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bzarcherTWoBC - Skull Fortress - Lab/Command Center
In this place, the conquest of the world is planned, and its
engines built. Or at least that's the theory. In reality, the command
center tends to be a bit haphazard, as many displays keep up with the
world, but most of the tables and plotting areas are covered in
readouts, papers, and maps. Beneath the command center, a special
airlock system labeled "NO CHILDREN" leads into the labs, where Dr.
Wily (Male), runs a great deal of his experiments and attempts to
make better weapons for his androids, and it's covered in quite a bit
of scientific equipment that has been scrupulously labeled "DO NOT
TOUCH".
Contents:
Dr. Albert Wily
Obvious exits:
(Robot Master) Dr. Albert Wily says, "Confounded automation!
Function as you were designed or taste my unmericiful wrath!" *whack
whack* *BANG* *CRASH* "Oooooh yes, you will make an -excellent-
toaster." *whimper* "SILENCE!"
(Robot Master) War Ballade says, "...Father. Do you need some help?"
(Robot Master) Dr. Albert Wily says, "This Joe is what will be
needing the assistance if he does not prove to be useful within the
next few moments."
(Robot Master) War Ballade says, "Ah. Shall I come down there?"
(Robot Master) Dr. Albert Wily says, "Your presence is always
welcome, my son, you should know that."
Dr. Albert Wily is currently manically whacking at a poor Sniper
Joe, who's holding some materials in his hands. They are soon dropped
however, as Wily cracks the visor on the Joe's head and he stumbles
back, "Now go outside and shoot something, or... or... whatever it is
you think you can do without screwing up!" The Joe whimpers a bit and
stumbles off, leaving one fuming mad scientist to what seems to be a
giant hamhock of metal and servos.
(Robot Master) War Ballade says, "I will be down immediately. Love,
would you care to join me?"
(Robot Master) Love Ballade says, "So long as I am not intruding.."
(Robot Master) Dr. Albert Wily says, "I have a proposition for you
anyway, my dear, it would actually be saving me some time."
War Ballade arrives in what is quickly becoming known as his
'vacation armor', with the protective leggings and armor from the
waist down, while he wears a white button down shirt and plum colored
suit jacket to complete the ensemble. Eyeing the Joe as he steps into
the laboratory, he looks to Wily with a respectful amusement. "Father."
Love Ballade doesn't arrive immediately after her counterpart. In
fact several moments pass entirely, wherein the sniper joe that had
just left is quietly accosted, and assigned a new, temporary set of
orders in order to keep itself busy: Met patrol herding. There is
likely a method to her actions, but whatever they are they remain for
the moment a mystery, in favor of finally actually entering the labs,
hands clasped behind her back. It was so strange, dealing with the
counterpart to her creator..
Dr. Albert Wily has since gone back to work on the mighty leg of
metal, as the Ballade's arrive, but soon looks up as War addresses
him, one eyebrow slowly raising as a smirk curls around his mouth, as
he notes, "Interesting attire, but it suits you well." He then
regards Love as she arrives and smiles, "And charming as ever Love,
now then, both of you..." Now both eyebrows wiggle in a fury as he
throws his hands in the air, "BEHOLD! The beginings of the Wilydragon
DX! Hmhahahahahahahahhahahahaha!!!" The good doctor throws his head
back as his cackle continues on for a few more moments before he
slowly regains his composure, "Alberta has most of the day to day
activities covered, so I took it upon myself to keep myself busy with
a little project, and I do miss my dear dragon. So I am building a
new one... I can make him bigger... faster... more dangerous than
ever. I have the technology. Yes... now then, how has your new set of
duties been going, War. I take it you have begun to benefit from them
at least somewhat."
War Ballade nods calmly, riding the wave of cackling praise.
"Impressive, indeed...I am glad you have found such a project for
you." Then, he pauses. "I have been...adjusting. There have been some
benefits, though the changes have been challenging in some ways." As
he speaks, his eyes slide over to Love for a milisecond, then returns
to Wily and the Dragon.
She could suggest a few modifications. Maybe a design overhaul for
overall appearance, the Wilydragon had never been intimidating to
look at. But that could be changed. Other than idle speculation,
Love's opinions on this endeavor remain entirely unvoiced. To do
otherwise would invite a canewhacking. "I am sure your endeavor will
succeed, Doctor." In some fashion, followed the wry thought. The
brief glance sent in her direction is not missed. War had quite a few
challenges recently, oh yes.
