001 ✫ video

[warfares]

( the feed opens to a young man, pale skinned and dark eyed, a scar cutting across the left side of his face. his surroundings, while fairly nondescript, place him in somewhere in the Queen's Residence.)

Does anyone know where I can find a map?

Comments

[purpose]

This isn't about the title or the power for me, and you know it. It's about the title and power for you. You've made it obvious.

[ the attempt to tear her down, that is, and pretend that she is the one uncomfortable with the power and regard she has been given here — excusing his callous treatment of her, of her upbringing, in the process by blaming her for her own feelings.

it's enough to make her believe she has struck a cord simply by daring to exist with power over him. ]

There is no 'we.'

[warfares]

Everything about this place bothers me, not least of which is the fact that we've been dragged into a conflict that nobody has really explained.

( how can the Hunter's Guild continue in such open defiance of the Queen? has he really been dragged in to save another toothless government that is probably mired in all manner of corruption. )

There is, and there will always be until the day you kill me.

[purpose]

It must be difficult for you not to overtake this empire next, Supreme Leader.

[ it's a barb, undoubtedly, thrown back in his face. she'd agree with him, otherwise, but he has already set her blood boiling. ]

I've shut you out before. [ there is, undeniably, a satisfied edge to her voice. a predator, moving in, canines out. ] I'm stronger now. I can do it again.

[warfares]

By the sound of it, it wouldn't be so very difficult.

( he snarls back, unthinking. )

We'll see.

[purpose]

Go ahead and try. You're no match for her, and I won't help you this time.

[ it's laughable, almost, if it weren't so infuriating. ]

You'll see when it's broken.

[warfares]

I have no interest in this planet.

( ... well, no. that's not strictly true. he's plenty interested about parts of this place. the jewels ㅡ where they are drawn from, how they are chosen ㅡ in particular. )

And their Queen would offer little challenge as she is now. Hardly worth the effort.

( honestly, there's a begrudging respect for the woman. she'd drawn ㅡ successfully, at that ㅡ twenty people across time and space, and survived. but he's still angry, still suspicious.

her threat to break the bond will trouble him later, once his ire has cooled. he is surprised, truthfully, to find it still in tact after how they had parted ways before. )

[purpose]

You won't touch her.

[ it's not confidence, or even a call on a bluff, despite the slight inkling that it is just that — a bluff, meant to rile her. it's a clipped warning, biting and feral in its edge, with clear implications.

he can try, but she'll be standing in his way.

there's a beat, small, with the sound of her breath heaving out through her nostrils heavily — and then, harsher and far more angrier than that inherent threat: ]

You're hardly worth my effort.

[ it's untrue in the grander scheme — more than. but in the moment, it's a jab she can't stop herself from giving before she ends the connection to leave him with empty air instead, and the wavering of their connection before it does cinch tight. she can't disguise herself on his end, can't end it — but her end remains still like water, quiet and unmoving. ]