Endgame: This is the Way the World Ends - MACHINE ROOM

[animusmods]

Characters: open to those staying in the machine room
Setting: machine room
Format: any
Summary: The time has come to make decisions about what will happen after everything is over.
Warnings: psychological horror (eventually)

Comments

[lorule]

... It seems every world possesses some awful twist to it.

[ Ordering a servant to kill themselves? She had heard of the war that raged in her world, but she hadn't imagined things to be like that. ]

I would never order her to kill herself. Quite at the contrary. It appears to me that Grainne has actually lost much of her desire to live. I believe she believes-- No, she expects to be killed during the battle against Ruana. Whilst I am proud that she believes in her ability to fight, I shall not allow her to die. This is why I accepted to become her "Master."

[ Another pause. ]

Is there any special ritual or incantation I should follow while using the command spell? Or just being before her is enough?

[oathshackledbird]

Yes, and I know part of that is my fault, though I believed the discussion we had a few days ago had helped some. Still, maybe I was wrong. We talked not long ago and I thought I had convinced her not to go. Now, that has obviously changed.

[And he doesn't know why.]

To be honest, I would feel better if some kind of command along the lines of what you are thinking was placed on her, but I am not the one to make that choice. If you decide to do it, there are a few formal words, but no real ritual involved. You don't even have to be near her. Just think of your intent and focus on the command spell. When you are ready to begin, address the command spell in a manner such as this: "As your master and by the power of this command spell, I do command thee Caster to obey my order."

After that, give your command and it will be done. One of the marks upon your hand will fade as proof that the command has been sent and received. If you feel that you need to place more power behind the command, merely use another spell by repeating what you just did with the same order.

[lorule]

She is stubborn but she deserves to live a happy life. I have known her only for a short time, but she is a precious friend to me. I wish I could have convinced her, but alas it seems words have little power on her.

[ Considering how few friends she has to begin with... But she nodded to him. It sounded simple enough, all she had to do was make a command that would force her to survive without impending her battle capability. Surely she could do that. ]

I promise I shall not let her die. Even if it has to be against her will...

[ It didn't matter. She looked at the command on the back of her hand then and closed her eyes, focusing on it before finally speaking the words, after a few moments pondering on the best word. ]

As your master and by the power of this command spell, I do command thee Caster to obey my order. For the entirety of the battle that is about to come, you are not allowed to take a fatal blow, nor are you allowed to give in to your suicidal tendencies and deliberately put yourself in a position that would lead to your death.

[ And that was it. She wasn't sure of how good the command was, but she had two left if needed. ]

[athousandcurses]

[The response is immediate: surprise and shock mixed with anger, and a little of disappointment flow along their connection as well as the words:]

I hear and obey.

[Really, now Grainne is going to have to be extra careful in the battle... how annoying.]

[oathshackledbird]

If it helps any, I support your decision and will bear some of the anger she directs at you.

[Diarmuid watches and listens to her as she uses the command spell. He is grateful that she so carefully words the command. It seems she heeded his warning well.

After a few moments of silence to make sure she is recovered from the casting, Diarmuid speaks again.]

How did she take it?

[Since he assumes that Grainne has responded in some way along their bond by now...]

[lorule]

Thank you, but I shall assume my responsibilities.

[ She pauses. Well, the way she reacted wasn't so pleasing, but that was to be expected. ]

Very formally. I feel she's... Surprised, angry, disappointed. If that is the price to pay...

[ Damage a friendship but save a life. Probably a cheap price altogether. ]

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid shakes his head. He is not surprised at Grainne's reaction either, but he had hoped...]

Don't give up on your friendship too quickly. Her reaction is merely proof that right now she needs a friend like you--someone who is willing to risk her anger to keep her safe when she cannot be trusted to keep herself safe. It might not happen right away, but I believe someday, when she is happier and more at peace with her new path in life, she will be grateful for what you did this day.

What you did is the sign of a true friend. She needs more friends like you.

[lorule]

I can only hope you are right. I can protect her now, but when all of this shall be over, there may be none of us left to help her if she is sent back to her world.

[ Which is what worried her most at this moment, but that was besides the point. She nodded at him. ]

But I thank you for your assistance. I believe you must be quite busy, so I shall leave to your duties now.

[oathshackledbird]

To be honest, I would prefer she went to back to someone else's world so she would be free of the war, but in the end, if she wants to follow her wish or to find a new path is a choice only she can make. However, it would not hurt to let her know the option of going elsewhere is there, even if she doesn't take it in the end?

[Something tells Diarmuid Hilda and Grainne have already had that conversation, but if not, it might be worth a try.

He bows his head to her as she readies to leave.]

It is no problem. If you have any other questions later, please feel free to ask them. I will do all I can to help.