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| Flight from the Gilded Cage - 01/31/20 | ====== Flight from the Gilded Cage - 01/31/20 ====== |
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| | <fc #00008b>**''[Pipino]''**</fc> |
| **''[Pipino]''** | |
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| Pipino was rather silent as they made their way to her family's estate, a lush two-story set of rooms within in the city, leading the way and staring vaguely into the middle distance as her feet took her on the familiar path homeward. Her heels clicking on the pavement punctuated her racing thoughts like little exclamation points as her mind buzzed with a hive of worries. She was trying to hold every possible eventuality for the outcome of the discussion within it and she was beginning to get a headache, a perfect compliment to the stomachache she already harbored. Her gloved hands were wringing in front of her as she walked and her mouth would occassionally look as if it were muttering little spells and incantations, rehearsing things she wanted to say. | Pipino was rather silent as they made their way to her family's estate, a lush two-story set of rooms within in the city, leading the way and staring vaguely into the middle distance as her feet took her on the familiar path homeward. Her heels clicking on the pavement punctuated her racing thoughts like little exclamation points as her mind buzzed with a hive of worries. She was trying to hold every possible eventuality for the outcome of the discussion within it and she was beginning to get a headache, a perfect compliment to the stomachache she already harbored. Her gloved hands were wringing in front of her as she walked and her mouth would occassionally look as if it were muttering little spells and incantations, rehearsing things she wanted to say. |
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| **''[Langston]''** | <fc #AF8847>**''[Langston]''**</fc> |
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| What a familiar feeling this all was. A stroll on a smoothly paved entrance, the excess frills and layers of clothing under the burning sun of Thanalan... Truly, it was reminiscent of Langston's youth. Another visit to some stranger's estate in order to make nice with their children and try to ignore the shallow chatter of coin and countless other things that didn't concern him. Yet, he did his best to keep down the bile in his stomach that was building from such bitter nostalgia, since he had an objective this time around. The doors became more clear in his vision and he turned towards the blue haired woman, offering her a soft smile of reassurance. | What a familiar feeling this all was. A stroll on a smoothly paved entrance, the excess frills and layers of clothing under the burning sun of Thanalan... Truly, it was reminiscent of Langston's youth. Another visit to some stranger's estate in order to make nice with their children and try to ignore the shallow chatter of coin and countless other things that didn't concern him. Yet, he did his best to keep down the bile in his stomach that was building from such bitter nostalgia, since he had an objective this time around. The doors became more clear in his vision and he turned towards the blue haired woman, offering her a soft smile of reassurance. |
| "Eventually, they'll piece together the things you've been up to in your spare time." he said. "And, eventually, they may tire from trying to sway you. We can turn around, if you want. I won't think less of you for it." | "Eventually, they'll piece together the things you've been up to in your spare time." he said. "And, eventually, they may tire from trying to sway you. We can turn around, if you want. I won't think less of you for it." |
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| **''[Pipino]''** | <fc #00008b>**''[Pipino]''**</fc> |
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| Pipino almost jumped when Langston broke her concentration, snapping her head toward him with a look of alarm. She let out a bit of an anxious laugh and managed to change most of her features to something a little more cheerful. | Pipino almost jumped when Langston broke her concentration, snapping her head toward him with a look of alarm. She let out a bit of an anxious laugh and managed to change most of her features to something a little more cheerful. |
| She looked determinedly ahead and kept pressing forward, conviction, muscle memory, and adrenaline being her only driving force. | She looked determinedly ahead and kept pressing forward, conviction, muscle memory, and adrenaline being her only driving force. |
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| **''[Langston]''** | <fc #AF8847>**''[Langston]''**</fc> |
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| Langston's expression became stolid in the face of her determination. "Far be it from me to deny you your freedom. After all, no one was there to bar my path when I did it." | Langston's expression became stolid in the face of her determination. "Far be it from me to deny you your freedom. After all, no one was there to bar my path when I did it." |
| "Pipino." he said sternly. "I think you were right, during our discussion around Starlight. You're free to address me by the name I was born with. There's no shame in a name... what matters is the man behind it." | "Pipino." he said sternly. "I think you were right, during our discussion around Starlight. You're free to address me by the name I was born with. There's no shame in a name... what matters is the man behind it." |
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| **''[Pipino]''** | <fc #00008b>**''[Pipino]''**</fc> |
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| Pipino stopped at the door and looked at it. She'd opened it so many times without incident but now, it was the last time she would probably be allowed to open it on her own accord. It felt...strange. She felt no intense love for her parents, but this building did hold many memories. It held her lessons and education, her earliest paintings, and the small moments of delight she stole with Bricteva. | Pipino stopped at the door and looked at it. She'd opened it so many times without incident but now, it was the last time she would probably be allowed to open it on her own accord. It felt...strange. She felt no intense love for her parents, but this building did hold many memories. It held her lessons and education, her earliest paintings, and the small moments of delight she stole with Bricteva. |
| "Well then, Ilyigu, shall we break open this cage at last?" she asks, an optimistic little smile playing at her lips despite her eyes being full of some other emotion. Maybe a bit of fear, a little uncertainty, but also a bit of hope. | "Well then, Ilyigu, shall we break open this cage at last?" she asks, an optimistic little smile playing at her lips despite her eyes being full of some other emotion. Maybe a bit of fear, a little uncertainty, but also a bit of hope. |
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| **''[Langston]''** | <fc #AF8847>**''[Langston]''**</fc> |
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| Langston nodded, not flinching from being addressed by his given name for once. "Birds were meant to fly freely." he answered, shifting his focus from the door to his dear. | Langston nodded, not flinching from being addressed by his given name for once. "Birds were meant to fly freely." he answered, shifting his focus from the door to his dear. |
| He saw her hand pause at the handle and pondered a few things. During his early life, he could never recall visiting this estate, nor did he remember ever hearing her name then. What lay behind these doors? Were they eccentric and vain like his own father, or were they regal snobs? It was strange, to always think of the rich in such vile terms, in spite of standing beside a woman who could be described as 'old-money'. The thoughts danced in his mind as he awaited their entry. | He saw her hand pause at the handle and pondered a few things. During his early life, he could never recall visiting this estate, nor did he remember ever hearing her name then. What lay behind these doors? Were they eccentric and vain like his own father, or were they regal snobs? It was strange, to always think of the rich in such vile terms, in spite of standing beside a woman who could be described as 'old-money'. The thoughts danced in his mind as he awaited their entry. |
