Maketh Tua (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
mismanagement) wrote2016-01-25 02:02 pm
mismanagement) wrote2016-01-25 02:02 pm
Entry tags:
IC Contact Post [Hadriel]
This is Maketh Tua. State your business.
[As soon as she lets go he's on his feet, backing away to put distance between them, not interested in a physical fight; he's even less so at that laugh and response, and the gesturing. They all set off warning bells, cutting through the anger enough for other emotions to begin tempering it.
So he shakes his head, backing up further, one hand trailing on the bar although even he's not sure if it's to keep him steady or just to make sure it's the only thing behind him.]
I wish I could help you.
[It comes out before he thinks about it, almost surprising himself with it, but it's true. There's so much wrong, and the part of him that wants to help people--the part of him that's much stronger than the temporary flash of rage and hurt--feels for her and wants to do something. But it's just not possible, for so many reasons.]
So he shakes his head, backing up further, one hand trailing on the bar although even he's not sure if it's to keep him steady or just to make sure it's the only thing behind him.]
I wish I could help you.
[It comes out before he thinks about it, almost surprising himself with it, but it's true. There's so much wrong, and the part of him that wants to help people--the part of him that's much stronger than the temporary flash of rage and hurt--feels for her and wants to do something. But it's just not possible, for so many reasons.]
[It's not an attack. It should be. She's given him an opening, given him motivation, given him everything he needs to strike and that includes an excuse. She struck first, he'd be within his rights to retaliate.
Only he doesn't.
That's worse, somehow.
Maketh twitches, lowering her hands. He's supposed to fight back. One of them will win - probably her - and then it'll be over.]
What are you doing? Fight back!
Only he doesn't.
That's worse, somehow.
Maketh twitches, lowering her hands. He's supposed to fight back. One of them will win - probably her - and then it'll be over.]
What are you doing? Fight back!
No.
[It's the same simple response that started that fight, and it's only fitting that this time it's to refuse to continue it. It's just as important to be able to say it now as it was then; it's one of the most meaningful acts of defiance he can manage, toward anyone who's ever raised a hand to him, to say he won't participate in violence himself unless he has absolutely no other choice.
And right now, he has a choice. This isn't a fight for his life, or to protect people he loves; it's a clash between two damaged people, whose convictions are too different for them to be able to even hold a conversation. It doesn't need to come down to this.
So he continues to back up, bringing up an arm to scrub at the blood on his face with the sleeve of his hoodie; his anger is fading fast, and now it is being replaced with the shocked daze he's more familiar with as it settles in and drains everything else he feels too. His hands are still shaking, but now for a different reason than before.]
This is pointless.
[And underneath the numbness he's starting to feel guilt for letting it get to this place to begin with; he knew better, and should've walked away the moment things got heated. Although he firmly reminds himself nothing he did warranted things turning physical, he does bear responsibility for how the conversation turned. Even though he didn't say anything with the sole purpose of hurting her, except for calling her a coward and the comment about reading people, he knew things were deteriorating and didn't stop it.]
[It's the same simple response that started that fight, and it's only fitting that this time it's to refuse to continue it. It's just as important to be able to say it now as it was then; it's one of the most meaningful acts of defiance he can manage, toward anyone who's ever raised a hand to him, to say he won't participate in violence himself unless he has absolutely no other choice.
And right now, he has a choice. This isn't a fight for his life, or to protect people he loves; it's a clash between two damaged people, whose convictions are too different for them to be able to even hold a conversation. It doesn't need to come down to this.
So he continues to back up, bringing up an arm to scrub at the blood on his face with the sleeve of his hoodie; his anger is fading fast, and now it is being replaced with the shocked daze he's more familiar with as it settles in and drains everything else he feels too. His hands are still shaking, but now for a different reason than before.]
This is pointless.
[And underneath the numbness he's starting to feel guilt for letting it get to this place to begin with; he knew better, and should've walked away the moment things got heated. Although he firmly reminds himself nothing he did warranted things turning physical, he does bear responsibility for how the conversation turned. Even though he didn't say anything with the sole purpose of hurting her, except for calling her a coward and the comment about reading people, he knew things were deteriorating and didn't stop it.]
[No? He's just--standing there?
Maketh twitches. Her hand is starting to ache.]
What are you doing?
Maketh twitches. Her hand is starting to ache.]
