Fatherly Talks (L 1.7)

May 4, 2023 2:58 pm

Plover

When you tell her you don't hate Jackdaw, you can sense she doesn't quite believe you. She takes some comfort in your assurances that you would have avenged her against the Rafters. But when you tell her you've hurt her, it breaks the last semblance of resolve she had clutched onto. Her shoulders slump and she lets out a whimper, dropping her chin to hide the tears. "N-no, of course not," she whispers fervently, lying about her fears.

What do you do?

May 4, 2023 4:09 pm

I read her breakdown as a sign of shame and guilt. She says she's not afraid, so I believe her. I let her go and walk into the kitchen to grab a peeler of my own and set to work beside her, efficiently stripping the skin away in long strips. We work together in silence for a few minutes before I quietly fracture the stillness. "I suppose it's not fair for me to stand in judgment over you, Plover. I...too have had to make the anguishing decision to snuff out a young life." I hint at the shared experience, but don't elaborate. "It's a heavy burden I will carry the rest of my days. Would that you didn't have to carry your own." Three potatoes later, I continue. "How long ago did this happen?"

OOC:

I'm interpreting that Plover lying about her fears is what we the audience know, even if Litch misinterprets it. If it's something he would pick up on as well, I'll adjust the language.

Plover

May 4, 2023 9:02 pm

Plover

Plover calms down and takes comfort in the practiced motion of working under your direction. When you ask how long ago it happened, she stiffens, but answers quickly, "I, uh, I don't know when I got... you know. But I took care of it two weeks ago. Drank something I got from Vivel Gleaming for it." She mentions Vivel, a prominent member of the Fountaineers.

OOC:

That interpretation is interesting to me - I like the dichotomy of what we know vs. what Litch does.

May 4, 2023 9:10 pm

"Only two weeks? My dear..." I set the utensil down and turn to her. "My dear, I've...I've been too harsh. I've taken out my own fear and guilt on you. I..." I jumped to my own conclusions before I had the facts. Perhaps Javan is right and I'm not immune to witheld secrets. "I was wrong, Plover."

Plover

May 4, 2023 9:12 pm

Plover

Plover is stunned to silence by your admission. She stops moving like there is a second half coming - more for you to say. When you let the silence grow, she realizes she has to respond, so she stammers out, "It's-it's fine. I messed up. I won't do it again."

May 5, 2023 1:07 am

When she promises to not mess up a second time, I'm not quite sure to what exactly she's referring. She looks utterly sincere and forlorn. "Aye, Plo. I believe you. But sometimes things are outside of our control. If it does happen again, come talk to me first, alright?"

With the tubers peeled and ready, I grab a ragged cloth and and start to clean up. I decide that it's time to switch topics. We both could use a change to something lighter. "So I've heard one of my daughters fancies Mister Sterling. What do you think of him? Think he'd be a good addition to the fold?"

Last edited May 5, 2023 1:07 am

Plover

May 5, 2023 1:37 am

Plover

Plover nods quickly when you ask her to talk to you first. You reveal the information about "one of your daughters" and she quickly flips from defensive to surprised - she didn't know Zephyr was interested. She presses her lips together before answering, "I don't know anything about him. If he's willing to pitch in and stays out of our way, that's... okay with me. But really it's up to you and our moms."

May 5, 2023 2:53 pm

"That it is." Is all I say in response. I imagine Edmund would certainly be willing to pitch in, but I doubt that he would stay out of the way. He's a bit of an odd bird, with his high-minded ideals that seem so out of place in our current society. Maybe that's what I like best about him. Someone who can look to both the past and the future and mine it for inspiration.

"Speaking of Mister Sterling, do you know where I can find him?"

Plover

May 8, 2023 2:56 am

Plover

"He went off with Shrike after they brought by some food for tonight. Not sure where they went." Plover busies herself with some more food prep, adding, "I'm sure he isn't far. I can handle the rest of this."

MC

May 8, 2023 2:57 am

You head off to find Edmund and spot Minstrel flying from outside. You follow the bird to the bathroom and find Edmund there getting a shave from Zephyr. Please go here.

MC

May 9, 2023 11:34 am