her...I was looking for her when I found the dragon instead." 

The dragon. Another innocent life for which Adelina mourned. It had done nothing on it's own, of that she was sure. Whatever those monsters had done to it, it was not the dragon's fault. Oliver's explanation of the imperius curse had left her with the perfect metaphor. If Damocles did not blame his knights for what they had done under that curse--as was right and proper--she wished to argue he could not demonize the dragon for it's actions either. It had not deserved such treatment.

Yet at that moment, it wasn't important.

"I can get her to her family. But...may I...know what happened? Where was she?"

Adelina clamped her lips shut, refusing to shake now. She leaned against the back of the closest chair, arms folded on top of the back. Resting her chin, a thin white strand broke free and swayed away from her, carried by her hesitant breath. Damocles and Abira exchanged a look before nodding to each other--apparently affirming that she was not lying.

It was Damocles who spoke.

"Thank you for telling us. That will help. And..." His voice quieted. "We do not know specifics." He said it softly in a tone that suggested he actually knew more than he would tell her. Her nose wrinkled softly at the patronizing, before her gaze softened as she considered he might mean to protect someone else by holding back. "It seems she was the unwilling...unlucky participant of a ritual, Adelina. She was sacrificed to...bind Claudia to the dragon."

He now looked at her steadily as if to gauge her reaction. Wondering if she was now meant to be astonished at such a wondrous feat of magic, Adelina instead felt only tired. Her heart seemed to pound slower in sudden terror and anguish, but she endeavored quickly to keep herself calm. Tears would not help; they could only embarrass her now, and delay her further answers. Nodding stiffly, she cast her eyes back to the ground to take a moment to collect herself. Then she looked back up.

"Thank you for being honest." Her words were heavy, her heart heavier. Turning, she thought wistfully of finding George. 

Abira spoke now, causing Adelina to still in her tracks.

"Adelina. We'd like to talk to you about something else."

Her knees slammed together. Her heart leaped into her throat now, suddenly hammering with the fury of a rabbit's leap to escape a fox. Pressing her lips together and reminding herself to breathe, it was George's image--still in her minds eye--that calmed her enough to turn back around. She said nothing. A silver eyebrow rose as she beheld them, daring them to continue.

Abira continued softly, without hesitation.

"I know you won't believe me when I tell you this." Her voice was fervent and steady. "But you don't have to be afraid."

Still Adelina said nothing, trying to still her heart. Abira seemed to take a moment, as though contemplating how best to continue. Her gaze fluttered to the window, a hand slipped inside her pocket to wrap around her wand. The robe was a gift, she remembered dimly. She would have to find a way to return it to Leanne, even if she was forced to flee...

"Jude's recovery is remarkable." Abira settled on saying, her eyes still locked on Adelina's with knowing. Damocles nodded once, his hand curling on the table. Tilting her head, she wondered bitterly if Jude had told then, but still refused to say anything. Her mind was whirling away from her, knowing she would always had rather risked herself to save another--and also knowing it was best not to speak and be tricked into condemning herself.

Abira seemed to guess it wasn't enough after a moment as Adelina nodded instead.

"You saved his life."

That was more direct.

For a moment, Adelina thought that time in the room ceased to exist. Her heart certainly stopped it's wild, fluttery routine. She looked between Damocles and Adelina in the expanded moment--seeming to decide, thinking ruefully that she trusted George to continue treating Malcolm, that he would not allow anything to happen to his son, that beautiful little boy--and then nodding again at Abira. Her voice was defiant as her chin lifted.

"Yes."

Damocles snorted. The bitter laugh startled her and both she and Abira looked at him suddenly. He waved a hand. Strange, Adelina thought, not understanding nobility in the slightest. The man who could only be seconds away from attempting to arrest her, was laughing at the thought. For an instant, she considered she should hate him for it--instead she felt confused. What was amusing about this situation in the slightest? Her hand gripped her wand tighter.

Abira was rolling her eyes as she looked away from her brother and said softly, "You have magic, then."

It was blatant. It was meant, she thought, to shut her up in fear, or...else achieve some purpose she couldn't understand. It did not stop Adelina from speaking.

"Yes. Yet I didn't do anything but save his life."

Abira waved her hand, echoing herself, "It's all right-"

Adelina didn't hear.

"I understand this is considered a crime, but it is for archaic, medieval and barbaric reasons. These reasons are of hatred, of prejudice and unnecessary fears, they are not of common sense. I would not harm a soul. I have not harmed anyone; in fact I have always done the opposite. And I just fought to defend you both--all of you here in fact, in spite of the fact that you required me to submit to a spell meant to tie my tongue and silence the truth, after first invading my mind. "

"Adelina-"

"No, if you're going to condemn me, I want you to hear all of it."

At that Damocles looked back up.  Adelina crossed her feet behind the chair, still rather confused as to why they hadn't moved to arrest her yet. A note of unease flitted across her lips as he spoke. He spoke calmly and assuredly, yet there was undeniable curiosity in his tone as well.

"I would like to know all of it." His blue eyes hold hers without malice. "But first you have to understand something as well. I mean you no harm. Neither of us do."

Abira nodded instantly, though she seemed less exasperated than her brother. Damocles stood up, causing Adelina to tense. She stood her ground, chin still lifting to keep their gazes equal, despite his superior height. He walked a little closer, and then leaned against the table himself. Exchanging a look with Abira, he met her eyes only as a thought seemed to occur to him.

"Does George know?"

"No." Adelina said it instantly, without hesitation. If she was going to be condemned, she refused to let him be punished. He would hang as a conspirator. She knew he would want to protect her--would do anything, in fact, but there was Malcolm to consider as well. And the Stuarts had lost enough family members recently.

"...Ahuh." Damocles' amusement was clearly back. "Adelina." He drummed his fingers across the wooden chair. "Since I have become Lord, George has adopted my nephew out, brought him out of quarantine and claimed him as his own without ever seeking my counsel or approval. He brought you to be healed here despite it risking our exposure, and our safety, and again without my consent. And he committed murder in self defense."

Adelina kept her gaze on his steady, though she couldn't help that her lips twitched in her pride.

"I assure you, I've given up on him." Damocles laughed drily under his breath, lips twitching in his own small smirk and shaking his head. "If he knows this--then he shares my views, views I am kept from yet openly expressing."

