𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐃 , like lilacs wilting and freezing in the winter . They are all tired , this much is obvious . Trapped in some intricate ritual of keeping appearances , the Atlesians dance a pathetic song and dance . Confined in this enervating waltz are even the two most powerful men it Atlas : husband and husband . There are many secrets to be held , here , even by a man who knows nothing of Salem and nothing of fairytales . Atlas’ gleam , as sharp as a knife , is so bright it may blind .
❛ It is a privilege to have you in Atlas and to meet you at last , Professor Ozpin . You’ll have to forgive how tense things are . While our security protocols are strict , I assure you that they’ve never been quite like they are , now . ❜ He smiles , he pretends that it is warm . He pretends that he is not exhausted . ❛ Tell me , have you been here before ? ❜
OH, JAMES. Atlas’ tired eyes are familiar ones. That of clinging to fear, searching desperately for the last piece of hope that shines through. He can’t help but feel GUILT for this mess. ( THIS WAS HIS BURDEN, NOT THEIRS. ) After all, the people of Atlas were scared of a threat they didn’t know existed. A fairytale written inside a locked book. A story forgotten by time, for better or for worse.
He offers a kind smile and a nod, laced with empathy for the General and his husband. “ -- It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Doctor. I do wish the circumstances were .. different, but uncertain times can not be helped. ”
If it wasn’t for the circumstances, he might’ve found the question amusing. No one knew the paths he’d walked, the time he’d spent watching the four kingdoms being built and rebuilt from the ground up. Instead he simply nods again, eyes flickering to the advanced architecture of the room. “ -- Not for a long time, things seem to have changed quite a bit since then. It’s nice to see the city again, nonetheless. ”
theartofmadeline
snowghoul
jbbartram-illu
jacobvanloon
dailybridgerton
romaincrisis
ellievsbear