Dr. Albert Wily nods to War and smiles, "Good, good, I am glad to
hear it. If only my good for nothing prodigy had at least half of
your sensibility, we would have prevailed long ago." The doctor waves
his cane in an annoyed tiff for a moment before walking away from the
robotic leg and approaching the two, "I have considered making your
leave of my side permament, War. As a reward for your years of
dutiful and excellent service. However, this does leave me in the
predicament of not having a bodyguard anymore. And while I no longer
need a full time protector, it is indeed still necessary." Dr. Wily
taps his cane on the ground, resting both hands on top of it. He
smiles at Ballade for a moment, perhaps one of the few shining
moments where something other than pure insanity or hatred comes from
Albert. One of the few children he can truly be proud of, unlike some
of his boneheaded children. He then turns his gaze to Love and ahems,
"Which brings me to the proposition I mentioned that I had for you
Love. I've... discussed it with Alberta, and she seems to think it
might be a good idea, or at least I believe that's what she said..."
He trails off for a moment, trying to reconstruct the conversation,
age does has it's effects, even on the resiliant and energetic
doctor. He soon waves his hand dismissively and says, "It's of no
consequence however, but, I would like to offer you said position.
Luckily, you won't have to go through the more extensive duties War
had, most of which I am sure he has vented about to you and others in
the past. But it is no easy task. I am a hard man to please, as any
of my children will tell you. Consider it not a dishonor or disgrace
to refuse me however, I save my anger for the unliving creations, not
for the ones that carry the very soul of a Wily within them in one
way or another." The doctor smiles and turns around, waving his cane
nonchalantly, "Of course, I would be very disappointed. War has told
me nothing but good things of you, and Alberta seems to be rather
chatty about you as well."
Dr. Albert Wily coughs, amending, "Aside from Guts Man, but he was
built to serve such a purpose, and he serves it well, and with pride."
Dr. Albert Wily mutters under his breath a few moments later, "Not
that he was built by me anyway..."
War Ballade pales a good bit, when he hears the phrase "making your
leave of my side permanent." Though, he regains his composure,
standing slightly closer to Love for reassurance, particularly when
the offer is made to her. "True, father...but...what shall I do,
then? What will my duties be?" Retirement, after all, does not suit
him. "Though, I am honored, and Guts Man does...mean well."
The female of the two bodyguards blinks, alarmed, at Wily's words.
She had heard something similar to this recently, but rumor and
actually being offered such was a little different. Most certainly
she *could* perform the same duties War had for so long, she was by
no-one's estimate incompetant. But that wasn't what was up for debate
here. What about Alberta? If Love agreed to protect -This- Wily, what
about /hers/? Abandoning her creator to serve another was not
something to ever, ever be done lightly. "I am ... honored that you
would offer such a task to me, Doctor." But. The 'but' was clear
enough. And indeed she does continue, somewhat hesitantly. "However I
must .. respectfully disagree with your consideration of giving my
counterpart a permanent release from his duties. He, like I, is made
to serve. A guardian without something to guard leads a ...
meaningless existance. To do so may be quite harmful." For her, very
nearly a speech.
Long distance to Love Ballade: War Ballade puts his hand into yours,
where Wily cannot see.
From afar, Love Ballade squeezes the hand lightly.
Long distance to Love Ballade: War Ballade squeezes back lightly.
Dr. Albert Wily smiles at Ballade, tapping him on the shoulder with
his cane, "You will never fully leave my side, Ballade. But consider
it the freedom to chose not to assist me, when it does not coincide
with your current agenda." Wily shrugs his shoulders, his smile
growing wider, "Besides, I can never have too much help around here,
and considering I signed up for a ballroom dancing class, I will be
needing to leave the Fortress quite often." Wily's eyebrows raise and
lower in a fury once more as he chuckles, "Soon I shall rule the
dancefloor -and- the world!" Such a simple creature the man can be,
but, at it -is- a good activity for an elderly person to do to keep
them in shape. He doesn't want to be frail in his old age, and it
doesn't help that the good doctor refuses to acknowledge the fact
that he's already over the hill. Mighty spry for an old guy. Anyway.
