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[unheiring]

“Unavailable. Always.”

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username: Aurelius

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[unheiring]

At the time, I didn't realize it either. But recently I noticed, that was when it changed. When I started to change.

[He shrugs.]

You would have found another way, I'm sure. But I'm glad it happened sooner, rather than later.

[cryopathy]

I am... glad you have found self-reflection helpful. Beasts, I don't mean anything by that.

[she is so terrible at being genuine, but by gods, she is trying.]

... As do I. I don't know what I would do without you.

[unheiring]

It's a good thing you'll never have to wonder, isn't it?

[It had taken months. Years even. But he was finally where he needed to be. And he wasn't leaving this time, either.]


But we don't need to think about all of that, do we? Plenty more we could prattle on about.

[cryopathy]

It is.

[they stare down at their empty plate, the concept of prattling on inevitably turning back to dark thoughts. they shouldn't burden luca with this, but...]

... I've never told you about the first time I tasted bread.

[kingincognito]

[ It's very clear, thankfully, that just talking to Luca is helping a lot. Behind him, Joshua's tail swats gently at the seat, still slow but enough to make out a soft rhythm, if Luca listens for it. ]

I would like that. Help is greatly appreciated. Founder knows I have spent far too long looking over them, and it is quite possible something has gone overlooked.

[ More of the water. And then, more of the stew. Now that he has it all in front of him, it's like his body is moving on autopilot. ]

I've begun a journal of notes, if you would like to contribute your findings.

[unheiring]

Normally that would not be such an impressive story.

[But it is, and Luca already knows to sober up. He turns his full attention to her, quips dying down. He's the picture of seriousness and focus.]

What happened?

[unheiring]

[The rhythm draws his attention, though he doesn't make an attempt to see exactly what it is. He chalks it up to a pleased enough noise, especially given Joshua's current demeanor.]

Fresh eyes have never been a burden on anyone. [He watches Joshua's movements, but doesn't try to draw too much attention to it. He won't make a big deal of doing the bare minimum, not if it could just as easily fluster Joshua.]

I'd like to take a look at the journal first, if you wouldn't mind? Best to see what you have established thus far.

[cryopathy]

[kiera is silent for a long moment, even as it's clear luca recognizes the gravity of the situation. the last thing they want is to make him regret his efforts... but it makes them bittersweet, after all.]

I was practicing my camouflage, as it were. Ended up in the servants' quarters, close to their kitchens. There was -- the most beautiful smell I'd ever experienced, coming from that place. One of the cook's children... didn't realize who I was. Said I looked starved, and offered me a single piece of flatbread.

[their eyes close.]

I can still taste the caraway seed, still smell the oils of freshly chopped coriander and garlic. I can feel the clarified butter in my mouth. It... was the single best thing I have ever tasted, to this day.

[they sigh, deep and suffering, and find themself looking around the table for a bottle of spirits that isn't there.]

My mother found out. Looking back, I know now she could smell it on me. She had the servant child brought in front of the entire court and ordered me to... to consume what I was meant to consume.

... You know the rest.

[unheiring]

[Luca can practically taste it in the way she describes the bread. He has a horrible feeling, though, namely from the moment she mentions servant's quarters. It's the kind of place that the Aurelius home had never had. And under the wrath of the Empress, who had molded Kiera so intently, he can only guess how it will end.

Only guess. Which means he doesn't expect where the story winds up. He knows the child she describes, only from Even if only from Kiera's own memories. It makes his stomach churn angrily.]

If I ever meet her... [He doesn't finish the sentence, knowing far too well how upset Kiera would get at the mere idea.]

I'm sorry. The things she put you through, the way she warped you... cruel is too light of a word.

[cryopathy]

[her voice is soft, hardly above a whisper.]

I will pray every day, to the end of my days, that you never do, Luca.

[she tries to resist, she really does, but she can't help it. she needs a drink. as she stands up to fetch the closest bottle of hard stuff, she shakes her head.]

I must be the most selfish person on this or any planet, to be so glad to be here instead of there. How many of my brothers and sisters, my nieces and nephews, still suffer under her vicious reign? I know for a fact that each and every human in Castilla does. And all I can think in this moment is... how lucky I am, to be worlds away from that devil.

[unheiring]

So much back there hurt us, Kiera. It's norma o try to avoid that pain.

