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Post by Satra on Aug 10, 2011 18:32:04 GMT -5
Well, that answered that question. Andrei stared back at her for a few seconds with an uncomfortable look. Well, this was the point of no return. Whatever happens after this point was going to happen. Might as well get it over with.
"When I became of official adult age, something... I don't know if it was a change, something triggered by some unknown event, or if it was an affliction that waited until adulthood to manifest--" the look on Heilyn's face said 'get on with it', "But something happened. Now when I feel a large amount of sorrow or anger, I change into some... creature." For admitting this being his greatest fear, it sure did feel good to get it off his chest. "And the way I feel about my family changes when I turn into it." Okay, now here's the dread in a delayed reaction. Probably due to that last statement. He felt himself begin to sweat a little. Heilyn's stare became almost lazer like in its focus. He swallowed and looked back.
"I, I know I should have said something sooner. I didn't know if the feelings would get stronger and I'd be putting my friends at school at risk, and thus our family's reputation, but when I came back I didn't realize how hard saying it would be. Not saying anything put more people at risk, I know I just..." he couldn't finish before he choked up. No. Nononono. Not here...
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Post by Satra on Aug 10, 2011 18:50:18 GMT -5
When he feels anger or sorrow, huh? Well, let's see this horrid monster.
"Well, thanks to your inaction, many people were put at risk," she began. Spekkio couldn't believe what was happening. Lynny, you're not honestly going to--
"None of us would have been prepared had anything happened. Someone else or even you could have been harmed or killed, especially given the climate of things. Would we even have recognized you in this other form? Had you attacked anyone, would we have known not to kill you? I'm going to be honest, I am rather disappointed in you."
Do you really think an apology will fix what you're doing now?
Yes, actually, it will. Now shut up and be prepared for anything.
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Post by Satra on Aug 10, 2011 19:10:58 GMT -5
The words stung. His chest felt like it was being squeezed and twisted and his face flushed. There was no retaliation for her words. He felt sick and angry with himself... Then that anger began to turn toward the other person in the room. Control slipped out of his grip and he felt himself change. She had the power and she had the ability to pass it on. He could make this a ridiculous little crying fest. She was tough and wanted those around her to be tough as well. Yes. He had control again. Completely oblivious to his outwardly change, Andrei spoke again. "I realize my mistake, hence why I wanted this meeting. There was no way I could avoid this conversation if I made my Titled ambitions known. I wish to atone for my mistake by doing what I can for the Court." Yes, the slick oil of charm. That would show his confidence and control. |
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Post by Satra on Aug 10, 2011 19:22:05 GMT -5
Well now. That was new. Interesting. This rather unattractive new form didn't seem to come with immediate violent tendencies (although due to his change of attitude, it can be inferred that it was something that lurked in the mind of this thing), but it did change him without a doubt. Should she take the risk of trusting him with the title? He had so much potential...
"When does it go away?" she asked when he was done with his monologue or whatever. Andrei merely responded by giving her a confused look. As he opened his mouth to ask, she reached over and yanked the knife out of her desk and held the flat side toward him. It wasn't the best of reflections as the blade was folded steel, but considering Andrei was mostly white and this new form was mostly a near-pitch black, he might get the idea. That, and she was curious if having a weapon waved at him would provoke a real attack. She remained unconcerned either way. It was a Queen and a superpowered humanoid spider weapon girl against a Jack.
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Post by Satra on Aug 10, 2011 19:35:57 GMT -5
At first he took the knife as a threat. He bared his teeth and his barbed tongue protruded slightly as his hackles raised. Then it clicked. That reflection... yes. He wasn't being clever or charming. She didn't even see right through him because there was nothing to see through. It was all there on the surface. Teeth and tongue put away, he look back at her seemingly bored face. What was her next move?
"Well?" The question really threw him off guard.
"Well what?" She rolled her eyes in reply.
"The answer to my question. When does it go away?" He looked back at her, collecting himself. As much as he would have liked to be rid of her, he knew that wouldn't help his goals. No, she needed to be alive for that to happen.
"In time. I just need some time to myself," he answered. She shrugged with an expression that showed it made sense to her. She put the knife down and gave a noncommittal hand wave towards the door. Andrei's head cocked to the side, not quite understanding. She waved towards the door again. He tensed and sat up with a very straight posture. Did this mean he failed...?
"I'm not talking to you like this, now stop wasting my time." He bit the inside of his cheeks. No, no. even now she was more useful alive. What good was being a wanted criminal? Well, a maimed wanted criminal (pfft, even if on the off chance he got out alive). Even though she couldn't quite move like she used to, she still had quite an arsenal of magic that could easily cripple him without even getting up from her seat. No, it was best to just bow politely and do as she said, so he did so.
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Post by Satra on Aug 15, 2011 2:43:40 GMT -5
Andrei spent his afternoon in the garden, contemplating yesterday's meeting over a cup of tea. He soon found himself with a visitor.
"May I sit?" inquired the Queen. Andrei blinked in surprise, then nodded. The Queen slowly say, knees and back complaining like little bitches. She rubbed one of her knees, not caring that she'd left Andrei wading in a rather awkward silence, waiting for her to state why she was visiting him.
"Would you like some tea?" he finally offered. She nodded, leaning back and looking at the table. Andrei's mouth hung open slightly at his own snafu. There was no other cup on the table. He quickly offered her his own. She rose her hand, about to decline, then shrugged. Why the hell not?
"I believe we have a conversation to finish, do we not? Is now a good time?"
"As good a time as any," he replied, suppressing his nervousness.
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Post by Satra on Aug 15, 2011 21:18:45 GMT -5
She took a sip of tea as she looked out toward the garden of the Court. She always thought it was a bit much. Too lavish. Eh, to each their own, right?
"How about you save me my breath and tell me what you think I'm about to say?"
Andrei was taken a bit by surprise by this, but as he thought about it, it made sense.
"Alright. Makes sense, as if I am to be a titled noble inferring the motivations and thoughts of others will be part of my job." Ahh, smart boy. He always was. "I think..."
He swallowed. What did he think she would say? He paused, working it out. He'd spent the time since their meeting trying not to think about it as he'd assumed he'd failed. Hmm, wait. Why did he assume he'd failed?
"I presented myself as not ready. I showed that... that I didn't trust you or my fellow Heart's nobles. If we are to stand, we must stand together, despite oddities and personal discomforts," he gave her a hopeful look, "But since you didn't outright refuse me, there's still a chance I haven't completely botched it?"
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Post by Satra on Aug 16, 2011 2:32:38 GMT -5
Heilyn put her cup down with a smile.
"I would say that sums it up nicely, for the most part. You have potential, Andrei, but there's still a lot to learn. You've been away for some time and need to learn what life is like not in the real world." Not like school was completely "the real world" either, but Heilyn always had an off-color view of Court politics.
"So you're turning me down?"
"Yes, in a way. I do want you to come back and try again, however. I'll let you figure out how I would prefer this done," she shrugged and continued on very casually, "but I am pretty much on my way out, so who knows if after I'm done the next person you speak to will hold you to my expectations." Andrei laughed very nervously. That... wow that was awkward. His step mother really didn't seem to care either way, though. Typical.
"That's fine. I accept this. Thank you for your time," he paused. He didn't mean to sound like he was dismissing her. For one, that was extremely inappropriate; and two, he found himself not wanting her to leave. "Would you like me to see if I can't get someone to bring us another cup so we can take tea together?" She gave him a tired but genuine smile.
"I'd like that."
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