paradisa | Capture 6

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Capture 6

[ for those who haven't seen ashley in a few days -- which is most people, as she's been avoiding nearly everyone lately -- the fact that she's addressing the journals is likely a slight surprise. but fear not. her tantrum is only beginning. her voice is dripping with sarcasm here and those who know her well might be able to hear how her tone wavers. ]

Thanks, Castle. Really. You've outdone yourself with this one. It's beautiful, such a nice welcome back for me. Just when I think I might be okay trying to talk to someone, you have to remind me of things I'd rather not. Thanks, really. I owe you one.

If anyone needs me, I think I'll be hanging out somewhere else for the rest of the month. I'm done with these warm welcomes.

[ Filtered to Helen Magnus ]

[ she pauses for a while here, knowing she needs to do this, but unsure of how to even begin. ]

I'm not mad at you. For the record.

[ Filtered to Galadriel ]

...So about that game night. [ she owes galadriel an apology anyway. ]

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You should be, you have every right to be.

I love you, Ashley and I'm sorry for the way things have gone.

I'm not-- [ no, don't, stop. she gives a half-angry, half-weary sigh. ]

Don't, Mom. I'm not mad at you and I mean that. This isn't your fault.

[ pause. ]

I wanted to say all that to your face... but then the Castle did its thing just as she got back and she's not... really happy about letting anyone see her like this. still, if helen wants to, she'll go meet her. ]

I was heading down to the grounds, I needed to get out. I wouldn't mind the company.

[ she debates for a while about whether or not she'll ditch, but really, it's her mom and she doesn't want helen thinking she's really angry with her. ]

Meet you by the front doors. And Mom... I have marks on me. Just so you know.

[ "don't say i didn't warn you." ]

I'll be there shortly.

I do too, they are regrets I think from what I've heard.

[And she has the one across her abdomen for the child she has no given everything but a normal life to.]

[ regrets? oh great.

but in a few minutes, she'll be there. she is a mess; "marks" don't do them justice. she's got four long claw marks across her left bicep (the mirror of the ones she gave her mother during her last moments alive), a bloody stab wound on her stomach (where druitt stabbed her in the library), and red blood on her hands. no matter what she's done, nothing will cover them.

so she's ignoring them as much as she ignores the one on helen. ]

Hey.

[Ashely, the marks mean nothing, Helen doesn't even see them, she only sees you.

And instantly folds her arms around you.] No way to greet your mother.

[Helen's hands area red with blood, but the marks over her eyes are curious.]

[ she stiffens at first, having somehow not expected the embrace and not wanted her mother to see her like this. but a moment later, she caves, practically slumping against helen and returning the hug. it's all she can do not to either cry or scream at the castle. ]

Hi, Mom.

[ she's just ignoring the marks. she doesn't want to know, doesn't want to think of all the things they both have to regret. it's not important, doesn't matter, can't matter. she's just focusing on burying her head against her mother's shoulder. ]

[It's sad that she was prepared for rebuff and rejection, so the return of that hug made her shed a few tears. She'd been holding them back, not sleeping not eating well and this let the tension flow out of her for the most part.]

That's my girl.

[ the only time she was really upset with her mom was when druitt told her about helen's past. at least she won't mention the tears. ]

I'm sorry, Mom.

[ about storming out, about yelling, about the castle, everything. ]

[Helen hugged her tightly once more and released her enough to just slip an arm around her so they could walk.]

You don't have to be, you have good instincts, you react because of how you feel about things. I couldn't ask for anything different in you.

[ she hesitates for a moment and then returns the embrace, sliding her arm around her mother's waist as they walk. ]

Served me well, up until the point I needed it most.

[ yeah she blames herself for everything cabal. sob. ]

[She couldn't shoulder that burden alone, Helen had allowed her to go, had even possibly encouraged it because she was so focused on her own treasure hunt.

She lost so much on that trip. She lost a man she loved and Ashely lost even more, the innocence of her heart and soul were tainted by the Cabal, Helen would take that guilt to her grave many years from now.]

It never failed you, they used it against you, that is how the devil works. Feeding every lie the grain of truth that makes it flower for them.

[ but ashley had begged and pleased until she relented. in her mind it would always be her fault.

even so, she just nodded and fell silent for a moment, her head ducking so she could watch where she was placing her feet and not the world around her. the same could be said of these "losses," especially the ones involving memories. she's hoping that's what happened with her mother the other night and not something else. ]

Maybe. Guess that means we all have to stick together, huh? No matter what happens or what we find out. [ she swallows hard, letting her words drop off. she'd come to apologize for reacting the way she had, but now that she's here, she's not so sure she wants to have this conversation. she's here with her mom. that's enough for her for now. ]

[Helen tugged Ashely closer and dropped to a serious tone. They were both clearly thinking about the situation but the fact was that it changed nothing.]

