[ Video - Filtered from Steiner, Beatrix, and baddies / Action for palace-people]

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

[It's been a long time since Garnet has really been on the network. She's kept appearance to responses to close friends, or whenever something interested her. She's been much too self-conscious, especially after that whole debacle with one of the knights spying on her, and broadcasting it for everyone to see...

Today, she seems a put together, if not a bit low in spirits. She's also made a point to access the network under her old Mask account -- the one she made for Dagger, which she hasn't used in a while.]]

I was wondering if anyone could offer me some advice. I've been considering... some time away. Just a short stay away, really. Somewhere... quiet, peaceful... but preferably not so completely rural that, should anything come up, I wouldn't have access to immediate aid.

It probably sounds like a tall order, but any suggestions would be appreciated.

Comments

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[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

He would. I'd stake all of Alexandria on it.

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[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

I just wish I'd told him...

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[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

[He blinks.]

Your Majesty? Told him what?

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[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

[She looks away, ashamed, immensly guilty...]

...He doesn't know about the baby.

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[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

I - I see.

[Well, if he comes back he might not remember anyway, as Steiner has found with Beatrix. Though this doesn't make it any less sad.]

At least now he could hardly miss it!

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[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

[That was a terrible thing to say, Steiner. She know what you mean, but she's still offended. And you're getting a very unhappy face. Just... a face. Just daring you to continue that line fo thought.]

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[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

[Uh oh. It appears his attempt at levity fell utterly flat this time. Time for some hasty backtracking.]

That is to say - I - I wish that he had known before he disappeared. I am sure that it would have been joyous news!

And... Your Majesty, please do not blame yourself. You weren't to know. None of us can predict who may go or stay.

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[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

[Nice recovery, Steiner. He's either very good at this, or she's just exceedingly easy to distract right now. Either way, she no longer wants to slap him. She deflates visibly, and quickly]

I'm not so sure about that. I mean, of course, none of us can know if or when someone may be pulled away, but... I knew about this, and I should not have kept it from him. [She shakes her head] Or maybe it's better this way. None of us can control whether we come and go, so maybe it's better that he doesn't have that on his mind.

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[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

[He nods.] You're probably right. But in the meantime... Beatrix and I...

[He shuffles on his feet awkwardly. This is surprisingly difficult to ask.]

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[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

[She blinks at him... She's mostly regained her composure by now, but all she can do is tilt her head quizzicially at him] You and Beatrix...? [her way of urging him to continue]

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[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

We are here for you, Your Majesty. You and your child. Should you require support, or - or a father figure, I swear to do my utmost in protecting and caring for your infant.

[There. He said it.]

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[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

[Oh, Steiner. You are so sweet. She might just start crying again. The good kind of tears though. She's clearly very touched by the gesture. And she smiles, just a little, though it's bitter sweet. She reaches out and takes his hand in both of hers.]

You have both... done so much for me already. Not just recently, but ever since I became queen. Before that, even. I would not ask any more of you. [she smiles]

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[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

[He might just be turning scarlet at her praise. He's not worthy!]

Your Majesty... You don't have to ask. It would be my honour to serve the young prince or princess just as I have served you.

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[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

[She wants to laugh. He's so easily flustered! Always has been.] Children don't need serving, Steiner. They need... care. Nuturing. Guidance. [she's half-joking with him. but she sobers up a little toward the end.] though I'm sure you'd do just fine with all of those.

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[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

I shall do my best.

[Can't blame him for looking slightly intimidated though. Babies aren't his forte.]