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| **''[Pipino]''** | <fc #00008b>**''[Pipino]''**</fc> |
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| Pipino pulled a key from her pocket it and inserted it into the door, twisting it, then leaning back, her small Lalafellin form used to propelling herself backwards in such a way to move the unnecessarily thick, heavy door from its resting position. A shaft of warm light casting down from an ornate chandelier hung in the high-ceilinged entrance washed over her as she moved herself to the other side of the door, leaning her back against it casually and gesturing Langston inside. She looked a little bit pleased about it, never having had a significant other to invite home before, and though she would prefer the circumstances be different, she was glad that before the end of things, he would at least get to see this chapter of her life - the place where she, for all intents and purposes, became whom she was. | Pipino pulled a key from her pocket it and inserted it into the door, twisting it, then leaning back, her small Lalafellin form used to propelling herself backwards in such a way to move the unnecessarily thick, heavy door from its resting position. A shaft of warm light casting down from an ornate chandelier hung in the high-ceilinged entrance washed over her as she moved herself to the other side of the door, leaning her back against it casually and gesturing Langston inside. She looked a little bit pleased about it, never having had a significant other to invite home before, and though she would prefer the circumstances be different, she was glad that before the end of things, he would at least get to see this chapter of her life - the place where she, for all intents and purposes, became whom she was. |
| Pipino would follow in after him, letting the door shut behind him, and tucking the key away again. She made her way across to the first door to the left and opened it, peeking her head in, checking who was present and how far she would need to go to gather both of her parents in the same room at the same time, a rare feat these days. | Pipino would follow in after him, letting the door shut behind him, and tucking the key away again. She made her way across to the first door to the left and opened it, peeking her head in, checking who was present and how far she would need to go to gather both of her parents in the same room at the same time, a rare feat these days. |
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| **''[Langston]''** | <fc #AF8847>**''[Langston]''**</fc> |
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| Langston's gaze traveled skyward at a snail's pace, taking in the sights of the main hall. The bright lights gave a semblance of life to the dark shades of the interior. His feet remained planted firmly on the ground. Awakened were the habits and manners of yesteryear; stand straight, eyes forward, hands out of your pockets, fix your hair, keep your godsdamned coat on until it is taken for you. | Langston's gaze traveled skyward at a snail's pace, taking in the sights of the main hall. The bright lights gave a semblance of life to the dark shades of the interior. His feet remained planted firmly on the ground. Awakened were the habits and manners of yesteryear; stand straight, eyes forward, hands out of your pockets, fix your hair, keep your godsdamned coat on until it is taken for you. |
| Yet, there was an eerie calm in the air. The home did not teem with life or love. Perhaps there was a few instances in his visits that had this same feeling, but it had been oh so long. Langston couldn't help but feel unsettled, and yet he also remained frozen in place. He merely turned his head towards Pipino as she peered into that first room, as it wasn't his place to be peering into the private quarters of her parents. | Yet, there was an eerie calm in the air. The home did not teem with life or love. Perhaps there was a few instances in his visits that had this same feeling, but it had been oh so long. Langston couldn't help but feel unsettled, and yet he also remained frozen in place. He merely turned his head towards Pipino as she peered into that first room, as it wasn't his place to be peering into the private quarters of her parents. |
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| **''[Pipino]''** | <fc #00008b>**''[Pipino]''**</fc> |
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| Her head poked out of the doorway and looked to Langston, reading his body language and giving him an apologetic smile. "Your home is much warmer," she said softly, pushing the door further open and leaning against it to keep it open. "But...well...as uncomfortable as I am sure it feels if I were to leave you on your own, you are welcome to have a seat here in the parlor." She sighs and looks inside. "The fire is not lit, the couches are much too firm, and I have no tea prepared. But....but you are welcome to make yourself comfortable here if you would like. But if you would like to stay with me while I see to summoning them here, you are welcome to do that as well." She laughed a little. "This feels...so bizarre! I know the circumstances are awful but... Well, I am glad to have you here. This house has never felt as warm as it has with you standing at its doorstep." | Her head poked out of the doorway and looked to Langston, reading his body language and giving him an apologetic smile. "Your home is much warmer," she said softly, pushing the door further open and leaning against it to keep it open. "But...well...as uncomfortable as I am sure it feels if I were to leave you on your own, you are welcome to have a seat here in the parlor." She sighs and looks inside. "The fire is not lit, the couches are much too firm, and I have no tea prepared. But....but you are welcome to make yourself comfortable here if you would like. But if you would like to stay with me while I see to summoning them here, you are welcome to do that as well." She laughed a little. "This feels...so bizarre! I know the circumstances are awful but... Well, I am glad to have you here. This house has never felt as warm as it has with you standing at its doorstep." |
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| **''[Langston]''** | <fc #AF8847>**''[Langston]''**</fc> |
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| Langston looked into this sad room. It looked as if someone hired a designer, threw some furniture into it, and then doomed this space to never be used again. "...You and yours don't get many guests, do they..?" he asked, moving to plant himself on the comfortable looking couch. The illusion of comfort was immediately dispelled once his bottom hit the cushion, but, for Pipino's sake, he made himself look as though he was being treated like a lord. "I don't know how comfortable I would be, wandering the halls, peering into rooms in search of your parents... If you think it would be better for me to see them both at once, I'm perfectly fine waiting here." He put on a gleaming smile, an onze, no, maybe a ponze of reassurance for her sake. | Langston looked into this sad room. It looked as if someone hired a designer, threw some furniture into it, and then doomed this space to never be used again. "...You and yours don't get many guests, do they..?" he asked, moving to plant himself on the comfortable looking couch. The illusion of comfort was immediately dispelled once his bottom hit the cushion, but, for Pipino's sake, he made himself look as though he was being treated like a lord. "I don't know how comfortable I would be, wandering the halls, peering into rooms in search of your parents... If you think it would be better for me to see them both at once, I'm perfectly fine waiting here." He put on a gleaming smile, an onze, no, maybe a ponze of reassurance for her sake. |
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| **''[Pipino]''** | <fc #00008b>**''[Pipino]''**</fc> |