"So, your duties would be no different, but your responsbilities to
them, however, shall change. If Love accepts my offer, perhaps the
two of you could share them, or divvy them up in some way. Perhaps
alternating shifts, or long periods of time, or just splitting up the
specific responsibilities. I guess we shall see..." He then turns to
Love expectantly, one eyebrow pulled down while the other raised high
in a purposely overexaggerated inquisitive look, his smile widening.
As she gives her answer he nods and smiles understandingly, "Very
well, perhaps then, a swap? If only for a trial period to see how all
parties involved seem to enjoy or dislike the experience. But, if you
do however still wish to decline, I will respect your decision, if
only out of respect for War's high opinion of you." One can almost
hear Albert conceding under his breath a few moments afterwards about
Alberta's opinion to, but the male Wily is far too proud to admit
that just yet.
War Ballade coughs, lightly, somewhat relieved at the fact that he
will not be totally without use. "Ballroom dancing...could be quite a
useful skill." He then pauses. "The idea of shared duties
is...attractive..." However, he declines a comment on leaving to tend
Dr. Alberta and Lady Constance Victoria, perhaps a sign of his
opinion on the matter. And...is he standing a little closer to his
counterpart? Perhaps.
Love Ballade didn't like the idea of being put on evaluation. She
was certainly competant enough; she'd kept -her- Wily alive all these
years, hadn't she? This whole conversation was incredibly unsettling.
"And what of Doctor Alberta? I cannot leave her without some
guarantee of her safety.." But she doesn't volunteer War to go watch
over the Wily Ladies. "I will gladly accept your offer, Doctor, if I
can be assured my previous duties are not to be neglected." She'd
think of a way to make it work, given enough time.
Dr. Albert Wily chuckles a bit at Ballade and nods along with him as
he comments on the ballroom dancing, interjecting quickly afterwards,
"Of course, further proof of my profound brilliance!" He gives a
quick eyebrow waggle before looking back over at Love. Now it's at
about this part of the conversation that you oughta think, "Ya know,
Wily sure is bein' nice. Just a minute ago he was enraged, and he
certainly is layin' it on thick." And that's that's a fairly obvious
statement to find the cause of, and it's where his eyes have since
drifted while you were going off on that mental tangent. He quickly
darts them back up, however, he's already caught enough lectures from
Alberta about oogling her creations, not that she's any better about
his. He raises an eyebrow at Ballade's later comments and notes,
"Indeed, and you two seem to work well enough together as it is. It
would seem to be a shame to seperate such a competant pair. You can
guard us both, I wager Alberta will want to take the class too, she's
always doing that, just so she can be around me more and talk at me
like I'm supposed to be interested. I'd swear you'd think we were
some old bitter couple. Harumpf." Albert chuckles a bit and smiles,
"But at least she's the good kind of pain in my ass, much like my
children." A quick gaze being shot at War, not that he's guilty, but
he's the only current representee of. Wily concludes with a smile and
waves a hand, "Why don't the both of you take time to discuss it.
It's really just an idea I was kicking around and I figured I'd see
how it would unfold. No matter how long I spend with my and other
doctors creations, a little part of me still can't get over that
beautiful sensation of wonder and awe that I feel as I realize that
the dream came true, our dream, the dream that Thomas stole from me,
to try and keep for himself."
Wily tightens the grip around his cane
for a moment, his body trembling a bit, before he calms down soon
afterwards, "I sometimes wonder if having a natural child is better,
or doesnt' even come close to this kind of feeling. Because we, in a
sense, became gods on that day. Creating new life, through nothing
more than our hands." Albert turns to the two and smiles, "And you
two are definately some of the finer acheivements of any scientist,
of any existance." Wily's smile slowly fades away however, as he
waves his cane at the two, grumbling, "Now get out of my hair, you
hooligans, leave this old man to his wares." He smiles once again
afterwards, winking an eye and waggling an eyebrow, before arriving
behind his work bench once more, "Go have some fun, besides, you
don't wanna be working in a lab in those clothes. And I certainly am
not raising your allowances to pay for replacements."
