[ It is Maia's turn to be embarrassed, folding his hands in his lap and resisting the urge to fiddle with the silverware. The words are difficult to say, and the prospect of Csevet here and choosing not to be near him makes his stomach churn, but he owes Csevet the truth. He is determined to say it all, and to allow no interruption or objection that might come from a sense of propriety, rather than true feeling. ]
We have learned much of this place, since we arrived. We do not know if you were told, as well, but- we have heard that the portal transports those who feel an unease in their life. Who are beset by a compelling enough unhappiness that it reaches the ears and heart of whichever god chose to bring us to this place.
[ Normally, he would not allow his belief in the gods to show so visibly, but he has a momentum now that he doesn't wish to interfere with. ]
We... do not know much of your life, apart from your service to us. But we know that our reign as emperor, and our great need of your service, must have been extremely disruptive. And we have found our freedom in this place a- a relief. Our privacy, our anonymity, our- our temporary release from the weight of the crown. We would not... deny you, that same freedom and joy, merely because we selfishly wish to keep you by our side.
[ His ears dip a little, at that. He knows there is weakness in that, in admitting how badly he wants Csevet not to take up this offer. But Maia has always worn his heart much too close to his sleeve. He could not hide how delighted he had been to see Csevet, and he cannot hide his feelings now. But that doesn't change what he is saying. ]
You owe us nothing, here. We have spoken to those in charge of the portal, and as soon as there is opportunity to transport the both of us home, we must go, and things will return to the way they were. But there are no servants here. In the eyes of everyone in this place- [ And he gestures at the room around them, the happy diners, the waiters chatting and laughing and pouring wine. ] -we have no power over you, and we must bend to the customs of this place. We must adapt, and fit in.
[ Maia waits until Csevet looks up and meets his eyes. Then, he drops formality - easier, after the practice of living in this place a while - and finishes: ]
I... wish you to be free to chose. Truly free. And if you choose to never see me again until the day we return home... I will not begrudge you that, Csevet. I swear it, on my mother's tomb.
no subject
We have learned much of this place, since we arrived. We do not know if you were told, as well, but- we have heard that the portal transports those who feel an unease in their life. Who are beset by a compelling enough unhappiness that it reaches the ears and heart of whichever god chose to bring us to this place.
[ Normally, he would not allow his belief in the gods to show so visibly, but he has a momentum now that he doesn't wish to interfere with. ]
We... do not know much of your life, apart from your service to us. But we know that our reign as emperor, and our great need of your service, must have been extremely disruptive. And we have found our freedom in this place a- a relief. Our privacy, our anonymity, our- our temporary release from the weight of the crown. We would not... deny you, that same freedom and joy, merely because we selfishly wish to keep you by our side.
[ His ears dip a little, at that. He knows there is weakness in that, in admitting how badly he wants Csevet not to take up this offer. But Maia has always worn his heart much too close to his sleeve. He could not hide how delighted he had been to see Csevet, and he cannot hide his feelings now. But that doesn't change what he is saying. ]
You owe us nothing, here. We have spoken to those in charge of the portal, and as soon as there is opportunity to transport the both of us home, we must go, and things will return to the way they were. But there are no servants here. In the eyes of everyone in this place- [ And he gestures at the room around them, the happy diners, the waiters chatting and laughing and pouring wine. ] -we have no power over you, and we must bend to the customs of this place. We must adapt, and fit in.
[ Maia waits until Csevet looks up and meets his eyes. Then, he drops formality - easier, after the practice of living in this place a while - and finishes: ]
I... wish you to be free to chose. Truly free. And if you choose to never see me again until the day we return home... I will not begrudge you that, Csevet. I swear it, on my mother's tomb.