Fantasy AUs

[nerdietalk]

Comments

[lowres]

[ Nia is bright and energetic as well. She’s been following people around trying to help, but she drops everything when she sees Ranma.

she’s so happy to see them. ]

Your majesty, are you feeling well? You’ve just returned, shouldn’t you be recovering?

[fluidgender]

I'm exhausted. I'm sure many are. I imagine you are.

[lowres]

Then it’s important you rest! It’s a long journey from the north…

[fluidgender]

You'll have to convince my wife of the same facts. I guess... you've never met her?

[lowres]

I did! The princess asked me to watch over her while she was in the capitol. I’m… sorry I did not do a very good job.

I’m glad she’s home. Everyone was very worried for her.

[fluidgender]

Who could do a good job under the circumstances? It'd have taken a whole army and that would've just made more problems.

You don't need to take on blame.

[lowres]

It would have been most difficult since I was here, after all…

But you really should rest and recover, your majesty.

[fluidgender]

Ah, I'm working on it. I can't let my legs atrophy either and sleeping for over ten hours already... it's indulgent.

And I'm more curious about you and Kaori. How things have been while I was gone...

[lowres]

The healers helped the princess heal well from her injuries. I made sure she was eating and sleeping well.

She must be ecstatic you’re home.

[fluidgender]

I'm beyond relieved. Her safety... it means the world.

And... yourself? I know things were... very scary for you as I left the capitol.

[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.