and there's a glass on the table, they say it's gonna ease all my pain

[lettersfromhome]

WHO: Mia Rutherford and OPEN
WHAT: She spends a lot of time taking care of everyone else. She needs a drink or five to unwind before getting back to it.
WHEN: Current
WHERE: Herald's Rest
NOTES: Alcohol? Bad decisions?

She's not proud of herself for this. But there are breaking points, and she's nearing one, and it's better to deal with them pre-emptively than not, and have a fuss be made later. There are things that are completely out of her control, Maker knows, and she needs to make her peace with them.

Wine helps. So does the ambiance of the tavern, even if she sits alone. There's a homesickness that claws at her, though she refuses to let it take root too deeply. There's work to be done here, after all--

No. No work tonight. Just...relax. Listen to the music and the noise and the banter and try to let it go.

Easier said than done, but she'll muddle through it. Stubbornness is a Rutherford family trait, apparently.

Comments

[the_effect_she_has]

Katniss narrowed her eyes thoughtfully at that. Oh, well, this was bad. If Mia wouldn't confront Cullen directly, it had to be very, very bad.

She frowned, because if it was a private affair that Mia didn't approve of ... she breathed out. Slowly. "Hm. A decision that you're going to pretend that you are fine with, while it slowly eats you alive. Maker ... Mia, I adore you, and ... well, yes, we both know how I feel about your brother, but you are both Fereldan to the core." Stubborn as a mabari, refusing to help or to ask if someone needed help, or tell someone when something was wrong. "...But you have to remember. I'm also Fereldan."

She put one hand to her chest, "So, if you won't tell him that you're upset, I am going to go up to his office, bang on his door and tell him myself."

[lettersfromhome]

"And what would that accomplish?"

She reached for the younger woman, hands at her shoulders. Ferelden, indeed. She almost reminded her of Rosalie in the moment, impulsive and every bit as stubborn as the rest of them.

"What would that truly gain anyone, if you did so? Please, think this through. I need at least one person in the keep to do so," she added with a wry knot of her brow. "I might dare to hope that it would be you."

[the_effect_she_has]

"Well, for one, you wouldn't be scaring the Maker's blessings out of me." Katniss muttered, giving Mia a searching look.

She sighed, rubbing her face, "I am not entirely sure what it's not gaining anyone now. For once, Mia, you're not making any sense." She looked around, before looking at the older woman. "Listen, I am willing to be sensible if you tell me what you're asking me to be sensible about - in private. Where prying ears cannot pry."

[lettersfromhome]

"I would. But I was asked not to speak of it. And I do not ask that others give their trust to me lightly, any more than I would give mine."

Her hand gestured futilely. "You see the position this puts me in. I cannot involve anyone else. And I don't wish to cause more trouble where there is already enough to be had."

[the_effect_she_has]

She nods her head at that - because she agrees. Trust is the most important thing you can give anyone in this world. "No, I see that this is hard on you."

She put her own hands on Mia's arms, looking at her, before wrapping her into a hug, "Just ... if you need me to do anything, you let me know. And, I know you think it won't make a difference to talk to him, but I disagree."

She leaned back, "I know that if I told you I was upset over your actions, you would explain yourself. I might not like it, I might not even respect it as hard as that is to believe -- but I know you would be truthful."

[lettersfromhome]

With a quiet sigh, Mia squeezes Katniss back in that hug. Truthfully, there are few she would trust in the keep more than her, but even so. Pel had been very clear that discussing the matter would only make things worse.

"You are a dear girl and a treasure." More the fool her brother, she thought, before releasing her hold. "If it will put your mind at ease, then I will speak with him. Privately. But not right now. I...don't think I would be properly composed for such a discussion, at the moment.'

[the_effect_she_has]

Katniss quirked up one corner of her mouth. "Well, I'll take the dear girl -- a treasure might be something of a stretch." She exhaled, slowly and with great relief, "Yes, it would. I don't like seeing you upset, and frankly I think it would be better if you have all the facts before you ... I don't know, make a dramatic exit, with your hand to your forehead."

Her smirk deepened, before she offered Mia her elbow, "And now, I am starving. I need to eat before I sleep." If she could sleep ... "Do you want something on your stomach?"

[lettersfromhome]

"If I feel the need for dramatics, believe me. You'll know."

There was a pause before she shook her head. "Perhaps another time. I'm afraid I'd be poor company at the moment, and I wouldn't want to impose. Now," she added, lifting a hand. "I realize you wouldn't have asked if it was an imposition. But I'm not sure how much more I'll feel up to tonight, to be frank."

[the_effect_she_has]

"Good grief, I really hope I am not about to hit the situation where I need to see them."

Katniss stated simply, before she gave the other woman a long look, before she nodded, "As you like, Mia. I'll gather my food, and leave you to your own devices. Will you be all right, getting back to your room on your own? Or shall I perch outside to make sure you get safely back?"

[lettersfromhome]

"I think I'll manage. It's only wine. I'd worry more for the safety of any who crossed me on my way back," she replied with a dry chuckle, before taking her seat once more. "But thank you, dear. It's good to know I have a friend here, if nothing else."

[the_effect_she_has]

"Well, remember, you're a lot meaner then they are. Try not to make them cry." Katniss waved her hand to the bartender, so she could have her food put in a basket. "And you most definitely have a friend in me."

She paused, looking back at Mia. "I mean that."

Katniss's loyalty was not easy to win -- but Mia had won it. She gave the older woman a nod of respect, before gathering her food and heading out the door.