Post MoM AU, general post

[use_everything]

And then one day, it was over.

The memory of how it happened was hazy. Perhaps it was as simple as being ported out, perhaps there was a great experiment, bringing together physicists, chemists, alchemists and scientists to get something WORKING. But like the memories of that time, that other dimension, singular events come and go, like a dream, or an age past.

From the very start, however, there were changes.

Comments

[dendarii]

[ Even now he's reluctant. Looking down at his cookie instead of replying. ]

Because ... I coulda broken the bannister.

[failureisntachoice]

I don't think he'd be that concerned about a banister.

[ She's seen how Aral operates long enough to know that'd be the least of his concerns. ]

[dendarii]

[ Miles knows that too. He takes a bite of his cookie. ]

I coulda broken me?

[failureisntachoice]

Into a million damn pieces, [ she confirms. ] I'm surprised jumping into me didn't cause any.

[dendarii]

I'm stronger'n that.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She eyes him for a moment then holds out her hand, straight up with her palm facing him. ]

Give me your best shot.

[dendarii]

[ That's enough to get him to set down the cookie. He takes a fighting stance. ]

You sure? Bothari's been teaching me.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She chews thoughtfully on a piece of cookie as she considers him and looks like she might pull her hand back before keep it firmly out. ]

I think I can handle it.

[dendarii]

Okay. But I warned you.

[ He winds up and gives her hand a good punch!! ... It might have stung a bit. ]

[failureisntachoice]

[ The stinging might not be much, but she pulls back her hand in a slightly exaggerated hiss of pain. ]

What the hell is he teaching you, kid?

[dendarii]

[ Miles can't help but grin widely at that. He's so proud. ]

Good stuff, I told you! I'm gonna be as tough as you one day.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She blows on her hand and shakes it as if that will remove the 'pain.' ]

Slow down there. If you get as tough as me, what work is that going to leave me with?

[dendarii]

[ Miles frowns at that. ]

Uh ... you can retire?

[failureisntachoice]

I didn't think you wanted me to go away that badly, [ she says casually as she eats the last of her cookie. ]

[dendarii]

-- Of course I don't! I want you to stay forever!

[failureisntachoice]

Good because I didn't want to leave. Come to think of it, I could use an assistant...

[dendarii]

Really? What's an assistant do?

[failureisntachoice]

Well... For starters, they keep training because I only take the best. And they help me guard.

[dendarii]

[ Miles considers this thoughtfully. ]

But you guard me, mostly. Who am I gonna guard?

[failureisntachoice]

Aren't you supposed to be Lord of this district one day?

[dendarii]

'course I'm gonna be. And Count after that.

[failureisntachoice]

Then you're going to need to start practicing now.

[dendarii]

... Okay. As long as you don't hold back. I gotta learn for real.

[failureisntachoice]

I can do that if you promise to follow what I say.

[dendarii]

Deal.