[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]

*if it weren't for the way that he was a screaming pile of bedding just moments ago, the young face that emerges would look almost composed as he stares boldly but warily*

Who are you?

[goddamnemperor]

[sits down, crossing his legs]

I am Leto, Lion of the Atreides. I am here to help you, if you will let me. [his tone is full of relaxants, calm, like the ebb of the tide]

[mind_over_metal]

*his white-knuckled grip on his pillow slowly loosening*

...what are you doing? How do you... know me?

[goddamnemperor]

I know everyone. In different ways. You have your powers. I have mine. You can see into people's minds. I can see the future.

As to what I am doing, I am sitting. Such work must be done face to face and I'm afraid I might break your bed.

[mind_over_metal]

Really? You can... really? That's...

[mind_over_metal]

...why would you break the bed? And why are you... why am I here? How did I get sent to a camp? This isn't a dream, I know when I'm asleep. You know what's going on, don't you?

[goddamnemperor]

One question at a time, wali. It would not do anyone good if you crowd your head with answers.

You have been here a while. You have simply regressed to your younger self. As for how you came to camp, you are a counselor here, to do the greatest good. To pass your fortune along.

[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.