[Back-Dated, Open] Titus A-muddled, or Natural Brother

[77th_emo_earl]

He may have a natural brother...

For a long time, Titus often dreamed of having a brother, dreamed of having an older brother to bear the title and the crown and the inheritance, but not like this, not in this place, not in this place, where titles and bloodlines barely mean anything. In their world, if he had known this sooner, he would gave handed over his crown gladly. Now more than ever, the words that the Steerpike he had known had snarled with his last breath haunt Titus: "You were lucky..."

But now that his suspicions have been all but confirmed, he is not sure what to think nor what to feel, much less what to make of the situation, and these thoughts leave him restless on his bed. His discreet encounter with Robin kept his mind off these things -- it was easy to forget with Robin's mouth working it's magic on his inexperienced flesh -- but now that he is alone, his mind returns to the notions that left him troubled.

His worst enemy and he may share the same blood, the same father, though clearly not the same mother. If this was Gormenghast, his enemy might be the rightful heir, and he, Titus, might be the usurper.

These ideas crawl through his mind like creepers, pushing aside all other thoughts like the roots breaking apart the stones they climb upon. No longer able to sleep, he pushes back the covers, letting them slide to the floor, before rising and pulling on his trousers and a dressing gown, shoving his feet into his shoes. He heads down to the kitchen, in search of some warm milk and a biscuit -- a childish way to settle one's whirling thoughts, but it seems as good as any at this point. Though he might also be hiding from himself the fact that he's hoping to find someone to talk to and to help him make sense of everything that is whirling in his head right now.

Backdated to a day or two after he made some unsettling discoveries. Looking specifically for Helen (M2), but he's open to other people offering an open ear and a concerned heart.

Comments

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

He lets her take his hand, if only for the comfort of the touch of another human being. "I think that he was in earnest this time," he says.

[ohmaiden.livejournal.com]

She pales a little. "That's not very nice of him. Do you want me to tell him that?"

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

He weighs this. "I appreciate your concern, but I think I would rather choose discretion and not confront him on it," he says.

[ohmaiden.livejournal.com]

She nods. "Then I won't talk to him about it. I promise."

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

Relieved to hear this offer, he breathes easier. "Thank you, this means a good deal to me," he says. Then, somewhat eager to change the subject, he asks, "I hope nothing awakened you from your dreams?"

[ohmaiden.livejournal.com]

"...My dreams were what woke me, actually," she admits. "They were nightmares."

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

"I'm sorry to hear that," he says, reaching out to stroke her cheek with the back of his fingers. "If you want to talk about it, you've been kind to me in listening to me: I would be glad to return the favor."

[ohmaiden.livejournal.com]

She shivers a little at his touch, blushing.

"I have dreams about my...death. It's frightening, to have to relive it."

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

He covers her hand with his. "I'm sorry to hear that," he says. "So you came to this place through death's door? Perhaps you could speak to my sister Fuschia about this: she died in my world, though it seems she has found her paradise here, but she is in denial about it."

[ohmaiden.livejournal.com]

"I was a sacrifice, Titus," she explains, looking more than a tad melancholy.

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

He says nothing to this, but the look of horrified compassion on his face should speak volumes. "I shan't ask, unless you are at ease in telling it," he says, when he finally finds his voice. "I would not want to be the cause of more sorrow for you."

[ohmaiden.livejournal.com]

She nods. "It's all right. I'm here now, aren't I?" She attempts a smile. "And I've got good friends, like you. So I feel safe."

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

He smiles a little at this. "Yes, you could not find a safe nor a more pleasant place to live now," he says. "Aside from the strange things that happen from time to time. Were you out and about that strange night in the autumn, when the haunted carnival appeared and giant insects were running about?"

[ohmaiden.livejournal.com]

She shakes her head. "No, I wasn't. I heard about it--it must have been terrifying. But I know that I did have worse dreams than usual that night."

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

"It was. I don't know the cause of it all, but it was as dreadful as it sounds, perhaps worse," he says. "A giant caterpillar chased me through the ruinous carnival, but I was rescued by an old woman-warrior who freed it from whatever spell had been cast upon it.

"Do you know if there are any magicians or wizards in this place who could have done such a thing?"

[ohmaiden.livejournal.com]

"No, I don't. I can't think of anyone who would cause something like this..."

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

"I see..." he says, pondering this, and wondering how he could find out who could have had a hand in this.

Though his typist would hope he doesn't find out, for the sake of his sanity.

[ohmaiden.livejournal.com]

"It worries me, as I'm sure it worries you. But I suppose I'm lucky I didn't have to deal with such fearsome creatures. And I'm glad you're safe."

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

"You were lucky: It was one of the worst nights I have had since I arrived here," he says. But not as bad as the night he found out that he had a half-brother. "I hope there is someone who can put a stop to this, or see that it does not happen again."

[ohmaiden.livejournal.com]

She nods. "I hope so too. Sometimes it can be scary here, I know."

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

He looks at her, his violet eyes darkening with concern. "Might I ask what has happened in this place to trouble you?"

[ohmaiden.livejournal.com]

She shrugs, trying to look as if she doesn't care, but her eyes are full of melancholy.

"Only love, really, and its discontents," she replies. She doesn't want to talk about Melisande right now.

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

He doesn't push, as he's had quite enough of love and desire for the moment, between his interlude with Robin and the strange things that surrounded the discovery of the discreetly shelved books. "I am sorry to hear that love has not come easily for you, nor its path run smoothly," he says. "I hope that you find a more kindly love and soon, to drive out these memories."

[ohmaiden.livejournal.com]

She smiles a little. "I'm trying, and looking. I have hope."

[77th-earl.livejournal.com]

"Is there anyone who has delighted you with his company and sought to win your heart?" he asks. "I hope that I do not seem to pry: you are a dear friend and I would be honored to acquaint myself with those whom you trust and for whom you care."