Fantasy AUs

[nerdietalk]

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[phoenix_temple]

Did my father? I’m certain Lord Saotome must have done far worse to him.

[fluidgender]

I have no way of knowing. He probably wouldn't want anyone to worry.

[...The idea that he would magically not be stressed out or mentally unwell from being forced to stay awake for hours on end might actually be more terrifying to her, in an odd way.]

[phoenix_temple]

The curse allows us to do whatever it takes to protect our lieges.

My father’s journals make it seem as if your family never much saw us as people. I wonder if it would be better if you didn’t either.

[fluidgender]

I don't want to do that. [Firmly.]

[phoenix_temple]

He said his father was used for soldiers to take their anger out on. I… never knew before. Or that the Saotome family arranged his marriage to mother.

If you’ll do that sort of thing, I won’t complain. But I’d rather it start now so I can be used to it.

[fluidgender]

And I don't want to do that. I don't want soldiers to attack you. I don't want soldiers to attack anyone. And them attacking your father...

...I don't know what I'll do about that yet. [But there's a tone in her voice that she really wants to do something to soldiers that would do something like that.]

[phoenix_temple]

[ Fuu watches her nervously. ]

… You can still get hurt. Whatever you do… send me instead.

[fluidgender]

[She grits her teeth... but tries to relax, lying down on her back now.] I don't even know where to begin. Its a lot to figure out at once.

And I'm not even the one in your shoes.

[phoenix_temple]

You have a lot of things you’re just learning about now. I’ve been training my whole life… it’s natural to be a little nervous or uneasy.

You also lost someone you cared about and he’s been replaced with a stranger.

[fluidgender]

Training doesn't change how rough a deal it must be for you too.

...I didn't get to go to the funeral. Pops said I'd make a scene or something. I don't know if there were different ceremonies in different places but...

[She's sorry if she could've seen Fuu there and missed here.]

[phoenix_temple]

[ Honestly Fuu is a little relieved knowing that. She couldn’t keep it together at the funeral.

She wailed at her father’s death. ]

… It was uneventful. We laid him to rest beside his father. I’ll be beside him someday too. I just hope he’s not lonely.

[fluidgender]

[That's loaded. She opens her mouth but-

There's a knock and the door opens up with one of the staff + a big meal prepped by Bucco. Lots of meats and fruits and cheeses, a heavy looking platter all in all. One person definitely couldn't finish it all.]

[phoenix_temple]

[ Fuu scrambles upright, offering to help before ranma can tell her not to. ]

[fluidgender]

[The servant girl looks perturbed as she sets out the spread. She hadn't heard about Fuu and she's a little flustered at the potential of someone showing her up. But the food is set out soon enough and she makes her leave just as quickly.

Ranma raises a mild eyebrow but doesn't verbally comment. Yet.]

[phoenix_temple]

[ Fuu is just very quiet, making sure to do as the girl tells her.

She waits for ranma then, before she does anything else. ]

[fluidgender]

...Well, grab a plate. No use letting it go cold. [She grabs a plate herself, picking at different things that'll serve as her first proper meal.]

[phoenix_temple]

[ Fuu wonders if she’s being tested again… but after ranma grabs her share, she’ll also take something. ]

Thank you, my lady.

[fluidgender]

[She plops a squat on the bed, eating carefully. She'll just start to ask more questions honestly. Fuu's life before. Favorite foods. Favorite hobbies. Other personal details.]

[phoenix_temple]

[ Fuu is uneasy at first. But she’ll start to open up a little, and ask questions about Ranma’s life too.

Ranma will learn quickly that Fuu is a good egg. A weird egg. But a good one. ]

[fluidgender]

[Its a conversation she seems to enjoy! Especially considering how daunting the start of their relationship has been.

Ranma is fairly grounded for having grown up entirely in wealth. Traces of arrogance certainly, but she's pretty approachable and aware of the power weirdness for someone who's lived in it her entire life.]

[phoenix_temple]

Maybe now that I’m with you, the other staff will give you more space to explore. You’ll be well protected.

[fluidgender]

And maybe they'll start giving you the time of day too, once they recognize you're here to stay.

[phoenix_temple]

It’s all right. I will need to earn their respect.

[fluidgender]

Or they could trying choosing to be nice instead of not nice.

[phoenix_temple]

It seems cruelty is a survival instinct here. Especially since your father dislikes me.