War Ballade raises an eyebrow. "Doctor Alberta...will come here,
then? Shall I see...pardon me. Shall -we- see about turning down her
quarters, then?" Love gets a hint of a smile before he looks back to
his father, appreciation and admiration in his eyes for the amazing
old man. "And...I would certainly say that your grandchildren will be
happy to see you out more often with their grandmother, I am sure."
Then, he moves slightly away from Love to bow, though his arm moves
oddly for a moment before he steps away from her.
Why did this seem a little too perfect to the smaller of the two
bodyguards? Love had never been a flawless strategist, but the idea
did rise that if she was careful, if she suggested at the right
times, perhaps she could make things work out to the mutual benefit
of those she cared for best.
And yes, she knows she's being eyed. Such is life. As War was
perfect for his duties, so was she. "As you wish, Doctor." She'll
certainly have a lot to discuss with her counterpart. "I am sure
Mother would be delighted to show you her idea of a good time." Which
is ... rather scary, really. "As would we all." She shifts from one
foot to the other as War steps away slightly, though the bow is
mirrored almost perfectly. "Have a pleasant evening, Doctor." And she
does as told, and gets out of his hair. For now. Though she'd have
questions later, certainly..
Dr. Albert Wily shakes his head, eyes already glued to his work and
not moving from it, "I said go have fun, and badgering me for boring
details of something that's not even decided upon yet is most
definately not fun." Wily then looks up from his work and cackles,
"And if it -is- for you, then I may have to put you under the knife
for a bit and tinker around your noggin. Now git!"
War Ballade laughs softly. Yes, this is the Father he's used to.
"Certainly..." As he follows Love, he smiles slightly. "Though I
would call the idea of ballroom dancing to have a certain
attraction...depending on the partner..."
Dr. Albert Wily nods and says under his breath, "That's why I signed
you two up as well..."
Dr. Albert Wily cackles to himself a bit as he starts tossing parts
around, and leaning half of his body into the dragon's leg,
exclaiming several explitives and other assorted mad scientisty jargon.
Love had .. exceptional hearing, really, even for an android, and
her counterpart's words earn an amused glance over one shoulder.
"Only if they can keep up," she responds smoothly, the door sliding
open neatly to let her through. The joe from before, missing
entirely. She doesn't *quite* manage to miss Wily's almost-muttered
words, catching the first part but not the last. And she steps
sideways, out of the view of the door, to await War's likewise
leaving the lab, then wait for the doors to close. "Ever get the
impression that someone is plotting against you?" But not in a bad
way, hopefully..
War Ballade smiles back to Love as the doors close. "We've been
programmed to detect conspiracies...though I would not bet against
you, in this case." However, the slight smile widens a bit as he
considers. "I'm sure it will be as disconcertingly agonizing as your
cooking."
"I will be sure to make you try the ones I -can't- serve to the
Doctors first, then." There were conspiracies about. So what if they
only were about dancing, she still wanted to get to the bottom of
things, and make damned sure it was safe. Or at least, not entirely
humiliating. Love leans forward, to give him a quick kiss on the
cheek before turning and heading down the hall again. "We have much
to think about and discuss and this place is not suited for it.
Besides which, I wish to hear you play." Not games, that much could
be inferred easily.
War Ballade puts his hand gently to the kissed cheek, pausing for a
moment before he follows her. "...I believe I shall be happy to do
that." He then grins as he catches up to her. "And would you perhaps
like to play, as well?"
Love Ballade might. She hadn't done much with music in a while,
having her time mostly occupied by other endeavors. "Perhaps.. I
suppose it depends on how rusty my skills are, and how much audial
torture you feel up to enduring." Lift door opens at their approach,
and she steps onto it, hands once more clasped behind her back
lightly, expression one of mostly controlled good humor.
War Ballade enters the lift with her, nodding. "I have had to listen
to Guts Man sing karaoke. I'm sure you will be vastly superior."
Then, placing his hand along her back, he runs it down her spine
lightly, encouraging her to lean back a little. "Regardless...it will
be my pleasure to play."
Love does indeed lean back against her counterpart's touch in silent
encouragement. Somehow she was beginning to doubt the delight that
caused was going to wear off any time soon .. might as well enjoy it.
"Is he truly so terrible? I have only heard rumors, thankfully." The
lift activates and moves as she plugs in a destination as an
afterthought. Second floor.
