Restraint is Power

President of the Four Nations

[flamesandgames]

Father and Son « Ronin and Tobias

[flamesandgames]

Ronin buried his face a little deeper. Tears came freely now that his face was hidden — and he hated himself for it. He tried not to whimper, fingers curling in the material of Tobias’ shirt. “I don’t’ want you to— to have to—” He couldn’t say it. But he could see it in his mind, Tobias putting a gun to his head — For the good of the people— and a fresh spill of tears escaped down his cheeks.

"I just….I just want to stay with you…” Things had always been better so long as he was at Tobias’ side.

[restraintispower]

Tobias could only withdraw. Physically, he stayed still, keeping contact with Ronin, but he couldn't show an ounce of hesitation. "I wish I didn't have to. You know that, Ronin."

Silence spilled between them for a moment and finally Tobias lowered his head. "Perhaps Finch will find a way. Perhaps he can exorcise this affliction from you and destroy it another way..."

[flamesandgames]

Father and Son « Ronin and Tobias

[flamesandgames]

Ronin drew in a trembling breath. What was left of his resistance broke, and he wrapped his arms tightly around Tobias’ waist, burying his face in his shoulder like he did when he was a child. His shoulders trembled. Ronin recalled many a time that he had crawled into his Father’s lap when he was young, hidden in his shoulder and fallen asleep there.

He was too big for that now, but he needed it. He needed to feel safe.

[restraintispower]

Tobias couldn't say that he'd been expecting it, but he couldn't say he was entirely surprised either. Ronin had always been more inclined to touching as a form of comfort, ever since he could remember. The president patted his head, stroking his hair gently. He was out of practice with comforting Ronin, but the movements came easily enough.

"It'll be alright. I'm here with you every step of the way, remember? Even in the end, I'll be with you."

[flamesandgames]

Father and Son « Ronin and Tobias

[flamesandgames]

Ronin drew in a trembling breath. “I’ll never be normal,”  He said weakly. “You just…you won’t need me anymore, and then I’ll…I’ll be gone.” He swallowed, trying to force himself to smile, but it was tight and without mirth. “At least you wouldn’t have to worry about me causing problems anymore.” He said, his voice so quiet it was nearly inaudible.

He couldn’t lift his head to look at him, but his fingers in his hair were the only thing keeping him from throwing himself at his Father in a desperate plea for help, support. He needed him.

[restraintispower]

Tobias sighed, keeping his eyes on his own lap. "... You know that's not what I ever wanted for you. It's what must be done, there is no way around it, but I would give anything if there was another way, Ronin."

He wasn't entirely sure how to comfort Ronin now, but it was important that Ronin be calm now. He put his arm around Ronin's shoulders, simply leaving it there. Perhaps the physical contact would help.

[flamesandgames]

Father and Son « Ronin and Tobias

[flamesandgames]

Ronin felt a stab of anxiety, a tightness that made it feel difficult to breathe for a moment. “Oh,” Ronin said weakly, his face falling, brows furrowing as he sat on one of the chairs against the wall. He buried his face in his hands, fingers gripping his hair. His one time seeing Tobias for an extended period in weeks— and he blew it.

"I— I’ll try not to disappoint you, sir." He said, weakly. He hated how badly he wanted to beg Tobias to stay by his side. He has better things to be doing than tending to your messes, Ronin.

[restraintispower]

Tobias watched Ronin, the way the features in his face contorted, the way his fingers dug into his scalp. He stood there for a few moments more before moving to his son's side.

"Ronin..." He put a hand on the avatar's knee, patting it lightly. "You aren't disappointing me. You've been dealt an impossible hand in life. I can help only so much, and I wish there was some way to make you normal again, so you could live your life out without these pressures... Maybe one day Finch will find a way, but for now you can only keep trying."

[flamesandgames]

Father and Son « Ronin and Tobias

[restraintispower]

He hesitated at the mention of Finch. He knew how much the man wanted to run tests on Ronin, but surely he wouldn’t do so without Tobias’ permission. He would have to get to the bottom of that on his own, but for now his concern was Ronin.

"You need rest. And a proper doctor. I don’t doubt Finch’s abilities, but perhaps we should bring in a specialist, just to be sure. I don’t want to take chances with your health, Ronin."

[flamesandgames]

Ronin swallowed a little. Reluctantly, he nodded, glancing up at him. “If….if you think that’s best.” He rasped, softly. “I don’t want to interrupt the games….more than I already have.”

Just thinking about the games made anxiety twist in his gut, a heaviness like a stone sitting in his belly. He looked a little pale, like he might be sick.

