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Cassandra ([info]speakingtruth) wrote in [info]nevermore_logs,
@ 2012-12-03 22:57:00

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Entry tags:cassandra, hector

WHO: Cassandra & Hector
WHEN: Monday evening
WHERE: Manhattan somewhere
WHAT: Oh hey, it's my brother!

Cassandra wasn't having a very good day. That morning she had left the house with purpose: she had gone to climb the highest tree in Troy, her favourite tree, the one that she could see over the roof of the palace from. She knew only that she was young and that, at that tree, Helenus was waiting. She kept thinking she saw him just ahead of her, the people of New York becoming Trojans and the winding busy streets becoming the palace corridors.

She didn't remember all that now. Cassandra's purpose had abandoned her and sanity had returned, but now she was left somewhere unfamiliar and too far from home to know where it was. She'd walked for a bit but there were too many people pressing in around her. She could feel no prophesies on her lips and those were the worst times. As much as she hated this gift that Apollo had given her, it frightened her to be left without the future unraveling before her. It meant anything at all could happen.

Eventually she found the doorway of a closed shop and curled herself there. People ignored her and Cassandra felt invisible. Maybe she was. Maybe she was a ghost. She pulled her arms out of her sleeves and into her shirt, trying to get warmer.


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[info]holdingfast
2012-12-03 06:01 pm UTC (link)
Hector rushed to get hoe, always worried for his wife and little daughter. Kayla was crawling now, and he'd missed so much of his son's growing up he wanted to take in everything.

That and he'd gotten both of his girls a little something, because the time of Christmas was near, and while he didn't celebrate he took the opportunity to spoil them both to bits. Not that he needed Christmas for that.

He pushed through the crowds with bags in hand, stopping a few paces after the shop. He'd glanced at the girl there, then only after a moment recognized her. Guilt and worry made him turn around and kneel before his sister. The letter hadn't made him stop looking for her, but Cassandra was very good at disappearing. "Cassie?"

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[info]speakingtruth
2012-12-03 06:06 pm UTC (link)
Cassandra lifted her head at the sound of her own name and found herself looking into the face of her older brother. For a moment she was still, but then she pulled her arms back out from her sleeves and wrapped them tightly around Hector's neck, her face buried in his shoulder.

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[info]holdingfast
2012-12-03 06:26 pm UTC (link)
He was a little stunned by her display but after a second he set his arms around her and held her close. Gently he ran his hands along her back, not even trying to hide how pleased he was that she was alright.

"It's alright Cassie. I'm here now." He hoped she had a place, because if she hadn't he'd drag her home with him. He wouldn't allow his sister to suffer on the streets, no matter what.

After a while he pulled back and brushed her hair from her face. "Are you alright? Did someone hurt you?"

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[info]speakingtruth
2012-12-03 08:06 pm UTC (link)
Cassandra shook her head slowly. "No. I just... I got lost. I went for a walk and now-" She'd been regarding the street around them but now her eyes returned to him, her gaze sharp and clear. "I missed you."

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[info]holdingfast
2012-12-03 08:13 pm UTC (link)
He smiled at her and set his bags next to her so they wouldn't get lost, before rising and offering her a hand. "I missed you too little sister. You should have let me know where you were going. I've been worried."

He picked up his bags then, but he wouldn't force Cassandra. She seemed well looked after. "Can I walk you back to where you're staying?"

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[info]speakingtruth
2012-12-03 08:28 pm UTC (link)
"I'm sorry," Cassandra said as she took his hand and stood. "She didn't mean to make him worry. Me," Cassandra corrected herself with a frown. "I."

She looked around the street again and felt a little less helpless with Hector there. But still... "I don't know where I am. I can't find home." Looking up at Hector she repeated the street address of Charles, complete with the city, state and zipcode attached. Not that those were exactly needed considering she barely left the block usually, let alone New York City. "Is it near?"

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[info]holdingfast
2012-12-03 08:36 pm UTC (link)
He smiled at her, "it's alright Cassie. Just, please stay in contact? Andie misses you too you know. I understand, but you don't have to leave our lives."

He looked around and tried figuring it out, and in the meantime he gave her his coat. "It's a bit of a walk, actually. Not that I mind." He took out his phone and send a quick message to his wife before giving her another smile. "Unless you want to take a cab? And here put that on before you catch a cold."

He'd always fuss over her. He could worry less about his sisters now, but Cassie was always one he'd be concerned about. "Kayla misses you too you know. Would you like to come by for the holiday?"