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| Pipino walked over to the couch Langston was seated on and stood before him and took her hands in his, giving him an expression that looked like she was holding back a laugh. "You would think so, would you not? We do have visitors...well...I do not have them much any more, but when I was younger I did. It is just that we tend to bring our guests to our individual rooms. We...well, I probably do not need to state it again, but we really do not do much as a family. We keep to our separate domains." She stood on her tip-toes and stole a kiss for herself, taking that reassurance he so readily offered her. "I imagine my mother will be thrilled to have a new toy in the house. My father will probably make us wait so it may just be the three of us for a moment. They are not very good at teamwork, so it is almost a strategy of sorts to force them together." She lifted a hand and cupped his face. "I apologize in advance for it all but... this all shall be worth it," she said with a soft smile before taking one more kiss from him. "Of that I have little doubt." | Pipino walked over to the couch Langston was seated on and stood before him and took her hands in his, giving him an expression that looked like she was holding back a laugh. "You would think so, would you not? We do have visitors...well...I do not have them much any more, but when I was younger I did. It is just that we tend to bring our guests to our individual rooms. We...well, I probably do not need to state it again, but we really do not do much as a family. We keep to our separate domains." She stood on her tip-toes and stole a kiss for herself, taking that reassurance he so readily offered her. "I imagine my mother will be thrilled to have a new toy in the house. My father will probably make us wait so it may just be the three of us for a moment. They are not very good at teamwork, so it is almost a strategy of sorts to force them together." She lifted a hand and cupped his face. "I apologize in advance for it all but... this all shall be worth it," she said with a soft smile before taking one more kiss from him. "Of that I have little doubt." |
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| **''[Langston]''** | <fc #AF8847>**''[Langston]''**</fc> |
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| Langston sighed in relief, reclining to absorb whatever comfort this couch could possibly offer. "You know, when I think on it, my home was hardly any different." he said. "It was all very isolated... I spent time with my father being tutored, and I suppose we all ate together... that was really the extent of it." Pipino's words echoed with an eerie sense of foreboding in his mind. He did not like the thought of being a plaything for her mother, in any sort of context. Her father, well... he's dealt with fathers before, but, swinging fists would not be good for anyone here. | Langston sighed in relief, reclining to absorb whatever comfort this couch could possibly offer. "You know, when I think on it, my home was hardly any different." he said. "It was all very isolated... I spent time with my father being tutored, and I suppose we all ate together... that was really the extent of it." Pipino's words echoed with an eerie sense of foreboding in his mind. He did not like the thought of being a plaything for her mother, in any sort of context. Her father, well... he's dealt with fathers before, but, swinging fists would not be good for anyone here. |
| Langston felt that Pipino was being quite affectionate. As she pulled away from the kiss, he brushed a few stray hairs from his face and nodded. "I'll resist the urge to shout and summon them from these empty halls. Patience is something I have in abundance today. Why, there was this nice little shop on the way here and I happened to drop some coin on some extra patience..." Jests... these are Monetarist jests, yes? | Langston felt that Pipino was being quite affectionate. As she pulled away from the kiss, he brushed a few stray hairs from his face and nodded. "I'll resist the urge to shout and summon them from these empty halls. Patience is something I have in abundance today. Why, there was this nice little shop on the way here and I happened to drop some coin on some extra patience..." Jests... these are Monetarist jests, yes? |
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| **''[Pipino]''** | <fc #00008b>**''[Pipino]''**</fc> |
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| She did not want to leave him. He was so kind, so warm, and so, so important. Why did these other people even have to matter? She lingered long enough to laugh lightly at his little joke and to sigh, taking in the last little moment of the status quo before she meant to turn everything upside down. She squeezed his hand one last time before stepping away, a hand immediately unconsciously traveling to that ring that dangled from a chain at her neck, that physical reminder of why she needed to summon her courage to see her safely through any trial. When she reached the doorframe, she paused a moment to look over her shoulder as if to burn his presence in her mind. "I shall be back...hopefully shortly." She turned to leave again before shyly pausing again and saying a little more softly something she realized she hadn't said out loud in quite some time. "I love you." She turned and walked quickly away now, the click, click, click of hard soles on marble fading with her. | She did not want to leave him. He was so kind, so warm, and so, so important. Why did these other people even have to matter? She lingered long enough to laugh lightly at his little joke and to sigh, taking in the last little moment of the status quo before she meant to turn everything upside down. She squeezed his hand one last time before stepping away, a hand immediately unconsciously traveling to that ring that dangled from a chain at her neck, that physical reminder of why she needed to summon her courage to see her safely through any trial. When she reached the doorframe, she paused a moment to look over her shoulder as if to burn his presence in her mind. "I shall be back...hopefully shortly." She turned to leave again before shyly pausing again and saying a little more softly something she realized she hadn't said out loud in quite some time. "I love you." She turned and walked quickly away now, the click, click, click of hard soles on marble fading with her. |
| "And now we wait... I gave them a quarter of a bell before we can just....leave and I send them a letter in the mail. Part of me wants that to be the eventuality but...I do not know, I would at least like to pretend to be a mature adult capable of talking to my own parents, at least on this one matter." | "And now we wait... I gave them a quarter of a bell before we can just....leave and I send them a letter in the mail. Part of me wants that to be the eventuality but...I do not know, I would at least like to pretend to be a mature adult capable of talking to my own parents, at least on this one matter." |
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| **''[Langston]''** | <fc #AF8847>**''[Langston]''**</fc> |
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| Langston sat alone. | Langston sat alone. |
| His mind was cut short as her voice reached his ears. Such difficulty, he thought, that she must be facing. He felt guilty for even doubting her ability to make this decision, and he offered a silent apology, dragging her into a deep kiss. If this was the first thing her parents saw, let this be the first shot fired in this battle of wills. | His mind was cut short as her voice reached his ears. Such difficulty, he thought, that she must be facing. He felt guilty for even doubting her ability to make this decision, and he offered a silent apology, dragging her into a deep kiss. If this was the first thing her parents saw, let this be the first shot fired in this battle of wills. |
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| **''[Pipino]''** | <fc #00008b>**''[Pipino]''**</fc> |
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| Pipino was caught by surprise by the sudden kiss and tensed a bit only because the mood felt strange and she was half expecting her mother or father to walk in at any moment. In fact, her eyes did open and she tried to look over in a panicked way over at the door. But his deep insistance at expressing whatever this kiss was trying to get through to her won her over. She needed it in a way she did not know she did, and Langston was always one to show her the things she needed when she was unsure. She kissed him in return, giving herself over to it and, well, feeling even a little bit like she were breaking some kind of unwritten rule all at the same time, the little rebellion spurring her motivation even further. | Pipino was caught by surprise by the sudden kiss and tensed a bit only because the mood felt strange and she was half expecting her mother or father to walk in at any moment. In fact, her eyes did open and she tried to look over in a panicked way over at the door. But his deep insistance at expressing whatever this kiss was trying to get through to her won her over. She needed it in a way she did not know she did, and Langston was always one to show her the things she needed when she was unsure. She kissed him in return, giving herself over to it and, well, feeling even a little bit like she were breaking some kind of unwritten rule all at the same time, the little rebellion spurring her motivation even further. |
