[Adding more from Fodlan to their number has been both welcome and worrying— it is something Claude had spoken to both Petra and Sylvain about in the past, both wanting and not wanting to see familiar faces here. Their company, of course, was welcome, but the circumstances of their being here were less than desirable.
Petra has found herself feeling much the same, but for the time being, she is intent on focusing on the fact that she is glad to be reunited with friends, as well as doing her part to ensure they settle in comfortably. This particular afternoon brings her to Hilda's door, which she knocks at before leaning through with her bow slung over one shoulder.]
Hilda! I was hoping I would be finding you here!
Petra has found herself feeling much the same, but for the time being, she is intent on focusing on the fact that she is glad to be reunited with friends, as well as doing her part to ensure they settle in comfortably. This particular afternoon brings her to Hilda's door, which she knocks at before leaning through with her bow slung over one shoulder.]
Hilda! I was hoping I would be finding you here!
[ Hilda had always admired Petra. She thought that she was everything that made sense about a princess: smart, kind, strong, great hair. Was Hilda personally into the whole hunting thing? Not really. But she had always enjoyed listening to Petra tell tales about her childhood and how growing up in Brigid had been so different from her upbringing in Goneril.
So sure, they were in a completely different world. And they were apparently from different timelines. But Hilda was trying to look on the bright side of things: it really meant more time with someone that she liked and wanted to get to know better. When Petra finds her that morning she's in the process of combing through her freshly washed hair. She grins at her friend as she comes through the door. ]
Of course I'm here. It's you that I'd never be able to find; you're always up and about before I'm even up!
So sure, they were in a completely different world. And they were apparently from different timelines. But Hilda was trying to look on the bright side of things: it really meant more time with someone that she liked and wanted to get to know better. When Petra finds her that morning she's in the process of combing through her freshly washed hair. She grins at her friend as she comes through the door. ]
Of course I'm here. It's you that I'd never be able to find; you're always up and about before I'm even up!
[Well, she can hardly argue that. Petra has always been an early riser, and even a world away, that hasn't changed. She offers Hilda a warm, engaging smile in turn, stepping through the door proper at last.]
You are having an excellent point. I am also being very sneaky, when I want to be.
[She could make it pretty hard for most of her friends to find her, if it ever suited, though she can't imagine any reason for it other than maybe as part of an elaborate prank. Maybe a collaboration with Claude?]
I am not interrupting, am I?
[How long does it take Hilda to prepare for the day, she wonders? Her own hair takes some time to arrange first thing in the morning, but she thinks perhaps Hilda has her beat... she always seems to take great care with how she looks.]
You are having an excellent point. I am also being very sneaky, when I want to be.
[She could make it pretty hard for most of her friends to find her, if it ever suited, though she can't imagine any reason for it other than maybe as part of an elaborate prank. Maybe a collaboration with Claude?]
I am not interrupting, am I?
[How long does it take Hilda to prepare for the day, she wonders? Her own hair takes some time to arrange first thing in the morning, but she thinks perhaps Hilda has her beat... she always seems to take great care with how she looks.]
[ Sneaky was one way of putting it. Hilda didn't think she was exceptionally ignorant to her surroundings - she actually had a keen perceptiveness when she wanted to. And yet there had been a number of times during their academy days where she had been startled because of Petra quietly appearing out of nowhere with a cheerful grin on her face. ]
I used to tell Dorothea that I thought your hair was full of secrets. I bet you heard a ton of gossip with how quietly you were able to move around the monastery.
[ Her eyes glimmer good naturedly because it's really a compliment coming from her. She pats the bed for Petra to take a seat if she wants to as she shakes her head at her question. ]
Nope! I'm just getting my hair ready. Hair washing day always takes so much time, but it feels so good to have clean hair after. All of this sand is really doing a number on it. [ She resumes her brushing but tilts her head casting a curious glance towards her. ] Is everything alright?
I used to tell Dorothea that I thought your hair was full of secrets. I bet you heard a ton of gossip with how quietly you were able to move around the monastery.
[ Her eyes glimmer good naturedly because it's really a compliment coming from her. She pats the bed for Petra to take a seat if she wants to as she shakes her head at her question. ]
Nope! I'm just getting my hair ready. Hair washing day always takes so much time, but it feels so good to have clean hair after. All of this sand is really doing a number on it. [ She resumes her brushing but tilts her head casting a curious glance towards her. ] Is everything alright?
Edited (iM SO SORRY LAST EDIT) 2022-12-15 07:12 (UTC)
Secrets?
[She is not so literal as to completely mistake what Hilda is trying to say, at least, and she laughs lightly.]
I am able to be keeping many secrets, indeed, but not in my hair— and it is always interesting to hear what people are saying when they think no one is around.
[Oh, she has absolutely heard her share of gossip. Her smile hitches wider as she moves to take the offered seat, letting her hands come to rest just above her knees as she settles.]
Everything is being fine! Actually, I am having a job out in the desert beyond the city today, but I am needing a partner for this one. I was hoping you would be joining me, but if you have just washed your hair...
[Hilda would likely be reluctant no matter what state her hair was in, Petra thinks, but she is prepared to convince her.]
[She is not so literal as to completely mistake what Hilda is trying to say, at least, and she laughs lightly.]
I am able to be keeping many secrets, indeed, but not in my hair— and it is always interesting to hear what people are saying when they think no one is around.
[Oh, she has absolutely heard her share of gossip. Her smile hitches wider as she moves to take the offered seat, letting her hands come to rest just above her knees as she settles.]
Everything is being fine! Actually, I am having a job out in the desert beyond the city today, but I am needing a partner for this one. I was hoping you would be joining me, but if you have just washed your hair...
[Hilda would likely be reluctant no matter what state her hair was in, Petra thinks, but she is prepared to convince her.]
[ An, "Oh good," was about to pass Hilda's lips but then her hair brushing stops, realizing what Petra is asking before she's even done saying it. At least she's polite enough to let her friend finish.
She had known that Petra had become a mercenary in Cadens to make money and fill the spare time; it made sense considering how handy she was with just about every weapon she touched but out of all the possible ways to make money that had been presented to Hilda, that was one she had quickly ruled out.
A relived laugh escapes her lips as she resumes her brushing. For a minute there she had thought Petra was about to ask her to go with her. ]
Exactly, you know how it is. Maybe you could bring Felix along. [ Felix sounded like the perfect fit for a mercenary job - far better suited for it than her. ] Is the job going to take the whole day? I was thinking that we could go for dinner tonight actually - I met someone who said he was happy to treat us because he owns the restaurant!
She had known that Petra had become a mercenary in Cadens to make money and fill the spare time; it made sense considering how handy she was with just about every weapon she touched but out of all the possible ways to make money that had been presented to Hilda, that was one she had quickly ruled out.
A relived laugh escapes her lips as she resumes her brushing. For a minute there she had thought Petra was about to ask her to go with her. ]
Exactly, you know how it is. Maybe you could bring Felix along. [ Felix sounded like the perfect fit for a mercenary job - far better suited for it than her. ] Is the job going to take the whole day? I was thinking that we could go for dinner tonight actually - I met someone who said he was happy to treat us because he owns the restaurant!
[Don't be so relieved just yet, Hilda.]
Felix is— preferring to be working alone, I think. He is not usually being one for company.
[Although of those from Garreg Mach that are currently assembled, Petra happens to know she ranks rather high on Felix's list of acceptable companions, mostly because he knows she'll do her part on the battlefield effectively and without complaint. They've always gotten along well enough.]
You, however, are always pleasant to spend time with— and it would only be taking the afternoon. We could easily be making that dinner you speak of!
Felix is— preferring to be working alone, I think. He is not usually being one for company.
[Although of those from Garreg Mach that are currently assembled, Petra happens to know she ranks rather high on Felix's list of acceptable companions, mostly because he knows she'll do her part on the battlefield effectively and without complaint. They've always gotten along well enough.]
You, however, are always pleasant to spend time with— and it would only be taking the afternoon. We could easily be making that dinner you speak of!
[ It takes all of Hilda’s power not to show her dismay when Petra continues with her request. The compliment didn’t go unnoticed of course. Felix would always be a better fit for a mercenary, but Hilda couldn’t deny that she thought she was better company. Sorry, Felix! It's all the prickliness, really. But if all it took was a compliment to sway her, she would have done far more work than she had up until this point in her life.
Petra looks so earnest though and Hilda hates it when her friend's earnestness was paired with a request of her. It makes wiggling her way out of those favours along with her fear of disappointing them that much more difficult. Inwardly she sighs but when she speaks up her voice is light as air. ]
What does the job entail exactly? [ More details about what the job was didn’t mean she was interested, not by a long shot. In fact, Hilda is already drawing lines around what she would and wouldn’t be willing to do. ] If it involves getting stung by a scorpion, count me out. I heard all about Sylvain and Claude's escapades.
Petra looks so earnest though and Hilda hates it when her friend's earnestness was paired with a request of her. It makes wiggling her way out of those favours along with her fear of disappointing them that much more difficult. Inwardly she sighs but when she speaks up her voice is light as air. ]
What does the job entail exactly? [ More details about what the job was didn’t mean she was interested, not by a long shot. In fact, Hilda is already drawing lines around what she would and wouldn’t be willing to do. ] If it involves getting stung by a scorpion, count me out. I heard all about Sylvain and Claude's escapades.
[Anyone who has known Hilda for any length of time and paid enough attention knows that there is always a great deal more going on in her head than what she says aloud— Petra is willing to guess that she is already deciding on the criteria of what would be acceptable.]
It is simply being an escort job. We would be accompanying a small group of merchants to one of the outposts. It is very possible you will not even need to lift your axe!
[That… may be a stretch. The desert wildlife can be quite aggressive, but Petra is offering her sweetest smile as she makes her proposition.]
It is simply being an escort job. We would be accompanying a small group of merchants to one of the outposts. It is very possible you will not even need to lift your axe!
[That… may be a stretch. The desert wildlife can be quite aggressive, but Petra is offering her sweetest smile as she makes her proposition.]
[ An escort job. On paper it sounds easy. But Hilda knew that could mean any number of things simply because it opened up the possibility for other factors to complicate it. How many times had she heard of an escort job or a simple supply run turn into a small skirmish or a wheel breaking? At least if it was the latter the worst that could happen was that she might break a nail.
There’s still a part of her that wants to say no and say that she simply can’t afford to get her hair dirty so soon after washing it, but Petra’s prior earnestness and the smile that Hilda knows herself all too well makes her relent. She lets out a sigh as she reluctantly gets up from the bed to place her hairbrush down and select something else to wear that would fare better in the desert than the current outfit she has on. ]
Just don’t expect too much out of me if I do have to swing an axe, okay? [ There’s the faintest of pouts on her lips as she dramatically opens the door to her wardrobe. ] I’m out of practice, and I’m not used to fighting in a desert.
There’s still a part of her that wants to say no and say that she simply can’t afford to get her hair dirty so soon after washing it, but Petra’s prior earnestness and the smile that Hilda knows herself all too well makes her relent. She lets out a sigh as she reluctantly gets up from the bed to place her hairbrush down and select something else to wear that would fare better in the desert than the current outfit she has on. ]
Just don’t expect too much out of me if I do have to swing an axe, okay? [ There’s the faintest of pouts on her lips as she dramatically opens the door to her wardrobe. ] I’m out of practice, and I’m not used to fighting in a desert.
[Petra claps her hands together once in a show of enthusiasm— gentle and positive persistence, she had learned during their academy days, was one of the best ways to convince Hilda to do something. Simply make it difficult for her to say no.]
Oh, I am knowing exactly how much to expect.
[Interpret that how you will, Hilda. The princess' smile persists, knowing and confident.]
It will be no trouble at all, I am assuring you. We will easily be done in time for dinner!
[She's definitely interested in that offer for a free meal that Hilda seems to have secured.]
We can be going as soon as you are done making ready! The cart will be meeting us at the south gate.
Oh, I am knowing exactly how much to expect.
[Interpret that how you will, Hilda. The princess' smile persists, knowing and confident.]
It will be no trouble at all, I am assuring you. We will easily be done in time for dinner!
[She's definitely interested in that offer for a free meal that Hilda seems to have secured.]
We can be going as soon as you are done making ready! The cart will be meeting us at the south gate.
[ Hilda knows what Petra is actually getting at but doesn’t say a word apart from shooting a pout over her shoulder before quickly picking out a pair of pants and sturdier (but fashionable!) boots for the day. Her fingers brush the fabric of the skirt she has on with a sigh. If they get back in time maybe she can wear it to dinner instead.
She isn’t one to be rushed but she doesn’t meander knowing that the request is a timely one. By the time she meets up with Petra with a hat that looks like she’s ready for safari. ]
Ready! I brought us some snacks and water too.
[ Hilda, coming prepared, clearly. If she was going out to the desert the least she can do is make the experience a little more pleasant. ]
She isn’t one to be rushed but she doesn’t meander knowing that the request is a timely one. By the time she meets up with Petra with a hat that looks like she’s ready for safari. ]
Ready! I brought us some snacks and water too.
[ Hilda, coming prepared, clearly. If she was going out to the desert the least she can do is make the experience a little more pleasant. ]
[Petra's gaze immediately moves to that hat, her smile pulling to one side. Oh.]
Being worried about the sun, are you? That is probably wise.
[Hilda may not be Sylvain, but is still fair enough that she's likely to burn.]
You are being very prepared! I am impressed.
Being worried about the sun, are you? That is probably wise.
[Hilda may not be Sylvain, but is still fair enough that she's likely to burn.]
You are being very prepared! I am impressed.
[ Hilda practically preens under the praise. While she may want little to do with the outdoors especially in this particular context, she’s always wanted to please her friends. And as someone as seasoned as Petra, the praise, however small, lands with her. ]
I would be a hypocrite if I lectured Sylvain about sun protection and didn’t practise it myself. [ The merchants seem anxious to go though and after introducing herself quickly she’s back by Petra’s side. Noticeably she still has yet to pick up a weapon. ]
I guess we should get going if we’re going to make dinner, right?
I would be a hypocrite if I lectured Sylvain about sun protection and didn’t practise it myself. [ The merchants seem anxious to go though and after introducing herself quickly she’s back by Petra’s side. Noticeably she still has yet to pick up a weapon. ]
I guess we should get going if we’re going to make dinner, right?
[A few compliments always seem to go a long way with Hilda, Petra has noticed— it's nice to know that some things never change. She beams as she gives her friend a nod of approval, gesturing towards the door.]
You are quite right. Time is being of the essence! Let's go.
[Petra wastes no time in leading her friend from their current residence and towards the south gate of the city. Along the way, she makes easy small talk, as though they're heading out for nothing more than a pleasant stroll, and before long, they're meeting with the day's clients. Petra handles the necessary discussion before they head out, introducing Hilda in the process, and before long they're on the road with both young women out front, leading the way in the direction of the outpost.]
See? This is hardly bad, is it?
[Just a walk in the desert, Hilda!]
You are quite right. Time is being of the essence! Let's go.
[Petra wastes no time in leading her friend from their current residence and towards the south gate of the city. Along the way, she makes easy small talk, as though they're heading out for nothing more than a pleasant stroll, and before long, they're meeting with the day's clients. Petra handles the necessary discussion before they head out, introducing Hilda in the process, and before long they're on the road with both young women out front, leading the way in the direction of the outpost.]
See? This is hardly bad, is it?
[Just a walk in the desert, Hilda!]
I guess it’s okay so far. It's definitely not a walk around the monastery grounds.
[ She still has yet to become fully accustomed to the heat of the desert, but with a considerable amount of shade provided by her hat along with some effort of visulizing that she isn’t in a hotter climate than she’s used to, she’s holding up alright. It would be a complete lie to say that she isn’t keeping an eye out for creatures that could sting or bite them. ]
Have you encountered anything while you've been out here?
[ She still has yet to become fully accustomed to the heat of the desert, but with a considerable amount of shade provided by her hat along with some effort of visulizing that she isn’t in a hotter climate than she’s used to, she’s holding up alright. It would be a complete lie to say that she isn’t keeping an eye out for creatures that could sting or bite them. ]
Have you encountered anything while you've been out here?
[That, Petra can hardly argue— but Hilda is handling all of this quite well by her standards, and so she will count that as a decisive victory.]
I have— the desert is full of all sorts of creatures, but the worst of them rarely come this close to the roads, especially when it is still being daytime.
[Well, there are juvenile sandskids, and Howlers, and other things, but... nothing that can't be handily taken care of with a well-aimed arrow and a sharp blade.]
Anything we might come across, I have no doubt we will be able to dispatch with ease! People are paying good money for parts, as well. They are useful for medicines, among other things.
[She's way too cheerful about this.]
I have— the desert is full of all sorts of creatures, but the worst of them rarely come this close to the roads, especially when it is still being daytime.
[Well, there are juvenile sandskids, and Howlers, and other things, but... nothing that can't be handily taken care of with a well-aimed arrow and a sharp blade.]
Anything we might come across, I have no doubt we will be able to dispatch with ease! People are paying good money for parts, as well. They are useful for medicines, among other things.
[She's way too cheerful about this.]
[ The truth of the matter is, Petra's presence is probably a good influence on Hilda. She had rarely — actually never — seen or heard her complain during their time at the academy and this morning's interaction still has yet to leave her mind. The thought of disappointing her bring about an all too familiar sense of anxiety she's quietly trying to squash. ]
Parts? [ Skinning and taking apart animal parts isn't unheard of back home but it still makes her balk at the thought of having to do the work herself. ] Do you normally do all of that [ Hilda motions vaguely as if to impress some kind of "skinning and taking apart" with her hand motions. ] yourself?
Parts? [ Skinning and taking apart animal parts isn't unheard of back home but it still makes her balk at the thought of having to do the work herself. ] Do you normally do all of that [ Hilda motions vaguely as if to impress some kind of "skinning and taking apart" with her hand motions. ] yourself?
Of course!
[Petra's answer is both bright and immediate, without pause. She turns to give her friend a sidelong glance, along with a warm smile.]
I have been hunting since I was being very young. Those skills are coming in very handy here!
[It's nice, being able to play to her strengths.]
I am leaving the politics to Claude and finding another way to be earning my place here.
[Petra's answer is both bright and immediate, without pause. She turns to give her friend a sidelong glance, along with a warm smile.]
I have been hunting since I was being very young. Those skills are coming in very handy here!
[It's nice, being able to play to her strengths.]
I am leaving the politics to Claude and finding another way to be earning my place here.
[ Watching Petra brighten immediately makes Hilda feel both proud of her friend for knowing her skillset while simultaneously feeling a little envious of her friend at the same time. It's an odd mix that she doesn't want to feel and she quickly brushes aside the latter feeling. She'd find her own thing in time, she hopes. Although being cared for didn't sound like an awful way to live either if she could ignore feeling guilty about being a total freeloader. ]
Well I'll leave all of that to you then. I don't have much of a stomach for that sort of thing. [ She lets out a little noise as she stretches before looping her arm loosely around Petra's cheekily looking up at her. ]
What else has happened that you need to catch me up on? Any fun gossip? I'm surprised Claude hasn't tried to lead all of you into some takeover of the city to avoid the -- [ She casts a glance towards some of the merchants who seem to be in their own world before lowering her voice cautiously anyway. ] war.
Well I'll leave all of that to you then. I don't have much of a stomach for that sort of thing. [ She lets out a little noise as she stretches before looping her arm loosely around Petra's cheekily looking up at her. ]
What else has happened that you need to catch me up on? Any fun gossip? I'm surprised Claude hasn't tried to lead all of you into some takeover of the city to avoid the -- [ She casts a glance towards some of the merchants who seem to be in their own world before lowering her voice cautiously anyway. ] war.
[Though Hilda's taking her arm is a momentary surprise, Petra does not object in the least, and comfortably settles into walking arm-in-arm with her friend as they lead their clients along the road into the desert. So far, the coast has been clear, though she does ensure she remains on the alert as they chat— she had been quite right, however, in assuming that company would make this job much more enjoyable.]
Fun gossip...
[She echoes her friend with a brief laugh.]
That is more being Sylvain's department, I am thinking, but I will do what I can! Claude has certainly been making his influence known throughout Cadens, though... I feel like I cannot mention him to anyone I meet without them saying they are already knowing him!
[Which is just his way, she supposes. She notes the way Hilda's voice drops, and lowers her own to suit.]
But... I am seeing your point. None of us are wanting to participate in a war that is not being ours to fight. I am thinking he is too busy charming every summoned and native he can to be staging a takeover, though.
Fun gossip...
[She echoes her friend with a brief laugh.]
That is more being Sylvain's department, I am thinking, but I will do what I can! Claude has certainly been making his influence known throughout Cadens, though... I feel like I cannot mention him to anyone I meet without them saying they are already knowing him!
[Which is just his way, she supposes. She notes the way Hilda's voice drops, and lowers her own to suit.]
But... I am seeing your point. None of us are wanting to participate in a war that is not being ours to fight. I am thinking he is too busy charming every summoned and native he can to be staging a takeover, though.
[ Hilda knows that Petra is probably on guard and she happily lets her own slip slightly. She had been promised a nice walk in the desert after all and that's exactly what she was going to get even if she had to will away any beasties that tried to ruin that.
She's unsurprised to hear that both of their friends were being social butterflies in their own rights. A little giggle escapes her lips at Petra's probably correct assumption. ]
Who says that's not him slowly building his way up to that though? Half the work is winning people over to your cause and side. [ The topic is tiptoeing dangerously close to topics from home though and she quickly tries to sidestep it. ]
But I want to hear about what things you've been hearing - and doing of course.
She's unsurprised to hear that both of their friends were being social butterflies in their own rights. A little giggle escapes her lips at Petra's probably correct assumption. ]
Who says that's not him slowly building his way up to that though? Half the work is winning people over to your cause and side. [ The topic is tiptoeing dangerously close to topics from home though and she quickly tries to sidestep it. ]
But I want to hear about what things you've been hearing - and doing of course.
Hmm, you are having an excellent point. Being in everyone's good graces will serve him well if that is what he is deciding to do.
[It's only partly a joke, really— Hilda is absolutely right, it would be well within Claude's abilities to do so and the rest of them would obviously end up right alongside him if he did, but Petra also opts not to say anything more to that effect. Conflict won't be avoided here forever, things have already come to a head with the assault of Libertas, but—
Just for a little while, it would be nice to think that war isn't on their doorstep.
She lets out a soft hmm as they continue arm-in-arm, giving Hilda a brief conspiratorial look.]
Well, the Sarstina and Mag's Inn are both being excellent places to hear all kinds of things, but much of it is not meaning much to me without context. I have been keeping myself busy, with hunting and helping with relief efforts, but I have also been meeting some very interesting people. There are werewolves and vampires here, you know.
[It's only partly a joke, really— Hilda is absolutely right, it would be well within Claude's abilities to do so and the rest of them would obviously end up right alongside him if he did, but Petra also opts not to say anything more to that effect. Conflict won't be avoided here forever, things have already come to a head with the assault of Libertas, but—
Just for a little while, it would be nice to think that war isn't on their doorstep.
She lets out a soft hmm as they continue arm-in-arm, giving Hilda a brief conspiratorial look.]
Well, the Sarstina and Mag's Inn are both being excellent places to hear all kinds of things, but much of it is not meaning much to me without context. I have been keeping myself busy, with hunting and helping with relief efforts, but I have also been meeting some very interesting people. There are werewolves and vampires here, you know.
[ Hilda couldn't agree more. They collectively as friends haven't talked about it at length — and Hilda wasn't eager or willing to bring it up herself — but she knows it's a looming cloud. It draws parallels to Fodlan more than she'd like. But she knows that all the talk of a take over is in jest. They had to go home after all, didn't they? This wasn't their home.
Luckily war isn't half as interesting as the next topic Petra brings up. ]
Werewolves and vampires?! [ Her eyes go as wide as plates as she let's out a small squeal almost forgetting where they are for a moment and drawing looks from some of the merchants. ] Really? What are they like? Are they friendly, or are they as scary as the stories from home say?
Luckily war isn't half as interesting as the next topic Petra brings up. ]
Werewolves and vampires?! [ Her eyes go as wide as plates as she let's out a small squeal almost forgetting where they are for a moment and drawing looks from some of the merchants. ] Really? What are they like? Are they friendly, or are they as scary as the stories from home say?
Edited 2023-02-07 04:16 (UTC)
[Hilda and Petra are now entering their Twilight phase.]
Oh, they are being quite friendly! Perhaps not always with one another, but they have peace enough between them that they occupy Nocwich together, which is where they hosted many of us Summoned as guests a few months ago.
[That particular trip had ended a bit rough, given the delegates from each faction were all attacked, but Petra doesn't think either the wolves or the vampires were responsible for that... probably.]
They make some very interesting things! Clothing and weapons that are like nothing I have ever been seeing in Fodlan, and their food is quite interesting. I have spent more time among the werewolves, admittedly. Sylvain could tell you more about the vampires, but I was not thinking they were scary at all.
Oh, they are being quite friendly! Perhaps not always with one another, but they have peace enough between them that they occupy Nocwich together, which is where they hosted many of us Summoned as guests a few months ago.
[That particular trip had ended a bit rough, given the delegates from each faction were all attacked, but Petra doesn't think either the wolves or the vampires were responsible for that... probably.]
They make some very interesting things! Clothing and weapons that are like nothing I have ever been seeing in Fodlan, and their food is quite interesting. I have spent more time among the werewolves, admittedly. Sylvain could tell you more about the vampires, but I was not thinking they were scary at all.
[ Which of the girls is Team Jacob and which one is Team Edward?
She can't help but sigh wistfully. Nocwich and it's eternal night sounded like a blissful change especially now that they were walking under it now. ]
I would have loved to be there for the opening of that. But of course you wouldn't be scared of them, Petra. You aren't scared of anything! [ And then she grins up at her, giving Petra's arm a squeeze. ] Can we go together next time? I'd love to explore it with you. And if you know any werewolves, I'd love to meet them.
[ It presented another adventure, neatly wrapped into the one that they were already currently on. Reflexively she can't help but think that she'd love to tell Holst all about this before belatedly realizing that she can't just write him a letter here like she would back home. Her heart tightens slightly, but she pushes it to the back of her mind. ]
She can't help but sigh wistfully. Nocwich and it's eternal night sounded like a blissful change especially now that they were walking under it now. ]
I would have loved to be there for the opening of that. But of course you wouldn't be scared of them, Petra. You aren't scared of anything! [ And then she grins up at her, giving Petra's arm a squeeze. ] Can we go together next time? I'd love to explore it with you. And if you know any werewolves, I'd love to meet them.
[ It presented another adventure, neatly wrapped into the one that they were already currently on. Reflexively she can't help but think that she'd love to tell Holst all about this before belatedly realizing that she can't just write him a letter here like she would back home. Her heart tightens slightly, but she pushes it to the back of her mind. ]
[While under normal circumstances, Petra would prefer to deliver this gift in person, she has been trying to give Hilda a bit of space since their discussion in Luna— not ignoring her, of course, and being as friendly as she ever is, but understandably, their talk had brought some conflicting feelings to the surface, and so Petra has been aiming for caution.
On the afternoon of the third, Hilda will find a small box with a ribbon waiting on her pillow. Inside is a decorative comb and a short note in Petra's handwriting.]
Dear Hilda,
I wanted to be wishing you the happiest of birthdays. I know that this might not be the right time, but when you are feeling ready, I would like to be treating you to tea. I am hoping this finds you well— I can think of no one else it would look quite so lovely on. I found it during my last trip to Nocwich. Maybe next time, we can be visiting together.
- Petra
On the afternoon of the third, Hilda will find a small box with a ribbon waiting on her pillow. Inside is a decorative comb and a short note in Petra's handwriting.]
Dear Hilda,
I wanted to be wishing you the happiest of birthdays. I know that this might not be the right time, but when you are feeling ready, I would like to be treating you to tea. I am hoping this finds you well— I can think of no one else it would look quite so lovely on. I found it during my last trip to Nocwich. Maybe next time, we can be visiting together.
- Petra
[ On the morning of Hilda's birthday, there's a wrapped bundle waiting beside the door to her room waiting to be discovered by the birthday celebrant herself when she wakes.
The gift is two-fold, or perhaps more-fold depending on how one looks at it. Rather than it being bundled in paper and strings, a scarf with dyed flowers, eye-catching due to the bright colors and vaguely anemone-like, serves as the wrapping paper for the jewelry box inside. Said jewelry box could use a little attention and polish from someone who enjoys making things sparkle, and there's a flat space on the lid where it could be painted with a design should its new owner wish to decorate it further.
Inside the box there's a couple sachets of rose petal tea, a small set of jewelry tools, and another pouch full of different glass beads he's picked up here and there in the market which reminded him of ones Hilda used in her projects from before. On top of it all is a letter folded carefully into an envelope, with the script inside reading:
The gift is two-fold, or perhaps more-fold depending on how one looks at it. Rather than it being bundled in paper and strings, a scarf with dyed flowers, eye-catching due to the bright colors and vaguely anemone-like, serves as the wrapping paper for the jewelry box inside. Said jewelry box could use a little attention and polish from someone who enjoys making things sparkle, and there's a flat space on the lid where it could be painted with a design should its new owner wish to decorate it further.
Inside the box there's a couple sachets of rose petal tea, a small set of jewelry tools, and another pouch full of different glass beads he's picked up here and there in the market which reminded him of ones Hilda used in her projects from before. On top of it all is a letter folded carefully into an envelope, with the script inside reading:
Happy birthday, Hilda—The gift giver will be nowhere to be found at the time Hilda might find her gift, but: he will reappear later on to take her for a birthday lunch somewhere befitting this special occasion. ]
Though neither of us could have guessed we'd end up here - in many different ways - there's still no one I'd rather cause all kinds of mischief with than my best friend. That this is consistent despite everything else means more to me than you could ever know.
May this new year ahead bring both more of it and more memories yet to be created. (Next time we'll have to try something besides arm wrestling out on everyone else. I think they might be onto us by now.)
—Claude.
[ One of the first things he does is try to reach out to the others, although it feels so much harder to focus right now. At least she won't be able to pick up on the low levels of panicking from his text. ]
Hild̵̳̄̄́̒a̶̝̻͎̝̎̂̈́͜?
are you t̵̻̐͝h̴̖͊ȅ̸͎̀r̵̠̀̋ë̴̗̬́?̸͚̏̋ ̷̪̲̀͂A̷̳̍͠ͅr̵̙͗e̶̩̾̋ ̶͈̹̈ẙ̴̟̯̚o̴̱͝u̵͇̫͋ okay? i don't know w̵̲̏h̷͕͐̈́ě̶̬̑r̶̛̪̀e̵͕͐ ̸̥̎̈́w̶̠͚͠e̶̬̺̿ ̴̺̼́̈a̴̖͆͛ṟ̶̽̾e̸̜̭̔,̶̟̐ ̸̼̮͆͠t̸͙͚̆ẖ̷̊̄ė̷͕͝ỵ̶̓ ̴̧̀c̸̱̑a̷̰͑m̵̻͆e̴̊̈́ͅ out of nowhere. be careful!
Hild̵̳̄̄́̒a̶̝̻͎̝̎̂̈́͜?
are you t̵̻̐͝h̴̖͊ȅ̸͎̀r̵̠̀̋ë̴̗̬́?̸͚̏̋ ̷̪̲̀͂A̷̳̍͠ͅr̵̙͗e̶̩̾̋ ̶͈̹̈ẙ̴̟̯̚o̴̱͝u̵͇̫͋ okay? i don't know w̵̲̏h̷͕͐̈́ě̶̬̑r̶̛̪̀e̵͕͐ ̸̥̎̈́w̶̠͚͠e̶̬̺̿ ̴̺̼́̈a̴̖͆͛ṟ̶̽̾e̸̜̭̔,̶̟̐ ̸̼̮͆͠t̸͙͚̆ẖ̷̊̄ė̷͕͝ỵ̶̓ ̴̧̀c̸̱̑a̷̰͑m̵̻͆e̴̊̈́ͅ out of nowhere. be careful!
[ Hilda thinks she’s seeing things after sleepless nights curled up in Sylvian’s bed. Her annoyance flares up again thinking that the jumbled text is somehow another elaborate joke but the words leave her with a sense of dread. She sits bolt-up right, trying to quash the fear in her throat. ]
𝘚𝘺𝘭𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘯? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥? 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦?
[ She has half a mind to run straight back to her room and curl around Petra. ]
𝘚𝘺𝘭𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘯? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥? 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦?
[ She has half a mind to run straight back to her room and curl around Petra. ]
Shortly after Sam's announcement during the disappearances
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widows_kiss
2023-02-22 08:14 pm (UTC)(link)
This is Natasha, Sam said he was putting you in charge of patrolling the Horizon? If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know.
Also I had no idea you knew Sam.
Also I had no idea you knew Sam.
𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘢?
[ She remembers the cunning, fox-like woman from the boat and it also doesn't occur to her that she's acquainted with Sam. Sleepless nights were really making her miss out on things she wouldn't normally otherwise. ]
𝘐'𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺! 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘭𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘥𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘵.
𝘐 𝘥𝘰. 𝘏𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳. 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦?
[ She remembers the cunning, fox-like woman from the boat and it also doesn't occur to her that she's acquainted with Sam. Sleepless nights were really making her miss out on things she wouldn't normally otherwise. ]
𝘐'𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺! 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘭𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘥𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘵.
𝘐 𝘥𝘰. 𝘏𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳. 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦?
Don't worry, I'm used to juggling a lot of plates. It helps to stay busy when there's not a lot of other avenues for me to follow up on yet.
And yeah, we are. We've known one another a long time. Steve, too, if you've met him yet. We've been through a lot together.
And yeah, we are. We've known one another a long time. Steve, too, if you've met him yet. We've been through a lot together.
𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵?
𝘐 𝘮𝘦𝘵 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦! 𝘏𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘵 𝘚𝘢𝘮'𝘴 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳. 𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘞𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢 𝘵𝘰𝘰?
[ Sometimes it helps to have some light hearted conversation in times of absolutely panic and stress. ]
𝘐 𝘮𝘦𝘵 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦! 𝘏𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘵 𝘚𝘢𝘮'𝘴 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳. 𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘞𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢 𝘵𝘰𝘰?
[ Sometimes it helps to have some light hearted conversation in times of absolutely panic and stress. ]
I guess if you know Sam and Steve, I can probably talk about it. Those two can't keep a secret to save their lives.
And yes, I've known Wanda almost as long as those two. We were very close back home.
And yes, I've known Wanda almost as long as those two. We were very close back home.
𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳? 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘐 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯.
𝘐'𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵. [ She doesn't get the impression Wanda is lonely, but she's glad that she's got plenty of friends from that isn't just Sam. ] 𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺? 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘞𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘦.
𝘐'𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵. [ She doesn't get the impression Wanda is lonely, but she's glad that she's got plenty of friends from that isn't just Sam. ] 𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺? 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘞𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘦.
Something like that.
[ She hadn't gotten a lot of impressions of Hilda's background yet, but her way of speech made Natasha think she might be a from a world pretty different from the one Natasha is used to. So phrasing was probably going to be tricky here. ]
I guess a more accurate term would be sort of... protectors? Guardians? Our world ended up drawing a lot of attention from questionable powers thinking we'd be an easy mark. There was a group of us set apart because of our skills to keep people safe.
[ She hadn't gotten a lot of impressions of Hilda's background yet, but her way of speech made Natasha think she might be a from a world pretty different from the one Natasha is used to. So phrasing was probably going to be tricky here. ]
I guess a more accurate term would be sort of... protectors? Guardians? Our world ended up drawing a lot of attention from questionable powers thinking we'd be an easy mark. There was a group of us set apart because of our skills to keep people safe.
[ There's a hum of understanding that doesn't get translated from Hilda's end. ]
𝘎𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥. 𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵! 𝘐𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦. 𝘞𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴? [ She's running through Sam, Steve and Wanda — all mostly ordinary looking in their own right (well except maybe Steve; he was as built as Raphael was) — but she knows better than to assume anything based on appearances alone. ] 𝘖𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩?
𝘎𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥. 𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵! 𝘐𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦. 𝘞𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴? [ She's running through Sam, Steve and Wanda — all mostly ordinary looking in their own right (well except maybe Steve; he was as built as Raphael was) — but she knows better than to assume anything based on appearances alone. ] 𝘖𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩?
Most of us were trained, although most of us were selected because of our training, if that makes sense. A few of the members were born with what we labeled enhanced abilities. Others got some through accidents or other sources. And then a few of us were just normal and very good at our jobs.
𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦?
[ The enhanced abilities bit particularly reminds her of Crests; Hilda didn't know how forthcoming the others might be to sharing information like that with someone considering it was related to their blood, but if Sam trusts Natasha, it's enough for her.
After a moment more of contemplation she quickly sends the following — ]
𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤.
[ The enhanced abilities bit particularly reminds her of Crests; Hilda didn't know how forthcoming the others might be to sharing information like that with someone considering it was related to their blood, but if Sam trusts Natasha, it's enough for her.
After a moment more of contemplation she quickly sends the following — ]
𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤.
I am, yes. Showing up here and suddenly having magic was very strange, let me tell you.
[ She can almost feel that hesitation as Hilda debates, but she just waits, letting her make her decision all on her own. ]
Is it something they are born with? Or something they receive?
[ She can almost feel that hesitation as Hilda debates, but she just waits, letting her make her decision all on her own. ]
Is it something they are born with? Or something they receive?
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘍𝘰𝘥𝘭𝘢𝘯.
[ There's another pause. No harm in admitting that she has one now that she's nudged this particular door open. ]
𝘐𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘵. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥.
[ There's another pause. No harm in admitting that she has one now that she's nudged this particular door open. ]
𝘐𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘵. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥.
You're not the only one with that problem. There's a lot of people in Thorne who aren't used to it either. Although it makes for some very interesting misunderstandings at times.
[ Hmm. That's a distinctive way of phrasing it. ]
Is it passed down generationally or just something that has a chance of appearing in anyone?
[ Hmm. That's a distinctive way of phrasing it. ]
Is it passed down generationally or just something that has a chance of appearing in anyone?
𝘈𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵?
[ Kidnapping definitely isn't on her list of interesting though. ]
𝘈 𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩? 𝘐𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺'𝘴 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵, 𝘴𝘰 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴 — [ Her thoughts briefly flit to Sylvain and his older brother. ] 𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨.
[ Kidnapping definitely isn't on her list of interesting though. ]
𝘈 𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩? 𝘐𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺'𝘴 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵, 𝘴𝘰 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴 — [ Her thoughts briefly flit to Sylvain and his older brother. ] 𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨.
I could do with a little less 'interesting' right now, to be honest.
[ She thinks of what she knows and how that would affect things if added into the mixture. It probably makes things rather complicated. ]
Screws up straight lines like lineages and succession, I take it? Are those with crests treated differently than those without?
