[Alaric isn't surprised that Blanche was able to discern that it was a magical attack even before it happened, and he's not surprised that she did have that much thought out in the brief moment before she leapt into action. She's always been quick on her feet, and she's an intelligent woman. It wouldn't have been difficult for her to weigh the pros and cons of all of that so quickly.
But... it's still frustrating. The one thing Alaric is good for - and good at - is combat. That's his role at her side. He can't fight whatever is causing this storm, and she's absolutely right. If he'd been struck by that lightning, there's no way he would have survived. Logically speaking, what she's said is true - she stood a higher chance of surviving, and here she is as proof of that.
That doesn't make it any easier to accept, though. Logic is for the strategists and leaders, not the soldiers.]
A queen's duty doesn't involve throwing yourself into danger for anyone else, but you're right. [A soft, irritated exhale.] I wouldn't have survived that.
[The rest of her words aren't lost on him, of course. He knows she trusts him, and only him at this point. He's proud of it, of course, but that isn't something he's going to dwell on. Whether she wants to admit it or not, between the two of them, he's the more expendable one. Replacing him wouldn't be easy, but if she dies, there's no one left to lead the kingdom. It's as simple as that.
The latter part, though... That's the concern, isn't it. They didn't see anyone else at all during their escape. Are they really all that's left of the people in the castle? Just how far does this storm spread - is it responsible for the missing people, and has it caused others to disappear as well?
Questions like those are going to have to be saved for later. After all...]
Are you sure you've got any room to talk? C'mon, if you're feeling well enough to yell at me, you're feeling well enough to tend to your injuries.
[He'll gently set her down at that, obviously remaining close by in case she needs him to handle anything.]
no subject
But... it's still frustrating. The one thing Alaric is good for - and good at - is combat. That's his role at her side. He can't fight whatever is causing this storm, and she's absolutely right. If he'd been struck by that lightning, there's no way he would have survived. Logically speaking, what she's said is true - she stood a higher chance of surviving, and here she is as proof of that.
That doesn't make it any easier to accept, though. Logic is for the strategists and leaders, not the soldiers.]
A queen's duty doesn't involve throwing yourself into danger for anyone else, but you're right. [A soft, irritated exhale.] I wouldn't have survived that.
[The rest of her words aren't lost on him, of course. He knows she trusts him, and only him at this point. He's proud of it, of course, but that isn't something he's going to dwell on. Whether she wants to admit it or not, between the two of them, he's the more expendable one. Replacing him wouldn't be easy, but if she dies, there's no one left to lead the kingdom. It's as simple as that.
The latter part, though... That's the concern, isn't it. They didn't see anyone else at all during their escape. Are they really all that's left of the people in the castle? Just how far does this storm spread - is it responsible for the missing people, and has it caused others to disappear as well?
Questions like those are going to have to be saved for later. After all...]
Are you sure you've got any room to talk? C'mon, if you're feeling well enough to yell at me, you're feeling well enough to tend to your injuries.
[He'll gently set her down at that, obviously remaining close by in case she needs him to handle anything.]