abraxaslogs | [Open] Light Atop the Tower

[Ah. That was the difficulty and something that Alicent could not fully admit to a stranger. She didn't know herself well enough to say what she liked or felt passionate about. Duty consumed her and had always done so since she was young. Freshly arrived at court, she was encouraged by her father to care for the sick king. A few years later, the next king, she was pushed to offer him comfort after the death of his wife. Once wed to him, there was only his care to focus on, as well as her children.

Painting, reading, sewing, these were activities for unburdened maidens. Alicent truly only existed in her obligation to her family and the kingdom.]

I fear I cannot paint. [She was embarrassed to admit it.] I suppose a library. There are many in the Hightower.

Oh, neither can I. [ Hilda’s laugh is a commiserating one. ] It would be a total waste if I had a studio in my domain. But if my friend I was talking about ever showed up here, he could use it, so maybe it wouldn’t be all that bad.

A library is the perfect place to start though. You could use it and so could anyone else that comes to visit you — really, it’s super considerate of you when you think about it. [ While a library isn’t technically Hilda’s favourite place to be (that was by far Claude’s), her mind drifts instead to the possibilities of decorating its interior. Her eyes light up at the very thought but she manages to contain it knowing full well it isn't her domain. ] You could make it cozy and fill it with whatever books you wanted. Was there a particular type you enjoyed reading?

A room prepared for potential company? [It was not a terrible suggestion. She could likely put in a music room for those with the talent and desire? Guest rooms as well. Though, the fact that she was new and had no friends made it all a bit ridiculous.] Do others spend so much time in another's Horizon?

[She was giving Alicent too much credit. She had not thought of it until she was given the idea.]

I have always enjoyed history. [Though Rhaenyra was far better at it than she was. For all of her memorization and recitation.] Would I be able to create books or would they simply be illusions?

I’m not sure. [ There was plenty to see in the Free Cities, and Hilda is sure the same can be said about Thorne and Solvunn but her domain has become something of a safe haven, a connection to home where she doesn’t have to rely on the presence of her friends to feel tethered. Her eyes sparkle teasingly. ] Is that a subtle hint that I shouldn’t overstay my welcome?

[ If it were she wouldn't have taken any offence. She did wander in after all.

But she took it and ran with the idea! No one said Horizons couldn’t be collaborative. ]

You should be able to. My friend has been spending a lot of time in our library filling the library up with books that he remembers from home.

No not at all. Forgive me if I gave that impression. [She was teasing, Alicent could tell that much, but niceties were deeply ingrained.] To be honest, I wasn't certain what to expect in regards to others find their way here.

[Wandering in seemed like the more likely intrusion and there was no real harm in it. She, at the very least, could preen a little over her work.]

It relies a great deal on memory. I hope I don't make an error.

[ A small laugh escapes her lips, glad to see that her teasing her landed in some sort of way. Suddenly she takes it as her personal mission to try and get Alicent to shake off some of the niceties. ]

I stumbled into several but yours was the one that just so happened to have its owner here. [ A kind smile appears. ] And I'm glad for it. Who knows when we would have met otherwise.

[ As for the books... ]

I'd worry about that too but I have to keep reminding myself that no one else is really going to know if I make a mistake. [ Nevermind that her four other friends are here. ]

[It was a noble goal, one that would give Hilde a great deal of difficulty. Niceties were deeply ingrained in her, she didn't know exactly how not to rely on them.]

That's very kind of you to say. [There was another nicety.] I have not seen many others in the Horizon. I near forgot that others were here at all. It is so quiet.

[That is a good reminder, even if Alicent doubts that she'll feel comforted by that.]

Then I must try to remind myself too.

It is quiet. But it's so peaceful here. [ Here being Alicent's Horizon as opposed to a general grand sweeping statement. ] It's kind of nice especially in contrast to Cadens.

[ Hilda's gaze travels down to the water; suddenly dipping her feet in seems like a great idea and she starts to lower herself to the dock and fussing with her boots, making sure that there's enough room for Alicent to join her if she felt so inclined. ]

Are you in Thorne or Solvunn?

[It's been too long since she's done anything girlish like dipping her feet into the water, bare skin and no stockings. Despite being in the Horizon of her childhood home, she still could not bring herself to relax in such a way.

Regardless, she sat beside Hild, watching her enjoy the azure waters.]

I am in Thorne. From what I understand, it is not ideal.

[ When her feet hit the water, it feels delightfully cool against her toes and whatever little tension had been in her body before seems to dissolve in the water too.]

Not ideal in what way? [ Hilda tilts her head curiously towards her. She hasn't heard much about Thorne apart from the war that they were locked in with the Free Cities, and their queen. The last thing she wants to do is presume. ]

[Even without her feet in the water, listening to the small lap against the dock was enough to soothe Alicent. Subtle reminders of her childhood.]

The Mages do not seem to wish us to find trade. I have heard as well the court of Thorne is not trustworthy.

That's definitely not ideal. [ She pauses, swirling her feet idly in the water, pushing lightly against the resistance of the water. ]

But it sounds like any court that I've ever heard of. Most nobles seem to be looking out for their own interests. [ She casts a glance back at Alicent. ] Is there any real pressure for the Summoned to get involved?

[ Her thoughts flit briefly to Cadens and its military presence. How the soldiers had made it clear that if they stayed in the barracks, they'd have to join their ranks. ]

[Open] Light Atop the Tower

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject