Cherubplay

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It was pretty obvious to Gamzee that she didn't need it directly from the source since she was drinking it out of a glass. "...There was this cool character in a book I read at home. I didn't actually think rainbow drinkers existed before we met you," he smiled a little sheepishly. "Do you need blood to live? Like, what happens if you don't drink it? Or have it more often?" It was pretty fascinating, really. "Is it troll blood, so they have donors or whatever?" He kind of wanted to ask if she had a favorite color if it was indeed troll, or if they tasted different at all. Of course the foody in him wanted to know all this, but he wasn't interested in trying any himself.

2014-08-19 23:00:23
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Tapping her chin, she swirled the blood around in the glass while she thought of what she could compare her need for blood to, "I need blood to live, yes. Almost in the same way that people need plenty of water to stay healthy. If I am running low on blood, I can most definitely feel it." Kanaya recalled a time when she, in a bout of hardworking energy, had forgotten to drink any blood and fainted in her shop while assisting a pair of customers. "I will become lethargic and irritable, and it becomes quite difficult for me to focus. If I go too long without it, I have dizzy spells and am prone to fainting. After that, well, one would not be seeing much of me after that." Taking a sip of the blood, she allowed it to spread over her tongue before she swallowed, humming quietly to herself, "But, yes, this is from blood. A half and half; teal and navy. There are plenty of donors out there, mostly because you can get paid for it. I am relieved that a new system has been implemented in recent sweeps; prior to widespread use of donors, I had to rely on the blood of prisoners, and any manner of it could be tainted. And animal blood is out of question," She shook her head, "I would just grow ill."

2014-08-19 23:12:25
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Okay, he had to ask, he couldn't resist. Gamzee giggled a little as he did, "Do you have a favorite? Do different colors taste different?" The chicken and vegetables would take at least an hour to cook, so he made some tea in the meantime, enough for the three of them if Kanaya and Karkat wanted any. It was good to know there were systems in place now for her; that was nice. At least the midblooded 'problem caste' was somewhat taken care of. Other than that he didn't have any other questions really. Bottled seemed as good as fresh to her, as she was drinking it that way.

2014-08-19 23:25:15
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She couldn't help the laugh that left her as she nodded, "As a matter of fact, they do. Colderbloods taste much like a berry would. Perhaps a cross between a blueberry and a raspberry with a metallic aftertaste." Kanaya usually refrained from drinking anything green, "Midbloods have a plainer taste with hints of a vegetable or something earthy in that sense. I usually do not drink anything in the middle category unless it is in something else. Warmbloods are bitter! Not enjoyable for me at all. They are almost like unsweetened coffee; quite strong, but the metallic taste is less with a yellow or brown or red. I find them easier to mix if I buy them at all, but, as you can imagine, warmer blood is harder to come by. I believe my favorites are between teal and, perhaps, purple, though I have only had purple a handful of times. Fuschia is too sweet, I am afraid. I used it to sweeten my tea for a time. Blues just have an agreeable taste; nothing too strong or aromatic, quite simple and easy to digest."

2014-08-19 23:40:54
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"Hmm!" That was fascinating. "That's cool. I wouldn'ta thought it could taste fruity." After the tea was done he sipped at his cup and offered some to Kanaya and Karkat. Absently, still entrenched in the book, Karkat accepted with a nod.

It wasn't related at all but she'd reminded him with the color talk of something he'd been wondering since they'd first met Kanaya. "...you've seen other purples before? I've never met any, only seen one other. Guess I didn't get the memo I was living in a bad area," he chuckled. "Then again I s'pose I didn't get into the city much." He wondered where they lived, or if he even really wanted to meet any others. What if he was too fucked up from all his time alone and denying the reputation his blood color had?

2014-08-19 23:55:45
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Thinking over it again, he thought that might be stupid. He got along fine with everyone in their small group, he'd probably be fine with others of his color. He supposed also he could have just missed others by being isolated, but he doubted any of them would settle in the area. He still kind of wanted to know what Kanaya thought of any she'd seen.

