[Action] Post Heads of State Meeting

[lunarianlegacy.livejournal.com]

[Meet and greet mingling time after the meeting on the Invincible.]

Comments

[lunarianlegacy.livejournal.com]

Uh, um... yeah. I'm fine.

[melodiesoflute.livejournal.com]

Are you certain?

[He peers at Ceodore in hopes of finding the truth within the youth's eyes.]

You seem so...uncomfortable here. I understand that the High Council may seem a had daunting to converse with, but they're all good hardworking people.

You can trust them, Ceodore.

[lunarianlegacy.livejournal.com]

It's um, it's not that.

Father's back and everyone looks to him. I was just supposed to listen and learn. Can't even do that right.

[melodiesoflute.livejournal.com]

[Mild shock settles upon the bard's face.]

Ceodore, I...I don't believe you've done anything wrong. If anything, I'm only a tad perplexed as to why you didn't volunteer yourself for the sake of Narshe.

You are a good leader, Ceodore.

[lunarianlegacy.livejournal.com]

[He shakes his head.]

Father is a good leader. I'm just a soldier in his army.

And Ursula deserved her chance.

[melodiesoflute.livejournal.com]

[Edward almost doesn't what to say to that...]

Oh, Ceodore! This cannot be what you truly believe! You're more than just a soldier, young man.

You're the Prince of Baron! The same greatness your father possesses, you possess as well. You're no mere grunt!

[lunarianlegacy.livejournal.com]

[SIGH. And a heavy one too. Although Edward's probably the most likely to be understanding about this.]

My father's greatness... People have these expectations of me, because of who my parents are. They don't see me. They see 'the son of Cecil and Rosa.' And... I don't think I can ever live up to them.

[melodiesoflute.livejournal.com]

[The bard was just about to state otherwise until silence gripped him. Ceodore was right, he does understand.]

...Then don't, Ceodore.

[He sighed.]

Don't strive to become like them, but rather strive to be yourself instead. You're hurting yourself by believing you must become like your parents.

[lunarianlegacy.livejournal.com]

[He nods slowly, genuinely taking that in.]

I'm not sure who I am either. But... I will find out.

[And there's that dead earnest look that ends up having him pegged for his father.]

Edward? Can I ask you something?

[melodiesoflute.livejournal.com]

[As much as Ceodore dislikes being compared to his father, the youth fails to realize just how similar he is to Cecil in both appearance and personality.]

Oh?

[Edward blinked his eyes owlishly.]

Yes, ask me anything!

[lunarianlegacy.livejournal.com]

You didn't want to rule, did you?

[At least, that's what Ceodore had heard once in the grand tale of his parents' journey.]

[melodiesoflute.livejournal.com]

[A brief look of surprise settled within the bard gaze, but soon it faded and was replaced by hints of shame.]

...Yes, I suppose you could say that.

[lunarianlegacy.livejournal.com]

Why did you decide to?

[melodiesoflute.livejournal.com]

[Edward let out a deep sigh once Ceodore asked that.]

In all truth, I'm not too sure of it myself. I guess I got tired of running away from my responsibilities or maybe I just couldn't run anymore.

[A pensive smile settled on his lips.]

When Damcyan was attacked, I lost everything. My kingdom was in ruins, the Crystal of Fire was stolen, and my beloved died. Walking amongst those ruins on that day roused me, pushed me to act.

I had to lose everything in order to gain the clarity I needed. I had to lose everything I once cherished in order for me to realize how much I yearn to protect it.

[lunarianlegacy.livejournal.com]

[Lose everything to realize how precious it is? Ceodore nodded to indicate he heard but it was a somber one. How close were they to losing everything they held dear at home? Already Cecil was lost to them, the meteors had been trashing the world, the moon threatening to obliterate it entirely.

Lost in thought, he made no reply other than a final nod.]