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[info]speakingtruth
2012-12-03 08:46 pm UTC (link)
"I don't want to leave," Cassandra promised him. "But I don't want to hurt anyone." She took his coat gratefully, pulling it on and letting it swamp her. But it was warm and nice and smelled like Hector. She buried her face in it for a moment.

"I can walk," she said. "I have feet." She must have walked here in the first place, so surely she could walk back. "Is Kayla big? Is she older now?" Maybe Kayla was grown by now. Maybe she was older than Cassandra. "What holidays?" Cassandra asked him with a frown.

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[info]holdingfast
2012-12-03 08:52 pm UTC (link)
"I know." Gently he set his hand on her shoulder to walk with her. Maybe if she knew he was with her she wouldn't get too lost. He knew how she could get at times.

He figured she was probably missing some time at that. "She just turned one. And to me she's growing up way too fast. She's crawling now." Smiling he took out a picture and handed it to his sister. "See? Only taken a few days ago."

"The Christmas thing?" He motioned to the displays around them. "Andie likes the decorations and having a dinner for the family. I'll see if I can find Poly and we can have a family celebration?"

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[info]speakingtruth
2012-12-03 09:09 pm UTC (link)
"One," Cassandra repeated, considering the idea. "One year. Still small." She took the photo and looked at it, thinking that Kayla looked different. Older, Cassandra supposed. "I crawled once," Cassandra said and then looked up at him. "I don't remember you crawling."

"Christmas," Cassandra repeated as though reading it from a page. "The celebration of the birth of the Christ child, based on earlier pagan traditions. Yes, I remember. We have a tree at home for it." Then she smiled at Hector. "I'd like that. I like you."

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[info]holdingfast
2012-12-03 09:21 pm UTC (link)
"I'm older then you, remember?" He never pushed with these things. Time was different for her. He could only offer gentle nudges. "I watched all of you crawl though. I always tried getting you to come to me rather then the nurses. Then I'd pick you up and take you to the walls to show you the land. Mother was never pleased."

He nodded in affirmation, then smiled. "Good as I like you too." He'd remind her when it was time. "I'll tell Andie to expect you." He paused then looked at her, "who is all home with you Cassie?" He wanted to know who she was staying with, s he could talk to them.

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[info]speakingtruth
2012-12-03 09:29 pm UTC (link)
Hector was older? Cassandra screwed up her face a little, trying to remember if that was right. No, that was probably true. "I remember," Cassandra nodded. She didn't really, but she believed him and that was enough. "Outside of Troy went forever," Cassandra said, because that part she did remember. "There was too much."

"His name is Charles," Cassandra said. "He was once a man but they've made him a god. There was a book, about a girl, he wrote it." Cassandra felt that was a very clear explanation. "He is gentle with me."

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I hope I'm right in thinking Hector's the eldest!
[info]holdingfast
2012-12-03 10:01 pm UTC (link)
"I know. It was like knowing all these thing were there to be found." He chuckled, "but I was always the adventurous type. I wanted to travel the lands, meet the people I would rule." He grew a bit somber then, "never did happen. But there's plenty to see in these new lands."

He nodded, "Would it be alright if I talked to him? I want to get to know this man." And make sure he wasn't taking advantage of Hector's little sister. He couldn't help but be protective over her.

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You are! Older than her anyway, even if he's not the oldest!
[info]speakingtruth
2012-12-03 10:08 pm UTC (link)
"There's a lot of land," Cassandra agreed. It disturbed her sometimes. "I worry about the lack of temples." She sounded very serious then, her brow furrowed as she watched her feet against each step on the pavement.

"If we ever find my home again," Cassandra said, "you can talk to Charles. He's nice, but now he's lost from me." Because Hector had said he knew where they were going, but what if he was wrong? What if they walked forever?

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[info]holdingfast
2012-12-03 10:16 pm UTC (link)
Gently he set his arm around her to give her a one armed hug. "I think they're just a bi more hidden now. I'm sure there's still temples if you look." He gave her a smile, hoping to soothe her worries.

"We will. Trust me." He knew where they were going in a roundabout way. And he had his phone that he checked when he could. Technology was rather amazing in that he could find his way, regardless of where he was. "We're not very far. I promise. You'll see him again."

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[info]speakingtruth
2012-12-03 10:20 pm UTC (link)
"I still pray," Cassandra said, "but maybe no one hears." Maybe, she thought, they had never heard at all. But she tried not to think such thoughts. If the gods knew her prayers then they knew her mind as well.

