IC: Anniversary

[thekingsgambit]

[It's morning in the garden and the air is still slightly chill from the recently departed night. But such things are of little consequence to the young man who rests on his knees by the largest patch of lilies, recalling another day in a garden considerably larger than this one and the jubilant companion that raced ahead of him -- through the paths of flowers, calling his name excitedly in her bubbly voice and mock-pouting when his attempts to keep up with her were frequently hampered by his own exhausted breaths. Then, another day, when it was her struggling to catch her breath, the flowered paths at her side now endless puddles of red, dark petals of the color staining her lily-white dress -- And again, she calls his name, eagerly encouraging him one last time to join her game.

The recollection is simpler than the dreams that brought him here, fantasies of them working together to forge something pure, pure and not wrenched from the bloody tatters of a bitter recovery. Something that wouldn't have been paid for by a litany of names stretching onto forever -- he had made it a point then to learn every single one of them. One should always know the exact cost of an exchange. Oh how that child that had teased him by the flowers, that woman that had beamed at him in the darkened headquarters of her precious gift to the Japanese (to the world) would have hated the entire act.

He reaches for one of the lily's fragile petals (yes it is fitting that this had been the flower she waited at those many years ago when things were still fresh and full of possibility). His eyes lower, no longer focusing on the flower but instead losing himself to his memories.]

And what now, Euphie? Would you manage a smile for the broken world I have laid at the lap of Nunnally and all the others who would claim it? It is not how you would have done it of course, but... I have never had your gentle touch. Nunnally does. You know it too. Even with everything I have done to her, bloodying her hands just as I bloodied yours, forcing her to claim each death as her own... she is still your sister. Her hands are more capable of helping to shape the world you saw than mine ever were. Just as I will always be the destroyer, you two will always be the true creators, architects of a future that I could only ever barely glimpse.

But is it enough? Even if it is accepted by our world, I wonder if it would be accepted by you. Or would you still the shadows of what could have been? I admit, I have long blinded myself from them. Perhaps, you would find some hope in knowing that those possibilities are now in the hands of the one who could always see. It is the type of simple poetry that you once cherished. Ah, Euphie?

Comments

[ascendthethorns]

[She's a little girl now, dressed in this and wearing an expresion of confusion, and she's standing a couple metres in front of him, awaiting his notice.]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Has closed his eyes for a moment after his address, not as though he expects some ethereal answer but more that it makes the ghosts of the past much easier to see in their former glory. Though glory would hardly be the word anyone would use.]

[ascendthethorns]

... who's Euphie?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[-- Who the hell?]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[... she can't be.]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[But that hair, those eyes...]

... Cornelia?

[ascendthethorns]

[Curtseys.]

Are you my escort?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[My brain is. Not wired for this today. Recalculating...]

Ah, you showed up earlier than I was expecting.

[ascendthethorns]

Mm-hm. Mother says a princess should strive to be early.

[Because late daughters cast a bad impression onto her.]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[A bit of a teasing tone.]

She should also not listen in on private conversations. I was just finishing up a visit.

[ascendthethorns]

Darlton always tells me that it's my responsibility to listen to my people. But it's all right if you didn't know that.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Oh yes, that helps my mood wonderfully....]

Does he? And have you had much opportunity as of yet?

[ascendthethorns]

... no, I've never been away from Pendragon before.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Then, this should be a good opportunity for you. There are many perspectives worth hearing in this place.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Pauses a moment later, taking in the entirety of the statement and what she has been saying until now.]

... Did they tell you what you are here for?

[ascendthethorns]

[this face re: opporunity + perspectives.]

I only found out this morning. They said there wasn't enough time. I didn't—

—um, I didn't think it wise to press.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[This is... unexpected. An emergency?]

Ah, do you mind telling me what were the circumstances behind your departure? I also was only recently informed, thus the reason behind my confusion about the timing.

[ascendthethorns]

When did you find out?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Shortly before your arrival. I received a call while I was tending to the garden.

[ascendthethorns]

...oh...

[ascendthethorns]

My lady-in-waiting woke me up this morning, and told me I had to hurry. She said that my escort would tell me the rest, but if you don't know...

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[That reaction... Disappointment. Dejection. She thinks she's been sent away. How sickeningly ironic. But... why would Cornelia ever even fear such a thing? Cornelia, the champion of Britannia. He had always thought such prowess was something she displayed since an early age. The exact thing sought by a culture built on the superior and the exactly reason he had forever been out of place amid that world. But to see his older sister -- though not so much now -- standing before him with such an expression... He thought he knew everything there was to know about her. Who is this child?

Quickly, he stands up from his kneeling position, brushing his knees lightly.]

You misunderstand. I was fully briefed on the nature of your visit, even if the call may have been unexpected. I am just surprised there was so much secrecy on your end. Perhaps, this was intended as a surprise.

You see, this is international experiment, a community forged for the purpose of examining the various mindsets that currently exist in our world. They thought you would be the most disarming one to observe its progress. Older nobles would surely startle the individuals here and prevent them from viewing the residents in their natural manner. It seems to be a very important task.

[ascendthethorns]

It does?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

This is the only institution of its kind after all. You must have made quite an impression for them to consider you responsible enough to shoulder such an assignment.

[ascendthethorns]

Then I would like to hear the details now, please.