rupert

[outsidebones]

Comments

[agleam]

[after another moment:]

It doesn't have to be.

[outsidebones]

[a deep breath.]

I never really mourned for him, when he died. I was so very selfish. I saw him as a burden; a cavalier that didn't live up to my standards. I didn't wish for his death, but I intentionally planned on him leaving my House so I could replace him.

[agleam]

But...

[he pauses for a moment.]

Even if you could have been nicer to him - it sounds like you didn't know what was going to happen to him, either. I don't think you should beat yourself up.

[outsidebones]

Do you really believe that? Or do you believe that when one is a ruler, when one is in a position of authority over someone, one has a higher responsibility not to behave with cruelty and abuse one's power?

[she says it very straightforwardly. not self-loathing, but a bit clipped.]

I behaved abominably, and I won't have that contradicted. I simply must change.

[agleam]

[after a moment, he nods, but:]

For what it's worth... You've been pretty kind to me, and I've seen you be kind to other people here. So, maybe you've already changed more than you realize.

[outsidebones]

[aww, rupert. she blushes a little, embarrassed.]

Maybe. I should like to think so.

[agleam]

[the instinct to tease is there, but he's not sure he should after such a serious memory. instead, as a light joke:]

Well, if you ever want pointers, I've been told many times that I'm too nice. So.

[outsidebones]

...You are too nice.

[no, it's fine. tease away.]

[agleam]

[he snorts.]

Where do you put the line, exactly?

[outsidebones]

...You're always asking me if I'm alright even if the situation involves you to a far more significant degree.

[agleam]

[okay, now the teasing begins.]

Ah, yes. Asking a friend how she's doing. The height of irresponsibility.