[ She thinks of what she knows and how that would affect things if added into the mixture. It probably makes things rather complicated. ]
Screws up straight lines like lineages and succession, I take it? Are those with crests treated differently than those without?
[ Normally she'd disagree but considering everything that's going on... ]
𝘠𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘦𝘴. 𝘈𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘪𝘵 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘧 𝘢 𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯. 𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨.
[ There's another brief pause before she admits — ]
𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘰 𝘐 𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘦.
[ The Gonerils, she thinks, are an odd exception to the generalization of noble families and their take on Crests. Which only leads her to wonder what life would have been like for her if Holst hadn't been the way he is. ]
𝘠𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘦𝘴. 𝘈𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘪𝘵 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘧 𝘢 𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯. 𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨.
[ There's another brief pause before she admits — ]
𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘰 𝘐 𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘦.
[ The Gonerils, she thinks, are an odd exception to the generalization of noble families and their take on Crests. Which only leads her to wonder what life would have been like for her if Holst hadn't been the way he is. ]
[So far, Jayden hasn't bothered trying the network; he knows it's garbled and he's had nothing worth trying to communicate anyway. But after learning something that might be potentially important he decides to make an attempt, and with Hilda being one of the few people he knows that isn't among the lost, she's the logical person to try contacting.]
Cultḭ̶̓̌͌͝s̵̨͖̝̮̉͑̑͘t̷̘̥́͗̚s̶͔͓̍ͅ h̶̬͑͘͝a̴̘̺̮͑v̸͓̱̲̳́e̷̥̱̕.̸̧͈͐̈̅͝ no eyes, jus̶͈̯̥̭̆̏t̶̨͉̱̥̊̀ ̵͙̫̖̽̑̌̈́ͅkeyholes ̵͕̥̲̇͊̀͜͝M̷̱̌̀̕i̵̬̜̍́̔͝g̷̺̹̀̃h̶͓̩̄͋t̸̜́͊́̚ͅ ̸̖͚̽̈͜ see thrǫ̴̌̽̈́͠ų̸̯̩̿̑g̵̻͑̃̏̑h̴͇̰̍̇̌͆ ̷͙̳͕̐͐͠t̸̲͕̱̑̉h̸̨̏̋ē̷͓̦̅͝ masks.
Cultḭ̶̓̌͌͝s̵̨͖̝̮̉͑̑͘t̷̘̥́͗̚s̶͔͓̍ͅ h̶̬͑͘͝a̴̘̺̮͑v̸͓̱̲̳́e̷̥̱̕.̸̧͈͐̈̅͝ no eyes, jus̶͈̯̥̭̆̏t̶̨͉̱̥̊̀ ̵͙̫̖̽̑̌̈́ͅkeyholes ̵͕̥̲̇͊̀͜͝M̷̱̌̀̕i̵̬̜̍́̔͝g̷̺̹̀̃h̶͓̩̄͋t̸̜́͊́̚ͅ ̸̖͚̽̈͜ see thrǫ̴̌̽̈́͠ų̸̯̩̿̑g̵̻͑̃̏̑h̴͇̰̍̇̌͆ ̷͙̳͕̐͐͠t̸̲͕̱̑̉h̸̨̏̋ē̷͓̦̅͝ masks.
[ Hilda should really become used to seeing these kinds of messages at this point, but that certainly isn't the case. The jarring feeling hasn't quite yet worn off and she can't help but jolt in her seat when Jayden's words flash across the surface of the desk she's seated at. ]
𝘑𝘢𝘺𝘥𝘦𝘯?
[ Panic that she's been trying to keep at bay most of the week starts to churn in her stomach. Not him too. It's concerning enough to realize that the man she had met only recently had been taken but for her to then realize what exactly he's trying to tell her. She's taken to keeping her notebook by her for moments like these in an attempt to decipher messages after they had long since faded and she quickly scrawls them onto a blank page, trying to puzzle it out.
The reality is enough to make her stomach churn a little more violently this time as a chill runs down her spine. ]
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘬𝘦𝘺𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴? 𝘈𝘮 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵?
𝘑𝘢𝘺𝘥𝘦𝘯?
[ Panic that she's been trying to keep at bay most of the week starts to churn in her stomach. Not him too. It's concerning enough to realize that the man she had met only recently had been taken but for her to then realize what exactly he's trying to tell her. She's taken to keeping her notebook by her for moments like these in an attempt to decipher messages after they had long since faded and she quickly scrawls them onto a blank page, trying to puzzle it out.
The reality is enough to make her stomach churn a little more violently this time as a chill runs down her spine. ]
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘬𝘦𝘺𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴? 𝘈𝘮 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵?
[The message doesn't come through clearly, appearing on a nearby rock, smudged into the dirt and grime that's everywhere in this place, but it's enough that he gets the idea and is incredibly relieved that she seems to have understood enough on her side too.]
Y̵͔̟͚̟͕͆̏͐̂ě̵̬͒̾̇͜͠͠s̴͖̞̣̩͈͈̩̊̎ͅ.̵̳͌̉̓̐ Correct. You got̶̡̖̝̮̩͇͕͐̍ ̴͙̥͗̈́͑̔̑͘į̵̡̩̦̩̥͚̄͑͌̍͠ͅt̵͖̯͇̫̎́͂̇́̚.̵͍̜̱̏͒
[He figures the more he reiterates, the more likely at least part of the message that comes through will get the sentiment across.]
S̵̝̱͓͇͂͗ḙ̸̣̟̈́ͅȇ̴̫͉͆̌̄̈́̑̐̐med blind̷̜͍͛̽ͅ ̴̳̞̄͆̾ẁ̷͕̤̳̗̘́̈̈̑ͅi̸̻͕̓̊̏̈́́̚͝͝t̶̳͌ͅh̶̡̧͇̙̾͂̚͜out the mas̴̪̦͂̊k̵̳̜̈́̈́͝.̴̡͈̘͓͚̓̎͌͑.
Y̵͔̟͚̟͕͆̏͐̂ě̵̬͒̾̇͜͠͠s̴͖̞̣̩͈͈̩̊̎ͅ.̵̳͌̉̓̐ Correct. You got̶̡̖̝̮̩͇͕͐̍ ̴͙̥͗̈́͑̔̑͘į̵̡̩̦̩̥͚̄͑͌̍͠ͅt̵͖̯͇̫̎́͂̇́̚.̵͍̜̱̏͒
[He figures the more he reiterates, the more likely at least part of the message that comes through will get the sentiment across.]
S̵̝̱͓͇͂͗ḙ̸̣̟̈́ͅȇ̴̫͉͆̌̄̈́̑̐̐med blind̷̜͍͛̽ͅ ̴̳̞̄͆̾ẁ̷͕̤̳̗̘́̈̈̑ͅi̸̻͕̓̊̏̈́́̚͝͝t̶̳͌ͅh̶̡̧͇̙̾͂̚͜out the mas̴̪̦͂̊k̵̳̜̈́̈́͝.̴̡͈̘͓͚̓̎͌͑.
[ She normally relishes in being right about something; it's like a little prize even if it's the equivalent of a participation star. But she didn't want to be right about this.
His message comes through repeatedly, laying over itself like someone is tracing the lines on top of another another until the ink in their pen decides to work.
She follows suit, sending it out several times and deliberately in hopes it'll reach him. ]
𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵? 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺?
His message comes through repeatedly, laying over itself like someone is tracing the lines on top of another another until the ink in their pen decides to work.
She follows suit, sending it out several times and deliberately in hopes it'll reach him. ]
𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵? 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺?
[It seems like the strategy is working well, at least for now; multiple iterations of her message make it easy enough to put the pieces of it together, and he keeps his own message short so he can focus on resending it a few times as well.]
Fine. Stol̴͓̑͛͋͂͒͘e̶̢͉̐̆̑̂̃͘͠͝ ̵̝͔̩͖̜͐̉̃̀̈́ó̶̢̧͕̎́̃̈̓ņ̶̌̐̈́̔̐͘͝͝͝e̸͎̭̯̯̦̻̜͑͊̾͊̑̀͊̀͘.
[But then he realizes he should also add--]
Į̷̝͓͎̤̯͕̩̱̽̃́̾̃̄̎̚t̴͍͍̹͚̞̺̗͔̓ ̸̡̖̉͜h̷̡͕̺̜͚̬͔͓̯̀̈́͆̅̉̍ă̵͕̯̼̰̖͕̤̋̆͆̏̔̕̚͘͜s̴̳̆̊̑͠ spikes likę̶̡̫̥͈͈͎͊͗̿͑̀̕͠͠ ̶̻͖̉̓ḯ̸̘̞̆̊̄͋͘ţ̷̹͖̰̥͚̒̐̌̋͠ plugs inť̴̛̙̼̜̜̦̲͙̺̆̇̋̆̕̚o̸͎͚̺͚̦̬̳͕̍̐̌̒̀͗͘ ̶̛̼̬̹͙̳̮̱̟̍̐̎͝t̷̝̏h̸̨̪͔̜͕̗͈̀͝e̷̡̱̪̥̖̮̙͈͖̅͌̿͑̽͝͝ ̴̢̧̠̘̠͖͍̼̗͛̈́̋̎͑̚k̷̢̨̛͉̤͇̭̘̙͈̽̏̾̊̂̃̓͂ȇ̷̢͍̟̫̺͑͐͛yholes.
[Which, you know, gross.]
Fine. Stol̴͓̑͛͋͂͒͘e̶̢͉̐̆̑̂̃͘͠͝ ̵̝͔̩͖̜͐̉̃̀̈́ó̶̢̧͕̎́̃̈̓ņ̶̌̐̈́̔̐͘͝͝͝e̸͎̭̯̯̦̻̜͑͊̾͊̑̀͊̀͘.
[But then he realizes he should also add--]
Į̷̝͓͎̤̯͕̩̱̽̃́̾̃̄̎̚t̴͍͍̹͚̞̺̗͔̓ ̸̡̖̉͜h̷̡͕̺̜͚̬͔͓̯̀̈́͆̅̉̍ă̵͕̯̼̰̖͕̤̋̆͆̏̔̕̚͘͜s̴̳̆̊̑͠ spikes likę̶̡̫̥͈͈͎͊͗̿͑̀̕͠͠ ̶̻͖̉̓ḯ̸̘̞̆̊̄͋͘ţ̷̹͖̰̥͚̒̐̌̋͠ plugs inť̴̛̙̼̜̜̦̲͙̺̆̇̋̆̕̚o̸͎͚̺͚̦̬̳͕̍̐̌̒̀͗͘ ̶̛̼̬̹͙̳̮̱̟̍̐̎͝t̷̝̏h̸̨̪͔̜͕̗͈̀͝e̷̡̱̪̥̖̮̙͈͖̅͌̿͑̽͝͝ ̴̢̧̠̘̠͖͍̼̗͛̈́̋̎͑̚k̷̢̨̛͉̤͇̭̘̙͈̽̏̾̊̂̃̓͂ȇ̷̢͍̟̫̺͑͐͛yholes.
[Which, you know, gross.]
Edited 2023-03-01 01:14 (UTC)
[ "Fine". Yeah she's totally buying that line. Not. Now is hardly the time to start lecturing someone she barely knows after they've been taken by people in creepy masks. There's better ways for her to expend her energy and words since they seem so limited by them.
His message is a little more muddied this time, but she gets the gist of it with the words that she can make out. ]
𝘜𝘨𝘩, 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴, 𝘑𝘢𝘺𝘥𝘦𝘯! [ In other words, thank you so much for this awful piece of information. What was that about expending her energy in a useful way? ] 𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺? 𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘴𝘦𝘦?
His message is a little more muddied this time, but she gets the gist of it with the words that she can make out. ]
𝘜𝘨𝘩, 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴, 𝘑𝘢𝘺𝘥𝘦𝘯! [ In other words, thank you so much for this awful piece of information. What was that about expending her energy in a useful way? ] 𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺? 𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘴𝘦𝘦?
[Despite everything going on, and that it's definitely not fine, that first part of her response makes him smile a little to himself. It is gross, and it's nice to have a moment of keeping things into a more normal perspective instead of a dire, survivalist one.]
I̵̛̼̜̤̱͂̍ͅ'̶̡͙̘̄̆m̷̧͕̣̭̠͇̎͐͂͗̽̃͒͝ ̶̝̞̋̂̃n̴̢̩̖̯̂̍͂̋̓̌́̀o̶͔͍̝̟̥̭̞̒̇͊̆͒̊̾͝t̷̲̮̼͑͊̓̑͠ sure, but I t̴̡̰̘̤̗̲͌͒͊̓ȟ̷̢̼̻̗̘į̶̡̺̰̜̰͇͌̽̈̓̓̓n̶̼̻̰̺̖̔͗k̴̨̮̘̖̪̤͋̐̋̈́͑̈́͂̑ so. He s̸̭̗̘̎͑̽͑ͅë̷̮́̍͐̐̏̂e̸̛̼̭͖̪̹̘͑̔̉̅̆͗͊m̴̩̠͕͈͈͓̽̈́͆͗͋͌̀̈́ȩ̸̢̣͖̝̈́̽͘ͅd̸̨̢̤̼̻̱͐̂̕̕͠ ̵̧̼̘͙̗̲̎c̶̮̼̗͚̈͘o̷̺̥̩̲͆̅̏̂̔̎͘͝ͅṅ̷̨̖̝͚̮̠̓͜fused or mayb̷̺͖̃̊̐̕ȅ̸̜͔͕͍̀͌͐̄͘ ̷͕̰̯̊̋̚ͅb̴̨̞̣̣̦̽̿l̵̝̼͇̾̓̅̆i̶̠̋̓̕nd without it.
[After sending the message a few times in hopes the gist gets across, he adds less helpfully--]
Haven̷̥̼̱̩̭̲͈̍̍̾̈́͊̚͝ͅ'̴̜͎͉͔̃̌t̶̡̰̺͆͜ ̵̮̖̏͂̈͊͋͘͜ţ̴̪̈̍͗́̒r̷̼̹͎͇͒͒͂̄́̋͘ied it on for̸̢̭͉̝̈́͝͝ ̸̨̼̯̹̚o̵̭̻̤̓͘͜b̴̛̗͔̔̐̈́͗̉̚v̵̩͎͕̰̺̙̽͑i̴̼̮̦̰̊̈́̋̅̽̑͝o̴͕̓̀̎͊̏u̸͎͖͖̓͗͛͑́͊̕s̴̡̘̣̤̥̉̄̎̿̈́̿͜͝ reasons, so if i̷̛̙̭͗͛̇͑͗͝t̸͔̞͈̜͎̟̤̩͆͆͋ ̷͓̙̹̉̀̆̍̈͑d̷̢̛̛͉̤̗̰̤͋o̷̮̞͂̃e̵͈̯̟̿̇ŝ̵̢͚̬̻́̿͗ͅ ̸̭̞͍̻̼̪͗͛ͅa̴͎̙̾͆ǹ̷̛̘̜̩̝͚̖͚̈́̌̍͛̈́͜ything else I c̵͉̾̔ä̴͙̭̖̮͕̜̫́͗̓͊͗̿̅͆ń̴̡̼̘̥̘̘͌̅'̵̛̜̟͓̌̏̀̌̌͜t̶̥͚̯̦͈͇̬̞́̒̈́͘ say.
I̵̛̼̜̤̱͂̍ͅ'̶̡͙̘̄̆m̷̧͕̣̭̠͇̎͐͂͗̽̃͒͝ ̶̝̞̋̂̃n̴̢̩̖̯̂̍͂̋̓̌́̀o̶͔͍̝̟̥̭̞̒̇͊̆͒̊̾͝t̷̲̮̼͑͊̓̑͠ sure, but I t̴̡̰̘̤̗̲͌͒͊̓ȟ̷̢̼̻̗̘į̶̡̺̰̜̰͇͌̽̈̓̓̓n̶̼̻̰̺̖̔͗k̴̨̮̘̖̪̤͋̐̋̈́͑̈́͂̑ so. He s̸̭̗̘̎͑̽͑ͅë̷̮́̍͐̐̏̂e̸̛̼̭͖̪̹̘͑̔̉̅̆͗͊m̴̩̠͕͈͈͓̽̈́͆͗͋͌̀̈́ȩ̸̢̣͖̝̈́̽͘ͅd̸̨̢̤̼̻̱͐̂̕̕͠ ̵̧̼̘͙̗̲̎c̶̮̼̗͚̈͘o̷̺̥̩̲͆̅̏̂̔̎͘͝ͅṅ̷̨̖̝͚̮̠̓͜fused or mayb̷̺͖̃̊̐̕ȅ̸̜͔͕͍̀͌͐̄͘ ̷͕̰̯̊̋̚ͅb̴̨̞̣̣̦̽̿l̵̝̼͇̾̓̅̆i̶̠̋̓̕nd without it.
[After sending the message a few times in hopes the gist gets across, he adds less helpfully--]
Haven̷̥̼̱̩̭̲͈̍̍̾̈́͊̚͝ͅ'̴̜͎͉͔̃̌t̶̡̰̺͆͜ ̵̮̖̏͂̈͊͋͘͜ţ̴̪̈̍͗́̒r̷̼̹͎͇͒͒͂̄́̋͘ied it on for̸̢̭͉̝̈́͝͝ ̸̨̼̯̹̚o̵̭̻̤̓͘͜b̴̛̗͔̔̐̈́͗̉̚v̵̩͎͕̰̺̙̽͑i̴̼̮̦̰̊̈́̋̅̽̑͝o̴͕̓̀̎͊̏u̸͎͖͖̓͗͛͑́͊̕s̴̡̘̣̤̥̉̄̎̿̈́̿͜͝ reasons, so if i̷̛̙̭͗͛̇͑͗͝t̸͔̞͈̜͎̟̤̩͆͆͋ ̷͓̙̹̉̀̆̍̈͑d̷̢̛̛͉̤̗̰̤͋o̷̮̞͂̃e̵͈̯̟̿̇ŝ̵̢͚̬̻́̿͗ͅ ̸̭̞͍̻̼̪͗͛ͅa̴͎̙̾͆ǹ̷̛̘̜̩̝͚̖͚̈́̌̍͛̈́͜ything else I c̵͉̾̔ä̴͙̭̖̮͕̜̫́͗̓͊͗̿̅͆ń̴̡̼̘̥̘̘͌̅'̵̛̜̟͓̌̏̀̌̌͜t̶̥͚̯̦͈͇̬̞́̒̈́͘ say.
[ As long as he didn't think it was insensitive of her, Hilda would be glad to know that she can offer some kind of levity in these awful, trying times. She's quick to try and decipher the garbled text.
The information about the mask is useful and she notes it down to pass onto Natasha later on. And as for the second bit... ]
𝘐 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘯! 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘬𝘦𝘺𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴. 𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦?
The information about the mask is useful and she notes it down to pass onto Natasha later on. And as for the second bit... ]
𝘐 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘯! 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘬𝘦𝘺𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴. 𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦?
Edited 2023-03-03 05:25 (UTC)
[It feels a little more hopeful than realistic to be worried about coming back, whether with keyholes for eyes or otherwise, but he'll entertain the idea for now.]
Don't w̵̹͆͒ô̸̙̗̜̖̱̈̈̀r̴̦̮̪̖̥͒̿̚r̴̢̹̞̯͑̈́̓͝y̷̺͎͓͈̻̯̱͗̅,̶̢̛͙̟̙̞̩̗̃́ ̴͈͚͊͒͊̋̾́̇I̴̞̳̣̻̐̏̿͝ ̷̭̲͠d̶̪̙̙͈̜̠̈́̇͛̄̆̓o̸̖͕͑̌̎n't plan on i̸̡̨̝̞̎̚͘ͅt̴̨̨̛̙̺͕̫̺̓͛̍.̷̰͉̰́̔̃̄ ̴͇̓̇̅̈́͒͝C̶̢̬̲̮͈̻̓͋̔̋͗̈͆o̵̖̥͎̠̗͎͘̚ṇ̸̡̭̯͈̱̆̋̾̂̀̀̀n̴̨̽́ected how? I̷̠͎̞̭͒̋̚ ̶̛̖͙̯̌ḩ̸̠͚͠͝a̵̧̨̭͈͛̕v̶̳̰̖̩̓͜͜e̶̳̤͐́̒n̵̢̟̭̼̭̩͑̂͊̈̂͆'̵̼̙̙̬̮̲̝̊ẗ̵̝̤̦̲́͐́́ ̴̩̖͉̼̇̾̐̃͝n̸̳̯̍̓͆́̓̊͘ͅǒ̴͉̞̯̩̦͙̀̃͋̆́̕ț̷̨͉̯̱̔̾ͅiced anything specific.
Don't w̵̹͆͒ô̸̙̗̜̖̱̈̈̀r̴̦̮̪̖̥͒̿̚r̴̢̹̞̯͑̈́̓͝y̷̺͎͓͈̻̯̱͗̅,̶̢̛͙̟̙̞̩̗̃́ ̴͈͚͊͒͊̋̾́̇I̴̞̳̣̻̐̏̿͝ ̷̭̲͠d̶̪̙̙͈̜̠̈́̇͛̄̆̓o̸̖͕͑̌̎n't plan on i̸̡̨̝̞̎̚͘ͅt̴̨̨̛̙̺͕̫̺̓͛̍.̷̰͉̰́̔̃̄ ̴͇̓̇̅̈́͒͝C̶̢̬̲̮͈̻̓͋̔̋͗̈͆o̵̖̥͎̠̗͎͘̚ṇ̸̡̭̯͈̱̆̋̾̂̀̀̀n̴̨̽́ected how? I̷̠͎̞̭͒̋̚ ̶̛̖͙̯̌ḩ̸̠͚͠͝a̵̧̨̭͈͛̕v̶̳̰̖̩̓͜͜e̶̳̤͐́̒n̵̢̟̭̼̭̩͑̂͊̈̂͆'̵̼̙̙̬̮̲̝̊ẗ̵̝̤̦̲́͐́́ ̴̩̖͉̼̇̾̐̃͝n̸̳̯̍̓͆́̓̊͘ͅǒ̴͉̞̯̩̦͙̀̃͋̆́̕ț̷̨͉̯̱̔̾ͅiced anything specific.
[ They have to stay hopeful though. If she didn't, then there was no point in continuing on with anything that the Summoned who hadn't been kidnapped were doing. They had all been working so hard - letting it go to waste, not getting their friends home simply wasn't an option. ]
𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦...𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰. 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘥? 𝘖𝘳 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤?
𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦...𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰. 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘥? 𝘖𝘳 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤?
[It's a welcome distraction to focus on theorizing and trying to answer questions, so his responses become slightly more wordy but unfortunately more garbled as a side effect.]
The̶͓̅̾̊͊́̈́̚y̵̨̫̪͊ͅ ̵̪̮̈́̄̒̂d̷̨̛̤͙̟͆̈̊̇́̊o̶͚͋͒͆́̌́ ̶͓̪̮̙͈̻̐̄̐̍̄́͝s̷̩̣̗͓̟͜͝ḙ̵͈̹̺͕̭͑̓e̴̮͍̤̲̎̉̄̉m̷̮͚̜̣̦͖͊͒̍̈́̓ ̴̛̖̘̔̃̌̓͘l̸̢̻̯͈̜̣̰̎͝i̶̳̍́ke a cult, so I thouġ̶̹̦̮̖̞̄͋͝h̴̛t̵̟̰͍̦͓̿̀̐̀́̎ ̴̯̥̥͖̑͒̊̎͐̏̚t̶̟͔̜̮̆̈́̆̅̑͆̕ḧ̸̛͈̘̯̝́̆ę̴͇̲̱͕̘̓͌̆̀̄̏̿͜ ̶͎̓͛̀͒̈́̕̕m̵̥̱̽̊̈́̋̍̀ā̶͖́ŝ̷̢̢̟͛͗k̷̦̫̦̯͊̿̑̏͂͒͜s̵͇͉̪͎͖̜͋̄ ̸̲̗̮͚̭͔̿̽̐w̶̡͐͂̚ͅe̶̛̗͎̖̖̩͐͛̓̐̂re ritualistic, b̴̥̱̩̙͈̋ȕ̴̫̳͈̯̬̅̀̎͘t̵̹̳̘̎ ̵̨͎̻̙͍̈̕I̴͖͐́̚'̵̡͈͕͙̫̎͜m̶̼̔͐̉͑̍ ̶̼̝͈̋̈͌̽̑̚̕n̵̨̜̹̯̣̻̻̄͑̓̌̚ŏ̸͍̗̽̓̔̀̕t̵̳̗͋̂͆̂́̔̚ ̶̧͊̆̆͒̚͘s̵̢̡̲̝̺̙̋́͂̓̐͆̃ͅure anymore. M̶͓̬̖̗͂̆̚͜i̴͖̹̹͉̖̝̊͠g̶̜̟̩̉͌̓h̷̘̦̬́̀̅̎͌͛t̷̲͉͈͉͒́́́̆̑̕ ̵̧̠̩̭̩̝̅̓b̸̧̳̮͓̘͎͇̄̆̀̊̽̅e̶̮̫͊̇ both ṙ̵̟̣̞̮̠͉͜͠ī̶̪̣t̶̢̢̥̑ų̸̝̬̤̀͋̓̚a̸̬͖̬͆͌́l̷̝̰͉͕̐̇́̽̅̕͜ͅḯ̶̡͉̫̗̳͂͐̾̀̂͜͠s̸̨̝͔͚̟̯͌̃̈̽̀͒͠tic and practical.
[With the potentially being blind without them thing. But they do seem like they might have some ceremonial purpose; they're so intricate and similar to the others that it feels meaningful.
He should add, though--]
I d̷̺̯̂̎͌̑͘ó̶̩͙̘̇̏͝͝n̸̘̙͑̒̎͊̆̋̒'̶̳͚̆̑̿t̴̛͍̓̽̋̀ ̸̣̦̩̩̺̔̎̈͐̈̓͠k̶̻̙͖͎̮̙̽̿̓̚͠͠n̷͍̿̀͒͆o̴͉̣̽͑̓͊̇͛͝w̸̧̠̌͑͐ ̸͖̬̙͕̂̄͊̃͐ä̶̧͕̱̣͇́̾̀̌̚͝ͅṇ̴̨̬͕͌͗͗͠ȳ̴̨̨̮̣̠̭̉ͅthing about̴̢̋ ̵̥̯̗͖̘͖̀̋̈́͌͜ģ̶̭̙̹̝́̈́͛̕͜o̶̼͂͜ds or magic.
[Which is making all of this even more difficult to get a grasp on than it might've otherwise been.]
The̶͓̅̾̊͊́̈́̚y̵̨̫̪͊ͅ ̵̪̮̈́̄̒̂d̷̨̛̤͙̟͆̈̊̇́̊o̶͚͋͒͆́̌́ ̶͓̪̮̙͈̻̐̄̐̍̄́͝s̷̩̣̗͓̟͜͝ḙ̵͈̹̺͕̭͑̓e̴̮͍̤̲̎̉̄̉m̷̮͚̜̣̦͖͊͒̍̈́̓ ̴̛̖̘̔̃̌̓͘l̸̢̻̯͈̜̣̰̎͝i̶̳̍́ke a cult, so I thouġ̶̹̦̮̖̞̄͋͝h̴̛t̵̟̰͍̦͓̿̀̐̀́̎ ̴̯̥̥͖̑͒̊̎͐̏̚t̶̟͔̜̮̆̈́̆̅̑͆̕ḧ̸̛͈̘̯̝́̆ę̴͇̲̱͕̘̓͌̆̀̄̏̿͜ ̶͎̓͛̀͒̈́̕̕m̵̥̱̽̊̈́̋̍̀ā̶͖́ŝ̷̢̢̟͛͗k̷̦̫̦̯͊̿̑̏͂͒͜s̵͇͉̪͎͖̜͋̄ ̸̲̗̮͚̭͔̿̽̐w̶̡͐͂̚ͅe̶̛̗͎̖̖̩͐͛̓̐̂re ritualistic, b̴̥̱̩̙͈̋ȕ̴̫̳͈̯̬̅̀̎͘t̵̹̳̘̎ ̵̨͎̻̙͍̈̕I̴͖͐́̚'̵̡͈͕͙̫̎͜m̶̼̔͐̉͑̍ ̶̼̝͈̋̈͌̽̑̚̕n̵̨̜̹̯̣̻̻̄͑̓̌̚ŏ̸͍̗̽̓̔̀̕t̵̳̗͋̂͆̂́̔̚ ̶̧͊̆̆͒̚͘s̵̢̡̲̝̺̙̋́͂̓̐͆̃ͅure anymore. M̶͓̬̖̗͂̆̚͜i̴͖̹̹͉̖̝̊͠g̶̜̟̩̉͌̓h̷̘̦̬́̀̅̎͌͛t̷̲͉͈͉͒́́́̆̑̕ ̵̧̠̩̭̩̝̅̓b̸̧̳̮͓̘͎͇̄̆̀̊̽̅e̶̮̫͊̇ both ṙ̵̟̣̞̮̠͉͜͠ī̶̪̣t̶̢̢̥̑ų̸̝̬̤̀͋̓̚a̸̬͖̬͆͌́l̷̝̰͉͕̐̇́̽̅̕͜ͅḯ̶̡͉̫̗̳͂͐̾̀̂͜͠s̸̨̝͔͚̟̯͌̃̈̽̀͒͠tic and practical.
[With the potentially being blind without them thing. But they do seem like they might have some ceremonial purpose; they're so intricate and similar to the others that it feels meaningful.
He should add, though--]
I d̷̺̯̂̎͌̑͘ó̶̩͙̘̇̏͝͝n̸̘̙͑̒̎͊̆̋̒'̶̳͚̆̑̿t̴̛͍̓̽̋̀ ̸̣̦̩̩̺̔̎̈͐̈̓͠k̶̻̙͖͎̮̙̽̿̓̚͠͠n̷͍̿̀͒͆o̴͉̣̽͑̓͊̇͛͝w̸̧̠̌͑͐ ̸͖̬̙͕̂̄͊̃͐ä̶̧͕̱̣͇́̾̀̌̚͝ͅṇ̴̨̬͕͌͗͗͠ȳ̴̨̨̮̣̠̭̉ͅthing about̴̢̋ ̵̥̯̗͖̘͖̀̋̈́͌͜ģ̶̭̙̹̝́̈́͛̕͜o̶̼͂͜ds or magic.
[Which is making all of this even more difficult to get a grasp on than it might've otherwise been.]
[ She's right back to scrawling onto her notebook and it's another moment before she can respond, hoping that she's got everything that Jayden is trying trying to convey to her. ]
𝘈 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦. [ They certainly dressed like one - not that she knew many cults. She bites her bottom lip in thought. ] 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘶𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘳. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.
[ The last sentence is sent several times over and with a fierceness that if nothing else comes through, at least it's that. ]
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵? 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩𝘴!
𝘈 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦. [ They certainly dressed like one - not that she knew many cults. She bites her bottom lip in thought. ] 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘶𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘳. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.
[ The last sentence is sent several times over and with a fierceness that if nothing else comes through, at least it's that. ]
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵? 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩𝘴!
[Her message is more garbled on his end too, though perhaps not necessarily because of length, but the connection itself. But he still gets pieces of it and most of the last part, and tries to convince himself she's right; he's gotten out of bad situations before just by resourceful thinking and determination, so why should this be any different? Sure, he can't be both sides of collecting evidence and then analyzing and acting on it, but he can try to do the first part and then get to to people who can do the second.
His own message back is short, partially for practicality and partially because they both have work to be done, though he resends it a few times in hopes it'll come through clearly.]
Yeaḧ̷̛̛͇̝̜̲̯́̑͒̔̈́͝.̸̲̪͑ ̴̢̨̡̻͎̠̯͋͗̍̈̆͜I̵̻̾̏̅̽̄'̵̛̜̹̫̾̎l̵̖̬͕̱̫̊͑͌͝͝l̸͉̆͐ ̶̡̳͖̞̮̲͉̞̌̋͒̐̐̒̑̾l̶̟͎̣͉͈̤̈́̓͋ͅe̷̢̼̻̞̹͉͎͛̐̒͋̈́̎͐͜͝t you know̷͖̪̤̫͕͈̯̥̒͂̊͗ ̴̨̧͎̯͈̐͗a̴̰͙͈̮͕̙̋̅̚n̴̨̡͈̻̠̫̤̉̍͌̂̚ȳ̷̛͍̬̥̱̪͕̆̐ͅť̵̯̦̊h̶̳͚͗̈́̆͐͘ing important.
His own message back is short, partially for practicality and partially because they both have work to be done, though he resends it a few times in hopes it'll come through clearly.]
Yeaḧ̷̛̛͇̝̜̲̯́̑͒̔̈́͝.̸̲̪͑ ̴̢̨̡̻͎̠̯͋͗̍̈̆͜I̵̻̾̏̅̽̄'̵̛̜̹̫̾̎l̵̖̬͕̱̫̊͑͌͝͝l̸͉̆͐ ̶̡̳͖̞̮̲͉̞̌̋͒̐̐̒̑̾l̶̟͎̣͉͈̤̈́̓͋ͅe̷̢̼̻̞̹͉͎͛̐̒͋̈́̎͐͜͝t you know̷͖̪̤̫͕͈̯̥̒͂̊͗ ̴̨̧͎̯͈̐͗a̴̰͙͈̮͕̙̋̅̚n̴̨̡͈̻̠̫̤̉̍͌̂̚ȳ̷̛͍̬̥̱̪͕̆̐ͅť̵̯̦̊h̶̳͚͗̈́̆͐͘ing important.
𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦, 𝘑𝘢𝘺𝘥𝘦𝘯.
[ And then she sends what is hopefully something comforting and not seen as ridiculously morbid or stupid. ]
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘵.
[ And then she sends what is hopefully something comforting and not seen as ridiculously morbid or stupid. ]
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘵.
[He gets enough of it to get the gist, and although her comment is both morbid and stupid, that in itself is also comforting. A win all around, really.
Of course, as it turns out, the watch actually would have been very useful. Not only is keeping track of time difficult in this place, but it would've been helpful when he'd had to free himself in the aftermath of the ritual, though that probably also would've destroyed the watch and added another to his tally.
But because of the ritual and everything that went along with it afterward, it's near the end of week two before he both remembers and is capable of messaging her again. He doesn't want to talk about the ritual itself, and with as many people involved as there were, surely someone's gotten the word out about that and so he focuses on relaying something else.]
T̷̨͚̩͎̥͍̠͐h̷̟́ḛ̴̜͙͚͊̓̽̈́ŕ̸̩̚ȅ̷̥̝̜̯̿'̸̹̺͓̗̻̂̓͘͜s̶̖̼̉͛̾͝ ̷̛̖͕̳̘̘̽̊̈̕s̵̡̳̘̞͍͕̑̑̇̀͊̒hrines. They'̷̣͍́̑̀͋͗v̶̧̪̖̞̖͙̹͂ẽ̸͔̫̎̒̎͒͘ ̴̳͓̼̖̯͔̗̈̈́̄b̸̧͉̩̙̈̈̀͂ȩ̴̣͎̈̂ë̷̯͈̂̀ń̷̥̞̉̈ ̷̢̭͇͕̩̙̒̆̃̈́̄ͅc̷̨̦̣̯̯̝͔̀̃̿̇̂͗h̴̜̅̔͐͝͝anging.
[He can't concentrate enough to resend the messages, so how much gets through is mostly up to Hilda's deciphering skills.]
Of course, as it turns out, the watch actually would have been very useful. Not only is keeping track of time difficult in this place, but it would've been helpful when he'd had to free himself in the aftermath of the ritual, though that probably also would've destroyed the watch and added another to his tally.
But because of the ritual and everything that went along with it afterward, it's near the end of week two before he both remembers and is capable of messaging her again. He doesn't want to talk about the ritual itself, and with as many people involved as there were, surely someone's gotten the word out about that and so he focuses on relaying something else.]
T̷̨͚̩͎̥͍̠͐h̷̟́ḛ̴̜͙͚͊̓̽̈́ŕ̸̩̚ȅ̷̥̝̜̯̿'̸̹̺͓̗̻̂̓͘͜s̶̖̼̉͛̾͝ ̷̛̖͕̳̘̘̽̊̈̕s̵̡̳̘̞͍͕̑̑̇̀͊̒hrines. They'̷̣͍́̑̀͋͗v̶̧̪̖̞̖͙̹͂ẽ̸͔̫̎̒̎͒͘ ̴̳͓̼̖̯͔̗̈̈́̄b̸̧͉̩̙̈̈̀͂ȩ̴̣͎̈̂ë̷̯͈̂̀ń̷̥̞̉̈ ̷̢̭͇͕̩̙̒̆̃̈́̄ͅc̷̨̦̣̯̯̝͔̀̃̿̇̂͗h̴̜̅̔͐͝͝anging.
[He can't concentrate enough to resend the messages, so how much gets through is mostly up to Hilda's deciphering skills.]
[ She worries, subconsciously for another week when Jayden goes silent. That had been the case for many of the people she knew that had been taken and while she’s glad to have at least caught glimpses of Claude and Sylvain, a part of her almost wishes she hadn’t. The realities of what they were going through were now laid bare in front of her and she’s more desperate than before to find them.
Mentally, the Hilda at the end of week two is a vastly different one from the start of this whole ordeal. Time seems to stretch for those left behind too, but in a different way and Hilda isn’t exempt from that. Between her lack of sleep (the nightmares that come unbidden mixed with the ever present worry), the traversing of the streets of Cadens, out to the desert, and then to Solvunn, she feels wobbly and out of sorts held together by resolve and fraying hope.
Jayden’s message startles her, and her breath catches in her throat as she tries to decipher it. ‘Shrines’ and ‘changing’ are all she catches, but it’s enough. ]
𝘑𝘢𝘺𝘥𝘦𝘯! [ She’s relieved but catches herself before she sends, ‘you’re alive’. ] 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘸?
Mentally, the Hilda at the end of week two is a vastly different one from the start of this whole ordeal. Time seems to stretch for those left behind too, but in a different way and Hilda isn’t exempt from that. Between her lack of sleep (the nightmares that come unbidden mixed with the ever present worry), the traversing of the streets of Cadens, out to the desert, and then to Solvunn, she feels wobbly and out of sorts held together by resolve and fraying hope.
Jayden’s message startles her, and her breath catches in her throat as she tries to decipher it. ‘Shrines’ and ‘changing’ are all she catches, but it’s enough. ]
𝘑𝘢𝘺𝘥𝘦𝘯! [ She’s relieved but catches herself before she sends, ‘you’re alive’. ] 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘸?
[There's another delay, but this time much shorter, just half an hour or so. Even though he's feeling comparatively better at the moment, it's still so difficult to focus enough to send a message.]
