Flexible time

[pandora_antioch]

Having spoken to Celebrimbor, Pandora is on the look out for a young prince who should not, ever, at any rate, be in schackles. It’s very soon after sundown, and she is in her usual dark, close-fitted faux-victorian robes. She wears around her shoulders a colorful shawl that is not unlike one she lost recently and is purposefully striding towards

Comments

[fitzroyal]

Henry is outside after dark, looking for Lydia, as it happens, because he worries for her and wants to ask if she knows that Helen is back. He's still divided on what he's going to do about his fledgling.

[fitzroyal]

He would blush. And does look embarrassed. "That's not what I meant."

[pandora_antioch]

"Of course not, Henry." Still without any kind of emotion, whatsover.

[fitzroyal]

He glances at her. "What is it?"

[pandora_antioch]

"Nothing." Her jaw is set. She might be a bit insulted, actually.

[fitzroyal]

He tenses. "Don't tell me that."

[pandora_antioch]

“Did you just not suggest that I may not be able to train your fledgling, Henry?”

[fitzroyal]

"That's not what I meant," tiredly, "I think you manage better than I do. Look at the mess I'd made of it so far? But it...I do have a responsibility."

[pandora_antioch]

"Well then, take it if you will. Can you take her hunting off the grounds?"

[fitzroyal]

"Not...I don't know. I haven't truly tried."

[pandora_antioch]

"Then try. Seek the way. If you find it, tell me. I will stop taking her every night, and return to my consort, whom I've not seen in a week."

Yes, Henry. She's a bit stung. Just a bit.

[fitzroyal]

"Pandora, I-"

[pandora_antioch]

"What is it?" Not quite clipped.

[fitzroyal]

"I'm sorry. I just feel - I'm guilty, for making you take on a burden that should be mine."

[pandora_antioch]

She shakes her head, looks over the landscape.

"We are all responsible for the welfare of others."

[fitzroyal]

"I feel as though I've just - handed you another responsibility."