Adelina's brows furrowed in confusion, though her heart seemed to be beating steadier now, her fear had been replaced only with bemused puzzlement. Again she looked between Abira and Damocles, her gaze wild-eyed and dangerously close to a removed surly mood. Slowly, she released her wand.

"I would only ask for his help." Damocles said softly. "As I would ask for yours."

Damocles nodded, leaning back and folding his own arms on the back of a chair. Drumming, his fingers were restless, yet he was otherwise steady and assured. Her eyes darted around the room, wondering idly if this was some kind of trap. A few breathless moments passed, and she said softly,

"I don't understand."

"That's fair." Damocles said softly. "I have not yet explained."

Adelina's blue eyes bored into him, making him silent as he struggled for the right words to assuage her instant fear. Abira spoke first.

"You are not the first muggleborn we have come across, Adelina. In fact you are not even the second. I..." Her voice faltered for a moment, but then she seemed to meet Adelina's gaze firmly. "I was in love with one."

Adelina couldn't help her soft, scared question. "Was?"

"He was executed." Abira's voice was hard, the words sounding practiced--as though she'd had to force herself to say the for years now. "But not before teaching me the error of our forefathers and mothers. I started tutoring muggleborns, Adelina."

At that Adelina's eyes went wide, not entirely sure she could believe her and tensing again. Yet still, the assertion was odd, for she could not guess why they would do anything but arrest her now--unless they meant to find the depth of a non-existent conspiracy. Did they imagine she could name names?

Abira said she'd tutored muggleborns...

"And Damocles..." Only now Abira hesitated slightly.

"I was a prat." Damocles said it easily, looking amused at his sister. "Was that what you were going to say?"

"Perhaps."

"Ah, well, I was." He looks back at Adelina, who now felt rather wrong-footed. "Took me longer, is all. But I believe and trust you haven't done anything wrong to acquire magic, Adelina. I agree with you. The views are...archaic, medieval and barbaric. I wish to change them. But it isn't that...simple to change an entire culture."

Adelina stiffened slightly, before she nodded in soft, regretted understanding. "I suppose not. People will cling to their prejudices."

"Unfortunately." Damocles said diplomatically.

"Aggravatingly." Abira countered. Adelina agreed with the latter.

"Yet we will figure out something. At this moment, it is best we continue everything in secret. So I must ask you do not let anyone else find out."

Breathless, Adelina spoke slowly, now much relieved. Though still, she was without shame for her earlier sharp words. "I won't. May I ask how you..."

Damocles pointed to his sister. Abira chuckled. "I saw you healing him, Adelina. I heard Flora yelling for help--but I was momentarily distracted with another knight and--"

"In short, my sister knows everything." Damocles cut through her explanation with apparent aggravation. Adelina chuckled now, as Abira looked mollified and flattered.

"I try." The words were modest, even as Abira looked back at Adelina and repeated herself. "You don't have to be afraid of us--I swear. Just don't let anyone besides George...know, at least not anyone you don't trust."

"George doesn't--"

"Adelina." Abira said it softly, her eyebrow arched. "I assume it was you who pulled off so miraculous a cure for Malcolm?"

Adelina fell silent, caught a moment in pride and ego for hearing it described as thus--still refusing to speak lest George find himself in trouble. Damocles seemed not to have put this part together--for he looked at his sister in shock, round-eyed.

"Oh, of course!"

"You always get there eventually, sweetie."

"Shut up, sister."

Adelina grinned seeing how fondly they looked at each other and then nodded slowly, regretfully adding to explain, "I couldn't let him die..."

"How did you know how to do that?" Abira asked, clearly with interest piqued. Refusing to reveal any of her friends in the forest, not yet sure she fully trusted them--Adelina merely paraphrased. She explained how she worked as a healer growing up, how it was the reason she made her home in the forest. The more she explained, the more she realized there was no malice in the Lord's eyes, nor his sisters. Both were curious and obviously well-acquainted to the topic. Damocles spoke a few times of knowing a few at court as well--Adelina assumed it was Jude, before realizing slowly he was referring to something else.

She had heard of his manservant being arrested before, and now ventured softly, "...Rowland wasn't accused wrongfully, was he?"

Damocles looked caught--not having realized he had treaded so closely to his own story and now wrinkled his nose. Finally he shook his head, apparently at a loss for words. He only said softly, "I didn't let anything happen there--and I won't let anything happen here, Adelina. I know it'll take you time to believe that but..."

Adelina nodded once, and again the words stuck in her throat. "Thank you, though. Truly...I had no idea..."

"That we could be reasonable?" Damocles joked with a tiny grin.

"Exactly, my lord." Adelina said, including the title purposefully as she responded with soft smiles.

"I want you to be able to trust me with everything." Damocles added softly, "I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to know all of it. I know you are protecting people. That's fine. You can tell me however much you are comfortable with--I don't mind if I have to wait years. But...you are welcome here, in the meantime."

Adelina nodded as she turned to leave. Though she still felt uneasy, she was relaxed a bit. It was odd to think the Lord of Faye now knew her secret--even odder to think he would not arrest and execute her for it. Looking between them for a moment, she nodded a farewell, intending now on finding George--of telling him everything they had said, momentarily glad to be distracted from the task of finding Amber's family. It was odd, but it was a good odd undeniably.

Damocles' arched an eyebrow as he heard the title and he added, making her turn around again. His words were spoken fondly, grinning, "By the way. That isn't the only law I will endeavor to find ways around."

Adelina furrowed her brows curiously in question.

"You have heard, I assume, that Maeve's sister was...unfairly banished from court for marrying someone the law says was beneath her?"

Deborah, Adelina knew, a soft ache in her heart as she thought of Malcolm's mother, and George's best friend. He had loved her--that she knew. It did not bother her; it only saddened her, and as such it took her a few moments to realize what Damocles was saying.

She blushed.

" I won't do that." Damocles said still grinning. "No matter who...say, a Lord, chooses to be with."

Adelina lifted her eyes from the carpet, still pink but grinning at him wide-eyed and nodding. Though she didn't think she liked that clearly people at court were gossiping about her relationship with George--whatever it was--she couldn't deny her smile, nor the upturn in her general demeanor. It was impossible to be too upset when she thought of him. She would much prefer them to talk about something that made her this happy.