T̵͔̜̤̳̐͆͝ȟ̶̥̲e̶̛̻̥͊́͂͝͝y̸̼̻̲̯̌ look diff̴̧̲̱̣̀̆͘͜ẹ̷̦̜̭̄̉̕͠r̷̛̭̺̪͍̝͈̻͎͂͌́͝e̴̪̅̊̔͝͠n̵̖̆ṭ̸̣̣̺̼͎̼̀͌͋̆̌̇ͅ. T̸̡͙̘̤͒̆̀̌̏̕͠͝h̶͚̭͍̮̲̦̓͜è̸̺̥̳̣̱͉̋̕͠ỹ̸̧̗̝̟̃̑'̶͖̖̼̭͇̌r̸̢͖̩̼̻̄̽̕͠e̵̟͕̥̭͓̭̫̭̾̈͝ ̷͈̘̥͖͕̝̟̝̽b̷̢̝̫̥̳͙̥̄̇̔̐leeding and whispering.
[Somehow the whispering is the strangest part of it all.]
T̵͔̜̤̳̐͆͝ȟ̶̥̲e̶̛̻̥͊́͂͝͝y̸̼̻̲̯̌ look diff̴̧̲̱̣̀̆͘͜ẹ̷̦̜̭̄̉̕͠r̷̛̭̺̪͍̝͈̻͎͂͌́͝e̴̪̅̊̔͝͠n̵̖̆ṭ̸̣̣̺̼͎̼̀͌͋̆̌̇ͅ. T̸̡͙̘̤͒̆̀̌̏̕͠͝h̶͚̭͍̮̲̦̓͜è̸̺̥̳̣̱͉̋̕͠ỹ̸̧̗̝̟̃̑'̶͖̖̼̭͇̌r̸̢͖̩̼̻̄̽̕͠e̵̟͕̥̭͓̭̫̭̾̈͝ ̷͈̘̥͖͕̝̟̝̽b̷̢̝̫̥̳͙̥̄̇̔̐leeding and whispering.
[Somehow the whispering is the strangest part of it all.]
𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵? 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨?
[ She'd argue that they're both strange, but...yeah, he's right. The whispering is the weirdest thing out of the two. ]
𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨?
[ She'd argue that they're both strange, but...yeah, he's right. The whispering is the weirdest thing out of the two. ]
𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨?
[She is right but he doesn't confirm it, only really able to focus on one thing at a time for the moment.]
No, I c̸͎͎̅͊̂̇̆̕̚a̷̢̡̗̮̠̟̬͍̎̕͝n̸̙͖̙͔͈̺̓͆̀̆̑̓͒̕'̴̦̯̦̹̍̓̉̂̿̃t̸̲̮̟̜̭̣͘͜ ̸̖̌̌͋̔͆͝ț̵̤͚́̐͜ë̷͜l̵̨̓͊̊͑̕ļ̶̖̘̜̠̰͗̂̓̔͛̄͗͐,̸̠̠͖͕̫̩͕͌̋̀͝ ̴͕̙͇̠̺͚͆̆͌̅̐̑̇̕b̶̹̲̼͋̋͆̑̈́̔͐͜͠u̷̧̩͍̠̇̓̀̅̊̈́͝t̷̤͎̯̲̆͑̆̍̊̇͂̏ ̴̭̈́͑̊̓͝͝į̷̛͈̦̦͚̏͒̔ṭ̸̛͖̝̣̫̄ shakes l̴̨͈͉̀̈́̋̌̐̃̕̕î̷̻͈͊͂k̴̛͓̤͇̮̦͖͚̊̀̃̃̋͠e̷̛͖͆̉̓͑͐̈̓ ̶̬̪̓͠it's alive. Maybe they are.
[At this point anything could be possible and he probably wouldn't question it. Why couldn't the shrines be alive somehow?]
No, I c̸͎͎̅͊̂̇̆̕̚a̷̢̡̗̮̠̟̬͍̎̕͝n̸̙͖̙͔͈̺̓͆̀̆̑̓͒̕'̴̦̯̦̹̍̓̉̂̿̃t̸̲̮̟̜̭̣͘͜ ̸̖̌̌͋̔͆͝ț̵̤͚́̐͜ë̷͜l̵̨̓͊̊͑̕ļ̶̖̘̜̠̰͗̂̓̔͛̄͗͐,̸̠̠͖͕̫̩͕͌̋̀͝ ̴͕̙͇̠̺͚͆̆͌̅̐̑̇̕b̶̹̲̼͋̋͆̑̈́̔͐͜͠u̷̧̩͍̠̇̓̀̅̊̈́͝t̷̤͎̯̲̆͑̆̍̊̇͂̏ ̴̭̈́͑̊̓͝͝į̷̛͈̦̦͚̏͒̔ṭ̸̛͖̝̣̫̄ shakes l̴̨͈͉̀̈́̋̌̐̃̕̕î̷̻͈͊͂k̴̛͓̤͇̮̦͖͚̊̀̃̃̋͠e̷̛͖͆̉̓͑͐̈̓ ̶̬̪̓͠it's alive. Maybe they are.
[At this point anything could be possible and he probably wouldn't question it. Why couldn't the shrines be alive somehow?]
[ Statues that are alive? A shiver runs through her body at the very thought. Although inanimate objects that seem to be alive isn't an entirely new concept for her. ]
𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘵? 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘑𝘢𝘺.
𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱?
[ It's not really the time for something like idle chitchat but she's never thought she's been good at much else than trying to keep people's spirits up in whatever way she can. ]
𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘵? 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘑𝘢𝘺.
𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱?
[ It's not really the time for something like idle chitchat but she's never thought she's been good at much else than trying to keep people's spirits up in whatever way she can. ]
[There's more he should tell her, about the charms and the fact that the shrines can be opened, but it's second hand knowledge and even considering trying to accurately pass on the information is an overwhelming thought. So although he might've otherwise ignored her question, or tried to deflect, right now it's easier to just take the brief distraction.]
Į̴̜̲͐̉̀͗̆͐'̸̮̇̀͑m̵̢̜̝̗̮̤̼̉͋̔͝͝ alive, so I̶͈͉̬̿̈́̾͛̇ ̶̢̯̘͔͉̌͆̀ḡ̵̡̦̼̫͉̖ų̴̬̼̫̲̫̪̄ḛ̶̛̭͈̾̾̑͝͠͠s̶̨̨̛̪̺̺̲̬̜͒̇s̵̢͍͓̭̹̥̈͂̉̽̔̌̈́ ̵̗̈́Ǐ̵͉̘̮̋͆͋͂ͅͅ ̷̢̜̙̟̦͈̗̈́̀̊̓͛̋̍c̷̦̪̏̌̊͛͠o̸̢̘̤̹͂̕͘͠ừ̷̼͇͚̝̅̎̀̊l̶̝͇͚͍̻̂̿̎̌̑̕͠͝d̷̢͔̲̂ be worse.
[The absolute lowest of low bars here, but y'know. But after a brief delay, he adds--]
Peȏ̶̡͈͚͕͙̙͆̆̃̀͜p̴̺͙̯̹̹̠͓̈́̍l̶̨̞̗̣̻̦̓̒̇́ė̴͍̪̎̑̈́ ̵̡̞̲̠̚̚̚͝͝a̷̞̤̺͐̑̕r̸̩̀͑̔̇̄ȩ̷̩̝̫̦͔̲̍̅̔͒n't doinǵ̷̲̠͚̩̪̓̂̔̂͝ ̵̺̬͆͑͐̾̕̚͘͠t̵̗̤͙̲̻̝͇̚͠ǫ̷̛͇̼̼̦͗̈̎͘͠o̷̡͖͖͎̯̯̊͆͂̚ ̴̘̣̹̫̳̃ͅgood.
Į̴̜̲͐̉̀͗̆͐'̸̮̇̀͑m̵̢̜̝̗̮̤̼̉͋̔͝͝ alive, so I̶͈͉̬̿̈́̾͛̇ ̶̢̯̘͔͉̌͆̀ḡ̵̡̦̼̫͉̖ų̴̬̼̫̲̫̪̄ḛ̶̛̭͈̾̾̑͝͠͠s̶̨̨̛̪̺̺̲̬̜͒̇s̵̢͍͓̭̹̥̈͂̉̽̔̌̈́ ̵̗̈́Ǐ̵͉̘̮̋͆͋͂ͅͅ ̷̢̜̙̟̦͈̗̈́̀̊̓͛̋̍c̷̦̪̏̌̊͛͠o̸̢̘̤̹͂̕͘͠ừ̷̼͇͚̝̅̎̀̊l̶̝͇͚͍̻̂̿̎̌̑̕͠͝d̷̢͔̲̂ be worse.
[The absolute lowest of low bars here, but y'know. But after a brief delay, he adds--]
Peȏ̶̡͈͚͕͙̙͆̆̃̀͜p̴̺͙̯̹̹̠͓̈́̍l̶̨̞̗̣̻̦̓̒̇́ė̴͍̪̎̑̈́ ̵̡̞̲̠̚̚̚͝͝a̷̞̤̺͐̑̕r̸̩̀͑̔̇̄ȩ̷̩̝̫̦͔̲̍̅̔͒n't doinǵ̷̲̠͚̩̪̓̂̔̂͝ ̵̺̬͆͑͐̾̕̚͘͠t̵̗̤͙̲̻̝͇̚͠ǫ̷̛͇̼̼̦͗̈̎͘͠o̷̡͖͖͎̯̯̊͆͂̚ ̴̘̣̹̫̳̃ͅgood.
[ Hilda wouldn't have expected him to. She had seen the damage done to her friend's bodies in the Horizon; the fact that he's got enough energy to be reaching out at all, and to her of all people, is astounding enough. What that means though is anyone's guess. Maybe whoever had taken them just hadn't done as much to Jayden as the others, or maybe he was just holding up better.
It's a small comfort, but not by much. ]
𝘈𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥. 𝘈𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥. 𝘚𝘦𝘦, 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.
It's a small comfort, but not by much. ]
𝘈𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥. 𝘈𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥. 𝘚𝘦𝘦, 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.
T̴͖̩̘̊̂̎̾̍͛̏ḩ̵̘̝̪̯͚̩̿͑̍̋̄͝a̵̼̠̫̯̖͉̹̯͒̐͜͝͠t̶̟̼̟͙͇̳͎̋̋̍̓͝'̷̻̣͔̼̘͗̋͐̀͒͂͝ͅs̷̨̞̞̩̻̙̈́͑̾̀̓̈́̂́̚ true. Not dying'̷͙̟̮͖͓̉̄ͅs̷̨̮̘̃̆͝ ̵̻͙̼̤̙̥͊̄́͒͜͠l̷̗̯̻̳̰̓̾͑͝ỉ̴͔̓̿͊̿̈͂̚͝k̵̪̪̓̍́̓̾͘e̸̳̙͙̪̰̋̉̅̿͆͊͝ 95% o̶̧̖̟̼͓̳̕f̶̡̢̡̛̖̺̆̓̅̇̽̅͝ ̶̨̡̤̦͉͓̳͌͑m̸̡͇̗̱̦͈̜̫̤͆̀̅͐͊͆̽y job.
[It's a terribly weak attempt at a joke, but it's also accurate, and it probably is much of the reason he's still at all functional. That won't last for too much longer, though, which he's vaguely aware of, and he tries to gather his thoughts.]
T̴̩͍͎͇̦͖̑͒̏h̷̙̺͕̝̀͒̒̒̈ę̴̳̖̙̈̌͑̏͋͘͠y̴̡̡̺͎̦̱̰̾̅ want us alive f̴̣̮̣̘̆̃͑ŏ̴̟̜r̴͇͛̄̊̚͜͝ ̸͔̤̤͈͍̜̱͖̏̓̊͝ͅs̸͓̙̮̻̩͆̌͐̐o̶̢̪͓̘̞̬̒̈́̈́̕m̵͇̳̩̀̍̆̈́̓̃́͘͜͝e̶̲̗̞͗̇̄̄̈́t̸̲̗̜̗̀͜h̶̩͉̃͌ing. Ţ̸̍̓̂͗̋͜h̶̩̪͗ͅe̸͓̩͂̈́̈́͘y̷͚̽̍͗̚͝ ̶͚͕͔͍̭͎̀͂͊̂̑́̾̚͘ͅcalled it ascending.
[It's a terribly weak attempt at a joke, but it's also accurate, and it probably is much of the reason he's still at all functional. That won't last for too much longer, though, which he's vaguely aware of, and he tries to gather his thoughts.]
T̴̩͍͎͇̦͖̑͒̏h̷̙̺͕̝̀͒̒̒̈ę̴̳̖̙̈̌͑̏͋͘͠y̴̡̡̺͎̦̱̰̾̅ want us alive f̴̣̮̣̘̆̃͑ŏ̴̟̜r̴͇͛̄̊̚͜͝ ̸͔̤̤͈͍̜̱͖̏̓̊͝ͅs̸͓̙̮̻̩͆̌͐̐o̶̢̪͓̘̞̬̒̈́̈́̕m̵͇̳̩̀̍̆̈́̓̃́͘͜͝e̶̲̗̞͗̇̄̄̈́t̸̲̗̜̗̀͜h̶̩͉̃͌ing. Ţ̸̍̓̂͗̋͜h̶̩̪͗ͅe̸͓̩͂̈́̈́͘y̷͚̽̍͗̚͝ ̶͚͕͔͍̭͎̀͂͊̂̑́̾̚͘ͅcalled it ascending.
𝘐𝘵'𝘴 100% 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘫𝘰𝘣. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩, 𝘑𝘢𝘺.
[ Hilda senses a joke being made (at least she thinks she does; it's hard to tell over text and even more so with the garbled quality of it) and while she isn't usually one to discourage them, she doesn't feel like this is an appropriate time to be making them. ]
𝘈𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨? 𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘫𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨?
[ Hilda senses a joke being made (at least she thinks she does; it's hard to tell over text and even more so with the garbled quality of it) and while she isn't usually one to discourage them, she doesn't feel like this is an appropriate time to be making them. ]
𝘈𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨? 𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘫𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨?
[It feels like making surviving 100% of his job right now is setting him up for failure, but he won't say that. There's no need to put any more pressure on her or anyone else trying to find everyone; he knows they're doing their best, he just isn't totally sure it's going to be enough.
He can't give a very useful answer to her questions, as he doesn't clearly remember what the Acolytes had said during before and after the ritual, and doesn't want to think about it. But he does know remember one part at least.]
Į̷͚̗̀͂̿̔̓̏ ̴̳̾̔̂̕̕͠d̷̠͆on't know, b̴̧̝̜̘͈̙͇͛̀͛͊̊͗u̴͔͗̈́̀̽̕t̴̢͎̺̼̹̫̪̆̂̾́̕ ̵̦̺̾͐̀̌̑ţ̵̠̦̟̗̆̑̏h̵͕̞̞̿́̇͌͋͝è̶̼̋͗̀̾̿͠y̴̱̠͎̗̰̋̅͌͝ ̷̦̮̥̾͋̌̌͝͝t̴̟́̽̋̑̀̿̕a̴̛̳͕͂̂͑ĺ̵̨̤̱͇̖͕̇̒̈́͝ͅk̶̢͕̟̝̈́̈́̐̆͊̕̚ͅe̶̮̠̎́̍͗̽̋ͅḑ̸̙͚̘͕̈͌ ̸̛̼̗͈̈̌̑̈̑a̶͇̎͘b̶̧̤̻̼̠̤̠̈̇̍̋̈́́ơ̶̢̧͓̳͋͐̄͗͛̍ͅṷ̴̙͉͎̭̥̇͋̓̾͊̌̕ṫ̵̜͔̫̪͕́̉͊͒̀͐ ̵͈̑͝ċ̷̱̲̤̭͌͊̆͝ö̸̢̘̫̼͕̯̝́m̸̢̱̪͇̋̾͊̑͆́͝muning with gods.
He can't give a very useful answer to her questions, as he doesn't clearly remember what the Acolytes had said during before and after the ritual, and doesn't want to think about it. But he does know remember one part at least.]
Į̷͚̗̀͂̿̔̓̏ ̴̳̾̔̂̕̕͠d̷̠͆on't know, b̴̧̝̜̘͈̙͇͛̀͛͊̊͗u̴͔͗̈́̀̽̕t̴̢͎̺̼̹̫̪̆̂̾́̕ ̵̦̺̾͐̀̌̑ţ̵̠̦̟̗̆̑̏h̵͕̞̞̿́̇͌͋͝è̶̼̋͗̀̾̿͠y̴̱̠͎̗̰̋̅͌͝ ̷̦̮̥̾͋̌̌͝͝t̴̟́̽̋̑̀̿̕a̴̛̳͕͂̂͑ĺ̵̨̤̱͇̖͕̇̒̈́͝ͅk̶̢͕̟̝̈́̈́̐̆͊̕̚ͅe̶̮̠̎́̍͗̽̋ͅḑ̸̙͚̘͕̈͌ ̸̛̼̗͈̈̌̑̈̑a̶͇̎͘b̶̧̤̻̼̠̤̠̈̇̍̋̈́́ơ̶̢̧͓̳͋͐̄͗͛̍ͅṷ̴̙͉͎̭̥̇͋̓̾͊̌̕ṫ̵̜͔̫̪͕́̉͊͒̀͐ ̵͈̑͝ċ̷̱̲̤̭͌͊̆͝ö̸̢̘̫̼͕̯̝́m̸̢̱̪͇̋̾͊̑͆́͝muning with gods.
[ If Jayden did voice those thoughts to her, it wouldn't have deterred her. They were all doing their best and in her mind, her best was trying to keep everyone's spirts up even when hers were barely treading water. ]
𝘔𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘥𝘴...? 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨? 𝘈𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘦?
𝘔𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘥𝘴...? 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨? 𝘈𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘦?
I̶͊̀̍ͅ ̴͕̖̀̎̄͐̑̚d̵̫̟͉̤͓̖͕̏̉̿̔̐̒ö̴̰́̓ṇ̶̼͎̇͋̍̿͝'̸̯̫͚͖̑̎̚͝t̸̢̞̭̊́̕ ̵̬͓̺͒̂͆̒̂̔͠ͅk̴̡̪̙̳̞̟͎̾͂̅͠ṇ̷̢̡̣̞̪͑̂̈͐̓͗̀ò̶͉͓̤͖w̶̭̳̫̒͝.̴̬͖̠̻̥͇̩͕̀͊͆̏̓́ Talking, maybe? Communicaṯ̶̳̺̄̎͝ỉ̶̘ͅn̵̠̆̌̎̌́̚͝͝ġ̵̠̖͎̙̋?
[The latter, perhaps, more than the former. But something sacrificial seems right too.]
[The latter, perhaps, more than the former. But something sacrificial seems right too.]
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵? 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘥𝘴.
[ Is that really how that works? Either way, it's all the more reason not to touch them in Hilda's opinion. ]
[ Is that really how that works? Either way, it's all the more reason not to touch them in Hilda's opinion. ]
Edited 2023-03-13 04:48 (UTC)
Could be. D̶̨̨̡̖̪͚̍̄o̸̡̢̟̰͋́͌͋̓͝͠ņ̷̺͈͓̦͖͗̊̎̉͋̊'̵̟̫͈͋̈́̄͝ͅt̴͓̼̹̜͒ ̶̨̦̾k̸̰͙͕̻̙̒̍̆̂͝n̶̢͇̞̽̈́̆͛͒͘͠ơ̷̺̾̌̈́̅ŵ̵̞̖ ̴̨̢͒̉ì̷͕̰̞͛̏̚f̷͍̞͙̌̃̕ ̴͙͔̤̹̞̃̑̓̋̑͊̀̕ͅt̸̢̙̘̫̘̙̰͑̽̚̕͘̚hat's better or worse th̵̳͓̼̖̺̓̇̀̀̉ȃ̴̡͇̯̪̰͕̈ͅn̴̗̟̘̳̉͊͒͆̌̎̚͘ ̵̡̩̫̏ị̵̘͇̾̽͋t̸͈̗̺̓͠ ̶̧̺͎̖̙͚̊͆b̴̛͙̤́̄̀̌e̶̹͎̽̃̈͊͛̐̔ͅị̷̝̥͙̼̫̹̀̀̿̚ͅn̷̻̰̖̂̀̆̑̉͌̚ğ̴̫͉͕͓͖̌ ̷̬̙̣͇̞̤͓͔͂s̵͈̭͕̱̤̈̀̓̇̀͝o̷͚̜͆̃̚m̵̗̗͎͖̳̳͕͌͂ething else.
[Like the shrines just being alive somehow. Would that be better or worse than them being some sorts of gods, especially the kind that these Acolytes might be worshiping? He has no idea. This, like magic, is something he has no experience with.]
[Like the shrines just being alive somehow. Would that be better or worse than them being some sorts of gods, especially the kind that these Acolytes might be worshiping? He has no idea. This, like magic, is something he has no experience with.]
𝘐𝘧 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘥 𝘐 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩.
[ That opinion certainly isn't helpful, but it's meant to be more of an attempt at lightening the mood. Speaking of... ]
𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘸𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩. 𝘐𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘰𝘳...𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸. 𝘋𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴? 𝘐𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯?
[ That opinion certainly isn't helpful, but it's meant to be more of an attempt at lightening the mood. Speaking of... ]
𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘸𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩. 𝘐𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘰𝘳...𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸. 𝘋𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴? 𝘐𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯?
[Anything to lighten the mood is welcome, and really, any gods worth listening to should be talking through less creepy statues. Right? That sounds right. He supposes.
His ability to concentrate enough to send messages is really starting to fade now, but he quickly tries to think of anything she might not already know and might be useful. How much have others managed to relay? Maybe they should've been coordinating, that would've--
That's not a helpful train of thought right now and he struggles to refocus, though the already faulty connection is clearly suffering further now.]
S̴̼͂̈́̈́̆̑o̵͙͔̞͓̞̦̖͍͂̌̏̃̈́͂̈́̿m̵̩̬͍̑͒̂̇̂̐̚͝ę̴̛̞͖̫̝͓̳̅͠͝ ̸̧͈͖̣̈́s̶͇͙̹̱͆͌̕̚͝ò̸̘͍̯͍͕̃̉̏̒́̿͋ͅṛ̴̛͖̯̰͚̺͕̓́͐͐̚͜ţ̸̢̝͖͈͉̖̹̦͊̎̆̽ ̴̺̓̈́̈́̈͊̔̉̎͘o̴̢͖̞̲̳̳͊̽̊̆̎́͊͂͝f̷̡̭̠͔̫͎̙̀̌̆̊͜ ̴̡̨͓̹̝̼͌p̶͍̞̃i̷̧̡̛̮͍̹͓̝͍̊̀̆͂̅̓̏t or cave? Ơ̴̡̨̠͙͕̝̺̗͕r̴͈͕̝̈ ̷̛͕̮̽̌͑͗a̴̟̱̪̫͋́̚t̷̺̙͑̈́̅́̀͗̊͌̌ ̶̺͇̪̇̄̔͆̇̅̕͝l̷̛͕̑̐͐̍͛̋é̶̲̬̹̺̉̑̾̎̕a̷͈̰͍̫̭̟̓̊s̴͇̠͖̫̺̥͑̓t̴͚̹̓͋͆̀̾̑͘͜ ̸̡̢͍͉͙̖̼͉̻͆ḯ̴̥͕̰̞̮̱͓͔̉̐̍͆̂́͝ͅţ̶̢̛̭͎͉͚̂̆̅ ̶̭̜̲̰͓̦̜̳̆̈̒̎̌̌̈́͌l̸̲̍̈̍ͅô̶̯͉oks like it. It's m̶͇͍̲̄͐o̸̺̪̪̓̊̕s̵̻͈͑̆́͒͋̏̚͘͝ͅţ̸͔̥́̅͐͌͗̂͜ḻ̵̢̛̔͒͒̄̇̈́̓ỷ̵̡̫͖̩̄̽̑͗͘͜͝ ̵̢̖͕͖̩̜̳̥͊̔͒͠ͅo̷͇͉̗͊́̔̓̄͋̈́̃͝n̷̳̭̖͚̎̐̇͝ë̶͇̺̟̘̀̒̂͊͠ big area. Ț̴̥̝̮̒̏̈́̇͜h̸̩̾̒̀̑͜͝ė̷̳͋͌̆̃͘̚͝ŗ̴͍͇̜̝̘͓̀̎̍̈̆̔̎͝e̸̟̝̖̹̳̐̒̔͒'̶̧̳͙͍͙͈̣̦̪͂͑̉͘͝s̵͇̤̟̤͉̰̼͍̾́ͅ ̷̖̦̩̲̗̪̀́͒̀̈́̅̍̎m̶̧͍̞͔̭̗̼̬̻̏́̉͛̍́u̵̡̲͈̿͌̕s̴̺̻͗̓̃͆͐́̓͑̚h̸̳̃̈́̐̈́̒͠rooms and plants, and there's a well
[The message cuts off abruptly as he realizes something, not sure if it'll be useful or not, but it's something.]
T̵̖͇̦̙͕̝̮̯̊̑̂̈́͑̏͜h̵͔͇̟͇͓͎̒̾e̸̛̜̜̘̺̰̫͔͓̲̒͗̓̈́͒͝r̶͎̪̗̊̍͜e̷̲̯͍̊̏͒̑̌̉͛͝'̴̧̭̦͙͚̰͇̓͐́̃͒͒ṣ̸̯̿͗̇̇͗ͅ ̷̼̒a well, and it's dry a ̷̹͈͉̞̠̊̈́̎̑̈̂̀̈́ͅl̶̗̠̬̫̖͕̠̝͆o̶̝͔̬̝̳̞͔͖̣͗̏̍͒̑͘͠ţ̸̯̻̯̇̆̐̀̓̅,̷̧̢͎͈̝̮̋́͐̽̓̉̌̓ ̴̰̭̮̬̙̤̜̞̈̚ş̵͓͔̽͐̓̆̉ͅơ̸͔͔̠̲̣̐̍̇̈́͒̐͗ ̵̽́͜w̷̧̛̻͎̎͒̈̀̀̀̓ë̶̙́̾͒́́͛̾̀'̷͑ͅr̴̺̠͍̻̙̬̯̐͐̃̑̍͛͘͝e̶̫̭͆̈́̒͘͜͝͝ above the water tab̴̹̲̱̏̃̔̂̃͌̏̿͝l̶̡̮̮͕̪̺̖̓̎̿̉͠e̷̢͖̘͎̪̪͇͙̽.
[Being so far down but still above the water table must be unusual, right? It would be in his world, he thinks, at least narrowing down possibilities a little, but then again what does he know about wells? Not a lot.]
His ability to concentrate enough to send messages is really starting to fade now, but he quickly tries to think of anything she might not already know and might be useful. How much have others managed to relay? Maybe they should've been coordinating, that would've--
That's not a helpful train of thought right now and he struggles to refocus, though the already faulty connection is clearly suffering further now.]
S̴̼͂̈́̈́̆̑o̵͙͔̞͓̞̦̖͍͂̌̏̃̈́͂̈́̿m̵̩̬͍̑͒̂̇̂̐̚͝ę̴̛̞͖̫̝͓̳̅͠͝ ̸̧͈͖̣̈́s̶͇͙̹̱͆͌̕̚͝ò̸̘͍̯͍͕̃̉̏̒́̿͋ͅṛ̴̛͖̯̰͚̺͕̓́͐͐̚͜ţ̸̢̝͖͈͉̖̹̦͊̎̆̽ ̴̺̓̈́̈́̈͊̔̉̎͘o̴̢͖̞̲̳̳͊̽̊̆̎́͊͂͝f̷̡̭̠͔̫͎̙̀̌̆̊͜ ̴̡̨͓̹̝̼͌p̶͍̞̃i̷̧̡̛̮͍̹͓̝͍̊̀̆͂̅̓̏t or cave? Ơ̴̡̨̠͙͕̝̺̗͕r̴͈͕̝̈ ̷̛͕̮̽̌͑͗a̴̟̱̪̫͋́̚t̷̺̙͑̈́̅́̀͗̊͌̌ ̶̺͇̪̇̄̔͆̇̅̕͝l̷̛͕̑̐͐̍͛̋é̶̲̬̹̺̉̑̾̎̕a̷͈̰͍̫̭̟̓̊s̴͇̠͖̫̺̥͑̓t̴͚̹̓͋͆̀̾̑͘͜ ̸̡̢͍͉͙̖̼͉̻͆ḯ̴̥͕̰̞̮̱͓͔̉̐̍͆̂́͝ͅţ̶̢̛̭͎͉͚̂̆̅ ̶̭̜̲̰͓̦̜̳̆̈̒̎̌̌̈́͌l̸̲̍̈̍ͅô̶̯͉oks like it. It's m̶͇͍̲̄͐o̸̺̪̪̓̊̕s̵̻͈͑̆́͒͋̏̚͘͝ͅţ̸͔̥́̅͐͌͗̂͜ḻ̵̢̛̔͒͒̄̇̈́̓ỷ̵̡̫͖̩̄̽̑͗͘͜͝ ̵̢̖͕͖̩̜̳̥͊̔͒͠ͅo̷͇͉̗͊́̔̓̄͋̈́̃͝n̷̳̭̖͚̎̐̇͝ë̶͇̺̟̘̀̒̂͊͠ big area. Ț̴̥̝̮̒̏̈́̇͜h̸̩̾̒̀̑͜͝ė̷̳͋͌̆̃͘̚͝ŗ̴͍͇̜̝̘͓̀̎̍̈̆̔̎͝e̸̟̝̖̹̳̐̒̔͒'̶̧̳͙͍͙͈̣̦̪͂͑̉͘͝s̵͇̤̟̤͉̰̼͍̾́ͅ ̷̖̦̩̲̗̪̀́͒̀̈́̅̍̎m̶̧͍̞͔̭̗̼̬̻̏́̉͛̍́u̵̡̲͈̿͌̕s̴̺̻͗̓̃͆͐́̓͑̚h̸̳̃̈́̐̈́̒͠rooms and plants, and there's a well
[The message cuts off abruptly as he realizes something, not sure if it'll be useful or not, but it's something.]
T̵̖͇̦̙͕̝̮̯̊̑̂̈́͑̏͜h̵͔͇̟͇͓͎̒̾e̸̛̜̜̘̺̰̫͔͓̲̒͗̓̈́͒͝r̶͎̪̗̊̍͜e̷̲̯͍̊̏͒̑̌̉͛͝'̴̧̭̦͙͚̰͇̓͐́̃͒͒ṣ̸̯̿͗̇̇͗ͅ ̷̼̒a well, and it's dry a ̷̹͈͉̞̠̊̈́̎̑̈̂̀̈́ͅl̶̗̠̬̫̖͕̠̝͆o̶̝͔̬̝̳̞͔͖̣͗̏̍͒̑͘͠ţ̸̯̻̯̇̆̐̀̓̅,̷̧̢͎͈̝̮̋́͐̽̓̉̌̓ ̴̰̭̮̬̙̤̜̞̈̚ş̵͓͔̽͐̓̆̉ͅơ̸͔͔̠̲̣̐̍̇̈́͒̐͗ ̵̽́͜w̷̧̛̻͎̎͒̈̀̀̀̓ë̶̙́̾͒́́͛̾̀'̷͑ͅr̴̺̠͍̻̙̬̯̐͐̃̑̍͛͘͝e̶̫̭͆̈́̒͘͜͝͝ above the water tab̴̹̲̱̏̃̔̂̃͌̏̿͝l̶̡̮̮͕̪̺̖̓̎̿̉͠e̷̢͖̘͎̪̪͇͙̽.
[Being so far down but still above the water table must be unusual, right? It would be in his world, he thinks, at least narrowing down possibilities a little, but then again what does he know about wells? Not a lot.]
[ Hearing the mention of mushrooms and plants has Hilda thinking that she wouldn't be entirely shocked if no one ever wanted to see mushrooms again after this. There's a moment where she worries when his words suddenly cut off. She's about to call his name again, because at best it's a shoddy connection, and at worse well...Thankfully it doesn't progress that far. ]
𝘈 𝘥𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭?
[ It's hard to make sense of considering the other clues the Summoned had found since: the seaweed found far from the sea, the traces of water she had found in a completely barren cave. ]
𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘑𝘢𝘺. 𝘞𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵? 𝘐 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯.
[ Promises that hang on the outcome of someone's life in her hands aren't normally ones Hilda makes, but she doesn't feel like she has a choice here. Jayden had messaged her and she didn't want to let him down. ]
𝘈 𝘥𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭?
[ It's hard to make sense of considering the other clues the Summoned had found since: the seaweed found far from the sea, the traces of water she had found in a completely barren cave. ]
𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘑𝘢𝘺. 𝘞𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵? 𝘐 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯.
[ Promises that hang on the outcome of someone's life in her hands aren't normally ones Hilda makes, but she doesn't feel like she has a choice here. Jayden had messaged her and she didn't want to let him down. ]
I'l̷͙̥̤̹͙̏̉l̵̡̥̪̠̠̩̬̍̋̓̉͆͘ ̸̞̙̮̮͙͛h̸̛̥̝̖͉̲̥͊̐͆͊̌̋̕ó̵͚͜ld you to ṫ̴̨͈̮̰̺̥̩̟̩̊̔̋͑h̶̢͕̜̩̱̹͎͇͋̈́͛͜at.
[He won't, of course. But he will take her suggestion to try to conserve some energy, starting now; he doesn't really have anything else useful to offer anyway.]
[He won't, of course. But he will take her suggestion to try to conserve some energy, starting now; he doesn't really have anything else useful to offer anyway.]
[It's entirely possible he won't be the first person to contact her after the grand escape; it only crosses his mind to do so several hours later, once things have quieted a little and he's pacing around the altar room where the remaining group is now trapped. He has no idea just yet that the network will be clearer now than it was before, and so he sends a simple message at first.]
Got a few updates to report.
[Is that sufficiently simple and yet not ominous? Maybe. Sort of. Hopefully.]
Got a few updates to report.
[Is that sufficiently simple and yet not ominous? Maybe. Sort of. Hopefully.]
[ After their last interaction, it's been difficult for Hilda to ignore the worry she had over Jayden's wellbeing. She had tried to send her own updates when she could, but there was little news on their front, and honestly, being told that they've all moved to Nocwich to mobilize for...something probably isn't helpful.
The first thing she notices though is that the words aren't a jumbled mess. She's so used to seeing them now that she has to do a bit of a double take. She can puzzle that out later though. ]
Jay! What is it? Are you okay?
The first thing she notices though is that the words aren't a jumbled mess. She's so used to seeing them now that she has to do a bit of a double take. She can puzzle that out later though. ]
Jay! What is it? Are you okay?
[It's a surprise on Jayden's side as well when the words show up clearly, etched into a part of the nearby wall, and he blinks at them as if seeing things; that's not an uncommon occurrence, especially lately, but doesn't seem to be reason here. It seems like something's just gone right, for once, at least for the moment.
And with both the network and his mind being more clear now, he also finally notices that Hilda is calling him Jay, which is... Not a bad thing, by any means, just strange. Even if she's the type to give everyone she knows a nickname, it's unusual for him to have even a passing acquaintance outside of his coworkers, where's an inherent professionalism and cordial distance that absolutely doesn't allow for nicknames.
Except that one older lady who he's pretty sure just misheard his name and now it's too late for either of them to bring it up, but she hardly counts. Jayden isn't totally sure of her name either, after all.
But he realizes he's been staring at a rock for several seconds, and she'd asked questions that he shouldn't be delaying his response to, and so he quickly refocuses. He'll come up with some remark to make about the 'Jay' then if--when?--he sees her in person again.]
I'm okay, but the whole situation down here's taken a turn. I think some people got out; they were going through a passage that opened up, and I can't say for sure what was on the other side but they didn't come back. The rest of us that are still here are in a different part of the place now.
[And of course there's more to say on that, but this is probably enough to throw at her upfront.]
And with both the network and his mind being more clear now, he also finally notices that Hilda is calling him Jay, which is... Not a bad thing, by any means, just strange. Even if she's the type to give everyone she knows a nickname, it's unusual for him to have even a passing acquaintance outside of his coworkers, where's an inherent professionalism and cordial distance that absolutely doesn't allow for nicknames.
Except that one older lady who he's pretty sure just misheard his name and now it's too late for either of them to bring it up, but she hardly counts. Jayden isn't totally sure of her name either, after all.
But he realizes he's been staring at a rock for several seconds, and she'd asked questions that he shouldn't be delaying his response to, and so he quickly refocuses. He'll come up with some remark to make about the 'Jay' then if--when?--he sees her in person again.]
I'm okay, but the whole situation down here's taken a turn. I think some people got out; they were going through a passage that opened up, and I can't say for sure what was on the other side but they didn't come back. The rest of us that are still here are in a different part of the place now.
[And of course there's more to say on that, but this is probably enough to throw at her upfront.]
[ One perhaps unintended side effect of this entire ordeal is that Hilda has become more willing to accept stretches of time between messages. The convenience of the messaging system in Abraxas had spoiled someone who was used to already having to wait for letters to arrive at her doorstep, but thankfully, she's retuned to being (reluctantly) patient because there has been no other choice but to be.
That will not stop her from pacing around the Caden's library where she had been assisting Alucard with some research efforts, however. Soon enough Jayden's writing comes through scrawled on the table in front of her. ]
𝘞𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘢 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵?
[ She knows she has to tell the other Summoned if they hadn't already been alerted by those that had managed to make their escape. ]
𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 "𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴"? 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮?!
[ It probably wouldn't take a genius to figure out that she sounds more than a little annoyed with that last message. ]
That will not stop her from pacing around the Caden's library where she had been assisting Alucard with some research efforts, however. Soon enough Jayden's writing comes through scrawled on the table in front of her. ]
𝘞𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘢 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵?
[ She knows she has to tell the other Summoned if they hadn't already been alerted by those that had managed to make their escape. ]
𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 "𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴"? 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮?!
[ It probably wouldn't take a genius to figure out that she sounds more than a little annoyed with that last message. ]
[He's a little concerned when she reacts with surprise to the first part of the information; does that mean the news hasn't spread, or does it mean that the people who were trying to escape haven't been able to contact anyone? He hopes it's the former, and that if it's the latter it's just issues with communicating like before. Nothing worse.
He's about to confirm her question when two more come in, and yeah he gets the sentiment clear enough even through text. If things were different he might've given a flippant answer like oh you know, hadn't had enough of the pit just yet, but there's no need for that right now; there will be plenty of time for sarcasm in the future, provided he lives and all that.]
It was one at a time, the place was falling apart, and the cultists weren't too thrilled with us leaving. I don't know exactly what happened with the way out, but we don't have access to it anymore where we are now.
[It's a very surface-level summary for now, but the additional details aren't really necessary to get the idea and he doesn't want to go into them anyway.]
He's about to confirm her question when two more come in, and yeah he gets the sentiment clear enough even through text. If things were different he might've given a flippant answer like oh you know, hadn't had enough of the pit just yet, but there's no need for that right now; there will be plenty of time for sarcasm in the future, provided he lives and all that.]
