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scarf might be pushing it
he likes to fly as close to fire as he can get. last time he almost fell into the fireplace
( a little like brushing her wings up against the edges of this conversation, if she's honest. icarus longed for melted wings; alina flinches from the risk of venturing into dangerous territory. )
oh. good
i don't think we'll have to worry about dust ever again, after all this
caroline volunteered to clean for me. i think she likes doing it
or she's gone a bit mad. either feels possible at this point
he likes to fly as close to fire as he can get. last time he almost fell into the fireplace
( a little like brushing her wings up against the edges of this conversation, if she's honest. icarus longed for melted wings; alina flinches from the risk of venturing into dangerous territory. )
oh. good
i don't think we'll have to worry about dust ever again, after all this
caroline volunteered to clean for me. i think she likes doing it
or she's gone a bit mad. either feels possible at this point
Eya fyela chi, milaya. Kei onolich yash?
( i love you, sweet girl. will you marry me? he's learned the important parts. )
They wouldn't consider you a person?
You know, we have tools and tests for questioning the humanity of a person. I have a feeling they aren't so thorough.
Well. My father was Leto, and you are the sun and stag. It does feel circular, but then, I always knew you and I were made for each other, as siblings and more. If we two are twins, I see you as Apollo, and me your Artemis.
I think it's powerful, and far better than the stories of my ancestors. Have you read the tale of Agamemnon?
( i love you, sweet girl. will you marry me? he's learned the important parts. )
They wouldn't consider you a person?
You know, we have tools and tests for questioning the humanity of a person. I have a feeling they aren't so thorough.
Well. My father was Leto, and you are the sun and stag. It does feel circular, but then, I always knew you and I were made for each other, as siblings and more. If we two are twins, I see you as Apollo, and me your Artemis.
I think it's powerful, and far better than the stories of my ancestors. Have you read the tale of Agamemnon?
Don't tell me you hit your head and forgot we're already married, umnitsa.
That means "good, clever boy" before you ask. What will you choose for your reward?
( she is, genuinely, a little proud — which is a good antidote against the impulse to upheave from withdrawal and the question of grisha humanity, both. )
You won't find many countries that consider Grisha people.
To Ravka, we're weapons. To Fjerda, we're abominations. To my mother's country, we're bodies for their experiments.
Only Novyi Zem considers us equal. Only the Zemeni treat our power as something pure, something our own.
Why would your world need a test, anyway? Isn't EVERYONE human? Even the ones who pretend otherwise.
( aleksander, especially, but it's been easier to replace the sourness of his name on her tongue with a sweeter life, here. )
Always? You couldn't have always known. You were preoccupied with not getting yourself stabbed.
But no, I haven't had the chance to. I could add it to my assignments, Professor Atreides.
That means "good, clever boy" before you ask. What will you choose for your reward?
( she is, genuinely, a little proud — which is a good antidote against the impulse to upheave from withdrawal and the question of grisha humanity, both. )
You won't find many countries that consider Grisha people.
To Ravka, we're weapons. To Fjerda, we're abominations. To my mother's country, we're bodies for their experiments.
Only Novyi Zem considers us equal. Only the Zemeni treat our power as something pure, something our own.
Why would your world need a test, anyway? Isn't EVERYONE human? Even the ones who pretend otherwise.
( aleksander, especially, but it's been easier to replace the sourness of his name on her tongue with a sweeter life, here. )
Always? You couldn't have always known. You were preoccupied with not getting yourself stabbed.
But no, I haven't had the chance to. I could add it to my assignments, Professor Atreides.
You should marry me again, I think. You should marry me once a week.
Can I tell you in person?
What is the name of your mother's country?
And — would you go to Novyi Zem? If you could?
Long before my lifetime, there was a great uprising of machines who were programmed to do the thinking for humans. To make a really long story short, the Jihad was enacted to exterminate all thinking technology and robots, though the revolt left a lot of deep scar tissue on humanity, who basically adopted this hard anti-computer and machine aspect of the shared religion.
So, inheritors of great power get tested to make sure they're still human, and not a robot. I was tested. It was awful, actually.
You act like the stabbing wasn't what initially endeared you to me.
It's not a very good story, but Agamemnon is the son of Atreus, which is where our last name comes from.
Can I tell you in person?
What is the name of your mother's country?
And — would you go to Novyi Zem? If you could?