| She pulled back and separated from him for a moment, smiling a bit shyly. "Well...was it that bad, sitting in here alone that you felt the need to welcome me back so fervently?" | She pulled back and separated from him for a moment, smiling a bit shyly. "Well...was it that bad, sitting in here alone that you felt the need to welcome me back so fervently?" |
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| **''[Langston]''** | <fc #AF8847>**''[Langston]''**</fc> |
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| "You ran out before I could even tell you how much I loved you, too!" he said, conveying half of what his reasoning was for such an abrupt action. "I heard at least one door close, which is shocking considering the size of this place..." He took her gloved hands into his own, nodding with confidence. "Steel yourself. Though I have no doubt you will make it through this, it will not be without injury." | "You ran out before I could even tell you how much I loved you, too!" he said, conveying half of what his reasoning was for such an abrupt action. "I heard at least one door close, which is shocking considering the size of this place..." He took her gloved hands into his own, nodding with confidence. "Steel yourself. Though I have no doubt you will make it through this, it will not be without injury." |
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| **''[Pipino]''** | <fc #00008b>**''[Pipino]''**</fc> |
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| She opened her mouth to reply but just as she was about to utter her first words, the sound of her mother's rapidly paced steps on the marble echoed throughout the hall and bounced into the parlor. She closed her mouth and offered one last smile of encouragement and one last squeeze of her hand before straightening her skirt and sitting straight, letting Langston still hold one of her hands as a display of unity. | She opened her mouth to reply but just as she was about to utter her first words, the sound of her mother's rapidly paced steps on the marble echoed throughout the hall and bounced into the parlor. She closed her mouth and offered one last smile of encouragement and one last squeeze of her hand before straightening her skirt and sitting straight, letting Langston still hold one of her hands as a display of unity. |
| > "Ilyigu Selayigu I presume? Or is this Langston Clevers? You will have to forgive me, I get them, so, so confused. The mind plays tricks on one as you get older, you see." She took a moment to check her manicure while she waited for a reply. | > "Ilyigu Selayigu I presume? Or is this Langston Clevers? You will have to forgive me, I get them, so, so confused. The mind plays tricks on one as you get older, you see." She took a moment to check her manicure while she waited for a reply. |
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| **''[Langston]''** | <fc #AF8847>**''[Langston]''**</fc> |
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| Langston kept her hand held as he got a good measure of the woman he was dealing with. It was a familiar image and feeling. Though he could feel Pipino's warmth move from her hand to his like a gentle stream of water, it was a raging vortex of animosity that swirled outward from Nonomi that really made him start to sweat around the neck. Angry maternal figures of high status were not new to him, but he was never at the receiving end of their wrath. | Langston kept her hand held as he got a good measure of the woman he was dealing with. It was a familiar image and feeling. Though he could feel Pipino's warmth move from her hand to his like a gentle stream of water, it was a raging vortex of animosity that swirled outward from Nonomi that really made him start to sweat around the neck. Angry maternal figures of high status were not new to him, but he was never at the receiving end of their wrath. |
| Still, if this whirlpool threatened to swallow the stream whole, the burden was upon him, the outsider, to be not like water, but rather the unbreakable stone that will weather the storm. Langston's demeanor hardened as such, a bored expression to such feeble insults. "It seems we both take after our beautiful mothers." he said to Pipino, though his gaze slowly began to shift towards Nonomi. "Though I much prefer the blue to the faded blonde." He gave the older woman a reassuring smile. "Oh, you needn't dust off the cobwebs of your tired old mind, my lady. You've the luxury of choice in this matter! I will go by Ilyigu this evening. Langston will do just fine, as well. Or Ilangston, or Langstigu... whatever is easier for you to digest. I'll not be too critical of your decision." | Still, if this whirlpool threatened to swallow the stream whole, the burden was upon him, the outsider, to be not like water, but rather the unbreakable stone that will weather the storm. Langston's demeanor hardened as such, a bored expression to such feeble insults. "It seems we both take after our beautiful mothers." he said to Pipino, though his gaze slowly began to shift towards Nonomi. "Though I much prefer the blue to the faded blonde." He gave the older woman a reassuring smile. "Oh, you needn't dust off the cobwebs of your tired old mind, my lady. You've the luxury of choice in this matter! I will go by Ilyigu this evening. Langston will do just fine, as well. Or Ilangston, or Langstigu... whatever is easier for you to digest. I'll not be too critical of your decision." |
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| **''[Pipino]''** | <fc #00008b>**''[Pipino]''**</fc> |
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| Pipino resisted the urge to bite her lip as Langston kept speaking, his words treading the line very carefully between things that would insult or possibly delight her. Her mother enjoyed a bit of gentle ribbing and preferred those with sharp wit who spoke honestly, but some of his teasing had the potential to move past that. | Pipino resisted the urge to bite her lip as Langston kept speaking, his words treading the line very carefully between things that would insult or possibly delight her. Her mother enjoyed a bit of gentle ribbing and preferred those with sharp wit who spoke honestly, but some of his teasing had the potential to move past that. |
| > Nonomi shrugged. "If you insist. I will not say you are wrong exactly. We all have our motives in life." | > Nonomi shrugged. "If you insist. I will not say you are wrong exactly. We all have our motives in life." |
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| **''[Langston]''** | <fc #AF8847>**''[Langston]''**</fc> |
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| Langston frowned, letting himself become more earnest and friendly for the moment. He did, at least, feel insulted by that train of thought. And yet, there is something to be said about wanting to protect their child's interests. | Langston frowned, letting himself become more earnest and friendly for the moment. He did, at least, feel insulted by that train of thought. And yet, there is something to be said about wanting to protect their child's interests. |
| Langston held Pino's hand tighter, though he leaned forward to make his cold expression clear to Nonomi. "You would be more correct to be weary of my lechery than anything. I'll not deny that I have a history. Know this: I've not laid with your daughter as such, and have no intention to as long as she does not want to." A furrowed brow followed these words; a tranquil anger stirred within this unshakable stone. "But, the wealth? You mistake me for a man with far less honor." | Langston held Pino's hand tighter, though he leaned forward to make his cold expression clear to Nonomi. "You would be more correct to be weary of my lechery than anything. I'll not deny that I have a history. Know this: I've not laid with your daughter as such, and have no intention to as long as she does not want to." A furrowed brow followed these words; a tranquil anger stirred within this unshakable stone. "But, the wealth? You mistake me for a man with far less honor." |
