love, death and robots

// now I've been crazy, couldn't you tell? //

Fully expecting that very condemnation in addition to scorn for daring to voice an unpopular opinion, Maea had braced to weather a storm. But again Flora surprised her, and the wind left her sails in a huff of breath, too relieved to go unnoticed. It was fine if the queen disagreed. The fact that they were still talking like sensible, rational adults made all the difference, and actually shook the stubborn little woman into listening more closely than she otherwise might have.

It didn't mean she liked what she was hearing. The bluntness was welcome yet still stung, just like the sad truth that the best she could do for anyone was keep chasing miracles and hope that luck or providence hadn't abandoned her yet. Her hands clenched and unclenched as she wrestled with ego, hopes, dreams, ridiculous amounts of pride and the genuine care she did feel for the forest, the fae and all the folks she'd met during her limited stay. And in the end, they won out. There was painful regret in the long sigh she let out, and her shoulders sagged like all energy spent on keeping the spine erect had leached away.

"The only thing I've ever wanted to prove is that I can be of use," Maea said quietly. "It wasn't actually my intention to lead at all – I thought Liam might be a good fit – though when he asked me to help... But you're right. Neither of us are strong enough alone, and if my presence would prevent this region from receiving the support it needs... I won't do anything to endanger it." Looking out over the water where lanterns and starlight reflected in the deepening dark, it was only too easy to picture what fire would do to the trees and the village. Or void. Or simply the ruthless massacre of its people.

"But if the Family was gone... if I wasn't alone anymore, and I somehow learned to be more diplomatic...?" If somehow they defeated this invading force and times became better... could she allow herself to dream of the magic this land had the potential of growing into? It wasn't to ask permission that she looked at Flora. If anything, it was in search of hope - just a sliver - that there would be an 'after' to keep striving for at all.

Maea

// I threw stones at the stars but the whole sky fell //

flora

Flora's expression softens a fraction as she watches Maea deflate, the stubborn lines of tension easing from the Ancient's posture as something brittle and defensive finally gives way. The queen’s own fingers relax against the bar, her stance shifting subtly, no longer poised to counter an argument but now simply to listen. "I know," Flora murmurs quietly at Maea's admission, her voice gentle but unflinching. "Wanting to prove you're useful, that you matter—it’s something most people want, I think. Gods know I’ve spent enough years chasing that feeling myself." Her lips quirk faintly, self-deprecating, a hint of something vulnerable flickering in the steady aqua of her gaze.

As Maea looks out across the water, Flora follows her stare, the reflected lights bobbing gently on the dark ripples. "It doesn’t mean it’s impossible," Flora says finally, thoughtful, the words carefully chosen. "Just that it has to be the right time. With the right people."

She turns her gaze back toward Maea then, studying her carefully. "If the Family is ever gone—and gods, I hope they will be—and if you can build trust and allies, mend fences... then yeah. Maybe you and Liam could make something really good here. Something special." Her voice softens further. "But you can't force the world into changing overnight. Trust me, I’ve tried." Her mouth curves into a wry, almost wistful smile. "It’s exhausting, and it never works."

Flora shrugs gently, her tone shifting lighter again, trying to offer at least a fragment of the hope she sees Maea searching for. "And who knows? Maybe after all this, the world will be ready for someone who wants to build bridges instead of burning them down."

We need love, But all we want is danger
We team up, Then switch sides like a record changer

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

// now I've been crazy, couldn't you tell? //

'Maybe some other time' was small comfort, not the kind of thing a passionate dreamer wanted to hear, but as it wasn't a flat no, it would have to do. And somewhere deep down, past stubbornness and the insistent need to try before giving up, Maea was almost relieved. If she doubted her own ability now, nothing good could come of it. There were so many things she needed to do - train and heal and retrieve her companion and find some way to make peace with who and what she had become - and now, even though it stung to admit it, she had no excuse to postpone it.

Signaling for the bartender to make her a refill, she let the change of plans - the third one, in almost as many weeks - sink in along with Flora's words. "To slow change, then, and an end to the invasion." Her smile had a bleak look about it, but given enough time the pale-faced ancient was sure to bounce back even from this setback. "Want a refill? Suddenly I feel like drowning a few sorrows." And tomorrow after the hangover had settled, she'd have to start job hunting for real. Since Guardian was no longer on the table, and she still had to make a living while chasing those bloody roses... A sigh escaped her, morose yet almost exaggerated  - "It's ironic how often I'm forced to change my plans, given how little I care for it," she commented, a wry smile tugging on the corner of her mouth.

Maea

// I threw stones at the stars but the whole sky fell //

flora

Flora’s smirk returns at the offer, flickering with a mischievous edge that helps shoo away some of the earlier heaviness. "Gods, absolutely," she says, pushing her empty glass a little closer to the edge of the bar with a satisfying clink. "If we’re shelving major life plans, we might as well do it with something strong in our hands."

When the bartender returns with their drinks, Flora plucks hers up and leans one elbow on the bar, angling herself slightly toward Maea. "Alright, let me show you my favourite people watching game," she begins, tone suddenly conspiratorial as she tips her glass toward a man slumped at the far end of the room, already half-asleep over his beer. "That guy? Definitely a failed pirate. Tried to start a mutiny over rum rations, ended up marooned, now he haunts this bar trying to recruit a new crew."

Her eyes twinkle over the rim of her drink before shifting to another patron—a middle-aged woman in a thick green coat, gesturing passionately at her drink while her companion looks increasingly alarmed. "And her? Used to be a master poisoner for a secret cult, but fell in love with the guy she was supposed to kill and now sells novelty mugs with veiled threats on them."

Turning back to Maea with a grin, she raises her glass in a toast. "To changing plans, drowning sorrows, and making up better lives for strangers than they probably deserve."

~FIN

We need love, But all we want is danger
We team up, Then switch sides like a record changer

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!