|| 9 [Audio]

[kingofthisworld]

Dealing with the fools aboard this ship is beginning to grow tiresome.

Comments

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

I didn't say that.

[She makes a face at him.]

I don't know how I should feel. I don't know how I want to feel. You confuse me. You perplex me.

[destinedtorule.livejournal.com]

I think you know. You are not deter by the others' opinions, though they are your allies. You could very well have refused my invitation. And yet here you are. I believe that means something.

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[Is he right? She just wants to be a good person. Maybe she's not comfortable to being around anyone else. Maybe she doesn't feel like being around other people. Maybe she feels like any potential others don't want her around.

There's a combination of reasons that she's sitting with him now. But are his reasons also a part of that combination?]

I... just want to be fair. It isn't like I trust you. I just wanted to play fair.

[destinedtorule.livejournal.com]

Are you certain? This meeting could have happened in much more public place. If you had suggested it.

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

You aren't foolish enough to hurt me, here or in public. Even I know that. In that respect, perhaps I am giving you the benefit of the doubt.

[destinedtorule.livejournal.com]

Hurt you? Why ever would I hurt you?

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

I'm certain you have your own reasons as to why. I would not dive into you so much to discover that.

[She eyes him closely.]

If you weren't going to hurt me, then I don't know why you'd be concerned about me being here, rather than meeting somewhere else.

[destinedtorule.livejournal.com]

Meeting here or elsewhere had no bearings on my intentions. Though I suppose meeting here did afford us time to have a real conversation.

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

This is true. Trying to converse in the open often results in other people interjecting. It has happened quite a bit. You understand others do it for my protection.

[As far as she knows. She could be wrong. Potentially.]

I did not think you were doing anything that would be... improper. That was why I chose to come here. That was why I came to you last time as well.

[destinedtorule.livejournal.com]

Trust me, my dear. You are not the one who will need protecting.

[Whoops. Did he say that out loud?]

As long as you are in my presence, you will be treated as a lady should.

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[She stares at him for a time and tips her head.]

...I may appreciate the sentiments, but what do you mean by that? I am not the one who will need protecting. What are you really saying?

[That he needs the protection? Can't be.]

[destinedtorule.livejournal.com]

I meant nothing.

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

I'll give you something in return. You want me to see you differently, yes? Then compromises must be made. Nothing is ever given freely.

[destinedtorule.livejournal.com]

Those that continue to test my patience, your Jak excluded.

[Except not]

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

M-My Jak. What are you talkin--

[She huffs a little.]

You already know precisely where I stand with Jak. If people left him alone, surely he'd be fine.

[...Except not.]

[destinedtorule.livejournal.com]

As I said before, he was the instigator. But that is neither here nor there.

You said you would give me something in return. What is it?

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

Yes, of course...

[She thinks for a moment. What can she give him? Most of the things she carries with her she has sentimental attachment to. Then there are some things she just can't give him.]

I still have a golden frog. It was the first one I received while I was here. If you would like it, you may have it. Otherwise, you may have to be a little more specific with your requests.

[destinedtorule.livejournal.com]

I have little use for a golden frog. You may keep it. I don't need anything in return.

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

Yes. That was how I felt as well...

[She's only kept it because she hardly trusts the crew.]

I could play something for you. One... turn deserves another?

[destinedtorule.livejournal.com]

If you would like.

[He takes his hands away from the piano and nods.]

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[She peers over to him for a moment and then nods once, straightening her posture. She's thoughtful, trying to find something that seems appropriate. Then she considers for a moment that perhaps her other half won't mind. Too much. And she plays for him, something she defines as cryptic and a story all its own (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnxhszTqiTE).]

[destinedtorule.livejournal.com]

[He's quiet as he listens. He has never heard a song quite like it before. And he had to admit it was a lovely melody.]

Where did you learn this?

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[It comes to a close and she peers over to him.]

It isn't mine. It's just something I heard or remember hearing. It's almost like a dream I had some time ago.

[destinedtorule.livejournal.com]

It is a lovely song.

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I'll tell him also.

[Because it's really Sheik's song.]

May I ask you something?