lynchpin_castle | Lynchpin---Castle and Surrounding Grounds.

Lynchpin---Castle and Surrounding Grounds.

The servants are unseen and unknown. Residents are welcome to take over the Servant’s rooms or not, but it is not recommended. Likewise, it is unclear where the Master resides. Usually s/he will call a meeting of their champions and meet them within the reception all or Banquet room.

Meals are typically taken together as a group, and if requested--training times for the champions as a group may be arranged. Both of the mundane variety, and also recreations of challenge-zones, such as the Labyrinth and the Mirror Gallery. The castle and its immediate surroundings have been set to mimic Earth with its single moon and 24 hour cycle of time, along with a standard Julian calendar for convenience.

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"Feelings are irrational and messy is the entire reason they trained us to school our feelings in order to focus on our training. I've come to realize that it leaves us completely unprepared for some things." Like not being able to cry for the loss of a Master, even though the sorrow runs so deep that all you want to do is cry.

"I... also realize that Ty Lee isn't... that she... yes." She let out a small ashamed breath. Himawari has been a help with that and I should not have allowed myself to feel so... jealous of her." See? Schooling her emotions already.

She gave him a look, considering. "And what I meant by 'fix'? I would like your advice on how to approach Trunks in a way to tell him it's not just his problem." A pause, then a groan. "It's not a problem at all!"

Perhaps it was presumptuous, but Tamaki was frowning--and reached out to gently hug her. Comforting, and quiet, with no dramatics. "I am so sorry your guardians left you so unprepared. I am angry at them as well, because when one wields powers like yours..." Scared as well, since he was aware of just how normal he was.

Holding the hug enough that she knew he meant it, before letting her have her space again.

"Well, how to 'fix' it is easy. Where it becomes complicated is, as you said. What happens if things do not work? Are you prepared for that?" Tamaki looked incredibly serious, as this was important. "It is terribly obvious, especially since you're so ill-prepared, that you have been hurt before. I can not say that you will never hurt again."

Again that gentle and wise smile. "I can say, that I personally believe that even if loving and caring for others hurts us sometimes, it also is worth the pain. It can bring such heights of joy and happiness as well, which we then hold onto, and keep as balm against that same pain."

Hugs were good. That was something that she had grown to like and didn't get enough of. They were like treasures when she did get them, especially from the Masters. Especially from Anakin of all of them. His we re the warmest with the largest arms and a tight embrace. She always felt like she did something good, or he was proud of her with them. So hugs were... always good.

This one surprised her, but she leaned into it, eyes closing for a moment. "I can't blame my Masters either. They were both raised the same as I was. But having left, I realize just how rigid some of the codes were." And how they didn't help a trained person for some situations. "It was meant to keep us safe from the Dark Side."

She let out a breath as they drew back, and she looked to him again. And Tamaki was serious, about if she was prepared for thing to not work. She took in all he said and considered it, then frowned softly. "I don't think I care if I'm hurt. Hurt happens. I just don't want to ruin things to the point that I hurt him, or lose him. Much like I don't want to lose you as a friend either."

Okay, she was getting another hug for that. If they'd been standing he would have picked her up in a hug even. Tamaki couldn't help himself. "Oh, Ahsoka-chan, please do not worry about that." Arms around her, head bowed against her own and cuddling her like he would a beloved toy (or child, or Haruhi). "With your heart, I do not think you could do anything that would truly lose me as a friend. Make me unhappy and hurt me yes, but lose me? Non! Absolutement jamais!"

The hug was rewarded with a happy little warm noise as she hugged back. Perhaps she was a bit touch starved, because contact like this had grown on her any time she got it. Her eyes closed but she smiled hearing that. It was reassuring.

"I at least know that at times, I might hurt friends. I know I have hurt my Master before, countless times, but it was always mendable. Stars forbid I ever do hurt you but I hope it will always be mendable." She let out a breath then added. "But... from what I've observed, It's... a little different in, ah, other cases." You know, when you liiiike someone.

That little warm noise was met with a soft chuckle, and he pet her back reassuringly. "It is and is not, if you will believe me. From what I have come to understand, the best relationships start out as friends, and maintain that friendship. That is, the qualities that each values as a friend, in the other. That is how they weather the hardest times."