War Ballade chuckles as he strokes her back a bit more. He too is
quite enjoying it, and seems to like to share. "Honestly? No. He has
his days where he is grumpier, but I have noticed that the children
tend to improve his mood. As will mention of Dr. Alberta, regardless
of his occasional grumbles. To my mind...he is far less evil than
what others see him as. It merely takes time to know him...and you
have an advantage in that."
"Only if he trusts the Elite. I know some of your brothers distrust
me simply for being what I am." Love had yet to figure out whether
the bias was over her gender or rank, and wasn't sure she wanted to
know. "But perhaps it would be worth trying." The lift passing the
third floor without pause, she quietly reaches out one hand, to slip
it underneath his suit jacket and run her nails lightly along his
back in a tracing of synthetic muscles even through cloth.
War Ballade mmms softly at her touch, and counters by massaging just
at the base of her spine, but does try to give a serious answer. "He
trusts you, or he would not make the offer. As to the rest....some of
that is also my fault. I was never the most social. I'm sure they saw
me as standoffish, and assume that you will be as well. Give them
some time...they will come around."
Love Ballade didn't consider many in either side of the Wily family
to be truly evil. Not with the Code keeping them in line they
weren't. "Neither can I be considered 'social'," she responds
thoughtfully, "And I have been accused of standoffishness in the
past.." They'd been alike enough to have nearly initiated a complete
merger, after all. "Though Grandmother thinks I should 'get out
more'." The massage elicits a low, pleased sound pretty quickly.
War Ballade smiles just a bit more as he continues to massage,
taking the encouragement. "Then I am sure she will be pleased to
learn about the dancing lessons...and perhaps I could also take you
out to dinner?"
"I fail to see what dinner has to do with dancing," is the murmured
response even as she runs her fingers down his spine like he had to
her earlier. "But perhaps you could, if you can explain to me how the
two activities relate." She'd go regardless, but she doesn't say
that. Instead, Love reluctantly disentangles herself from him as the
lift slows to a stop and the lift doors pop open again.
TWoBC - Skull Fortress - Barracks
This area once started as a fairly pristine and almost antiseptic
corridor dominated by doors and side corridors. Unfortunately, we're
talkingabout theRobot Masters here, over time they take their toll.
Graffiti dominates some areas, though quite a lot of it is more
artistic than you might expect. Many rooms have posters or art on
their doors, and the cases which once held trophies of past battles
more often than not now hold plants, beer cans, and other more
esoteric items. And in one corner, a crayon scrawl makes sure that
everyone knows that'Chord Wuz Here!'
Obvious exits:
Love Ballade exits the lift.
Love Ballade has arrived.
War Ballade arches into her hand for a long moment, and gives a
slight sigh as they are forced to disengage and leave the lift. "I
have seen a great deal of information that indicates that taking your
dancing partner to dinner, before or after, is quite typical and
polite behavior. Even more, it tends to be part of an enjoyable
evening...." And as he leaves the lift, he cannot help but trace his
eyes down her back.
Love Ballade steps off the lift and pauses only briefly in
consideration before heading for his quarters, all too aware of his
gaze. She .. didn't mind it, honestly. If he disliked that particular
choice of place for conversation, he'd likely say so. Besides, she
really did intend to hear him play. "I see. Human behavior can be
strange sometimes .. but if it is typical, we might as well endeavor
to emulate it. I will ... need to find something better to wear."
Armor and tight-fitting cloth wasn't dance material.
War Ballade smiles, slightly. "Despite his protests earlier, I am
absolutely certain that the Doctor's credit account can bear a few
luxuries." The fact she is going to his room is...oddly comfortable,
really. And so he nods, almost to himself.
Unfortunately finding clothes was not something she excelled at
other than 'practical' or 'utilitarian'. Something specifically
designed for dance or dinner would require someone with, as some
might put it, a clue. One Love generally lacked about those
particular forms of social nicities. It had never come up, really. "I
do not wish to impose. Do you know of anyone you might reccomend to
help in aquiring proper attire?" She draws to a stop at his door and
waits, half-turning to watch him with ill-concealed appreciation.
