[Monday night]

[mind_over_metal]

[It's a dark October night in camp. All is quiet in the Cabin McAvoy.





Until a child starts screaming.]

Comments

[mind_over_metal]

*with an incredulous but delighted laugh*

So it's like I'm under a spell in a fairy tale?

...I didn't do anything wrong, did I?

[goddamnemperor]

Very much so. It will pass soon enough.

No. You did not.

[mind_over_metal]

*nods and... tries to look, with no greater (or lesser) motivation than a child's curiosity and fascination, standing on its tiptoes to get a better glimpse at something they're pretty sure is forbidden*

[goddamnemperor]

[ you will see dunes, as far as the eye can see. Leto is smiling and shaking his head, "Not yet, young wali. But soon." and you feel the sensation of being pushed back gently into your mind ]

[mind_over_metal]

*blinks rapidly at the shock of being pushed out -- as his face blossoms into the most absolutely ridiculous expression of trying to gape and grin at the same time*

You can... Like me...

[goddamnemperor]

[not sure how to reply to such joy, but he nods]

We are similar. That much.... is truth.

[mind_over_metal]

*THIS IS THE LOOK OF SOMEONE WHO HAS JUST DECIDED THAT YOU ARE THEIR NEW FRIEND*

I knew it. I knew that I wasn't the only one. And I'd hoped... You understand it. You can... You know.

I'm not going to grow up to break beds, am I?

[goddamnemperor]

... You will never be the only one. You will have your connections, your people. [he leaves something unspoken, but he shakes his head]

I do not think you will break any beds.

[mind_over_metal]

What about you?

[goddamnemperor]

That is a story saved for another time. Now, we must introduce your story. What else would you like to know?

[mind_over_metal]

*tucking his legs underneath himself and resting his chin on his hands, not taking his eyes from Leto's face*

So do you get dreams that tell you the future? Or do you see the future all of the time? Do you know what I'm going to say next?

[goddamnemperor]

I can do both. As for the latter, I do know what you might say, but there are a variety of answers you might use.

[mind_over_metal]

*nods*

So what else can you do? You made it... quieter.

[goddamnemperor]

My mind is well-disciplined. Controlled. If you can focus on my mind, my quiet will comfort you, envelope you. There is no noise as long as I am there.

[mind_over_metal]

I've never felt anything like it.

[stay with me just for now please just tonight]

[goddamnemperor]

[he nods, letting charles know he understood]

It is... rare. Very few minds are as trained as mine. Even then, I knew the weight of loneliness. You will not feel that way for long. You will have a companion who will share in you.

[mind_over_metal]

Has that already happened when I'm older or is it just something that you're predicting?

[goddamnemperor]

It will happen soon enough. Not when you're older, but soon.

[mind_over_metal]

...you're very kind. To do all this for me.

[goddamnemperor]

[there's a flicker of a memory, a young girl with blonde hair presses a kiss to his ear, whispering, "You're too kind, Leto. We are Fremen. It is not our way."]

You needed it. And... I wanted to.

[mind_over_metal]

*slides off the bed so that he's sitting with Leto on the floor, rather than looking down at him*

You won't have to worry about me for long, though. It was just because it was so sudden, and such a huge crowd. I pick up things very quickly, I'll start right away on being able to handle this on my own.

[goddamnemperor]

I have no doubt of your adaptability, young wali. Nevertheless, I will keep a watchful eye.

[mind_over_metal]

We're normally friends, aren't we.

[goddamnemperor]

We are friends.

[mind_over_metal]

And now I can get to know you all over again.

*still keeping himself anchored with Leto's mind, but widening his focus slightly, ever so slightly, just to feel the pulsing presence of all of those minds around them*

This is going to be fun.