What are you doing?
I'm not participating.
[He says it simply, exhaustion beginning to return under the haze.]
I already told you violence isn't as effective as you seem to think.
[Not in making him do something, and not as an option to use in return. Instead he's ready to retreat from this altercation entirely, and begins circling around sideways toward the exit without turning away from her.]
[He says it simply, exhaustion beginning to return under the haze.]
I already told you violence isn't as effective as you seem to think.
[Not in making him do something, and not as an option to use in return. Instead he's ready to retreat from this altercation entirely, and begins circling around sideways toward the exit without turning away from her.]
[It doesn't work like that, she wants to shout. It doesn't work like that at all and he's being foolish and weak, allowing her to strike him like that without even attempting to retaliate.
Her hand is starting to throb. She squeezes down on it to slow the bleeding.]
Fool.
[He makes no sense.
She turns abruptly and makes for the exit. Somewhere, she'll find the logic. She needs it now.]
Her hand is starting to throb. She squeezes down on it to slow the bleeding.]
Fool.
[He makes no sense.
She turns abruptly and makes for the exit. Somewhere, she'll find the logic. She needs it now.]
[The insult doesn't hurt, and wouldn't have even if he weren't feeling so dim at the moment, but he's making a belated realization that seems significant even if he can't quite process it just yet; she's backing off too, and that's only confirmed when she makes her own go for the door. He stops where he is, still nowhere really near the exit himself just yet, waiting for her to leave first.
But she's leaving, not continuing the fight herself, and he wonders if she'll recognize the significance of her own actions later once everything has calmed. And it gives him question about just how much she actually believes in what she said, because he's known people who truly think violence is the answer and they usually don't stop. They would've taken the opportunity he'd given them.
It's something to think about.]
But she's leaving, not continuing the fight herself, and he wonders if she'll recognize the significance of her own actions later once everything has calmed. And it gives him question about just how much she actually believes in what she said, because he's known people who truly think violence is the answer and they usually don't stop. They would've taken the opportunity he'd given them.
It's something to think about.]
[There is much that he and Maketh must discuss, but in truth, Henry has been reluctant to dampen the better than usual mood his sister has been in of late. Still, matters cannot wait forever, and he feels they must be on the same page before Hadriel's pressing concerns spiral out of control.
It seems better to do in the privacy of their home, where they will not be overheard and can express their opinions freely. There are so many topics to cover; the Null, the murders. He hasn't even had the chance to drink in honour of Jill's departure.
It's not merely work on his mind, either — there's Pleasant Valley, and how long has it been since he and Maketh simply talked a while?
So Henry makes himself comfortable on their sofa and waits for Maketh to show up in their apartment. When she appears, he raises an arm and gestures her over, as he calls out:]
Sister! Join me for a while.
It seems better to do in the privacy of their home, where they will not be overheard and can express their opinions freely. There are so many topics to cover; the Null, the murders. He hasn't even had the chance to drink in honour of Jill's departure.
It's not merely work on his mind, either — there's Pleasant Valley, and how long has it been since he and Maketh simply talked a while?
So Henry makes himself comfortable on their sofa and waits for Maketh to show up in their apartment. When she appears, he raises an arm and gestures her over, as he calls out:]
Sister! Join me for a while.
Henry.
[She's surprised to see him, apparently waiting for her. But it's not an unpleasant surprise and she moves to sit next to him without hesitation.]
You're looking well, brother.
[It's said honestly, though with a bit of guilt as well. They haven't seen much of each other lately.]
[She's surprised to see him, apparently waiting for her. But it's not an unpleasant surprise and she moves to sit next to him without hesitation.]
You're looking well, brother.
[It's said honestly, though with a bit of guilt as well. They haven't seen much of each other lately.]
[Henry smiles at Maketh as she sits beside him, his eyes warm. It's a trifling thing to feel guilt over, so he merely lifts his shoulders in an easy shrug.]
There has been much... excitement of late, so I wished for us to talk.
[His smile quirks into a smirk.]
Though I warn you, only half of what I would have us speak of pertains to the Guard.
There has been much... excitement of late, so I wished for us to talk.
[His smile quirks into a smirk.]
Though I warn you, only half of what I would have us speak of pertains to the Guard.
[Maketh nods. It's true. A great deal has happened lately.]