War Ballade actually grins at that one. "I would think the Plants
would be the best choice for that. After all, they are the most
experienced in collecting outfits." Then, he places a hand onto hers.
"But I do not think anyone would find it an imposition to help you
find clothing worthy of your beauty."
Love Ballade ... still didn't know quite how to deal with
compliments. True, she'd gotten the occasional, cherished word of
praise from Alberta, but this was quite different, and is accompanied
by a creeping blush across pale features before she rubs her face
with one hand lightly, smiling a little. "You're being biased again,
you know.."
War Ballade chuckles, and delivers his own kiss to her cheek. "I
know. And I happen to enjoy it." And then, he taps out the code to
open his door for her. "After you."
"Ah, but basing my decisions on a *clearly* biased individual's
opinions may not be wise." Sometimes subtle, sometimes not so subtle.
Love pushes the door open and slips inside without opening it all the
way, making a light grab for the lapels of his suit jacket to tug him
along with her. No lurking in hallways. "I might have flawed
results." Sure she would.
War Ballade raises an eyebrow as he is tugged inside, and the door
shuts behind him. "I'm sure you could conduct an empirical test..."
Then, he slides his hand along her back, and just against the upper
curve of her bottom. "But sometimes it's nice to have an absolute
result."
TWoBC - Skull Fortress - Ballade's Rooms.
Welcome to tranquility. "War" Ballade's quarters are as
regimented and meticulous as his day to day life. Everything is neat
and arranged properly, and there is an art to the tidiness of it all.
A few scenes of nature and space hang on his walls, and a shelf above
his well made bed is devoted solely to his beloved Stradivarius,
while a music stand in the corner holds both his own compositions and
the works of others.
Contents:
Love Ballade
Obvious exits:
Love Ballade nods thoughtfully. Indeed she could, but that would be
time consuming, wouldn't it? "True enough, although experimenting in
of itself might prove to be an otherwise interesting diversion." Not
all flirting had to be overt, or seem like anything other than
clinical dissection of anything and everything. She knew better. He
would too; and the hand that slides along her back earns another
murmur of pleased sound. "Speaking of interesting diversions.."
War Ballade raises an eyebrow. "It certainly could..." Then, as he
continues to caress, he looks at her with a bemused smile. "If I keep
massaging you, I will not be able to play...unless your spine has
become an instrument."
Music, or massage ... it was a tough choice, and this time Love is
very much reluctant to let him escape to less potentially troubling
venues. But she does, eventually, pulling away and padding across the
floor to locate herself a decent place to sit. "I'm afraid I make a
very poor instrument indeed."
"I wonder...you seem to make the most interesting music,
depending where I touch." However, he does seem to behave as he takes
down the violin and checks it for tune, then rosins the bow, and
places it to the ready. "Is there anything in particular you would
like to hear?"
"-That- is not music," comes the not quite indignant response as she
settles down to watch every move he makes. It had been a long time
since she'd heard the sound of any violin. Would time taint the
memory? Love mulls over the songs she knew for a moment before
smiling, and although brief, the expression does reach and warm storm-
gray eyes. "Improv, minor chord."
War Ballade feels a warmth flood through him as the smile reaches
her eyes, and rather than returning with another half joke, he
answers her with song, using e minor, playing in a remarkably fluid
and energized tune.
Love Ballade listens quietly, attentively, to the familiar strains
of beautifully played violin. It made her fingers itch in phantom
memory of playing similarly, suggesting that she could match that
shifting melody. Instead she choses to listen, eyes slid half-closed,
to focus not on the room or what she was doing, but simply on the
music.
War Ballade closes his own eyes, unwilling to distract himself from
the playing by watching her as deeply as part of him wishes to.
Instead, he continues the music, making the theme rise and fall with
a gentle curve, playing with the tempo as he feels appropriate,
filling the music with the excitement that has defined his
perceptions of late.
Melody was a release as often as it was practice, and Love had long
since learned to read feeling and intent through lyric and music as
best she could. It was almost habit to trace the threads of theme
through her counterpart's skillful playing, and search her own memory
and feeling to see if she could match it as well. Habit that draws
listening into the pastime of intent, highly appreciative scrutiny.
He bordered on, if not matched, any virtuoso's skill that she'd
listened to in the past.
