Asch the Bloody (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
bloodyashes) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
towerofanimus2013-06-04 07:33 pm
bloodyashes) wrote in towerofanimus2013-06-04 07:33 pm
Asches to Ashes
Characters: A surprisingly not grumpy redhead and YOU. Also, fire.
Setting: The lower forest floor, some way away from the stairs. Forward-dated to tomorrow.
Format: VAST MEH.
Summary: Burn out the old growth to make room for the new. OR, Asch one-ups Luke in the dramatically throwing away your old identity department.
Warnings: None, probably. Talk of past trauma? Identity issues? idek general Asch warnings.
[He started the fire small, but it wasn't long before Asch was throwing every branch onto it that he could find, wet or dry. It crackled, sending a spiral of smoke into the trees above, flames and glowing coals making a red glow that was probably visible from the staircase. By the time he's done, the flames are as tall as he is, the pile of branches up to his shoulder before it shifts and collapses down a few inches.
It's at that point that he undoes the clasps of his tabard - worn and familiar from years of use, years of living in uniform even before coming to the tower - and throws the heavy fabric onto the fire. The weight collapses the branches further, smothering the flames just enough to reduce the apparent amount of light. And Asch folds his arms and takes a seat on a fallen trunk, watching all the while.
If he had other clothes, he'd throw the entire uniform into the flames, but for now, this will have to do. It's not just cloth he's thrown into the flames, but an identity, everything he's been for seven years or more. All the covers, all the lies - "Asch the Bloody" is going back to the flames where he belongs, but it isn't Luke who watches. Just Asch. That's all he needs to be.
It's not long before the scent of burning leather and fabric fills the air, and he's still watching.]
Setting: The lower forest floor, some way away from the stairs. Forward-dated to tomorrow.
Format: VAST MEH.
Summary: Burn out the old growth to make room for the new. OR, Asch one-ups Luke in the dramatically throwing away your old identity department.
Warnings: None, probably. Talk of past trauma? Identity issues? idek general Asch warnings.
[He started the fire small, but it wasn't long before Asch was throwing every branch onto it that he could find, wet or dry. It crackled, sending a spiral of smoke into the trees above, flames and glowing coals making a red glow that was probably visible from the staircase. By the time he's done, the flames are as tall as he is, the pile of branches up to his shoulder before it shifts and collapses down a few inches.
It's at that point that he undoes the clasps of his tabard - worn and familiar from years of use, years of living in uniform even before coming to the tower - and throws the heavy fabric onto the fire. The weight collapses the branches further, smothering the flames just enough to reduce the apparent amount of light. And Asch folds his arms and takes a seat on a fallen trunk, watching all the while.
If he had other clothes, he'd throw the entire uniform into the flames, but for now, this will have to do. It's not just cloth he's thrown into the flames, but an identity, everything he's been for seven years or more. All the covers, all the lies - "Asch the Bloody" is going back to the flames where he belongs, but it isn't Luke who watches. Just Asch. That's all he needs to be.
It's not long before the scent of burning leather and fabric fills the air, and he's still watching.]
no subject
You'll probably find out someday. Double probably, the next time someone brings up prophecy within the range of his hearing.]
It depends on them, doesn't it?
[He doesn't think he needs to say who. Every war is a series of alternating plays, and the people of the tower just made a big one. The consequences are hanging over them, ready to drop at any moment.]
It's their move, and there's only so much we can do to prepare for it.
[A pause, and then he leans forward to catch her eye.]
Unless you had something else in mind.
no subject
She shakes her head.]
No, you are right. Making any kind of substantial move while Ruana is in full control of the Tower would be tantamount to suicide. [Or... the next closest thing, given their situation.] As much as I would like to work as quickly as possible to end all of this, we must wait until a more opportune moment presents itself.
[She's really tired of waiting, but it's necessary, in this case.]
no subject
Don't forget to take a moment here and there for yourself, too.
[Naggy vassal is going to nag, sorry Zelda. To be fair, that's also kind of a part of the Hod traditions.]
no subject
Zelda blinks out of her serious, focused disposition, not expecting that sort of response. And then there's a sigh. Dammit, Asch.]
I do not think I am going to have much choice in that regard.
[What is with her and attracting nagging types.]
no subject
But for right now, all they can do is wait.]
Being a commander of any sort means taking care of yourself as much as the people under you.
[Military mode, go. Being his liege doesn't mean he won't advise and critisize as he sees fit - as far as Asch is concerned, unquestioning loyalty is the greater disservice.]
You're no good to your people if you wear yourself too thin.