Cassandra smiled, glad he knew the way when she didn't. "Have you seen Helenus?" she asked him. "I was going with him this morning somewhere, but now he's gone. I think."

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[info]holdingfast
2012-12-03 10:33 pm UTC (link)
He had his own opinions on that, betrayed by his own gods as he'd been, but he didn't voice them. He didn't think it would soothe Cassandra. There was a reason he no longer kept any shrines and had abandoned his sacrifices. So far, no one had cared.

He shook his head, "no. Sorry. If I do I'll tell him not to go too far from you though. He does have to look after you."

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[info]speakingtruth
2012-12-03 10:40 pm UTC (link)
"Born the same," Cassandra said fondly of her twin, "he always knew the right things to say." Her smile dropped from her face and turned to concentration and then to happiness. "We're here! I live here!" She remembered this street.

She broke free from her brother's side then, taking off at a run towards where she knew her home was. Hector would follow. He was fast, like one of those jungle cats.

At the gate she stopped, standing at the end of the path and pointing to the front door of the house. "There," she told Hector.

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[info]holdingfast
2012-12-03 10:55 pm UTC (link)
He followed her easily, taking care not to lose track of her again. He was glad he kept himself in shape too. He may no longer need to fight, but he liked keeping himself ready.

He stopped next to her and smiled, "See, I told you I'd manage to get you home." He kissed the top of her head and opened the gate for her. "I'll see you inside." He hoped this person his sister was staying with was home, but he'd leave a note just in case.

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Lara is ready to jump in!
[info]speakingtruth
2012-12-03 11:01 pm UTC (link)
Cassandra smiled up at him when he kissed her, happy that she'd found him again. She'd missed Hector. "Thank you."

Walking to the door, Cassandra knocked on it and waited. "Charles!"

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[info]twas__brillig
2012-12-03 11:11 pm UTC (link)
Charles had been worrying about Cassandra for hours and so when she called his name, he ran to the door and pulled her into a tight hug. "Where have you been?" he asked worriedly. "I was so concerned!" He hardly even realised they weren't alone.

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[info]holdingfast
2012-12-03 11:14 pm UTC (link)
He set his free hand in his pocket and checked his bags as he waited. It didn't seem like a bad place, even though he'd have to ask this Charles of her to keep a better eye on her. He didn't like knowing Cassandra was wandering through the streets like this.

When the man appeared he tilted his head and studied him, he may have left Troy behind but the warrior remained, before clearing his throat. "She got lost." He waited for the two to let go and stepped closer, offering his hand. "Hector. I'm Cassandra's brother."

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[info]speakingtruth
2012-12-03 11:19 pm UTC (link)
"I got lost," Cassandra agreed, holding onto Charles before turning to look at Hector again and drawing free of the hug. "Hector is my best brother and Charles is my friend."

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[info]twas__brillig
2012-12-03 11:22 pm UTC (link)
When Hector mentioned who he was, Charles almost forgot to shake the man's hand. He unfroze and shook, terrified that Hector was now here to eviscerate him.

He smiled nervously and stepped aside so they both could come in. "You're found now," he said to Cassandra. "We'll try to make sure you don't get lost again. Are you hungry, I can make a snack? Would you like tea, Hector?" Would tea make the war hero less likely to kill him?

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[info]holdingfast
2012-12-03 11:37 pm UTC (link)
He dropped the hand and nodded, "please." He'd forgotten his own reputation, but now was reminded. The Spartans had feared him just as he'd feared them. He smiled to Cassandra, "Best, huh? Don't let Hellenus hear you."

He stepped inside and dropped the bag, making a quick call to Andromache before hanging up his coat. He wasn't trying to be threatening, but he did want to speak to this Charles, but also didn't want to upset Cassandra either.

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[info]speakingtruth
2012-12-03 11:42 pm UTC (link)
"He's not here," Cassandra said with a small smile, because she was sure of that right then. Helenus had never been there.

Inside the house Cassandra felt more relaxed, less exposed to the dangerous and unpredictable world. "Charles," she said, taking his hand in hers, "feed me?"

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[info]twas__brillig
2012-12-03 11:45 pm UTC (link)
"Of course," Charles said warmly, stroking her hair and then leading all of them into the kitchen. He flicked on the kettle and then he pulled out some leftover soup he had made the night before. It was quick and warm and he hoped it would make Cassandra feel better.

