continuations

[tenebraecious]

Comments

[innerdaemons]

His concern isn't -- was never for -- us.

[tenebraecious]

Not in particular, but he is still trying to secure the future of our star. We have not been able to manage it on our own.

[because we weren't given the tools . . . ]

[innerdaemons]

It is almost as if they went out of their way to ensure as much.

[tenebraecious]

To what end? If they had no need of us, we are easy to ignore.

[innerdaemons]

That is the true question, hmm? One I do not have the answer to.

[tenebraecious]

Mm, and I am asking you many questions. But I cannot help wanting to know, not only for my own sake.

[innerdaemons]

Perhaps you'll find out in your own time.

[tenebraecious]

However long that may take . . . I fear I have taken enough of your time. Do you wish to go, or would you rather remain?

[innerdaemons]

[ he exhales, before lifting his glass of tea -- ]

I'll finish this first, hmm?

[tenebraecious]

Oh, yes, of course. I apologize.

[going to behave herself?! . . . and actually sip her tea for the first time]

[innerdaemons]

[ good!! ]

Did you find those memories illuminating?

[tenebraecious]

[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 . . .

[innerdaemons]

I would worry more about yourself, my dear. Your worry for the "people" will do little here.

[tenebraecious]

Perhaps, but they will still be in my thoughts. Does it seem as if I am not mindful of myself?

[innerdaemons]

So much of your thoughts seem to concern others, I was a bit concerned.

[tenebraecious]

[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.

[innerdaemons]

The nature of your role lends itself to that, hmm? So focused on the needs of others.

[tenebraecious]

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?

[innerdaemons]

Yes, and your ancestors before her.

[tenebraecious]

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.

[innerdaemons]

[ he shrugs, idly ]

You were a useful piece, that is true. Far too valuable to simply waste.

[tenebraecious]

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.

[innerdaemons]

That's a generous interpretation of events.

[tenebraecious]

Hmm, very well.

[innerdaemons]

Truly, I can only hope to live up to your expectations of me.

[ drily. ]