[As soon as Childe had arrived, Estinien had started to worry about how this would go. Even beyond the anxiety caused by being held down like this, Childe's incessant talking forces him to realize that he's going to be out of his element. Normally, he wouldn't worry about the Kenoma's accusations or convenient omissions - he did what he did because he thought it was right, not so he could impress anyone.
But with a stranger whom he needs the trust of... it occurs to him that the most dangerous thing Childe could do is turn this into a discussion. He's not built to play with words or convince others. For the first time in his life, that actually feels like it might be a failing, and he half expects for Aerith to turn on him as Childe subtly attacks his character.
Except, that's not what happens. She doesn't even look daunted by Childe accusing him of violence, and Estinien finds whatever words he might have spoken in his own defense slipping away from him. For a moment, his struggles slow. If Childe intends to be true to his word, Aerith may already have this in hand.
If he doesn't... Estinien has already vowed to himself that he will not allow the Kenoma to hurt her.]
Not even those inclined towards the Kenoma deserve the treatment your Regent gave us. [He wonders, deep down, if Childe really believes in all of this. He remembers him holding out in the caverns, at least for a while. Does he truly seek the end, or has he only been manipulated into doing so?] You may flaunt your esteem for so-called freedom of choice, but does your master feel the same?
[There was no freedom at all in what the Regent had done to them, and he struggles to believe that the new arrivals will be treated any better. The only difference is in how casually the Regent will take them as prisoners.
That said, he falls silent, finding himself both interested in ascertaining Chide's loyalty to his cause and what Aerith will say in turn. He continues to squirm against his bonds, but he's decided that it may be more advantageous to allow Childe's attention to stray away from him. Even so, the humiliation of his position tickles at his face and ears.
Something to be repaid later, he assures himself.]
no subject
But with a stranger whom he needs the trust of... it occurs to him that the most dangerous thing Childe could do is turn this into a discussion. He's not built to play with words or convince others. For the first time in his life, that actually feels like it might be a failing, and he half expects for Aerith to turn on him as Childe subtly attacks his character.
Except, that's not what happens. She doesn't even look daunted by Childe accusing him of violence, and Estinien finds whatever words he might have spoken in his own defense slipping away from him. For a moment, his struggles slow. If Childe intends to be true to his word, Aerith may already have this in hand.
If he doesn't... Estinien has already vowed to himself that he will not allow the Kenoma to hurt her.]
Not even those inclined towards the Kenoma deserve the treatment your Regent gave us. [He wonders, deep down, if Childe really believes in all of this. He remembers him holding out in the caverns, at least for a while. Does he truly seek the end, or has he only been manipulated into doing so?] You may flaunt your esteem for so-called freedom of choice, but does your master feel the same?
[There was no freedom at all in what the Regent had done to them, and he struggles to believe that the new arrivals will be treated any better. The only difference is in how casually the Regent will take them as prisoners.
That said, he falls silent, finding himself both interested in ascertaining Chide's loyalty to his cause and what Aerith will say in turn. He continues to squirm against his bonds, but he's decided that it may be more advantageous to allow Childe's attention to stray away from him. Even so, the humiliation of his position tickles at his face and ears.
Something to be repaid later, he assures himself.]