(Untitled)

[hisbikeahorse]

*Tonight in camp, all is quiet, the world blanketed in soft white snow under the stars. You turn over in your bed, shifting to a more comfortable position under the blankets and

Comments

[mind_over_metal]

*lying very still*

It's just me, Leto.

[goddamnemperor]

[carefully removes my hand]

Should I ask?

[mind_over_metal]

*sighs*

Do you really have to?

[goddamnemperor]

No.

Do you want to stay?

[mind_over_metal]

*relaxing back to stare at the ceiling, where he sees-*

...well, I'll be here for a little while longer, apparently.

[goddamnemperor]

You didn't answer my question. Or would you prefer this to be private? Projecting thoughts is simple enough.

[mind_over_metal]

*tips his head to look at Leto for a moment before answering*

Yes. I would like to stay.

[goddamnemperor]

I can't read minds, but reading people is simple enough.

[mind_over_metal]

And what kind of a read am I? Entertaining, at least?

[goddamnemperor]

Oh, everyone has entertainment value when you tug on the right strings. But really, I think I see a lot of myself in you.

[mind_over_metal]

What an odd little funhouse mirror.

[goddamnemperor]

I have no idea what that is.

We all wish for things to be different. Oh, we have no regrets, but the "if" always lingers. Ghanima is my practical side. She would never say this. I can, because I see all of it. And I still hope for the best.

Ah, but I've wandered. I'm not sure I see "fun" in you, though it's there. I think more than anything, I want you to succeed.

[mind_over_metal]

[ the image of a carnival house of mirrors, with your reflection all around you, but each one different and not quite yourself ]

...well, I'll try not to let having a god on my side go to my head.

*the tone is light but there's an affectionate depth to it that belies his flippancy*

[goddamnemperor]

What a strange thing to have.

"I am on no one's side. Because no one is on my side." J.R.R Tolkien, Lord of the Rings.

[mind_over_metal]

"Home is behind, the world ahead, And there are many paths to tread, Through shadows to the edge of night, Until the stars are all alight. Then world behind and home ahead, We'll wander back to home and bed. Mist and twilight, cloud and shade, Away shall fade! Away shall fade! Fire and lamp, and meat and bread, And to bed! And then to bed!"

[goddamnemperor]

Or so it goes.