I have been...remiss, of late, with my sisterly duties.
[She gives him a little smile.]
Let's correct that, shall we? What did you wish to discuss?
I have been...remiss, of late, with my sisterly duties.
[She gives him a little smile.]
Let's correct that, shall we? What did you wish to discuss?
[The harsher topics can wait, he thinks. Let them enjoy each other's company without bringing in heaviness, at least for a time.]
Let us start with Pleasant Valley. [Henry says, bumping Maketh's shoulder with his.] I heard rumours about Rey's wedding.
Let us start with Pleasant Valley. [Henry says, bumping Maketh's shoulder with his.] I heard rumours about Rey's wedding.
[Maketh ducks her head, knowing already that her face will be burning before long.]
Ah. Yes. That.
[Of course he knows about that.]
And what rumors did you hear, exactly?
Ah. Yes. That.
[Of course he knows about that.]
And what rumors did you hear, exactly?
[Henry gives a little laugh, before eagerly relaying:]
That you boldly swept in as the vows were underway, stole Rey from her groom, and then fled the ceremony together. Neither myself nor... ah, Irisviel, knew you or Rey well enough to attend, but 'twas prime gossip thereafter.
[He's especially curious about how much was but the illusion and how much was real.]
That you boldly swept in as the vows were underway, stole Rey from her groom, and then fled the ceremony together. Neither myself nor... ah, Irisviel, knew you or Rey well enough to attend, but 'twas prime gossip thereafter.
[He's especially curious about how much was but the illusion and how much was real.]
[Maketh shakes her head, though her expression is fond.]
I'm afraid it really was all that dramatic. Rey looked quite stunning in white. But she was not happy, and I thought she deserved that much.
[She pauses, lifting her head to meet his eyes.]
We snuck back later, in the dark of night - do not laugh, brother, I see you - and then we were married. All very -- romantic, I suppose.
[And at that, she's quiet for a moment.]
We are having dinner later. Rey and I. We are not married in this world. But -- perhaps there could be something. I would like there to be something.
I'm afraid it really was all that dramatic. Rey looked quite stunning in white. But she was not happy, and I thought she deserved that much.
[She pauses, lifting her head to meet his eyes.]
We snuck back later, in the dark of night - do not laugh, brother, I see you - and then we were married. All very -- romantic, I suppose.
[And at that, she's quiet for a moment.]
We are having dinner later. Rey and I. We are not married in this world. But -- perhaps there could be something. I would like there to be something.
You knave.
[He indeed laughs, playful with his descriptor.
It's a sweet fantasy to act out, halting a marriage of obligation to marry for love. Especially when her pleasant memories are not made awkward by intimacy with a stranger.
Though he's known that Maketh and Rey were good friends, he still momentarily raises his eyebrows, half-surprised at the revelation of how deeply it runs in truth.
Henry then grins at her.
Maketh lost Lilith a long time ago. While he doesn't know Rey at all outside of the Guard, he is at least certain that she is decent and strong. Maketh should be loved. And love makes Maketh better.
...Though he ought to have a word with Rey, if their dinner does go well.]
I am elated for you. Seize your joy and do not relinquish it.
[He indeed laughs, playful with his descriptor.
It's a sweet fantasy to act out, halting a marriage of obligation to marry for love. Especially when her pleasant memories are not made awkward by intimacy with a stranger.
Though he's known that Maketh and Rey were good friends, he still momentarily raises his eyebrows, half-surprised at the revelation of how deeply it runs in truth.
Henry then grins at her.
Maketh lost Lilith a long time ago. While he doesn't know Rey at all outside of the Guard, he is at least certain that she is decent and strong. Maketh should be loved. And love makes Maketh better.
...Though he ought to have a word with Rey, if their dinner does go well.]
I am elated for you. Seize your joy and do not relinquish it.
[She flicks at his hair gently.] I mean to.
[At least to try.]
Were you -- happy? I know it was an illusion. But it felt real, for a time.
[At least to try.]
Were you -- happy? I know it was an illusion. But it felt real, for a time.
[Henry reaches up and attempts to catch Maketh's offending hand.]
Too happy.
[He remarks wryly, giving his head a little shake. The memories are pleasant, without a doubt, but he still feels the ghost of embarrassment for his encorachment.]
We were not merely strangers. My imagined wife was Saber's lady.
