Asch of Kimlasca-Lanvaldear (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
bloodreign) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
abyssdressing2012-10-11 02:30 pm
bloodreign) wrote in abyssdressing2012-10-11 02:30 pm
Entry tags:
[First Proclamation] Restrict wine consumption.
[Tap, tap, tap. That's the sound of gloved fingers drumming on the stone surface before him.]
[Asch had known better, yet for some reason he'd ignored his gut instinct. There must have been something in that wine - drugs, poison, maybe even extracts from those damned Great Rugnican death caps. Whatever the case, he's clearly hallucinating. He was in the throne room just seconds earlier, and now... this! No, he should have just declined attendance, no matter how much of a slight it would have been! But of course, even as Asch runs these things over in his mind, he knows it doesn't matter and he couldn't have skipped the banquet anyhow. Not with the way things have been lately.]
[He isn't sure why he's here, can't determine what's wrong, and it's absolutely vexing. His head's perfectly clear, he's not running a fever - he can walk in a straight line. Well, whatever - there's no use in standing around mulling over impossibilities. At least a dozen guests are waiting for him, and if he doesn't show up where he's supposed to be very soon, Asch can name a few people who are going to be very upset. The thought of that kills any soothing effect being outside might've otherwise had on him.]
This has got to be the most pathetic...
[The most pathetic thing. How does anyone lose a castle?]
[Asch had known better, yet for some reason he'd ignored his gut instinct. There must have been something in that wine - drugs, poison, maybe even extracts from those damned Great Rugnican death caps. Whatever the case, he's clearly hallucinating. He was in the throne room just seconds earlier, and now... this! No, he should have just declined attendance, no matter how much of a slight it would have been! But of course, even as Asch runs these things over in his mind, he knows it doesn't matter and he couldn't have skipped the banquet anyhow. Not with the way things have been lately.]
[He isn't sure why he's here, can't determine what's wrong, and it's absolutely vexing. His head's perfectly clear, he's not running a fever - he can walk in a straight line. Well, whatever - there's no use in standing around mulling over impossibilities. At least a dozen guests are waiting for him, and if he doesn't show up where he's supposed to be very soon, Asch can name a few people who are going to be very upset. The thought of that kills any soothing effect being outside might've otherwise had on him.]
This has got to be the most pathetic...
[The most pathetic thing. How does anyone lose a castle?]
no subject
[Detecting the shift of intent, Asch tries to regain his dignity, phasing back into his usual stern expression by millimeters.]
More than likely, considering he was already in the house.
[The corner of Asch's mouth twitches on "friend", but he doesn't snap at Luke or roll his eyes (under other circumstances, he'd have done both without hesitating). Instead, he reaches first for the sheath, then slowly, slowly moves to put his sword away. He clearly doesn't need it, unless Luke decides to go for him after all - in which case a quick fonic blast would probably be more effective.]
[Assuming he isn't made into mincemeat, Asch offers Aidan a curt nod. Maybe a handshake or a wave would have been more appropriate, but he doesn't have a multitude of faith in Luke's ability to stay calm after what he just witnessed.]
no subject
[ Or perhaps Luke is somehow siphoning off of Asch's typical readiness. Every nerve, every fon slot in her body remains ready for the order to act; she bristles as Asch's sword starts to move, but otherwise restrains any further displays for her son's sake. He'd only get more confused by the inconsistent messages. As it is, Aidan doesn't seem keen on moving from the safety of Luke's shadow. The nod causes him to scrunch up his face and pout back at Asch. ]
... That's Dad.
[ If this person looks like his dad, sounds like his dad, and (almost) acts like his dad, then it has to be him, right? Not that Aidan can remember him perfectly - his visits had been sporadic at best these past couple years. Luke makes an exasperated noise and crouches down beside him. ]
He can't be Dad, Aidan. Look- [ Turning slightly, she jabs a finger in the direction of Asch's face. ] No smile. His face is pretty much stuck that way. Dad wouldn't make ogre faces at you.
1/2
[The pot is calling the kettle black here. Yes it is. Daring to exhale, Asch finally wrenches his attention away from Aidan. It's...unnerving. Not the kid, but just...something.]
