Of our number, maybe not. But the people in this place aren't all convinced of their king's right to his crown, and the more understanding we have between ourselves the less likelihood of misinformation being used to turn an internal tide.
[ Oh. Confidence is easy to portray when you've lived your life with it, when more recently an air of certainty in your own decisions is all that's got you and others through some of the stickier situations you've found yourself in. But as the truth of it so often is - betrayed by that total failure to recognise what Wrathion had been referring to, blocking it out and latching onto something else entirely - he's terrified. He knows exactly what he's capable of, and to have that power in somebody else's hands...
For a moment it looks as though he might bristle, come back with a retort. Then the wind goes out of his sails and his shoulders sag a little. The concern is fair, and the reality is this: ]
I've heard a frying pan helps. [ Wry, but it's earnest too: he'll put himself out of the running with steeper measures than that if he starts to suspect Rathakku's trying for him again. Failing that... ] And I have an associate who's agreed to handle me if I become a problem.
[ 'Associate'. That's one word for Wanda, found in a pinch. ]
If it happens, I won't make it out of this castle.
[ A pause, a hesitation -- Wrathion and Strange have something in common here. They'd both much rather entirely ignore the things that frighten them, and move on from them once they're over. Still, after a moment he allows this much: ]
This one has no power over me, but a previous member of their family did. When the risk came, I moved myself as far out of range as I could and made sure a limited number of people knew where I secured myself. I managed to stay clear, but if I hadn't I'd have been in a similarly explosive situation to you.
[ He's quiet for a moment, contemplating the kindness that's just been extended to him. Finally a nod, silent gratitude and comprehension in one. ]
If it weren't for Irenia I'd try for the same. As it is... [ As it is, he hopes for the best and prepares for the worst, jumping at shadows and rumours in the meantime. The change of subject is marked by only the slightest pause, and then he leaves their moment of sharing behind them and brings them back full circle to the point. A little more honest this time. ] Deimar won't help himself. Until we have a confirmed reason to doubt him, I want to do what I can to keep us off his plate.
[ Stephen's already very much made himself Deimar's problem, and been granted more forgiveness than he's earned. The bottom line of that is that it serves the crown better to have their new heroes remain heroic - but he's still been spared consequences that were his to bear, through no small effort from the king. It's only fair he reimburse some of that investment if he can. ]
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[ Strange is all confidence, but Wrathion isn't sure confidence will stop their undead lord claiming him again if he desires to. ]
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For a moment it looks as though he might bristle, come back with a retort. Then the wind goes out of his sails and his shoulders sag a little. The concern is fair, and the reality is this: ]
I've heard a frying pan helps. [ Wry, but it's earnest too: he'll put himself out of the running with steeper measures than that if he starts to suspect Rathakku's trying for him again. Failing that... ] And I have an associate who's agreed to handle me if I become a problem.
[ 'Associate'. That's one word for Wanda, found in a pinch. ]
If it happens, I won't make it out of this castle.
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[ A pause, a hesitation -- Wrathion and Strange have something in common here. They'd both much rather entirely ignore the things that frighten them, and move on from them once they're over. Still, after a moment he allows this much: ]
This one has no power over me, but a previous member of their family did. When the risk came, I moved myself as far out of range as I could and made sure a limited number of people knew where I secured myself. I managed to stay clear, but if I hadn't I'd have been in a similarly explosive situation to you.
[ So, in a round about manner: he understands. ]
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If it weren't for Irenia I'd try for the same. As it is... [ As it is, he hopes for the best and prepares for the worst, jumping at shadows and rumours in the meantime. The change of subject is marked by only the slightest pause, and then he leaves their moment of sharing behind them and brings them back full circle to the point. A little more honest this time. ] Deimar won't help himself. Until we have a confirmed reason to doubt him, I want to do what I can to keep us off his plate.
[ Stephen's already very much made himself Deimar's problem, and been granted more forgiveness than he's earned. The bottom line of that is that it serves the crown better to have their new heroes remain heroic - but he's still been spared consequences that were his to bear, through no small effort from the king. It's only fair he reimburse some of that investment if he can. ]
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I hope your faith in Deimar is rewarded.
[ And, on the same note, Wrathion hopes all of them don't find themselves subject to any more unpleasantness than the usual. ]