It was one at a time, the place was falling apart, and the cultists weren't too thrilled with us leaving. I don't know exactly what happened with the way out, but we don't have access to it anymore where we are now.
[It's a very surface-level summary for now, but the additional details aren't really necessary to get the idea and he doesn't want to go into them anyway.]
[ The news has probably started to spread, but there's also the distinct possibility that Hilda might have dozed off during the that time and missed the message. The library - any library, really - seems to have that effect on her. The thought of missing something creates a sense of anxiety in her, and she's quick to start cleaning up, realizing that she needs to find Petra as soon as possible so they can leave if that's what they have to do.
In her haste to pack she bangs her knee against the table and she lets out a whined curse that also manages to slip through in her message to Jayden. ]
𝘚𝘩𝘪𝘵! 𝘖𝘩 - 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺, 𝘯𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘪𝘵? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦? 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘭?
In her haste to pack she bangs her knee against the table and she lets out a whined curse that also manages to slip through in her message to Jayden. ]
𝘚𝘩𝘪𝘵! 𝘖𝘩 - 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺, 𝘯𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘪𝘵? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦? 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘭?
['Shit' is definitely a word he would use to describe the situation, so he thinks nothing of the accidental comment, though it is a little amusing when she clarifies it was an accident. Maybe because everything is just so terrible and absurd that literally anything normal and not-awful has some sense of levity to it.]
Everyone in here's hanging in there. No one seems to be in immediate danger, but I'm not sure how long that'll last; it's all starting to catch up with people.
['It' being everything: injuries, exhaustion, and illness being only a few of the many issues. And they have a new one in particular he needs to get to, but which he's been doing his best to put off mentally acknowledging unless absolutely necessary, so he answers her other question first.]
They aren't. They've shut us in another room and they're outside it; I don't know what they're doing, but I think they're really rattled, so they're just improvising.
[And okay. No more stalling. Just tell her.]
But remember how I told you before that there wasn't enough water? Well, now we've kind of got the opposite problem. The place is flooding. It's slow right now, but I don't know how long that'll be the case.
[Or the unspoken but likely clear addendum of 'or how long we have'.]
Everyone in here's hanging in there. No one seems to be in immediate danger, but I'm not sure how long that'll last; it's all starting to catch up with people.
['It' being everything: injuries, exhaustion, and illness being only a few of the many issues. And they have a new one in particular he needs to get to, but which he's been doing his best to put off mentally acknowledging unless absolutely necessary, so he answers her other question first.]
They aren't. They've shut us in another room and they're outside it; I don't know what they're doing, but I think they're really rattled, so they're just improvising.
[And okay. No more stalling. Just tell her.]
But remember how I told you before that there wasn't enough water? Well, now we've kind of got the opposite problem. The place is flooding. It's slow right now, but I don't know how long that'll be the case.
[Or the unspoken but likely clear addendum of 'or how long we have'.]
[ Interjecting and asking what sort of state Jayden specifically is in on the tip of her tongue (or is it mind?), because she doesn't necessarily believe his blanket statement of "alive" from before. But then he's describing other awful things that she has to try and process while shoving everything into her satchel. To say her mind is doing cartwheels is a bit of an understatement now that she also has to ignore the throbbing in her knee that will no doubt blossom into a bruise overnight. And people think she's lying when she says she bruises like a peach.
She bursts from the doors of the library, stopping just at the top of the steps, something like abject horror appearing on her face at the reality of what Jayden isn't saying. ]
𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨?! 𝘎𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘴 — 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘸𝘪𝘮 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵? 𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘱𝘪𝘥 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘴𝘬?
[ It can't be any stupider than say, 'How long can you hold your breath for?', right? Her feet manage to move as she rushes down the steps and back towards the Sarstina. ]
𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘥? 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘰𝘸?
She bursts from the doors of the library, stopping just at the top of the steps, something like abject horror appearing on her face at the reality of what Jayden isn't saying. ]
𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨?! 𝘎𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘴 — 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘸𝘪𝘮 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵? 𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘱𝘪𝘥 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘴𝘬?
[ It can't be any stupider than say, 'How long can you hold your breath for?', right? Her feet manage to move as she rushes down the steps and back towards the Sarstina. ]
𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘥? 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘰𝘸?
[On his side, Jayden has started pacing, carefully avoiding the slowly-growing puddles as if it matters at this point if he gets his shoes wet.]
I can swim, but that's not going to matter at some point.
[And not just when the whole place fills up, but once it gets too deep for people to rest. But that's still a time off, and dwelling on the ever-present dread is not going to help either the people trapped or those looking for them, so he tries to refocus on her questions. The only problem there is that he doesn't have a very useful answer.]
I don't know. The whole thing was too chaotic to keep track, but I think it's something like half the Summoned left? It's more than just a few people anyway, and it's not just us, but there's still some people native to this world here too.
[Probably not information that will help much. There has to be something he can tell her that isn't just how terrible things are; something that might actually help. Something. Anything. Get it together and think of something.]
There's less of the cultists now too. Probably still too many for those of us that are here to deal with, but less than before.
[He doesn't know that even more have left in search of those who escaped, but the numbers were thinned out a bit in the shrine monster's departure, and that's something, right?]
I can swim, but that's not going to matter at some point.
[And not just when the whole place fills up, but once it gets too deep for people to rest. But that's still a time off, and dwelling on the ever-present dread is not going to help either the people trapped or those looking for them, so he tries to refocus on her questions. The only problem there is that he doesn't have a very useful answer.]
I don't know. The whole thing was too chaotic to keep track, but I think it's something like half the Summoned left? It's more than just a few people anyway, and it's not just us, but there's still some people native to this world here too.
[Probably not information that will help much. There has to be something he can tell her that isn't just how terrible things are; something that might actually help. Something. Anything. Get it together and think of something.]
There's less of the cultists now too. Probably still too many for those of us that are here to deal with, but less than before.
[He doesn't know that even more have left in search of those who escaped, but the numbers were thinned out a bit in the shrine monster's departure, and that's something, right?]
𝘐 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵, 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬?
[ Imagine if you didn't know how to swim, or if you were scared of dark, enclosed spaces. The thought makes Hilda's stomach churn and the roils continue as she continues to parse out what Jayden is telling her. It's been painful to think that the Abraxian natives have been stuck down for the same amount of time if not longer, but her capacity to truly be concerned and worried is already stretched thin worrying about the ones that she cares about.
The curfew is still in effect and the streets of Cadens continue to be the eerie ghost town that they have been for the last two weeks when the sun begins to set. She tugs her cloak a little tighter around her as she hastens her pace towards the inn. ]
𝘓𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥. [ Unless some of them went after the ones that escaped, but she shakes that thought from her mind for now. ] 𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯?
[ Imagine if you didn't know how to swim, or if you were scared of dark, enclosed spaces. The thought makes Hilda's stomach churn and the roils continue as she continues to parse out what Jayden is telling her. It's been painful to think that the Abraxian natives have been stuck down for the same amount of time if not longer, but her capacity to truly be concerned and worried is already stretched thin worrying about the ones that she cares about.
The curfew is still in effect and the streets of Cadens continue to be the eerie ghost town that they have been for the last two weeks when the sun begins to set. She tugs her cloak a little tighter around her as she hastens her pace towards the inn. ]
𝘓𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥. [ Unless some of them went after the ones that escaped, but she shakes that thought from her mind for now. ] 𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯?
Yeah. Better than nothing.
[Both being able to swim and less cultists. Both are better than the alternative for sure.
As for her question, the answer is... Complicated, and he's not sure it's helpful to tell her that they probably could make decent improvised weapons from the bones of all the dead bodies in this room. Somehow that probably won't be encouraging, and he knows she has enough to be worrying about right now, so he'll leave that part out in favor of a single, but still more positive case.]
Someone has a mace, which I think they got from one of the shrines somehow.
[It's gross and creepy, but what else is new. He takes a deep breath, sorting through his thoughts and going over the situation to try to offer her anything else she might need to know without her having to ask, not wanting to distract for much longer. He distinctly remembers the stress and pressure of being on the other side of trying to find someone before it's too late, and she has multiple someones to be looking for.]
We have a better water source now, and a little food, so those aren't pressing problems. The cultists seem distracted, so they're ignoring us for the moment, and with any luck it'll stay that way. It'll be awhile before the flooding's a problem. We're okay right now.
[It's easier to make that seem true when it's just a written message, though since he has to think it to send it, perhaps he'll be able to believe it a little too.]
[Both being able to swim and less cultists. Both are better than the alternative for sure.
As for her question, the answer is... Complicated, and he's not sure it's helpful to tell her that they probably could make decent improvised weapons from the bones of all the dead bodies in this room. Somehow that probably won't be encouraging, and he knows she has enough to be worrying about right now, so he'll leave that part out in favor of a single, but still more positive case.]
Someone has a mace, which I think they got from one of the shrines somehow.
[It's gross and creepy, but what else is new. He takes a deep breath, sorting through his thoughts and going over the situation to try to offer her anything else she might need to know without her having to ask, not wanting to distract for much longer. He distinctly remembers the stress and pressure of being on the other side of trying to find someone before it's too late, and she has multiple someones to be looking for.]
We have a better water source now, and a little food, so those aren't pressing problems. The cultists seem distracted, so they're ignoring us for the moment, and with any luck it'll stay that way. It'll be awhile before the flooding's a problem. We're okay right now.
[It's easier to make that seem true when it's just a written message, though since he has to think it to send it, perhaps he'll be able to believe it a little too.]
𝘖𝘩, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨?
[ That sounds like a cursed weapon if she had to wager a broad guess. She doesn't even need to see it to guess that it is because she's dealt with enough "relics" in her lifetime to know what a creepy weapon sounds like. ]
𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵? 𝘓𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘱 𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨? 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴, 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦?
[ Because she hasn't forgotten about the picture that Jesper had posted out to the Summoned. ]
[ That sounds like a cursed weapon if she had to wager a broad guess. She doesn't even need to see it to guess that it is because she's dealt with enough "relics" in her lifetime to know what a creepy weapon sounds like. ]
𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵? 𝘓𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘱 𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨? 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴, 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦?
[ Because she hasn't forgotten about the picture that Jesper had posted out to the Summoned. ]
It does sound cursed, now that you mention it.
[Everything about this entire situation has been so weird and terrible that he really hadn't considered whether it was possible for things to be actually cursed, but if anything is, this might fit the bill.]
Yeah, probably. A few people might have some small weapons I don't know about too.
[And that's true, without having to go into the whole bone knives thing.]
I don't know if they're going after the other people, but that's probably a safe guess. They're just
[The message is only half sent, as he's suddenly distracted by a bang on the sealed door of the room. It's several long seconds of waiting to see if anything else will happen--it doesn't at least not yet--before he sends another message.]
Sorry. I'm not sure what they're dealing with, but I think it's probably a lot of things. Flooding, monsters, part of the place collapsing, whatever their grand plan was falling apart, you name it.
[Everything about this entire situation has been so weird and terrible that he really hadn't considered whether it was possible for things to be actually cursed, but if anything is, this might fit the bill.]
Yeah, probably. A few people might have some small weapons I don't know about too.
[And that's true, without having to go into the whole bone knives thing.]
I don't know if they're going after the other people, but that's probably a safe guess. They're just
[The message is only half sent, as he's suddenly distracted by a bang on the sealed door of the room. It's several long seconds of waiting to see if anything else will happen--it doesn't at least not yet--before he sends another message.]
Sorry. I'm not sure what they're dealing with, but I think it's probably a lot of things. Flooding, monsters, part of the place collapsing, whatever their grand plan was falling apart, you name it.
[ Being sassy probably isn't useful in this particular situation and thankfully there's enough self-restraint left in Hilda that she refrains from saying anything of the sort.
She doesn't expect the sudden drop in communication and she almost sends a panicked one back just as she turns the corner towards the inn. ]
𝘖𝘩 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵? 𝘕𝘰 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭. 𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸?
She doesn't expect the sudden drop in communication and she almost sends a panicked one back just as she turns the corner towards the inn. ]
𝘖𝘩 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵? 𝘕𝘰 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭. 𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸?
Yeah, but for once those things are their problem, not ours.
[Sort of, anyway. More like they're everyone's problem now, but the Acolytes having to deal with any of the things they've inflicted upon everyone else is a nice change of pace.]
Something hit the door, but it might've been a rock or something. Whatever it is, it didn't come through, so nothing to worry about right now.
[Sort of, anyway. More like they're everyone's problem now, but the Acolytes having to deal with any of the things they've inflicted upon everyone else is a nice change of pace.]
Something hit the door, but it might've been a rock or something. Whatever it is, it didn't come through, so nothing to worry about right now.
𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘧𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘨𝘦.
𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘐'𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘰𝘤𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.
[ Especially now that she knows most, if not all, of her messages will get through. ]
𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘐'𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘰𝘤𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.
[ Especially now that she knows most, if not all, of her messages will get through. ]
The place is pretty unstable, so it really could've been a rock. Or a monster, but there's no monster noises, so I'm going to go with rock.
[Is that hopeful thinking? Maybe. But is it really all that hopeful to be choosing to believe the cave is collapsing more than it already has, even if the alternative is a monster?]
Okay. I'll let you know if anything important changes.
[Is that hopeful thinking? Maybe. But is it really all that hopeful to be choosing to believe the cave is collapsing more than it already has, even if the alternative is a monster?]
Okay. I'll let you know if anything important changes.
[ There's a beat of silence before — ]
𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘩, 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺, 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰.
[ Several days later, she sends a message in part to check on him and in part to keep him informed. ]
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘑𝘢𝘺! 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶.
[ She can't help her excitement. She's nervous, but it means that they're one step closer to getting to them out of there. She can only hope that the situation hasn't become more dire. ]
𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘩, 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺, 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰.
[ Several days later, she sends a message in part to check on him and in part to keep him informed. ]
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘑𝘢𝘺! 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶.
[ She can't help her excitement. She's nervous, but it means that they're one step closer to getting to them out of there. She can only hope that the situation hasn't become more dire. ]
[He's sitting up against a wall, half dozing--sleeping is easier said than done with no dry surfaces remaining--when the words scrawl across a nearby rock, and so he has to blink at them for a moment before he realizes they're not part of a dream.]
Good news is a nice change of pace.
[He feels like there are other things he should say or ask, but it takes several seconds before he figures out what one of those things is.]
What about the others?
[The ones that got out.]
Good news is a nice change of pace.
[He feels like there are other things he should say or ask, but it takes several seconds before he figures out what one of those things is.]
What about the others?
[The ones that got out.]
𝘞𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 — 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴.
[ It feels easier to focus on talking through everything, giving Jayden a play by play, than to focus on the things she's quickly stuffing into a pack for their journey into the mountains. ]
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘶𝘵.
𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴?
[ It feels easier to focus on talking through everything, giving Jayden a play by play, than to focus on the things she's quickly stuffing into a pack for their journey into the mountains. ]
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘶𝘵.
𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴?
Is that where you're going? To the mountains?
[Between the use of 'us' when describing that group, and the way she'd said in her first message that 'some of the Summoned' were on their way to the cave, it seems that way.]
Still low enough. We're all just kind of perpetually soggy.
[Which sucks, but then again, in some ways the water's been a nice change from being bloody and covered in dirt. But in others, it's really annoying, and he mentally rambles the next part rather than really thinking about it before sending it.]
Last place I was before I got here was wet all the time too. Just rained nonstop.
[Between the use of 'us' when describing that group, and the way she'd said in her first message that 'some of the Summoned' were on their way to the cave, it seems that way.]
Still low enough. We're all just kind of perpetually soggy.
[Which sucks, but then again, in some ways the water's been a nice change from being bloody and covered in dirt. But in others, it's really annoying, and he mentally rambles the next part rather than really thinking about it before sending it.]
Last place I was before I got here was wet all the time too. Just rained nonstop.
𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦.
[ There is some truth to that statement, but if they were to peel it back to the root of the matter, the true culprit behind Hilda's indeciveness is her anxiety and belief that she'd be a detriment to both teams. She isn't a tracker, doesn't have any skills that could help her survive in the mountains, and certainly "can't" throw a weapon around. What she's also purposefully leaving out is that she's reluctant to leave Petra alone. ]
𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮 𝘥𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬. 𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯? 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘺.
[ There is some truth to that statement, but if they were to peel it back to the root of the matter, the true culprit behind Hilda's indeciveness is her anxiety and belief that she'd be a detriment to both teams. She isn't a tracker, doesn't have any skills that could help her survive in the mountains, and certainly "can't" throw a weapon around. What she's also purposefully leaving out is that she's reluctant to leave Petra alone. ]
𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮 𝘥𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬. 𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯? 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘺.
Makes sense. Sticking together's probably a good idea anyway.
[Cold or not. He doesn't know much of anything about her relevant skills, but there's at least a small amount of safety in numbers, and mountaineering is dangerous all on its own even without the potential of Acolytes or monsters or who even knows what else.
Being warm and dry sounds like some far off possibility, but at least he can take a little bit of enjoyment from complaining about Philadelphia.]
Just in some places. I was visiting a different city for the case I was working, where it rained all the time. Where I live has normal weather.
[Which is a totally objective statement of course.]
[Cold or not. He doesn't know much of anything about her relevant skills, but there's at least a small amount of safety in numbers, and mountaineering is dangerous all on its own even without the potential of Acolytes or monsters or who even knows what else.
Being warm and dry sounds like some far off possibility, but at least he can take a little bit of enjoyment from complaining about Philadelphia.]
Just in some places. I was visiting a different city for the case I was working, where it rained all the time. Where I live has normal weather.
[Which is a totally objective statement of course.]
𝘚𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘷𝘦?
[ Teasing and jokes have been admittedly a little difficult the last several weeks, even for her, but she feels like even her poor, slightly off-colour ones have been landing with Jayden. And if this one happens to not land? Well, that's okay, not every joke was going to be a hit. ]
𝘜𝘨𝘩, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘢𝘸𝘧𝘶𝘭. 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘍𝘰𝘥𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴. 𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥?
[ She figures it might be a nice way to at least keep his mind off the slowly rising water levels. ]
[ Teasing and jokes have been admittedly a little difficult the last several weeks, even for her, but she feels like even her poor, slightly off-colour ones have been landing with Jayden. And if this one happens to not land? Well, that's okay, not every joke was going to be a hit. ]
𝘜𝘨𝘩, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘢𝘸𝘧𝘶𝘭. 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘍𝘰𝘥𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴. 𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥?
[ She figures it might be a nice way to at least keep his mind off the slowly rising water levels. ]
You caught me.
[Indeed it lands just fine, and he's joking in return. But although he means the light response, he also feels a strange mix of emotions that he could identify if he really thought about it, but he has zero intention of actually doing so and instead just ignores them.
Fodlan sounds vaguely familiar, but he's not sure why or if he's just imagining it, so he doesn't ask. But it does get mentally filed away for later, as right now he gratefully takes the distraction she offers.]
Yeah. It's the capital of the country, so it's real historic. Lots of things to do when I'm not working.
[Then he realizes something, and adds--]
You'd probably like some of the museums; lots of historic jewelry and that sort of thing. I don't know anything about it except there's a huge diamond that's supposed to be cursed.
[Indeed it lands just fine, and he's joking in return. But although he means the light response, he also feels a strange mix of emotions that he could identify if he really thought about it, but he has zero intention of actually doing so and instead just ignores them.
Fodlan sounds vaguely familiar, but he's not sure why or if he's just imagining it, so he doesn't ask. But it does get mentally filed away for later, as right now he gratefully takes the distraction she offers.]
Yeah. It's the capital of the country, so it's real historic. Lots of things to do when I'm not working.
[Then he realizes something, and adds--]
You'd probably like some of the museums; lots of historic jewelry and that sort of thing. I don't know anything about it except there's a huge diamond that's supposed to be cursed.
𝘈𝘸, 𝘑𝘢𝘺! 𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺, 𝘸𝘦'𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬.
[ Because he will come back and in one piece. As paralyzed as she is by anxiety, there's still a small part of her that wishes she could go to both places. Guilt lingers there as she thinks about not being able to go and get Jayden and Blake by extension but she had made her choice.
Hilda can't help but laugh a bit at his statement about the cursed diamond despite her words. ]
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴?! 𝘐𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘢 𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴, 𝘐 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘥. 𝘔𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘶𝘮𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯'𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘶𝘱 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘦𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘨𝘰 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘫𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘺. 𝘞𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘨𝘰 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘯'𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘶𝘮 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵.
[ Because he will come back and in one piece. As paralyzed as she is by anxiety, there's still a small part of her that wishes she could go to both places. Guilt lingers there as she thinks about not being able to go and get Jayden and Blake by extension but she had made her choice.
Hilda can't help but laugh a bit at his statement about the cursed diamond despite her words. ]
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴?! 𝘐𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘢 𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴, 𝘐 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘥. 𝘔𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘶𝘮𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯'𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘶𝘱 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘦𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘨𝘰 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘫𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘺. 𝘞𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘨𝘰 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘯'𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘶𝘮 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵.
Sounds ominous.
[But he's finding himself willing to entertain the idea that coming back might be possible after all. He's certainly not convinced, but there is at least some sense of hope that exists now.
And as she mentions it, he realizes curses have now come up twice in the same conversation, and that is probably a little strange yeah.]
I swear this is an outlier. Normally I don't mention curses at all.
I don't spend a lot of time in museums either, but one from a whole different world's kind of tempting. I wonder if there's weird dinosaurs or something.
[This place has monsters, after all. Who knows what kind of fossils might exist?]
[But he's finding himself willing to entertain the idea that coming back might be possible after all. He's certainly not convinced, but there is at least some sense of hope that exists now.
And as she mentions it, he realizes curses have now come up twice in the same conversation, and that is probably a little strange yeah.]
I swear this is an outlier. Normally I don't mention curses at all.
I don't spend a lot of time in museums either, but one from a whole different world's kind of tempting. I wonder if there's weird dinosaurs or something.
[This place has monsters, after all. Who knows what kind of fossils might exist?]
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵! 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨.
[ Everyone loves a Hilda Goneril party! And even if they didn’t, surely that had to be a better prospect than everything she’d heard about what the pit had been like. ]
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘴𝘢𝘶𝘳? 𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘭?
[ She doesn’t think she’s heard of anything of the sort in Fodlan, even in the books she’s read that she’ll claim she never has because they’re simply too dry for her liking. ]
[ Everyone loves a Hilda Goneril party! And even if they didn’t, surely that had to be a better prospect than everything she’d heard about what the pit had been like. ]
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘴𝘢𝘶𝘳? 𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘭?
[ She doesn’t think she’s heard of anything of the sort in Fodlan, even in the books she’s read that she’ll claim she never has because they’re simply too dry for her liking. ]
The reunion part sounds great, it's just the 'grand' that's scaring me.
[Seeing a friendly face is a very nice thought, but he has terrible--but funny--mental images of surprise parties and people singing happy birthday in restaurants and other such events.
And how is he going to explain dinosaurs? Give him a brief moment to dredge up the concentration to made this maybe make sense.]
Yeah, they were animals that used to live in my world, but it was millions of years before humans. We just find their bones sometimes now. They're kind of like giant lizards? But they're actually birds.
[...Maybe he should thought about this description a little longer after all.]
[Seeing a friendly face is a very nice thought, but he has terrible--but funny--mental images of surprise parties and people singing happy birthday in restaurants and other such events.
And how is he going to explain dinosaurs? Give him a brief moment to dredge up the concentration to made this maybe make sense.]
Yeah, they were animals that used to live in my world, but it was millions of years before humans. We just find their bones sometimes now. They're kind of like giant lizards? But they're actually birds.
[...Maybe he should thought about this description a little longer after all.]
[ That is a fair enough statement. Not everyone wanted to be the centre of attention after all. But a grand surprise party isn't what she had in mind. ]
𝘖𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘱𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘴, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵? 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦.
[ The image she conjures in her mind is...definitely ridiculous looking and she can't help but snort a little bit at the thought. ]
𝘎𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘪𝘳𝘥𝘴? 𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴? 𝘓𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘸𝘺𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘴?
𝘖𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘱𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘴, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵? 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦.
[ The image she conjures in her mind is...definitely ridiculous looking and she can't help but snort a little bit at the thought. ]
𝘎𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘪𝘳𝘥𝘴? 𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴? 𝘓𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘸𝘺𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘴?
That's true. I definitely won't object to a cake of any size.
[Aside from having strong opinions on coffee, he doesn't typically put much thought into food. But after all of this, a cake sounds amazing.]
Uh, kind of, yeah. Some look like wyverns and dragons, but they don't have wings. Some do have wings but don't look like dragons. There's also one that looks like it's got a duck face on a lizard body.
[This is surely clearing up any confusion. He'll have to make a terrible drawing for her later, or even better, conjure one up in the Horizon.]
[Aside from having strong opinions on coffee, he doesn't typically put much thought into food. But after all of this, a cake sounds amazing.]
Uh, kind of, yeah. Some look like wyverns and dragons, but they don't have wings. Some do have wings but don't look like dragons. There's also one that looks like it's got a duck face on a lizard body.
[This is surely clearing up any confusion. He'll have to make a terrible drawing for her later, or even better, conjure one up in the Horizon.]
𝘐𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸? 𝘖𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘐 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴?
[ The food situation hasn't been great down there. Even if they're so close to getting them out of there, the last thing she wants to do is make it worse somehow by making him think about food. ]
𝘈 𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦!? 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘦, 𝘑𝘢𝘺.
[ Nope. Definitely made it worse. ]
[ The food situation hasn't been great down there. Even if they're so close to getting them out of there, the last thing she wants to do is make it worse somehow by making him think about food. ]
𝘈 𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦!? 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘦, 𝘑𝘢𝘺.
[ Nope. Definitely made it worse. ]
Surprise me.
[Both because he doesn't want to think too much about food and because he's actually not sure what the answer is. Also who knows; maybe this world has some weird cake flavors he's never even thought of, and he'd miss out if he picked something boring.]
Hey, save calling me a liar for when I tell you about platypuses. Unless you have those in your world, in which case you shouldn't be too surprised by weird things with duck faces.
[Both because he doesn't want to think too much about food and because he's actually not sure what the answer is. Also who knows; maybe this world has some weird cake flavors he's never even thought of, and he'd miss out if he picked something boring.]
Hey, save calling me a liar for when I tell you about platypuses. Unless you have those in your world, in which case you shouldn't be too surprised by weird things with duck faces.
𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵-𝘱𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘶𝘱.
[ It's not simply for his benefit either; Hilda loved crafting surprises as much as she enjoyed receiving them.
There's a moment before her next message goes through. Petra has burst through the doors herself and there's a flurry of activity as they throw things they might need into bags. She knows that the next couple of hours will likely be filled with preparation and as reluctant as she is to cut off communication, she'd rather Jayden focus his energies on himself. ]
𝘖𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘶𝘱, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦? 𝘉𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦, 𝘑𝘢𝘺. 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯.
[ It's not simply for his benefit either; Hilda loved crafting surprises as much as she enjoyed receiving them.
There's a moment before her next message goes through. Petra has burst through the doors herself and there's a flurry of activity as they throw things they might need into bags. She knows that the next couple of hours will likely be filled with preparation and as reluctant as she is to cut off communication, she'd rather Jayden focus his energies on himself. ]
𝘖𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘶𝘱, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦? 𝘉𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦, 𝘑𝘢𝘺. 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯.
[ it's a pretty casual day at when the thought strikes sam - one of the few where he doesn't actually have a laundry list of urgent items on his to do list. he considers just going into the horizon to relax for a bit, possibly check in on a few people from the other facts, when he remembers hilda, and the promise of dragon riding, and honestly? he's been meaning to touch base with her anyway. ]
HILDA!
THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE WELCOME COMMITTEE, YOU CAN RELAX
BUT YOU MENTIONED TEACHING ME HOW TO RIDE WYVERNS AT ONE POINT
THAT OFFER STILL OPEN?
𝘚𝘢𝘮!
[ Sam's message couldn't have come at a better time. Being in the throws of trying to pretend that she was fine and that she hadn't just bitten off the head of her best friend, while simultaneously distancing herself from another close friend really takes it out of a girl. ]
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐'𝘥 𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘱 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴! 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘴𝘬. 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘸?
[ Sam's message couldn't have come at a better time. Being in the throws of trying to pretend that she was fine and that she hadn't just bitten off the head of her best friend, while simultaneously distancing herself from another close friend really takes it out of a girl. ]
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐'𝘥 𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘱 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴! 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘴𝘬. 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘸?
[ hilda??? there something you want to talk about?? hello????
but that's fine, actually. there's a good chance sam can pick up on all of that when he actually sees her. for now, he's just kind of excited about the whole prospect to this, and since they've both got the time... ]
but that's fine, actually. there's a good chance sam can pick up on all of that when he actually sees her. for now, he's just kind of excited about the whole prospect to this, and since they've both got the time... ]
OH I KNOW
THAT'S WHY I TOLD YOU RIGHT OFF IT ISN'T THAT
WE CAN DO THIS WHENEVER YOU'RE FREE
BUT HELL- IF THAT'S NOW, I CAN DO NOW
YOUR HORIZON?
𝘐'𝘥 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘺. 𝘜𝘯𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘐𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘐'𝘮 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳.
[ Yes, she is still devastated that Natasha and Steve teamed up to force her to go and do any amount of training. ]
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘵! 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘺𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘸𝘺𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭. 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵.
[ Yes, she is still devastated that Natasha and Steve teamed up to force her to go and do any amount of training. ]
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘵! 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘺𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘸𝘺𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭. 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵.
SO STEVE FINALLY CAME BY, HUH?[ it doesn't take him long to show up; he'd been up in his apartment anyway, so settling back and getting into the horizon didn't take much at all. and, of course, there is the fact he's just kind of...excited to try this out. to go full game of thrones. because if he's been living in this fantasy-aesthetic world, why shouldn't he learn how to fly on the back of a dragon?
HE'S PRETTY STUBBORN
GOOD LUCK
AND I DON'T THINK I'VE BEEN BY, SO I'LL TAKE THE TOUR TOO
SEE YA SOON
( unfortunately, sam does not know the difference. so dragon riding it is. )
he's dressed in what leans more athletic gear - the same sort of shorts, running shoes, and tshirt he would if he were going to work out. part of him wonders if it's going to at all be like horse back riding, which he's done...a couple of times in his life, and then he'd need heeled shoes and long pants. right?
sorry, hilda, he's kind of going into this totally blind. ]
𝘞𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘢 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦 - 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘺 "𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘺?" 𝘠𝘖𝘜 𝘒𝘕𝘌𝘞?
[ Ooo she's going to have some choice words and expressions for Sam when he shows up in her domain.
She's there shortly before him dressed in her normal wyvern riding gear - which is to say not shorts, running shoes, and a t-shirt. Instead she's dressed in gear that probably looks closer to horse riding gear: thick, long pants, thigh high boots and a long sleeved shirt with a cloak thrown over top.
Whatever choice words and expressions she had in mind falter when she sees what Sam is wearing. There's a brief moment of silence as she gives him a blatant look up and down before - ]
Uhm, you know you're going to get cold, right?
[ Some of this roasting may or may not have to do with finding out that he's also a betrayer. ]
[ Ooo she's going to have some choice words and expressions for Sam when he shows up in her domain.
She's there shortly before him dressed in her normal wyvern riding gear - which is to say not shorts, running shoes, and a t-shirt. Instead she's dressed in gear that probably looks closer to horse riding gear: thick, long pants, thigh high boots and a long sleeved shirt with a cloak thrown over top.
Whatever choice words and expressions she had in mind falter when she sees what Sam is wearing. There's a brief moment of silence as she gives him a blatant look up and down before - ]
Uhm, you know you're going to get cold, right?
[ Some of this roasting may or may not have to do with finding out that he's also a betrayer. ]
[ oh yeah, he's definitely prepared for some choice words. but it also leaves him laughing a bit to himself as he gets set up and heads into the horizon - arriving in what is his usual gear and still in a good mood.
seeing her arrive in a very different outfit has his brows lifting a bit - looking from her clothes to his own. ]
Am I? Never done this before, so. [ the roasting probably would be more effective if the horizon wasn't the horizon, because as it stands sam gives an easy shrug and in the blink of an eye his clothes are now a bit more appropriate - athletic jacket, yeah. but also now in pants and boots, probably something a lot more southern in terms of horseback riding gear, but it's better than he was. ]
Better?
seeing her arrive in a very different outfit has his brows lifting a bit - looking from her clothes to his own. ]
Am I? Never done this before, so. [ the roasting probably would be more effective if the horizon wasn't the horizon, because as it stands sam gives an easy shrug and in the blink of an eye his clothes are now a bit more appropriate - athletic jacket, yeah. but also now in pants and boots, probably something a lot more southern in terms of horseback riding gear, but it's better than he was. ]
Better?
[ Regardless of where they are, it will never stop Hilda from roasting someone affectionately - especially if that someone is Sam.
The fashion change is met with a happy whistle and a clap of approval. It probably didn't matter half as much what they wore in here versus if this was real, but having the option to change into stylish riding clothes was all part of the fun and illusion, right? ]
Much better. [ Seemingly satisfied, she does a complete one 180, giving him a light punch to the meatier part of his arm. The pout remains even as she loops her arm through his to lead him up the stairs to the front entrance where they can start their tour. ] Now don't think I forgot that you basically knew Steve was coming by the loft to train me. I can't believe you didn't step in and intervene!
The fashion change is met with a happy whistle and a clap of approval. It probably didn't matter half as much what they wore in here versus if this was real, but having the option to change into stylish riding clothes was all part of the fun and illusion, right? ]
Much better. [ Seemingly satisfied, she does a complete one 180, giving him a light punch to the meatier part of his arm. The pout remains even as she loops her arm through his to lead him up the stairs to the front entrance where they can start their tour. ] Now don't think I forgot that you basically knew Steve was coming by the loft to train me. I can't believe you didn't step in and intervene!
[ he knows this and he loves her. besides, he was that role for steve for so long he knows the important of it. and hilda just now gets to be that for him. does that mean he's accepted a long life full of the harshest roasting imaginable? most likely. good thing he can handle it.
to the happy whistle and clap of approval, sam will very dramatically take a bow. thank you, thank you, he'll be here [ insert the complicated nature of time in a place that may or may not exist outside of it ]. the punch, though light, has sam keeping with the dramatics and pulling back - his hand rubbing against said meatier part of his arm. ]
Hey! Steve has nothing to do with you doing something nice for me. You got yourself into that mess. There's nothing I could have done. [ a beat, and then a small smile. ] You'll be glad for it after a while.
to the happy whistle and clap of approval, sam will very dramatically take a bow. thank you, thank you, he'll be here [ insert the complicated nature of time in a place that may or may not exist outside of it ]. the punch, though light, has sam keeping with the dramatics and pulling back - his hand rubbing against said meatier part of his arm. ]
Hey! Steve has nothing to do with you doing something nice for me. You got yourself into that mess. There's nothing I could have done. [ a beat, and then a small smile. ] You'll be glad for it after a while.
[ She wouldn't dish it out if she didn't think he could handle it. Unsurprisingly, most people in her life seem to be cut from similar cloth and she wouldn't have it any other way. Meeting the Golden Deer in many ways had only solidified her desire to be around people that accepted her the way she was.
The dramatics are met with barely concealed delight as she lamely attempts to bite back the smile threatening to show. The entrance stairs they ascend will eventually give way to the marketplace. While normally bustling, the stands are quiet today, devoid of what would normally hustle and bustle of merchants.
There's a bit of a whine in her voice as she juts her lip out a little further. ]
You could have absolutely done something. I know you have no sway over Natasha but Steve listens to you, doesn't he? Did you know that he showed up at my apartment and carried me to the training grounds?
[ She attempts to make it sound like that's somehow the worst thing that's ever happened to her when the opposite is probably true. ]
The dramatics are met with barely concealed delight as she lamely attempts to bite back the smile threatening to show. The entrance stairs they ascend will eventually give way to the marketplace. While normally bustling, the stands are quiet today, devoid of what would normally hustle and bustle of merchants.
There's a bit of a whine in her voice as she juts her lip out a little further. ]
You could have absolutely done something. I know you have no sway over Natasha but Steve listens to you, doesn't he? Did you know that he showed up at my apartment and carried me to the training grounds?
[ She attempts to make it sound like that's somehow the worst thing that's ever happened to her when the opposite is probably true. ]
[ it's possible she simply attracts these kinds of people, but that's not a bad thing. sam likes spending his time with those people. he likes being those people. it's probably why he was so quickly attracted to hilda, too.
they continue through a quiet, empty marketplace. sam takes note of all that he sees around them, curious as to why it is so quiet, but the conversation is where his attention remains. ]
Steve? Listen to me? Hilda, girl, I can suggest things to Steve all I want, but I would not say he listens to me. Not where this sorta stuff is concerned. [ and okay, maybe that's not entirely true. what steve and sam have is complicated, but also not at all. sam knows that where it matters, when it matters, they listen to each other. trust in each other one hundred percent. that's not applicable here, exactly, but that's fine.
and now sam is laughing, because of course he is. the mental image of hilda being picked up and thrown over steve's shoulder is too good. ] Yeah, that sounds like him. Good luck with that.
they continue through a quiet, empty marketplace. sam takes note of all that he sees around them, curious as to why it is so quiet, but the conversation is where his attention remains. ]
Steve? Listen to me? Hilda, girl, I can suggest things to Steve all I want, but I would not say he listens to me. Not where this sorta stuff is concerned. [ and okay, maybe that's not entirely true. what steve and sam have is complicated, but also not at all. sam knows that where it matters, when it matters, they listen to each other. trust in each other one hundred percent. that's not applicable here, exactly, but that's fine.
and now sam is laughing, because of course he is. the mental image of hilda being picked up and thrown over steve's shoulder is too good. ] Yeah, that sounds like him. Good luck with that.
[ Truthfully the marketplace is never this quiet. There's always the sounds of idle chatter, laughter, the occasional call of a merchant hawking their imaginary wares.
If asked, Hilda wouldn't have a useful answer as to why because she wouldn't know what to say apart from the fact that she simply had no clue. Maybe it's because her own mental state hadn't been very jovial as of late and it's easier to focus on the things that brought her joy - like the wyverns. As if sensing her arrival, a familiar screech echoes from the direction they're heading towards. ]
You mean he's done this before?
[ She's positively appalled, but it's mostly aimed at the fact that Sam is laughing at her. Commence the whining and pouting. ]
What happened to being on my side? I'm just a tiny little thing, Steve shouldn't be picking me up and carrying me to a training session that I don't want any part of. What happened to what I want?
If asked, Hilda wouldn't have a useful answer as to why because she wouldn't know what to say apart from the fact that she simply had no clue. Maybe it's because her own mental state hadn't been very jovial as of late and it's easier to focus on the things that brought her joy - like the wyverns. As if sensing her arrival, a familiar screech echoes from the direction they're heading towards. ]
You mean he's done this before?
