Talia, The Queen's Own (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
thequeensown) wrote2011-06-20 07:29 pm
thequeensown) wrote2011-06-20 07:29 pm
[Commentlog] The morning after the stocks (Open)
[Talia was exhausted and her reaction headache wasn't getting any better. She'd tried to eat something a short while ago but her stomach had rebelled shortly after. She hadn't slept all night, keeping close to Kevas and making certain he was well after she'd knocked him out. She'd been forced to do the same to Isabella after escorting the young girl to her room, knowing full well her intent on sneaking back to the stocks as soon as things were quiet.
She couldn't risk the girl getting herself punished in a similar manner, so she'd done the same and knocked her out. The girl had been tormented by nightmares on and off during the evening and the Herald had done her best to soothe them.
Her headache had increased twofold and she couldn't get rid of it. There was no cure for a reaction headache save for plenty of rest, and she wasn't able to get that within the Keep walls.
Shields up or not, the residents were tense and she herself was reactionary as a result.
So, after breakfast failed and she'd found Kevas gone from his quarters, she'd made her way to the stables. The minds of the animals there were soothing in comparison and few, if any, ever came this way.
She walks past the stalls, ignoring even the mooses' curious (and not angry) snort as she moves past. She finds an empty stall in the middle of the horses and steps in. She releases a slow breath, just letting the silence surround her, before sinking back against the wall of the stall to the floor. Once there she hugs her knees to her chest and rests her forehead to her knees.]
She couldn't risk the girl getting herself punished in a similar manner, so she'd done the same and knocked her out. The girl had been tormented by nightmares on and off during the evening and the Herald had done her best to soothe them.
Her headache had increased twofold and she couldn't get rid of it. There was no cure for a reaction headache save for plenty of rest, and she wasn't able to get that within the Keep walls.
Shields up or not, the residents were tense and she herself was reactionary as a result.
So, after breakfast failed and she'd found Kevas gone from his quarters, she'd made her way to the stables. The minds of the animals there were soothing in comparison and few, if any, ever came this way.
She walks past the stalls, ignoring even the mooses' curious (and not angry) snort as she moves past. She finds an empty stall in the middle of the horses and steps in. She releases a slow breath, just letting the silence surround her, before sinking back against the wall of the stall to the floor. Once there she hugs her knees to her chest and rests her forehead to her knees.]
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He makes straight for the stables, and there she is, huddled up in one of the pins. For a moment he just looks at her. His face is still the same emotionless slate that he gave Alex. Finally he turns and leaves.
Moments later he returns, this time bringing with him a large blanket that he carefully drapes over her.]
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She doesn't look up at his appearance, head kept in the same position all the while. He goes and returns and she finally looks up, dark circles beneath her eyes as she meets his gaze.
When she speaks, her voice is strained as she fights back the effects of the reaction headache.]
I couldn't let you die .. [She searches his face as the warmth of the blanket surrounds her.] I understand why you were attempting what you were, but .. Kevas, your death wouldn't have accomplished anything.
[She searches his face, her own drawn.]
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He settles down besides her pulling some of the blanket over him as well. Sitting in the shade feels so much better than walking around in the sun.]
Joo be so sure dat I would die?
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I know only that that creature is capable of far more than we've yet seen. I've no doubt of it .. I know that you fight to the death when the cause is just; when it's for the blood of friend or family. [She rolls her gaze to his, a hand reaching to cup his cheek.] I know that you've not yet recovered from the Tower expedition and that the copy of that creature injured you further while you fought it.
I know that you would try you mightiest to defeat it and that you would fight until you were no longer capable of it. I know that we need to know more about what the Headsman is capable of. [She exhales shakily, a knot in her throat.] I know that you were thinking about your pain and anger .. about Nel .. and not those you'd leave behind or that would be hurt to see you injured or killed.
[She's completely open to him, mind and soul, and while it might sound it to someone listening, she isn't trying to guilt him or make him feel badly. She is simply answering him with the open honesty she always grants him; showing him another side of his actions.]
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Family comes first. It's what he's always telling himself. His family must always come first, but he's starting to wonder if he actually believes it himself. When Willow was hurt and probably needed him most he left her with his brother to track down the one that did it. He never saw her again.
When Nel died all he wanted was revenge against that thing for taking the first real friend he's had in years. What the others thought never even made it into the equation. It was what he wanted. That's not exactly putting his family first. How many times has he done something for himself in the guise of doing it for his family?
Suddenly Kevas looks very tired.]
Guess I messed up huh?
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She could not fault such a thing, not really. Although it made her briefly want to give his ear one hell of a twisting.
He looks suddenly tired as her words sink in and she finds his hand beneath the blanket, the other still resting on his cheek.]
I did not tell you this so you would feel badly, my love. You acted bravely and passionately, but I think this place .. these people .. require more thought than that. [She did not yet lump ALL the staff in the same boat, but she certainly had an opinion of Isabel and the Lord of the Keep. Even the Headsman seemed to do only what it was he was told to do.
But she will not blame her husband for acting with his heart, when his intentions were well intended if not well executed.]
I love you, Kevas. I'll never fault you for acting with your heart, as too few do so these days. Only think the matter through thoroughly .. there are ways to play this system as there were on the Elegante. We've only a need to figure them out and take advantage of them.
[She looks at him meaningfully. No, she wasn't letting him do this alone. Yes, she knew he wanted the Headsman dead; but she wanted him to be smart about it.
After a moment of those thoughts passing, her expression softens and she searches his eyes.]
How's your head?
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Still, if he ever gets his chance against the Headsman he's going to take it. He'll just need to play it smart.]
Bravery be all well as long as joo end up keeping joor head on joor shouldahs.
[Kevas holds her gaze and he smiles. It's small but it's there.]
I love joo too, and I know dat my life ain't just be belongin' to me anymore. I'll start usin' it more wisely.
[He remembers back to the Elegante when he made his silent promise to his daughter just before those damnable birds arrived. He wanted to be a mon that she could be proud of and he still does, but now he knows that means so much more than just being "good".]
Like I be havin' da worst hangovah of my life.
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Ahh, love!
At his reply to her question, her lips actually quirk and she tries her best to sound apologetic. She even almost achieves it .. almost. She pats his arm gently, a soothing caress of her mind on his to ease the damage she left behind. This dies nothing for her own headache, which will only lessen if she stops using her Gifts for a while, but that will be seen to. After all, she was directly responsible for his headache and really did feel badly.]
I am sorry, beloved. I regret that the effect was so strong without any of the pleasure in acheiving it.
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Da day still be young. I could always clear a shelf or two from da bar a pretend dat be where I got da headache.
[That's if he can even still think by the time he's done.]
What about joo?
[He'd have to be blind to not notice she's not feeling well either.]
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Far be it from me to prevent you with such, darling mine. haven knows a drink would be well enough received just now.
[Then she pulls a face and shakes her head.]
Reaction headache .. I did the same thing to Isabella when she made it clear that she would only stay in her room until the Keep had fallen quiet. She was going to sneak out to the stocks and I couldn't have her try something foolish ..
[She gives his hand a squeeze, head resting on his shoulder.]
I'll be fine with a bit of rest; just overextended myself a bit.
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[So she hurt herself saving him? Wonderful. He's just doing a fantastic job of keeping everyone safe. No more of that. It's time for him to take care of her.]
Den rest. I'll be right here fuh joo.
[He rest his head against hers and gently moves the hand on her waist up and down.]