It wasn't as if any would dare bother George about it. Not to his face, of course. Nor did it bother her what they said. This was something that made her feel nine, wrapped up in a blanket, hugging a stuffed animal, envisioning handsome knights riding dragons with her. She felt young and girlish, lost in a daydream a moment as she pictured George, filled with warmth at the very image. Her hand grazed her lips. Remembering now heat and pleasure, his lips on hers, the back of his hand tracing her thigh. Her smile flicked.

She didn't feel quite so young then.

"Thank you, Damocles."

He nodded at her, as did Abira as she added her name. Her exposure had caused her to worry her bottom lip she realized, and remembering her friends who had died still made her want to crawl into George's arms. But at least now she might not have to worry. Adelina withdrew with a wider smile on her lips now, heart still thudding painfully fast, but now for entirely different reasons.

[fyrowecca]

Damocles: *breathing heavily, he barely hears the sick crunch of bones breaking as he lands a sharp uppercut with his elbow to the knight's jaw and nose, pushing him into the snow as his own back hits the stone of the wall behind him, the clang of metal ringing in his ears as he thrusts his sword down and pulls it out. As the man dies, Damocles shuts his eyes the briefest moment, his exhaustion threatening to catch up to him; magically drained from dueling the monster and physically worn, though neither grievance offends him so much as the betrayal and hurt gnawing at his heart. When his eyes open again a moment later, holding his sword against his knee he spies his sister*

Abira: *with a strangely high-pitched grunt as she spins in the snow, her sword takes care of one opponent who had clearly been momentarily stunned to see a woman dressed as she was, while her wand took care of another, the spell brutal and fast; she lands back facing forward breathing heavily. Her eyes squinting in the blinding sunlight's reflection off last night's snowfall, she makes out her brother leaning momentarily against the wall, and hurries to his side, her own back hitting the stone as she turns to him, shaking her head and extending a potion from under her cloak* Here.

Damocles: *breathing in controlled pants, he mutters* Abira I have to--

Abira: Take it. *sternly, going for her own water*

Damocles: *head shakes stubbornly even as he grasps the vial, eyes locked on hers, ears still ringing with the sounds of the battle all around them* That isn't what--

Abira: Then say it. *snaps as she gulps down much needed water, ignoring the blood on her cracked lip as it chases down her throat*

Damocles: We've been betrayed. *instantly swallowing the potion*

Abira: *if she's surprised, it doesn't show on her face, but her eyes suddenly snap up to meet his and she holds his gaze steadily for a moment before she looks at the potion and says just as sternly as before* All of it.

Damocles: *stubbornly* No. You'll need it too--our supplies are low enough as it is.

Abira: And what good would it do to let our commander--

Damocles: What's a commander without an army to command? *disgruntled, even as his breathing steadies and he forces the rest of the potion back into her hand*

Abira: *glares at him a moment and then nods with a sigh* ...very well. *tucking the potion back into her cloak, as her eyes come back up she snaps in a low voice* Who?

Damocles: *shaking his head very slowly as he mutters in a dark voice* ...Anthony. Oliver.

Abira: *now with a glimmer of her shock on her face she looks away from him a second and tucks hair behind her ear, before saying coldly* I don't believe that.

Damocles: It's true. *bitter exhale, still breathing harshly*

Abira: *looks back at him, her eyes wide and she snaps angrily* Who said--

Damocles: Derrick. *eyes narrowing* I fought Marcus alone, Abira, becau--

Abira: Alone?! *startled, and she instantly looks him over again, examining for more injuries, and when she realizes he's as fine as he could be, she lets out a relieved exhale*

Damocles: Yes. *snaps, annoyed by the interruption, even if he's a bit smug by the obvious impress in her eyes as he continues* Because Oliver and Anthony made it their mission to stop reinforcements from coming.

Abira: But--*she pauses, her eyes having spotted a man about to enter their courtyard and her wand comes up on reflex, snapping a spell his way--after the pair exchange a few spells, one grazes her cheek as Damocles drags her back*

Damocles: *casting an explosive spell next to the aggravatingly-competent knight, the stones beside the man implode and bury him in an avalanche of debris, soot and snow*

Abira: *rubbing the burn on her cheek with an aggravated 'ah!' of pain, she clears her throat and looks at him for a second and finishes her thought* --why?

Damocles: *in a low mutter, pushing himself off the wall* I intend to find them.

Abira: *worry striking her face a moment, she pushes off and goes to follow him, walking sideways to check for threats as she mutters* Brother think-

Damocles: *shaking her off his arm as she'd grabbed it, he shakes his head once disgruntled, snapping* I've had it sister--

Abira: You've known both of these men for years! You've trained with them, fought side by side--

Damocles: I'm not the one that seems to need that reminder! *snaps, darting to the side to avoid a wayward spell and sending one in retaliation, turning back; his face truly contorted as he glares down at his sister*

Abira: Why would they betray you? *straining on her toes as she looks up at him* They have always been loyal-

Damocles: Until they made it their mission to ensure Marcus was able to kill me. *eyes narrow as he snaps bitterly* And he fled when he realized I wouldn't go easily--

Abira: *grabs his arm again, shaking his head* At least ask them. Don't just--

Damocles: *eyes narrowing, he breathes out disgusted* Abira-

Abira: You know them. *hand tightens around his wrist* They're your friends. At least give them a fair--*breathing harshly* --a fair trial.

Damocles: *eyes go wide as his jaw sets at her* You think. *snaps* You think I would just willfully murder my own men? You don't think that the possibility of magical coercion hasn't crossed my mind? When we're facing enemies who have made a game of coming after us at every angle? *angrily, snapping with a gesture* How many war fronts am I expected to fight on, sister? *he gestures away from them, her hand falling free* We have a hundred some odd knights from France attacking for no discernible reason, though André assures me that it isn't my choice of bride, so much as Marcus' choice of whore. *growls* Our bastard cousin whose made it her mission in life to destroy everything I love. Because--*his eyes shut briefly and a note of guilt enters his rage-filled voice* --I, *gestures at himself* took her brother from her. There is a dragon burning our homes to the ground-- *he gestures to the sky* --and a vampire is walking the halls of our home, moving too fast for us to find him and those who are meant to aid me, those who are meant to kill him, they have turned against me! I understand Claudia's grievance, and who knows how she convinced this pitiful lord to attack. The dragon is doing all it knows and Marcus is only a brutal, heartless monster. But Anthony? Oliver?!

