Meet the Parents, Act 1, The Capellas

[Vix Arkelith]

(Previous Thread)

As they walked back to their cabin, Vix tried to burn through her disbelief. A foe I cannot kill or threaten...how am I supposed to convince them - for Valedec's sake - that I'm not a terrible choice for their son, when part of me agrees with them? She shook her head to herself, and turned back to Val with an uncharacteristically furrowed brow. "How are we going to go about this? For once, I have absolutely no idea how to proceed."

This post has been edited by Vix Arkelith on Jun 20 2009, 03:34 PM

[Valedec Capella]

Valedec smiled at her, trying not to show his own anxiety. "They'll ask us some questions, and we'll answer them. Mom's a little paranoid and Dad's pretty good at detecting lies, though, so just tell the truth, even if you think it reflects poorly on you. I'll back you to the hilt. And no matter what they say, no matter what happens, they can't break us up." He gave her a brief squeeze, then opened the cabin door.

[Brent & Candace]

Candace barely waited for the pair to enter the room before she scowled and snapped, "So how long have you been sleeping with my son?"

"Candace!" Brent chastised. "We already agreed not to make this an inquisition."

"I'm not!" she insisted. "It's a legitimate question." Her eyes narrowed, and she leaned toward the general as she continued in a lower voice. "So tell me: how many years have you spent corrupting his morals, hmm?" Brent sighed and shook his head, but didn't interrupt this time.

[Vix Arkelith]

Vix's eyes widened, and she squeezed Valedec's hand to keep herself from reaching for her dagger as she stood with him by the wall. She took a deep breath, and forced herself to not say what she really wanted to. Practically gritting her teeth to force down a blush and her anger, "Out of the roughly ten years we have traveled together, we've only shared a bed for the past week and a half. And as for morals...well, it was a mutual decision, and there was no forcing or seducing involved." You overzealous, hypocritical madwoman. Her own ears back, she waited for the other woman to pose her next question.

[Brent & Candace]

Brent rested his chin on his hand and turned to his wife. "You know, we'd only known each other a few months before we-"

"I know that!" Candace snapped. "But that doesn't mean THEY-"

"Enough." Brent didn't raise his voice, but with the tone he used, he didn't have to. Candace stopped talking, eyes still flashing. "No, Candace, they DO need to know where we're coming from." Turning back to his son and his chosen partner, he continued in a more level tone. "Vix, Candace is worried because you remind us so much of how she was when she was younger."

"That is not-"

"Yes, it is. That's exactly it, and you know it. You remember how my folks reacted when I brought you home? They told me you were bad news, you'd be a horrible wife and a worse mother...and you proved them wrong, but they'll probably never know because they still won't speak to us. Is that how you want us to end up?"

"I..." Her ears drooped momentarily as he voiced fears she hadn't let herself think about before. "Of course not. But this is different."

"That's right. We haven't driven our son and his lady away...so far. Let's keep it that way; ask her what you want, but keep in mind that this woman might someday become your daughter-in-law." With a finger to the pair, he added, "And don't try to tell me otherwise; I know you're not engaged or anything, but as with any relationship, the possibility is there. And I've never seen Val so serious about anyone before. So," he leaned back and clasped his hands around a knee, "That all said, let's continue this discussion like the civilized adults we pretend to be. Okay?"

Reluctantly, a mollified Candace nodded before she spoke again. "Alright...I'm going to get back into personal questions, but first...I'm not at all sure I like this business you've gotten our son involved in, Vix. How can you, after we've seen what we saw in the harbor, act as if everything will turn out right? Saving the world is great, sure, but why can't we just let someone else do it? Some better-prepared group? Get the Alexandrians or Burmecians to take care of it or something, we have a dragoon and a knight onboard. Surely they could call on some sort of proper military force."

[Valedec Capella]

"I'll answer that," the rune knight blurted before Vix could speak. He shot her an apologetic glance with eyebrows up, then furrowed them again as he turned back to his parents. "Really, you're acting like she's controlling me, like I never got a say in any of this. I may not be as vocal as she is most of the time, but that doesn't mean I'm playing second fiddle.

"I chose this path, from start to finish. At first, I was just intrigued by her. I was just a lanky, awkward sixteen year-old, and she was an alluring twenty year-old woman who seemed to have much more than the four years of difference worth of experience...and, me being sixteen at the time, the fact that she was - and is - gorgeous didn't hurt. That, and I felt like I owed her.

"Our trip getting Eleanor to safety was terrifying and exhilarating...but as soon as it was over, she left for parts unknown. So while Geb and Elle adjusted to life at the monastery, I trained hard. I prepared, and when she came back almost a year later, I was ready to go with her. She didn't want to let me come, and we had our first sparring match." He grinned at the memory. "I lost, but I did well enough.

"Anyway, the point is that I spent most of the time between then and now with her, except the last year and a half before our meeting again in the monastery. I sought her out, I stood by her side, I defended her, and together we've changed lives. And over time, I caught glances of who she really was. It took awhile for the picture to develop, because she hid it well, but after a few years I fell in love with that person.