2014-08-20 15:38:34
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"Not in any type of real frequency," She admitted, "All the violets I have seen that were not seadwellers of any type were usually just passing through Undlegire to get to a couple towns on the west side of it. Those are mixed cities, as well, but have a higher population of colderbloods so it may as well be olive and cooler." Kanaya smiled reassuringly, "But there are definitely some out there! I have come to the conclusion that, because they have a tendency to settle in those westward towns, they must be repopulating - an excellent sign. Your kinsmen are simply southwest of us now, 'tis all."

2014-08-20 17:06:41
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"Hmm," at least he knew a general area to look now if he ever decided he wanted to meet others. He ran a hand through his curls in thought, pulling out the hair tie he always used when cooking. "I don't know if I can give a reliable account to Tavros... The more I hear about outside places the less horrible the rest of Wonderland seems; at least the mid and low blood areas... Undlegire was a perfectly fine place far as I saw, it's just high blood areas that're fucked up... What should even be the first thing?!" Gamzee felt exasperated at the whole debacle. "He knows about the four kingdoms and Alice and the changes after she left...what other history is important?"

2014-08-20 17:36:00
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The extent of highblood rule was less barbarism now and more ruthless legislation. The stricter rules were lessened, but any color below a yellow could not own more than an acre of land at any point unless granted by the government for farming purposes. Colderbloods couldn't go to certain places, and, in certain places, even high-low relationships were outlawed. Among other things, there were plenty of areas in which the highbloods kept their rule strong, and while the savagery in physical abuse gradually deteriorated, that highbloods only became more creative in keeping their hold tight. "It is true, Undlegire and other midblooded towns and such are, largely, at peace. The ruthlessness appears moreso in mixed communities. And, my dear, we must remember that there are many more of those than there are singled towns." She sipped her glass thoughtfully, "If the highbloods persecuted us, the 'Problem Castes' without much thought, then they will do it again. They are on the verge of collapsing into themselves already if they are so willing and eager to imprison a fellow red. Just relay to him anything you deem important in regards to your personal experiences;"

The front door opened a couple hours later, Sollux heading in with some more fire wood and Tavros trailing behind him with, surprisingly, Vriska and Eridan.

The yellowblood smoothed his hair back, which was damp from melted snow and announced, "You will not believe the mind games we just fucking went through."

Tavros was grinning ear to ear, a red envelope in his hands as he rushed inside and Kanaya, thoroughly surprised, approached her friends with great concern, "Oh, no, are you two alright? What do you need? Tea? Medical attention?"

2014-08-20 20:23:56
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Gamzee had been checking supper when they came in, determining that food was nearly ready to his perfectionistic specifications. Upon hearing the words 'medical attention' he rushed into the other room, thinking Tavros was hurt. But there were Vriska and Eridan, harrowed but not terrible looking. Gamzee grinned widely, glad to see the both of them as he wandered over to Tavros.

"You guys got 'em back!" He gave Tavros a peck on the cheek. "And back in time to eat." The smell of the food was travelling through the apartment, savory and homey smelling.

"You'll have to tell us all about it," Karkat was smiling too, glad to see things had apparently gone well. "You two should freshen up and we'll get tea ready unless you do need injuries looked after."

Eridan thought highly if thus suggestion and moved to do just that. Getting back to normal and forgetting about the experience the first thing on his mind.

2014-08-20 21:48:54
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It wasn't imprisonment that had seriously wounded her, it was more her pride and the detainment. Vriska felt like a sheltered animal after the interrogation, -which was none too pleasant- and they refused to give them anything to eat or drink outside of a tin cup of water and a tiny loaf of bread. Vriska was furious at the time, inwardly vowing revenge, but now, she just seemed exhausted and unable to match the excitement her palecrush was exhibiting. Sure, she was excited to be back with the only other people she considered friends, but after the interrogation, she and Eridan had been separated and she was not looking forward to having him from her sight any longer. The interrogation's means of luring out information was entirely magic based, from hallucinations to induced vomiting - just things to exhaust them and play tricks on the mind until they couldn't help but spill any data. Vriska had not released any names nor plans; she may have been a bitch more often than not, but she was loyal to those she traveled with. The only reason they had been released was because, according to some yellowblooded guard, the Queen found a new 'acquaintance' that requested their release. "They didn't do much," Vriska dismissed, trying to regain her former cockiness but really just wanting to sit and eat legitimate food, "I've had worse done, that's for sure. The bastards blocked my mental abilities the moment they saw my eye, though," She frowned, "It was horrid, but the only attention I need now is from whatever is being cooked. Surprise, surprise, being detained doesn't lend itself to a well balanced meal."

