Fantasy AUs

[nerdietalk]

Comments

[lowres]

[ She shakes her head vigorously. ] I’m all right! Everyone takes very good care of me. [ They don’t hurt her actively at least. ]

[fluidgender]

Good. They'll have to answer to me if they weren't.

...at some point, when things are less hectic, we should... talk about what you want to do for the future.

[lowres]

… of course. [ She’s been thinking about this a lot. ]

I would not want to overstay my welcome. The king put you in a very difficult situation by sending me.

[fluidgender]

I don't think it would possible for that to happen. And I think he put you in a much more stressful situation.

[lowres]

Is there somewhere I should go?

[fluidgender]

Should go...?

Well, really that depends on what you want.

[lowres]

I don’t imagine I can stay in the palace. [ She’s not a royal and the servants seem to avoid her when they can, despite her best efforts. ]

[fluidgender]

If that's your preference... then our doors are forever open to you.

[lowres]

… I’m afraid I don’t understand. Is that not why you wanted to speak with me?

[fluidgender]

[They rub their neck.] Frankly, I was worried you might feel like a prisoner, trapped and relying on us. It... didn't seem fair not to provide you with a better option if you wanted one.

[lowres]

I haven’t felt trapped. You and the princess have been very kind.

[fluidgender]

Then, as long as you want it, our home is your home. And if you don't want it anymore... we can get you whatever you might need to build a new one.

[lowres]

I… don’t think I understand. I’m not royal. I don’t serve here…

[fluidgender]

[Ranma puts some hands on their hips, humming thoughtfully.]

Well... I've been around a long time and met a lot of people. And at this point... I guess the difference between royal and not royal really doesn't really make sense to me anymore. Why shouldn't you be able to stay if we enjoy your company?

[lowres]

The king only ever allowed his advisors and servants to stay in the castle. [ and her, as a ward. ] He said it was a privilege of royalty.

[fluidgender]

Psh. The only rules that exist are the ones royals make and too many of them exclusively make rules that only have the purpose of hurting people. The rules shouldn't get in the way of helping someone in need.

During the war, Cephiro's side used royal estates as hospitals for the sick and injured. That's the sort of thing we should be doing in peacetime too.

[lowres]

Do you still need that many hospitals? [ a lot if them were probably donated to temples to help people who needed places to stay after they were displaced by the war. ]

[fluidgender]

Many were donated after the war. For the displaced.

...you're displaced too. So... I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I don't make sure you have a home as well.

[lowres]

Then… what would you like me to do here?

[fluidgender]

Geez, both you and Adora both worry about being of use, huh?

[lowres]

The king let me stay in the palace, but I had to attend lessons and assist his staff when they asked.

[fluidgender]

[Rubs their cheek awkwardly.] Well... I guess it's important to get an education... when we have more time, maybe we can figure out... if there's something you like to study and help with?

[lowres]

You… don’t have anything in mind? [ but why ask about future if not kicking out and not making work. ]

[fluidgender]

I mean... haven't enough people decided your future for you at this point? I figured you might like the freedom to choose.

[lowres]

[ she. Stares. Very confused? ]