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[ good!! ]
Did you find those memories illuminating?
Did you find those memories illuminating?
[blinking then setting her cup down]
No . . . Nothing that I have recalled has felt at all firm and settled. But I have also only been pursuing my memories to find an answer to this.
[half lifting an elbow, her black arm]
I cannot help worrying about you, the king, and the people caught in between . . .
No . . . Nothing that I have recalled has felt at all firm and settled. But I have also only been pursuing my memories to find an answer to this.
[half lifting an elbow, her black arm]
I cannot help worrying about you, the king, and the people caught in between . . .
I would worry more about yourself, my dear. Your worry for the "people" will do little here.
Perhaps, but they will still be in my thoughts. Does it seem as if I am not mindful of myself?
So much of your thoughts seem to concern others, I was a bit concerned.
[breaking off from looking at him to pause, taking a sip of tea]
. . . I am not well practiced in it, that much is true. It seems an old habit from home has followed me here. Being more attuned to those around me than myself, that is.
. . . I am not well practiced in it, that much is true. It seems an old habit from home has followed me here. Being more attuned to those around me than myself, that is.
The nature of your role lends itself to that, hmm? So focused on the needs of others.
Or knowing that I was allowed to live as long as I served some purpose affected my behavior. My mother held the same role, did she not?
Yet that did not save her. However, I expect that the empire hoped a child would be easier to cow.
[not said with any heat, just stating that facts]
Whatever the reason, it secured my livelihood. For that, I am grateful.
[not said with any heat, just stating that facts]
Whatever the reason, it secured my livelihood. For that, I am grateful.
[ he shrugs, idly ]
You were a useful piece, that is true. Far too valuable to simply waste.
You were a useful piece, that is true. Far too valuable to simply waste.
Because of my connection with the king. Then, the time when I had escaped, it was you who protected me from the empire. To keep me free.
Truly, I can only hope to live up to your expectations of me.
[ drily. ]
[ drily. ]
I do not condemn you, Absinthe . . . Your efforts have caused great suffering for many, and I am pained by that. But the same as the empire, I know there is a reason for what you have done. I am in no position to hold judgment over you. It is, however, within my power to listen to you, to offer understanding, if only from one other soul.
[oh no, reaching out to place her hand on his]
[oh no, reaching out to place her hand on his]
[ he pulls his hand back with a frown, setting his tea cup down. ]
I am not in need of understanding, my dear, least of all from you.
I am not in need of understanding, my dear, least of all from you.
[going to leave hers where it is but curling up her fingers, not tensed]
Once again, I am special to you?
Once again, I am special to you?
[ Thanks Malik ]
... I'm not able to deny you were important.
... I'm not able to deny you were important.
Ah, it is the same as before, then.
. . . I apologize for pressing you.
. . . I apologize for pressing you.
You presented me with the option to leave, and I did not take it.
[ foolishly!!
though he is moving to stand, now. ]
There is no need to apologize.
[ foolishly!!
though he is moving to stand, now. ]
There is no need to apologize.
[be nicer to absinthe . . . and rising as well]
You are still a guest.
You are still a guest.
And you were curious. I can hardly blame you for that.
[yeah, definitely be nicer to absinthe]
Then, thank you for your understanding and generosity. Until next we met.
Then, thank you for your understanding and generosity. Until next we met.
[ be kind to the elderly
he offers a deep bow -- though much like a lot of his words it probably stinks of insincerity, ]
You're quite welcome, my dear.
[ and -- he doesn't seem patient enough to stay for more of a farewell than that, moving to exit ]
he offers a deep bow -- though much like a lot of his words it probably stinks of insincerity, ]
You're quite welcome, my dear.
[ and -- he doesn't seem patient enough to stay for more of a farewell than that, moving to exit ]
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