War Ballade continues to play, and the excitement also gains a deep,
partnered affection that slows the overall tempo of the song, but
still keeps a constant motion to the song, with no hesitation in the
complexity of the piece, though he brow is furrowing as he plays, not
wanting to make a mistake.
Love Ballade knew the song played. Not exactly, not perfectly, for
it shifted and moved to the beck and call of another, but she knew it
in its most basic form, recognized the same strings of feeling that
had dogged her thoughts all day, wrapping her mind in a web of their
own. Such thoughts don't linger long, swept away in favor of simply
listening, letting the familiar-strange melody do as it wished even
though it tightened her throat and left lingering joy in its passing.
However long he continued, she'd be content to listen. Addiction to
another's music wasn't a bad thing.
War Ballade is lost in the music, and the world, save perhaps his
audience, has gone away, to a place where none can bother him.
Though, while his song does not falter, he is somewhat surprised to
realize that he is, for once, not playing for himself, or even
shaping the song to his own design. This piece is for her, and he has
molded it to her.
What kind of intuitive knowledge would it require to shape a song
for another? And yet if anyone could it was they, and he even then
turned the unusual into the ethereal, and Love's attention doesn't
waiver, her focused observation closely akin to the near-trance her
counterpart played in. It was beautiful. Not what she'd expected,
when she'd asked for an improvised melody.
War Ballade begins, finally, after a seeming eternity, to slow the
song a bit more. A coda begins, and it is clear that the song, like
all things, must end soon...yet the echoes of the themes still fill
the room, implying that unlike the song, they will not fade away so
easily...
Love Ballade didn't want it to end. Didn't want to stop listening,
didn't want to pull herself back into the reality of life, preferring
the endless waltz of melody and emotion. There were few other ways
she'd ever let herself truly feel, and once awakened, those emotions
were never easy to lay to rest again. Eyes slide back open at the
gradual slowing ring of sweetest music.
War Ballade finally, achingly, ends the song, but cannot bring
himself to speak, or even to move. His bow rests on the violin still,
his eyes do not even open. He simply stands, feeling the last echoes
move through the air around him.
No words spoken by Love either, who neither moves nor speaks nor
blinks, vaugely wondering if she should bother to try to close the
doors of her emotions that had been neatly wedged open by his song.
No thunder of applause rises in the echoed silence, nothing at all.
Until she rises quietly to her feet, and with almost frightening
gentleness moves to remove violin and bow and set them on the bed, in
favor of wrapping her arms around him, head against his chest.
Wordless still.
War Ballade's eyes come open, slowly, as she takes the instrument
from him, but he surrenders them willingly, his hands nearly limp. As
if the song had drawn him past the limits of his body, and it takes
her contact to restore him. His arms wrap around her in turn, and his
head lowers, eyes closing again, no words needed, for all has been
said.
Lingering fears from two years' terror fade quietly to seamless gray
in that gentle embrace, untangled by music and what had resided in
it. A little remained, but not enough to cause hesitation, not enough
to stir her from his grip. Not enough to ever make her want to leave
it, either, and all she does is sigh softly, a sound not of worry or
annoyance but contentment on a level she hadn't thought existed.
Because of him.
War Ballade nods, very slightly, barely enough to be registered, and
his own sigh matches hers, a tear of surprised relief and joy beading
at the corner of his eyes. Then, softly, his lips brush her forehead,
and it is as close to perfect as he could ever dare.
Love Ballade murmurs a low, wordless sound quietly into his chest,
although quiet seeming painfully loud to her ears, and rude in the
silence that had reigned. Perfect could wait ... perhaps. "It's
late." Quiet, gentle reminder. They both had a lot to do come the
morning..
War Ballade nods, and his hand comes up to lightly stroke her hair.
"It is. We should sleep..." His voice is also barely a whisper,
hushed with the intense emotions that still haunt the air.
Love Ballade makes another quiet noise, one of agreement this time
though she's reluctant to move. To actually sleep would require
letting go, and she didn't really want to, not yet. "We should.."
War Ballade mms, softly. "I....don't want to move...." His eyes
close, and he can't help but be vaugely amused.
"...Nor do I." But staying like this was not going to be an option,
and she knew it. She's just not ready to do anything about it, yet,
other than rest her chin on his chest and look up at him quietly.
