Fantasy AUs

[nerdietalk]

Comments

[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? ]

[fluidgender]

...we need to help you kids find some hobbies.

[Honestly, with the way it's going, they may have to trick them into situations with hobbies. Or at least ways for them to practice social situations without the highest of stakes. Maybe... maybe when the social obligations start back up, they can bring one or more kids to practice mingling with strangers?]

[lowres]

[ Oh Nia is just fine with strangers! She’s bubbly to a fault. Actually she might be TOO good with strangers. ]

[fluidgender]

[Maybe THAT is the in. Assign Adora to joint Nia on social/hobby activities and hope good results rub off on each other...

Things Ranma has to consider.] Is there anything you did outside of the work? When you weren't completing ward duties? Things for yourself?

[lowres]

I liked to play sports! And I liked to visit people in the markets.

[fluidgender]

Sports! There's an idea. Kaori's never been the type... but Adora seems to enjoy fencing well enough. I'm sure there's some games that could be visited.

[lowres]

Really? The princess is so agile though!

[fluidgender]

Well, she likes a challenge but she also likes winning. When she noticed people were letting her win a lot of times, she got bored and annoyed.