003 ☆ Voice ☆ Both Courts

[parallels]

Clara Oswald here.

So...

[There's a lengthy pause as if she really doesn't want to be doing this post but feels compelled to for some reason. Or perhaps she just has no idea how to start.]

So this is Draubwurld's chance to play advice columnist. About-

[There's another painful silence. Or space for a long suffering sigh.]

Relationships.

[Another pause and then suddenly she bursts into speech, going to quickly that it's a little frightening that someone's mouth can move that fast.]

I'm mean I can't be the only one, can I? Had someone back home and then ended up here. Or back here, technically, for me. And now you've got to figure out what's to be done about it. Can't stand around the station hoping your mobile will finally, someday, send them a text message back. The one that you meant to reply to before you showed up here.

If we're trapped here for years and age slowly, it's not quite going to work to just pop back in when the war is over. "Hey, sorry, got kidnapped by fairies 65 years ago, sorry about that, yeah I'd love to go to the cinema like you said in your text". And all the while, they've wondering why you went missing all those years ago.

[And there it is, the sigh.]

Do you just... remain loyal even if it means they might have forgotten you when you return? Or moved on? Or do you call it a wash and start thinking of this place as a new life.

Either way, feels like a bit of losing game, no matter what you do. Suppose that's part of war. But war doesn't usually last centuries. For humans like me, anyway.

[Then she realizes something she probably should have said way back from the start.]

Sorry. For the too much information. And the personal questions. And personal answers if-and-or-when they are given.

Thanks.

Comments

[parallels]

Right. We have to fight harder to return home. Because otherwise we'll never see them again.

[It's exactly like being cut off. Or it was. It was worse when the Doctor wasn't there. But even now that he is, she can't help but feel distant from him. He's not in her court. They're not supposed to be on the same side.

She sighs, a bitter little sigh through her nose.]

I wish I even knew how to fight harder. This whole war is all muddled. As much as we it seems like it's just a conflict between two opposing sides, it's not that simple, not for us. [Not when someone you know is on the other side.]

[brainiest]

No, it's not. It's not as simple as black and white or good and evil. I know that.

[ She purses her lips. Voldemort had been easier; Voldemort had been evil and they'd had to destroy him. It was the only way to save all the people they cared about and everyone they loved - but here? There were people that could be defined as 'good' in the Unseelie court and she was sure there are some people that might be seen as 'bad' in the Seelie, too.

What was the right answer? ]

We just have to do whatever we can to keep going.

[parallels]

I don't think I'm the only one with friends in the other court.

[The smile on her face is bitter and the attempt to reign in it is minimal at best. The Doctor, he always managed to complicate things didn't he? But then she nods.]

We can't just sit around wait for something to happen. We've at least got to do something to make this turn out right.

[brainiest]

No, you're not. Neither of us are, we can't be.

[ She breathes out, trying to look a little less frustrated, shaking her head and pursing her lips before she tries to get herself to relax. The irritation and confusion is real, but at the same time --

what can she do for now? ]

We'll do whatever we can, right?

[parallels]

We can't be. [She agrees.] So when the day comes, and it will, they try to pit us against each other. Maybe something will happen. Something different.

[But then she nods.]

And whatever we can in the meantime. Right.

[brainiest]

Clara, if... [ She pauses, hesitating, before she offers a soft smile. ] If there's anything I can do to help you'll let me know, won't you?

[parallels]

I will.

I'll come by to talk to you later.

[Off the network where no one else can spy.]

[brainiest]

Just let me know? I'm not in Caer Glaem all the time now.

[parallels]

Me either.

I fancy myself a scout. Good excuse to get out and about.

[brainiest]

Have you found anything exciting?

[parallels]

It's who I find, more than anything.

[if you catch her drift]

[brainiest]

[ Her smile widens a little. ]

Who indeed. As long as you're keeping safe?

[parallels]

Doing my best.

At least I haven't run into any wolves or giants yet.

[brainiest]

In my experience? Giants just need a firm hand, especially young ones.