Notebook.ai

@PaperHats April 02, 2020

(it’s totally fine, don’t worry :)

Arlo gave the girl a warm comforting smile and a nod as she left the room, but the second she was out of sight, he turned even colder than the air around him. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, yet tensed his entire body.

He tried to fall into a meditative-like state, but just as he was about to “trance,” so to speak, his ears twitched with the alert of Silvano’s arrival.
Arlo held still— completely still, never giving in or admitting to the fear that ran through every vein in his body. Even as the chill went up his spine and as his mind raced, he looked as content and fearless as he could.
With his eyes still closed, he didn’t speak a word. Barely breathed, even. It wasn’t much in the way of defiance, but whatever he could passively do coughed up the slightest bit of loyalty to his people. And that’s all he needed to cease feeling guilty. But what was he to do? Fight those living breathing loyalty-machines head-on when he first ran into them?
But it was true— he could have either died a pure man, or lived and served some sick purpose to this man.
Unfortunately, he had ended up with the latter.
As Silvano spoke, Arlo sat unchanging.

@Painted-Iris April 03, 2020

Silvano gave a sad hum with Arlo's response. Or lack thereof. "I could have given you a proper cell, left you to rot," the ruler started, stepping closer to Arlo. He took slow, calculated steps to the other's left before taking a hand underneath his chin. "But no. You're here because I believe you can have a better future," the ruler finished with a small smile. As he pulled his hand away, he seemed to frown at his palm. Arlo still had a bit of dirt on his face. Quickly wiping it on the corner of his jacket, he now stood in front of the other. He'd never kneel before anyone.
"Your opposition cannot be overlooked, however. You're here for reformation," Silvano said happily.
"Now. If you can be a good little boy, I won't need to lock the door anymore. You'll be able to stay in a proper room."

"I could even assign that little servant girl to you if you wished."

@PaperHats April 03, 2020

The hair on the back of Arlo’s neck stood as Silvano’s hand made contact with his chin, his heart beating too fast for normal despite his best efforts. He wasn’t scared. Maybe it was the irritation. The anger.
Arlo still stayed as statuesque as he could, listening to Silvano’s words carefully. He had to bite back his urge to revolt against the man’s unwanted physical contact. Everything this man did repulsed Arlo, even if it was just simply standing.
He carried out his stillness well until the mention of the girl. From the way Silvano said it, Arlo could tell it was the kind of thing the man would try to shove under his skin. Unfortunately for Arlo, it worked. He flinched at the words, his eyes flashing open in the dark. He’d growl, snarl, lash around if he could. But, if anyone was an animal, it was these people. And acting recklessly would help him none.
So he just stared at Silvano, having no trouble in meeting his gaze. His blue eyes could have cut the dark themselves, looking daggers.

@Painted-Iris April 04, 2020

Silvano merely chuckled at Arlo's cold gaze. "I see you're quite attached. Did someone make a friend?" he cooed. Internally, the ruler considered how he could use this information to his advantage. It might have to involve a bit of blackmail, but surely the rebellious boy before him would understand after everything was over. He could visit with the servant girl all he liked if he succumbed to change.
"Now, now. She will be out of harm's way as long as you're willing to cooperate."

@PaperHats April 04, 2020

Arlo was unfortunately stubborn enough to choose the needs of many over the needs of the few. He just hoped, somehow, — if this girl had a family— they would understand too.
He gritted his teeth, still just staring up at Silvano. He made no move. Spoke no sound. Just simply stared his cold dead eyes up at the man, showing the least amount of emotion he could.
He would fight for his people, not himself. Just like he would fight for the future, not the girl. Silvano was no doubt trying to use her to his own advantage, but Arlo knew better than to let that get under his skin.

@Painted-Iris April 04, 2020

Silvano hummed in thought for a moment before speaking again. "Mmm, I'm being pretty fair here. Letting you stay in decent quarters, feeding you… I'm not afraid to make this a challenge for you."
He really didn't like hurting someone so young, but there were plenty to be born in the kingdom. One life was barely a scratch in the surface of the growing population.
Looking over his shoulder, he called out to the Guarde outside the door.
"Bring her back here."

@PaperHats April 04, 2020

Arlo flinched, a tinge of worry escaping his cold glare. Again, the knife burned at his side.
Suddenly, he had a thought.
Silvano needed him. For reasons that were unknown to him. But he was needed. So, did he have the ability to essentially blackmail Silvano with his own life?
His hand rested against the pocketknife. No, no, the man would just find a replacement. Right? It didn’t seem so difficult. Maybe if Arlo was more… special. Maybe if he was even further part of the project. So he would oblige until he was needed even more. And then he would risk himself.
Slowly he stood, unblinking. He let his arms hang loosely at his sides, looking at Silvano for orders.
He was pleased that the man would think threatening the little girl would work. Shame, for her, but then the man wouldn’t know Arlo’s own personal notions. So it balanced.
Arlo looked to the man and gave a small nod.

And The Walls Come Tumbling Down (OXO) (closed)