realityshifted | great minds against themselves conspire

[Sometimes, it won't all stay locked away. Sometimes the seal can't take the pressure. Sometimes the maze won't keep the monster in. Sometimes the jar cracks apart and all the evils come pouring out into the universe.

Sometimes, you just can't hide the pain you're in.

And Irving Braxiatel can't, though he tries to make it to the forest before he cracks, because that pain is written all over him. Oh, his clothing is as immaculate as ever, his skin is unblemished, not a single hair is out of place. But his bones are all jagged angles, his muscles constricted, and his mouth is sealed tight to try to contain any expression suffering.

Braxiatel covers his face with his hands, presses at his head with his fingertips. He staggers in his walk—sinks to his knees, shaking. His mouth opens—not to scream, but to soundlessly recite ancient equations, one last incantation against something terrible and old. Because if he holds on just a little longer, he can overcome this, he can take back control, he can draw it all in. If he holds it together just a little longer, he can win.]

[And then Braxiatel goes perfectly still. He closes his mouth and, slowly, draws his hands away from his face. He gets one foot out from under him, pulls himself up, stands for a moment in silence. Then he straightens out his suit and looks himself over without a reflection. Braxiatel sighs a breath of relief, for victory and for hard-won control. Slow, steady, his eyes rake over the Plane. No monsters drawn by his faltering. Good.]

Well. That was more trouble than it ought to have been, wasn't it? I'll have to get something for these migraines.

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[She accepts the hand and thus rely upon him for that moment to get to her feet and remain steady as she stands.]

Relevant and whatever may seem irrelevant as well. Even the smallest of details can be important. [Pause.] And what is this about fairy tales?

[and Benny hops up to sit on the now unoccupied stone slab]

You traveled with the Doctor, I'm sure he gave you a mouthful on human stories and legends. This one was a bit of an homage to Sleeping Beauty, I believe. Brax knows more about that than I do. Although, his point of reference was rather archaic. I won't even bother telling you what he first considered an appropriate method from the story.

I almost blush to think about it.

[Braxiatel really dislikes Benny right now.]

It very likely only functioned because it was an ironic result.

For once the Doctor's insistent babbling of that nonsense has been helpful. And life is all about those little ironic twists, isn't it?

Edited 2010-10-25 02:00 (UTC)

I knew he had to be good for something. It figures he's not around to actually see it for himself. Oh well, Brax has always enjoyed irony the best anyway.

Irony and twists. What a winning combination we have today.

My Lady, we have been . . . trapped on the Plane, by unknown means. We have been informed that this imprisonment is the result of a choice and, further, that should we discover the person who made this choice, we can go back to where we belong. So far as I'm aware, you have been asleep since this event began. Leela has her eyesight back - permanently, I should hope - and Narvin was alive, last I spoke to him. [He manages to make that last part sound like such a disappointment] But the Plane itself is not safe, and it's best you not leave the forest unarmed.

[She crosses her arms and, for a moment, she seems to be relieved at the bit of news of her friend.] While I would prefer to know how I came to being asleep for so long there are more pressing matters at hand.

Very little has been safe for me, according to many sources, even before this turn of events and rarely have I carried any sort of means of weaponry. The concern is duly noted but I will be fine.

[she watches all this, taking in Romana's reaction to Brax's clear deference towards her and ~~lust~~ respect for her.]

Well, as long as the concern is duly noted, then it's all just fine. It's refreshing, I'd even say, the way some people show concern for their own despite everything else. Although, after hearing a bit about Brax's parting shot with your lot, I can't say he's ever been returned the favour.

[Braxiatel is a little startled by Benny, and then he frowns at her.]

Bernice. Romana had no choice but to exile me. I was breaking our most sacred and ancient of laws.

[Dealing with two very high maintenance individuals can be tasking, but Braxiatel manages it. He turns his attention to Romana.] And my Lady. You may have a shield, but you are not protected. There are other dangers here and we can't afford to lose you. I must insist that you not leave the forest without accompaniment.

[It seems that he likes his women to be head-strong and stubborn. Which is why, for the moment, she turns to Benny.] I wonder if the exile has done any good for him. Little has been able to keep him from going about things his own way despite whatever laws or rules might have been in place.

And the accompaniment will not be necessary.

[And Benny ignores Brax as well, because it's time for the grownups to talk. She does mentally note his wording and behavior towards Romana, which she will use in the future to torture him mercilessly, but for now, grown up time.]

It certainly hasn't helped make him any less ridiculously loyal, even when it gets him nowhere. [a pause, acquiescing] Laws and rules need not apply in the world of Irving Braxiatel. Goddess help whoever stands in the way of what he views as right.

[Now Braxiatel is irritated: irritated at Bernice defending him, irritated at the pair of them agreeing that he breaks the rules on a whim, and irritated that Romana is going to allow her bloody-mindedness to get her killed. The deference fades away, because Chancellor Braxiatel may be the President's courtier, but Romana was Tutor Braxiatel's student first. He doesn't raise his voice; he doesn't need to. He speaks quietly instead.]

Romanadvoratrelundar, that was not a request. You will not be wandering about the Plane alone. As to my relationship with the law, well. Rules are not a practical guidebook to life. Now, you've been resting for quite some time, and you, Professor Summerfield, have been talking. I'm sure you're both hungry and thirsty. As such, I'd suggest we go to the kitchen and find ourselves something to eat.

Edited 2010-10-25 15:28 (UTC)

[At first, all Romana did in response was raise an eyebrow when he addressed her by her full name. Granted it was something she preferred, considering how often she had made it a point in the past she would rather be a 'Fred' than a 'Romana', but in this instance she was not too particularly thrilled by it. But instead of reacting she remained indifferent and shrugged her shoulders. It was a very ~~Presidential~~ ~~Imperiatrix-y~~ classy shrug too.]

You know, the two of you really are more than alike than either of you will admit. [She'll leave who she meant by it up to interpretation of course, because it's just more fun that way.] However, I will pass because I haven't any need for food or drink. And, contrary to what you may think, I am capable of not stumbling into trouble.

[Benny raises an eyebrow at Brax's 'Tutor' voice, especially considering the tonal shift.]

What the hell does me talking have to do with anything?

[she turns her attention to Romana, narrowing her eyes in both question and annoyance, as she crosses her arms over her chest]

The two of who exactly?

[Something about Romana is starting to worry Braxiatel, but he tucks it away for now]

Shall I leave you two alone and come back later with disinfectant for the scratches?

great minds against themselves conspire

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... she seems more stubborn than usual because of all this /lulz

...and this one seems more pushy and obstinate because of all this. poor Brax

screw this, he's running off to live with Ice Warriors