PNPC Elsine Antares - When a conversation is due
Ava Munro
((The Temple of Zor’Adi - Medara City - Betazed))
Those who had met Elsina Antares would describe her as poised and controlled, a woman that went through life with a deference for the discrete. That did not mean that she was without her emotions.
Yet, some would accuse her of being emotionless. It was far from the truth. Her passions were focused, deliberate and deep. And from the moment she first met Kyre Antares she knew that she would love him for an eternity. And that had never changed.
She remained next to his the shrine that was his likeness for the ceremony, as the heightened emotions reached their peak. Friends, family and acquaintances came with their thoughts, feelings and memories of Kyre. With each passing minute they intensified and she allowed them to wash over her. Yet, she refused any invitation to share.
They belonged to her. Her love for Kyre was hers and selfishly she kept it hidden from the others. Even when she had seen Kona, her son, she had refused. In truth, her relationship with Kona had never entirely been smooth. She had never been a natural mother, preferring her academic life to the duties of motherhood. Kyre never had that problem. Kona was his son, and in some ways she had allowed him to take the lead with Kona. Their bond was so deep it felt like she wasn't able to penetrate it.
And now that he was gone it felt like whatever tenuous bond that they had carved together had died along with Kyre. If it weren't for Cassandra she would have been relieved when he declared that he would leave before the ceremony.
She felt her presence almost immediately, it was so out of step with the others that had been able to adjust to the intensity of the sharing. Somehow it felt like Alexandra had always been out of step from them all. Never quite fitting in and she allowed herself to take some of the blame for that. They had arranged their union, and they had insisted on the pursuit of it.
Then she was there, watching from across the room. Elsine met her gaze and the room's sadness was replaced with caution, a delicate thread between two women.
Two mothers.
Storm: ~ I’m not here to make trouble. ~
Antares: ~ Then what is it you want? ~
The words shared an emotion of weariness, and a complex series of regrets. She knew that Alexandra had suffered more than she deserved and at the hands of Kona. To be parted from her own child. She had felt that pain herself, when she was held in captivity. Separated from Kyre and Kona. The Dominion had declared her, along with the rest of the faculty, as dangerous radicals during the occupation of Betazed.
Storm: ~ I just want a word before you leave, please. I’m willing to wait.~
Antares: ~ Soon, we will have our conversation. It is time, Alexandra ~
Storm: ~ Of course. I understand. ~
One of Kyle's former associates, in a moment of kindness, touched Alexandra’s arm. Elsine approached, acknowledging several other mourners. Concerned family members approached and Elsine raised her arms and connected telepathically with them. No words, just a feeling for them to leave her be. Alexandra was family. And she was due her moment.
Antares: ~ Come, follow me ~
She led the way to a small private room for family. She adorned a silk gown that hung on a peg nearby and indicated for Alexandra to cover herself if she wanted with others that hung.
Antares: This way we can speak. Privately.
Elsine moved towards a drinks table and poured herself a small jestral tea, she offered one to Alexandra before she took a seat on the comfortable sofa.
Storm: Response
Antares: I imagine you know that Kona departed Betazed this morning :: smiles :: I'll be returning to Cestus in the next few days myself :: sighs :: I imagine it will be some time before Kona returns to me. If he ever did.
Storm: Response
Antares: I want you to say what is in your heart, Alexandra. I have thought about our interactions over the years. The missteps, the misunderstandings and the resentments. I never offered you kindness and I regret that. Maybe if I had things would be different between us.
Storm: Response
Tags/TBC
Elsine Antares
