#historiavn: bruce ismay

[brassandblue]

❝ did they say how many are dead? ❞

— Bruce Ismay to Arthur Kirkland

Arthur was no stranger to death, nor to the harsh realities of sea voyages, and both were so intimately intertwined-- but it felt... different, this time.

He had involved himself in the aftermath of the sinking, not just as a retired Admiral and active foreign diplomat, but as England, and Arthur, too. He had lost friends and acquaintances, and the terror he'd felt for dear Noel had seized in his chest like a cold vice the moment he'd heard first news. (Jack, normally stalwart, had been beside himself with worry.)

He made himself look Mr. Ismay in the eye, his own green gaze reflecting genuine concern and sorrow. Arthur knew what he was asking--he wouldn't condescend and bandy about with excuses about 'exact numbers'. One simply didn't ask how many were dead if one was after cold statistics. (Not usually.)

After a brief moment, where Arthur could chose his words and tone, he answered:

"There are roughly 700 survivors, Mr. Ismay." Out of a total of 2,240 passengers and crew.

It was a blunt answer for a blunt question, but he had tried to deliver it plainly and with respect. It was all that could really be done.

#.// (ic: arthur) #historiavn: bruce ismay #OOF #oof oof oof

[bijoupreciieux]

◤‧₊˚⭐️🎶˚₊‧⁺˖◢  valyria  curtsies  in  appreciation  as  the  passengers  enjoying  their  meals  and  each  other's  company  applaud  her  performance,  what  a  treat  for  them  to  experience  one  of  this  century's  finest  vocalists.  an  acomplished  singer  of  equally  measured  talent  &&  beauty.  there  are  even  some  individuals  who  are  entirely  distracted  from  the  delicious  meal  provided  to  them,  focused  entirely  on  the  songstress  instead.  a  hand  is  offered  to  her,  to  help  her  get  down  from  the  raised  platform  without  tripping  over  her  gown. 

she  smiles  at  the  owner  of  this  beautiful  vessel,  happily  taking  his  hand.  ❝  thank  you  mr.  ismay,  you're  too  kind.  i  do  hope  they  saved  a  plate  for  me?  i  confess  i  thought  i'd  start  drooling  mid-song  at  the  sight  of  the  filet  mignon.  ❞  she  laughs,  the  sound  bright  and  melodic  as  if  music  is  woven  into  the  very  fabric  of  her  being. 

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#historiavn #◤‧₊˚⭐️🎶˚₊‧⁺˖◢ valyria gaunt ; verse: titantic au.