Orb, RD11, somewhere in or just outside Schwanheim.

[bondsoflove]

[A young man is backing away from view, staring forward with confusion. He has no idea what the orb is, has never seen anything like it, and is threatened by its presence.

He tries hitting it, to no avail. The sword, which looks a little too big for him, doesn’t work either.

He makes a noise of frustration and drops the sword with a clatter, pacing the little room in circles. He keeps a wary eye on the orb, waiting for it, or something inside it, to attack him.

After a while, he balls his hands into fists and sinks down against the wall, teeth gritted. He glares, no longer at the orb but at the floor, and pounds one fist.

His face contorts with some unseen pain, and he rocks himself back and forth, jaw clenched around silent sobs--his eyes are screwed shut as water leaks down his face and drips from his chin, his jaw. If you listen closely, you can hear his breath hitching in time with jerks of his shoulders.

He shakes his head--releases and re-clenches his fists. He’s mouthing ‘no, no’; he bites his lip and stops breathing completely, terrifyingly still.

He lets out his breath with a gasp and sucks it back in, harsh. Freezes again.

This repeats for a few minutes, but it seems to calm him. The rocking slows, and his breathing is less jagged and desperate. Finally, rubs his forearm over his eyes.

He focuses on the orb again, and his gaze flashes murderous, wild red. His voice is raw and full of more fury than should fit in his small, slender body.]

If this is an imprisonment, let me the fuck out before I set this whole place on fire.

Comments

[tatra]

[ She giggles. ] My, so paranoid!

I am Tatra, the eldest princess of Chizeta.

[bondsoflove]

My head is wanted in all five hidden villages. I'm not paranoid, I'm smart.

[He ignores her introduction because, well, he's a jackass.]

[tatra]

Oh, dear. That would be a problem. What did you do?

[bondsoflove]

...I loved my family.

[tatra]

I'm sorry. That sounds complicated.

[bondsoflove]

It is.

But that's not what matters right now. What matters is me getting back so that I can avenge them.

[tatra]

I wish I could help, but I'm afraid I haven't any clue how to leave this place.

[bondsoflove]

Do you have any idea where it is in relation to anything else.

[tatra]

Relative to other towns and villages, yes. But not to other worlds. I haven't been able to contact my sister, Cephiro, or the Bravada.

[bondsoflove]

So this is its own independent microcosm.

Did you get here by book, too?

[tatra]

Yes, that would appear to be a common theme.

[bondsoflove]

Did you notice any markings on the book?

[tatra]

Markings? You mean like the pictures?

[bondsoflove]

Script. Possibly in a circular pattern.

[He's going to assume that's a no.]

[tatra]

Nothing like that, no. It didn't even have a title.

[bondsoflove]

[Not a transportation, then.]

Are you wanted for anything?

[tatra]

Only as a future queen. And, I suppose, to help free this land from its plight so that I can be returned to my own home.

[bondsoflove]

...right.

[So this isn't some kind of trap for wanted criminals.]

[tatra]

Are you certain you wouldn't like a cup of tea? I can assure you it won't be poisoned. Something to clear the mind, perhaps, and help you settle in?

[bondsoflove]

Yes. I'm sure.

[tatra]

Well, the offer remains. I'll be in the tea room in the northern wing of the castle if you ever decide you'd like a cup.

[bondsoflove]

[That information will be catalogued and stored, although at the moment he doubts he'll have to use it.]

You just hang out and drink tea?

[tatra]

There's not much else for me to do. I don't know much about magic except from what I need to summon my Djinn, which I can't do here. Without him, I can't fight at all! Honestly, I'm rather useless! [ But she sure does seem cheerful about it. ]

[bondsoflove]

That's not something to be proud of.

[tatra]

I suppose not! [ She giggles. ] But that's just the way it is.