[The emphasis on 'lady' suggests that it's a knight thing.
In truth, it's impossible for Maketh to know how dire that is without knowing who Saber truly is, the events of Saber's life, and the cultural impact of King Arthur's legend on Henry's era, especially to knights like him. But she can at least recognise the awkwardness of taking liberties with someone else's important person.]
Too happy.
[He remarks wryly, giving his head a little shake. The memories are pleasant, without a doubt, but he still feels the ghost of embarrassment for his encorachment.]
We were not merely strangers. My imagined wife was Saber's lady.
[The emphasis on 'lady' suggests that it's a knight thing.
In truth, it's impossible for Maketh to know how dire that is without knowing who Saber truly is, the events of Saber's life, and the cultural impact of King Arthur's legend on Henry's era, especially to knights like him. But she can at least recognise the awkwardness of taking liberties with someone else's important person.]
[Maketh huffs, pleased that she's quick enough to dodge his hand. Not that he's really trying. Henry will always be faster than her when it matters. It's his place to master such things.] Oh, I see. I'm not the only one who has been scandalous.
[Her expression is light.]
I'm sure you were an excellent husband
[Her expression is light.]
I'm sure you were an excellent husband
Go on, take your turn to laugh. [He now uses his hand to poke her cheek.] But God save me, there is a part of me which misses it.
[The intimacy of their marriage, physically and emotionally. Being surrounded by family — he and Irisviel had had three "children".
Not that Maketh isn't family enough for him. But he will always be greedy for it. Family brings him happiness.]
[The intimacy of their marriage, physically and emotionally. Being surrounded by family — he and Irisviel had had three "children".
Not that Maketh isn't family enough for him. But he will always be greedy for it. Family brings him happiness.]
[Cheeky little bastard. Maketh laughs, swatting at him.] You will make someone a good husband one of these days. Before I know it, you'll be swarming me with children.
I hope so.
[He says sincerely, letting her swat him.]
And you shall have tutor them all.
[Imagine the advantage her knowledge might give them.
His amusement slowly fades, and though reluctant to spoil the good mood, he eventually addresses the next topic.]
If we should survive the Null.
[Of course he believes they can, but how is the real matter at hand.]
[He says sincerely, letting her swat him.]
And you shall have tutor them all.
[Imagine the advantage her knowledge might give them.
His amusement slowly fades, and though reluctant to spoil the good mood, he eventually addresses the next topic.]
If we should survive the Null.
[Of course he believes they can, but how is the real matter at hand.]
I will.
[She means it, with all the sincerity in her heart. Henry will be a good father when the time comes. His children will doubtless be handsome and quick, and she will make them clever. Whatever happens, Maketh owes him that much.]
I fully intend to survive them. We are strong. We are reasonably clever. They do not know what they face.
[She means it, with all the sincerity in her heart. Henry will be a good father when the time comes. His children will doubtless be handsome and quick, and she will make them clever. Whatever happens, Maketh owes him that much.]
I fully intend to survive them. We are strong. We are reasonably clever. They do not know what they face.
What do they face?
[Henry asks, touching his knuckles to his mouth.]
We must be certain of that soon. We cannot organise this populace, but we can see that the Guard is ready. We must be sure of which guardsmen pretend to work with the Null, and which guardsmen work directly with the Gods. We must figure out what resources we have and what resources we might win ourselves. We need to set plans in place.
[Henry asks, touching his knuckles to his mouth.]
We must be certain of that soon. We cannot organise this populace, but we can see that the Guard is ready. We must be sure of which guardsmen pretend to work with the Null, and which guardsmen work directly with the Gods. We must figure out what resources we have and what resources we might win ourselves. We need to set plans in place.
[It's a good question. Maketh leans back, watching him.]
It's come time to close ranks. Decide who can be trusted with our plans. A few can be convinced. Several I do not trust.
[She's quiet for a moment.]
Hux is still working on the weapon. There have been -- setbacks. We don't have the parts to mass produce it. But so far as I know, the gods remain unaware. That card cannot be played too early.
It's come time to close ranks. Decide who can be trusted with our plans. A few can be convinced. Several I do not trust.
[She's quiet for a moment.]
Hux is still working on the weapon. There have been -- setbacks. We don't have the parts to mass produce it. But so far as I know, the gods remain unaware. That card cannot be played too early.
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