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| **''[Pipino]''** | <fc #00008b>**''[Pipino]''**</fc> |
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| Pipino gazed at her mother with determined eyes as Langston spoke, wanting her to know everything he said had her support. Before she could contribute though, Nonomi raised an eyebrow and replied quickly, almost as if she knew exactly where this conversation was heading and had prepared for it. | Pipino gazed at her mother with determined eyes as Langston spoke, wanting her to know everything he said had her support. Before she could contribute though, Nonomi raised an eyebrow and replied quickly, almost as if she knew exactly where this conversation was heading and had prepared for it. |
| > "Well, if it would be so easy for you to meet all of the requirements, why not do just that and you can win my Pipino's hand for yourself the proper way. Doing it this way, you deprive her of marriage, involve her in scandal, and deny her the singular devotion a prize such as her deserves, would you not agree? Surely if you loved her as much as you claim, you could do these little things on her behalf." | > "Well, if it would be so easy for you to meet all of the requirements, why not do just that and you can win my Pipino's hand for yourself the proper way. Doing it this way, you deprive her of marriage, involve her in scandal, and deny her the singular devotion a prize such as her deserves, would you not agree? Surely if you loved her as much as you claim, you could do these little things on her behalf." |
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| **''[Langston]''** | <fc #AF8847>**''[Langston]''**</fc> |
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| Langston pointed his eyes downward, his voice robbed by Nonomi's. That would be the simplest solution. And yet, the shortest road was hardly ever the best road. He chewed on his lip, shaking his head as her words stirred in his mind. | Langston pointed his eyes downward, his voice robbed by Nonomi's. That would be the simplest solution. And yet, the shortest road was hardly ever the best road. He chewed on his lip, shaking his head as her words stirred in his mind. |
| He turned to Pipino now, passing his free hand over her head. "Strange... my arm is not stopped by any manner of strings. Could it be that she is not a marionette? She emanates warmth from her hand, as well. Could it also be that she is not a mammet that winds up to do your bidding?" He nodded, keeping his eyes fixated on the blue haired woman's. "Have you ever taken an interests in your daughter's desires? What about her thoughts, her feelings? They do exist and she has a right to them. You could probably say you have, but your words betray your own feelings. For you see, she was never *my* Pipino and never will be." | He turned to Pipino now, passing his free hand over her head. "Strange... my arm is not stopped by any manner of strings. Could it be that she is not a marionette? She emanates warmth from her hand, as well. Could it also be that she is not a mammet that winds up to do your bidding?" He nodded, keeping his eyes fixated on the blue haired woman's. "Have you ever taken an interests in your daughter's desires? What about her thoughts, her feelings? They do exist and she has a right to them. You could probably say you have, but your words betray your own feelings. For you see, she was never *my* Pipino and never will be." |
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| **''[Pipino]''** | <fc #00008b>**''[Pipino]''**</fc> |
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| > Nonomi bristled at his response. Who was this relative child to tell her how she ought to parent? Her expression was mostly furious, but her eyes betrayed something softer. They sparkled like Pipino's did when she felt particularly passionate. | > Nonomi bristled at his response. Who was this relative child to tell her how she ought to parent? Her expression was mostly furious, but her eyes betrayed something softer. They sparkled like Pipino's did when she felt particularly passionate. |
| Pipino squeezed Langston's hand a little harder than she had probably meant to, her expression a near mirror of her mother's. "Mother, stop talking like I am not even here! I am thirty-four years old, far older and dare I say wiser than you were when you made your past decisions. I mean to make my own! I am refusing to allow you and Father to push me around and decide my life anymore. I grow tired of this! If anything drives me to jump off a bridge, it will be the both of you! Living this life as I have has grown unfathomable!" She said it all with sincerity, fire, venom. Her hand trembled in Langston's grasp and her voice shook with the unbridled fury of thirty-four years of obedient silence. | Pipino squeezed Langston's hand a little harder than she had probably meant to, her expression a near mirror of her mother's. "Mother, stop talking like I am not even here! I am thirty-four years old, far older and dare I say wiser than you were when you made your past decisions. I mean to make my own! I am refusing to allow you and Father to push me around and decide my life anymore. I grow tired of this! If anything drives me to jump off a bridge, it will be the both of you! Living this life as I have has grown unfathomable!" She said it all with sincerity, fire, venom. Her hand trembled in Langston's grasp and her voice shook with the unbridled fury of thirty-four years of obedient silence. |
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| **''[Langston]''** | <fc #AF8847>**''[Langston]''**</fc> |
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| "I see now..." he said, suddenly rising from his seat to look down at Nonomi. "You *people*... you only know how to think in extremes. It makes it easier to digest, gives you a greater ground to stand on when you wish to look just." He shook his head and spoke quietly. | "I see now..." he said, suddenly rising from his seat to look down at Nonomi. "You *people*... you only know how to think in extremes. It makes it easier to digest, gives you a greater ground to stand on when you wish to look just." He shook his head and spoke quietly. |
| He sighed, looking to Nonomi in a strange and honest confusion. "May I ask you something? Where does this burning desire stem from, to immortalize your family? I'm curious as to why you cannot be content with your successes and simply drift off to the afterlife. If you *must*, write a book, erect a business and slap your name on it. You needn't carve your legacy into a mind that cares not for it." | He sighed, looking to Nonomi in a strange and honest confusion. "May I ask you something? Where does this burning desire stem from, to immortalize your family? I'm curious as to why you cannot be content with your successes and simply drift off to the afterlife. If you *must*, write a book, erect a business and slap your name on it. You needn't carve your legacy into a mind that cares not for it." |
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| **''[Pipino]''** | <fc #00008b>**''[Pipino]''**</fc> |
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| > As Pipino shouted at her mother, Nonomi's countenance paled, nothing but vulnerability struck her. She had never heard Pipino speak in such a tone or express such frustration. She never had much fight. Always bowed her head and obeyed. She thought her soft, perhaps a little daft, indecisive, and incapable of making proper choices for herself as a result. But here was this woman suddenly - not a girl - screaming at her with such pain, such anguish such....hatred. To say she was shocked would be an understatement. When Pipino had finished, she looked into her lap and accepted Langston's lecture now, closing her eyes as she endured the barbs and arrows, her mind clearly still distracted about this rebellion in her only child. | > As Pipino shouted at her mother, Nonomi's countenance paled, nothing but vulnerability struck her. She had never heard Pipino speak in such a tone or express such frustration. She never had much fight. Always bowed her head and obeyed. She thought her soft, perhaps a little daft, indecisive, and incapable of making proper choices for herself as a result. But here was this woman suddenly - not a girl - screaming at her with such pain, such anguish such....hatred. To say she was shocked would be an understatement. When Pipino had finished, she looked into her lap and accepted Langston's lecture now, closing her eyes as she endured the barbs and arrows, her mind clearly still distracted about this rebellion in her only child. |
