tenebraecious | continuations

And, here, I had hoped for higher marks. Very well, I will welcome your next challenge so long as it truly is one.

[coming inside, shoes stay on because concrete is cold until she gets to the rug]

[the fireplace pit is where he's going to settle to chill for now]

I'm a tough critic. But I find it helps.

You want anything from the kitchen? Since I'm already being a difficult teacher, I can try to not be a bad host.

[same, sitting delicately despite being in shorts (no ladies go climbing buildings in skirts)]

I would consider it the mark of a good teacher.

Tea, if you do not mind? It helps.

Gimme a sec. I'll see what we've got on hand-- but it's probably gonna be coffee.

[he'll grab his phone, in case he needs to make a last minute order]

That is fine too. With enough cream, of course, but I am developing a taste for it.

Sounds good.

[that, he can do. he comes back a few minutes later with a cup of coffee, and some cream and sugar she can pour in as necessary.]

If you plan on coming over more for this, I'll have tea ready next time.

I will bring some with me. Pep collects too much and does not put it to quick enough use.

[she... she might be to blame for that, shh]

[he already gets that suspicion]

Suit yourself.

So, we gonna do this?

[going to put together her coffee and take a sip, considering]

We are. Ladies first, then?

If you'd like.

I'll try to be a gentleman about it.

You have done well thus far.

[and setting coffee down, doing a few taps of her phone for this number which actually hits in a special way. she's definitely a little remorseful but also pleased by the memory]

What a blessed day . . .

[this is the first time it really hits what kind of figure she was back home. and the surprise is apparent in his face.]

I feel like I should have picked up on that sooner.

[trying to be polite and hid her slight grin behind the mug before straightening her expression out after a sip]

I am not certain how you would. I cannot fulfill my duties nor calling here, and even Thorn and Cobalt did not know very much of me beyond the fact my role existed.

I'd assumed 'princess' or something to that nature. But... religious leader? Makes a lot more sense.

And you take it seriously.

[he leans forward, considering her for a moment.]

... Now I can't believe I didn't even consider it.

You do not seem like the faithful type. So then, why should it have been a thought?

[tilting her head, not hiding the grin now]

And I am a former princess, yes. My family only held a decorative sovereignty over the manor, though. Our lands were taken centuries past.

Concept of religion's always been fascinating, even if I don't put any stock in it. Not like I can't recognize the trappings.

[he does become a catholic priest in literally the only au where he's happy]

Anyway, that probably woulda helped with all the communication issues if I'd put two and two together.

Some of the blame falls with me, then. I am curious how it would have helped, though.

Different vantage point, speakin' for the gods. Versus me, with my ears on the streets. Woulda changed the lens.

Or maybe it mighta made no difference, but I find it hard to believe. You don't talk to the pope the same way you talk to a beat cop.

Who can say. Still, having lived my life in service to my world and its people, I have enjoyed the freedom being here affords me, even if it may not seem so much.

You can't learn to climb a building while giving blessings.

[his turn to pull out his phone, though]

Not without drawing some attention.

[and waiting for it...]

[he hits the button, and this dramatic fight with his father and mentor is what he gets. he seems perfectly calm watching it.]

[keeping her hands cupped around her cup of coffee, weighing her words before—]

You are very attached to him . . .

I'm pissed at him.

[he knows she knows, and he knows what she's getting at but-- he sighs, running a hand through his hair]

Which... makes sense. I couldn't figure out why the asshole who killed me was still alive? I wondered if I'd ever called him out on it.

Now I know I did.

You are right. Many are at risk due to his inaction, yet still he holds onto that ideal.

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