Opulence and darkness

[proudambassador]

Characters: Londo Mollari (proudambassador), OPEN
When: All of Dreamscape
Where: The mind of a very complicated Centauri
Rating: PG to PG-13, if anyone goes into the black door
Summary: Wander in the mind of someone who is not quite sure what he is, any longer
The current list: Jojo, Saul, Galadriel

Comments

[lothlorienqueen]

Walking dreams was not unfamiliar to the elven queen, but walking others dreams without magical aide or without conscious bidding on her part to do so was quite different and unexpected. Finding herself in a very opulant palace, she followed the general flow of the crowds, nodding to those she passed, until such time as she found herself in the throne room. She observed around her for a moment, watching the ongoings of what looked to be a celebration of some sort, until she found what she was looking for. Or, who. Ambassador Londo Mollari, atop his throne, and in the center of the scene.

At least, that's how it seemed. While perhaps not actually in the center, he was in a mental sense, indicating to Galadriel that this was his dream. She approached him gradually, allowing others to speak with him first if they reached him before her. She paused, waiting for his acknowledgement.

[proudambassador]

He had been content, dealing with matters of court back home, when his eyes were drawn to her. Something seemed different, but he couldn't place it. Londo nodded to Galadriel as she drew close.

"My good lady Galadriel. To what do I owe the pleasure? It must be a long way indeed from your place to Centauri Prime, yes? Are you enjoying my party? It is a good party, is it not? Everyone is here, and I have many good friends." The smile he directed at the room was warm but slightly hollow.

[lothlorienqueen]

"It was not quite as far as one would think, Ambassador Londo," she said, giving him a small bow in return. "This looks to be a lovely celebration. What is it in honor of, Ambassador?"

[proudambassador]

He laughed. "It is, my good Lady, a celebration of the fact that that particular title is no longer mine, yes? I am now Emperor Mollari, and this is my throne." He gestured towards a metal band on a nearby cushion. "And that, that is my crown. It is a heavy thing, one's destiny. It should only be taken in small doses. It is heady too. Dangerously so. Power... is power, after all."

[lothlorienqueen]

"Indeed." Galadriel smiled at him slightly. "That it is. It must be used with caution and responsibility for those it affects." Her smiled then widened a bit in earnest. "So you have been selected as Emperor, then? I should be congratulating you. Would you care to guide me on a tour of your new home?"

[proudambassador]

Londo bowed his head. "I have spent many years learning how tricky it is. I have yet to learn how to wield it safely. I suspect it takes a great many more years than I will have to master it. And I thank you for that." He hesitated at the question, looking around. It was almost a trigger for something. "The halls, filled with the fools of my court, and those who are not fools? Or... other areas?"

[lothlorienqueen]

"Even the oldest and wisest must face the temptation of power," she said knowingly. She, too, glanced around the room as he did and then gave him a small, coy smile. "Wherever it is you care to lead, Emperor, for this is your home, after all."

[proudambassador]

"It seems there is no dealing with such a force. I can only hope that I help my people more than I harm them." He smiled back at her and nodded, coming to a decision. "Let us leave this party, then, and all those who only want something from me." He got off of his throne and lead the way to the back of the room, pushing aside a gold-edged white curtain to reveal a door.

He stepped inside the room, holding the door open for her, and looked at the other doors there. "There is always more behind the scenes, is there not?" The question is quiet, almost but not quite to himself.

[lothlorienqueen]

"Always," Galadriel said as she stepped through. She gazed at the other doors. "Is this the way to your private chambers? Or perhaps a secret passageway for you to get away unnoticed." She smiled a bit at the last suggestion, indicating it would come in useful for many situations.

[proudambassador]

Londo laughed. "No, my dear lady. Though there are such passageways scattered throughout the palace. They have come in handy for many an emperor, yes? This... this is more personal."

He gestured to three of the doors, the white, red, and purple ones. "These... These are good friends, and more than friends, two of them. The other is what must be done sometimes, no? When things start to slip out of control..." His voice trails off. "These doors are about life, and what a funny and cruel thing it can be."

[lothlorienqueen]

"Ah, yes," Galadriel said. "Life can certainly be full of contrasts." She turned, glancing at the doors for a moment, and then chose the white one. "Shall we?" she asked him.

[proudambassador]

Londo nodded, lost in thought for a moment about contrasts, before noticing the door she'd chosen. He chuckled. "Of course we shall, my good Lady." He held open the door, which revealed another Londo, standing and staring at a younger and shorter Centauri

[lothlorienqueen]

"Abrahamo Lincolni?" Galadriel asked. She nodded then. "I would. I can tell you care for him. He makes you proud." She smiled at Londo.

[proudambassador]

"A fake name, yes," Londo elaborated. "He was rescuing people using a fake name, and it almost got him killed. But he is young, and stupidity is their own unique territory. They think they are invincible, yes?"

Again the room faded away, this time to show a very stressed out Vir looking at an equally stressed Londo.

"You are not comfortable with this," Londo said. It wasn't much of a question, but Vir answered anyways.

"No, I'm not!"

"On that, we are in agreement." But Londo felt a deep resignation. He didn't have any other options, his people didn't have any other options. He wished there was some other way. All of his options were fading away. At least Vir remained untouched by the growing darkness.

The room faded away, to be replaced by just Londo and Galadriel, a very downcast Londo.

[lothlorienqueen]

Galadriel stepped near Londo.

"We can go to another door if you so wish," she offered.

[proudambassador]

Londo nodded. "You are my guest here, and I am but a host. If you wish to see another door, you may pick another door, yes?"