Another quiet chuckle, and pulling back only enough to wink at her. "Communication is the key. IF you decide to chance things, I believe Trunks is willing to chance them as well. From what I know of you both, there will be times you both will hurt each other without meaning to, through misunderstandings and assumptions. But communicate, and remember that you do both care for each other as friends if nothing else." That bright grin. "That is, I believe, the key to making it work. And even if you do not work as lovers, then you are likely to still end up being friends, as you are both good people with a core of professionalism."

Okay. See, all of that was amazing advice, and said in a way she understands and believes it. But that ONE word stupidly brought a flush to her cheeks, darkening the orange of her skin and brightening the white markings. She smiled, almost bashful at the thought. Lovers. Damn it Tamaki.

She smiled a bit more, drawing back to sit up right again, the back of her hand rubbing at her cheek. "I believe you." She said firmly, licking her lips in thought. A long slow deep breath and she sighed it out, looking up at him again. "Thank you, Tamaki. I don't know what I would have done without you here."

Taking her hand, and bowing over it softly, Tamaki was all smiles. "It is my pleasure. For all that I am still rightfully nervous, I am also truly grateful to have met all of you."

A pause, and letting go of her hand with a reassuring squeeze, the tall blonde got himself back to his feet. "But yes, I suggest--when you feel like it, that you simply talk to Trunks. For now, though, I believe we are close to dinner time."

"You have every right to be here as any of us do. Do not be nervous. We'll protect you as best we can, just as I believe you will protect us as best as you can. In our own ways."

She smiled up to him, then held her hand out to him, as if asking for assistance up. If he did give her a hand, she would stand gracefully and unfold her legs, not really needing the hand, but the tiniest bit of leverage helps.

"Thank you. I will... I will work up the courage to talk to him soon, I think. Perhaps after dinner." She said, pursing her lips again in consideration.

There may have been a hint of blush on his cheeks with the praise, but Tamaki would deny it. Easily offering her a hand--though it wasn't needed, and feeling much better than when he'd first arrived. "When you are ready, as there is no rush."

As they were heading the few steps, he stage-whispered. "He is, I believe, most afraid of hurting you. Thus, again, why he is doing his best to behave as if everything is normal." Then he paused, and looked side to side, and held a sheepish grin. "I have also made it abundantly clear that you and I are friends. Nothing more. My heart is held for someone back home."

"No rush. Yes." She said in agreement, though she also thought if she waited too long she would some how work herself out of it again. Also, note, she asked for the hand help up because she does recognize that he is a gentleman and it might make him happy to help, even in small ways.

His stage whisper made her almost smile bashfully, but amused all the same. She slide her hands behind her back and walked along with him. "I will talk to him about it. I promise." About everything. Though she chuckled. "Had I met you first, I am sure I would have been smitten, and then tragically brokenhearted because you have someone back home waiting for you."

That blush was back, and his head ducked. "That is where, I would make it clear, what is a 'game' and what is not." Leading the way, including by opening the door. "That is also part of what we do, with our Host Club. Although we are still in High School, so we are limited. But we endeavor to provide an environment where ladies may come and be praised and learn, as well as to practice themselves. Courtship can be complicated."

As they headed down the hall, a thought occurred to him, and he grinned. "Actually, I should see if the Library has a few books that you might find interesting. They deal with an old Earth concept known as 'Courtly love', which goes back to Medieval Europe."

She smiled at him, giving a bow of her head in thanks to opening the door and moved through it, waiting for him. "I'm still sure your Host Club would boggle my mind completely, but it sounds like fun as well."

He chuckled, feeling more lighthearted now. "You do realize the concept of courtship isn't an Earth thing only. I do believe normal people have something like that where I am from as well. Just... not something the Jedi really recognize. I do know Corellian Jedi would get married though. They would mint a special coin as a memento to give to family and their masters, depicting the wed couple. Though I suppose that isn't courtship, that is after." A pause, then she rubbed at her face again, looking away. "Ah, my point is, I've at least heard of it. Books might be a good thing though. I've been getting more reading in while here."

"I would not presume that Courtship were only an Earthly practice." He responded, offering her his arm. "I would not however recommend you use Courtly Love as a guide for your own relationship. But I do think you will enjoy it."

Head tilting, and another wink. "And I am more than willing to help you practice or learn customs, provided any suitor knows that I am no threat."

With that, it would be easy enough to converse as they headed on their way to dinner.

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Lynchpin---Castle and Surrounding Grounds.

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