The brownblood smiled at the kiss, quickly returning it with one of his own to Gamzee's chin. Tavros rubbed her back with his palm, foregoing his enthusiasm to provide some sympathy, "I would have tried to get the both of you out sooner but I hadn't any idea as to what to do..." That, and it would have been nearly impossible. Vriska shook her head, looking around a bit aimlessly as Sollux put wood in the fireplace and began heating his home further, "It doesn't matter, we're here now, right? It'll take a bit to get back in the swing of things, but it isn't like we were pulled limb from limb or anything. At least," Her brows furrowed, "Nothing too strenuous happened to me."

"Both of your bags are in the guest respiteblock," Kanaya gestured down the hallway, "Karkat is right, you both ought to tidy up a little and begin the transition from detainment to your friends again." She smiled some, giving both Vriska and Eridan a short, warm hug before patting their shoulders tenderly, "Then we can all discuss things over supper, marvelous!"

2014-08-20 22:05:23
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Eridan had faired just as badly as Vriska had, though they had tailored the illusions used on him for a seadweller’s fears. There was a distinct lack of water, or the disappearance of it within the illusions, along with feelings of desiccation and dehydration. When they got out he had never been so glad to see snow, and he was looking forward to a shower now. The seadweller hadn’t said anything about any of the others or their plans, but had had a few emotional outbursts of anger and the despair that followed them, so was exhausted. It made him quieter than normal, though he felt alright now that they were somewhere safe and with people they knew. The time away from Vriska had possibly been the most terrifying part. It was nervewracking just to have her gone after the consistency of their time together; it made everything feel more dangerous and terrible. It didn’t help that they’d had a little fun pushing him around, too, and he had a couple bruises easily hidden under his shirt. Since they had been reunited, he had stuck close to her, almost vaulting into a hug but thinking better of it at the last second. Now it prompted him to gently pull her by the elbow to the spare respite block to gather some fresh clothes before heading into the ablution block. He waited to see if she’d join him, not eager to be separated again, but it wouldn’t bother him too much if she didn’t.

Setting the book down, Karkat went to help set the table, putting out seven plates and sets of utensils around. After giving Tavros a quick one armed hug so that he didn’t crush the envelope he was holding, Gamzee went to help out, boiling water for tea as Karkat put cups around, and poring and extra glass of water for Eridan, thinking it might be appreciated. He didn’t know what he’d been through, but he wasn’t going to doubt that whoever had been trying to get information out of the pair hadn’t picked on his sea dweller traits. They’d picked up on Vriska’s eye and restricted it’s use, after all.

Soon he was taking things out of the oven, preparing portions of the cluckbeast before putting the potatoes, carrots, and chicken in separate serving dishes. He quickly made gravy and found a gravy boat and ladle for that, then put all the bowls on the table. Everything was ready for them all to start eating when Hatter and Hare returned from cleaning up.

2014-08-20 23:39:56
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She doubted she would be seriously traumatized by what had happened, but it was still difficult, if not strange, to be in a place that was safe and away from harm. Vriska found her bag easily once she joined Eridan in the spare room, rustling through it before producing a casual sweater and a pair of looser trousers. She just needed some comfort food and some warmth. "I never want to be separated from you like that again," She grumbled, glancing to make sure the door was closed and that it was just Eridan that was listening to her, "How badly did they hurt you, Hare?"

The envelope had been opened already, but Tavros was glad to give the news. It was probably just some type of thinkpan trick, -reds were infamous for that- and he doubted that anything would be held in his true honor, but this was thrilling. Access to the Queen's palace in this way meant sneakiness on his party's; while everyone expected Tavros and Sollux to show off their 'employees', they would have already put a plan into action. Hopefully.

Slowly but surely, everyone began filling in at the table, the space a tiny bit cramped but, at this point, most everyone was so comfortable with each other that it hardly mattered. After thanking both Gamzee and Karkat, Sollux took his place at the table, followed by Kanaya after a pour of blood to her teacup, then Tavros, who set his envelope on his lap and smiled as Vriska, after a short period, made her way to the table.

