stormbrinqerā:
date: early taurus, 998 a.l. location: the lunar court; lanās private quarters. status: closed to @celestiallan.
SHEāS FURIOUS.Ā Teeth bared, eyes narrowed and fists clenched, gone is the angel of justice, the equilibrium of the empire. Gone are rational thoughts, and in its place stands a creature of wild feelings. In Naiya the warrior awakens, and she supposes it is fitting, now that thisĀ too has become a battlefield. Frustration bubbles in her again. The coming storm has gotten to even the best of them, and even with all the power at her fingertips, thisĀ is not a fight she knows how to win.
That goddamnedĀ library. Itās as if it has been her untouchable enemy, her biggestĀ rival, even after a thousand years has passed. And here it is again, to haunt her once more. Her, and its fateful guardian ā her friend. Her wise, intellectual, levelheaded friend. Her foolĀ of a friend.
That goddamnedĀ fool and his goddamnedĀ library.
How could LanĀ have been so stupid? Had he not been so reckless, so absolutely foolish ā noneĀ of this would have happened. She glares, as if the intensity of her fury alone could pierce through the walls of the Mercurianās quarters and into Lan himself. Her stride does not break when she is met by closed doors, and Naiya does not stop herself to knock before throwing the doors open and marching in.Ā
Her eyes meet his, and still she does not pause. Now her stride breaks, but itās not out of hesitance. She keeps a distance between the two of them, but what difference does it make? He would know her rage either way. āOut of allĀ people, Lan,ā she snarls, her anger palpable. āHow could youĀ have been so foolish? I saw you. You, and your little human princess.ā
Just as Levi saw myĀ little human princess, and look where thatĀ got us.
It is pity, rage, concern and a warning rolled in one in her words. And she thought he wouldāve heeded them even before they needed to be said.
It shouldnāt have played out like this.Ā
Never had Lan considered the consequences. He had underestimated it all. Usually, the Mercurian wouldāve been accustomed to coming up with strategic plans - ideas to soothe out the trouble. But this time he felt like he had no answers.Ā
The happiness he had only tasted for a second was robbed. But rather than chaotic anger, a familiar hollowness was starting to occupy the corners of his heart. He didnāt know what to do with himself - didnāt want to face the public and their demands. The accusations laced with poisoned tongues burned like acid in his head.Ā
There was really only one thing he wanted, and that was to protect Yuna at all costs. Whatever mess that had struck, he would take the blame for it. Bare it all with clenched teeth. If he didnāt now, then when would he ever? It had taken eons for him to find a princess of his own heart... He wouldnāt give up so easily. Of course he wanted explanations, would demand them even. But he didnāt have the heart to pry for anything but her safety.Ā
Lan heard the knock, but had no willpower to allow entry to anyone. No, he felt like a carcass. He didnāt bother preventing the doors from being opened either. If he were to be exiled for treason, then he would go and do as the court wished. So long as her safety could be guaranteed, he would oblige to whatever punishment he must face.Ā
His eyes met Naiyaās. His expression blank. But itās in his voice that indicated the turmoil brewing beneath the surface.Ā
āAnd what of it?ā He looks away, looking at his books. A sigh escaping his lips.Ā
āYou were in love too werenāt you?ā He pauses,ā Donāt you remember what it was like?ā Nothing else in the universe was comparable to that feeling.Ā
He turned his attention back to Naiya,Ā āItās the first time I did anything for myself.ā He grew quiet, eyes returning to the library he had spent so many countless hours organizing. Even with all the accumulated knowledge, what was the point of it when none of it could be shared.Ā
āIf you are to execute me, for old times sake, do it quickly.āĀ