Look, I don't know what happened and frankly it's none of my business, but you've obviously got a problem on your hands. If you really want to do yourself and that child a favor, you can start by dropping the whole--
2/2
[He might actually believe you!]
no subject
[ Moving quickly along before Asch has the chance to become more riled up. Drawing Aidan into her arms, she stands and both level a stare at Asch, though hers is a tad harsh. Since when did he have the right to start lecturing her about keeping secrets? ]
And if you were from a different time? Like on the Tartarus or Akzer- [ Luke clamps her mouth shut and stands, gesturing towards the stairs. After you, Pot. Just in case. ] You of all people should understand why I couldn't come right out and tell someone who's essentially a stranger, "oh by the way, there's a three-year-old taking a nap upstairs, so try to be quiet."
So what kind of parenting advice were you thinking of giving me? Can't guarantee I'll take it, but there's no harm in listening.
no subject
[Asch levels his gaze at Luke. But after a moment he descends the stairs.]
If that had been the case, you would have been able to figure it out already. Besides, you think they'd let a commander play dress-up in the Kimlascan court where people would recognize him?
No, I understand. But I also think you're overreacting. If you were all that concerned, you shouldn't have invited me into your house to begin with. Did you honestly think I was going to do something if I found out, or are you worried about someone else? Or maybe you're just afraid of any more people going away.
[Asch comes to a halt near the door, his back to the both of them.]
If you want my advice it's this: keep watch but don't smother that kid. Tell him the truth. ...And find his father. When you do, punch him in the face; he'll get the idea.
[He's silent for a moment, contemplating again what he almost said earlier, then reaches for the handle.] I've taken up enough of your time.
no subject
Speaking of which. The cheagle finally bounces downstairs after them and flings himself at Luke's head, causing her to swear. Aidan approves their comedy routine with giggling. Not sharing the sentiment, she yanks Mieu off and turns him over to Aidan for suitable punishment: enthusiastic snuggling. ] Brats.
Let's just say I have faith in your ability to act without attracting attention when it's unwanted. Red hair might not be common, but it wasn't as if the majority of Kimlasca had seen my face for seven years. Kept covered, you could have moved freely through the city.
[ Though it's pointless speculation now. Plus the accuracy of Asch's words burn her with guilt. Everything he says is true - her emotions still swing wildly like a pendulum in response to what's going on, heedless of how she should behave for their safety. Sure it's not as bad as it used to be, but being an open book is an invitation for trouble. If anything happened to their kid, Asch would have her head on a platter. Figuratively speaking. ]
...I'd like to see how you do raising a child on your own when the person you love is gone.
[ Luke takes a tremulous breath and glares down at the floor. ]
What truth? He knows his father isn't here, and that I can't just go out and drag him home. Were that possible, I'd have done so long ago. Your suggestion of punching him is even more ridiculous. Sleeping outside after we have an argument is bad enough! [ Looking up, she hugs Aidan tighter to keep from grabbing at the back of Asch's coat. So he's going to criticize every mistake and leave? Of course he would. Why did she even think for a moment that he'd stay? Still... ] You don't have to go.
no subject
[Actually, no. It only raises more questions. 'How?' being the most predominant, closely followed by 'why?'. But it does at least explain some of the mixed signals he's been getting from Luke, and whatever that was that snuck through the connection before. Asch's grip tightens on the door handle, but for all that, he doesn't turn back around, doesn't lash out or apologize or show the least bit of sympathy. It's crazy. It's stupid. It's not his problem. It's not his place to tell someone who they should and shouldn't care about, even if it's ridiculous. Ridiculous only because Asch knows just how much hatred he's harbored for Luke in the past. If he hadn't been stopped way back then, he would have killed Luke without hesitation. Because Luke was his replica and it was his responsibility. But he hadn't, and maybe the world was better off.]
[Asch readjusts his weight, seriously debating how long it'll take to get out the door and find a decent inn. He finally speaks, though, at the very least sounding sincere.]
...Tch! Who'd want to see that? It's not as if I'm ideal parenting material. Waiting around is bad enough without dwelling on how many things could possibly go wrong. Alone it'd be no better than torture.
I don't envy you. I'm only telling you not to make the same decisions as Father. Or Van. Or anyone else. The world doesn't need more people who turned out the way you and I did.