Long before my lifetime, there was a great uprising of machines who were programmed to do the thinking for humans. To make a really long story short, the Jihad was enacted to exterminate all thinking technology and robots, though the revolt left a lot of deep scar tissue on humanity, who basically adopted this hard anti-computer and machine aspect of the shared religion.
So, inheritors of great power get tested to make sure they're still human, and not a robot. I was tested. It was awful, actually.
You act like the stabbing wasn't what initially endeared you to me.
It's not a very good story, but Agamemnon is the son of Atreus, which is where our last name comes from.
Wouldn't the novelty wear off for you after the third week?
You could, I suppose, even if it's rude manners to keep your wife in suspense.
Shu Han. The other country Ravka is perpetually at war with. It's a homeland ruled by women, for once.
I've been to Novyi Zem before, for a time. But I still had to hide. I might be Grisha, but I'm not
Well, I'm not Grisha to the others. Not in the same way. Power tends to separate you.
And men who would use your power to elevate you — and themselves — above all others don't help matters.
That sounds more like an excuse to use history to punish anyone they fear.
They do that for Grisha, too. Test children for power and potential, and then send them away.
You're very human to me, Paul Atreides. For what it's worth. I don't need a test to determine that.
Your name comes from an ancient story, and you had the nerve to say mine was better?
You could, I suppose, even if it's rude manners to keep your wife in suspense.
Shu Han. The other country Ravka is perpetually at war with. It's a homeland ruled by women, for once.
I've been to Novyi Zem before, for a time. But I still had to hide. I might be Grisha, but I'm not
Well, I'm not Grisha to the others. Not in the same way. Power tends to separate you.
And men who would use your power to elevate you — and themselves — above all others don't help matters.
That sounds more like an excuse to use history to punish anyone they fear.
They do that for Grisha, too. Test children for power and potential, and then send them away.
You're very human to me, Paul Atreides. For what it's worth. I don't need a test to determine that.
Your name comes from an ancient story, and you had the nerve to say mine was better?
Mmmm. Maybe a little jacket, then. Something made out of wool, to keep him warm outside, while his tea keeps him warm inside.
Do we have anyone working who can sew?
[Tiptoeing, tiptoeing like their last conversations hadn't happened, like the night in Alia's room was a bad dream, a sour memory, too much wine with dinner, too many hours spent gazing at the wintry sky. Back to normal, that's what Alina wants, Paul had said. Alia wants what Alina wants.]
Did she? She's very kind that way.
She told me all about what happened in my books, you know.
Is she going to come work for [us] you?
Do we have anyone working who can sew?
[Tiptoeing, tiptoeing like their last conversations hadn't happened, like the night in Alia's room was a bad dream, a sour memory, too much wine with dinner, too many hours spent gazing at the wintry sky. Back to normal, that's what Alina wants, Paul had said. Alia wants what Alina wants.]
Did she? She's very kind that way.
She told me all about what happened in my books, you know.
Is she going to come work for [us] you?
yes
me
( as if she's in any condition. her stomach churns freshly anew to reflect on caroline at all — her judgment hadn't felt so helpful to alina, in the throes of resculpt's delirium. it sticks like a burr in the back of her brain, hardly caroline's fault in their mutual states, but the thorn lodges deep all the same. )
that sounds like caroline. she likes to be helpful
if she wants to, i'm not going to say no. paul will lose his mind without the help if kettlewing keeps spilling himself
me
( as if she's in any condition. her stomach churns freshly anew to reflect on caroline at all — her judgment hadn't felt so helpful to alina, in the throes of resculpt's delirium. it sticks like a burr in the back of her brain, hardly caroline's fault in their mutual states, but the thorn lodges deep all the same. )
that sounds like caroline. she likes to be helpful
if she wants to, i'm not going to say no. paul will lose his mind without the help if kettlewing keeps spilling himself
When you're better. [Firmly, like this is a cold or a flu, a bug that'll worm it's way through and eventually out of Alina, that'll pass away with enough rest and citrus and hot tea.]
I can help.
I can learn.
I can be better at it. [It comes out too quick, and Alia knows it, tries to grab for the shreds of her composure, tries to keep from prostrating herself like a penitent, begging for forgiveness.]
I think the boys might unionize to overthrow me if I don't learn to do SOMETHING useful.
I can help.
I can learn.
I can be better at it. [It comes out too quick, and Alia knows it, tries to grab for the shreds of her composure, tries to keep from prostrating herself like a penitent, begging for forgiveness.]
