historicals | pc catchall | turboheaven

These two things were connected.

[ he says, lifting his hands, drawing a line in the air. laurence's brief discomfort doesn't go unnoticed, but he sets it aside for now, as he explains. ]

The history of the country, lacking truth - and the prisoners, kept in the prison of the Papal States. Irians have a long, deep hatred for the Papal States because of that mistreatment, and similarly, the Papal States are often suspicious of the motives of Irians within their borders, especially if they are considered out of bounds with normal activities, whatever those might be.

I did talk with them over their crimes, but... whether they were fairly convicted is a story I only had one side of. Still, they told me much about Iria, and about the histories of their fathers and themselves, and for that I was quite grateful.

[ head tilt. ]

But if that's true, why would you stay in the Papal States?

[ shouldn't you go somewhere safe? or is that part of that sad story taair mentioned? there must be something slipping past his understanding. ]

It sounds like you risked a lot just to write a history book. Was it really worth it? Will anyone read it?

Why would I stay, indeed.

[ he says with a very soft, very slight smile but doesn't extrapolate beyond that. ]

And... yes - I have at least one reader. [ there's fondness there, though, that sad little smile melting into one much warmer. ] I didn't end up finishing my work - my hope was to collect interviews for ten more years in Iria, but...well. I'm here, now, so it will have to remain unfinished.

My hope was to publish it for all to see. But... the friend who I left my knowledge with - I know that he will ensure it is protected, and shared with the Irians in whatever manner is possible. And...if I can provide the truth to even one person that yearns for it, then maybe I will have made a difference in the world.

[ what does that mean mr. taair!! he doesn't understand!! sincere confusion clouds his expression, but laurence listens quietly, solemn as the subject matter dictates. death really is a bummer for everyone, huh. all this unfinished business they all have. maybe that's why they're stuck in this place. ]

I'm sorry you couldn't finish it. Hopefully you can get your wish to watch over them soon, so you can know for sure.

[ ... ]

Can... Can I read it? I probably won't understand it all, but...

[ trails off awkwardly. not that laurence can "make a difference" like taair wants, but... one more person to honor all that hard work. it sounds important, even if he wouldn't know what to do about it himself. ]

[ it's weekend zero you can't have my tragic backstory yet

but while he smiles a little gratefully at the first bit, it's the second that lights up taair's face. joy, though muted, is clearly present. ]

...you'd like to, really? [ soft, a little surprised - but he immediately turns the book back towards laurence. ] Laurence...of course you can. I - nothing would make me happier.

You will have to let me know what you think - and of course, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate and I'll be happy to explain. I tried my best to ensure it was understandable to anyone, so... ah. [ there's a brief little rise of something emotional - and he smiles, again, further, ducking his head. ] Thank you - thank you. Really.

[ oh god not the emotions? he immediately looks away, embarrassed, and crosses his arms. ]

I-I mean, it's not like we have anything better to do. The spa isn't really my kind of place. Might as well read something. You don't have to... thank me for it.

[ grumble grumble it's not like i care or anything ]

Oh, but I must! It's not every day an author gets to speak with his readers, you know. This brings me up to a grand total of two!

[ he sounds very excited about this even though it's sad. ]

I do hope that this place will continue to expand. Is there something you'd like to see here, Laurence? Something you really like to do?

...If you say so. But I'm still not the intended audience, right?

[ it is a little sad but who is laurence to judge when all he's written are essays his teachers probably hated

hmmm, something he'd want to see? ]

...A track so I can run, maybe, but I guess I don't need that if this place keeps getting bigger. [ there's so much room. no one should get mad if he goes for a jog if they have all that space, should they? ] I'm not really sure what else. Most of the time when I wasn't in class, I was in the sports areas with my friends. A library, maybe?

pc catchall | turboheaven | laurence

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