| > "To make a long story short, my mother was married in an arranged marriage to a man she did not love. I know, a shocker," she said in a bored, but quiet tone, still checking over her shoulder now and again. "She had an affair with someone else, and it led to be being conceived. It was obvious through genetics that I was not my father's child, but my parents, for the sake of the family name, hid the truth and pressured me to achieve great things. I was to be the paragon of the family. But the whole time, I was looked down upon. Every relative knew. I had a sister as well rightfully born, of course. She became their joy. I became their shadow. Moving forward, I made many choices in my life to remove that shadow from my name. To rise above, and to prove myself something productive. To leave a legacy, and to ensure my own child would not face the same indignities." | > "To make a long story short, my mother was married in an arranged marriage to a man she did not love. I know, a shocker," she said in a bored, but quiet tone, still checking over her shoulder now and again. "She had an affair with someone else, and it led to be being conceived. It was obvious through genetics that I was not my father's child, but my parents, for the sake of the family name, hid the truth and pressured me to achieve great things. I was to be the paragon of the family. But the whole time, I was looked down upon. Every relative knew. I had a sister as well rightfully born, of course. She became their joy. I became their shadow. Moving forward, I made many choices in my life to remove that shadow from my name. To rise above, and to prove myself something productive. To leave a legacy, and to ensure my own child would not face the same indignities." |
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| **''[Langston]''** | <fc #AF8847>**''[Langston]''**</fc> |
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| Langston returned to his seat, feeling his second wind being inhaled by a creature full of pity. "...No one answer is correct." he said, looking at the blonde woman unflinchingly. "Compliance gives birth to your story. In a flash of free will, your mother gave birth to you, and in this, shook the foundation of your family. A great issue that no lie could mask. In spite of this, however, you tie your marriage in a lie as well. To be unable to be your truest self to your own husband..." His brow furrowed. "I've some sympathy for you, at least." | Langston returned to his seat, feeling his second wind being inhaled by a creature full of pity. "...No one answer is correct." he said, looking at the blonde woman unflinchingly. "Compliance gives birth to your story. In a flash of free will, your mother gave birth to you, and in this, shook the foundation of your family. A great issue that no lie could mask. In spite of this, however, you tie your marriage in a lie as well. To be unable to be your truest self to your own husband..." His brow furrowed. "I've some sympathy for you, at least." |
| Langston smiled softly, waving his hand dismissively. "That was a morbid analogy. I apologize, my lady. I guess what I mean to say, ultimately, is that there's nothing wrong with wanting to watch over your daughter. What you are *doing*, however, is guiding her to be doomed to have her or her children live unhappy lives where these issues of blood thrive and threaten to ruin your family, even long after you're dead. As I've said, I want nothing from you people." He turned to Pipino and nodded. "I just wish for Pipino to live her best life, on her terms. As long as we both want the same thing, you and I should have no quarrel." | Langston smiled softly, waving his hand dismissively. "That was a morbid analogy. I apologize, my lady. I guess what I mean to say, ultimately, is that there's nothing wrong with wanting to watch over your daughter. What you are *doing*, however, is guiding her to be doomed to have her or her children live unhappy lives where these issues of blood thrive and threaten to ruin your family, even long after you're dead. As I've said, I want nothing from you people." He turned to Pipino and nodded. "I just wish for Pipino to live her best life, on her terms. As long as we both want the same thing, you and I should have no quarrel." |
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| **''[Pipino]''** | <fc #00008b>**''[Pipino]''**</fc> |
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| Pipino looked to her mother with more tender eyes than usual. Her posture was stock-straight as she listened to her mother's reasoning, expression full of surprise and understanding, as if 34 years of pointless decisions and demands suddenly had found purchase in fertile soil within her mind. "Mother...I... had no idea," she managed after Langston finished. The way he spoke to her and didn't back down... it was inspiring to her. She looked to him with pride, her heart swelling a size bigger for each point he eloquently made, all for her. Inserting himself in such a way in a family's domestic disputes was unheard of and uncomfortable enough, let alone being able to tame such a commanding woman. | Pipino looked to her mother with more tender eyes than usual. Her posture was stock-straight as she listened to her mother's reasoning, expression full of surprise and understanding, as if 34 years of pointless decisions and demands suddenly had found purchase in fertile soil within her mind. "Mother...I... had no idea," she managed after Langston finished. The way he spoke to her and didn't back down... it was inspiring to her. She looked to him with pride, her heart swelling a size bigger for each point he eloquently made, all for her. Inserting himself in such a way in a family's domestic disputes was unheard of and uncomfortable enough, let alone being able to tame such a commanding woman. |
| > Papayena Sasayena studied the group, his gaze falling on Langston and remaining emotionless. "Ah, I see. The man of the bell. Or how long as it been now? The man of nearly four and a half moons? Surely you know you are unwelcome here and have the sense to know that medding in a family's affairs is quite uncouth. Why have you come?" | > Papayena Sasayena studied the group, his gaze falling on Langston and remaining emotionless. "Ah, I see. The man of the bell. Or how long as it been now? The man of nearly four and a half moons? Surely you know you are unwelcome here and have the sense to know that medding in a family's affairs is quite uncouth. Why have you come?" |
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| **''[Langston]''** | <fc #AF8847>**''[Langston]''**</fc> |
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| Langston watched on, letting Pino vent her thoughts to her mother. It echoed a similar conversation he had long ago with his father, though this was more vitriolic than his own. The benefits of *not* being an only child... at least, for that particular moment. | Langston watched on, letting Pino vent her thoughts to her mother. It echoed a similar conversation he had long ago with his father, though this was more vitriolic than his own. The benefits of *not* being an only child... at least, for that particular moment. |
| Of course, it was a grand lie. Should these fools have the nerve to harm their own daughter, he thought, he was ready to snap on their heels like a well placed iron trap. | Of course, it was a grand lie. Should these fools have the nerve to harm their own daughter, he thought, he was ready to snap on their heels like a well placed iron trap. |
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| **''[Pipino]''** | <fc #00008b>**''[Pipino]''**</fc> |