2014-08-20 23:58:03
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Glancing over at her when she spoke, Eridan smiled a little, glad she felt the same sentiment he did. He went back to digging through his bag for comfortable pants and his cozy violet sweater when Vriska asked her question. "Just a few bruises, nothing too bad," he answered quietly. After a short rinse he followed Vriska to the table where the other five sat, settling next to his long time companion.

Gamzee was last to get to the table, fussing a little but settling shortly after everyone else. "Go on and dig in, plenty for everyone, I think. There's even dessert for after if y'all still have room," he smiled.

Karkat, hungry and excited after all the waiting to eat the amazing smells that had been coming out of the kitchen, served himself potatoes before passing the bowl on. Eridan did the same for the cut up carrots, which were practically caramelized and so tender they almost fell apart, passing the bowl to Vriska. The chicken was well seasoned and still juicy and tender through the long cooking time. After mashing his potatoes while waiting for the next bowl to go around Karkat helped himself to gravy, spooning a good amount over his potatoes. He hadn't seen food like this in sweeps; he couldn't wait to dig in. He was also looking forward to dessert, which he'd sneaked a peek of when Gamzee had thought he wasn't paying attention.

2014-08-21 00:27:35
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The meals, in Tavros's opinion, was a driving force behind their bonds with each other. With everyone together, they could talk and plan and laugh, and everyone often seemed to be in better spirits after a meal shared with others. Even with what Eridan and Vriska had experienced, they appeared to be lightened some now that they were together again and with people that cared for them.

The passing of food was quick, everyone eager to get their portion of the food so deliciously created by Gamzee. 'Thank you's and 'yes, please's were exchanged all over, everyone gradually starting to become their old selves again. Once everything was settled, and deserved compliments were given to the chef, Sollux questioned, "So, what did you all get up to here?" He glanced to Kanaya with a slight draw of his brows, "I see you made ample use of the living area."

"I had to!" She protested, taking a bite of her chicken, then chewing and swallowing, "Making clothes is no tidy business. Besides," Kanaya dabbed at her mouth politely, "I believe we are all more interested in what /you/ all were up to."

Tavros looked close to vibrating in excitement in his seat, and he had been, more or less, politely eating with a straying hand to Gamzee's side. They were all innocent touches stating that Tavros had missed him through the day: taps to his knee, a slight brushing to his outer thigh, a caress to his arm and side. Something small and affectionate. "Well," He grinned widely, "Our meeting with Parliament was long and, really, uneventful. Their answers and reactions were vague, if not unsatisfying. They did redirect us to the Queen, though! That is where, uh, the excitement starts."

"It is all shady business, if you ask me," Sollux interjected, "You know how the pompous are. All thinkpan games."

2014-08-21 00:41:24
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The chef took all compliments with a smile, though what made him happiest was that the two other members of their party were there to dine with them and not in any sort of cell having who knew what done to them. Tavros’s gentle touches were returned in kind, though he kept them more to the copperblood’s arm and brushes of elbows. He smiled at Sollux and Kanaya’s interaction; everything was so much more lighthearted now that they were all together again.

Eridan did feel much better with the water and food, and the warmth of their group. He smiled along happily, back to normal except for continued quietness. Occasionally he bumped Vriska not so accidentally, just as a sign of togetherness. It was outwardly obvious that he felt much better by his ear fins too, perky and not drooping like they had been anymore. He was intrigued by how they had ended up getting them out of their imprisonment, hoping that Tavros wasn’t being taken advantage of somehow.

Karkat had been paying attention mostly to the food, but when they started talking about parliament and actually seeing the queen, he tuned in fully, chewing slowly in thought as he listened closely. He felt like Sollux was probably right, and didn’t want Tavros’s enthusiasm to be crushed, but reality was that reds liked to be manipulative and tricky. They would need a good plan for whatever happened in the next steps of their venture, probably having to outthink any possible conundrums from whatever shady influence there could be.

