Fantasy AUs

[nerdietalk]

Comments

[hououji]

[ She looks very very uneasy. She’s not bothered in the least by his demeanor, she’s sure that everyone is tired beyond what they thought they could be.

“We finished examining the queen, your highness. She’s recovering now—she should be back on her feet in a couple days.” ]

[fluidgender]

[They sigh, rubbing their neck.]

Finally... some good news. The kingdom needed it. I needed it.

[hououji]

[ she looks away.

“It… isn’t all good. We found the cause of her illness and removed it, but it already did some damage. Do you recall how many days since the queen escaped the execution?” Nosml

[fluidgender]

Days...? I'm... not sure. Maybe... twelve? Maybe more?

[hououji]

[ She offers out a price of metal, wrapped in a handkerchief. It’s got a strange sigil on it.

“Your highness, you must be absolutely certain. Only twelve?” ]

[fluidgender]

I... I think so. [But it had been so many sleepless nights... the days blended together.]

What... is this about?

[hououji]

[ “It’s a curse. The sigil syphons life from one person to another. Every day she bore this, she lost a year, and the king of the far took it.

“It’s how he’s lived for centuries, we think. We’ve never been so close as to see it in person.”]

[fluidgender]

[Ranma just... collapses back into the bed. Head in hands. Of course. Of course. Always something new to take. To conquer. To steal.]

...Any solutions?

[hououji]

[ “short of taking it back, we don’t know yet. We’ve never been able to study it.

“But twelve days… it could have been so much worse…” ]

[fluidgender]

It could have been better too...

Has the queen been informed?

[hououji]

[ “Not yet, she’s still resting. Would you like us to tell her?” ]

[fluidgender]

...No. I'll... I'll break it to her.

[hououji]

[ “we can do that, your highness, really. You’ve both been through so much…” ]

[fluidgender]

I have been away from her side long enough. It's what we both need.

[hououji]

[ “A-all right. Please make sure you both get enough rest. Actually, all of you. Miss Adora and her highness the princess as well.” ]

[fluidgender]

The same to you, priestess. The kingdom has suffered greatly. I can only imagine how few opportunities for rest you have received as well.

[hououji]

[ “The kingdom is frightened, but your return will strengthen them. They have good leaders who they trust. It’s all right for you all to be selfish for a time.” ]

[fluidgender]

Well, that will have to be seen...

[But they'll launch to their feet and... head to Fuu.]

[hououji]

[ She’s asleep, curled up in a bed in what was once her childhood bedroom. Somewhere private where she wouldn’t be bothered. She still looks small in the bed, even grown as she is. She hasn’t slept here since the night she left to marry Ranma. But she seems to be comfortable at least. ]

[fluidgender]

[Ranma smiles softly. They sit down to brush her hair and offer some small comforts that won't disturb her rest.]

[hououji]

[ Fuu smiles so warmly when she feels ranma nearby. She blinks awake after not very long. ] Good morning, my lord.

[fluidgender]

Good morning, my love. I'm sorry for waking you...

[hououji]

Not at all. It’s nice to wake up and see you first again. I’ve missed it terribly.

[fluidgender]

I can imagine. Every morning without you by side... a nightmare.

[hououji]

I would have joined you in bed, but the maids said you were asleep…