"You play pretty well, if I do say so myself." Still quiet. "You'll
have to play for me again sometime."
War Ballade nods, slowly, his finger coming up to lightly play
against her cheek, looking down as well. "Thank you...I would be glad
to. And I would love to hear you, as well." Then, he pauses, unsure
what to do next.
Love Ballade might, if he reminded her, though she'd insist she's
fallen out of practice. A wan, vaugely sleepy smile is given in reply
to his words. "One of us ... is gonna have to let go," she points out
softly. "And put away your violin.."
War Ballade nods, slowly...and his hands slide down her body before
coming to his sides. "If I put away the violin...you can slip into
bed and undress."
That earns a flash of clear humor from Love, who steps back and
away. She'd really rather not do that, but all good snugs must come
to an end. She didn't normally wear anything at all when she slept,
but modifying that habit for a night might not be an unwise idea. "As
you wish."
War Ballade nods, then pauses as he takes the violin and bow into
his hands, "Ahh...there -are- a few things in my closet that would
make acceptable nightshirts for you, if you would like." Then, he
turns and busies himself with placing the violin back into the stand,
re-rosining the bow, and putting everything away cleanly.
Love Ballade hms thoughtfully and heads for the closet, opening it
up and peering at the contents ... then stepping inside and shutting
the door behind her. Cheap but effective changing room. She found it
oddly amusing, while rummaging through the belongings in the closet,
that she'd fit into most of his clothes without them being too
incredibly loose. Which made finding something a little easier. The
door opens again a few minutes later, and Love slips back out,
closing it again. Seems her choice of nightshirt is a simple short-
sleeved button-down dark purple shirt tht had seen better days.
Conveniently it covered up *almost* everything, the ends trailing to
just over mid-thigh. Leave it to her to find what might be the only
thing War owns that isn't in perfect shape.
War Ballade has used the time rather effectively, slipping out of
his own clothing and armor, and leaving it folded into the hamper,
though he wears a pair of simple purple sweat pants himself. Looking
to her, the flush clearly spreads down his chest a ways, and he gives
a wordless bow of appreciation.
Her own clothes were refolded and set aside somewhere; she'd likely
need them again later, after all. "It was the only thing I could find
that I deemed appropriate to sleep in." She sounds almost apologetic,
though it doesn't stop her from returning to the bed's side, watching
him quietly for a few moments. She'd never shared a bed with anyone
before, but there was a first time for everything.
War Ballade is highly tempted to reach out and touch her gently, to
trace a hand over the shirt that she has changed from something he
rarely gave though to into something remarkable. "It is...quite
lovely. You wear it well." Then, he slides under the covers, offering
her the other side of the bed. "A good thing the lights can be taken
off automatically."
Love Ballade hesitates only briefly before mentally shrugging and
likewise slipping beneath the covers when offered. It takes a moment
for her to locate a comfortable position, whereupon she eyes War with
quiet amusement. "It is the same shirt you've had for some time, I'd
imagine." And as the lights are mentioned, she nods once
thoughtfully. "..oh." Innocent, entirely. "I apologize in advance if
I somehow find my way out of your shirt. I an unaccustomed to them."
War Ballade kisses her forehead lightly. "It is my shirt...and I
have worn it for some time. That does not change the fact that you
transform it into something special." Then, at her note that she
might undress, he coughs, lightly, and blushes even more.
"Ahh...whatever you feel is most comfortable...." Then, he settles
into his own sleeping position, and sends a subvocal radio command to
dim the lights away.
Love wouldn't run around shirtless on purpose, but she's been known
to eel out of clothes before while asleep. "Rest well." Assuming
either would get much sleep ... then again, she probably could and
would when bound and determined to, as she is. With more confusion
and potential chaos coming tomorrow, she did not want to be half
awake at best. All too quickly, though, she falls asleep, nervous or
uncomfortable or not.
War Ballade nods, and then he closes his own eyes, though he stays
awake for a bit just to hear her fall asleep. However, it takes
little time for him to follow her into dreams...and after a few
minues, he turns somewhat onto his side, and his arm gently falls
across hers.
A gesture that draws an unconcious response as she shifts lightly,
curling up against him in an unashamed bid for sharing warmth even
while asleep.