2014-08-21 01:16:36
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"And I have taken that into account," Tavros gave a nod, proud that he wasn't as naive as he looked, "Let's just take this one, uh, step at a time, okay? First off," He set the envelope on the table, then pulled out a piece of paper with ink written in flawless red on it, "After the meeting with Parliament and the redirection with the Queen, I received, uh, a formal invitation for a ball supposedly in my honor. Obviously, she knows much more than she is letting on, which is why I propose an attack."

Kanaya looked worried, "An attack."

"Nothing outlandish or exaggerated," He shook his head, "Something in the shadows to give us, uh, the upper hand. The whole reason why the White Rabbit was sent to find Alice was to assist royalty, right? Would not the Queen attempt to sway me to her side? It is not like she can outright kill me or anyone associated with me. We are treading in enemy territory but we have some sort of protection. Anyway, I am not entirely sure what we would be able to do while away from public's eye, but I doubt I, nor Karkat, will be able to do it."

Vriska pulled a face, "Do you truly think it is wise for all of us to accompany you?"

Sollux wrinkled his nose, "I told you, it sounds like a trap."

"Have some faith in me," Tavros smiled at them, trying to assuage their doubt, "I truly feel that this is right. Yes, there will be some underhanded moves about, it is inevitable, but if we time things correctly and move silently, then planting some evidence or disrupting something will be simple! We must find a way to make the public aware of Karkat's existence and the fact that he is higher than the Queen. What, uh, better way to do that than to take him to the ball with us? The invitation states to bring my entire 'company.' That now includes him. So, what do you say?" The brownblood looked over at him, almost obnoxiously friendly, "Will you join us in the ball?"

The cerulean blood sipped her tea, squirming slightly in her seat as her fingers absently tapped at Eridan's arms, "I'm not too fond of running back into the sights of reds."

2014-08-21 01:42:19
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Karkat did not trust this at all. "I don't know how you figure she won't just kill all of us when she has us in one place. What quicker and easier way is there to shut down a rebellion? I don't know how clear to her your seriousness in turning Wonderland around, but she's not going to like any of it. Certainly she already expects you to have me with you... maybe if we could get information that this ball is not a sudden thing -- normally it takes a long amount of planning and preparation -- I'd be willing to go. It would be better if there were some assurance of us not all being killed or worse, too."

The tapping on his arm started bothering Eridan so he stilled Vriska's fingers by holding her hand tightly, nervous too. "I don't want to go back there either," he muttered, sipping tea to calm himself somewhat.

Even Gamzee, who had much trust in Tavros's intuition, thought this was ludicrous. He wouldn't speak out against it; Karkat had already made ample arguments against it, but also worried about other things. Even if they didn't kill them, certainly they'd use it as an opportunity to back up their side. Upon being seen he worried they would do their damnedest to get him angry; try and drive him to violence or even into a rage. And similar things could be done to the others.

2014-08-21 02:09:07
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"Then I will go alone," He decided, taking a bite of his food somewhat indignantly, "And if they kill me, which I highly doubt, then you can all, laugh at my corpse and say, 'I told you so.' "

Vriska smoothed her thumb over Eridan's hand, trying to calm him down somewhat, "You're acting like a wriggler, Alice. Consider the obvious points of complete chaos. They're trying to herd us like milkbeasts."

"I have no qualms in going alone."

"Don't be an idiot," Sollux hissed, "Being reckless will solve nothing."

"And sitting around will achieve the same thing."

Kanaya sighed heavily; this was getting them nowhere, "How long has this ball been in the works, Tavros?"

"Quite a while, perhaps a few months. It is for the Winter Solstice, after all. I can understand if you all are, uh, apprehensive," He folded the paper back up and placed it into the envelope before sliding it into his pocket, "And I do not blame you. But I am going to be there, regardless."

The jadeblood pinched the bridge of her nose, finding herself irked by his insistence. They were only trying to ensure everyone's safety, not deal with his stubbornness! Sollux, seeing her frustration, patted her shoulder comfortingly before beginning, "Look, both sides have valid points and, really, I think the whole thing is a huge shithole. This ball just sounds like an excuse to either whisk you away for their purposes or murder us in coldblood for the crime of breaking out Karkat. But, at the same time, we cannot stop you. You're an adult, and your decisions are, ultimately, yours." He went back to eating without another word, as did Tavros. His mind was already made up and there was no hindering him now.

