Fantasy AUs

[nerdietalk]

Comments

[phoenix_temple]

Someone did help, though I didn’t catch his name.

… I’m not sure he liked me much. I suppose it makes sense. My father was such a large presence, and I can’t… fill that space right now.

[fluidgender]

He acts that way to everybody. You shouldn't take it personal.

[phoenix_temple]

He helped my find the tea things, regardless. So I’ll thankful. That was what was important.

[ She carefully, gracefully pours Ranma’s tea. It’s sweet, warm and comforting, and she adds just a little honey to help her throat. ]

[fluidgender]

[She'll watch the process in something resembling interest.]

Never really understand how people pour that without splashing anything.

[phoenix_temple]

You have to have a steady hand. Father actually taught me. He said it was one of the greatest acts of service—a gift of warmth and rest to serve someone else.

But mama was in the room, so it could have been his way of appeasing her.

[fluidgender]

[She can't hide a laugh at that, and then fails to hide her own surprise that she can laugh given everything.]

Real smooth talker, huh?

[phoenix_temple]

He was. It always got him into trouble, but it got him back out of it, too.

[ Her vision is blurring with tears again. She tries to swallow them. ] My sister took after him like that.

[fluidgender]

...sounds like you did too.

[phoenix_temple]

No, I feel as if I’m only making mistakes here.

[fluidgender]

You've barely been working more than a day. Cut yourself some slack.

[phoenix_temple]

And I’ve already angered your father, failed to protect you, and made a fool of myself by failing the cook’s test. It may be a record!

[fluidgender]

Okay well, 1. everything makes my dad angry, you're not special. You could be wearing a purple dress and he'd find a way to get mad about that. 2. If Chef Bucco hated you, he wouldn't even tell you there was a test you failed. He'd just judge you about it silently.

And 3... I'm pretty alive so far.

[phoenix_temple]

My father could’ve kept him calm, though.

And he hurt you. I’m supposed to stop you from getting hurt.

[fluidgender]

[She tries not to look too doubtful and fails.] I dunno anyone that's really managed it.

Its Pops. Its normal.

[phoenix_temple]

That’s absolutely not normal, Lady Ranma.

[fluidgender]

Its normal when Pops is around. And Pops is everywhere.

[phoenix_temple]

[ She frowns. ]

Well, I’ll have to figure something out.

[fluidgender]

Do ya? I think its better to just hunker down.

[phoenix_temple]

It’s my oath. If I don’t take it seriously, there are dire consequences.

That aside… I don’t like seeing you hurt, my lady or not. And he hurt my father.

[fluidgender]

Its what he does. Everyone else has accepted it, so you gotta too.

[phoenix_temple]

I refuse. The point of a knight is to be just. I won’t let him keep doing it.

[fluidgender]

The point of a knight is to serve the lord. He's the one who decides what's just.

[phoenix_temple]

I keep telling you, my lady. Yours are the only orders I’m duty bound to follow. You are my master, not him. Should you order it, I will obey, like my father before me.

[fluidgender]

You say that, but the lady must obey the lord. So in the end, it doesn't really make much of a difference...

[phoenix_temple]

Then what are your orders for me? Would you like me to let him continue as he has?