ˢᵗᵃʸᵒˡᵒᵍʸ, ᵖˡᵉᵃˢᵉᵒˡᵒᵍʸ.

she hoped that they would have at least one daughter someday. a little girl to be the apple of her parents’ eye. at the same time, she tried not to form expectations that any of their children might have to live up to one day; her own responsibilities and status would be enough of an imposition on them and it would be her duty to control that and protect them. but that meant keeping an eye on their behaviours, too, and making sure they respected her. “ you’re not in trouble, ” she assured, softer but still firm. lyra took the little girl’s hand in hers, guiding it back to her cheek. “ there. it’s okay so long as you’re polite. ” when she smiled, teddy smiled too and she softened. “ keep going, then. i have to see what it’s going to look like when you’re finished. ”

“ they’ll hang us in the louvre. ” he hums over the lip of bottle, creating a new glass melody that might not be out of place in paris; in a better life, in a life he had any real control over, where he might smile for morning breezes rather than iron. he keeps count of the times that minjun, wretchedly, influences this chain of thinking. it only ever leads to distraction, to carelessness, until he almost gives in to the danger that comes with forgiving himself. it’s not ideal, being so fond of an innocent man’s company, but so long as snap can bounce him around between himself and nishimura, he considers the situation handled. he shuffles closer, mindful of the wet grass licking his thighs but consciously choosing the damp regardless. it’s nice to imagine that they might ever be two different people in eras come, but only if he doesn’t get lost. “ down the back, but who cares ? still the louvre. ” 

“ goooooood morning, ” he sang softly, making his umpteenth attempt to rouse zdzis of the day — he had been almost magnanimous in getting batted away every time, leaving him alone in the chilly stone boardhouse to enjoy the flora of the hills and even take a trip up to the church a turn above them, investigating just what business the holy had out here with almost no one but the mountains. blue ink was beginning to bleed into the evening, though, and if he didn’t get his companion up soon then he’d be spending new year’s eve with strangers. plus he was getting bored. too bored for farthing to handle. “ you’ve rested long enough. come, now. there’s a chateau party a twenty minute ride away past the vineyards, and the groundskeeper says he’ll drive us if you’re ready for eight. ” close enough, at least; said groundskeeper was under the impression that he and zdzis were brothers with far more class and importance than they truly possessed, and was expecting a fair tip that farthing was already planning to skimp on. sipping his warm irish whiskey and dropping toast crumbs all along the floor, he poked zdzis in the side with the toe of his boot. “ no more snooze button. ”

as a mentor of sorts to nathan, he knew just what to do now if he showed signs of breaking down, but they had developed such a good balance that he hadn’t needed to dig up any of his old stories to make him laugh in a long time. still, even lykos was being spread thin at present; he felt like his quips and jokes were on autopilot and his characteristic chaos had taken a backseat to his responsibilities. being lighthearted, courageous and intelligent knowing that he was a figure people looked up to was basically impossible at the same time as keeping a personal investment in the children, and yet he was doing it. he was grateful that it seemed to be a general consensus to leave him in peace if he fell asleep in places he wasn’t supposed to. “ not all heroes are sung through the ages with glory and embellishment. some choose home over adventures, and let me tell you; it is noble, to stay put and live with the person you are after running for so long. if you’re gonna grow into a wise old sage, the kids of the future should considered themselves privileged. ” he rested his nose on the back of nathan’s neck and sat comfortably there, enjoying their time together as they had the chance to spend it. when he shook his head, it nuzzled against his skin. “ my tongue is the only part of me that’s silver. loving the rest of me was something you achieved through hard work and dedication. i appreciate it, y’know. ”