2014-08-21 02:21:50
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Gamzee was petrified by Tavros's announcement, dropping his fork to clatter on his plate in his terrified shock. If Tavros was really going to go whether they did or not, he would have to accompany him. All manner of bad thing would happen to him if he went by himself! Gamzee thought he would have known that; he'd been accosted in public after all, did he expect them to be more respectful when he was alone with them?

He glanced over to Kanaya with a questioning glance, wondering if it was time for him to talk about all of the stuff he'd neglected to mention.

Karkat was completely furious with how thick Tavros was being. Seeing his complete stubbornness and refusal to take their warnings seriously, he almost lost his cool and started shouting, but Sollux was right. They couldn't really stop him from being foolish. He went back to eating, fuming over the situation. He signed openly to Gamzee that he had better at least try to talk some sense into him.

2014-08-21 03:03:16
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Tavros knew all of this and he was not perturbed. His intuition was strong, and if it said to go, he was doing, no matter what the result may be. If he was foolhardy, so be it, and if it the fates wished to off him, fine. But he wasn't going to sit around and argue with six other people. He didn't mind looking like a stubborn jackass in front of them if it meant he could make some type of impact.

"Ugh, you are such a dumbass! Now I /have/ to go with you, just to make sure nothing happens at all," Vriska groaned loudly, shooting a glare to Tavros that he returned with a polite,"Thank you, but I will be fine. I am not going to, uh, try to persuade any of you any longer."

"Quit acting so high and mighty, just because you're Alice doesn't give you the right to be an arrogant moron!"

"Nothing you say is going to convince me otherwise."

2014-08-21 03:24:05
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"I'll go with you," Gamzee muttered sullenly into his plate. "They'll hurt you, otherwise. Or maybe anyway, but I can't let you go alone, even if my going fucks things up." It was the most frightening decision he'd ever made, but Tavros was forcing them into it. "You need to know more about Wonderland before going, though."

"I would like to mention in this shit storm that you dying or being ensorcelled or otherwise will improve nothing for anyone but the people who are already on top of the stack. And in the process you will have doomed us all," Karkat hissed.

2014-08-21 03:40:36
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"That is assuming that I am wrong, which you have no way of proving." He retorted to Karkat, "Most everything you have said to me, I have already considered or thought of, so your words are for naught." He shifted in his seat then, looking over at Gamzee and smiling warmly. "Like what, love?" Tavros needed to know all he could about Wonderland, that much was certain, but he couldn't think of what could be missing.

Kanaya ventured carefully, "It may make you think differently about this ball, dear." She hoped it would. Tavros was a kind soul with good intentions, and excellent Alice by all accounts, but all the sweetness in the world would not do him any good.

2014-08-21 03:47:12
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Worry was evident on his face, and fright, and he busied his hands fiddling with the end of his sweater. "You're gonna have to be ready for how they'll treat us. You already saw how people are in the streets...I'd be surprised if they actually let us in...maybe Kanaya could, but why would they want violent bloods there? They could try weakening your position by proving we're barbarians by fucking with us. They tried all the time back home to get me mad. Then they could get rid of me. But I'm worried about you too, cause that officer in the street touching you just in front of everyone, and you can't go alone, cause who knows what they'll do, and I'm fucking up telling you all this shit and I don't know where to start..." He'd started rambling and nearly stammering in his haste to get the words out.

2014-08-21 04:07:20
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He weighed this newer information carefully, then placed a hand over Gamzee's to hold it and smiled at him reassuringly. "I wholly understand what you are saying to me, Gamzee. If you are so concerned about, the safety of yourself, along with everyone else, then I urge you to stay behind." Tavros looked down, gathering his thoughts for a couple seconds before looking up at him again, his expression now serious, "I know how risky this is, and I am not so foolish as to think that there is no danger. Gamzee, I was a lowblood in my own world, I know how highbloods tend to work and I have my doubts that any roughness will come my way in front of the Queen, should my earlier hypothesis be correct. If I feel as though, uh, things may go awry, then I will do my absolute best to leave." He kissed his cheek, "Is that alright with you? I am trying to be accommodating, but I feel as though I must attend..."

2014-08-21 04:17:22