canon is The Princess Novels by Jim C Hines

[scintillates]

Well, you aren't the first person who's promised to take me to the stars. Somehow I think my - suitors meant it a little less literally, though.

...I also think I would have preferred what they were offering. I do actually take my job seriously, you know. I can't very well guard a princess when there's no princess to guard.

Comments

[asingleprick]

No magic mirrors to deflect her from her plans? [A pause as she glances Snow over.] The stars?

[scintillates]

Actually, that's the interesting thing. She says I wouldn't need mirrors to perform magic in this place. It'd be interesting to learn... [Wasn't she against the idea just before? Also coughing rn and not looking at Talia at all] I never claimed it was a particularly imaginative offer.

[asingleprick]

[Hey, Snow, remember the last time you stopped using your mirrors and a crazy fucking mermaid almost killed them all? Yeah, that look on Talia's face? It says it all.] You think that's safe?

[:'|] I'd have been surprised if they were.

[scintillates]

[This is different!!] Nothing's ever completely safe.

[She frowns, wrinkling her nose a little] They're not all bad.

[asingleprick]

[Doesn't sound different.] Less safe than usual, then.

I'm sure.

[scintillates]

It should be...as safe as anything else I've ever done with magic, and safer than most of them. [She's making this up, she has not idea. But she wants iiiiiiiiit] I might not even be going yet, though. We should talk about this when the time comes.

You don't sound sure. Just because you don't know poetry unless you're kicking it in the face.

[asingleprick]

[Because you have totally been safe with magic thus far.] Fine, but don't think that we won't talk about it then, Snow. I'm not going to forget.

What use is there in poetry?

[scintillates]

[Hey she has saved your ass with her less than safe magical practices. Most of the time.] Do you ever forget anything?

It's pretty. There doesn't have to be any use to it. Besides, as someone who turned dancing skills into fighting skills, I don't think you're in any position to comment. That's poetry right there.

[asingleprick]

[Yeah, and that doesn't mean she has to agree with them, okay.] It's possible. [But no.]

I- [A vaguely uncomfortable look passes over Talia's face as she glances away and begins to balance on the balls of her feet.] It's not the same.

[scintillates]

But not likely? [A faintly whimsical smile, all for you, Talia.

Which quickly disappears when she realises. She opens her mouth to speak, winces, looks away. SUPER SUBTLE AND CASUAL YO] All right, perhaps not. [a dramatic sigh] You never did have any appreciation for a good rhyme.

[asingleprick]

[A quick shake of her head.

Right. This is awkward.

She hates awkward.] I have you and Danielle for that, don't I?

[scintillates]

[WHY IS THIS SO AWKWARD IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT TALIA] Danielle doesn't sing with me, though. Not that you do, either.

[asingleprick]

[SHE'S NOT THE ONE WHO STARTED HITTING ON HERSELF!!] You know why that is.

[scintillates]

[SHE DIDN'T HIT ON HER ON PURPOSE OKAY! THERE USED TO BE A TIME WHEN SHE DIDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT IF SHE WAS ACCIDENTALLY HITTING ON HER!!] It's probably a good thing. You'd be so much better at it than me. [there's a pause, before she launches into one of her pirate songs]

[asingleprick]

[:|||||||||||] You're right. [smug smug smuuuuuuuuuug

And then a groan.

And a small shove.] Do you really have to now?

[scintillates]

[Stumbling, grabbing a hold of Talia's arm to make sure she doesn't fall over] Yes. [Keeps singing :'D]

[asingleprick]

[She's going to find a cliff and throw you off of it.

...

....

But at least Snow sounds happy.]

[scintillates]

'And a bottle of' - why is it rum, do you think? Why not beer, or whiskey?

[asingleprick]

Doesn't sound as good. I don't know why people sing what they do, Snow.

[scintillates]

I thought you might have more of an idea about pirates than I did. [side eyeing] Being so friendly with Queen Bea's Captain, and all.

[asingleprick]

[:|

8|]

The Captain isn't exactly a pirate, is she?

[acenturyofsleep]

You're getting sent into space as well?

[Talia clenched her fists in helpless anger. She didn't like the sound of that.]

[scintillates]

[Blinking omg two Talias] Well. That's unusual. [Poking your shoulder to check if you're real okay]

Nothing's been decided just yet. It doesn't sound too terrible, you know. If we could just convince Danielle to come as well.

[acenturyofsleep]

Do you mind, Snow? [She's real. And she doesn't want to be poked, thank you very much.]

I think we're going to different places. And I don't want either of you on the ship I'm being sent to. It's dangerous.

[scintillates]

[Holding her hands up. See, no touching] Just checking!

[Here, have a flat look] Oh no, danger. Whatever will I do?

[acenturyofsleep]

This is different.

[Even Talia can't fight a war on her own. Although she'll probably try.]

[scintillates]

So it's okay for you to be in danger, but not me?

[acenturyofsleep]

I'd be happier if we were all safe.