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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[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