[ She's positively appalled, but it's mostly aimed at the fact that Sam is laughing at her. Commence the whining and pouting. ]
What happened to being on my side? I'm just a tiny little thing, Steve shouldn't be picking me up and carrying me to a training session that I don't want any part of. What happened to what I want?
[ it's something sam can at least consider later on - he's no psychologist, but he's been here long enough to know how horizon domains can reflect things people don't really want to address. he'll keep it in mind as the rest of the day continues on, but hilda might recognize that look tucked back somewhere during the conversation.
the sound of the wyvern screech, and sam's attention turns towards that, now. there may even be a flicker of oh god, are we really doing this that he moves on by real quickly. ]
I mean, yeah. In a way he did it to me too. I wasn't born this fit. [ he is so unaffected by her whining and pouting. completely and totally. ]
I am always on your side. In a supportive and maybe a tough love sorta way - but you are always my girl. But okay, you've got me: what do you want?
the sound of the wyvern screech, and sam's attention turns towards that, now. there may even be a flicker of oh god, are we really doing this that he moves on by real quickly. ]
I mean, yeah. In a way he did it to me too. I wasn't born this fit. [ he is so unaffected by her whining and pouting. completely and totally. ]
I am always on your side. In a supportive and maybe a tough love sorta way - but you are always my girl. But okay, you've got me: what do you want?
You?
[ The thought of Sam being carried like a swooning maiden in Steve's arms is oddly fitting and Mirth returns to her expression, almost a clear indication that her pouting and whining had been entirely put on (but then again, he probably knew that.)
And while she knows that their banter is meant to be lighthearted by design, her chest still warms when he calls her his girl. Knowing that she has Sam in her corner helps more than he realizes. It's enough to give her pause while she contemplates her answer as they silently pass through the entrance hall. If she gives off the impression that she's seriously considering it, it's because a small part of her is. But no one else can fix the things she's run across the last several months, even someone as strong willed as Sam.
After a beat she grins. ]
I want to see you try and ride a wyvern. Just remember that if Waffle gets a little nippy that I'm also your side but in a tough love sort of way because you're always my guy.
[ The thought of Sam being carried like a swooning maiden in Steve's arms is oddly fitting and Mirth returns to her expression, almost a clear indication that her pouting and whining had been entirely put on (but then again, he probably knew that.)
And while she knows that their banter is meant to be lighthearted by design, her chest still warms when he calls her his girl. Knowing that she has Sam in her corner helps more than he realizes. It's enough to give her pause while she contemplates her answer as they silently pass through the entrance hall. If she gives off the impression that she's seriously considering it, it's because a small part of her is. But no one else can fix the things she's run across the last several months, even someone as strong willed as Sam.
After a beat she grins. ]
I want to see you try and ride a wyvern. Just remember that if Waffle gets a little nippy that I'm also your side but in a tough love sort of way because you're always my guy.
[ well, okay, maybe not a swooning maiden. but sam's definitely been carried by steve before, that's just something he kind of assumes most people who are friends of steve have experienced. ]
Yes, me. Crazy, I know.
[ but yes, to be honest, sam pretty much knew it was all an act. the ease in which he sees her switch from depressed to mirthful tells him all he needs to know about it all. and of course he notices the way she brightens at his words, as subtle and small as it may be - honestly, all it really does it remind him to be a little more specific about his words. because it is true, he does feel that way, and sometimes he forgets that people need to hear it a bit more specifically.
anyway, after the beat passes, hilda is grinning. and sam - he has a feeling about that grin - sort of smiles back. alright, okay, what does that look have in store for him now. and yeah, his smile definitely turns into a full grin when she mirrors the words back to him, you're always my guy. ]
Waffle? [ and then, a beat later. ] Sounds perfect. We can figure it out. [ he glances up and around into the sky, before turning back to her. ] Does Waffle like to make an entrance, too?
Yes, me. Crazy, I know.
[ but yes, to be honest, sam pretty much knew it was all an act. the ease in which he sees her switch from depressed to mirthful tells him all he needs to know about it all. and of course he notices the way she brightens at his words, as subtle and small as it may be - honestly, all it really does it remind him to be a little more specific about his words. because it is true, he does feel that way, and sometimes he forgets that people need to hear it a bit more specifically.
anyway, after the beat passes, hilda is grinning. and sam - he has a feeling about that grin - sort of smiles back. alright, okay, what does that look have in store for him now. and yeah, his smile definitely turns into a full grin when she mirrors the words back to him, you're always my guy. ]
Waffle? [ and then, a beat later. ] Sounds perfect. We can figure it out. [ he glances up and around into the sky, before turning back to her. ] Does Waffle like to make an entrance, too?
He can be a bit of a drama wyvern but he's my wyvern so it shouldn't be that much of a surprise.
[ Affection oozes out of her as she speaks; it's clear how much she adores her wyvern. The steps to the aerie appear and she leads them up the winding staircase up and up until the sound - and smell - of the wyvern's becomes more apparent.
Outside the door is a small feeding room filled with supplies and buckets of meat and tongs. The nice thing about the Horizon is that she didn't have to do the unpleasant task of preparing any of it – it was already done for her. She tosses Sam a pair of gloves before handing him some tongs and a bucket. She cracks the door to the aerie ajar. ]
Now when we go in, make eye contact with him and give him some of the meat.
[ The room is large and circular, split into several nests for the wyvern's. A pleasant breeze drifts through the large windows looking out onto the grounds and Horizon beyond. As she pushes it open further, three pairs of eyes immediately turn to the newcomers.
One wyvern is the oldest of the bunch, burly with thick muscles, battle scars and a perpetual glower. The brass name plate on his stall reads "Buri". Laying in the stall next to him is a wyvern named "Adelheid". She's slimmer, lithe, with curious, bright eyes. Finally, in the stall across from them reads the name, "Waffenzahn". He's in-between Buri and Adelheid in size, but clearly the youngest of the three if his puppy-like energy is any indication. Pink ribbons are tied around his horns. But upon seeing Sam, he bares his teeth, a low growl emitting from his throat. Hilda clicks her tongue, breezing into the room. ]
Waffle, be nice. This is Sam, my friend.
[ Affection oozes out of her as she speaks; it's clear how much she adores her wyvern. The steps to the aerie appear and she leads them up the winding staircase up and up until the sound - and smell - of the wyvern's becomes more apparent.
Outside the door is a small feeding room filled with supplies and buckets of meat and tongs. The nice thing about the Horizon is that she didn't have to do the unpleasant task of preparing any of it – it was already done for her. She tosses Sam a pair of gloves before handing him some tongs and a bucket. She cracks the door to the aerie ajar. ]
Now when we go in, make eye contact with him and give him some of the meat.
[ The room is large and circular, split into several nests for the wyvern's. A pleasant breeze drifts through the large windows looking out onto the grounds and Horizon beyond. As she pushes it open further, three pairs of eyes immediately turn to the newcomers.
One wyvern is the oldest of the bunch, burly with thick muscles, battle scars and a perpetual glower. The brass name plate on his stall reads "Buri". Laying in the stall next to him is a wyvern named "Adelheid". She's slimmer, lithe, with curious, bright eyes. Finally, in the stall across from them reads the name, "Waffenzahn". He's in-between Buri and Adelheid in size, but clearly the youngest of the three if his puppy-like energy is any indication. Pink ribbons are tied around his horns. But upon seeing Sam, he bares his teeth, a low growl emitting from his throat. Hilda clicks her tongue, breezing into the room. ]
Waffle, be nice. This is Sam, my friend.
[ sam feels himself nodding, which is his way of saying oh yeah, definitely not a surprise. he can hear the affection in her words, and he recognizes it well enough. he sounds very similar whenever he talkes about red, so it does make sense. the stairs appear and sam follows hilda up the winding steps, up and up as the sound and smells start to become much stronger.
he takes it all in as they walk, the feeding room and the supplies and the pieces of meat. carnivore, then, which...sam reminds himself exactly what it is they're doing. what he's about to do. flying has always been one thing, but riding what is basically a dragon. whatever nerves might show themselves, sam pushes away quickly enough as he slips on the gloves and takes the equipment, the tongs and the meat, and once again he can't quite escape how...not strange this is, but just how out of his element. ]
Right; eye contact and a meaty snack. Got it.
[ there is no sarcasm in his tone, despite the slight urge he has. this isn't really a time for it, so sam focuses on matching hilda's body language, her general state. when she opens the door and leads him inside, he follows only a step or two behind. he follows the circular walls of the room, seeing the nests and the plates with names and the...well. the wyverns.
the innate curiosity sam has makes him want to hover, to really get to know each one. he knows he can't, and instead he keeps pace with hilda, keeping his own energy calm and casual as he goes ahead and sticks the tongs into the bucket as he walks behind her.
he decides not to try and talk to waffles quite yet, trusting hilda and her control over the creature enough that he doesn't even feel all that intimidated by the growl. when he's almost close enough, sam offers up one of the pieces of meat, coming to a slow stop and meeting waffles eyes in one easy motion. ]
Hey, boy...hungry?
[ ( sam's never actually been attacked in the horizon. that survival-voice in the far back corners of his mind wonder if this is when he's going to find out. ) ]
he takes it all in as they walk, the feeding room and the supplies and the pieces of meat. carnivore, then, which...sam reminds himself exactly what it is they're doing. what he's about to do. flying has always been one thing, but riding what is basically a dragon. whatever nerves might show themselves, sam pushes away quickly enough as he slips on the gloves and takes the equipment, the tongs and the meat, and once again he can't quite escape how...not strange this is, but just how out of his element. ]
Right; eye contact and a meaty snack. Got it.
[ there is no sarcasm in his tone, despite the slight urge he has. this isn't really a time for it, so sam focuses on matching hilda's body language, her general state. when she opens the door and leads him inside, he follows only a step or two behind. he follows the circular walls of the room, seeing the nests and the plates with names and the...well. the wyverns.
the innate curiosity sam has makes him want to hover, to really get to know each one. he knows he can't, and instead he keeps pace with hilda, keeping his own energy calm and casual as he goes ahead and sticks the tongs into the bucket as he walks behind her.
he decides not to try and talk to waffles quite yet, trusting hilda and her control over the creature enough that he doesn't even feel all that intimidated by the growl. when he's almost close enough, sam offers up one of the pieces of meat, coming to a slow stop and meeting waffles eyes in one easy motion. ]
Hey, boy...hungry?
[ ( sam's never actually been attacked in the horizon. that survival-voice in the far back corners of his mind wonder if this is when he's going to find out. ) ]
[ Being told that Sam is a friend of Hilda’s doesn’t seem to take the edge off of the wyvern’s general demeanour. In fact, it only seems to prompt him to size him up more. There’s a measured criticalness to his gaze as he regards Sam and the meat.
Hilda doesn’t do much to help or encourage. Instead she stands off to the side in his next, keeping one hand resting gently on Waffle’s forehead just in case. The meeting bit is arguably the most important part of meeting a wyvern for the first time. If you couldn’t gain their trust, riding them would be far more of a challenge, even for the most seasoned of riders.
Then again, they were in the Horizon and they literally her creation. Following that logic, no harm should come to anyone while they’re here apart from maybe some light ego bruising.
Adelheid trills from her stall as if laughing at the young pup’s scrutiny and that seems to prompt Waffle to give Sam’s offering a long, drawn out and very exaggerated sniff. Finally he opens his jaw wide, revealing several rows of shiny, sharp teeth. The action makes Hilda look positively delighted and immediately perks up. ]
Oh, I think he wants you to feed him! Just extend the skewer into his mouth and he’ll do the rest.
Hilda doesn’t do much to help or encourage. Instead she stands off to the side in his next, keeping one hand resting gently on Waffle’s forehead just in case. The meeting bit is arguably the most important part of meeting a wyvern for the first time. If you couldn’t gain their trust, riding them would be far more of a challenge, even for the most seasoned of riders.
Then again, they were in the Horizon and they literally her creation. Following that logic, no harm should come to anyone while they’re here apart from maybe some light ego bruising.
Adelheid trills from her stall as if laughing at the young pup’s scrutiny and that seems to prompt Waffle to give Sam’s offering a long, drawn out and very exaggerated sniff. Finally he opens his jaw wide, revealing several rows of shiny, sharp teeth. The action makes Hilda look positively delighted and immediately perks up. ]
Oh, I think he wants you to feed him! Just extend the skewer into his mouth and he’ll do the rest.
[ that is the fun middle-ground of doing anything in the horizon; you make it as normal as you want, you have the option to introduce anyone and everyone to things they wouldn't otherwise have access too, you want to make it as realistic as you can because you're experiencing it - but, also, it's all a creation.
so, really, it's entirely up to hilda whether or not this is going to work out. and the worst part about that is that it being up to hilda doesn't give sam any actual confidence. she'd be just as likely to make this harder on him just for the sake of it, especially after their recent steve-rogers-shaped conversation.
but sam does what he knows how - he's calm, and nonthreatening, and patient. he keeps his attention on waffle, even as the other wyvern starts to make noises. a good call, considering the way waffle decides to take an extended interest in the meat right about then. when he opens his mouth to long rows of extremely sharp teeth, sam can't help but smile - taking it as a good sign, which is confirmed by hilda's delightful perk. ]
Yeah? Alright- here you go, buddy. [ and sam will do just that - extend the skewer a safe amount into waffles mouth with very little to any nerves at all. he's doing a great job, he thinks, all things considered. ] Eat up!
so, really, it's entirely up to hilda whether or not this is going to work out. and the worst part about that is that it being up to hilda doesn't give sam any actual confidence. she'd be just as likely to make this harder on him just for the sake of it, especially after their recent steve-rogers-shaped conversation.
but sam does what he knows how - he's calm, and nonthreatening, and patient. he keeps his attention on waffle, even as the other wyvern starts to make noises. a good call, considering the way waffle decides to take an extended interest in the meat right about then. when he opens his mouth to long rows of extremely sharp teeth, sam can't help but smile - taking it as a good sign, which is confirmed by hilda's delightful perk. ]
Yeah? Alright- here you go, buddy. [ and sam will do just that - extend the skewer a safe amount into waffles mouth with very little to any nerves at all. he's doing a great job, he thinks, all things considered. ] Eat up!
[ While Hilda is fully aware that the things in the Horizon and her domain are under her control, she often likes to forget about it some days. Sometimes it's easier to pretend that things here are as real as they would be back home without her influence - but well, then that sort of leads to a lot of thinking which she purposely tries to avoid.
All of that to say is that she isn't thinking too hard about how Waffle might react but it wouldn't be a stretch of the imagination that Waffle is a mischievous extension of his mistress. Waffle's jaw hinges open - wider than it needs to - revealing the row of teeth that extends back into his mouth keeping his eyes on Sam as if scrutinizing his mettle before bearing down on the meat to pull it off. Just as it's pulled off he gives one gigantic snuff of air through his nose that probably doesn't smell very good before noisily snacking on the offered snack.
Hilda can't help but a round of applause, grinning from ear to ear. ]
If I didn't know any better I'd say you've done this before. I think I'm already beginning to see inspiration for the next family dinner poster.
All of that to say is that she isn't thinking too hard about how Waffle might react but it wouldn't be a stretch of the imagination that Waffle is a mischievous extension of his mistress. Waffle's jaw hinges open - wider than it needs to - revealing the row of teeth that extends back into his mouth keeping his eyes on Sam as if scrutinizing his mettle before bearing down on the meat to pull it off. Just as it's pulled off he gives one gigantic snuff of air through his nose that probably doesn't smell very good before noisily snacking on the offered snack.
Hilda can't help but a round of applause, grinning from ear to ear. ]
If I didn't know any better I'd say you've done this before. I think I'm already beginning to see inspiration for the next family dinner poster.
[ sam understands that - the majority of the time he spends in his own horizon is doing chores and projects that he could just think up better and done. but that's also not the type of person that sam is, and he also doesn't think that's the type of person hilda is either. this won't be any harder, or any easier, than it would be in real life. and that is enough to give sam the confidence to keep doing.
which - judging by the way the wyvern chows down on the snack, seems to be pretty okay. he grins, genuinely excited that it's working, and then hilda is applauding and sam gives a small roll of his eyes. ]
You know I haven't, but I like the vote of confidence. [ maybe if he doesn't acknowledge the next poster for family dinner, she'll forget all about it. ] So what's next?
which - judging by the way the wyvern chows down on the snack, seems to be pretty okay. he grins, genuinely excited that it's working, and then hilda is applauding and sam gives a small roll of his eyes. ]
You know I haven't, but I like the vote of confidence. [ maybe if he doesn't acknowledge the next poster for family dinner, she'll forget all about it. ] So what's next?
What, there aren't wyvern-esque creatures where you're from? Nat and Wanda said that there's magic. Why wouldn't there be creatures like Waffle too?
[ She's really trying to pump his tires, don't give her that eye roll, Sam!
Now that Waffle seems to be sated, she eagerly reaches for the saddle and reigns and handing it over to him. It's another thing that she could just blink and it would be on Waffle (she's tried, it saves so much time), but this just feels like another one of those things that has to be done properly. ]
We have to get him ready for the flight. Unsurprisingly, it's not the comfiest if you decide to go bareback. Do you know how to saddle a horse?
[ She's really trying to pump his tires, don't give her that eye roll, Sam!
Now that Waffle seems to be sated, she eagerly reaches for the saddle and reigns and handing it over to him. It's another thing that she could just blink and it would be on Waffle (she's tried, it saves so much time), but this just feels like another one of those things that has to be done properly. ]
We have to get him ready for the flight. Unsurprisingly, it's not the comfiest if you decide to go bareback. Do you know how to saddle a horse?
There might be- I've just never been this up close and personal to any of them. I've barely ridden a horse.
[ now, if it comes to planes and jet packs and all that sort of stuff, he's got her total covered. but a living, breathing, pretty huge creature who has opinions of his own that sam's still not entirely sure how to read? that's...a different story.
but he's gonna keep doing his best. and it's gotten him this far, so far. when she hands the saddle and reins to him, sam does take them, though he doesn't exactly look experienced. and may even be eyeing them for a moment or so after like he's trying to put a puzzle piece together. ]
Saddle a horse? Nah, every horse I've been on already had all their kit on. But I take instruction real well- can you direct me?
[ now, if it comes to planes and jet packs and all that sort of stuff, he's got her total covered. but a living, breathing, pretty huge creature who has opinions of his own that sam's still not entirely sure how to read? that's...a different story.
but he's gonna keep doing his best. and it's gotten him this far, so far. when she hands the saddle and reins to him, sam does take them, though he doesn't exactly look experienced. and may even be eyeing them for a moment or so after like he's trying to put a puzzle piece together. ]
Saddle a horse? Nah, every horse I've been on already had all their kit on. But I take instruction real well- can you direct me?
You're telling me that you've done all this flying but you've never ridden a horse?
[ Not that it's particularly odd for someone in Fodlan to have done both. She had learned how to ride a horse long before she had figured out how to ride a wyvern. Actually, she had been terrified of heights and wyverns so flying had never been in the cards for her in her youth. If only her younger self could see her now. ]
Ugh, all right. But only because you asked so nicely and I'd rather not see you embarrass yourself.
[ Hilda's quick to explain how to saddle Waffle up properly. With how clear her instructions are, it's clear that she's done this before. It wouldn't be a stretch of the imagination to say that she's probably had people saddle Waffle up for her instead of being perfectly capable of doing it herself.
Whether or not this is also one of those moments might be hard to determine. She's too preoccupied ensuring that he tightens the straps or ties them just right so that there's no accidental falling out of the saddle in the sky later. ]
[ Not that it's particularly odd for someone in Fodlan to have done both. She had learned how to ride a horse long before she had figured out how to ride a wyvern. Actually, she had been terrified of heights and wyverns so flying had never been in the cards for her in her youth. If only her younger self could see her now. ]
Ugh, all right. But only because you asked so nicely and I'd rather not see you embarrass yourself.
[ Hilda's quick to explain how to saddle Waffle up properly. With how clear her instructions are, it's clear that she's done this before. It wouldn't be a stretch of the imagination to say that she's probably had people saddle Waffle up for her instead of being perfectly capable of doing it herself.
Whether or not this is also one of those moments might be hard to determine. She's too preoccupied ensuring that he tightens the straps or ties them just right so that there's no accidental falling out of the saddle in the sky later. ]
Why would I need to ride a horse when I can go flying? Saves the horse the effort and me the time.
[ and while his voice is vaguely offended, it's very obviously just a tease. but sam looks at waffle less like he doesn't know what he's doing and more than he's excited about the challenge. even more so now that hilda's going to help him.
he grins, knowing very well what she means by asking so nicely. truth is, sam's never even gotten close to doing this step of things before. but hilda's instructions are clear, and helpful, and experienced, and before long waffle is ready to go and acting a bit impatient. ]
He looks ready to go. I'm guessing he likes flying as much as you do?
[ and while his voice is vaguely offended, it's very obviously just a tease. but sam looks at waffle less like he doesn't know what he's doing and more than he's excited about the challenge. even more so now that hilda's going to help him.
he grins, knowing very well what she means by asking so nicely. truth is, sam's never even gotten close to doing this step of things before. but hilda's instructions are clear, and helpful, and experienced, and before long waffle is ready to go and acting a bit impatient. ]
He looks ready to go. I'm guessing he likes flying as much as you do?
They're obviously very different experiences, that's why.
[ She says it like it's the most matter of fact thing. Although if she's being perfectly honest, she vastly preferred flying to riding a horse. Racing along on the ground felt so pedestrian compared to being able to fly. But admitting that means she can't continue ribbing Sam for not knowing how to ride a horse.
The saddle is given one final tug and when it doesn't move she gives Sam a very satisfied - and proud - smile. ]
He loves it - don't you? [ The last bit is obviously directed at Waffle who she gives a little scratch under his scaly chin. There's something akin to a purr from the back of his throat as he nuzzles into her. ] I don't think I know a wyvern that doesn't love flying.
Did you want to ride together? There should be enough room but I can ride Adelheid if you'd rather ride on your own.
[ She says it like it's the most matter of fact thing. Although if she's being perfectly honest, she vastly preferred flying to riding a horse. Racing along on the ground felt so pedestrian compared to being able to fly. But admitting that means she can't continue ribbing Sam for not knowing how to ride a horse.
The saddle is given one final tug and when it doesn't move she gives Sam a very satisfied - and proud - smile. ]
He loves it - don't you? [ The last bit is obviously directed at Waffle who she gives a little scratch under his scaly chin. There's something akin to a purr from the back of his throat as he nuzzles into her. ] I don't think I know a wyvern that doesn't love flying.
Did you want to ride together? There should be enough room but I can ride Adelheid if you'd rather ride on your own.
[ for a brief moment, sam just sort of nods. because while he doesn't exactly agree with it, he can't really argue with it either. they are indeed very different things and sam's never really felt the need to do one when he's had the other.
or when, you know, he had access to a car. or a jet. horses are fine and all, but they're just. super last century. he's been forced to learn how to actually ride them since being summoned, but the problem with that is that he's had plenty of other people to do the actual steps.
but, thankfully, there's hilda. and sooner rather than later waffle is saddled and ready to go. hilda scratches waffle under the chin with a fondness sam can recognize and he just sort of ends up smiling. ]
Honestly? I think it'd be better if I went solo and you helped me out along the side. Don't want him getting mixed signals, and it wouldn't surprise me if you were some kinda backseat wyvern rider. [ obviously a tease, but sam - carefully - holds out his hand for waffle to sniff, or acknowledge, or whatever before he tries to go to pet him. ] If that's cool?
or when, you know, he had access to a car. or a jet. horses are fine and all, but they're just. super last century. he's been forced to learn how to actually ride them since being summoned, but the problem with that is that he's had plenty of other people to do the actual steps.
but, thankfully, there's hilda. and sooner rather than later waffle is saddled and ready to go. hilda scratches waffle under the chin with a fondness sam can recognize and he just sort of ends up smiling. ]
Honestly? I think it'd be better if I went solo and you helped me out along the side. Don't want him getting mixed signals, and it wouldn't surprise me if you were some kinda backseat wyvern rider. [ obviously a tease, but sam - carefully - holds out his hand for waffle to sniff, or acknowledge, or whatever before he tries to go to pet him. ] If that's cool?
[ The backseat rider comment immediately draws an appalled gasp from her. Her attention snaps from Waffle and her affectionate scratching under the creature's chin is put on pause - something that Waffle definitely doesn't seem to enjoy. There's an annoyed, needy growl from the back of Waffle's throat as he pushes into her hand but Hilda seems far too invested in this bit about her being a rude backseat flyer to notice. ]
What? I would never!
[ When no more scratches seem to come from Hilda, Waffle turns to Sam's offered hand without a second thought. Ah, to be a fickle wyvern. She sniffs, the act continuing. Although how long it'll continue is anyone's guess (it won't for the record, especially if the tug at the corner of her lips is any indication). ]
He seems to have accepted you though so I guess that would be fine. I'll leave you two to get acquainted and I'll go get Adelheid ready.
[ Saddling up Adelheid is done in no time at all, all while keeping an eye and ear out for what she hopes will be a new budding friendship. So long as nothing goes wrong, Hilda eventually hops up onto the slighter wyvern and nudges her towards the large window that serves as their launching point. ]
Ready?
What? I would never!
[ When no more scratches seem to come from Hilda, Waffle turns to Sam's offered hand without a second thought. Ah, to be a fickle wyvern. She sniffs, the act continuing. Although how long it'll continue is anyone's guess (it won't for the record, especially if the tug at the corner of her lips is any indication). ]
He seems to have accepted you though so I guess that would be fine. I'll leave you two to get acquainted and I'll go get Adelheid ready.
[ Saddling up Adelheid is done in no time at all, all while keeping an eye and ear out for what she hopes will be a new budding friendship. So long as nothing goes wrong, Hilda eventually hops up onto the slighter wyvern and nudges her towards the large window that serves as their launching point. ]
Ready?
[ When she sees the message, she's actually in the Old Public Hall reviewing the inventory list before the performance that evening. There's probably a couple of minutes before her reply comes through because she's sending someone else a message. There can only be one other person who knows Alucard well and had been there to witness her regrettable act of murder self-defense. ]
Edited 2023-06-05 01:18 (UTC)
𝘚𝘬𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨? 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐'𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘩.
Post concert Jaskier is quite a sight but
--very impressive.
[Alucard has a type of friend and it's could wreck him if he wasn't overpowered.]
--very impressive.
[Alucard has a type of friend and it's could wreck him if he wasn't overpowered.]
𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦? 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘪𝘵? 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯.
[ She's 100% not going to acknowledge what he's talking about. But also, there technically wasn't any skull splitting involved. Maybe some arm severing. And some rib breaking. And maybe a busted knee cap - but no skulls were actually split. ]
[ She's 100% not going to acknowledge what he's talking about. But also, there technically wasn't any skull splitting involved. Maybe some arm severing. And some rib breaking. And maybe a busted knee cap - but no skulls were actually split. ]
[h i l d a.]
Regardless of context, I'm glad to know you can look after yourself and then some. It also may explain why we get along.
Regardless of context, I'm glad to know you can look after yourself and then some. It also may explain why we get along.
[ a l u c a r d. ]
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯? 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 - 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 - 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭?!
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯? 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 - 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 - 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭?!
[now you're just doing it for the sake of doing it]
I'm saying I have a particular tendency to befriend women who could probably break me if I wasn't a dhampir. It is a value neutral thing.
But if you ever need a sparring partner ....
I'm saying I have a particular tendency to befriend women who could probably break me if I wasn't a dhampir. It is a value neutral thing.
But if you ever need a sparring partner ....
[ She isn't the one that started it!
Hilda knows she asked the question but she certainly hadn't been expecting...that. Thank Goddess for text because she's definitely spluttering. Congrats, Alucard. ]
𝘐 - 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 - 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵, 𝘐'𝘮 𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳! 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘶𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦?
Hilda knows she asked the question but she certainly hadn't been expecting...that. Thank Goddess for text because she's definitely spluttering. Congrats, Alucard. ]
𝘐 - 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 - 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵, 𝘐'𝘮 𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳! 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘶𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦?
[Okay, fair.
Look at least he's coming by all of this honestly??? This is what he's really like Hilda, sorry.]
You'd be surprised....
Look at least he's coming by all of this honestly??? This is what he's really like Hilda, sorry.]
You'd be surprised....
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘥𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘳. 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘺.
𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘵 𝘢 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯! 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘐 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶? 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘮𝘦.
[ Why, yes, she's still committing to the bit. ]
𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘵 𝘢 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯! 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘐 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶? 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘮𝘦.
[ Why, yes, she's still committing to the bit. ]
Then what weapon were you using on the mountain?
Hilda, this is the part that's probably closer to teasing.
Hilda, this is the part that's probably closer to teasing.
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘑𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴?
[ Nice try, mister. ]
𝘜𝘨𝘩, 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦? 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘦. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐'𝘮 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯! 𝘏𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦?
[ Nice try, mister. ]
𝘜𝘨𝘩, 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦? 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘦. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐'𝘮 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯! 𝘏𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦?
An axe, I believe?
[he's trying hard
Hiding is a strong word but...it takes me time to be informal around others.
[he's trying hard
Hiding is a strong word but...it takes me time to be informal around others.
𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘭.
[ The axe is question actually sits right by her bedroom door so she can remind herself to get it sharpened at some point. Old habits die hard even if you're in deep denial about them. And lazy. Mostly lazy. ]
𝘖𝘩. 𝘖𝘩! 𝘞𝘢𝘪𝘵, 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴?
[ Are they friends?! ]
[ The axe is question actually sits right by her bedroom door so she can remind herself to get it sharpened at some point. Old habits die hard even if you're in deep denial about them. And lazy. Mostly lazy. ]
𝘖𝘩. 𝘖𝘩! 𝘞𝘢𝘪𝘵, 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴?
[ Are they friends?! ]
Uh-huh.
[H i l d a.]
Yes?
[Just don't say the f word out loud, he's allergic. Or something.]
[H i l d a.]
Yes?
[Just don't say the f word out loud, he's allergic. Or something.]
[ A l u c a r d.
She's getting that vibe even from over text and is absolutely going to try to get him to say it. Or write it. Whatever. ]
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 '𝘧' 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥...
She's getting that vibe even from over text and is absolutely going to try to get him to say it. Or write it. Whatever. ]
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 '𝘧' 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥...
[How dare you.]
How can I think that word when you won't tell me your weapon of choice?
How can I think that word when you won't tell me your weapon of choice?
[ It's why he likes her. ]
𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘢 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘵𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴?
𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘢 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘵𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴?
I mean most of my associates are capable of swinging at least one weapon, or magic, soooooo
[ She sees what you're doing, Alucard! ]
...𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳.
𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘐 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘹𝘦.
...𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳.
𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘐 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘹𝘦.
[Okay Hilda that's actually hot.]
Thank you, my friendly associate who I appreciate and value.
And I do mean it if you'd like to spar. I am perfectly capable of tamping down my natural abilities.
Thank you, my friendly associate who I appreciate and value.
And I do mean it if you'd like to spar. I am perfectly capable of tamping down my natural abilities.
[ She can use a sword and a spear too. But she's not admitting those things. ]
𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦?!
[ The response to his sparring question comes several beats later to the point where it might seem she isn't going to answer it. Words are quickly scribbled out, as if she's hastily trying to do so before she takes them back. ]
𝘐𝘧 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘰 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳, 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦?
𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦?!
[ The response to his sparring question comes several beats later to the point where it might seem she isn't going to answer it. Words are quickly scribbled out, as if she's hastily trying to do so before she takes them back. ]
𝘐𝘧 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘰 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳, 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦?
You know I'm playing keep away because you're needling, right?
...Probably? What is it?
...Probably? What is it?
𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.
𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘪𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘰? 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐'𝘮 𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵.
𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘪𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘰? 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐'𝘮 𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵.
I've noticed.
Of course. It'll remain between us, and I'll leave Jaskier to you for the remark.
Of course. It'll remain between us, and I'll leave Jaskier to you for the remark.
𝘈𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘢𝘮.
[ And she thinks she's scared the living daylights out of the poor bard. Oops. ]
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴, 𝘈𝘭𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘥. 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘵.
[ And she thinks she's scared the living daylights out of the poor bard. Oops. ]
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴, 𝘈𝘭𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘥. 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘵.
[ The afternoon sun's shining brightly as makes his way towards today's delivery destination which is a jeweler whose name only seems sort of familiar, and possibly only from past deliveries. It's nice weather and a chance to get a little exercise in plus see some sort of new sights: what more could he need? Certainly not the thought that it'd be better to have a certain someone on this trip, short as it might be, or that who comes to mind is someone he's still not on speaking terms with despite everything.
The plan is to drop off the package and go, but with no real plans for after this besides grabbing a late lunch at a cafe somewhere nearby before heading off to take advantage of some rare free time, it's easy enough for him to be roped into (or just outright accept) the jeweler's requests for help in moving some supplies around.
One crate turns into a couple and then the process of unpacking them. It's close to what he does for merchants like the one he'd brought this package from in the first place, and easy to lose track of time as he settles into the task. It's while he's looking along the shelves in the back of this surprisingly substantial storeroom for where he's supposed to place this particular box he hears a familiar voice and one he knows well which causes him to freeze in place. Now why everything about this place sounded familiar makes more sense.
A glance over his shoulder reveals he's more or less out of the immediate line of sight. With any luck, he can skirt around the outside of the room and leave without being noticed or called out for it by... well, anyone. That plan starts with him setting down what's in his hands as quietly as he can, and then it's just a matter of ducking behind the closest shelves when the door swings open with the intent to keep moving if it's possible. ]
The plan is to drop off the package and go, but with no real plans for after this besides grabbing a late lunch at a cafe somewhere nearby before heading off to take advantage of some rare free time, it's easy enough for him to be roped into (or just outright accept) the jeweler's requests for help in moving some supplies around.
One crate turns into a couple and then the process of unpacking them. It's close to what he does for merchants like the one he'd brought this package from in the first place, and easy to lose track of time as he settles into the task. It's while he's looking along the shelves in the back of this surprisingly substantial storeroom for where he's supposed to place this particular box he hears a familiar voice and one he knows well which causes him to freeze in place. Now why everything about this place sounded familiar makes more sense.
A glance over his shoulder reveals he's more or less out of the immediate line of sight. With any luck, he can skirt around the outside of the room and leave without being noticed or called out for it by... well, anyone. That plan starts with him setting down what's in his hands as quietly as he can, and then it's just a matter of ducking behind the closest shelves when the door swings open with the intent to keep moving if it's possible. ]
[ Ever since returning from the feywilds, Hilda had fallen back into old habits she had picked up since her fight with He Who Shall Not Be Named. She rarely sleeps at the loft anymore, not because she's conceding in any way to him and the silly lines they drawn over the floors separating his side from hers, but because she didn't want to stress Sylvain out more than they already had. There's something there about how they (because she refuses to be the only one at fault) could dispel the tension in other ways by talking to one another and apologizing, but Hilda has never been much of a fan of rationality when it didn't suit her. And apologizing for her spat with Claude? That didn't suit her at all.
Her return to the inn had been met with little fanfare. She didn't want it to. But Mags had begun to notice and ask questions, and it's shortly after that that Hilda quickly changed her tactics by making sleeping arrangements on the couch of her office in the Old Public Hall. As of late though, she didn't even make it back to the Old Public Hall or the inn. Instead, she had taken up residence in the attic of Cyprian's workshop and store. It wasn't ideal sleeping in a workshop, but Hilda felt safe there, tucked away in her little corner of the world without the thought of Sylvain, Claude, or anything really. No one else knew that she worked out of there, at least not explicitly. There's nothing embarrassing about Cyprian - quite the opposite in fact. Hilda's affection for the man had grown quickly and she appreciated his patience, understanding and enthusiasm. That doesn't mean, however, that she's ready to let everyone else know she's effectively taken up a pseudo-apprenticeship.
She's beginning to understand why Bernie had been so insistent on staying inside of her room. But, she tells herself that she still has a life outside the workshop. She hasn't become some hermit and has craftily divide her time between the four haunts so as not to raise suspicions. All of it had been going swimmingly - until Cyprian noticed and took it upon himself to inquire after it. ]
Didn't you just move into a nice new loft?
What's wrong with sleeping at the shop from time to time? I was just so wrapped up in my project that it just happened! You know how it is.
[ She can practically hear Claude's voice in less words because she's fairly positive they've had some version of this conversation when he falls asleep at his desk. Cyprian stares at her in a way that only a grandfather can and she feels her resolve begin to shrink. ]
Hilda -
[ His voice is nothing but concern, but the show of care flares the heat up in cheeks. ]
Don't you have a shop to mind? I promise you can try and convince me not to sleep in the workshop after I come back, okay?
[ When the door to the warehouse swings shut, a relieved - albeit sad - sigh flutters from her lips. Leaning against the door with her eyes to the rafters she takes a moment to collect herself, wondering not for the first time if she should just bite the bullet and find some place else to live. If Cyprian noticed then it only stands to reason that someone else at the Old Public Hall will eventually notice too. The thought alone truly feels like conceding however which her stubborn side absolutely refuses to entertain.
With one final exasperated sigh, she pushes herself off the door before moving towards the back of the room. Moping isn't going to help. The sooner she finds the box she had put away for safe keeping, the sooner she can get back to working. ]
Her return to the inn had been met with little fanfare. She didn't want it to. But Mags had begun to notice and ask questions, and it's shortly after that that Hilda quickly changed her tactics by making sleeping arrangements on the couch of her office in the Old Public Hall. As of late though, she didn't even make it back to the Old Public Hall or the inn. Instead, she had taken up residence in the attic of Cyprian's workshop and store. It wasn't ideal sleeping in a workshop, but Hilda felt safe there, tucked away in her little corner of the world without the thought of Sylvain, Claude, or anything really. No one else knew that she worked out of there, at least not explicitly. There's nothing embarrassing about Cyprian - quite the opposite in fact. Hilda's affection for the man had grown quickly and she appreciated his patience, understanding and enthusiasm. That doesn't mean, however, that she's ready to let everyone else know she's effectively taken up a pseudo-apprenticeship.
She's beginning to understand why Bernie had been so insistent on staying inside of her room. But, she tells herself that she still has a life outside the workshop. She hasn't become some hermit and has craftily divide her time between the four haunts so as not to raise suspicions. All of it had been going swimmingly - until Cyprian noticed and took it upon himself to inquire after it. ]
Didn't you just move into a nice new loft?
What's wrong with sleeping at the shop from time to time? I was just so wrapped up in my project that it just happened! You know how it is.
[ She can practically hear Claude's voice in less words because she's fairly positive they've had some version of this conversation when he falls asleep at his desk. Cyprian stares at her in a way that only a grandfather can and she feels her resolve begin to shrink. ]
Hilda -
[ His voice is nothing but concern, but the show of care flares the heat up in cheeks. ]
Don't you have a shop to mind? I promise you can try and convince me not to sleep in the workshop after I come back, okay?