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| > "No, it is just that I have never considered you at all. Had you ever been worth considering for any purpose, your father would have heard from us regarding Pipino's marriage many summers ago. He is a bit....*new* to the fold, you understand. A ruthless man with the skills to succeed in business, but his capital has not stood the test of time. Therefore, you by extension are not worthy of my consideration, and you are in no position to be making demands in my home. That I recognize you is to your detriment." | > "No, it is just that I have never considered you at all. Had you ever been worth considering for any purpose, your father would have heard from us regarding Pipino's marriage many summers ago. He is a bit....*new* to the fold, you understand. A ruthless man with the skills to succeed in business, but his capital has not stood the test of time. Therefore, you by extension are not worthy of my consideration, and you are in no position to be making demands in my home. That I recognize you is to your detriment." |
| A little helpessly, Pipino looked to Langston. She knew in her mind that this wasn't good enough, that it wasn't what she came here for. But there were so many other variables to consider. The money she could make in her position could benefit the entire family, especially Lorry. She could continue to use her economic influence to do good in Ul'dah, and retain her social standing that would enable her to be a beacon for change in a rotten system. She could still travel, and she could avoid being dragged into dangerous situations. But at what cost? | A little helpessly, Pipino looked to Langston. She knew in her mind that this wasn't good enough, that it wasn't what she came here for. But there were so many other variables to consider. The money she could make in her position could benefit the entire family, especially Lorry. She could continue to use her economic influence to do good in Ul'dah, and retain her social standing that would enable her to be a beacon for change in a rotten system. She could still travel, and she could avoid being dragged into dangerous situations. But at what cost? |
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| **''[Langston]''** | <fc #AF8847>**''[Langston]''**</fc> |
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| The situation was wildly slipping out of his grasp. Langston grinded his teeth, though they were shrouded by his closed mouth. He drifted back to a few summers ago, snapping his ring finger across the jaw of his own father in a fit of rage. And then to an earlier summer, where father and son were at each other's throats, engaged in a vicious scuffle atop a rosewood desk. Yet, he could also remember a scene more familiar to the general populace. The Calamity, and, in spite of the hatred he earned from them all, how a man dragged his father, son, and ex-wife into shelter. | The situation was wildly slipping out of his grasp. Langston grinded his teeth, though they were shrouded by his closed mouth. He drifted back to a few summers ago, snapping his ring finger across the jaw of his own father in a fit of rage. And then to an earlier summer, where father and son were at each other's throats, engaged in a vicious scuffle atop a rosewood desk. Yet, he could also remember a scene more familiar to the general populace. The Calamity, and, in spite of the hatred he earned from them all, how a man dragged his father, son, and ex-wife into shelter. |
| The sudden surge of strength escaped him. What else was there to say but the truth? "These are the things I've earned and they've kept me happy. They would never make you happy. Fair. To impose your thoughts on your daughter is not fair. Yet, I would never want to be beholden to a wretched man like you, so I'll fatten the deal for you." His eyes turned to Pino. He knew what he was going to say may sting, but he also had confidence. You're not just the child of your parents, he thought. You're your own woman. Make whatever choice you want, but please... please respect mine. "The amount you offer... safety and security, is undeniable.. Should she accept your charity, you won't have to invest in a house or hide me from the public eye or anything of the sort. You can just leave me out." His expression finally softened into a smile. "It was never about me. It's about Pipino, and no one else. I can live a happy life if she's happy." | The sudden surge of strength escaped him. What else was there to say but the truth? "These are the things I've earned and they've kept me happy. They would never make you happy. Fair. To impose your thoughts on your daughter is not fair. Yet, I would never want to be beholden to a wretched man like you, so I'll fatten the deal for you." His eyes turned to Pino. He knew what he was going to say may sting, but he also had confidence. You're not just the child of your parents, he thought. You're your own woman. Make whatever choice you want, but please... please respect mine. "The amount you offer... safety and security, is undeniable.. Should she accept your charity, you won't have to invest in a house or hide me from the public eye or anything of the sort. You can just leave me out." His expression finally softened into a smile. "It was never about me. It's about Pipino, and no one else. I can live a happy life if she's happy." |
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| **''[Pipino]''** | <fc #00008b>**''[Pipino]''**</fc> |
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| > Pipiyena raised his eyebrows in a bored sort of way, his head tilting and a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Fair? My offer is more than fair. It is you who are more cruel that I expected. Making her choose between you and her fami-" | > Pipiyena raised his eyebrows in a bored sort of way, his head tilting and a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Fair? My offer is more than fair. It is you who are more cruel that I expected. Making her choose between you and her fami-" |
| Pipino stood, and clenched her fists at her sides, leaning forward, her face tained with rage, eyes narrowed in seething hatred for the man opposite her. Langston's words stung a little, but her father's implication was like a strong slap across her face. "It is *YOU* who makes me choose! *BOTH* of you," she cried, directing her rage at her mother now her gaze flashing dangerously between the two. "Every single day of my life I have had to choose! And I chose this family! And I have absolutely *NOTHING* to show for my sacrifices!" Her tears welled over and streamed freely down her face as her her expression contorted in a way that none in the room had probably ever seen. It felt alien to her, but now that she had started, she found it impossible to stop. "Just sit down and paint, Pipino! Go on this date, Pipino! Come to this social event, Pipino! Let me dress you up like my personal doll, Pipino! Give us your money, Pipino! Don't talk to those people, Pipino! Lose weight, Pipino! Dont whore yourself out, Pipino! Don't love him, Pipino! Don't talk! Don't complain! Don't cry! Don't show weakness! Don't speak like that! Don't go here! Don't go there! Don't slouch! Don't wear your hair like that! Don't wear this color! Don't, don't, don't. You've left me with *NOTHING* that is mine! I've had *ENOUGH.* I have found what is mine, and I mean to keep it! I mean to leave this Eighth Hell you have created for me! Of course I would stay by his side!" she screamed, pointing a wild, trembling finger at Langston. She fell silent, still tensely standing, her breath coming in short heaves as her corsetted torso caused her to breathe more shallowly than what was appropriate for such an outburst, chest rising and falling visibly. | Pipino stood, and clenched her fists at her sides, leaning forward, her face tained with rage, eyes narrowed in seething hatred for the man opposite her. Langston's words stung a little, but her father's implication was like a strong slap across her face. "It is *YOU* who makes me choose! *BOTH* of you," she cried, directing her rage at her mother now her gaze flashing dangerously between the two. "Every single day of my life I have had to choose! And I chose this family! And I have absolutely *NOTHING* to show for my sacrifices!" Her tears welled over and streamed freely down her face as her her expression contorted in a way that none in the room had probably ever seen. It felt alien to her, but now that she had started, she found it impossible to stop. "Just sit down and paint, Pipino! Go on this date, Pipino! Come to this social event, Pipino! Let me dress you up like my personal doll, Pipino! Give us your money, Pipino! Don't talk to those people, Pipino! Lose weight, Pipino! Dont whore yourself out, Pipino! Don't love him, Pipino! Don't talk! Don't complain! Don't cry! Don't show weakness! Don't speak like that! Don't go here! Don't go there! Don't slouch! Don't wear your hair like that! Don't wear this color! Don't, don't, don't. You've left me with *NOTHING* that is mine! I've had *ENOUGH.* I have found what is mine, and I mean to keep it! I mean to leave this Eighth Hell you have created for me! Of course I would stay by his side!" she screamed, pointing a wild, trembling finger at Langston. She fell silent, still tensely standing, her breath coming in short heaves as her corsetted torso caused her to breathe more shallowly than what was appropriate for such an outburst, chest rising and falling visibly. |