"It's nice to meet Cassandra's family," Charles said to Hector, his nerves still evident in his voice.

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[info]holdingfast
2012-12-03 11:54 pm UTC (link)
At least she was comfortable enough to boss people around. He followed them and watched his sister. He could learn a lot from her.

"She doesn't have a lot of us left anymore," almost unconsciously he ran his fingers over the scar on his neck. "And I'm glad she seems to be alright. I worry. Little sisters, you know." He shrugged then set his eyes on this man. "Cassie says you're looking after her?"

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[info]speakingtruth
2012-12-04 12:00 am UTC (link)
Cassandra was already starting to drift from this conversation, losing the keen edge that she'd had outside as though her mind understood that this was a safe place to let itself be free.

At the table she poured over the sugar bowl, spilling grains in a mess against the tabletop and sorting it into little piles. She could build Troy from sugar and then only the sea could wash it away.

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[info]twas__brillig
2012-12-04 12:05 am UTC (link)
Charles watched Cassandra for a moment before he turned back to Hector. "I am," he nodded. He wondered how he could possibly express 'I am not sleeping with her' without it being awkward.

"We painted her bedroom gold a few weeks ago. Another friend of mine lives here too, her name is Piper. She's a mortal but she knows who we both are and she's trustworthy. I would do anything to keep her safe," he assured Hector. He hardly cared that Cassandra was currently making a mess he would later have to clean up. As long as it made her happy.

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[info]holdingfast
2012-12-04 12:17 am UTC (link)
He kept an eye on Cassandra, but he'd been doing that ever since she'd been cursed. She'd been such a sweet girl before that, the entire world open for her. Then it had all been ruined by a pissy God.

"Good. When she left I worried myself sick. She's worried she'll hurt my daughter." He wished he could kill that worry of his sister.

He crossed his arms and watched the man, "Cassie seems to trust you. She's got a good instinct about people, so I'll trust you. I'd like to be able to visit her though." It wasn't his house, he couldn't just barge in. "It'll do her good."

With a smile he walked to his sister and motioned to the castle, "forgetting one of the towers there Cassie."

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[info]speakingtruth
2012-12-04 12:21 am UTC (link)
Cassandra looked up and smiled at him. "Towers fall," she told him contentedly, "with all the little princes crushed beneath stone."

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[info]twas__brillig
2012-12-04 12:27 am UTC (link)
Charles smiled fondly and then he nodded. "Of course! Come over whenever you like, I would never keep you from seeing her." He liked that the warrior apparently wasn't going to kill him. He liked not being killed.

He went to fetch the tea and then he carried a cup back to Hector. "I wish I could keep her from those things as well. The not so nice things. I do my best."

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[info]holdingfast
2012-12-04 12:34 am UTC (link)
He took the cup and gave his sister a smile before looking to Charles. "I appreciate that." He sighed, "You can't. I learned that very early on. You can just try and help her through it." He shrugged, "And be there for her." He glanced to his sister, "I remember before Apollo got pissy at her, how she used to be. I think that hurts most of all."

He shook his head, "sorry. Anyway I'm not really sure who you are. Cassie said you wrote a book? I don't recognize your name."

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[info]twas__brillig
2012-12-04 12:39 am UTC (link)
"No need to apoligise, I can't imagine what that wouldbe like, but I am here to listen if you want. I'm Charles Dodgson but better known as Lewis Carroll. I wrote Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." He wasn't sure if Hector would know it though.

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[info]holdingfast
2012-12-04 12:47 am UTC (link)
"OH I know that one," he was looking at a lot of fairytales now Kayla was here. In a few years he figured it could be a good one. "Didn't know you existed. No offense." He was sure not everyone knew he existed either. "And thank you. I do appreciate it."

He finished his tea and gave his sister a fond look. "Cassie I am going to go home, alright?" He looked to Charles then and handed him his businesscard. "If she wants to call me. I need to get back. My wife's going to be wondering what's keeping me."

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[info]speakingtruth
2012-12-04 01:00 am UTC (link)
Cassandra heard her name and looked confused. But then she stood up and on tiptoes kissed her brother's cheek softly "Safe winds and firm ships, no secrets between us."

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[info]twas__brillig
2012-12-05 08:22 am UTC (link)
"No offense taken," Charles said easily, and he meant it. He took the business card and he nodded firmly. "I'll make sure we keep in contact. It was lovely to meet you," he said with a bright smile.

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