[ When the door to the warehouse swings shut, a relieved - albeit sad - sigh flutters from her lips. Leaning against the door with her eyes to the rafters she takes a moment to collect herself, wondering not for the first time if she should just bite the bullet and find some place else to live. If Cyprian noticed then it only stands to reason that someone else at the Old Public Hall will eventually notice too. The thought alone truly feels like conceding however which her stubborn side absolutely refuses to entertain.
With one final exasperated sigh, she pushes herself off the door before moving towards the back of the room. Moping isn't going to help. The sooner she finds the box she had put away for safe keeping, the sooner she can get back to working. ]
Edited 2023-07-12 23:38 (UTC)
[ Years of stealth and training himself to move soundlessly through any room at any given time under any circumstances is certainly paying off here. Each footstep he takes doesn't rustle anything left on the ground as he avoids any spots which look like they might offer up any kind of noise which would betray his presence. The same goes for making sure he doesn't brush anything overhanging the edges of a shelf that could clatter to the ground if it's dislodged or rustle loud enough to not be mistaken for anything but someone moving it.
The plan's going well as the door's not all that far away, or so he thinks. Another benefit of getting closer to it means he can hear what's being said rather than just the timbre of the voice he knows and one he's only just learned. It's not like he plans to listen - not in that goal of getting out of here as soon as possible - but what's said sinks in anyway and Claude stops mid-stride.
Hilda's been staying here? That alone has him furrowing his brow with the creases caused by it only growing deeper when that deflection she offers sounds too familiar. It sounds a lot like being prodded away from his desk during the war or looking at contracts and letters after it in the never-ending aftermath where the candles had burned too low to be of help to him without him even noticing. But when Claude says something happens from time to time, he's really saying it happens regularly, and it's impossible to not wonder if Hilda means the same.
There's a sort of idle anxiety gnawing at the edges of his mind at the thought of that and what it means beyond her undeniable absence around the loft. Even if they aren't on speaking terms, it has plenty of space for them to all exist in it without any kind of further interventions than have already been taken - why had she felt the need to leave?
He's snapped out of those thoughts by the sound of the door shutting. Instinct has him biting the inside of his cheek to keep from sighing; a closed door will certainly make the soundless part of this rather difficult. At least by the time he slips through it, he tells himself as he waits for the sound of Hilda's footsteps to advance before he does himself in the opposite direction from where she's headed, he'll be that much closer to leaving. She'll never know he was here unless Cyprian mentions who'd been by.
Plans are all well and good until they don't work - just like the handle to the door doesn't turn and throws a twist into that supposed easy escape. There's a second where Claude blinks at it uncomprehendingly, offers another tug to see if that'll help (it doesn't), and then glances back over his shoulder again. Can't loiter here for long without substantially upping the risk of being caught, so he slips into the shadows beyond more shelves. Maybe there's another way out besides this one and if so, he needs to find it. ]
The plan's going well as the door's not all that far away, or so he thinks. Another benefit of getting closer to it means he can hear what's being said rather than just the timbre of the voice he knows and one he's only just learned. It's not like he plans to listen - not in that goal of getting out of here as soon as possible - but what's said sinks in anyway and Claude stops mid-stride.
Hilda's been staying here? That alone has him furrowing his brow with the creases caused by it only growing deeper when that deflection she offers sounds too familiar. It sounds a lot like being prodded away from his desk during the war or looking at contracts and letters after it in the never-ending aftermath where the candles had burned too low to be of help to him without him even noticing. But when Claude says something happens from time to time, he's really saying it happens regularly, and it's impossible to not wonder if Hilda means the same.
There's a sort of idle anxiety gnawing at the edges of his mind at the thought of that and what it means beyond her undeniable absence around the loft. Even if they aren't on speaking terms, it has plenty of space for them to all exist in it without any kind of further interventions than have already been taken - why had she felt the need to leave?
He's snapped out of those thoughts by the sound of the door shutting. Instinct has him biting the inside of his cheek to keep from sighing; a closed door will certainly make the soundless part of this rather difficult. At least by the time he slips through it, he tells himself as he waits for the sound of Hilda's footsteps to advance before he does himself in the opposite direction from where she's headed, he'll be that much closer to leaving. She'll never know he was here unless Cyprian mentions who'd been by.
Plans are all well and good until they don't work - just like the handle to the door doesn't turn and throws a twist into that supposed easy escape. There's a second where Claude blinks at it uncomprehendingly, offers another tug to see if that'll help (it doesn't), and then glances back over his shoulder again. Can't loiter here for long without substantially upping the risk of being caught, so he slips into the shadows beyond more shelves. Maybe there's another way out besides this one and if so, he needs to find it. ]
[ There's no way for Hilda to know that there's someone else in the warehouse with her. Not only is she walking towards the back of the warehouse hugging the opposite wall, but she's so caught up in her own maelstrom of thoughts that she wouldn't have noticed any deliberately dampened footsteps or rustle of clothing anyway. And besides, Cyprian hadn't made any mention that there would be anyone else here; unbeknownst to her, he probably would have had it not been for the fact that he had been so hellbent on discovering why she had been sleeping in the dusty attic of his workshop. ...Which she still didn't have a good answer for but hopefully something better than, 'getting caught up in a project' would come to her.
The click of her heeled boots comes to an abrupt halt when she reaches the back of the warehouse. Seeing the various crates and their contents spread out on the floor immediately prompts an annoyed huff from her. ]
Ugh, what -
[ She's never going to find what she needs at this rate. As she sets about tiptoeing through the organized mess towards the shelves, she vehemently contemplates finding who did this and giving them a piece of her mind. Cyprian is still plenty strong but Hilda was of the opinion that his time is better spent actually crafting works of art. Clearly whoever he had hired to help repack the boxes had done an awful job of it and she'd tell him as much once she found what she needed. ]
The click of her heeled boots comes to an abrupt halt when she reaches the back of the warehouse. Seeing the various crates and their contents spread out on the floor immediately prompts an annoyed huff from her. ]
Ugh, what -
[ She's never going to find what she needs at this rate. As she sets about tiptoeing through the organized mess towards the shelves, she vehemently contemplates finding who did this and giving them a piece of her mind. Cyprian is still plenty strong but Hilda was of the opinion that his time is better spent actually crafting works of art. Clearly whoever he had hired to help repack the boxes had done an awful job of it and she'd tell him as much once she found what she needed. ]
Edited 2023-07-15 08:33 (UTC)
[ This isn't going well. Even though he knew Hilda was heading to the back where he'd abandoned his task in a hurry while intending to make up some excuse for why he was leaving suddenly, Claude's rapidly realizing that once again he's not left with many options of where to go next. It has him stopping behind the shelves where he's still out of sight to scan higher than ground level.
Hilda shows no signs of moving from where she is, so that leaves alternate routes out. There's a couple windows partway up the wall to let the light in, he notes, but they'll require a bit more to get up to them than a simple leave and scurry away. They're not out of the question; it'll just take a bit more planning than, say, walking out the impossibly locked door.
A few more steps bring him closer to the window nearest where he is and Claude studies it and the stacks of items around. Surely at least one of these boxes is sturdy enough to stack on another and have him stand on top of it. The only question which remains is how to do this without Hilda noticing.
He's focusing a bit too hard on the not noticing part since it means when he moves closer yet to consider those existing stacks and whether he really needs anything else at all, Claude forgets to stay out of the main sightlines of the open aisles between the storage, leaving himself in plain view. ]
Hilda shows no signs of moving from where she is, so that leaves alternate routes out. There's a couple windows partway up the wall to let the light in, he notes, but they'll require a bit more to get up to them than a simple leave and scurry away. They're not out of the question; it'll just take a bit more planning than, say, walking out the impossibly locked door.
A few more steps bring him closer to the window nearest where he is and Claude studies it and the stacks of items around. Surely at least one of these boxes is sturdy enough to stack on another and have him stand on top of it. The only question which remains is how to do this without Hilda noticing.
He's focusing a bit too hard on the not noticing part since it means when he moves closer yet to consider those existing stacks and whether he really needs anything else at all, Claude forgets to stay out of the main sightlines of the open aisles between the storage, leaving himself in plain view. ]
[ He's lucky that she's off kilter, thrown off by a surprise line of questioning that she hadn't been prepared for and left with a mess by someone who appeared to have a worse work ethic than her. Hilda knew that the box full of supplies she had stored here was somewhere and had they not been moved, she probably would have been able to locate what she needed in a heartbeat.
Her eyes scan the various boxes along the shelves to be met with what she already knows isn't there which means it has to be somewhere on the ground. The items she knows are in the box aren't laid out neatly on the floor which means they still had to be in one place. ...Unless whoever had done this had already moved them into a different box. Another frustrated sigh exits her mouth as she bends down to sift through the boxes on the ground.
Eventually her search is rewarded and her eyes light up when she spots the box. A quick check confirms that it's indeed hers with everything she had been looking for and she hefts it up, readying to leave. Striding towards the door, she does a double take when she realizes that there's a figure standing in one of the aisles. At first it doesn't register that it's Claude, but when that fact does settle in it brings her to a halt and her hackles start to raise.
Before she can help herself or come up with something remotely civil she calls out – ]
What was that about leaving each other alone?
Her eyes scan the various boxes along the shelves to be met with what she already knows isn't there which means it has to be somewhere on the ground. The items she knows are in the box aren't laid out neatly on the floor which means they still had to be in one place. ...Unless whoever had done this had already moved them into a different box. Another frustrated sigh exits her mouth as she bends down to sift through the boxes on the ground.
Eventually her search is rewarded and her eyes light up when she spots the box. A quick check confirms that it's indeed hers with everything she had been looking for and she hefts it up, readying to leave. Striding towards the door, she does a double take when she realizes that there's a figure standing in one of the aisles. At first it doesn't register that it's Claude, but when that fact does settle in it brings her to a halt and her hackles start to raise.
Before she can help herself or come up with something remotely civil she calls out – ]
What was that about leaving each other alone?
[ This is definitely possible. It's not worse than the time he'd scaled one of the monastery buildings near the beginning of the academy year and realized the roof was actually much higher than it'd seemed on the way up. That required some true stretches of creativity to get back down unnoticed, or simply not noticed by Seteth since Hubert sure had rolled his eyes. Then again, of course he'd been looking. That probably should've been a sign of things, in retrospect.
Hindsight's about to come into play again here when Claude has the realization too late that he's been under surveillance of a different kind. The sound of her voice being so much closer has him gritting his teeth. Of course this couldn't have just worked out in his favor. Of course now he's going to have to deal with this. ]
Still sticking to that since in case you hadn't noticed, I'm actively trying to get away from you.
[ It helps to not be facing her where she can't see his expression and where it gives him a few seconds to wrangle it back into something aloof to match the utterly bored tone he'd spoken with before he glances over his shoulder vaguely in her direction. Whatever Hilda's doing isn't his concern, so then his gaze goes right back to the window while he's still calculating. Probably going to need more boxes than just two, but they shouldn't be that hard to balance. Maybe if one falls it'll add some momentum into the jumping part. ]
Would've been easier in the first place if you'd propped the door open on your way in.
[ He's not going to bother to clarify since he's occupied casting another glance around for crate number one. Hilda can connect the dots and go verify the state of the door on her own. ]
Hindsight's about to come into play again here when Claude has the realization too late that he's been under surveillance of a different kind. The sound of her voice being so much closer has him gritting his teeth. Of course this couldn't have just worked out in his favor. Of course now he's going to have to deal with this. ]
Still sticking to that since in case you hadn't noticed, I'm actively trying to get away from you.
[ It helps to not be facing her where she can't see his expression and where it gives him a few seconds to wrangle it back into something aloof to match the utterly bored tone he'd spoken with before he glances over his shoulder vaguely in her direction. Whatever Hilda's doing isn't his concern, so then his gaze goes right back to the window while he's still calculating. Probably going to need more boxes than just two, but they shouldn't be that hard to balance. Maybe if one falls it'll add some momentum into the jumping part. ]
Would've been easier in the first place if you'd propped the door open on your way in.
[ He's not going to bother to clarify since he's occupied casting another glance around for crate number one. Hilda can connect the dots and go verify the state of the door on her own. ]
[ It doesn't even occur to her to think that he's out of place here or that he's staring not at shelves, but at a window high above either of them. Her annoyance towards him and avoidance of him act like blinders, giving her a singular focal point which is how much she doesn't want to be anywhere near him. Everything else she would normally pick up on are afterthoughts.
His bored tone succeeds in irritating her, but it's momentary when she processes what exactly he's implying. At first she thinks this is some childish joke. He had been known to make things difficult for himself before at the expense of a laugh or a bet. But there's nothing funny about being potentially trapped in here with her - sentiments she shares. ]
What do you mean it would have been easier?
[ Incredulously she stomps towards the door and gives the handle a gigantic tug with one to absolutely no avail. And even though it didn't work the first time she tries again in disbelief. Hilda's jaw tightens out of rising irritation but it also doubles as a vice against the noise of frustration that threatens to spill. This couldn't be happening to her. There's absolutely no way this was happening.
Suddenly his keen observation of the boxes makes so much sense. She whirls around striding back towards him but not coming any closer than she had been before. ]
Why are we locked in? And don't you dare imply that this is somehow my fault again either.
His bored tone succeeds in irritating her, but it's momentary when she processes what exactly he's implying. At first she thinks this is some childish joke. He had been known to make things difficult for himself before at the expense of a laugh or a bet. But there's nothing funny about being potentially trapped in here with her - sentiments she shares. ]
What do you mean it would have been easier?
[ Incredulously she stomps towards the door and gives the handle a gigantic tug with one to absolutely no avail. And even though it didn't work the first time she tries again in disbelief. Hilda's jaw tightens out of rising irritation but it also doubles as a vice against the noise of frustration that threatens to spill. This couldn't be happening to her. There's absolutely no way this was happening.
Suddenly his keen observation of the boxes makes so much sense. She whirls around striding back towards him but not coming any closer than she had been before. ]
Why are we locked in? And don't you dare imply that this is somehow my fault again either.
[ That's good that she leaves because it gives him a second to consider something else besides ignoring her. Also a chance to walk up to a couple of crates and nudge them with the tip of his boot like that'll tell him all about their strength when it comes to standing on them, but - it's a start. It's better than going back to tug on the door some more since that's really the only backup plan he has at the moment until some others make themselves apparent, and Hilda's already on it.
Nothing left to do then but pick it up and place it beneath where the window is above, and then reality provides another hard fact: they're going to need a lot more crates and boxes than a couple. Now that this one's up against the wall, it turns out to not be nearly as tall as he'd thought while looking at them from afar. Unfortunate, but at least there's plenty of others to work with still.
There's probably a metaphor in there for how this whole situation is going when Hilda returns to ask him a question which has him sending a skeptical glance her way. ]
Well, if I had to guess, it's probably because there's a lock on the door.
[ It's not quite the lighthearted tone they would've used once upon a time while pointing out the obvious to each other for entertainment's sake and in hope of laughter, but this is the best he can do. That and go get another crate since he meant it about leaving, since he'll leave being concerned about the door to Hilda. ]
And it happens to be an extra effective lock at that. I take it this hasn't happened when you've been here before?
[ As for what before consists of, there's probably no point in expanding on what it means when Hilda's the one who's been here. Often, from the sound of it, and as he'd meant to imply. Why pretend otherwise when even Cyprian's noticed? ]
Nothing left to do then but pick it up and place it beneath where the window is above, and then reality provides another hard fact: they're going to need a lot more crates and boxes than a couple. Now that this one's up against the wall, it turns out to not be nearly as tall as he'd thought while looking at them from afar. Unfortunate, but at least there's plenty of others to work with still.
There's probably a metaphor in there for how this whole situation is going when Hilda returns to ask him a question which has him sending a skeptical glance her way. ]
Well, if I had to guess, it's probably because there's a lock on the door.
[ It's not quite the lighthearted tone they would've used once upon a time while pointing out the obvious to each other for entertainment's sake and in hope of laughter, but this is the best he can do. That and go get another crate since he meant it about leaving, since he'll leave being concerned about the door to Hilda. ]
And it happens to be an extra effective lock at that. I take it this hasn't happened when you've been here before?
[ As for what before consists of, there's probably no point in expanding on what it means when Hilda's the one who's been here. Often, from the sound of it, and as he'd meant to imply. Why pretend otherwise when even Cyprian's noticed? ]
[ Mock realization forms on her face, like what Claude had said about the lock is the most brilliant reason known to man. Her voice is laced with simpering, over the top adoration usually reserved for when she absolutely didn't mean what she was saying. ]
No, really? A lock? Claude, you're so brilliant I never would have thought about that.
[ She may have missed the memo where they should really be trying to make the most out of an awful situation but his skeptical glance grates on her nerves.
It's obvious what he's trying to do with the boxes now that one is propped up against the wall. The crates are thankfully sturdy and full of mostly durable things but she's certainly not going to lift a finger to help him especially when a familiar prickling feeling begins to crawl across her skin at his subtle indication that he'd overheard her conversation with Cyprian.
Why should she feel uncomfortable though? He didn't want to look at her nevermind talk to her. The more time out of the loft - out of his space with Sylvain - the better. And honestly, it isn't his business anyway that she's resorted to sleeping in several different locations to deflect attention. ]
Of course it hasn't happened before. If it had, I'd probably be able to figure out how to get out of here.
[ He isn't going to get more than that from her it seems. The workshop is also a little too far from the warehouse for them to call for help. And even if it were closer, the telltale sounds of a hammer meeting an anvil have begun to fill the air. There's no way that Cyprian would hear them over that. ]
Why are you here? Hopefully it isn't to make Cyprian's life difficult by leaving a mess all over his warehouse.
No, really? A lock? Claude, you're so brilliant I never would have thought about that.
[ She may have missed the memo where they should really be trying to make the most out of an awful situation but his skeptical glance grates on her nerves.
It's obvious what he's trying to do with the boxes now that one is propped up against the wall. The crates are thankfully sturdy and full of mostly durable things but she's certainly not going to lift a finger to help him especially when a familiar prickling feeling begins to crawl across her skin at his subtle indication that he'd overheard her conversation with Cyprian.
Why should she feel uncomfortable though? He didn't want to look at her nevermind talk to her. The more time out of the loft - out of his space with Sylvain - the better. And honestly, it isn't his business anyway that she's resorted to sleeping in several different locations to deflect attention. ]
Of course it hasn't happened before. If it had, I'd probably be able to figure out how to get out of here.
[ He isn't going to get more than that from her it seems. The workshop is also a little too far from the warehouse for them to call for help. And even if it were closer, the telltale sounds of a hammer meeting an anvil have begun to fill the air. There's no way that Cyprian would hear them over that. ]
Why are you here? Hopefully it isn't to make Cyprian's life difficult by leaving a mess all over his warehouse.
[ He's just not going to respond to that, he decides, even if for a millisecond he almost wants to smile over her immediate comeback and the tone over pointing out the obviously existing lock. That's just an old habit or an instant reflex from years of doing so refusing to not resurface. If things were normal it'd mean something, but it surely doesn't now.
At the confirmation it hasn't happened on any of her trips (or longer) here before, Claude opts not to say anything to that either. That's also as good as Hilda confirming what Cyprian had said - and what she'd said - are as good as true and not any kind of exaggeration like he'd wondered at first. It's not that he's setting that train of thought completely aside, but more that he's placed it on the metaphorical backburner to keep turning it over while his focus goes elsewhere. Since they apparently have something like unlimited time in this warehouse, it can wait until later.
He sets the second crate down on top of the first, spends a second looking at it, then changes his mind and moves it to the ground next to the original one. Better to create a sturdier base to stand on, and it's not like they're lacking more around to use. Maybe he'll volunteer to come back and help put things away later - after making sure the door works first. ]
I had a delivery to make and then stuck around because Cyprian asked.
[ That's good enough since she's not asking out of genuine curiosity anyway, he's positive. Comments about any mess also get ignored considering the only reason there is one is because he'd tried to leave before any of this happened. Instead he turns to look at her more directly this time. ]
Are you going to do anything to help get us out of here or not?
At the confirmation it hasn't happened on any of her trips (or longer) here before, Claude opts not to say anything to that either. That's also as good as Hilda confirming what Cyprian had said - and what she'd said - are as good as true and not any kind of exaggeration like he'd wondered at first. It's not that he's setting that train of thought completely aside, but more that he's placed it on the metaphorical backburner to keep turning it over while his focus goes elsewhere. Since they apparently have something like unlimited time in this warehouse, it can wait until later.
He sets the second crate down on top of the first, spends a second looking at it, then changes his mind and moves it to the ground next to the original one. Better to create a sturdier base to stand on, and it's not like they're lacking more around to use. Maybe he'll volunteer to come back and help put things away later - after making sure the door works first. ]
I had a delivery to make and then stuck around because Cyprian asked.
[ That's good enough since she's not asking out of genuine curiosity anyway, he's positive. Comments about any mess also get ignored considering the only reason there is one is because he'd tried to leave before any of this happened. Instead he turns to look at her more directly this time. ]
Are you going to do anything to help get us out of here or not?
[ She's had to train herself out the habit of being curious about Claude, a difficult thing considering she's been curious about for years now. And while it's easy for her to claim she doesn't waste any of her energy on him anymore, that couldn't have been further from the truth.
Their deliberate distance has fooled her into thinking she's actually made some steps towards that. Except there are idle moments where her mind will wander to him and what he's doing. Or worse, when she's working on something she'll absently wonder what kind of input he'd give or what he'd think about it. It's moments like that when she's especially grateful for a place to hammer away on a piece of metal as if the act itself will also stamp out any thought of the man with green eyes.
Unfortunately her tools of choice are nowhere in sight and she has to remind herself it isn't productive or well adjusted to do that to boxes. She blinks several times at his question before dryly asking – ]
That seems counterproductive to leaving you alone, doesn't it? You're plenty capable without me helping you drag boxes around.
[ But she doesn't want to be here anymore than he does, and the alternative of wasting away in the warehouse isn't her idea of a good time. Begrudgingly she sets down her box before wandering over. Hilda can see his intention but she squints before tugging away one of the crates he's set down. ]
Not this one. Cyprian hasn't had a chance to break this one down yet; the wood isn't holding up anymore.
Their deliberate distance has fooled her into thinking she's actually made some steps towards that. Except there are idle moments where her mind will wander to him and what he's doing. Or worse, when she's working on something she'll absently wonder what kind of input he'd give or what he'd think about it. It's moments like that when she's especially grateful for a place to hammer away on a piece of metal as if the act itself will also stamp out any thought of the man with green eyes.
Unfortunately her tools of choice are nowhere in sight and she has to remind herself it isn't productive or well adjusted to do that to boxes. She blinks several times at his question before dryly asking – ]
That seems counterproductive to leaving you alone, doesn't it? You're plenty capable without me helping you drag boxes around.
[ But she doesn't want to be here anymore than he does, and the alternative of wasting away in the warehouse isn't her idea of a good time. Begrudgingly she sets down her box before wandering over. Hilda can see his intention but she squints before tugging away one of the crates he's set down. ]
Not this one. Cyprian hasn't had a chance to break this one down yet; the wood isn't holding up anymore.
[ He'd meant it about helping, even if it was phrased blunter than he might've done at any other point in time, but Claude also doesn't wait before going to retrieve yet another something to stack on the growing makeshift quasi-staircase. There's a second where he has to press his lips together in a line again to restrain from saying something somewhere on the spectrum of unkind as an immediate reaction. It won't help anything, especially if they can't actually get out of here and have to be trapped together for even longer since this already feels like an eternity.
On top of that, finding himself reaching for his temper around her over and over is proving to be exhausting on so many levels both noticeable and not. As much as he doesn't want to stay barely on just this side of nice, the alternative's worse. For everyone. Claude inhales and lets it out in a soundless sigh to shake off any defensiveness. ]
Good news. The sooner you help me stack up things so we can get outta here, the sooner we can go right back to being not in the same room. Or even the same building, apparently.
[ Impassivity's the key there in keeping it from growing too pointed since what's said is merely a proven fact at this point as far as he's concerned. He returns from a couple feet away just in time to see her drag one of the stacked items away, resulting in a raised eyebrow from him until she explains. Upon a closer look out of curiosity - now that it's not interrupted by finding something to say back to her like before - he can see the subtle splits in the wood he'd missed. That would've been deeply unfortunate to find out when any farther above the ground. ]
Alright. [ Before setting the one in his hands down, Claude holds it out for her inspection. ] Is this one any better? It came from the same area.
On top of that, finding himself reaching for his temper around her over and over is proving to be exhausting on so many levels both noticeable and not. As much as he doesn't want to stay barely on just this side of nice, the alternative's worse. For everyone. Claude inhales and lets it out in a soundless sigh to shake off any defensiveness. ]
Good news. The sooner you help me stack up things so we can get outta here, the sooner we can go right back to being not in the same room. Or even the same building, apparently.
[ Impassivity's the key there in keeping it from growing too pointed since what's said is merely a proven fact at this point as far as he's concerned. He returns from a couple feet away just in time to see her drag one of the stacked items away, resulting in a raised eyebrow from him until she explains. Upon a closer look out of curiosity - now that it's not interrupted by finding something to say back to her like before - he can see the subtle splits in the wood he'd missed. That would've been deeply unfortunate to find out when any farther above the ground. ]
Alright. [ Before setting the one in his hands down, Claude holds it out for her inspection. ] Is this one any better? It came from the same area.
[ The added advantage of her hair falling like a curtain across her face means that Claude doesn't see the mild surprise that appears on his face at his not-so-subtle call out in a very short amount of time. ]
It's rude to eavesdrop you know.
[ It's said lightly enough to try and match his impassive tone, but there's a restrained sharpness to Hilda's that she's clearly tried to dampen. There's more she could say but it'll only lead to a dead end and she knows it.
With the faulty box out of the way, Hilda locates a different crate nearby that's a little bigger than the one she had put away. When she whirls around to hold it out to him however he's already got another in hand. ]
That should be fine. We can stack this one below it.
It's rude to eavesdrop you know.
[ It's said lightly enough to try and match his impassive tone, but there's a restrained sharpness to Hilda's that she's clearly tried to dampen. There's more she could say but it'll only lead to a dead end and she knows it.
With the faulty box out of the way, Hilda locates a different crate nearby that's a little bigger than the one she had put away. When she whirls around to hold it out to him however he's already got another in hand. ]
That should be fine. We can stack this one below it.
[ The chiding pushes buttons he doesn't care for, and it almost brings forth yet another reaction he doesn't want. That instinct to be defensive even if it's hidden in flippancy surfaces again considering, Claude thinks, it was hardly eavesdropping all because she didn't know he was there, but it's not worth it. Saying so won't do anything but give a chance for it to escalate, and it seems nudging open a metaphorical door to talk about something which has obviously been going on is equally pointless.
He's not sure what he expected, so he spends a couple seconds staring at the shelves in pretend appraisal for something to do that isn't looking at Hilda and to reign in his frustration. There's only so many things he can invent to say about their task before being at risk of cycling through them, and right now he's not compelled to try finding more. But then again: no one ever said talking was required for stacking things when a clear enough end goal doesn't require any coordination. If they're lucky, it'll go by faster without pausing to say anything.
Wordlessly Claude sets the box in his hands down to take the one she's holding out to set it into place, and then scoops up the other he'd brought over to set it on top. One literal step closer to getting out of here. ]
He's not sure what he expected, so he spends a couple seconds staring at the shelves in pretend appraisal for something to do that isn't looking at Hilda and to reign in his frustration. There's only so many things he can invent to say about their task before being at risk of cycling through them, and right now he's not compelled to try finding more. But then again: no one ever said talking was required for stacking things when a clear enough end goal doesn't require any coordination. If they're lucky, it'll go by faster without pausing to say anything.
Wordlessly Claude sets the box in his hands down to take the one she's holding out to set it into place, and then scoops up the other he'd brought over to set it on top. One literal step closer to getting out of here. ]
[ They could argue about the schematics of what constitutes eavesdropping all day (just because you didn't know someone was there didn't mean they couldn't be overhearing or eavesdropping on conversations being had), but there's considerably less childish rage inside her compared to what she felt in the maze. It probably helps that there's no Fey wine in her body.
Truthfully her propensity for that childish anger is near empty. There's little for her to reach for in order to continue spurring her bratty tendencies. She's never gone this long being angry at someone, has never had to avoid someone she cared deeply for as she had for Claude for this long. If she thinks long and hard about it, she can't recall a time when she's gotten into a fight that lasted this long.
It's easy to get lost in thought about what that means when they're working in a tense silence. One of her favourite romance books had once said that love bordered on the edge of hate. That it takes just as much energy to love someone as it is to hate that same person. But that's a ridiculous notion because she didn't love him. And sure, she's angry with him but she doesn't hate him. Love turned to hate would make this all the more tragic and there's nothing in her life that reads like one of her romance novels.
With the other two boxes in place, Hilda goes in search of another. The ones along the bottom of the surrounding shelves are too heavy, filled with materials that would take more effort to take out than it was worth. Then she spots one, a box on the upper shelves that looks like it could fit perfectly...if only she were several feet taller. It could easily be solved by getting the ladder not mention safer to retrieve it too. Instead she casts the briefest glance over her shoulder towards Claude before pointing to the box in question and breaking the silence. ]
Can you reach that one?
Truthfully her propensity for that childish anger is near empty. There's little for her to reach for in order to continue spurring her bratty tendencies. She's never gone this long being angry at someone, has never had to avoid someone she cared deeply for as she had for Claude for this long. If she thinks long and hard about it, she can't recall a time when she's gotten into a fight that lasted this long.
It's easy to get lost in thought about what that means when they're working in a tense silence. One of her favourite romance books had once said that love bordered on the edge of hate. That it takes just as much energy to love someone as it is to hate that same person. But that's a ridiculous notion because she didn't love him. And sure, she's angry with him but she doesn't hate him. Love turned to hate would make this all the more tragic and there's nothing in her life that reads like one of her romance novels.
With the other two boxes in place, Hilda goes in search of another. The ones along the bottom of the surrounding shelves are too heavy, filled with materials that would take more effort to take out than it was worth. Then she spots one, a box on the upper shelves that looks like it could fit perfectly...if only she were several feet taller. It could easily be solved by getting the ladder not mention safer to retrieve it too. Instead she casts the briefest glance over her shoulder towards Claude before pointing to the box in question and breaking the silence. ]
Can you reach that one?
[ Silence, even despite being the one to bring it on, is something he discovers he still dislikes. This isn't a comfortable one like the many they've sat together in over the years; it's anything but. It's too much of a chance for half-started and mostly abandoned thoughts to keep whirling around his mind without any resolution for them while they work even though he's told himself his only focus should be getting out of here.
If only it was that easy. Instead it leaves more time to think about how things could be different even as he makes no attempts to change that. When she speaks he looks over for long enough to see what she wants as he then follows where her hand is pointing. ]
Sure.
[ It's a ways up there, but nothing that's not doable even if he's curious about why this box specifically. That'd require asking and rather than that, Claude places one foot on the lowest shelf to test how sturdy it is. Fairly so, given that it doesn't shift even when he places more weight on it. That's all he needs to climb up it before testing the next one in the same way, and then he's much closer to grabbing it.
Being up quite a bit higher than the floor requires wrapping an arm around the support beam since he's not trying to go crashing to the floor, and Claude stretches out his other hand to tug the box closer for a better grip on it. Whatever contents are in it seem to weigh less than the container - which is good news for him as he pulls it off the shelf before peering below since this would go faster with help. ]
Think you can climb up a shelf to grab this? Just one of them.
If only it was that easy. Instead it leaves more time to think about how things could be different even as he makes no attempts to change that. When she speaks he looks over for long enough to see what she wants as he then follows where her hand is pointing. ]
Sure.
[ It's a ways up there, but nothing that's not doable even if he's curious about why this box specifically. That'd require asking and rather than that, Claude places one foot on the lowest shelf to test how sturdy it is. Fairly so, given that it doesn't shift even when he places more weight on it. That's all he needs to climb up it before testing the next one in the same way, and then he's much closer to grabbing it.
Being up quite a bit higher than the floor requires wrapping an arm around the support beam since he's not trying to go crashing to the floor, and Claude stretches out his other hand to tug the box closer for a better grip on it. Whatever contents are in it seem to weigh less than the container - which is good news for him as he pulls it off the shelf before peering below since this would go faster with help. ]
Think you can climb up a shelf to grab this? Just one of them.
[ She hated dislikes silence as much as he did. It was part of the reason she chattered on as much as she did, much to Setheth's exasperation. So when her question isn't met with an icy silence, some part of her is relieved. But then again, why would it have gone unanswered? They're trying to work together so they can continue to avoid each other the way they have been for weeks. The thought brings about a pang in her chest, one that she doesn't expect to feel but is unfortunately a feeling that she's become used to over the last several weeks.
As Hilda watches him scale the shelf, there's some opportunity for her to tease him about not wearing high enough boots or being taller. In times past she might have even suggested she just climb up onto his shoulders so that they could reach the box - but they could barely stomach being in the same room, never mind any actual physical contact.
Reluctant silence meets Claude's question however. Whether or not they're on good terms, what will never change is Hilda's reluctance to exert more physical exertion than necessary. Habit has her ready to whine about it but she bites her tongue before nodding and doing as asked.
In the act of reaching for the box, her fingers brush ever so briefly against his and she takes in a sharp intake of breath. It's no more than a second if that, but that's all it takes to feel a jolt. Annoyance flares at how ridiculous she's being and she's quick to brush it off, adjusting her hold to properly grab a hold of the box. ]
Got it. We'll probably just need one more after this.
As Hilda watches him scale the shelf, there's some opportunity for her to tease him about not wearing high enough boots or being taller. In times past she might have even suggested she just climb up onto his shoulders so that they could reach the box - but they could barely stomach being in the same room, never mind any actual physical contact.
Reluctant silence meets Claude's question however. Whether or not they're on good terms, what will never change is Hilda's reluctance to exert more physical exertion than necessary. Habit has her ready to whine about it but she bites her tongue before nodding and doing as asked.
In the act of reaching for the box, her fingers brush ever so briefly against his and she takes in a sharp intake of breath. It's no more than a second if that, but that's all it takes to feel a jolt. Annoyance flares at how ridiculous she's being and she's quick to brush it off, adjusting her hold to properly grab a hold of the box. ]
Got it. We'll probably just need one more after this.
[ He doesn't say anything while waiting - just waits to see what she'll do or whether he's really going to have to climb down while juggling this box filled with who knows what. There's a rattle of something from inside it as he shifts it again, and again he wants to know what's inside, but what matters more is if it'll be something they can stand on as Hilda's predicted.
She moves to assist and he keeps a neutral expression throughout as if there's nothing to be interested in. Claude's about to look away, like there's anything to even look at except more storage from a different height, but before he can Hilda's fingers brush his. He has to swallow hard and unnoticeably as possible when that action not only brings a pleasant spark but longing and whispers to grab her hand with it. Like it's that simple. Like he even has that option, and like it's not a habit he wishes would disappear, among other untrue things he tells himself.
Instead the box changes from his possession to hers and Claude nods in response despite wanting to also raise an eyebrow over needing only one more box to make it out. That seems too pessimistic even while dealing with echoes of this almost being like something they would've planned together in the past because it's no more than that: echoes. Claude glances back up and grabs the box next to the one she'd pointed out to bring with him. That he moves one shelf below where he is by way of climbing down, then repeats that to a shelf that'll be within his reach and leaps down to the ground from there.
Nothing to do but bring it over to stack along with the other crate and survey it again before looking to her. ]
If you climb up there, I can give you a boost up to the window.
[ Probably. It should be close enough for her to get a grip on the ledge and climb up so they can see where to go from there if nothing else. ]
She moves to assist and he keeps a neutral expression throughout as if there's nothing to be interested in. Claude's about to look away, like there's anything to even look at except more storage from a different height, but before he can Hilda's fingers brush his. He has to swallow hard and unnoticeably as possible when that action not only brings a pleasant spark but longing and whispers to grab her hand with it. Like it's that simple. Like he even has that option, and like it's not a habit he wishes would disappear, among other untrue things he tells himself.
Instead the box changes from his possession to hers and Claude nods in response despite wanting to also raise an eyebrow over needing only one more box to make it out. That seems too pessimistic even while dealing with echoes of this almost being like something they would've planned together in the past because it's no more than that: echoes. Claude glances back up and grabs the box next to the one she'd pointed out to bring with him. That he moves one shelf below where he is by way of climbing down, then repeats that to a shelf that'll be within his reach and leaps down to the ground from there.
Nothing to do but bring it over to stack along with the other crate and survey it again before looking to her. ]
If you climb up there, I can give you a boost up to the window.
[ Probably. It should be close enough for her to get a grip on the ledge and climb up so they can see where to go from there if nothing else. ]
[ Being below Claude and having a box in her field of view means she misses any reaction he might have when their hands brush against one another. She knows him too well to know that something like that wouldn't go unnoticed, and because of that she immediately stomps on her curiosity in an attempt to quash the urge to wonder what his reaction had been. Better to assume that he didn't care, she reminds herself. If she didn't, the dangerous sliver of hope that she'd always held onto would always remain lingering in the depths of her heart.
She makes quick work arranging the box on top of the others. It only occurs to her belatedly to check what's inside because truthfully, she had no idea; she had only been going off the size. As Claude busies himself with the other box, she carefully cracks the lid open and her eyes widen. A familiar, polished jewelry box sits nestled in packing material. Alongside it sits another cardboard box and she doesn't have to open it to know what's inside. It's an unfinished project, one that she had started before their fight and completely forgotten about over the course of their fight.
Claude's approaching footsteps signal he's near and she hurriedly shuts the box with a definite thud before he can see. It's not very subtle and she can't help but wince. He'd normally ask - she would in his place - but she's banking on their mutual frostiness to stave off any potential questions. Before glancing towards him she tries to rearrange her expression into something neutral as he busies himself with the last box.
Unfortunately instead of neutral, her expression ends up looking a little more skeptical than anything else. ]
You aren't going to complain about how heavy I am are you?
She makes quick work arranging the box on top of the others. It only occurs to her belatedly to check what's inside because truthfully, she had no idea; she had only been going off the size. As Claude busies himself with the other box, she carefully cracks the lid open and her eyes widen. A familiar, polished jewelry box sits nestled in packing material. Alongside it sits another cardboard box and she doesn't have to open it to know what's inside. It's an unfinished project, one that she had started before their fight and completely forgotten about over the course of their fight.
Claude's approaching footsteps signal he's near and she hurriedly shuts the box with a definite thud before he can see. It's not very subtle and she can't help but wince. He'd normally ask - she would in his place - but she's banking on their mutual frostiness to stave off any potential questions. Before glancing towards him she tries to rearrange her expression into something neutral as he busies himself with the last box.