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| **''[Langston]''** | <fc #AF8847>**''[Langston]''**</fc> |
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| Langston shied away from her finger, worried for a moment that he would've taken a hit in the face from the person he least expected to want to hit him in the face in this room. It was a frightening sight to witness, and yet was the most real sight. The bird fluttered from one end of the gilded cage to the next, and it was but a matter of time until she would force herself out. In that one stroke of ingenuity, the latch was broken and she took flight, spreading her wings proudly to be herself; to soar with rage, sadness, and most importantly, the truth. | Langston shied away from her finger, worried for a moment that he would've taken a hit in the face from the person he least expected to want to hit him in the face in this room. It was a frightening sight to witness, and yet was the most real sight. The bird fluttered from one end of the gilded cage to the next, and it was but a matter of time until she would force herself out. In that one stroke of ingenuity, the latch was broken and she took flight, spreading her wings proudly to be herself; to soar with rage, sadness, and most importantly, the truth. |
| "No single soul will be satisfied being subservient to the selfish, parent or otherwise." he said softly. "Look upon yourselves and ask if you've ever been satisfied with your lot in life, and ask if it could've ever been different, and what you could've done to change it. That's what Pipino seeks, and she will break through those who would bar her path. Even you. Even me." He gravitated towards the blue haired woman in a hug, letting her bury her face into his shoulder. He figured there was a chance that she may ruin his coat, but, that's alright, he thought. Noble clothes never suited him. | "No single soul will be satisfied being subservient to the selfish, parent or otherwise." he said softly. "Look upon yourselves and ask if you've ever been satisfied with your lot in life, and ask if it could've ever been different, and what you could've done to change it. That's what Pipino seeks, and she will break through those who would bar her path. Even you. Even me." He gravitated towards the blue haired woman in a hug, letting her bury her face into his shoulder. He figured there was a chance that she may ruin his coat, but, that's alright, he thought. Noble clothes never suited him. |
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| **''[Pipino]''** | <fc #00008b>**''[Pipino]''**</fc> |
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| His hand upon her own was a balm to the burns she felt due to the scorching fire of her passion. She had never known she could hold such tension in her person until she felt his gentle fingers coaxing hers to seek the solace he knew she needed. She had done what she needed to do on her own as any bird in flight must do, but that lonely flight was ended just as quickly as it had begun. When had his hand in hers become the default and not the exception? When did she see violet and sapphire more often than she saw her own cerulean in a mirror? When did she become accustomed to the tempo of a heartbeat that was not beating within her own chest? These things happened incrementally, without fanfare, without recognition. Without even trying, they led her here. The bird, tired from her flight, landed exactly where she decided she was meant to be. | His hand upon her own was a balm to the burns she felt due to the scorching fire of her passion. She had never known she could hold such tension in her person until she felt his gentle fingers coaxing hers to seek the solace he knew she needed. She had done what she needed to do on her own as any bird in flight must do, but that lonely flight was ended just as quickly as it had begun. When had his hand in hers become the default and not the exception? When did she see violet and sapphire more often than she saw her own cerulean in a mirror? When did she become accustomed to the tempo of a heartbeat that was not beating within her own chest? These things happened incrementally, without fanfare, without recognition. Without even trying, they led her here. The bird, tired from her flight, landed exactly where she decided she was meant to be. |
| > "I n-never...I never m-meant for this. What have I done?" she bemoaned quietly. | > "I n-never...I never m-meant for this. What have I done?" she bemoaned quietly. |
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| **''[Langston]''** | <fc #AF8847>**''[Langston]''**</fc> |
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| "Wretched creature..." was all Langston could mutter under his breath as he peered out to the dark haired man dismissing himself. Clutching Pipino closer to himself was all he could do to hold back from chasing after that man. His mind entertained dark thoughts of dragging the lord of the manor up the stairs only to knock him down the flight, letting each individual step along the way be a painful reminder of the price of such callous behavior. | "Wretched creature..." was all Langston could mutter under his breath as he peered out to the dark haired man dismissing himself. Clutching Pipino closer to himself was all he could do to hold back from chasing after that man. His mind entertained dark thoughts of dragging the lord of the manor up the stairs only to knock him down the flight, letting each individual step along the way be a painful reminder of the price of such callous behavior. |
| He relaxed his grip and pointed Pino's face up so their eyes could meet and he nodded, though he could offer no smile. He wasn't capable of mending the pain that pulsed inside of her; the wounds were much too fresh. "I'll be waiting outside of the manor," he said, followed by a very brief and nervous chuckle. "W-well, provided I am not kindly escorted off the premises for loitering. Should that happen, I'll be at the Gate of Nald." He placed a kiss upon her forehead, not wanting to salt her mother's wound by being too forward, and left the two of them to speak on their own terms, in privacy. | He relaxed his grip and pointed Pino's face up so their eyes could meet and he nodded, though he could offer no smile. He wasn't capable of mending the pain that pulsed inside of her; the wounds were much too fresh. "I'll be waiting outside of the manor," he said, followed by a very brief and nervous chuckle. "W-well, provided I am not kindly escorted off the premises for loitering. Should that happen, I'll be at the Gate of Nald." He placed a kiss upon her forehead, not wanting to salt her mother's wound by being too forward, and left the two of them to speak on their own terms, in privacy. |
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| **''[Pipino]''** | <fc #00008b>**''[Pipino]''**</fc> |
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| Pipino let go of Langston and let her eyes linger on his form, soaking in every last bit of courage she could from him before he disappeared through the frame. The two remaining women stood and sat in the deafening silence, punctured only by their mutual sniffles and the slight rustling of clothing as they wiped away tears. Finally, Pipino walked to the side of the room to a window, looking out upon the city as she spoke. | Pipino let go of Langston and let her eyes linger on his form, soaking in every last bit of courage she could from him before he disappeared through the frame. The two remaining women stood and sat in the deafening silence, punctured only by their mutual sniffles and the slight rustling of clothing as they wiped away tears. Finally, Pipino walked to the side of the room to a window, looking out upon the city as she spoke. |