Abira: *breathing heavily, her hand had come to her lips as his eyes fluttered shut and she finally snaps angrily, gesturing to the sky* You made it retreat once, this time you'll kill it. You made that vampire flee you. You'll rebuild our town, you will force this bastard of a French lord to his knees, and then you will demand the truth from your knights. Restrain them if you see them--warn everyone you find--but do not condemn them in this brutal fit of passion, brother. You would regret that.

Damocles: *breathing just as heavily, though his expression seemed to clear, apparently moved by the vote of confidence and he rubs his sore lip before shaking his head and looking at the ground a moment before he snaps* Tell everyone. Find as many people as you can. I have no doubt the cowards are hiding from us--I haven't seen hide nor tail of them since this morning, but at least warn whomever you find. *he turns to whip another spell away from them*

Abira: *nods in firm agreement and she exhales bitterly, snapping her wand over his shoulder, saying under her breath* I understand, brother. I do.

Damocles: *nods once, eyes over her shoulder and then says in a stern, stubborn voice* And put something on that burn.

Abira: Brother-

Damocles: That's an order from your Lord. *snapped*

Abira: *exhales in frustration, the pad of her fingers tracing the magical burn on her cheek and she shakes her her head, saying stubbornly* My Lord is a stubborn arse.

Damocles: I am. *the briefest look of amusement crosses his lips, not reaching his eyes or softening his angry expression for more than a moment, finally saying under his breath* Go sister. And warn them.

Abira: *she nods, hand dropping and grips her sword again, holding it up; looking back for the briefest moment and saying calmly* I love you.

Damocles: *his lips flick briefly again as he echoes her sentiment* I love you too. Be careful.

Abira: *grins incredulously* Aren't I always?

[fyrowecca]

Abira: Out of the--*she nearly hits one of the maids helping, and shakes her head breathing hard as she spins with the woman in her arms, helped by a man as they carry her. Her hair still in a tight blond braid down her back, it smacks the stone wall as she spins* way! *eye rolls, but decides it is ultimately unimportant and continues hurrying forward, into the candle-lit room, her eyes taking time to adjust to the dimmer light, as everywhere outside it seems is lit by bonfires even as the dark falls, burning red and orange shapes to the back of her eye lids as she shuts them. A fine sheen of glistening sweat covers all available skin and leaves the woman sticking to her as she lowers her with the man onto a bed; she bites her bottom lip briefly, breathing harsh and harried as she sees her sister turn around*

Evelyn: *breathing equally as heavily as her sister, she has dried blood splattered up her chest and arms, her hair in a pile on top of her head, with the air of one ignoring the overwhelming need to retch in her eyes, a roll of bandages in her hand and she blinks suddenly as she looks down at the woman; swallowing hard and is unable to help her gaze from flicking to Abira, saying in a breathless exhale* Theresa--can you--

Abira: *as Evelyn looks at her, her face crumples with understanding and she nods*

Evelyn: *instinctively turns as Theresa begins to examine the wound to the man at Abira's side, eyes cast down to the tiny hand crumpling torn linen into his fist, wide and fearful eyes peeking around the corner of his side*

Abira: *reaching for water, she splashes some on her face, rubbing at her skin with a towel, wincing as she pats bruises and scrapes--her eyes still on Evelyn*

Evelyn: *leans down now, her skirt crumpling around her knees as she leans her hands on to them, and she says kindly* Your mother will be fine, we're going to take care of her.

Thomas: *sniffling as he meets her eyes, not understanding the hesitance in Evelyn's eyes and lets go of the man--who turns to collapse into a chair beside the woman's side, saying in a quavering voice* You-you sure?

Evelyn: *breathless exhale as she nods* Yes. Are you hurt at all?

Thomas: N-no, she--she pushed me out of the way--

Gregor: *is simultaneously explaining to Theresa* --the roof was on fire, and a support beam fell--it hit her side--

Thomas: *tears appear in his eyes, blonde locks falling onto his eyes and he asks hastily, grabbing Evelyn's hands, not noticing how she stiffens* --you have to save her! Please!

Theresa: *firmly, as she presses gauze down, around the gauze, trying to see the actual damage and breathes a sigh of relief, reaches for a potion at her side saying slowly* She will be fine--I'm doing everything I can.

Evelyn: *gently releasing him* How about I get you some water too? And a pillow? Do you want anything else?

Thomas: *rubs tears from his eyes* No.

Theresa: *into her ear certain herbs she was going to require and she goes back to work as Evelyn looks at Abira and they both retreat*

Abira: *the moment they are out of ear shot--admittedly with the screaming, noisy atmosphere of their makeshift hospital, it isn't that difficult--she says instantly* I know.

Evelyn: Abira.

Abira: I didn't exactly mean to bring her to you. *breathing heavily, now taking the towel to pat sweat from the back of her neck; eying her sister pointedly as they dart around cots and reach the cabinets* It was the closest bed...

Evelyn: *presses her lips together as she starts gathering the herbs Theresa required* That woman-- *her eyes over Abira's shoulder*

Abira: *clears her throat* As I said, I didn't mean to bring her to you-

Evelyn: *mutters under her breath* I don't want her here. *putting bandages on top of it* I know I don't have a right, but I don't.

Abira: *calmer* Evelyn, that's natural.

Evelyn: *eying her* I don't blame her you know. But she...

Abira: I know.

Evelyn: *eyes now on the boy, her face screwed up in an inscrutable expression, saying quietly as she reaches for water* I spent months wondering what she looked like...what she did that I didn't...why he would have...

Abira: *reaches over now and puts her hand on Evelyn's shoulder, pushing sticky strands of hair out of her neck*

Evelyn: Until I went and saw them both for myself. It wasn't hard to figure out who it was he was seeing...I don't know who the man is but...*eyes still on the boy, saying under her breath* He doesn't really look like his father. That's a blessing. Except...for the hair...

Abira: *squeezes her shoulder*

Evelyn: *breathless exhale and she reaches the back of her hand to her eye, rubbing despite the fact no tears had fallen* He has no idea, does he?

Abira: I would expect not. *breathing heavily*

Evelyn: *she nods and then mutters under her breath* It's good that she found a man...

Abira: *nods once and then says firmer* Evelyn...that boy--

Evelyn: Thomas. *instantly*

Abira: Thomas is...Leah and Katharine's brother.

Evelyn: *jaw sets and she says firmly* No, he isn't.