"And now, finally, that person's broken out and reached the surface, torn away the shackles and broken down the walls that kept her from understanding that she felt the same towards me. I'm proud of her and the journey she's made, glad I got to be along for it, and I'm looking forward to the days ahead regardless of what dangers come.

"Okay, so that didn't really answer your question...but I had to say it, because I don't think either of you really got it." He finally paused long enough to take a few extra breaths, having gotten all that off his chest. With a wry grin, he finished, "And in spite of what I said earlier, I think I'll go ahead and let Vix answer that question after all." Leaning over, he whispered to her, "And I'm sorry for talking like you weren't here, but I wanted to get that out."

This post has been edited by Valedec Capella on Jun 22 2009, 11:38 PM

[Vix Arkelith]

Interesting...so she seems to be a would-be heroine that never got her chance to save the world. I suppose that would explain quite a bit. In spite of her continued anger towards Candace, she couldn't restrain a smile as Valedec spoke...a smile which disappeared when he finished, and he had to correct him.

"First, Val is entirely too modest. He has always been my anchor, kept me grounded...were it not for him and his influence, I would be a very different person - a lesser one - today. He has always been there for me through the years, even though I was unable to return the favor at the time.

"I may not deserve someone as devoted and caring as Val is, but I can try...and for whatever reason, he has chosen me. And I have chosen him, as I have chosen no other. Yes," she glanced over at him, though she was talking to his parents, "Though we've not discussed it, marriage IS a possibility."

"Now," she continued with a half-grin she could barely suppress, "To finally answer your question: we are not yet at the stage of final confrontation. This is reconnaissance. Depending on what we find, we may take down the Shining Circle and Itzal ourselves, or we may recruit greater powers to be the final instruments of our foes' demise. So you see, things are not quite as hopeless as you might believe.

"And what's more, would you simply trust someone else to, say, run your shop? Not because you asked them to, but merely because it was there and needed running? In the same vein, we cannot entrust the fate of this world to the idea that surely someone else will do it if we do not. We can, and thus, we shall."

This post has been edited by Vix Arkelith on Jun 22 2009, 11:56 PM

[Brent & Candace]

I'm too late, Candace realized at last. How did I not notice? Why couldn't I figure it out sooner? I was so sure nothing would happen between them...I was stuck in the mindset of their meeting, with Val as a boy with big dreams and her as an already-accomplished dark knight. And I was so preoccupied with Eleanor's special problems, I let myself get blindsided by this...

She gave an ironic snort, commenting, "You two sound so much like us when we talked to Brent's parents. They were a conservative trade family; with Brent set to take over the family business, they didn't want him with a rebellious woman like me. I went against my father's wishes, even going out of my way to do the opposite of what he wanted, and they thought I'd be a bad influence.

"I told them I wasn't as bad as I seemed, and that Brent was a stabilizing influence on me rather than me being a destructive influence on him...and they wouldn't believe me. And yet, we still run a successful smithy...exactly like his daddy wanted, though they still want nothing to do with us. Go figure."

Brent chuckled. "Or, as I put it: I keep her from being crazy, and she keeps me from being boring. An' it's not always smooth sailing, but I daresay we turned out pretty good. Don'tcha think, hun?"

"Be that as it may," Candace allowed with a raised finger, "It still doesn't mean I approve...just that I'll listen. I still don't like the idea of my son b...bedding a dark knight!" Candace leaned back with her arms crossed over her chest, and her earlier scowl returned to her face.

"Vix, your admission that you don't think you deserve him - and your apparent sincerity - help your cause, but the idea you have nothing to offer hurts it. Val," she turned back to her son, "Vix has told me why she likes you, and if she truly is trying to leave her dark origins behind, I suppose I believe her. Her own actions and words when she didn't know I was watching, and the way the crew regards her, have helped convince me.

"But you haven't told me why you fell in love with such a violent, unstable woman. What she's done is far more than what I did to earn the ire of your grandfather...so tell me...why? Why her, when I happen to know of numerous eligible young women both in the village and at the monastery fancied you?"

This post has been edited by Brent & Candace on Jun 26 2009, 03:45 AM

[Valedec Capella]

One corner of Valedec's mouth turned down as he answered. "And what made you choose Dad? I happen to know you were considered quite the eligible bachelorette in your day...having a powerful mage for a father attracts all kinds of suitors. But you chose a smith's son instead. Why him? Why did you choose someone so normal when you could've had your pick of eccentric characters that came knocking on your door?"

[Brent & Candace]

"That's different! The guys who were 'knocking at my door' were more than just eccentric...whereas most of the girls that've asked after you are perfectly respectable young ladies. I know what you're trying to say: logic plays no part in love. While that may be so, it doesn't change the fact that you can't simply say you love someone 'just because'; people don't just randomly fall in love for no reason at all! You said you saw who she really was. So, tell me: who is she?"

[Valedec Capella]

The rune knight's eyes narrowed, and the other corner of his mouth turned down. "She's got the weight of the world on her shoulders and trying to put a knife in her back; she's lost her own parents to this madman, and suffered unspeakable things at his command; she and I have only just escaped a nemesis from her past, and yet here she is. She's sitting here with me because she knows this is important to me."