Unfortunately instead of neutral, her expression ends up looking a little more skeptical than anything else. ]
You aren't going to complain about how heavy I am are you?
[ There's a sort of telltale rustle as he approaches and the vague sensation of something being slammed shut, but for once Claude doesn't bother to look. It doesn't matter whether he's curious, he reminds himself yet again with another sort of dull ache, since the only thing to focus on is leaving. If Hilda wanted him to know whatever it was, she'd say something.
She doesn't - not about that as he sets down what's in his hands and takes a second to contemplate it. It's true, that might've been something he would've gone for - were they on speaking terms, if it would be taken as a joke like he'd meant whatever response given. Something he can't say he'd mean now, especially when the flat look he gives her in return vacillates somewhere between amusement and unimpressed in equal measure. ]
So I can end up on the floor again? Sure, let me get right on that.
[ If she's going to procrastinate, Claude's not going to wait. Resisting the urgh to sigh or roll his eyes since that'd be even less productive than allowing himself one (1) remark without any bite behind it and only something far more worn out, he takes a step onto the first crate. It's sturdy, so up he goes one more and then another to peer up at the window again. They'll probably be close enough, so nothing to do but look back at Hilda with an eyebrow raised next. ]
She doesn't - not about that as he sets down what's in his hands and takes a second to contemplate it. It's true, that might've been something he would've gone for - were they on speaking terms, if it would be taken as a joke like he'd meant whatever response given. Something he can't say he'd mean now, especially when the flat look he gives her in return vacillates somewhere between amusement and unimpressed in equal measure. ]
So I can end up on the floor again? Sure, let me get right on that.
[ If she's going to procrastinate, Claude's not going to wait. Resisting the urgh to sigh or roll his eyes since that'd be even less productive than allowing himself one (1) remark without any bite behind it and only something far more worn out, he takes a step onto the first crate. It's sturdy, so up he goes one more and then another to peer up at the window again. They'll probably be close enough, so nothing to do but look back at Hilda with an eyebrow raised next. ]
[ When the moment to ask passes, relief prickles over her. She didn't want to have to explain, didn't want to risk him seeing the source of her...what? Her embarrassment? Her hurt? The last thing she wants to do is explain that their fight had been so upsetting that she had to store the box he had given her that she had been using until recently to store tools in a completely different building on a shelf she never would have been able to reach on her own accord.
But as he brushes by her towards the box without a word or cursory glance, she can't help but feel a little taken aback that he didn't ask. That moment of surprise is quickly quashed when he reminds her of the night in the maze. Right, why would he ask? They're aren't friends. That's why the box and that unfinished project are in the crate in the first place.
Hilda sniffs, flouncing towards the boxes before carefully climbing up after him. ]
If we end up on the floor it isn't going to be my fault.
[ When she's beside him she motions for him to hold out his hand so she can step up onto it. ]
But as he brushes by her towards the box without a word or cursory glance, she can't help but feel a little taken aback that he didn't ask. That moment of surprise is quickly quashed when he reminds her of the night in the maze. Right, why would he ask? They're aren't friends. That's why the box and that unfinished project are in the crate in the first place.
Hilda sniffs, flouncing towards the boxes before carefully climbing up after him. ]
If we end up on the floor it isn't going to be my fault.
[ When she's beside him she motions for him to hold out his hand so she can step up onto it. ]
[ Claude immediately opens his mouth to ask if she's sure because it certainly was last time, and then thinks better of it and issues a tsk by clicking his tongue. Not worth it, he has to remind himself; it won't feel better to point that out. Silence is so rarely his default, but given how it feels like any step he might take is like being in range of a ballista? It's the better option.
When Hilda steps up and makes the requisite motion to be expected, there's a second of hesitation from him. That flutter from earlier in their accidental brushing of fingers comes back to mind - if something so small could cause it, what will holding onto her hand do? He's about to find out since that's what he does. The answers is it tugs on all those intricately bittersweet threads laced through everything, and most of all: it hurts that it still feels like her hand is meant to be in his.
It's distracting, but not enough so that he doesn't hear the sudden sound of splintering beneath them. There's no time to look to find out which it is because next the mostly level platform of boxes they're standing on becomes considerably less so by the second. Claude lets go of her hand to on instinct wrap an arm around her waist to pull her closer in reflexes he doesn't question and to lean back against the wall in hopes that - if they're lucky - maybe they'll just have a slow slide to the ground when the planks underneath their feet crack entirely. ]
When Hilda steps up and makes the requisite motion to be expected, there's a second of hesitation from him. That flutter from earlier in their accidental brushing of fingers comes back to mind - if something so small could cause it, what will holding onto her hand do? He's about to find out since that's what he does. The answers is it tugs on all those intricately bittersweet threads laced through everything, and most of all: it hurts that it still feels like her hand is meant to be in his.
It's distracting, but not enough so that he doesn't hear the sudden sound of splintering beneath them. There's no time to look to find out which it is because next the mostly level platform of boxes they're standing on becomes considerably less so by the second. Claude lets go of her hand to on instinct wrap an arm around her waist to pull her closer in reflexes he doesn't question and to lean back against the wall in hopes that - if they're lucky - maybe they'll just have a slow slide to the ground when the planks underneath their feet crack entirely. ]
[ Hilda had become astoundingly good at pretending things away – at least that's what she tells herself. She had however been so flustered by the discovery of what had been in the box that she had in fact briefly forgotten about the spark between them when their hands had touched.
His hesitation prompts a reminder, and her cheeks flush, embarrassed. Not just at the hesitation but at the thought that flashes through her mind unbidden that he might be balking at the thought of touching her. Claude has the propensity for pettiness. Has no problem cutting people out. She's seen it firsthand. It had just never occurred to her that she might be on the receiving end and the thought cuts deep.
But then he's grasping her hand and an all too familiar warmth rushes through her. She can't help but stare down at their hands, part surprise, part confusion. Holding her hand wasn't going to get them up to the window. What was he –
And suddenly the world falls from beneath them. Or the boxes do rather. Hilda feels her heart drop to her stomach as the sound of splintering wood and clattering of the contents of the boxes tumbling to the ground fills her ears. A small, startled sound escapes her lips and it's only when they tumble to the ground too that she absently registers Claude's arms are wrapped around her, bracing her from the impact.
Or most of it at least. Her elbows smack against the concrete and she hisses, the immediate prickle of hit nerves distracting from the fact that some of the items that had escaped where the ones in her crate. Inches from their heads lays the silver jewelry box – now dented because of a small anvil falling onto it – and the mildly crushed cardboard box.
She can't help but whine, not realizing that she's still wrapped in his arms, their faces are dangerously close to one another, and that her hurt, embarrassment, or whatever, is now scattered around them. ]
Ow, ow, ow! I thought the boxes we picked were fine.
His hesitation prompts a reminder, and her cheeks flush, embarrassed. Not just at the hesitation but at the thought that flashes through her mind unbidden that he might be balking at the thought of touching her. Claude has the propensity for pettiness. Has no problem cutting people out. She's seen it firsthand. It had just never occurred to her that she might be on the receiving end and the thought cuts deep.
But then he's grasping her hand and an all too familiar warmth rushes through her. She can't help but stare down at their hands, part surprise, part confusion. Holding her hand wasn't going to get them up to the window. What was he –
And suddenly the world falls from beneath them. Or the boxes do rather. Hilda feels her heart drop to her stomach as the sound of splintering wood and clattering of the contents of the boxes tumbling to the ground fills her ears. A small, startled sound escapes her lips and it's only when they tumble to the ground too that she absently registers Claude's arms are wrapped around her, bracing her from the impact.
Or most of it at least. Her elbows smack against the concrete and she hisses, the immediate prickle of hit nerves distracting from the fact that some of the items that had escaped where the ones in her crate. Inches from their heads lays the silver jewelry box – now dented because of a small anvil falling onto it – and the mildly crushed cardboard box.
She can't help but whine, not realizing that she's still wrapped in his arms, their faces are dangerously close to one another, and that her hurt, embarrassment, or whatever, is now scattered around them. ]
Ow, ow, ow! I thought the boxes we picked were fine.
[ Used to falling as he is, those other falls come with the benefit of being from much farther up and with time to correct the downward course - or be saved by a wyvern with faster reflexes than his own could ever hope to be. Neither of those things happen here even if he pulls Hilda closer still to somehow lessen the impact if he can. The air's knocked out of him in a rush when they hit the floor. On second thought, he would've accepted being tossed on the ground in the maze again. At least the earth has some give.
Though he'd tried to protect her, what he's managed doing in the same instant is reopening his own invisible wounds. Hilda's weight in his arms and the exact way she feels is something Claude wanted to believe he'd erased from his memory for it to never be part of it again. For it to be something he'd never have to remember, and yet it'd taken all of a second for all of it to come flooding back with her face right next to his in a way she's made clear is an impossibility for anything outside of this.
Those injuries will last longer than any bruises from this fall to the ground, and he knows it. ]
They seemed solid enough. Are you --
[ Claude was about to ask if she was alright as he carefully detangles himself from around her to start sitting up, but then his eyes catch on the contents of the box scattered around. Or rather: one item in particular in gleaming silver he recognizes quite well from being the one to proudly select it from the tables in the markets to bring back like a prize. It's been evicted, it seems, even though everything she's ever brought him still sits on his own shelves where it belongs.
He shouldn't be surprised. Hurt shouldn't run like a bolt of electricity through him with the current being as strong as any electrical spell ever aimed his way and landed. But for a second, Claude feels it so strongly it even slips through as a ripple crossing over his face, there and gone in an instant like it was never there at all when he wrangles all of his walls back into place and moves away to get more boxes to start over. Nothing else to do but to keep moving forward like always. ]
Though he'd tried to protect her, what he's managed doing in the same instant is reopening his own invisible wounds. Hilda's weight in his arms and the exact way she feels is something Claude wanted to believe he'd erased from his memory for it to never be part of it again. For it to be something he'd never have to remember, and yet it'd taken all of a second for all of it to come flooding back with her face right next to his in a way she's made clear is an impossibility for anything outside of this.
Those injuries will last longer than any bruises from this fall to the ground, and he knows it. ]
They seemed solid enough. Are you --
[ Claude was about to ask if she was alright as he carefully detangles himself from around her to start sitting up, but then his eyes catch on the contents of the box scattered around. Or rather: one item in particular in gleaming silver he recognizes quite well from being the one to proudly select it from the tables in the markets to bring back like a prize. It's been evicted, it seems, even though everything she's ever brought him still sits on his own shelves where it belongs.
He shouldn't be surprised. Hurt shouldn't run like a bolt of electricity through him with the current being as strong as any electrical spell ever aimed his way and landed. But for a second, Claude feels it so strongly it even slips through as a ripple crossing over his face, there and gone in an instant like it was never there at all when he wrangles all of his walls back into place and moves away to get more boxes to start over. Nothing else to do but to keep moving forward like always. ]
[ Hilda's realization is belated on...everything. Several seconds tick by before her eyes widen when she realizes the proximity of their faces along with the feeling of being in his arms like that, and she's quick to try and right herself. Unfortunately losing mild feeling to her elbows makes that more of a difficult task than expected. Determined to put space between them she pushes through, so focused on trying to right herself even with tremoring arms.
It's only when Claude cuts himself off that she comes to her next realization. Her eyes dart from him to the surrounding items as a stark horror dawns on her. The box. There's a sharp intake of breath from her, heat rising to her cheeks building off the lingering heat from before. Hilda breaks her gaze away from the box and back towards him.
She's always been able to read his expressions, but she can't read the flicker of something in his face now. Time has caused a rift that feels like it's distorted her vision of a face that she knew as well as her own. The brief second flash of something unreadable on his face can't be hurt. Why would it be? It can't be because if it were, then the constriction of her chest and the heat on her cheeks that's quickly making its way down to her neck would be shame. And why should she be ashamed of removing something that reminded her of him?
But Claude doesn't say anything, the moment passes, and she's left swallowing a strange lump in her throat. Her eyes stay trained on Claude's back, torn between apologizing and saying nothing at all. The quiet clinking of objects fills the air like a clock ticking down as her window of opportunity to apologize begins to close. Her body seems to move automatically, fingers numbly taking a hold of the jewelry box. Absently they run over the dent in the box.
Her voice is astoundingly steady but only because her voice is quiet. ]
I guess the foundation of the wood wasn't strong enough. We should have checked more closely. [ Clearing her throat, she goes in search of a different box for her jewelry box leaving the other cardboard box on the floor. ] There's other ones over here that will probably be fine.
It's only when Claude cuts himself off that she comes to her next realization. Her eyes dart from him to the surrounding items as a stark horror dawns on her. The box. There's a sharp intake of breath from her, heat rising to her cheeks building off the lingering heat from before. Hilda breaks her gaze away from the box and back towards him.
She's always been able to read his expressions, but she can't read the flicker of something in his face now. Time has caused a rift that feels like it's distorted her vision of a face that she knew as well as her own. The brief second flash of something unreadable on his face can't be hurt. Why would it be? It can't be because if it were, then the constriction of her chest and the heat on her cheeks that's quickly making its way down to her neck would be shame. And why should she be ashamed of removing something that reminded her of him?
But Claude doesn't say anything, the moment passes, and she's left swallowing a strange lump in her throat. Her eyes stay trained on Claude's back, torn between apologizing and saying nothing at all. The quiet clinking of objects fills the air like a clock ticking down as her window of opportunity to apologize begins to close. Her body seems to move automatically, fingers numbly taking a hold of the jewelry box. Absently they run over the dent in the box.
Her voice is astoundingly steady but only because her voice is quiet. ]
I guess the foundation of the wood wasn't strong enough. We should have checked more closely. [ Clearing her throat, she goes in search of a different box for her jewelry box leaving the other cardboard box on the floor. ] There's other ones over here that will probably be fine.
Edited 2023-07-21 06:41 (UTC)
[ It's easier to face away from her for now, to take a few seconds to push back against what's threatening to numb the edges of everything. It takes Claude a bit longer to figure out what it is until as he reaches for a box he registers it's the extinguishing of some sliver of hope he hadn't truthfully realized he'd been holding onto. There's all the times he's told himself that this, whatever it is - was, is over, and then there's seeing proof.
Maybe Hilda's doing him a favor with this. That's the first rationalization he reaches for though all it brings with is more of that same feeling of being plunged into ice. It's better to know so he can let go in a way he'd been denying he'd have to eventually even if she'd already made it so clear before this instant. The signs were there. He just didn't want to read them for what they actually were until faced with one that can't be ignored or twisted into anything else and one that says more than any of the barbs they've leveled back and forth.
Somewhere he's certain the gods are laughing that all he wants to do is to talk to someone about it like that'll help him make sense of things, but that the only person he wants to do that with is the very person it's about who doesn't want to hear any of it. He'll just have to live with that, too. The far kinder thing to do after he's caused her this much pain is to finally leave her be. ]
Sure.
[ That's all he can manage in an equally quiet tone when even summoning forth one single word feels like an effort to keep it even and trim away anything else out of it besides an acknowledgement of hearing her rather than any of what's said. Even if he doesn't really, even if it's more because he's been silent enough and he doesn't want to argue over who should've checked what. He blinks and remembers he's supposed to be moving this box his hand is still resting on, and comes back into motion to yank it off the shelf.
Whatever else is on the floor that'd spilled out of the crate holding the jewelry box - he doesn't want to know. Ignorance really is bliss, he reminds himself, and sets the crate down without looking. First comes clearing the smashed pieces of wood so neither of them have to step on it and putting those aside to clear out later so Cyprian won't have to clean up more of a mess. Claude adds the new crate to the stack and then steps away to retrieve another one. ]
Maybe Hilda's doing him a favor with this. That's the first rationalization he reaches for though all it brings with is more of that same feeling of being plunged into ice. It's better to know so he can let go in a way he'd been denying he'd have to eventually even if she'd already made it so clear before this instant. The signs were there. He just didn't want to read them for what they actually were until faced with one that can't be ignored or twisted into anything else and one that says more than any of the barbs they've leveled back and forth.
Somewhere he's certain the gods are laughing that all he wants to do is to talk to someone about it like that'll help him make sense of things, but that the only person he wants to do that with is the very person it's about who doesn't want to hear any of it. He'll just have to live with that, too. The far kinder thing to do after he's caused her this much pain is to finally leave her be. ]
Sure.
[ That's all he can manage in an equally quiet tone when even summoning forth one single word feels like an effort to keep it even and trim away anything else out of it besides an acknowledgement of hearing her rather than any of what's said. Even if he doesn't really, even if it's more because he's been silent enough and he doesn't want to argue over who should've checked what. He blinks and remembers he's supposed to be moving this box his hand is still resting on, and comes back into motion to yank it off the shelf.
Whatever else is on the floor that'd spilled out of the crate holding the jewelry box - he doesn't want to know. Ignorance really is bliss, he reminds himself, and sets the crate down without looking. First comes clearing the smashed pieces of wood so neither of them have to step on it and putting those aside to clear out later so Cyprian won't have to clean up more of a mess. Claude adds the new crate to the stack and then steps away to retrieve another one. ]
[ She doesn't enjoy this feeling of her heart splintering apart again. In her usual, Hilda way, she had patched the cracks back together with stickers, crystals and bright baubles in an attempt to tell herself that she was getting over it and that nothing was wrong. In vain she had tried to fill the absence of him with dirt and flowers like that would somehow nurture something else to grow in its place. The Feywilds had helped, with its pastel, dreamlike scenery. There hadn't been any moping or pouting from her, taking every experience in stride. The distractions helped so long as she didn't let herself stop to think about how that was possibly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that she would have loved to experience with him. It's catching up to her now: the denial, the flowers that refuse to take root, the feeling of how good it is to be held by him and how she'll never experience that again and it's for others to have now.
The original box she had come here looking for still stands stalwart on the shelf she had left it on. After a moment's hesitation, the jewelry box finds a place inside amongst her other supplies. The dent in the lid feels fitting somehow. It's not beyond repair. It still works. And objectively speaking, she knows she can fix it by hammering it out but that feels like a metaphor for something she doesn't want to dwell on. Steeling herself she tries to draw in a breath but finds it halting instead. Several more moments pass in an attempt to pull herself together, to stop unnecessary tears from forming before she turns around to retrieve her cardboard box.
Thankfully, nothing inside is damaged. The small pouch containing the beads he had picked out at the market lie nestled in their velvet bag.glinting up at her like wyvern eyes. The sight prompts her to draw the bag shut immediately. Her other project is in there too, waiting for the final finishing touch that she's been keeping at the Old Public Hall. She tries to compartmentalize everything she's feeling into the box as she closes the lid. They strain against the constraints of the box but she pushes down, hard. If he doesn't care, then she can't either. How else is she supposed to protect herself? How else will she ever get over this hurt she's carried with her for months? How else will she ever grieve the loss that is Claude?
When the cardboard box is placed alongside the jewelry box she returns to help him with the boxes. She doesn't want to argue. Hadn't even meant what she had said as an avenue for bickering. Uncomfortable silence accompanied by the fall of their feet and the soft shifting of boxes fills the air. When the boxes are situated again, Hilda motions to their little pyramid with a measured expression, devoid of anything on purpose. ]
Second time's the charm?
The original box she had come here looking for still stands stalwart on the shelf she had left it on. After a moment's hesitation, the jewelry box finds a place inside amongst her other supplies. The dent in the lid feels fitting somehow. It's not beyond repair. It still works. And objectively speaking, she knows she can fix it by hammering it out but that feels like a metaphor for something she doesn't want to dwell on. Steeling herself she tries to draw in a breath but finds it halting instead. Several more moments pass in an attempt to pull herself together, to stop unnecessary tears from forming before she turns around to retrieve her cardboard box.
Thankfully, nothing inside is damaged. The small pouch containing the beads he had picked out at the market lie nestled in their velvet bag.glinting up at her like wyvern eyes. The sight prompts her to draw the bag shut immediately. Her other project is in there too, waiting for the final finishing touch that she's been keeping at the Old Public Hall. She tries to compartmentalize everything she's feeling into the box as she closes the lid. They strain against the constraints of the box but she pushes down, hard. If he doesn't care, then she can't either. How else is she supposed to protect herself? How else will she ever get over this hurt she's carried with her for months? How else will she ever grieve the loss that is Claude?
When the cardboard box is placed alongside the jewelry box she returns to help him with the boxes. She doesn't want to argue. Hadn't even meant what she had said as an avenue for bickering. Uncomfortable silence accompanied by the fall of their feet and the soft shifting of boxes fills the air. When the boxes are situated again, Hilda motions to their little pyramid with a measured expression, devoid of anything on purpose. ]
Second time's the charm?
[ It's while picking up another box that Claude feels like he's suddenly aged years all at once. More than what the war brought on, more than what arriving here had taken months to undo, far more than the pit dredged up of which he still hasn't addressed - the reality is that this realization simply takes up so much space it seems to crush all the fragile things he'd kept close in its finality. It's probably not a coincidence it feels somewhat like standing at the edge of a battlefield when it clears and looking at the wreckage left behind.
This time it's them. There's the faint memory he has of thinking during their fight how there'd always been the chance of losing her and that he'd steeled himself against it, thinking he could rely on all those old habits of not needing anyone to pull him through when he'd always managed on his own, and yet none of that anticipated what it'd actually mean. A fault in a calculation he can't correct, and now they'll both pay for it when unlike atter a battlefield there's no clear steps forward from here.
Homesickness suddenly flares, but not for a place. It's been too long since he's been home for it to fit there, and Fodlan feels more and more distant with every day he opens his eyes and looks out the window at Cadens. With it now comes longing as painful as any animal teeth when it claws its way through his chest with no regard for anything in its path. He's been on the other side of this enough by now to know what this is without needing any time to identify it: it's grief. Unlike before, now it's for someone who's still standing here when he swallows the feeling back and turns to look at her with a worn smile he can't bother to disguise. ]
I'll test it out first this time.
[ Said as he's already halfway up onto the first box and stepping towards the next row while placing his boot down on the edge to see if it'll hold. It does, so Claude climbs up onto it and shuffles a couple more steps around to complete his test. The wood doesn't give or give any signs it will. He doesn't even know if he's relieved so much as simply going through the motions towards the escape he'd wanted so badly minutes ago and now feels like it was in another lifetime with the rift between it and facing whatever else will happen once they leave.
With that same wooden expression on his face he holds out a hand to her to help her up to keep moving. ]
C'mon, the window awaits.
This time it's them. There's the faint memory he has of thinking during their fight how there'd always been the chance of losing her and that he'd steeled himself against it, thinking he could rely on all those old habits of not needing anyone to pull him through when he'd always managed on his own, and yet none of that anticipated what it'd actually mean. A fault in a calculation he can't correct, and now they'll both pay for it when unlike atter a battlefield there's no clear steps forward from here.
Homesickness suddenly flares, but not for a place. It's been too long since he's been home for it to fit there, and Fodlan feels more and more distant with every day he opens his eyes and looks out the window at Cadens. With it now comes longing as painful as any animal teeth when it claws its way through his chest with no regard for anything in its path. He's been on the other side of this enough by now to know what this is without needing any time to identify it: it's grief. Unlike before, now it's for someone who's still standing here when he swallows the feeling back and turns to look at her with a worn smile he can't bother to disguise. ]
I'll test it out first this time.
[ Said as he's already halfway up onto the first box and stepping towards the next row while placing his boot down on the edge to see if it'll hold. It does, so Claude climbs up onto it and shuffles a couple more steps around to complete his test. The wood doesn't give or give any signs it will. He doesn't even know if he's relieved so much as simply going through the motions towards the escape he'd wanted so badly minutes ago and now feels like it was in another lifetime with the rift between it and facing whatever else will happen once they leave.
With that same wooden expression on his face he holds out a hand to her to help her up to keep moving. ]
C'mon, the window awaits.
[ The tired smile catches her off guard and there's a brief moment she worries that he had seen the flicker of worry on her face. She had spent so long always fussing and worrying after him in her own way that the urge to do so now is still there. She shouldn't be so surprised. Habits like that rarely went away so quickly. And yet the realization adds to the scales that threaten to tip her over the edge into tears.
He's only climbing up the boxes in order to test their stability but it feels like she's saying goodbye to him. The urge to reach for his hand, to stop him from going crosses her mind and her fingers twitch, like she's about to. That's the opposite of what he wanted though, isn't it? He had already said as much that he wanted to get out of here, get away from her. Doing that would hinder him, cause ire that she doesn't want to stoke anymore. So her hand remains limply to her side instead.
Even when the stability of the boxes seems clear and he's prompting her to climb up, she finds that she can't. Every part of her feels heavy, filled with regret and a reluctance to move towards a curtain call that she had all but resigned herself to so quickly in the wake of their fight. But he's waiting. And somehow that makes her move. Somehow she makes it up the boxes, fingers curling into familiar (beloved) ones and she has to look down at her feet in a feigned move to ensure her footing is sound. When she's sure that her voice won't crack when she speaks, she looks up towards the window in order to examine the latch there. ]
How did you want to do this? I could step into your hand or I could climb onto your shoulders.
[ Said like they were discussing a plan to escape from Garreg Mach away from Setheth's always watchful eyes. Said like this is just another ridiculous scenario that they so often found themselves in in the past and not at all like it feeling like an ending. ]
He's only climbing up the boxes in order to test their stability but it feels like she's saying goodbye to him. The urge to reach for his hand, to stop him from going crosses her mind and her fingers twitch, like she's about to. That's the opposite of what he wanted though, isn't it? He had already said as much that he wanted to get out of here, get away from her. Doing that would hinder him, cause ire that she doesn't want to stoke anymore. So her hand remains limply to her side instead.
Even when the stability of the boxes seems clear and he's prompting her to climb up, she finds that she can't. Every part of her feels heavy, filled with regret and a reluctance to move towards a curtain call that she had all but resigned herself to so quickly in the wake of their fight. But he's waiting. And somehow that makes her move. Somehow she makes it up the boxes, fingers curling into familiar (beloved) ones and she has to look down at her feet in a feigned move to ensure her footing is sound. When she's sure that her voice won't crack when she speaks, she looks up towards the window in order to examine the latch there. ]
How did you want to do this? I could step into your hand or I could climb onto your shoulders.
[ Said like they were discussing a plan to escape from Garreg Mach away from Setheth's always watchful eyes. Said like this is just another ridiculous scenario that they so often found themselves in in the past and not at all like it feeling like an ending. ]
[ The time in which it takes her to decide to step up can't be more than a few seconds in reality, but it feels like an eternity. At the same time it's too fast because it's more apparent than ever their goal is within (relative) reach, at which point... then what? He leaves to head back to the merchant, and Hilda either stays here, because she's staying here, or disappears to somewhere else within Cadens again?
The latter feels so much worse than it had when he'd been stealing his way through the warehouse's semi-shadows towards the door. When it'd felt easier to leave that behind like it didn't mean anything, like it hadn't had any cause and had spontaneously developed, and like it wasn't real if he just didn't pay attention to it. But now the thoughts rattle all around his mind with no resolution, and become even louder when her hand's in his. Practice keeps his face from flinching when the weight of it slipping into his grasp feels achingly familiar and for a second Claude stares at their hands like it's something he needs to memorize. As if that memory wasn't already taunting him while he's still living it.
And - oh. He hadn't actually thought this part through besides lifting Hilda up being a method of securing a way out, and he has to blink again to force his mind back into motion. A strange feeling and not one he's encountered often before, but fitting in all the worst ways for how it's ground to a halt now. ]
Which one would you prefer? We'll go with that.
[ One of those relies on a lot more trust than the other, after all, and he's not going to assume she has any of that towards him anymore. It'd be easier to let her climb up, and probably safer, but he'll leave that up to her to decide as he shifts his gaze to the window. ]
The latter feels so much worse than it had when he'd been stealing his way through the warehouse's semi-shadows towards the door. When it'd felt easier to leave that behind like it didn't mean anything, like it hadn't had any cause and had spontaneously developed, and like it wasn't real if he just didn't pay attention to it. But now the thoughts rattle all around his mind with no resolution, and become even louder when her hand's in his. Practice keeps his face from flinching when the weight of it slipping into his grasp feels achingly familiar and for a second Claude stares at their hands like it's something he needs to memorize. As if that memory wasn't already taunting him while he's still living it.
And - oh. He hadn't actually thought this part through besides lifting Hilda up being a method of securing a way out, and he has to blink again to force his mind back into motion. A strange feeling and not one he's encountered often before, but fitting in all the worst ways for how it's ground to a halt now. ]
Which one would you prefer? We'll go with that.
[ One of those relies on a lot more trust than the other, after all, and he's not going to assume she has any of that towards him anymore. It'd be easier to let her climb up, and probably safer, but he'll leave that up to her to decide as he shifts his gaze to the window. ]
[ There's an ease to how well their hands fit together and there's that feeling again, rising up unbidden like a reaction she wishes she could rid herself of. A simple touch shouldn't elicit such a feeling of desire and want, but she feels the wave crash over her, threatening to drag her under. Everything is still unsteady, her centre of gravity off after they had fallen from the boxes and seen the jewelry box he had given her fall too. Coming with that uncertainty is that feeling of goodbye, like this is somehow the last time she'll ever feel his arms around her or her hand in his.
It takes everything in her power not to tighten her grip, to hold on so that he can never let go. To focus on the conversation and task at hand.
Both options aren't ideal, but she's further away from the latch on the window than he is thanks to her lack of height and he's just a couple of inches short from being able to nudge it open with his hand. ]
I'm not sure I'll be able to reach it if I'm just being boosted into your hands but we can try that first. It's probably less risky than me climbing onto your shoulders too.
[ The tumble they had taken earlier hadn't been that bad, but if she were on top of his shoulders - that was just further to fall. ]
It takes everything in her power not to tighten her grip, to hold on so that he can never let go. To focus on the conversation and task at hand.
Both options aren't ideal, but she's further away from the latch on the window than he is thanks to her lack of height and he's just a couple of inches short from being able to nudge it open with his hand. ]
I'm not sure I'll be able to reach it if I'm just being boosted into your hands but we can try that first. It's probably less risky than me climbing onto your shoulders too.
[ The tumble they had taken earlier hadn't been that bad, but if she were on top of his shoulders - that was just further to fall. ]
[ If his mind was working properly instead of reeling around one topic to another and back again between them all, Claude might've noticed it seems like they're having similar reactions to the idea of leaving. To not wanting to let go, whether it's of something going unsaid or each others' hands or whatever else. Or maybe he does see it and sets it aside in the same breath because that's assigning too much meaning to things he now knows are no longer what he'd hoped, and there's only so long he can use hope as a weapon against himself.
The window is something tangible even if it's not in their reach. At least that's something to work towards than anything that won't be. Claude nods, still doing his best to not be pulled too off-kilter beneath what he knows are poor facsimiles of his usual ability to remain unflappable in the face of unimaginable chaos. Fitting, in some ways, given that he'd never predicted any of this in all those carefully laid out plans. ]
On the count of three, then?
[ That's the best way to go about it, surely, to make sure they're on the same page before he lifts her up. This is also familiar but more from late nights of looking in the monastery's kitchen cabinets for something, or to climb over a wall to get away from Seteth, or to climb into somewhere they shouldn't be. All those memories rush forward with the strength of any avalanche and put him in peril of being buried beneath their surfaces as he gets down on one knee with fingers laced, ready to start the countdown to lift her towards where they need to go and where it feels like he'll be left with only memories and nothing past this. ]
The window is something tangible even if it's not in their reach. At least that's something to work towards than anything that won't be. Claude nods, still doing his best to not be pulled too off-kilter beneath what he knows are poor facsimiles of his usual ability to remain unflappable in the face of unimaginable chaos. Fitting, in some ways, given that he'd never predicted any of this in all those carefully laid out plans. ]
On the count of three, then?
[ That's the best way to go about it, surely, to make sure they're on the same page before he lifts her up. This is also familiar but more from late nights of looking in the monastery's kitchen cabinets for something, or to climb over a wall to get away from Seteth, or to climb into somewhere they shouldn't be. All those memories rush forward with the strength of any avalanche and put him in peril of being buried beneath their surfaces as he gets down on one knee with fingers laced, ready to start the countdown to lift her towards where they need to go and where it feels like he'll be left with only memories and nothing past this. ]
[ Focusing on the window makes it easier not to acknowledge how their hands slipping from one another's makes the wound he had left behind ache. Or how him asking her an incredibly simple question feels like a countdown towards another ending that she would realize with a startling clarity she doesn't want.
Claude kneeling down in order to boost her up in an all too familiar way overlaps in her mind's eye with memories from their now distant past. She can't help but be reminded that the first time they had tried to do this she had stepped on a tender spot on his thigh sending them collapsing to the ground in a heap of laughter. There's no chance of that today though. Hilda gives him a nod, pushing the numbers past her lips. ]
One, two, three -
[ Hilda steps into his hands, arms outstretched. Thanks to the momentum from Claude, one hand easily grasps the ledge to steady herself while the other stretches out, taking a hold of the latch. It unhooks with ease. The window is pushed out and with a strength she'd deny she has, Hilda pushes herself up onto the edge before flipping around to sit on it. And without thinking, the grin she gives him is bright and triumphant. Or at least she hopes it is. Gazing down at him, she suddenly has to fight the, overwhelming urge to cry. Words stumble over her tongue and past her teeth, injected with so much faux brightness that it even sounds incredibly fake to her. ]
Not bad, Claude. The second best archer hasn't let himself go.
Claude kneeling down in order to boost her up in an all too familiar way overlaps in her mind's eye with memories from their now distant past. She can't help but be reminded that the first time they had tried to do this she had stepped on a tender spot on his thigh sending them collapsing to the ground in a heap of laughter. There's no chance of that today though. Hilda gives him a nod, pushing the numbers past her lips. ]
One, two, three -
[ Hilda steps into his hands, arms outstretched. Thanks to the momentum from Claude, one hand easily grasps the ledge to steady herself while the other stretches out, taking a hold of the latch. It unhooks with ease. The window is pushed out and with a strength she'd deny she has, Hilda pushes herself up onto the edge before flipping around to sit on it. And without thinking, the grin she gives him is bright and triumphant. Or at least she hopes it is. Gazing down at him, she suddenly has to fight the, overwhelming urge to cry. Words stumble over her tongue and past her teeth, injected with so much faux brightness that it even sounds incredibly fake to her. ]
Not bad, Claude. The second best archer hasn't let himself go.
Edited 2023-07-28 07:36 (UTC)
[ It works, and he really shouldn't be feeling as sad about that as he is. What's the alternative - that they stay in here in whatever uncertainty's permeated everything past animosity? In another life, they would've celebrated this successful plot they came up with in seconds with no one believing it but them even if there wasn't anyone else around like right now. That's how it should be now, but it's not and the chances of that happening again seem so unlikely.
That too stiff smile comes back to his face when it's all he can summon up as he boosts her up and she lands in the window without any further trouble. It's a poor match to that dazzling grin which makes her whole face aglow. There's a second where he wants to memorize that sight too before Claude catches himself and stops - that'd just be another way to wound himself by picturing it again later, and he's supposed to be letting all of that go. ]
Well, I do what I can. Not just anyone can make it so effortless, you know.
[ The air of straddling the fine line between confidence and cockiness makes it into his voice even if he doesn't exactly feel it himself right then, but it's there for appearances' sake to this time be in sync with what she'd said even if he doesn't entirely believe it either. Falling into old routines back from a different time before they'd known each other feels easier to grab onto right then as he looks back at the wall and finds something that'll work as a foothold as he holds a hand up to her again. ]
Give me a hand up, will you? Then we can be out of here.
That too stiff smile comes back to his face when it's all he can summon up as he boosts her up and she lands in the window without any further trouble. It's a poor match to that dazzling grin which makes her whole face aglow. There's a second where he wants to memorize that sight too before Claude catches himself and stops - that'd just be another way to wound himself by picturing it again later, and he's supposed to be letting all of that go. ]
Well, I do what I can. Not just anyone can make it so effortless, you know.
[ The air of straddling the fine line between confidence and cockiness makes it into his voice even if he doesn't exactly feel it himself right then, but it's there for appearances' sake to this time be in sync with what she'd said even if he doesn't entirely believe it either. Falling into old routines back from a different time before they'd known each other feels easier to grab onto right then as he looks back at the wall and finds something that'll work as a foothold as he holds a hand up to her again. ]
Give me a hand up, will you? Then we can be out of here.
[ Her momentary praise is reminiscent of days gone by. Of a dynamic they used to have and might never have again. Seeing the stony smile on his face only confirms that she had made an awful mistake even trying to lighten the mood. Discomfort creeps across her skin and the urge to cry becomes that much more apparent; the familiar feeling of real tears pricks at the corner of her eyes and she has to will them away by reminding herself that she'd be out of his hair soon enough.
Were this any other moment than what felt like a finality to their relationship, what Claude had said would have been a perfect opportunity for banter, for her to say something witty that would make the gold in his green eyes dance. And even though the desire to see that is still there, even if it's one last time, she hesitates. There's no guarantee that would be the outcome anyway. And if it did, then, would that make all of this more painful than it already is?
Claude's outstretched hand decides it for her. What did she have to lose? Maybe it would be the deserving bittersweet ending to something she had held dear to her for so long. Maybe after that something else new would grow in its place. ]
Alright but we're going to have to rely on your second best archer muscles because I [ She pauses dramatically for effect, flipping her hair over her shoulder and slipping easily back into a persona they both know all too well. ] am a delicate flower.
[ And before she can second guess herself, her hands grasp his, hauling him up beside her onto the ledge. ]
Were this any other moment than what felt like a finality to their relationship, what Claude had said would have been a perfect opportunity for banter, for her to say something witty that would make the gold in his green eyes dance. And even though the desire to see that is still there, even if it's one last time, she hesitates. There's no guarantee that would be the outcome anyway. And if it did, then, would that make all of this more painful than it already is?
Claude's outstretched hand decides it for her. What did she have to lose? Maybe it would be the deserving bittersweet ending to something she had held dear to her for so long. Maybe after that something else new would grow in its place. ]
Alright but we're going to have to rely on your second best archer muscles because I [ She pauses dramatically for effect, flipping her hair over her shoulder and slipping easily back into a persona they both know all too well. ] am a delicate flower.
[ And before she can second guess herself, her hands grasp his, hauling him up beside her onto the ledge. ]
[ It's not lost on Claude as he holds his hand aloft that Hilda could simply say no. If they're really so intent on getting away from each other - something he only is because he's convinced she feels the same - it'd take but a second for her to slip out of the window and leave him right here. Admittedly, there's a fairly good chance he'd deserve that for multiple reasons. It only now occurs to him he could've just sent Sylvain a message via that mind writing and spared them both from all of this, assuming the man in question wasn't busy.