I think the boys might unionize to overthrow me if I don't learn to do SOMETHING useful.
( better. as if some version of herself hadn't been striving obsessively, hopelessly, to meet that criteria. she flinches from the word, how it knocks on her brain, inviting the reminder back in. )
at cleaning????? you don't like to clean
nick and hyunsu are too nice to throw you out
august wouldn't bother with it
and gale is ...... well, gale is gale
it's fine. i think caroline just wants to keep busy, anyway
at cleaning????? you don't like to clean
nick and hyunsu are too nice to throw you out
august wouldn't bother with it
and gale is ...... well, gale is gale
it's fine. i think caroline just wants to keep busy, anyway
it's a broom and a duster
you sweep it
( still, alia hadn't hesitated to be honest with her, even when reading it back felt like being vivisected. it makes her less gentle with wielding the truth, like waving around a blunt instrument, none of her usual tiptoeing: )
i want caroline to take care of it
you sweep it
( still, alia hadn't hesitated to be honest with her, even when reading it back felt like being vivisected. it makes her less gentle with wielding the truth, like waving around a blunt instrument, none of her usual tiptoeing: )
i want caroline to take care of it
No, it wouldn't.
I'm just too awkward to put it into words.
You know, sometimes it's hard to remember you're held at this high standard of power, a Grisha and a mighty one at that. A saint. You're just Alina to me.
Is it sacrilegious to be married to a saint of a different denomination? Maybe you should convert me.
( you're very human to me, paul atreides. he smiles at his phone. )
Thank you, Alina Atreides. You're human to me, too.
Manipulations like that are not above the Bene Gesserit. Plans within plans, always. I probably shouldn't speak of it — somehow my mother will find out and scold me.
Read the story, then decide if it's a good namesake. The other son of Atreus is Menelaus, and that story is even worse.
I'm just too awkward to put it into words.
You know, sometimes it's hard to remember you're held at this high standard of power, a Grisha and a mighty one at that. A saint. You're just Alina to me.
Is it sacrilegious to be married to a saint of a different denomination? Maybe you should convert me.
( you're very human to me, paul atreides. he smiles at his phone. )
Thank you, Alina Atreides. You're human to me, too.
Manipulations like that are not above the Bene Gesserit. Plans within plans, always. I probably shouldn't speak of it — somehow my mother will find out and scold me.
Read the story, then decide if it's a good namesake. The other son of Atreus is Menelaus, and that story is even worse.
You'll have to plan each one, then. I'm no good with things like that.
It's only me, Paul. Does it help if I promise not to laugh?
You're the only one who lets me forget it. And I'd dare say I've converted you already. Several times over.
I think you fall under my dominion, anyway, as the patron saint of orphans and those with undiscovered gifts. 😉
Well, I won't be the one to tattle on you.
The Apparat gave me many of my titles. Ravka's so-called "spiritual advisor". He scurries around like a rat.
Not a cute one, obviously. One who has fleas, and wants to infect everyone else with his delusions.
I don't need to read it first. I'm not going to change my mind. You gave me the name, therefore it's the better one.
But I'll still read it. So I can learn about your (our?) family.
It's only me, Paul. Does it help if I promise not to laugh?
You're the only one who lets me forget it. And I'd dare say I've converted you already. Several times over.
I think you fall under my dominion, anyway, as the patron saint of orphans and those with undiscovered gifts. 😉
Well, I won't be the one to tattle on you.
The Apparat gave me many of my titles. Ravka's so-called "spiritual advisor". He scurries around like a rat.
Not a cute one, obviously. One who has fleas, and wants to infect everyone else with his delusions.
I don't need to read it first. I'm not going to change my mind. You gave me the name, therefore it's the better one.
But I'll still read it. So I can learn about your (our?) family.
Nick is? Nick is in charge.
Is it because Kettlewing likes him?
[She'll take the branch, shield herself and shade herself, follow the thread offered out of the mire of the last few months.]
Hyunsu, I like. He's thoughtful.
Or bored. I can't tell, exactly.
Tall, too. He reaches all the top shelves for me.
Is it because Kettlewing likes him?
[She'll take the branch, shield herself and shade herself, follow the thread offered out of the mire of the last few months.]
Hyunsu, I like. He's thoughtful.
Or bored. I can't tell, exactly.
Tall, too. He reaches all the top shelves for me.
I will plan our weddings. A thousand of them. But then you aren't allowed to complain about any theming I devolve to.