No matter what else I might ever find out, you are the most important thing in my life. This place likes to play tricks and make people misremember or lose things, but if I have you nothing else matters.

I understand if you need time, I'm fairly certain I do as well. But I will be here, no questions asked. I will always be here.

You'll always have me, Mom. Always. No matter what.

[ even if helen couldn't always see her, she would always be there. a part of her would never leave her mother. ]

I think I already took most of the time I need, but... spending a little more in town might not be a bad idea. I just... I didn't want you to think I was avoiding you.

How about a bit of a trip?

Edited (lajdsf derp) 2013-04-13 19:49 (UTC)

The expedition I've heard so much about?

[ because she's dragging him whether he likes it or not. ]

Indeed. Interesting things to be learned out there, and interesting creatures.

[He's going, in fact he may have already plotted to drag her out with him.]

Good. I'm going and you're taking me. Think we could use some fresh air.

[ good. they're agreed at least. and that's as much of her saying "we need out of this stupid place" as she'll get at the moment. ]

We could, you're right. Besides it'll give your mother a chance to enjoy some peace.

[And yes, yes it would. He understands this rather well.]

You know what it's like out there, yes?

Yeah, She needs it.

[ her voice is quiet for that, but the other... ]

You probably know more about it than I do.

[ cough up. she wants the details. ]

No abilities work out there, even those on a genetic level. Your and my own abilities won't be working, in other words, no source of power works out there. Electricity and gasoline and the like, we travel by animals and things don't fly out there.

[He's pretty sure that covers it all.]

[ there's a lengthy pause as she considers the implications there. ]

No abilities work? Nothing? [ no talons, no fangs, no teleportation to remind her? ] Sweet. I can work with that. [ she'll be normal. ]

[Of course she'd like that.]

We have found other places there as well that were former castles, they also allowed some use of abilities. Not all of them or nearly as strong. [He got a massive headache.] But in general no, nothing works out there.

Former castles...? Remind me to ask you about that when I get back.

[ because over the journals would not be a good idea. at least she isn't sure if there's a risk or not and well... of course, if he wants to see her now, all he has to do is ask. she's around. somewhere. ]

Still think that's a bonus, at least for me.

[ she'll keep an eye on him, though. ]

Of course, we can discuss it on the trip if you like.

[No, no it wouldn't. And well he might, later.]

You say that now. Though I'm not surprised you'd like it, it takes a bit of getting used to for myself.

Whenever I see you next.

I'm not complaining. It's been a long time. [ a long time since she was normal. ]

Your mother did teach you how to rid a horse, yes?

Once or twice.

[ she's done things like that and could learn quickly anyway. ]

Is that a required skill?

...Is there room for me on this trip to anywhere but here?

[He says it lightly, but he's hiding his upset too.]

You bet. It's a big train. There's always room.

[ that's all right. they can be in denial together. ]

Oh good. I heard mention of an expedition happening very soon?

[It couldn't come soon enough. He's going stir crazy and now this.]

I'm totally going and I'm dragging James with me. What about you?

[ with her family drama, she needs something to do. ]

I'm going. Especially if my grandson decides to go.

[And distraction with the fact he has a grandson, go!]

If he does, let me know. I need to meet that guy.

[ if he's giotto's family, he must be good. ]

You can't exactly miss him. He's my spitting image, except younger and with brown hair.

I'll keep my eye out for him, then.

You said it, sister.

[granted, she's been devoid of stains herself so far, but she still feels the sentiment-- the castle is prone to getting very, very intrusive]

What is with this place and its obsession with things it shouldn't poke at?

I think it's kind of the modus operandi here. That and complete randomness-- Paradisa's two specialties.

Oh great. That's like the worst combination.

If you're in the mood for looking at the bright side, I can think of worse.

....No thanks. Think I'm good on that one. I've seen enough of worse things, trust me.

Here, or...?

Everywhere, really.

Huh. I don't know if I could go that far. Guess I've gotten lucky.

... Before I came here.

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Capture 6

Ashley Magnus

Helen Magnus

Ashley Magnus

Helen Magnus

Ashley Magnus ==> action

action

action

action

action

action

action

action

Action forever

no subject

no subject

no subject

Ashley Magnus HOLY CRAP THANKS TABS AND BRAIN`

James Watson | sfkjhsf ♥

Ashley Magnus

James Watson

Ashley Magnus

James Watson

Ashley Magnus

James Watson

Ashley Magnus

James Watson

Ashley Magnus

James Watson

Ashley Magnus

James Watson

Ashley

Giotto

Ashley

Giotto

Ashley

Giotto

Ashley

Giotto

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