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]

... what kind of difficulties?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

We argued... about how things should be done.

[ascendthethorns]

My elder siblings and I fight too... but we always make up. Did you?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[I don't really need these feelings. REALLY. Glancing back at the lily.]

Ah... briefly. We talked.

[ascendthethorns]

And then she died?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[You just had to be smart, didn't you? Is possibly mentally cursing that right now. He had sought remembrance and he had sure got it. Also, rubbing at his fingers a bit, as he unconsciously raises them to chest level.]




... ah.

[ascendthethorns]

[Tries to take the hand she can reach.]

Many people I know died too. Was Euphie avenged?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Really does not want to allow this... But eventually capitulates. His voice drops, as he meets her eyes plainly.]

She was. But I know she would not have approved.

[ascendthethorns]

...oh.

Lord Darlton adopted five war ophans, and he's going to raise them to be Knights like him. They make him really happy. I don't think that he even thinks about avenging their parents...

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[... Darlton's knights? His children? So it was out of more than mere loyalty to their princess that they had served.]

I see. Have you had the chance to meet them?

[ascendthethorns]

He brings them to Mother's palace with him. They're still little though...

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Of course.

[Considers...]

I have only heard sparingly about Capricorn. Do you mind telling me about it? It may give me a better idea of what you are used to so that I can make the proper accommodations.

[ascendthethorns]

[How does I describe palace when I've only ever been in palaces?]

It's like all of the other palaces, except it backs onto the best part of the forest.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

The forest?

[ascendthethorns]

Yes. It's really big, and elder brother Schneizel and I...

[Uses her hold on his hand as leverage to whisper:]

We made a secret path so we can sneak out and see each other at night... or during the day when our mothers are quarrelling again.

[Then lets go of her hand and bounces back.]

You have to promise not to tell anyone about it now.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Ah yes, the empresses did excel at their in-fighting. Though gaze goes a bit blank at the mention of Schneizel...]

... Never. You have my word, your highness.

[ascendthethorns]

... are you still sad?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Nooooooooooooo STOP READING ME TINYCHILD.]

Ah, just remembering some times with my family. Tell me more about living at Capricorn. I imagine it can get terribly busy.

[ascendthethorns]

Mother hosts a lot of parties...

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Does she?

[ascendthethorns]

She says they're a good way to keep people from thinking about the war any more than necessary.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Hmm, a reasonable cause. What do you think, if I might ask?

[ascendthethorns]

Um...

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

It is all right. I do not intend to share it with others. You see, I am simply afflicted with an overly curious nature.

[ascendthethorns]

I think Mother's parties are very popular. There isn't a place here for me yet?