"Isn't that the best way to be, rather than idling?" Gaius asked. "It's always best to find a hobby or something to keep you entertained."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
“No doubt about it!” Zander agreed with a smile. “I’m glad there are so many options here of things to do.”
This wasn’t like Zander at all. It was very clearly a diversion. But Tadaaki and Aashi both appreciated it, and Ky was glad she didn’t have to be the one to do it.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
Gaius nodded in agreement. "Perhaps we can have an escort take the lot of you to the village sometime, once it's confirmed you're safe and before you head home. It's a charming little town." And one he had never set foot in again, not since he was sixteen.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Zander smiled at that, knowing fully well how enamored Ky had been when she was telling him about having gone to the village the day before he arrived. Back when she wasn’t stabbed. And was still talking to him.
“That sounds nice,” Ky said shyly. “I would like that.”
She forced herself not to think about the implications of how long that would be from now or the length of time she’d be trapped in this Keep.
She kept trying to shake that feeling off, too. It’s not like she’d really left Caracal Keep these past few months anyhow. Sure, she and Anneliese had gone out riding a few times, but otherwise, she’d been perfectly content staying in the Keep by her on choice. Just because this wasn’t her choice didn’t make it different. This place had even more to do than Caracal Keep did.
Not story circle, though.
Or recon to steal wheat cakes from the kitchen.
Or foot races with her father and siblings.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"It has an excellent bakery, as I recall," he mused. "It's still there," Sara assured him. "The sticky buns are to die for." "I want sticky buns!" Marcella said eagerly.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"Maybe we'll send some people out for sticky buns akd sweets tomorrow, then," Sara said with a smile, and all three of her children cheered.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Ky smiled, endeared by the whole lot of them. “I wouldn’t be opposed to that, either. I’m sure they’ll be very nice.”
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"Tell Ua we're getting sticky buns," Marcella begged Rickard. "Please," Gaius prompted. "Please," Marcella corrected herself. Rickard dipped his head and told Ua, who let out a squeal of delight despite not knowing what they were.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Ky smiled as she watched this interaction. She was so, so glad Gaius had rescued her. She could, yet again, not fathom living with yourself knowing you we’re harming a child as tiny and precious as Ua. She was glad they were dead.
That thought made her uncomfy again.
Maybe she wasn’t glad they were dead. But she was glad they weren’t hurting people anymore.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
The next food course was brought out. The servants cleared away any plate that were finished and replaced them with new ones. They did the same for Gaius but from the beginning had been serving smaller portions without asking.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
“So… do any of you have recommendations on where to start in the library?” Ky asked once she couldn’t handle the silence anymore, even though it’d only been a few moments.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"That depends on what you're interested in," Gaius said as his family dug into their meal.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
“Um…” That felt like a loaded question. “I mean, I’m open to suggestions. I like a lot of things, and I’m sure there are new things here I don’t even know exist, yet.”
Like astronomy. And astrology. But she hoped other topics may be more enjoyable to read up on.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"There are always the folk tales and fiction," Gaius mused. "And historic books, or diaries of voyages across the seas."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