Abira: *softer* Evelyn.

Evelyn: He isn't. I don't want them...*puts her hand on her mouth as her eyes shut for a second, and then she says softer* ...I know it isn't his fault, it isn't, he's innocent, but when I see him...when I see her...

Abira: You don't have to see them soon. *quietly* As soon as the threat has passed...

Evelyn: *nods and she says quieter* It isn't what you think.

Abira: *arches an eyebrow*

Evelyn: *eyes still shut* Reynold wanted a son. *her eyes flutter open and she looks at Abira, coldly* He wanted a son, and he had one. There. I couldn't give him that--but she could. That's why he despised me. I wanted him to divorce me--for all I cared, he could have married her then. *bites her bottom lip* Instead he threw his life away! When he already had what he wanted! He's right there! And now that boy has no father. *incredulously chuckling* Which may be better than the truth: he wouldn't claim his son! *shakes her head* Thomas deserved better than that, as Leah did, as Katharine did....as I did. *presses her lips together firmer*

Abira: *nods slowly, dropping her hand from Evelyn's shoulder, smiling slightly and then says softer* I saw Garrett. Only a glimpse but-

Evelyn: *immediately, taking her sister's hand* He's all right? *her eyes wide, a relieved smile on her lips*

Abira: Unharmed, and determined as ever. *nods, squeezing her sister's hand* He was with Oliver--

Evelyn: *snorts and shakes her head* So he's defending us with the brother of the man I framed for what Garrett did? While I stand here gathering supplies to heal Reynold's mistress. The world has gone mad.

Abira: While a dragon tries to burn our home and town to the ground. *nodding in agreement* I have to-

Evelyn: Go. *breathless, softer smile, looking utterly relaxed and calmer* Thank you for letting me know. I am sure he will be fine...*pauses and then says softer* But thank you for letting me know. And be careful, all right? I can't lose you either.

Abira: *nods, kissing Evelyn's cheek and then departs quickly*

Evelyn: *watches her sister leave, and then looks back at the woman and Thomas beside the table, nodding once to herself and with a slow smile on her lips, before her gaze goes to the diamond ring still on her hand and the smile spreads wide, murmuring her intended's name under her breath before she gathers the supplies up*

[fyrowecca]

Abira: Was it all a lie? I mean- did you seriously think I would consider marrying you? John: *hesitant nod* I thought in time perhaps- Abira: Were you really so arrogant as to believe that I, a lady of wealth and education would consent to-- *is promptly cut off by his lips*

[fyrowecca]

John: *about the horse* He has a fine coat does he not?

Abira: Yes. *grin* I'm afraid I cannot say the same for you. Does your master not pay you enough? John: No. *pause* I mean, yes. He's very generous. Abira: And, he does not object towards your appearing in public only slightly better dressed than a beggar? John: ..I suppose you look down upon us with little interest in fashion. Abira: It is my experience that you can tell a lot about a person from their appearance, yes. John: I don't see that someone with confidence in himself, need dress like a peacock. Abira: I find that some people have far too much confidence.

#don't mind me.

#i'm just watching this movie and trying not to sob at seeing how happy my babies are.

#nobigdealreally.

#i'm just gonna curl up and let them live modern-reincarnation lives in my head now kk?

[fyrowecca]

Evelyn: *exhales* Just...start at the beginning. *sits back on the couch in Abira's chambers, her hand curled around the tea cup, with an unreadable expression*

Abira: *looks at her quietly for a moment* You know the beginning.

Evelyn: John.

Abira: Yes. *exhale* And if we're speaking totally honestly here...*fixes her sister with an almost glare*

Evelyn: *waits a moment and then guesses* ...ah. I've never liked him?

Abira: Yes. *now glaring* You never liked him, you never thought he was good enough for me-

Evelyn: He wasn't, good enough for you. *firmly*

Abira: What does that even mean?! *incredulous* How can someone be...enough of a person? He was a person, Ev, a human person--

Evelyn: *frustrated exhale* Yes, who broke the law--

Abira: Yes, except, that's not your issue. *quiet* Evelyn, don't lie to me.

Evelyn: I'm not lying! That's true--

Abira: Yes, and it's an unjust law and it punished him falsely, in extremity, and we'll get there, because that isn't your issue. If he were alive today, if he didn't have magic, you still wouldn't have thought he was "good enough."

Evelyn: *quietly just looking at her and then says very slowly* ..no, I wouldn't have. He...was not one of us, Abira--

Abira: He did not happen to be born into a pureblood family-

Evelyn: He couldn't have provided for you, supported you--

Abira: That's ridiculous. I have a job. And he had a job!

Evelyn: Yes, working for you.

Abira: Are you-

Evelyn: *firmly* Abira. I have never once contested that you fell in love with him, that love is not dictated by sense or economic strategy. And he made you happy. And if he were alive today, I would have supported you both for that reason.

Abira: *exhales* I know. *eyes narrow* Just don't ask you to spend time with them.

Evelyn: *exasperated* Abira I've never had a problem spending time with them--

Abira: And I'm sure they very much appreciate you deigning to degrade yourself for an afternoon-

Evelyn: Do you really hold me in such contempt? *a bit hurt* I don't keep Leah from going to town, I didn't try and stop you from seeing John when you told me what was going on, I haven't treated my servants the way Damocles treated Rowland and yet you praise him and attack me?!

Abira: ...I praise Damocles' willingness to change, not his past abominable, truly reprehensible past behavior. 

Evelyn: *exhales* But you do hold me in contempt.

Abira: No. *beat* No, I hold the viewpoint in contempt. You aren't defined by it, Eve--you have many strengths where I am weak, and I am often in awe of you. But in this area Evelyn--

Evelyn: *blinks in surprise* So you don't believe Damocles should rule then?

Abira: *blinks in surprise* What?

Evelyn: If we are no better than them, why should we rule? *testily* Do you not see the danger in dispensing with this precedent?

Abira: You bring up an interesting point actually. *exhales* But no-I believe that Damocles and our family has the support and right granted to them by the Minister, whom is voted for, and the populace, who admires him and us. I have no quarrel with any of that. My problem is with the maltreatment on the basis of nothing more than birth.

Evelyn: Heavens, Abira, I don't support brutality or mistreating someone just because I respect the proper order of things.

