2nd Duty

[immovable]

[This is a garden we're all in, right? Full of flowers and whimsy and allergies and all that fun stuff. So instead of talking about loyalty or royalty or swinging a sword today, Agrias has taken it upon herself to become acquainted with all the different kinds of flowers that grow around here. Gosh, there sure are a lot to choose from.

She sits near the vine with a huge collection of violets, carefully turning them into garlands, a small pile of them beginning to form next to her. There's no end in sight to her pile, diligently working as she hums just a bit, eyes looking down and focused hard on her task.

As she works, she starts to talk, to everybody and nobody, clearing her mind and trying to push recent events out of her mind.]

I do not remember the last time there was peace long enough that I could selfishly indulge in such pastimes. A knight is all well and good to fight and die and to keep their blade keen, but they must also take care not to let their mind fill so much on it it naught has room for the finer points of chivalry.

[A small sigh as she twirls one of the garlands on her finger, trying hard to fight back a smile and finding herself failing to.]

...I suppose I ought to be thankful for at least this one small happiness I have been granted since arriving here.

Comments

[ofnovalue]

... My, those certainly bring back memories...

[immovable]

[Agrias turns and shares her wide smile with her liege, bowing a bit and nodding, her tone almost nostalgic.]

Of more peaceful days outside the church grounds, overseeing Alicia and Lavian train on warmer days.

[ofnovalue]

Indeed... Simpler times of which our place here in the gardens is reminiscent of, don't you agree?

[immovable]

It really is the first time I have allowed myself to just sit down and explore since our arrival; habits left me high strung and paranoid, on the lookout for god only knows. I had almost forgotten myself or that such days can exist.

[She fiddles with the garland she's currently working on, hrming a bit as she finishes it up]

[ofnovalue]

I would be happy to remind you more often, Agrias.

[immovable]

I think that would be most appreciated, milady.

[She hrms a bit, picking up one of the garlands and twirling it around her finger again.]

My liege, would you sit with me?

[ofnovalue]

Twould be my honor. -Agrias gives a small bow before slowly lowering herself down, scooting a bit close to the knight.-

[immovable]

[The poor knight gets all blushy and nervous, gently placing the garland atop Ovelia's head and adjusting it as needed, trying her best to look cool as she does.]

It suits you perfectly, if I do say so myself.

[ofnovalue]

Mm... -She's blushing a bit herself.- I'm a bit older than I was last time you made one of these for me... More woman than child.

[immovable]

[She continues to adjust it so it's at the right angle, gently brushing your hair and shoulders off]

Was the war that long? I was so preoccupied fighting it may have just flashed me by.

[ofnovalue]

... Perhaps for what it lacked in length... It made up for in gravity.

[immovable]

[She places a hand on Ovelia's head and strokes her hair slowly]

I am sorry I lost track of you in it, but praise the angels we made it back to each other despite it all. It should never have come down to this, but I promise you now, I will keep this peace we have found.

[ofnovalue]

... I will not know the peace you fought for in our homeland, I'm afraid.

[immovable]

[A sudden wave of dread washes over the knight. Call it instinct, but something about your tone sets her on the defensive.]

....Speak, then. What happened whilst I journeyed underground?

[ofnovalue]

-After a long pause, Ovelia moved her hands to the ties of her gown, loosening them and allowing the top of her dress to slack.-

[immovable]

[Agrias stares for a good short while. She sees nothing more than proof of ultimate failure. She should have been there. She should have taken it. Instead, she left her to rot. Unsafe. Her duty unfulfilled.

At first she just pulls her in and holds. After a while, she breaks the silence with but a few simple words.]

I...I am sorry.

[ofnovalue]

-Ovelia shook her head slowly, sniffling back tears.-

You cannot blame yourself for this. I was a fool... I thought he truly loved me, but in the end, he still made me a pawn... I died free.

[immovable]

[It's all she can do is hold her close so she sees not tears beginning to stream down her own face. She mustn't show weakness now, but how can she not when she feels at her lowest.

Her voice shakes a bit.]

One should not have to pay that price for freedom. It should have been me, if anyone, or him. You were born for greater, regardless of rank.

[ofnovalue]

Agrias, please... -She speaks through her tears.- Stop... Tis too late for that sort of talk...