He stood up, putting his hands on the table, palm-down as he scowled at his mother. "Not only that, instead of hiding from the evils that've been stirred up, she's putting her life and soul - literally, in the case of Itzal - on the line to right a wrong she helped create, however unwilling and unwittingly. What more do you want?

"So if you still have a problem with my partnership to and relationship with her, then quite frankly, that's just too bad. We aren't asking your permission, nor for your blessing. Only the understanding that neither of us will be dissuaded...whether or not you accept us - and you can't have me without her - I leave up to you."

Valedec pushed his chair back, and held his hand out to Vix, still looking at his mother. "And unless she has anything to add to what I just said, we're done here, and you can just let me know once you've decided if you're going to accept the choices of direction and companionship I've made or not."

This post has been edited by Valedec Capella on Jul 1 2009, 11:03 PM

[Vix Arkelith]

The grin Vix'd been wearing slowly transformed back into a scowl as she listened to the exchange between Valedec and his mother. "I believe you have said all I might say, albeit with greater tact. However...Mrs. Capella, I do have one thing to add." Releasing Valedec's hand, she stepped back to the table, resting her palms on the surface as she leaned over the older woman.

"I may lack domestic skills, and I obviously do not fit your idea of a worthwhile mate...but I never said nor implied that I had nothing to offer. I won't stay at home and clean, but I will make sure he returns home safely. I won't be the nameless woman behind him, but I will guard his back. I will never be a gourmet chef, but," she leaned closer still, and lowered her voice. "I can, I have, and I will kill to protect him. With zeal, no matter the odds. How many of these 'prospective ladies' you have in mind can, in truth, say that?"

Remember, Candace, I nearly killed YOU because I thought you threatened him. You may doubt many things about me, but you cannot doubt my resolve. She pushed herself back up off the table, straightened, and took Valedec's hand again. "I may be unconventional, but so is he. Perhaps more than you know." Having given her final word, Vix turned and left the room with Valedec, shutting the door behind them.

This post has been edited by Vix Arkelith on Jul 7 2009, 06:41 AM

[Brent & Candace]

Brent leaned back, grinning smugly. "You know what this reminds me of?"

"That was different!"

"Was it? My folks wanted you to be a housewife. You...didn't take well to the idea, as I recall." His grin faded, and he leaned forward again. "I know, I know - you weren't exactly taking me into this sort of mortal danger, and you didn't have a past anything like Vix's."

He held up a finger as he continued. "But one thing, at least, is the same: if we don't accept them now, and at least give her a chance, we'll probably be shut out of at least a few years of their lives. If we're lucky. Even if they don't work out, he'd resent us and maybe even blame us...seen it happen to other families. We almost lost our daughter once because we didn't intervene. Let's not lose a son because we did intervene."

Candace turned away from him and sighed, brow furrowed. He put his hand on hers, and sat silently as she thought to herself. As the moments passed, her ears lowered, and she frowned rather than scowled. At last, she got up from her chair, motioning for Brent to wait.

The rune knight opened the door and stepped out into the hallway, shutting the door behind her. "Vix? I'd like to speak with you alone, in the unused cabin. No recriminations, no accusations, I just want to talk." Though her ears were back up - mostly - her brow was still furrowed, and her tone was soft.

[Vix Arkelith]

The former dark knight's senses immediately jumped to a high enough state of alert that she had to physically restrain herself from drawing steel. Ugh...I am not used to being upset or distressed over anything I cannot stab. This might not go well...but if she wishes to speak to me alone, perhaps there is hope. And besides, even if it WERE a trap of some kind, I doubt there is anything she can do I cannot counter.

She glanced over at Valedec, then back to Candace. Reluctantly, she nodded, and released the younger rune knight's hand. "Very well." She removed her baldric, leaning it up against the bulkhead outside the cabin door, wondering if Candace would get the symbolism. To make it more poignant, she also removed her thigh sheathe, and entered the cabin first - putting her back to the older woman.

Vix took a seat on the bunk, scowling as the swish of her bushy tail stirred up dust. "I have faced warriors and warlocks, liches and lieges, demons and damned men with nothing left to lose...and never have I felt such trepidation before an unarmed foe. If a foe you remain, that is - if your offer of candor is true, then I shall respond in kind. You have my word, supposing you're willing to take it." Symbolism's never lost on Val...it's one of the things that kept him alive during my more troubled times. Time to see how much of it, if any, he got from his mother.

[Valedec Capella]

As Vix had predicted, the symbolism wasn't lost on Valedec. Her body language says peace, but her words say 'Bring it!'...right-o, exit, stage right. "If you need me, I'll be next door with Dad." So I can hear, in case things get ugly. And so I can find out what Mom's playing at, though I suspect he's a third party in this.

He left the cabin door open, and went back in to sit across from his father. He feigned a confident smile, clasped his hands in front of him, and waited for the sound of the other cabin's door shutting - as he was sure it would.