[restraintispower]

"You aren't interrupting anything. The tributes will be just fine without you for now. In fact, they'll be better off with you in high health once you recover." Tobias gave Ronin a small, strained smile. 

"There will be plenty of time for sparring later. Rest now, I'll call someone to have a look at you."

[yourfirstladylavinia]

Returning the Favor|| The Arathalds

[yourfirstladylavinia]

"Without you he wouldn’t be in this mess. Without you, maybe he’d have some better fucking parents.” Lavania had succumbed to letting the swears fall into her speech, unsure of how else to project her anger without trying to hit him again. “I do understand what he’s capable of, Tobias, and I also understand that your own stupidity is probably what had gotten him that worked up.”

There was something vile in the feeling in her gut. She shut her lips tight as Tobias grabbed her by the hair, glaring up at him. Lavinia was everything but this; she was restrained, she was compliant, and she never allowed her emotions to get the best of her, even if she was brooding over something. But she couldn’t do that now. She couldn’t bring herself to stay controlled.

There was a fire inside her, and it lit an old flame in her core. Without knowing just what she was doing, Lavinia grabbed the arm that was yanking her hair, and a fire flared from her palm, burning Tobias’ skin. She fell when he released her, the flame dissipating as she realized what she had just done. “Tobias-” She started, stuttering. heart pounding in her ears as fear coiled up her spine. Whether it be fear of her husband, or fear of the fire that she had just produced, she wasn’t sure of. “T-Tobias, I’m sorry—”

[restraintispower]

"Without me, he would be tearing down our walls, gathering forces to take the city and wage war all over again!" Tobias growled, "And since when do you give two shits about my son? I'm surprised you remember his name, all the good you've done him in his life so far."

He still had a firm hold of her hair, and he didn't intend to let her go until she had succumbed to him. Sudden heat flared up from her palm and Tobias roared in pain, releasing her to step back a few paces.

Once the shock of the burn had subsided, he looked up at Lavinia with a glare that could chill even the strongest men. "You... You lying wench!!"

[yourfirstladylavinia]

Passive Aggressive|| Lavinia and Tobias

[yourfirstladylavinia]

Lavinia walked with him, hand twined in one of his, doing her best to walk without bumping into anything too precious on the way over. Heels, they were a bad idea when wine warmed the system, but they made it to the bathroom without far too much trouble. Lavinia shut the door behind them, leaning against it and pulling Tobias in for as soft of a kiss as the wine would allow. She held onto his shoulders now, worried she might lose her balance. Lavinia forgot how it felt to be with Tobias, could only recall being with Tybalt. Right now, though, anyone’s touch would make Lavinia feel a little less alone.

[restraintispower]

Tobias let his mind wander to his secret encounters with Alaric as he followed Lavinia. They had always been heated, Alaric was not gentle. He felt his blood stir at the memories, but tried to push them aside. He does not want me anymore. It's for the better. Perhaps it is time I used my wife for her intended purposes.

The tenderness of her kiss caught him off guard. Tobias froze under the touch at first, unsure how to reciprocate. Any time Alaric had decided to kiss him it had been hungry, unflinching need in his lips, his teeth and tongue claiming him. Lavinia was soft, gentle. Her lips were a question awaiting an answer. Somehow Tobias found his hands at her waist, his lips pursing against hers to answer.

[flamesandgames]

Father and Son « Ronin and Tobias

[restraintispower]

Tobias looked him over, head to toe. “Then let me get you a doctor. You’ll need to be in top shape for the Games, Ronin…” Tobias was worried, and not just for the sake of the Games. “Let me help you.”

[flamesandgames]

"N-no, no….I’ve seen Mr. Finch, I’m sure I’m fine…" he mumbled. "I’ve just…I’ve just had trouble eating. You know how I get." He smiled weakly, feeling like a boy of ten all over again. "Please, just…" Ronin pressed both of his hands into his temples, fighting off a migraine.

[restraintispower]

He hesitated at the mention of Finch. He knew how much the man wanted to run tests on Ronin, but surely he wouldn't do so without Tobias' permission. He would have to get to the bottom of that on his own, but for now his concern was Ronin.

"You need rest. And a proper doctor. I don't doubt Finch's abilities, but perhaps we should bring in a specialist, just to be sure. I don't want to take chances with your health, Ronin."

[tributesfortheavatar-blog]

Tributes, Mentors, and Citizens!

Mod here wishing everyone a happy holiday time, enjoy the time with your family and friends and be merry!!

Things have been slow around Republic City lately and that’s perfectly fine, understandable considering NaNoWriMo and the holidays, but we’re still alive and kicking!