[Truthfully, Luca is happier too, especially knowing that things had settled down back home. More comforting still is that time hadn't passed until he'd returned. It left him... optimistic that Aquila wasn't actively missing him in the moment.]

Say we do go home one day. Would you want to stop it? Do anything about what's been happening there?

[cryopathy]

[they think on this as they ferret out a glass to pour their drink into. it wouldn't do to drink right out of a bottle that they might use for customers later. they figure... two glasses right away will do wonders for their mental state. then they can move on to good-tasting wine.]

... As I said. I'm selfish. Even if I -- was brave enough to face her, I'm well aware you would not allow me to do so alone. And I will do everything in my power to ensure she never sees your face.

[it almost feels wrong, to almost outright say that kiera would condemn an entire nation just to save one man. but luca knows what he means to her. she would be foolish to deny it.]

[unheiring]

Mm...

[Luca should be content to leave things as they are. Renova is at peace, and the Phoenix no longer remained to menace him. But he can't help but think of his newfound power, how it would be the perfect weapon against them.]

You don't worry that they may try to attack us again?

[cryopathy]

[kiera hisses to themself, partly over the sharp taste of hard liquor, and partly in response to luca's words. they don't want to do much as imagine castilla making such a bold move against renova.

it's an inevitability. they know this. they have yet to fulfill their duty, and eventually, the empress' patience will run out.]

... I don't want to think about this, Luc. It's -- irrelevant, right now.

[kingincognito]

But of course. You are more than welcome to. I've gone into as much detail as I could.

[ A lot of detail... Including what he'd found out at the library. He hasn't told anyone about that part yet. Admittedly, he's had a lot more on his mind lately. ]

We could make a night of it, if you like. I'm certain I have something around that we could eat, and I could make a pot of tea.

[unheiring]

[Part of him wants to press, if only so they can be ready for whatever comes next, before they get there. The other part of him knows that memories don't linger when they go back, at least the way Luca did. Any planning they did do would go by the wayside.

In the end, he just gives a nod.]


I'm sorry for bringing it up.

[unheiring]

I don't doubt that you have.

[He and Joshua are a lot alike. He has no doubt that the journals he's kept are chock full of valuable information.

A smile passes over Luca, despite the gravity of what they're talking about. He gives a nod.]

I would like that. Very much so.

[kingincognito]

[ Honestly, it's a perfect distraction. Good company, an intellectual pursuit to keep his mind away from other things, and life in an otherwise empty house.

Joshua finds himself eagerly anticipating it, and the thumping of his tail grows just a bit stronger as he consumes more of the stew. ]

Well, then, I suppose once I'm finished eating, I should return to the house to prepare. The books could do with a bit of organizing anyway. How long until you close for the evening?

[unheiring]

[Luca can't help but smile as the rhythm grows in both speed and noise. He glances off to the side, toward where he catches his spirit co-owner occasionally lingering, and gives a shrug in response.]

I try to stay open until two each evening, but I think there are plenty of hands on deck to keep things running should I leave early. How long do you need to prepare?

[cryopathy]

Don't apologize. You're just being realistic.

[and kiera, as always, is trying to find solace in ignorance at the bottom of a bottle. it almost sours the idea for them entirely, but falls short.]

... I am grateful it isn't starting an argument. I missed you, and that is not how I want to spend our time together.

[kingincognito]

[ Oh. ]

Well... Not long, truly. I had offered simply to give you the time to finish your night here without my constant company, but if you would like to leave early, I could do what I'd intended to do once we return. As long as you don't mind, of course.

[unheiring]

We've argued enough for the last few months to last a decade, don't you think?

[A gentle nudge as he tilts his head into the air, scenting it.]

Dinner should be done soon.

[He excuses himself politely as he goes to check on it.]

[unheiring]

If it's alright with you, I'd just assume we go now.

[Better to not leave Joshua alone. Luca will only worry for whatever arbitrary length of time he chooses to stay, anyway.]

Let me finish a few things up here, and then I'll be along?

[cryopathy]

More than enough.

[they do feel a bit of guilt, as he walks away. they're the one who broached the subject of that bitch in the first place, after all.

before they do anything else, they knock back that second glass and recork the liquor bottle.]

... May I help at all?

[unheiring]

You can help by sitting on your ass and staying out of my way.

[He chirps it to Kiera as he enters the kitchen. There's a bit of clamoring around, but eventually he comes out with a plate of chicken and roasted broccoli.]

Adequate?