I only thought
well, maybe I could taste you, again. If you felt like it. I know you aren't feeling well, so I can wait.
Is that so? ( paul when he's under alina's dominion. giggling, kicking his feet. ) What prayers does a loyal follower offer to their favored Ravkan saint?
Ah, I know that type, too.
The Bene Gesserit is almost if you imagine a reigning government as having another council behind them pulling their strings, quietly, in the shadows. I don't remember if I've ever told you this, but I was never technically meant to be born. My mother was meant only to have daughters, but she opted to have me, because my father wanted a son. A romantic rebellion of hers.
To make a long story short, I inherited much power through the Bene Gesserit's breeding program that I wasn't supposed to. They made me how and why and what I am, the accidental messiah of a prophecy they invented thousands of years ago. The Reverend Mother tested me with a poisoned needle at my throat and my hand in a box that inflicted excruciating, burning pain. The test is meant to determine whether an individual's awareness is stronger than their instincts — and so, I passed, despite the Reverend Mother's scorn at my existence.
Ours, yes.
And I've stolen Starkov, because it's pretty.
I only thought
well, maybe I could taste you, again. If you felt like it. I know you aren't feeling well, so I can wait.
Is that so? ( paul when he's under alina's dominion. giggling, kicking his feet. ) What prayers does a loyal follower offer to their favored Ravkan saint?
Ah, I know that type, too.
The Bene Gesserit is almost if you imagine a reigning government as having another council behind them pulling their strings, quietly, in the shadows. I don't remember if I've ever told you this, but I was never technically meant to be born. My mother was meant only to have daughters, but she opted to have me, because my father wanted a son. A romantic rebellion of hers.
To make a long story short, I inherited much power through the Bene Gesserit's breeding program that I wasn't supposed to. They made me how and why and what I am, the accidental messiah of a prophecy they invented thousands of years ago. The Reverend Mother tested me with a poisoned needle at my throat and my hand in a box that inflicted excruciating, burning pain. The test is meant to determine whether an individual's awareness is stronger than their instincts — and so, I passed, despite the Reverend Mother's scorn at my existence.
Ours, yes.
And I've stolen Starkov, because it's pretty.
Now I fear I've given you too much power.
You really want to??? That sounds more like a reward for me than you. Especially when I'm this gross.
( see: feverish and flushed and incapable of wearing anything but oversized shirts she inevitably shucks off when they get sticky with sickly sweat, hair tangled and eyes bleary from sickness. not her finest hour, all in all. )
They don't pray, so much as beg. For salvation. For hope. For protection. For an end to their suffering.
Are you suffering, Paul?
( created. accidental. inherited. alina wonders, fleetingly, if some part of her isn't the same — the making's mistake, placing power in the wrong vessel. she frowns, a thoughtful pause faltering between her messages, until: )
It's not an easy undertaking, to be born into the burden of so much power. I understand.
Does it bother you? To know our children might one day inherit our strangeness.
( does it make you want our future less? she can't bring herself to type. )
I suppose that's fair. I stole you because you're pretty, after all.
You really want to??? That sounds more like a reward for me than you. Especially when I'm this gross.
( see: feverish and flushed and incapable of wearing anything but oversized shirts she inevitably shucks off when they get sticky with sickly sweat, hair tangled and eyes bleary from sickness. not her finest hour, all in all. )
They don't pray, so much as beg. For salvation. For hope. For protection. For an end to their suffering.
Are you suffering, Paul?
( created. accidental. inherited. alina wonders, fleetingly, if some part of her isn't the same — the making's mistake, placing power in the wrong vessel. she frowns, a thoughtful pause faltering between her messages, until: )
It's not an easy undertaking, to be born into the burden of so much power. I understand.
Does it bother you? To know our children might one day inherit our strangeness.
( does it make you want our future less? she can't bring herself to type. )
I suppose that's fair. I stole you because you're pretty, after all.
Is this Alina, the owner of Sol & Scroll?
🐻
[ Guess who has been learning about emojis. ]
🐻
[ Guess who has been learning about emojis. ]
Thank you. 🙂🐻🌻 I'm afraid that it still takes me some time to dictate a message on this small device, but I have been told that it's good to practice. 🙂
I wanted to compliment you on your tea and your fine herb garden. I hope my distracting your shopkeeper didn't cause too many problems.
I wanted to compliment you on your tea and your fine herb garden. I hope my distracting your shopkeeper didn't cause too many problems.
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