By the end of January, we’d like to get started on:

The Games

The Rebellion

This means we’re still looking for more characters, but we’ll also be deciding who doesn’t survive the Games. No one will be forced to leave a character behind, but keep in mind there are many options for what happens to your character after the Games! Perhaps they’re held prisoner in the Capitol, taken by the rebel forces, maybe they join the rebellion! Either way, have fun with it.

I’ll be opening up a new chatzy after New Year’s so we can get planning again and kickstart these next chapters in our story together.

We are still happy to accept new characters! This includes those who already have characters that might want to kill of their current character and take on a new one, or add to their current arsenal of muses.

As always, feel free to come to me with questions or ideas, this is a collaborative, open place where we can all play! Happy Holidays, and may the elements be ever in your favor.

[flamesandgames]

Father and Son « Ronin and Tobias

[restraintispower]

Tobias stood as Ronin did, but didn’t get into a fighting stance. He swatted his punch away with barely an effort, “Ronin.” he commanded, putting a hand on his shoulder to stop him. “I’m not angry with you. I want you to tell me what’s wrong. You aren’t well.”

[flamesandgames]

Ronin stopped, flinching a little at his tone. He lowered his eyes, looking away from Tobias and drawing in a shaky breath. “I’ve just been a little…under the weather.” He said quietly. “That’s all. I’m fine, Sir. There’s nothing wrong…”

[restraintispower]

Tobias looked him over, head to toe. "Then let me get you a doctor. You'll need to be in top shape for the Games, Ronin..." Tobias was worried, and not just for the sake of the Games. "Let me help you."

[yourfirstladylavinia]

Passive Aggressive|| Lavinia and Tobias

[yourfirstladylavinia]

Lavinia smiled a little when he agreed, her mind too far elsewhere to think about this being their second time actually together. It would have killed her buzz to think about that. Standing up, Lavinia pushed her seat out, taking the hair clip away so her hair could fall on her shoulders, wavy from the way it had been bunched and constricted into a bun. Maybe it was the loneliness kicking in, the thrill of being with someone that made her so ready to steer the situation herself.

Or maybe she still really did want his love, whether it be physical or otherwise.

Walking around the able, Lavinia reached out, taking Tobias’ hands in her own. “Come on,” she mused, unable to stifle some of her giddiness. Had the alcohol not been sloshing in her system, she would have felt stupid for seeming so naive.

[restraintispower]

Tobias watched the hair fall to her shoulders, admiring the curl for it's aesthetic beauty. He admitted silently that he'd never truly felt any chemical attraction to her, but that didn't mean he couldn't admire her. Or maybe it was just the wine starting to sink in.

He allowed her to take his hands, standing to follow. What am I doing? He didn't give himself too much time to think as he matched steps behind her. She knows this means nothing as well as I do. He could hear the wine in her laugh, but he didn't really mind. In a moment of rare spontaneity, he grabbed the bottle of wine from the table, bringing it with him. It couldn't hurt.

[yourfirstladylavinia]

Returning the Favor|| The Arathalds

[yourfirstladylavinia]

Lavinia felt an old wound being picked at as he called their marriage what it was. She showed no signs of hurt on her face, but it cut deeper than it should have on the inside. “I made a mistake, leaving him solely to you. You’ve done more than strike him, Tobias. You’re manipulating him, and you can’t tell me I’m wrong. Look at the way you speak of him— he’s just another part of your charade, isn’t he?”

"I know everything of the Avatar, more than you. Maybe not of Ronin, but I would never disrespect him like you have. You do not hit him, not as your son, or as the Avatar. You weren’t sparring this time, Tobias. You lost your control. What is it that I always talk about for your campaigns? Restraint? Where the fuck was that when you decided to lay a hand on him?”

Lavinia had mimicked his step, keeping herself held up, even if she was the shorter of the two, even if his words had cut her. “If you hit him again, Tobias—” she started, but she came up short. Not because she would bluff, but she knew her next set of words would be rash ones.

[restraintispower]

"I am not manipulating him, I am guiding him. He's no normal child, he cannot just run around and do as he pleases! He has a role to play, a duty to fulfill, and without me he would be nothing." He glared at her, unflinching and formidable. She would not win this, he wouldn't allow it. She was his wife, he was superior.

"I did not lose control. I knew precisely what I was doing and it worked. He was the one that was out of control, not I. Now he is under control once more. It was necessary." He glared at her, his gaze nothing but ice. "You do know what he's capable of, don't you? The damage he could do if he lost control? I had to hit him to bring him back to reality or else he would have spiraled out of control. Don't you dare pretend you know why I had to do what I did, or what my purposes were."

