Fantasy AUs

[nerdietalk]

Comments

[itsafamilyname]

They nearly got everyone killed. Not you.

[8footswordlady]

It feels the same.

[itsafamilyname]

It's different. We... we both know how they can get in our heads. Threats, praise, promises... they make all of it sound convincing.

[8footswordlady]

[ She pulls away, burying her face in her arms on her knees. ] They won’t just stop after this.

[itsafamilyname]

...no. They won't. Maybe... not in our lifetime.

[8footswordlady]

[ Dying at that execution would’ve been so much easier.

She doesn’t understand why everyone is fighting so hard to keep her alive.

She’s so tired…]

[itsafamilyname]

[She won't push too deep. She doesn't think much will help.

And... after the torture Adria's been through... she just tries to gently hold Adora's shoulder. Just something stabilizing.]

[8footswordlady]

… think they have anything here to help me sleep?

[itsafamilyname]

...there's a couple things I take if... they're preying on the mind. [Literally and metaphorically.]

I have some extra. But you'll feel sick if you don't take food and water with it.

[Been having some trouble getting refills though, so to speak. Some of the staff... they don't think highly of her getting rest.]

[8footswordlady]

I don’t want to take it from you. Maybe I’ll ask around.

[itsafamilyname]

Like I said, I have extra. And I'm sleeping better now that you're home.

[8footswordlady]

You might need it. Seriously, it’s okay. I’ll ask Catra. I wanted to check on her anyway.

[itsafamilyname]

...I hope this doesn't become me insisting you take your medicine like when you were 5.

[8footswordlady]

I promise. It’s not like that. I’m just… tired, mom.

[itsafamilyname]

...I know dear, I know. It... it isn't easy. It might not be for a while.

[8footswordlady]

It might not be ever.

[itsafamilyname]

Nothing lasts forever. For better and for worse.

[8footswordlady]

It's been my whole life. How long did I even have before I was up there, getting... trained... indoctrinated...

I don't know anything but that and running from them.

[itsafamilyname]

...if there's one thing I've learned... life is longer than you expect. There's lots of times to see a different way.

[8footswordlady]

I hope you're right...

[itsafamilyname]

I turned 40 last year and I've lived in almost three different countries at this point. The person I was at your age... I don't know how much we have in common anymore.

But... I suppose I carry her with me, trying to find a better home for her than she had.

There's things you'll hold onto and things you won't. And either way, you'll find something good for it all.

[8footswordlady]

Yeah, but... god, Mom, the last twenty years--how miserable was it for you?

[itsafamilyname]

Well... even if the fae lands were tough... I always had one thing keeping me going. To try and keep the present bright and the future brighter.

[8footswordlady]

The kid they kidnapped and made you raise?

[itsafamilyname]

Like I said. You find ways to make your own present bright. And seeing you grow up, even during times like this...

It means the world to me.