Abira: The proper order of things? If a human wakes up, does their work, tries to do the right thing, and every once in a while helps their fellow kind...then they are the same as you and I, they're my brother, my sister, and I should try to help them the same.

Evelyn: Help, sure, but you seem to be proposing the overthrow of the entire government.

Abira: *frustrated exhale* Well, the system is corrupt!

Evelyn: You work for it. And you were born into this family.

Abira: And yet astonishingly enough I am not blind to ignorance and prejudice.

Evelyn: *blinks in surprise, exhaling* What--

Abira: They don't steal it, Evelyn! They don't!

Evelyn: There's evidence--I've read it, I've heard it--

Abira: Yes, all your life. As I was told all my life. We were carefully taught this.

Evelyn: The only person who told you otherwise was someone you--will you at least admit you were biased to believe him?

Abira: *frowns* John isn't the only one who told me this.

Evelyn: Fine, and Rowland, whom Damocles is biased to believe--

Abira: Damocles was going to let him die. *snaps* He did not speak up immediately, he did not believe it immediately, and he let Father arrest him. His mind changed at the last minute--not because he leaped to his servants defense, but because he listened to logic and the fact that his heart told him it was wrong.

Evelyn: ...look, saving him from execution is one thing. Teaching him magic on the other hand--

Abira: You were born with it. You went to Hogwarts--you learned how to use it. Do you really believe Rowland, or anyone for that matter, would not want the same?

Evelyn: *shudders a bit* You're tutoring someone who doesn't...*frustrated exhale* He isn't one of us! So what's to stop him from waking up one morning, deciding that he should rather rule over us than--

Abira: Oh for heavens sakes! *throws up a hand in exasperation* Does that sound like Rowland?

Evelyn: *bites her bottom lip* I didn't know a lot about him to begin with, it seems.

Abira: So, because he kept a secret his entire life that he knew would get him killed if he told the wrong person, he is suddenly capable of murder?

Evelyn: He has magic-

Abira: So do you! Does it make you evil?

Evelyn: *frowning* It isn't the same-

Abira: It is exactly the same! *rubbing her forehead* That is the whole point!

Evelyn: *breathing heavily, looking at her heavily for a minute and then says quietly* It seems we are just not going to agree.

Abira: *presses her lips together tightly and then drops her hand, looking at her sister incredulously, and after several moments she says quietly* They don't steal it, Evelyn.

Evelyn: Fine, they don't steal it. *standing up and running a hand back through her hair* That isn't the point.

Abira: *blinks at her in surprise* Isn't the--isn't that the entire basis for why everyone is so damned scared of them?

Evelyn: *brows furrow* I am not scared of them-

Abira: *standing up as well, going in front of her sister* But you are. *takes her hands* You're shaking.

Evelyn: Yes, well, you get told that something you've been told and believed your entire life is apparently wrong, prejudiced, ignorant, and contemptible. You see how you handle it.

Abira: I was told this. *she pauses and then bites her bottom lip* ...and I was very angry with John. *her voice chokes for a half second*

Evelyn: *snaps again insistently* I'm not scared of them.

Abira: *looks back* You think if I teach them magic they're going to murder you. That isn't fear?

Evelyn: *frustrated* No that was--*falters as she thinks about it, falls silent and then says instead* They don't deserve to learn magic.

Abira: Who the bloody hell says?

Evelyn: I guess I do. *takes her hands back* As does the law.

Abira: The law is wrong. Are you telling me if I change it, you'll support it then? Being that it's the law?

Evelyn: And how exactly do you propose to change it when I know very well the majority of the Wizengamot agree with me?

Abira: I guess conversations like this. *arches an eyebrow* With each and every one of them until enough people understand what bullshit this is. Because I know it isn't going to be easy, but it's the right thing to do. This is a system that unjustly punishes the innocent with death. I won't stand by and let that happen again, not to anyone else, I utterly refuse.

Evelyn: Well, thank you Abira, good luck. *pulling back, her face screwed up*

Abira: *closes her eyes, counts to ten and then says quietly* Eve. I know this isn't your fault. You haven't...ever been exposed to it-

Evelyn: *presses her lips together tightly* I'm so glad you think so highly of me Abira. Obviously I have never been capable of making my own mind up.

Abira: *groans* Eve, that wasn't what I meant. I meant, when you have only been presented with one side of the argument your entire life, of course that's the side you're going to be on. I do not blame you. I only want to give you the other side of the argument.

Evelyn: *shakes her head and runs a hand through her hair again, then rests it on her stomach* You would allow muggleborns into Hogwarts? Allow them to vote, acquire a wand, visit Diagon Alley?

Abira: Yes. *without a moment's hesitation*

Evelyn: *winces and shakes her head* Can you at least admit that they aren't part of a family whose magic is their heritage? They would never have been taught it growing up---god, imagine never hearing about it until you get a letter? *shudders again*

Abira: *exhales* It seems to me that would be very sad.

Evelyn: Aren't they better off this way? If they can learn magic, they might want...more out of life, more they can't have--wouldn't you be condemning them to a life of knowing there's more without ever being able to attain it? A perpetual state of--

Abira: Misery? *arching an eyebrow* I suppose I would next look at the laws that say they couldn't have more, and work to change those as well.

Evelyn: *nose wrinkles* Every time you advance them Abira, you degrade us.

Abira: I do not see that way.

Evelyn: So I've gathered.

Abira: The vast majority of our populace does not hold secret magic, Evelyn. *frowning* We still have a duty to protect muggles from unjust attacks and the knowledge of magic and--none of that has changed. But for those who have magic, they were born with it the same as you or I. They deserve to learn it for the exact same reason.

Evelyn: That's...but that's overly simplistic.

Abira: And the idea that being born into a noble family means you should kill everyone else who has magic isn't?

Evelyn: I already said you don't have to kill them. That does not automatically mean you should teach them!

Abira: And you don't think there is an inherent danger of constantly putting them down? What a self-fulfilling prophecy--if you were told your entire life Evelyn that you had no right to be what you are--would you not rebel against the idea? Don't you think if we treated them better, then oh hey, maybe they would treat us better? That the cases you've read about where men and women attacked nobles was because they were terrified of execution for something they couldn't help?

Evelyn: And the whole world is suddenly fair and made of rainbows?

