APPOINTMENTS POST

[ledbythewind]

This post can be used to thread with or get in contact with Richard at any point when he doesn't have a post up! Just comment here (please use the format [Action, June 24th], [Voice, March 5th], etc. to make it clear when the thread is taking place and what type of thread it is) for a thread with him; if it's a continuation of another thread or post, please link that so I remember the context of the thread.

GO NUTS.

Comments

[ledbythewind]

(OOC: From here)

[Richard just stares at that image for a moment, silent. He remembers that day on the draft-- how Isamu had charged those Shift Hunters to protect him despite the risk to himself.

But that's what the two of them have always done, haven't they? They've always protected him, even if it meant risking injury or worse. They didn't have anything to gain from doing that, because his status means nothing here in Luceti.

In his mind, Twila hisses and recoils, infuriated. This isn't how it's supposed to go! He isn't supposed to be questioning her or fighting back like this, yet here he is, wondering if his friends might not be right.

Just the fact that he's having second thoughts about all of this is proof enough that her hold over him is faltering.]

[musubi]

[There's a hopeful look in Isamu's eyes. Richard is hesitating. That's a good thing.

Once again, he holds out his arms. He looks to Asbel as well. Help him out here, man.]

[drawnbythesword]

[Asbel nods as Isamu, and follows his lead, holding his arms out.]

[ledbythewind]

[And Richard takes a step towards them... only to stop, a wicked smile spreading across his face.]

Do you think you can save me? Make me your "project"? Put me back together again?

[musubi]

You're being stupid again.

[He doesn't like talking. Why are you doing this?]

You know I'm too lazy for "projects". [Only a half-truth, but still.]

I just want my friend.

[drawnbythesword]

I couldn't have said it better myself. [Both the stupid part and the friend part.]

We both want our friend.

[ledbythewind]

[... they aren't leaving. Neither one of them is leaving. Why aren't they abandoning him?]

... why?

[Twila can't understand this. They aren't supposed to be reacting like this.]

[musubi]

[A determined look is all Isamu can give Richard now.

The king knows why.

He knows.]

[drawnbythesword]

[Asbel shakes his head at Richard.]

You know why. Look in your heart, Richard. Look at the times we've had... the feelings we've shared. You keep talking about how you're just being used, but... Can you honestly, truly say, in your personal opinion, that none of that was real to you? That it was all just some ploy?

[ledbythewind]

It felt real.

[It did. It really, really did. Some of the happiest times of his life are the ones he's spent with them. But what terrifies him most is the thought that those times might not have meant as much to them as they did to him.

It's a fear that's echoed by Twila within his consciousness.]

Was it just as real to you?

[musubi]

[Isamu nods, expression serious.

Of course it was. He wouldn't still be sticking with them if it wasn't.]

[drawnbythesword]

[Asbel nods in tandem with Isamu.]

...Every second of it. Both the good times and the bad times... They were all real to me.

[ledbythewind]

... she doesn't believe that. But... I want to believe that you mean what you say. You could have just walked away rather than staying here to argue with me.

[musubi]

[Nodding emphatically, Isamu stretches his wings out briefly as a reminder - this isn't exactly easy for someone influenced by Hyt.]

[drawnbythesword]

Richard. What matters is what you think here. What do you believe right now?

[ledbythewind]

[There's a long silence while Richard argues this out with Twila in his mind. He's been here in this position before with Lambda, but this is different. That experience proved to him that they aren't like everyone else. And most importantly of all, he's not going to allow himself to be taken over a second time.

When he speaks again, he isn't addressing Asbel and Isamu.]

I'm sorry, Twila. I can't be what you want me to be. I can't turn my back on my friends. I won't-- not again.

[musubi]

[A relieved look washes over Isamu's face. He almost steps up to try and hug Richard again, but the king still needs to get through this.]

[drawnbythesword]

[By now, Asbel's starting to really see the parallels here between Twila and Lambda.]

...Maybe it doesn't have to be that way, Richard. She wants you to see things the way she does. But maybe instead you should show her not everyone is the same instead.

[ledbythewind]

The way you did with Lambda, you mean?

[Asbel isn't the only one noticing the parallels here. It's just like with Lambda, only this time, Richard isn't going to give in. He can't, for their sake.]

I want to, but... I don't know if I'm strong enough. I'm not like you, Asbel. You know that.

[musubi]

[Isamu can only look between them.

This was an experience they shared that he'd had no part in.]

[drawnbythesword]

It's true, Richard. You aren't like me. [He shakes his head after that statement.]

...But that doesn't mean you're weak. You've done incredible things in your life.

[ledbythewind]

Will the two of you help me?

[Maybe he can't do it alone, but Asbel and Isamu have always given him strength.]

[musubi]

[Isamu nods.

Of course he will. He'll do the very best he can, whatever that might be.]

[drawnbythesword]

Of course. [Asbel nods as well.]

You don't even need to ask.

[ledbythewind]

Then I suppose all I need now is for Twila to trust us.

[He's really, really hoping that she will; he's just not sure how to show her that they all mean what they say.]