Silence [open]

[almostluver.livejournal.com]

She'd been met by silence. Silence so loud that it hurt.

That's all there seemed to be.

It was eerie walking around Serenity and not running into Zöe or Wash, strange not seeing Simon in the infirmary, and it felt wrong not seeing Shepard Book studying his bible at the table. It was even strange not running into a leering Jayne.

Inara was finding that she missed them all. Missed the cheeriness that at most times could not only be found, but felt aboard Serenity.

That's part of the reason she found herself standing beside the ship, her hand resting lightly on the hull and staring up at it - her eyes wide and dark. Her fingers brush slowly against the cool metal and she shook her head. It wasn't right not having the whole crew there.

Comments

[almostluver.livejournal.com]

Inara's heart went out to the young man as she watched his expression crumble into complete frustration. "Well perhaps this was meant to be," she suggested as a hint of a smile began to form on her lips. "Maybe I can help you out in some way?"

[found-myway.livejournal.com]

"Not unless you know where I can find a bald kid who can bend all four elements."

It's a pretty specific quest.

"A friend . . . of a friend. He's trapped somewhere and no matter where I look -"

[almostluver.livejournal.com]

"I'm sorry, but I don't," Inara said with a sympathetic smile. And to be honest, she'd have no idea where to find someone who could 'bend' the four elements - whatever that meant.

"But I do wish you luck in your continued search of him."

[found-myway.livejournal.com]

"Thank you."

It's faint, mumbled, but this woman composes herself in such a way that Zuko's instinct is to be polite to her. Her poise, even in the plantsuit, suggests a noblewoman of refinement, education, and training.

He stands and bows to her. "I'm sorry for disturbing your home once more. My name is Zuko, Crown Pr-"

he pauses, reassesses his words.

"I was the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation. When it existed."

[almostluver.livejournal.com]

"You're more than welcome."

Her smile grew again, and she lifted her hand, warding off his apology. "Please, there is no need to apologize, Your Highness. I understand." Even though he was not from her world, she obviously repected his title.

"My name is Inara Serra, though please call me Inara. It's lovely to meet you."

[found-myway.livejournal.com]

"Thank you," he mumbles, still downtrodden. "Are you . . . you seem like a noblewoman. Were you?"

[almostluver.livejournal.com]

"You're most welcome," she says with a nod. She thinks for a moment before answering. "No, I am not. Though I am from what is considered upper society in my world. We haven't had nobility in my world for quite some time."

[found-myway.livejournal.com]

"You reminded me of them. Court women. You're very poised."

He's babbling, to cover up his frustration and lack of sleep.

[almostluver.livejournal.com]

"Thank you, it's partly due to how I was raised," she explained vaguely with a small smile.

"Do you miss your home greatly?"

[found-myway.livejournal.com]

"It's my kingdom," he says, like that's supposed to explain everything. "I was supposed to . . . it was my job to lead it. Save it. From my father, I mean, not this, but . . ."

He sighs. "I never got the chance."

He's silent for a while before realizing he should probably reciprocate the question - "Do you . . . miss yours?"