Abira: Oh for heavens sakes--

Evelyn: We aren't going to agree. *snaps* I said it before, you didn't hear me. We're not. I won't hurt Rowland. I won't hurt you. But I don't agree, Abira, I don't. They...they...they aren't us. They aren't equal. Treating them like they are is only going to hurt them in the end.

Abira: *rubs her forehead* ...that makes honestly no sense to me.

Evelyn: And what you're saying makes no sense to me.

Abira: Then at least tell me you'll think about what I've said.

Evelyn: *arches an eyebrow* Will you think about what I've said?

Abira: *quiet laugh* Evelyn, I spent years arguing with myself since John told me--and have been arguing with Damocles for a year or so as well. I have heard all of your arguments and a hundred more, and because of that, I can tell you something you will at least understand.

Evelyn: *snaps* What's that?

Abira: You already know. *her lips twitch in a sad smile* You already know it's wrong. You're shaking, you're angry, you're defensive, and you're making no sense--and you'll continue to argue with yourself to justify it. This is hatred and prejudice, it is very good at self-sustaining because you think that if you believe me, it means you've been a terrible person, and you're not. You're not. *shrugs a shoulder* So you'll tell yourself you're right, and you'll find reasons--you'll always, always find reasons to support yourself. But some part of you already knows it's wrong, because you're a rational person Evelyn, you're capable of logic, and you don't want innocent people executed anymore than I do, and I'm telling you, they are innocent. *exhales in frustration* It's going to bother you. It's going to make you uncomfortable. So for that at least, I'm sorry.

Evelyn: *had flinched away from her and then exhales in frustration after several long moments* You aren't.

Abira: I'm sorry I've made you uncomfortable. That doesn't mean I'm sorry for what I believe, anymore than you're sorry for what you believe.

Evelyn: *she closes her eyes, shakes her head and then just mutters* You honestly think I am so...ignorant, contemptible--that I am so easily manipulated--

Abira: *snaps* No. I want you to think. If you can come back at me with something that changes my mind, go for it. Argue with me, argue with whomever you want. But tell me you'll keep your mind open to what I said, and I hope that one day you'll want to help me, not argue with me.

Evelyn: *she looks at her for a moment, seems to struggle to say something and then just shakes her head and turns around, leaving the room without saying another word*

Abira: *tiniest exhale, and then she rubs her forehead again and says ruefully to herself* Well, that went well. *turns to the window after a few moments, hand falling to the simple necklace around her neck--much too simple--and closes her hand around it, looking out at the hedges again, face screwed up with the stabbing pain of memory, before she closes her eyes, and just murmurs out his name, thinking to herself that it was he who had made her uncomfortable with it in the first place, and that while she'd hated him for it for ages, she thanked him for it in the end; she was a better person for it today, and she truly did believe Evelyn was capable of the same growth--honestly, if Damocles could change his mind--and that she was going to tell as many people as she could, and she would change this law, so that it never happened to anyone else.*

[fyrowecca]

(the faye siblings three)

Damocles: *sitting in the study, his back turned as he's dismissed the council, breathing steadily and looks up as he sees Evelyn & Abira entering the room*

Abira: *quietly* You're doing well.

Damocles: *turns, his lips pressing together for a moment, chuckling dryly under his breath* You both seeking an audience with your Lord or brother?

Evelyn: *light chuckle* Actually my lord had us summoned.

Damocles: *blinks, as he'd forgotten and then smirks* Oh I did, yeah.

Evelyn: *teasing* Should we curtsy, little brother?

Damocles: I should think falling prostrate to the ground is enough, really. *chuckles*

Evelyn: Falling is not particularly good for the baby, but if my lord insists--

Abira: *amused as she's sitting down* Good to know some things don't change.

Evelyn: *sitting as well, a tiny sad smile in place* Abira's right though; you are doing well.

Damocles: *sighs and shakes his head as he leans against the chair* I...am grasping.

Abira: That was always how it was going to be. What matters is you keep your head straight and stay aware of your priorities, and that you try.

Evelyn: *adds with a grin* And that you don't get drunk with power and keep your ego in check.

Damocles: *lips twitch, arms folded on his chest* So, no chance there then.

Evelyn: No chance.

Abira: Oh, none.

All Three: *break off into bitter laughter, smiling at each other and shaking their heads*

Abira: *quietly* Have you heard--

Damocles: *shakes head* Nothing. She seems to have vanished, for the time being. We will find her, but it will take time.

Abira: *nods, frustrated* I nearly had her--if Marcus hadn't appeared--

Evelyn: *firm* You have your life still.

Damocles: *leaning over the table, and nods* Evelyn's right. *quieter* But I wanted to talk of something else, though related, to be sure.

Abira: *had muttered, but now stills and exhales, saying quietly* Right.

Evelyn: *lips twitch and says dryly again* Yes, my lord, why did you summon us?

Damocles: *wry* That, actually. Look we might be inclined to joke about that, but legally speaking--

Evelyn: *firmly* We know. I apologize.

Damocles: Well, in that case I only have one question. *waits while they nod* Do, the two of you, trust me? 

Abira: *startles a bit, exchanging a look with Evelyn before looking back, both saying firmly* Yes.

Evelyn: Of course.

Damocles: *arching an eyebrow* Do you really? Then I am simply at a loss. You both kept a rather important secret from me, a rather important part of your life and in both cases there were fatalities. You cannot do that again. I need to know you won't, do that to me again.

Evelyn: *quietly* ...George did what he had to do.

Damocles: He should never have been in that position in the first place!

Evelyn: I did not want him arrested--that was Reynold!! I did not mean--

Damocles: Had you told me the truth, I could have secured his release and kept it in confidence--

Evelyn: And how exactly were you going to do that--you don't think Father would have taken action against Garrett instead if I offered proof?!

Damocles: *eyes narrow* Considering he is complicit-

Evelyn: *over him* And Reynold might have attacked him a different way--Damocles, it was not the fact that I refused to tell you it was Garrett that killed Reynold. It wasn't down to you. *pause and says quietly* In all honesty, he killed himself.

Damocles: *exhasperated sigh* There was a situation about which you intentionally left me ignorant--that, is what I am talking about. I am not blaming you for his death. It wasn't your fault either, but--

Evelyn: *frowns* You cannot think Reynold was innocent.

Damocles: *sighs and says quietly* ...until the moment he struck you, he was guilty of nothing but signing a marriage certificate.

Evelyn: And adultery himself. *dryly* I notice everyone forgets that because naturally, for him it's expected. Not to mention neglect, and his horrible treatment of his daughters.

