hisheartsdesire | [ic] Contact

[ Dorian had told him to contact Tobias directly, so that's what he's doing. Apologies for this unexpected intrusion into your evening. ]

Monsieur Tobias?

We do not know each other, but I would have a moment of your time, if you are able.

[Tobias checks the ID attached to the video and recognizes the name as one that Lucy had mentioned as her a second guardian. If he were capable of replying in kind, he would; instead, he settles for the next best thing, even if it perhaps makes him seem a tad cowardly.

When he speaks, he already sounds defeated.]

We haven't met, but I presume you're another guardian to Her Majesty of Narnia. She's mentioned you once before. What can I do for you, Ser?

Edited 2015-09-24 03:48 (UTC)

[ D’Artagnan generally lets this thing default to video, for ease, but it doesn’t take him long to switch. Already, this seems easier than talking to Dorian. ]

It is what you can do for Her Majesty. I don’t know how far you are aware of this, but what passed between you caused her great unhappiness. That is something I wish to avoid, in future.

Ah, of course. [His answer is quiet and subdued. If Dorian seemed belligerent, Tobias seems miserably compliant.] It was only by chance we saw each other at the swear-in, I promise. I already swore to her, I'd begone from her sight and request the same of my lover for however long Her Majesty needs... I hazard that isn't good enough, then?

[Perhaps D'Artagnan wants the assurance of a more stable, permanent distance between him and Lucy, something that Tobias can completely understand given the circumstances. But he'll bite, he'll wait for whatever terms her guardian has in store.]

[ D'Artagnan's eyes narrow. This is Dorian's lover? They could not be more different, it's astonishing. Does this man somehow not know what Dorian is like?

Could this be the man who hurt Lucy? ]

Your lover was somewhat less accommodating when I spoke with him.

He claims that you did not toy with her. That only he did that, and you were innocent. Is that true?

[Tobias lets out a sigh of frustration. Just knowing Dorian and what he does, is more than enough to tire anyone, let alone his lover. But at least this conversation is going more or less smoothly than he'd initially expected.]

I apologize, really. I know he is a man of many cruelties, but. He's all I have left from my world, and means everything to me. He turns a blind eye to my faults, but I admit I'm not perfect or blameless. I wronged Her Majesty, though I never meant to mislead or grieve her, I've done so regardless of my intentions. It only follows that I should accept the consequences of my actions, whatever they may be.

[ It's an apology that seems genuine. And it admits wrongdoing, too, which is surprising. It's the last thing d'Artagnan had expected after speaking with Dorian, who had blamed Lucy for everything.

At the same time, though, he can see Tobias' charm. He can see why someone who talked like this would have appealed to Lucy, perhaps without meaning to. This sort of talk would appeal to anyone. ]

You seem older than I thought.

I don't mean - not in age, but in thinking. Are you like me? Displaced in time?

[ A young man from an ancient time. That's how it sounds. ]

All I want is to keep her from future pain. If you can do that, it's all I care about. There'll be no ill feeling between us.

[It's hard to know how best to put this. Because D'artagnan isn't entirely wrong, though he's not exactly right, either. But could anyone—namely, Lucy's guardians—accept that their innocent, young queen had believed a man over two hundred eighty years of age might pay her suit?

That seems highly unlikely, and should they think Tobias had beguiled her, it may cost his life.]

Is it so odd to say you're both correct and not, on both accounts? I am displaced in time, though perhaps not nearly as much as so many others. My experiences are those of several lifetimes, and nostalgia sparks my hunger for simpler times, propriety, and courtesy. How easy it is to slip into old customs, old ways, when one meets others who might recognize them.

[A beat.]

I understand your concern, completely. Please believe that I take no pleasure in grieving her, and that I have no desire to inflict upon her any hurt or anguish, for she is a dear friend to me. But all of us have flaws and faults, and I cannot truly guarantee we will always be free of accidents and misunderstandings. What can I do to appease you? What can I do to assure you that I bear no ill-will toward her or any of you?

Edited 2015-09-28 02:13 (UTC)

Several lifetimes. [ What a strange way to put it. D’Artagnan sounds dubious. ] Well then, I’m glad for the familiarity.

[ Tobias seems sincere. It’s better than d’Artagnan could have hoped, and really there’s nothing else that can be said. Words are less important than deeds, and he will continue to watch, and keep Lucy safe. But as far as words can go, he doesn’t think Tobias can say more than he already has. ]

I don’t believe you meant to hurt her, and I don’t believe you would willingly do so again. Only I ask that you keep watch on your Dorian. He lacks your sincerity, and to speak plainly, your kindness. He treated her poorly before this happened, and now it is worse.

[ And d’Artagnan doesn’t trust him. As convincing as Tobias has been, Dorian was the very opposite. ]

[Unseen, he frowns upon hearing about Dorian. Not because it's unbelievable, but because it's true. Not even Tobias is fully spared of such cruelties because Dorian is indeed a selfish man whose own heart will always come before anyone else's.]

I'll do whatever I can... But sorry to say, I'm not privy to all he does, he is more familiar with this world and its technologies than I am, and my actions are limited to the nighttime due to a condition that comes with my power, which is something carried over from my home world, unfortunately. It will be difficult, but I will try my best. I'll ask him to keep away from her; more often than not, he tries to appease me and gives in to my requests.

[Not that Tobias is giving up before even trying, but there are many hurtles to overcome...]

You have more patience than I do, Monsieur.

[ He can barely even speak to Dorian without wanting to throttle him, much less spend time trying to talk him into behaving well. People like him infuriate d’Artagnan. He doesn’t know how Tobias does it. ]

Thank you for your help. I appreciate it.

You're welcome. If there's anything else you need, please let me know. But I believe our business here is finished, for now?

It is. I won't trouble you further.

Thank you, for listening.

Then I bid you good day, Ser.

[A little fumbling, and then the click of disconnection.]

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