[ The breath that punches out of him tries to be amused, rueful, but he can't stop the swirl of guilt beneath it. ]
Maelle? Not much chance of that.
[ His fearless sister? The one who ran over rooftops as lightly as a bird in flight? Who took to the rapier like she was born to it? Who would rather duel for dominance than settle an argument with words? ]
...I should never have agreed to let her come. I should have tried harder to get her to stay in Lumiere.
She'll probably think it's more imperative that she keep an eye on me.
[ Maelle's always been just as protective of him as he is of her. If she really is all right, safe, then she's probably just as worried as he's been. What would her last glimpse of him have been? A slumped, motionless figure on the beach? ]
But you're right. Of course, you're right. I'm sure you know exactly how I feel.
[The spark of understanding is a light behind his eyes: cold and guarded against the interference of the outside world. Imagine the things he has seen. Those things he wishes he had never seen at all.
He will fall silent after the last words he has to share, but share them he will.]
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Date: 2025-05-22 04:16 pm (UTC)Maelle? Not much chance of that.
[ His fearless sister? The one who ran over rooftops as lightly as a bird in flight? Who took to the rapier like she was born to it? Who would rather duel for dominance than settle an argument with words? ]
...I should never have agreed to let her come. I should have tried harder to get her to stay in Lumiere.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-22 04:51 pm (UTC)[Sons too. But when he considers the challenges one faces daily, he cannot deny he has a fondness in his heart for one of his daughters.]
Of course, it's better that she stays around you. That way you can keep your eye on her.
[If you can't lock her inside a manor for most of her life, at least have her nearby. Right?]
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Date: 2025-05-22 06:35 pm (UTC)[ Maelle's always been just as protective of him as he is of her. If she really is all right, safe, then she's probably just as worried as he's been. What would her last glimpse of him have been? A slumped, motionless figure on the beach? ]
But you're right. Of course, you're right. I'm sure you know exactly how I feel.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-22 06:56 pm (UTC)He will fall silent after the last words he has to share, but share them he will.]
Nothing is more important than family.
[Relationship level increased to 1!]