Damocles: *quietly* Evelyn-

Abira: *over him now, pointedly* You knew he hit--

Evelyn: *winces slightly* That...is in the past, please. It was just once.

Damocles: *exhales* When?

Evelyn: ...when you were rescuing Maeve. 

Damocles: ...and you kept that a secret as well?

Evelyn: *mutters* It was just a bruise.

Abira: *annoyed* It was not just a bruise-

Evelyn: Garrett would have killed him--

Damocles: *voice rising* He'd have had to wait til I did so first-

Evelyn: Which is why I didn't tell you. *flatly* I am not a fan of murder, and I was fine.

Damocles: You should have told me--Evelyn, I need to know if you are in danger! You should--you have to tell me.

Evelyn: Fantastic, m'lord, should I tell you every time Garrett and I shag? This morning was particularly--

Abira: --Evelyn.

Damocles: This morning-

Evelyn: *lips flick suddenly into a grin* ...well.

Damocles: *rolls his eyes and then sighs* You didn't tell me, because you wanted to protect me. Yes?

Evelyn: *quietly* ...and because I feared for Garrett...

Damocles: You thought I would harm him?

Evelyn: Excuse me, but did you not punch him and threaten to send him to Russia?

Damocles: *pauses, having suddenly smirked* ...did I?

Evelyn: *exasperated* Oh, yes, clearly I was wrong.

Damocles: *exhales and shakes his head, decidedly moving on* I, will trust you, not to waste my time, not to inform on those who ought to be protected. But I need you not to protect me. I need you, to trust that I am someone you can talk, to Evelyn, that you believe wants whats best for you--

Evelyn: *quietly* I do believe that.

Damocles: I can't protect anyone, if you're worried about protecting me from an inconvenient truth. *looks at Abira, his jawline hard for a moment as he exhales* You knew about Claudia.

Abira: *crossly* Not initially. Rowland had already smuggled Rebecca into the manor when I figured it out--

Evelyn: And you knew Marcus was a vampire--how could you not tell us that?!

Abira: *eyes shut for a moment* ...because I didn't know until he was already in the house either. It wasn't a choice of dealing with him as if we were keeping a man from invading..he'd invaded! It was about...sparking a revolution, and I didn't yet know the extent of his threats and defenses--did you know there was a maid he--

Damocles: *exhale* Jude told me.

Abira: --yes, well, I could not risk immediately him being aware I knew. Not until I knew more.

Evelyn: I could have at least warned Leah to stay away from him! *beat, as Abira had bitten her lip* ...admittedly that would only make Leah more curious.

Damocles: *lips twitch and he shakes his head as they laugh bitterly again before saying stubbornly* Vampires aren't invincible.

Abira: No. Only extremely hard to kill.

Evelyn: He could have murdered us in our sleep--

Abira: He was watching me! I saw him everywhere! *frowns* In a house filled with my family, where he might kill anyone to keep my silence--

Damocles: *quietly* You were scared.

Abira: *frowns* Well. *beat* ..yes. He...hadn't made a move according to Rowland, he had a very steady food source, I though I had to insure first simply not to piss him off--then, once I knew all I could know, then I would tell you both, and I planned too. *pauses and adds to Evelyn* And I did...try, to tell you to be careful of them.

Evelyn: ...*sighs* Yes. But it might have helped if you were a little more explicit.

Abira: Honestly, I'd have told you both even if you hadn't caught Rebecca.

Damocles: Then why didn't you tell me immediately?!

Abira: What could you have done?! *frowns* You went to father immediately, and the thing is...Claudia knew about...me, Damocles, it would have resulted in my execution.

Evelyn: *startles* What-

Damocles: *cuts her off* ..yes. *quietly* In the future, however, such a threat won't work. *firm* Evelyn, I know you're letting Leah train at swords and archery, and obviously I know you are now pregnant with Garrett's child while unmarried--no harm, will come to them. Abira, I know you tutor muggleborns and that Row--

Abira: *snaps/startled* Damocles!

Evelyn: *her jaw had dropped* What?! *eyes snap to Abira* ...you do what?

Damocles: *bites his lip* ..ah.

Evelyn: That Rowland--*blink* He is? He is...he has magic?

Abira: *aggravated/dry* Fantastic, Damocles, are you going to tell everyone? You might not arrest me or him, but enough pissed off Lords and they'll kill us both.

Damocles: *equally annoyed* No, I wasn't planning on telling anyone, that was my point--I was pointing out to you that I will not be enforcing that law.

Evelyn: *quietly, blinking* You aren't?

Damocles: No! *snaps and then looks at Evelyn* And if you tell anyone--

Evelyn: I understand. *her mind still blown, eyes fluttering between them* I--but...

Abira: Eve. *quiet* I can answer any question you want.

Evelyn: Well then, let's start with the obvious one--how did he come by magic?

Abira: *simultaneously with Damocles* He was born with it. 

Damocles: That's the obvious one, is it? 

Abira: *shoots him a look* Oh like you didn't ask the exact same thing--

Evelyn: But-

Damocles: *over them both* Look. *looks pleadingly between them* Evelyn, you aren't wrong, you should never have been forced to marry Reynold. And Abira, John was innocent. As--*looks with narrowed eyes at Evelyn, who is still blinking* --is Rowland. *breathes out* I need you both on my side. I am being honest with you--entirely, completely honest, I need you to do the same. I want to change things, I want to work to fix things, and I can't do that alone! I need you to trust me, I need to know you won't lie to protect me, from something I need to know, and I can promise you I won't hurt anyone who is innocent! I need you to promise. Can I count on you, or not?

*there is a very long pause; Evelyn still looks wrong-footed and utterly stunned and Abira nods slowly* 

Evelyn: *finally* ...yes. *blinks* And I won't tell anyways.

Abira: *quiet* You're right, Damocles.  *eyes on her sister* ...thank you, Evelyn.

Evelyn: *is rubbing her forehead, but she nods* 

Damocles: *with a long exhale of relief* ...thank you.

Abira: *nods, and now with a tiny smile, tilting her head* ...you look like Father, you know.

Damocles: *with a tiny smile himself, as Evelyn suddenly smiles in agreement* ...well I hope to be... kinder. Less feared. To..learn from him. *long pause and says quietly, still smiling* ...but thank you.