He took another step towards her, peering down at her with a curled lip. "If I hit him, what? You'll do the same to me? Oh, I'm terrified. Utterly frightened. I am in command of four nations, Lavinia. Everyone reports to me." Tobias reached forward to take a grip of her hair from behind, holding her so she had to keep her face towards him. "I hold the power, not you."

[restraintispower]

outofrestraint

All drafts queued, if you don't see your thread pop up by the end of tonight, just throw me an ask. I probably lost it :\

Or if you want to start something new, let me know! I'm going to try and be regular with this again instead of being laaame.

[restraintispower]

[yourfirstladylavinia]

Returning the Favor|| The Arathald's

[yourfirstladylavinia]

"I’m your wife, or have you already forgotten the wedding? The bedroom we share? I have every right to come in here, be it unannounced or otherwise!” Lavinia sneered, her eyes trained on his face as she kept herself straight and attentive. She couldn’t justify the strike with those words, but she wasn’t about to lose her thunder. “This is about our son, Tobias. You hit him! What were you thinking?! That striking him would help? That if you told him to cover it up, and you turned a blind eye to what you did, things would get better on their own?”

[restraintispower]

Tobias glared, standing a bit taller than her. "Our marriage was nothing more than a political charade, surely you aren't naive enough to believe otherwise..." He scoffed when she mentioned Ronin, "Our son? Since when have you lifted a finger in his direction? Do you even know why I had to strike him? The madness he was blabbering on about? Those benders have been filling his head with ideas, Lavinia. They aim to make him rebel, I know they do. I have half a mind to take him away from all this right now, relieve him of his duties and hide him away for another year..." He growled, stepping out from behind his desk.

"I hit him because he would not listen to reason. I broke no bones, did no irreparable damage, nothing a little concealer wouldn't cover. It was no worse than injuries he's sustained during our sparring sessions. You know nothing of the avatar, my son.

[flamesandgames]

Father and Son « Ronin and Tobias

[flamesandgames]

Panicked, Ronin forced himself up again, throwing another punch at his Father and trying to get back into the fight, grunting. “No— I’m fine,” He snapped, his throat tight. Tobias would figure out what was wrong, and then he’d be disappointed. What if he locked Ronin in isolation again?

[restraintispower]

Tobias stood as Ronin did, but didn't get into a fighting stance. He swatted his punch away with barely an effort, "Ronin." he commanded, putting a hand on his shoulder to stop him. "I'm not angry with you. I want you to tell me what's wrong. You aren't well."

[yourfirstladylavinia]

Passive Aggressive|| Lavinia and Tobias

[yourfirstladylavinia]

Lavinia watched him eat quietly, noted the slight look of distaste for the food. It probably wasn’t warm enough… Looking away, the First Lady continued to listen to him as he went on about the Games. Yes, plenty of time went into it. Plenty of feigned smiles and fake opinions as well. Reputation, reputation, reputation. That’s all that mattered.

On the note of a riot, Lavinia turned her gaze back to Tobias. She frowned, thought something to herself, but didn’t mention any of her opinion on it. If there was one thing she wasn’t up for, it was an argument. Not when she was a little intoxicated. That would only make it harder. One more good drink of wine, and she drowned out the last bit.

"Why don’t you relax, Tobias?" She set down her glass, bent in a little closer. "You’ve obviously had a long day. You shouldn’t be huffing so much, you’re at home now." Lavinia reached out, her fingers glancing over his hand. "You could share the bath with me." The last bit of her sentence was touched with a bit of enthusiasm. She didn’t want to lay on her side of the bed alone tonight. If getting a little buzzed and luring Tobias into paying some attention to her helped ebb away the pain of not being with Tybalt tonight, Lav would take it right now.

[restraintispower]

He was still incredibly tense. Alaric ignored him, constantly ignored him now, and it was driving him mad. They'd grown up together, and as much as Tobias was loathe to admit it, he was dependent on him. He needed him, and he wasn't there. That, added to the fact that he had to keep an eagle eye on Ronin, that the rebel groups only seemed to be growing no matter what he did... he was indeed stressed.

At her suggestion, Tobias could only blink, returning her gaze. "... You want me to share your bath?" He repeated, making sure he heard correctly. After all their years together, they had only ever... well, only once that he recalled, and that was simply to ensure that there could be no annulment.

If he hadn't been so utterly stressed, so terribly lonely, he might not have considered it, but with Alaric seemingly gone from his life and the stresses of his rule only growing by the moment... "I don't see why not." He said casually, taking one more bite of his dinner before setting his napkin aside, finished. What's the worst that could happen if he spent the night with his wife?