Nothing to do about that now as he waits and seconds tick by into what feels like something so much longer before she moves her hair. As always the impulse to reach up and run his fingers through it is a strong one he ignores, willing it away when it absolutely has no place here and won't again. If there's the slightest shift in his smile towards something less impassive over a familiar refrain before she deems something worth doing anyway, Claude certainly doesn't notice it.
Her pull is as strong as ever, and with that foothold spotted before it gives him the leverage to pull himself up to the free space next to her, letting go of her hands as soon as he's sure of his seat. ]
I think it's hard to say whose muscles came in handier just then, but let's call it something like teamwork.
[ That hits more at a usual teasing tone, and this is the part where he should open the window and simply duck out of it. There's no reason to stay, not when Hilda's made it clear by his estimation that his company is something she no longer wants. Staying just draws the inevitable out for longer as he pauses with fingers wrapped around the handle to peer out through the wavy glass at what's outside. ]
Looks like there's some more boxes stacked up out here and taller than what we'd managed so it won't be nearly as far of a drop down on the way out.
Nothing to do about that now as he waits and seconds tick by into what feels like something so much longer before she moves her hair. As always the impulse to reach up and run his fingers through it is a strong one he ignores, willing it away when it absolutely has no place here and won't again. If there's the slightest shift in his smile towards something less impassive over a familiar refrain before she deems something worth doing anyway, Claude certainly doesn't notice it.
Her pull is as strong as ever, and with that foothold spotted before it gives him the leverage to pull himself up to the free space next to her, letting go of her hands as soon as he's sure of his seat. ]
I think it's hard to say whose muscles came in handier just then, but let's call it something like teamwork.
[ That hits more at a usual teasing tone, and this is the part where he should open the window and simply duck out of it. There's no reason to stay, not when Hilda's made it clear by his estimation that his company is something she no longer wants. Staying just draws the inevitable out for longer as he pauses with fingers wrapped around the handle to peer out through the wavy glass at what's outside. ]
Looks like there's some more boxes stacked up out here and taller than what we'd managed so it won't be nearly as far of a drop down on the way out.
[ Sitting beside him so closely feels so much like how they had sat together on the Aquila beach after they had successfully launched that stranded jellyfish out to sea. She's well aware that this setting is quite literally nothing like it.There's no sunset, no warm sand beneath their feet, no ocean breeze rustling through their hair. They most certainly aren't on good terms either.
The similarities she draws has little to do with all of the above and everything to do with Claude's allusion to team work. They did make a good team. They had made a good team.
So much of her life after leaving Goneril and attending the Academy revolved around seeking excitement and adventure - things she couldn't ever have under Holst's watchful but loving gaze. Claude had given her that in spades and had turned out to fit so perfectly into her life like someone had written it into the stars. But along the way, she realized that being by his side, even if it was just quietly basking in a content glow, filled her cup just as much as ridiculous plans and adventures did. She hopes that her smile doesn't falter even as the echo of a teasing tone from him is enough to make her heart shake. ]
Let's just say they were yours.
[ Because, what muscles?
She joins him in peering through the glass, unable to push the window open when he's got his hand on the handle. Secretly, a small part of her is relieved as it clings onto whatever is left of their time together. ]
It's still a drop though. One of us should probably head out first to make sure the other lands safely.
[ Read: Preferably not her. ]
The similarities she draws has little to do with all of the above and everything to do with Claude's allusion to team work. They did make a good team. They had made a good team.
So much of her life after leaving Goneril and attending the Academy revolved around seeking excitement and adventure - things she couldn't ever have under Holst's watchful but loving gaze. Claude had given her that in spades and had turned out to fit so perfectly into her life like someone had written it into the stars. But along the way, she realized that being by his side, even if it was just quietly basking in a content glow, filled her cup just as much as ridiculous plans and adventures did. She hopes that her smile doesn't falter even as the echo of a teasing tone from him is enough to make her heart shake. ]
Let's just say they were yours.
[ Because, what muscles?
She joins him in peering through the glass, unable to push the window open when he's got his hand on the handle. Secretly, a small part of her is relieved as it clings onto whatever is left of their time together. ]
It's still a drop though. One of us should probably head out first to make sure the other lands safely.
[ Read: Preferably not her. ]
[ There's the old temptation to roll his eyes as Hilda more or less denies doing the bulk of the work there when there's no real way he could even spin it to make it seem like it was his doing alone. But that'd require them to be on better terms, for something else to have taken place like when she'd tease him about putting on some front she could tell was obviously false or any number of things he's having to remind himself will stay past tense. Not because they happened in the past, either, but because they won't happen again.
It's the sort of thought Claude's still desperately trying to put aside no matter how much it keeps looming over everything, and doing so (somehow) requires opening the window. At first it sticks but some carefully targeted jostling loosens it to crack open a bit and so he can press both palms to move it out of the way enough to where it won't catch on their clothing. Something else from all those times they'd made it into places where they shouldn't have been even as he pushes that nostalgia away when it doesn't belong. ]
You can just say I should do it, you know.
[ In another life that would've hit a different note, could've been another opening to another round of playful teasing in ongoing rounds as volleys back and forth, but now he can't muster up anything other than something far blander. Teasing doesn't have a place here in whatever this is, and he hasn't yet figured out how to define it or how he's supposed to behave. Nothing was ever in his plans for this.
Claude swings one leg out of the window to perch on the outside of the building as he takes a second to blink in the sunlight, then goes about turning himself around to lower himself down. The distance now is less than it'd looked through the window as he appraises it before letting go while holding his breath until he lands on the crates below. They're sturdier than their stack, what with far more of them being there, though he deliberately tests this one far more than the one inside to make sure neither of them fall from this height when there's still a climb down from here. ]
Looks like we're in luck and Cyprian just saves his far better crates for out here for some reason.
It's the sort of thought Claude's still desperately trying to put aside no matter how much it keeps looming over everything, and doing so (somehow) requires opening the window. At first it sticks but some carefully targeted jostling loosens it to crack open a bit and so he can press both palms to move it out of the way enough to where it won't catch on their clothing. Something else from all those times they'd made it into places where they shouldn't have been even as he pushes that nostalgia away when it doesn't belong. ]
You can just say I should do it, you know.
[ In another life that would've hit a different note, could've been another opening to another round of playful teasing in ongoing rounds as volleys back and forth, but now he can't muster up anything other than something far blander. Teasing doesn't have a place here in whatever this is, and he hasn't yet figured out how to define it or how he's supposed to behave. Nothing was ever in his plans for this.
Claude swings one leg out of the window to perch on the outside of the building as he takes a second to blink in the sunlight, then goes about turning himself around to lower himself down. The distance now is less than it'd looked through the window as he appraises it before letting go while holding his breath until he lands on the crates below. They're sturdier than their stack, what with far more of them being there, though he deliberately tests this one far more than the one inside to make sure neither of them fall from this height when there's still a climb down from here. ]
Looks like we're in luck and Cyprian just saves his far better crates for out here for some reason.
Okay, you can do it.
[ Despite the bland, flat reply, it doesn't deter her from continuing to try and buoy her mood in any way she can. The reply is every bit sing-songy, cheeky and light-hearted making the accompanying shrug that comes with it more playful in nature. She could say more. Like how his position as a leader is built exactly for that purpose. That if Holst were here he would have smashed a hole through the wall and while she isn't expecting that, Claude should at the very least try to emulate the spirit of it. But all that teasing trapped firmly behind her lips.
While it's true that she had already slapped and thrown him to the ground, that doesn't mean that she wants to see him fall from the boxes. There's a mild sense of nervousness in her body language as she watches him drop down onto the boxes below but when it becomes clear after several seconds that he isn't going to tumble to the ground below, she lets out a breath. ]
It's like he knew that someone would need to get out of this specific window.
[ She eases her body through the window, legs dangling over the edge, slowly creeping closer to the edge. ]
Ready?
[ The assumption is that he'll catch her but who knows, really. ]
[ Despite the bland, flat reply, it doesn't deter her from continuing to try and buoy her mood in any way she can. The reply is every bit sing-songy, cheeky and light-hearted making the accompanying shrug that comes with it more playful in nature. She could say more. Like how his position as a leader is built exactly for that purpose. That if Holst were here he would have smashed a hole through the wall and while she isn't expecting that, Claude should at the very least try to emulate the spirit of it. But all that teasing trapped firmly behind her lips.
While it's true that she had already slapped and thrown him to the ground, that doesn't mean that she wants to see him fall from the boxes. There's a mild sense of nervousness in her body language as she watches him drop down onto the boxes below but when it becomes clear after several seconds that he isn't going to tumble to the ground below, she lets out a breath. ]
It's like he knew that someone would need to get out of this specific window.
[ She eases her body through the window, legs dangling over the edge, slowly creeping closer to the edge. ]
Ready?
[ The assumption is that he'll catch her but who knows, really. ]
[ They're so close to being rid of each other - or so he tells himself knowing that's how he should be feeling right now after all of Hilda's attempts to cast him off making it seemingly crystal clear there could be no other possibilities. All he feels instead is regret blended with glooms which threatens to take over anything else. His goal had been to get away from her, sure. It was the shifting of all the other pieces into place to form a better picture that'd made it feel like something else entirely.
Claude cracks an automatic smile at her joke, hardly a placeholder for anything else than it is to keep conversation moving. Maybe Cyprian's been stuck in the warehouse before himself and needed a way out is what he might've answered if he felt like joking, but it hardly seems fitting now. Instead he watches as she readies herself at the edge and tells himself he feels nothing at all. That the smile on his face is an unshakeable mask from all those years of practice honing it to be, and he can think about all of this later when he can put some distance between feeling like he's barely holding himself together at the seams and whenever that might be when it seems it won't be for a long while yet. ]
On the count of three again since usually works well for us.
[ This isn't anything like before, he reminds himself. It's something else where finality looms close as he stretches out his arms again to give her a vague target of where to jump to with the intent on making sure she lands in one piece. After this something he'd never imagined except for in the barest admission to himself there was always the chance she could walk away and nothing more when it was too painful to consider happening.
And yet: here it is. He counts to three when it looks like she's ready, and then waits. ]
Claude cracks an automatic smile at her joke, hardly a placeholder for anything else than it is to keep conversation moving. Maybe Cyprian's been stuck in the warehouse before himself and needed a way out is what he might've answered if he felt like joking, but it hardly seems fitting now. Instead he watches as she readies herself at the edge and tells himself he feels nothing at all. That the smile on his face is an unshakeable mask from all those years of practice honing it to be, and he can think about all of this later when he can put some distance between feeling like he's barely holding himself together at the seams and whenever that might be when it seems it won't be for a long while yet. ]
On the count of three again since usually works well for us.
[ This isn't anything like before, he reminds himself. It's something else where finality looms close as he stretches out his arms again to give her a vague target of where to jump to with the intent on making sure she lands in one piece. After this something he'd never imagined except for in the barest admission to himself there was always the chance she could walk away and nothing more when it was too painful to consider happening.
And yet: here it is. He counts to three when it looks like she's ready, and then waits. ]
[ She's busy readying herself to fall - into Claude's arms no less - that she almost misses the practiced smile affixed on his face. It might have been better had she missed it but she looks up just in time and recognizing it makes her heart sink in chest.
It's not like she had expected her joking to have any effect. She hadn't been trying to repair their broken relationship in this short, ridiculous encounter. She had just been trying to make it better for herself (and Claude by extension, although she would be hard pressed to admit as much). But perhaps, wistfully, she had hoped that he wouldn't have to wear that kind of smile around her. It's another reminder of how things have changed, how she has been relegated to someone who only gets the smiles that never reach his eyes.
As Claude begins his count down, she silently breathes it to herself under her breath. ]
1...2...3!
[ Hilda pushes herself off the ledge as if her heart ricocheting into her throat will somehow trick her mind into forgetting about her heart sinking in the first place.
She aims well - or his grip is sturdy - either way, she lands in his outstretched arms, eyes shut tight. When she doesn't feel the ground crumble beneath them, she slowly opens her eyes. Claude's face focuses in her vision and she has to fight the insane urge to reach out and cup his face, from brushing a thumb against his cheek. ]
Thanks.
It's not like she had expected her joking to have any effect. She hadn't been trying to repair their broken relationship in this short, ridiculous encounter. She had just been trying to make it better for herself (and Claude by extension, although she would be hard pressed to admit as much). But perhaps, wistfully, she had hoped that he wouldn't have to wear that kind of smile around her. It's another reminder of how things have changed, how she has been relegated to someone who only gets the smiles that never reach his eyes.
As Claude begins his count down, she silently breathes it to herself under her breath. ]
1...2...3!
[ Hilda pushes herself off the ledge as if her heart ricocheting into her throat will somehow trick her mind into forgetting about her heart sinking in the first place.
She aims well - or his grip is sturdy - either way, she lands in his outstretched arms, eyes shut tight. When she doesn't feel the ground crumble beneath them, she slowly opens her eyes. Claude's face focuses in her vision and she has to fight the insane urge to reach out and cup his face, from brushing a thumb against his cheek. ]
Thanks.
[ Hilda jumps and he braces himself in determination to not have a repeat of crashing down to the warehouse floor. Especially not when the ground is now a good amount farther below and likely no more forgiving than the floor had been, but she lands in his arms. Safely, he thinks, then lets go of that word almost instantly, nearly in the same moment that he makes sure she's steady from the short drop before he lets go of her.
It's not enough to prevent the small current when she opens her eyes, some kind of magnetism he wills himself to forget when it has no place here. Something else he'll have to let go of as he takes a half step back and murmurs an of course in response before looking out to the alleyway they've ended up in. ]
Well, it's not the most exciting escape, but at least we did it ourselves.
[ Or some other meager consolation he's half-heartedly pretending he means while dropping down to the next crate in the stack to get ever closer to leaving like it'll help wash away any of this from his mind. It won't; it'll be there waiting to fester painfully with everything else. It's the kind of thing he promises himself while knowing full well all of it will circle around his thoughts tonight, tomorrow, for any number of days yet to come when he's reminded of all of it while looking at the fragments of her still all around his room.
He can't, he thinks, bring himself to remove them just yet even if Hilda's already taken that step for herself. ]
On the plus side, now you know a way out if that warehouse door gets any more ideas.
It's not enough to prevent the small current when she opens her eyes, some kind of magnetism he wills himself to forget when it has no place here. Something else he'll have to let go of as he takes a half step back and murmurs an of course in response before looking out to the alleyway they've ended up in. ]
Well, it's not the most exciting escape, but at least we did it ourselves.
[ Or some other meager consolation he's half-heartedly pretending he means while dropping down to the next crate in the stack to get ever closer to leaving like it'll help wash away any of this from his mind. It won't; it'll be there waiting to fester painfully with everything else. It's the kind of thing he promises himself while knowing full well all of it will circle around his thoughts tonight, tomorrow, for any number of days yet to come when he's reminded of all of it while looking at the fragments of her still all around his room.
He can't, he thinks, bring himself to remove them just yet even if Hilda's already taken that step for herself. ]
On the plus side, now you know a way out if that warehouse door gets any more ideas.
[ She's holding her breath up until the moment her lets her go. Hilda tells herself that it has nothing to do with the contact and being so close to him, and everything to do with having just leapt into his arms while he stood on a pile of crates.
Gracefully she climbs off after him, quietly mirroring his thoughts. While no part of him existed in the new spaces she had created for herself, she still feels his presence. It's annoying how it has soaked through to her bones. How no matter how much effort she puts in to forget him (more effort than she's ever put into forgetting someone), she can't shake him.
Could she? And if so, how? Did she want to?
She's pulled from thoughts, belatedly realizing she had been staring at the back of his head. It could probably be played off like she's staring down the alleyway and the crowd that passes by on the other side, blissfully unaware about her strife and the awkwardness at the other end. ]
As long as those crates don't move. Otherwise I'll have a further way to fall than just into your arms.
[ Briefly she lapses into silence, feet leaden and heavy again. ]
I should go tell Cyprian and get my things. Are you planning on heading back into the warehouse?
[ If he were, she could make up an excuse to linger in the workshop until he was done. How else did you say goodbye to someone you weren't speaking to? ]
Gracefully she climbs off after him, quietly mirroring his thoughts. While no part of him existed in the new spaces she had created for herself, she still feels his presence. It's annoying how it has soaked through to her bones. How no matter how much effort she puts in to forget him (more effort than she's ever put into forgetting someone), she can't shake him.
Could she? And if so, how? Did she want to?
She's pulled from thoughts, belatedly realizing she had been staring at the back of his head. It could probably be played off like she's staring down the alleyway and the crowd that passes by on the other side, blissfully unaware about her strife and the awkwardness at the other end. ]
As long as those crates don't move. Otherwise I'll have a further way to fall than just into your arms.
[ Briefly she lapses into silence, feet leaden and heavy again. ]
I should go tell Cyprian and get my things. Are you planning on heading back into the warehouse?
[ If he were, she could make up an excuse to linger in the workshop until he was done. How else did you say goodbye to someone you weren't speaking to? ]
[ There's something he forces at that meant to be a laugh, something to clear the air and probably would if it was anyone standing here but someone who knows him so well. Something he should change to knew, but that's also on the list of things Claude can't manage to reconcile even as they wait there for him to do so. No struggle he needs to involve her in when it's clear this is something he has to solve for himself.
It's almost offensive that the sun's still daring to share brightly and nothing about this day is as dim as it feels like it should be. The crowds pass by with all kinds of chatter, there's the calls of different shopkeepers looking to lure them in, and the breeze has the audacity to pick up then to carry away some of the day's warmth while he stands absently flexing his hands and willing himself to forget to the feel of her.
He could leave. There's nothing keeping him here as he's reminded himself several times in the space of a few seconds, but it's like something keeps him rooted to the spot. Until Hilda speaks and he blinks at the passersby he was watching without really seeing to look back at her, and then back at the building. ]
I suppose I probably should since I didn't actually finish what he told me to go in there and do. Wouldn't exactly be the best impression to leave there considering I'm here because of someone else in the first place.
[ He's stalling in ways that don't feel like something he'd do so Claude forces himself to take one step and then another like Hilda will fall into step with him like from other times, other places, and whether she does or not when it comes to where the shop and warehouse meet, he doesn't offer up a goodbye when it feels like this has been a long extended one enough already which won't bring them any closure at all. ]
It's almost offensive that the sun's still daring to share brightly and nothing about this day is as dim as it feels like it should be. The crowds pass by with all kinds of chatter, there's the calls of different shopkeepers looking to lure them in, and the breeze has the audacity to pick up then to carry away some of the day's warmth while he stands absently flexing his hands and willing himself to forget to the feel of her.
He could leave. There's nothing keeping him here as he's reminded himself several times in the space of a few seconds, but it's like something keeps him rooted to the spot. Until Hilda speaks and he blinks at the passersby he was watching without really seeing to look back at her, and then back at the building. ]
I suppose I probably should since I didn't actually finish what he told me to go in there and do. Wouldn't exactly be the best impression to leave there considering I'm here because of someone else in the first place.
[ He's stalling in ways that don't feel like something he'd do so Claude forces himself to take one step and then another like Hilda will fall into step with him like from other times, other places, and whether she does or not when it comes to where the shop and warehouse meet, he doesn't offer up a goodbye when it feels like this has been a long extended one enough already which won't bring them any closure at all. ]
[ Gods, she hates the sound of that hollow, forced laugh. It's all niceties at this point, isn't it? Claude's laugh will never again ring bright and sweet for anything she does again. That's reserved for others he's built and nurtured feelings for. For Sylvain. For Petra if she ever returns. They are deserving of it. They are worthy of affections she'll never have and her jealous, pining heart will simply have to come to terms with that some day. Her heart aches all the same and she has to force herself to swallow a mysterious lump in her throat. ]
No. It wouldn't.
[ Her quiet disapproval doesn't have bite to it, but it suggests that she better not hear about him leaving a mess for someone she's beginning to view as a mentor.
All of that masks her quiet hope that he won't leave, but that would be ridiculous because then they'd just be left standing here making awful small talk with no substance. Would that be so bad though if it means he's still close? As if he can read her mind he begins walking away, and of course her feet follow so dutifully like they have so often in the past. His stride is naturally longer than hers and she hurries to catch up, pushed along by the gentle breeze as if it hears her quiet desire to stay by his side.
In the past she used to whine about how fast he walked. And while the whining never really stopped, eventually, unbeknownst to her, she adapted to it, perfecting the pace at which he walked in her own stride. How many people had she done that for? The answer is clear as the sun that shone so rudely above them: very few, if any.
It doesn't feel right to say goodbye when they reach the junction between the shop and the warehouse. But as she turns to utter it to him, he's already continuing towards the warehouse staring straight ahead like he always had. Her mouth shuts. Pressure behind her eyes begins to build. This is right, she thinks. This is fitting. The answer to her question earlier becomes clear. You said goodbye to someone once held dear by not saying it at all. It's easier that way.
Hilda's gaze lingers on his back a beat longer than she should before she tears it away. Rolling her shoulders back she takes a centering breath before bursting into the workshop, a whine on her lips bemoaning to Cyprian about being stuck in the warehouse, not once mentioning anything of the heart ache she had suffered at the hands of a broken lock. ]
No. It wouldn't.
[ Her quiet disapproval doesn't have bite to it, but it suggests that she better not hear about him leaving a mess for someone she's beginning to view as a mentor.
All of that masks her quiet hope that he won't leave, but that would be ridiculous because then they'd just be left standing here making awful small talk with no substance. Would that be so bad though if it means he's still close? As if he can read her mind he begins walking away, and of course her feet follow so dutifully like they have so often in the past. His stride is naturally longer than hers and she hurries to catch up, pushed along by the gentle breeze as if it hears her quiet desire to stay by his side.
In the past she used to whine about how fast he walked. And while the whining never really stopped, eventually, unbeknownst to her, she adapted to it, perfecting the pace at which he walked in her own stride. How many people had she done that for? The answer is clear as the sun that shone so rudely above them: very few, if any.
It doesn't feel right to say goodbye when they reach the junction between the shop and the warehouse. But as she turns to utter it to him, he's already continuing towards the warehouse staring straight ahead like he always had. Her mouth shuts. Pressure behind her eyes begins to build. This is right, she thinks. This is fitting. The answer to her question earlier becomes clear. You said goodbye to someone once held dear by not saying it at all. It's easier that way.
Hilda's gaze lingers on his back a beat longer than she should before she tears it away. Rolling her shoulders back she takes a centering breath before bursting into the workshop, a whine on her lips bemoaning to Cyprian about being stuck in the warehouse, not once mentioning anything of the heart ache she had suffered at the hands of a broken lock. ]
— it'll never be the same from a heart's collision | mid/end july, cw for drinking
theidlemaiden
2023-07-24 05:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It's been several days since everything came to a head with Sylvain. Several day since she had found out that he had been Lief, several days since she had told him that she didn't care or want him in any way, shape or form. She had been halfway out of his bedroom door when she heard him say that she couldn't avoid Claude forever, and a small voice said that she'd prove him wrong. Hilda was good at avoidance; it wasn't so unlike the dances she had practiced from a young age. Avoidance helped soften the reality of things, coloured her actions and choices so that all roads lead to ignorant bliss.
But ignorant bliss can only do so much in the face of gnawing guilt, and her rose-coloured glasses had been askew for far longer than she's willing to admit. Nothing can soften the image of Sylvain hunched over on his bed, rubbing face in his hands. No amount of Caden's noise can help her forget how hollow he sounded because of something she had done. But maybe alcohol can.
The sun sets on Cadens. Hilda had spent most of the day at the Sarstina, tucked away instead of being out front and centre in the middle of the tavern like she's normally want to do. Her table is littered with mugs; she had started with wine before moving to ale (a decision that will probably end poorly for her tomorrow) - all of it on a mostly empty stomach. Mags had insisted she go home (not the room she had returned to upstairs, but the loft), but Hilda had refused, stubbornly digging her heels in. In a moment of concern, Mag is quick to send for Sylvain having heard enough slurred cries about how Hilda hated Claude and never wanted to see him again. But by the time Sylvain arrives, Hilda's table is vacated and empty, the only trace of her being there at all is her cloak draped over the chair. ]
But ignorant bliss can only do so much in the face of gnawing guilt, and her rose-coloured glasses had been askew for far longer than she's willing to admit. Nothing can soften the image of Sylvain hunched over on his bed, rubbing face in his hands. No amount of Caden's noise can help her forget how hollow he sounded because of something she had done. But maybe alcohol can.
The sun sets on Cadens. Hilda had spent most of the day at the Sarstina, tucked away instead of being out front and centre in the middle of the tavern like she's normally want to do. Her table is littered with mugs; she had started with wine before moving to ale (a decision that will probably end poorly for her tomorrow) - all of it on a mostly empty stomach. Mags had insisted she go home (not the room she had returned to upstairs, but the loft), but Hilda had refused, stubbornly digging her heels in. In a moment of concern, Mag is quick to send for Sylvain having heard enough slurred cries about how Hilda hated Claude and never wanted to see him again. But by the time Sylvain arrives, Hilda's table is vacated and empty, the only trace of her being there at all is her cloak draped over the chair. ]
[ He’d almost ignored the messenger knocking on the loft door. It was getting late and he’d been settling in for the evening after dinner, the loft quiet and empty. Which it was far too often these days. He was beginning to wonder if maybe them moving away from the Inn had been a mistake after all.
The message from Mags had drawn a frown to his lips as he read over the words. He hadn’t seen Hilda since that night in his room. Hadn’t sought her out, not when everything was still too raw and painful. Which was really only his own fault anyway.
Even now, he’s pretty sure he’s the last person she’d want to see, but he doesn’t know who else he could send, not when she and Claude still aren’t talking. So he gets up and heads out with a quiet sigh, traversing the darkened streets to the Inn with an easy familiarity.
Stepping inside doesn’t find him his quarry and it’s only after asking around that he steps out the back door into the stableyard where he’d spent so much of his time when he’d lived here himself. He pauses on the back step, head cocked and listening and wondering how far he’s going to have to go hunting tonight. ]
The message from Mags had drawn a frown to his lips as he read over the words. He hadn’t seen Hilda since that night in his room. Hadn’t sought her out, not when everything was still too raw and painful. Which was really only his own fault anyway.
Even now, he’s pretty sure he’s the last person she’d want to see, but he doesn’t know who else he could send, not when she and Claude still aren’t talking. So he gets up and heads out with a quiet sigh, traversing the darkened streets to the Inn with an easy familiarity.
Stepping inside doesn’t find him his quarry and it’s only after asking around that he steps out the back door into the stableyard where he’d spent so much of his time when he’d lived here himself. He pauses on the back step, head cocked and listening and wondering how far he’s going to have to go hunting tonight. ]
[ Thankfully having pink hair and only being one of two Summoned to have such vibrant hair means Hilda is easily remembered and therefore easy to find.
She hadn't wandered far in the end. Her hazy mind had ping-ponged between choosing the couch in her office at the Old Public Hall as a place to lay her head that night, or the small, but warm attic of Cyprian's workshop could work too. She had set out with no particular destination in mind but then immediately become distracted by the stables and a horse hanging out of the stalls.
What had started out as her going to pet the gentle-eyed horse had somehow turned into her full on sobbing and sniffling by the time Sylvain finds her. ]
I'm just such an awful person, Marshy.
[ There's a giant heaving sob, and it's hard to tell if any of the words are audible to anyone passing by because aside from the tears and the slurring she's got her face pressed into the horse's long face too. "Marshy" doesn't seem too bothered by it at least. ]
I said such awful things to him and he didn't even deserve it.
She hadn't wandered far in the end. Her hazy mind had ping-ponged between choosing the couch in her office at the Old Public Hall as a place to lay her head that night, or the small, but warm attic of Cyprian's workshop could work too. She had set out with no particular destination in mind but then immediately become distracted by the stables and a horse hanging out of the stalls.
What had started out as her going to pet the gentle-eyed horse had somehow turned into her full on sobbing and sniffling by the time Sylvain finds her. ]
I'm just such an awful person, Marshy.
[ There's a giant heaving sob, and it's hard to tell if any of the words are audible to anyone passing by because aside from the tears and the slurring she's got her face pressed into the horse's long face too. "Marshy" doesn't seem too bothered by it at least. ]
I said such awful things to him and he didn't even deserve it.
[ The tones aren’t hard to miss, once he gets close enough to hear them. He can’t quite make out what she’s saying - or sobbing - into the horse’s mane, but it’s enough to have him alarmed and hurrying forward. He’d anticipated finding her drunk, he hadn’t prepared for crying. ]
Hilda?
He calls out to her as he rounds the corner of the stable, spotting her slim figure under the lantern light. Approaching her carefully, he holds out a hand, just in case he startled her. ]
Hilda?
He calls out to her as he rounds the corner of the stable, spotting her slim figure under the lantern light. Approaching her carefully, he holds out a hand, just in case he startled her. ]
[ Her name being called startles her and she pulls away from Marshy's face for a moment, blinking wet lashes confusedly at the horse. Her hands brush tenderly across Marshy's face as she pulls it towards her with a rather wet sounding sniffle. ]
Why do you sound like Sylvain?
[ Her confusion means that she doesn't immediately see Sylvain, never mind notice him. His footsteps are swallowed up in a blubbering sob upon hearing his voice and confusing it (somehow) for the horse being able to speak. Stranger things had happened in Abraxas, so why not a talking horse? Maybe someone had taught it how to speak. ]
You're so sweet for trying to make me feel better, but it's just not working. I miss him so much, but I can't just tell him that. Not after what I said.
Why do you sound like Sylvain?
[ Her confusion means that she doesn't immediately see Sylvain, never mind notice him. His footsteps are swallowed up in a blubbering sob upon hearing his voice and confusing it (somehow) for the horse being able to speak. Stranger things had happened in Abraxas, so why not a talking horse? Maybe someone had taught it how to speak. ]
You're so sweet for trying to make me feel better, but it's just not working. I miss him so much, but I can't just tell him that. Not after what I said.
[ He blinks at her back as he comes up behind her, hearing her say all that to the horse. For a moment, his lips quirk in amusement because wow. Mags hadn’t been kidding when she said Hilda was drunk. He’s not even sure he’s ever seen her like this. Probably best to get her home and tucked into bed, then. ]
Hilda. [ He calls her name again, this time stepping up behind her and resting a hand on her shoulder, so she’d know he was there and not a talking horse. ] Come on, sweet, it’s time to go home. I think your night has been exciting enough.
Hilda. [ He calls her name again, this time stepping up behind her and resting a hand on her shoulder, so she’d know he was there and not a talking horse. ] Come on, sweet, it’s time to go home. I think your night has been exciting enough.
[ The touch draws her from her momentary despair and for the first time in probably an hour, the stable is silent. The sight of Sylvain subdues her sobs to sniffles. Pink, misty eyes blink up at him; it wouldn't be hard to see that her brain is trying to piece together that it hadn't been Marshy the horse doing a very convincing impression of Sylvain, but Sylvain himself.
Had she had more of her faculties, she would have found herself torn between wanting to reach for him and to turn tail in the other direction and flee into the night. Instead his appearance and touch start a delayed chain reaction that only serves to root her to the spot. Her face crumples and her already splotchy face turns pinker than before. She lets out another resounding wail that is quickly muffled as she buries her face into her hands so he doesn't have to see how much of a mess she is. ]
No, I can't. I'll only disturb you two. You're already here and I've already disturbed your night I don't want to disturb it more!
[ The quickly drawn conclusion only seems to send her further spiraling. ]
Had she had more of her faculties, she would have found herself torn between wanting to reach for him and to turn tail in the other direction and flee into the night. Instead his appearance and touch start a delayed chain reaction that only serves to root her to the spot. Her face crumples and her already splotchy face turns pinker than before. She lets out another resounding wail that is quickly muffled as she buries her face into her hands so he doesn't have to see how much of a mess she is. ]
No, I can't. I'll only disturb you two. You're already here and I've already disturbed your night I don't want to disturb it more!
[ The quickly drawn conclusion only seems to send her further spiraling. ]
[ The horse gives a whicker and startles back a little, withdrawing back into its stall. Sylvain doesn’t bother to stifle his chuckle this time, even if it doesn’t have the same amount of energy and humor behind it as it normally does.
Instead of pulling away, he just reaches out to wrap fingers around her wrists and tug her hands away from her face so she can’t hide from him. ]
Well, since I’m already disturbed, the best way to make it up to me would be to let me get you home safe and sound so I don’t spend the rest of the night worrying. Because that would definitely be far more disturbing.
[ He gives a tug, drawing her closer. ]
Just how much did you drink, anyway?
Instead of pulling away, he just reaches out to wrap fingers around her wrists and tug her hands away from her face so she can’t hide from him. ]
Well, since I’m already disturbed, the best way to make it up to me would be to let me get you home safe and sound so I don’t spend the rest of the night worrying. Because that would definitely be far more disturbing.
[ He gives a tug, drawing her closer. ]
Just how much did you drink, anyway?
[ In spite of how much she'd had, her strength still remains and he's met with some resistance initially when he tries to tug her hands away – apparently appearances mattered even when she was drunk – but he wins out in the end.
The tug isn't even that hard but on her wobbly legs, Hilda stumbles forward, squishing her face against his chest, arms encircling him to steady herself. ]
Who tattled?
[ His question is met with an annoyed question from her, albeit mumbled into his shirt. Her face remains there, suddenly overwhelmed by his familiar smell and something else – probably the dinner he had cooked. Another wave of tears is on the horizon when she realizes numbly he had come in the middle of his meal. Her stomach churns at the thought. ]
Maybe...not a lot? Six? Seven? [ She hiccups. ] That's not a lot for someone like Raphael.
The tug isn't even that hard but on her wobbly legs, Hilda stumbles forward, squishing her face against his chest, arms encircling him to steady herself. ]
Who tattled?
[ His question is met with an annoyed question from her, albeit mumbled into his shirt. Her face remains there, suddenly overwhelmed by his familiar smell and something else – probably the dinner he had cooked. Another wave of tears is on the horizon when she realizes numbly he had come in the middle of his meal. Her stomach churns at the thought. ]
Maybe...not a lot? Six? Seven? [ She hiccups. ] That's not a lot for someone like Raphael.
The horse.
[ His deadpan answer comes almost instantaneously as he releases her wrists, only to wrap one arm around her shoulders and let the other smooth a hand down the back of her hair as she buries her face against his chest.
Her estimation gets a choked-sounding laugh from him, however, as he glances down at her. ]
Sweetheart, Raphael is at least three times your size, so can probably drink three times as much. Not to mention I’m pretty certain that man has a bottomless pit for a stomach. [ A pause, as he gives a lock of her hair a tug. ] And why were you trying to out-drink Raphael, exactly?
[ His deadpan answer comes almost instantaneously as he releases her wrists, only to wrap one arm around her shoulders and let the other smooth a hand down the back of her hair as she buries her face against his chest.
Her estimation gets a choked-sounding laugh from him, however, as he glances down at her. ]
Sweetheart, Raphael is at least three times your size, so can probably drink three times as much. Not to mention I’m pretty certain that man has a bottomless pit for a stomach. [ A pause, as he gives a lock of her hair a tug. ] And why were you trying to out-drink Raphael, exactly?
Marshy wouldn't!
[ Her defense of her new long-faced friend is instantaneous too but she's not moving her face any time soon. She knows she should. She should head home - or no, back to the Old Public Hall or the workshop. Maybe not the workshop actually. Cyprian might hear her and then she'd wake him.
The feel of Sylvain's arms around her is a grounding force and his hands smoothing her hair only serves to subdue the heaving sobs. He receives a grumbled protest that sounds something along the lines of she doesn't care if he's three times her size, she could do it if she really wanted to. It's punctuated by a hiccup as her fingers curl into the fabric of his shirt. ]
He always said that eating and drinking made him happy so maybe that would work for me too. [ She pauses. ] It kind of worked I made a new friend.
[ Her defense of her new long-faced friend is instantaneous too but she's not moving her face any time soon. She knows she should. She should head home - or no, back to the Old Public Hall or the workshop. Maybe not the workshop actually. Cyprian might hear her and then she'd wake him.
The feel of Sylvain's arms around her is a grounding force and his hands smoothing her hair only serves to subdue the heaving sobs. He receives a grumbled protest that sounds something along the lines of she doesn't care if he's three times her size, she could do it if she really wanted to. It's punctuated by a hiccup as her fingers curl into the fabric of his shirt. ]
He always said that eating and drinking made him happy so maybe that would work for me too. [ She pauses. ] It kind of worked I made a new friend.
And I’m sure Marshy will make for a great friend, but it is definitely past the horse’s bedtime, so let’s let Marshy get some sleep, alright?
[ His lips quirk faintly at the sound of her hiccups, the feel of her fingers curling in his shirt. It’s really hard to stay upset with her when she’s so damn adorable.
Then again, he didn’t really have the right to be upset in the first place, so that was his problem to manage.
Separating himself from her grip just enough that he could turn and crouch down in front of her, he glances back over his shoulder at her with a faint, crooked smile. It might not hold the level of warmth he normally sported, but there was still fondness in it, if a little subdued. ]
Come on, Princess. Let’s get you home, alright? Climb on.
[ His lips quirk faintly at the sound of her hiccups, the feel of her fingers curling in his shirt. It’s really hard to stay upset with her when she’s so damn adorable.
Then again, he didn’t really have the right to be upset in the first place, so that was his problem to manage.
Separating himself from her grip just enough that he could turn and crouch down in front of her, he glances back over his shoulder at her with a faint, crooked smile. It might not hold the level of warmth he normally sported, but there was still fondness in it, if a little subdued. ]
Come on, Princess. Let’s get you home, alright? Climb on.
[ When he pulls away another sob threatens to bubble up, like his lack of warmth is suddenly made more apparent than ever. She almost tells him not to go before realizing that he isn't actually going anywhere. Not like how she had left him sitting his bedroom alone.
Her lower lip trembles at the realization that she hadn't wanted this. But just because she didn't want it, didn't not make it the right choice, right? ]
I'm only going if you bring me back to the Old Public Hall.
[ She can't help how pouty she sounds. It comes with the territory when she's been drinking and crying for several hours. ]
Her lower lip trembles at the realization that she hadn't wanted this. But just because she didn't want it, didn't not make it the right choice, right? ]
I'm only going if you bring me back to the Old Public Hall.
[ She can't help how pouty she sounds. It comes with the territory when she's been drinking and crying for several hours. ]
[ There’s a moment of hesitation before he sighs and gestures to her again.
If that’s what you want, Hilda. Now, come on. Let’s get going, alright?
[ His answer seems genuine enough, but then again, he’s not against twisting the truth of his own words around if it suits him at any given moment. He tends to leave himself loopholes like that. ]
If that’s what you want, Hilda. Now, come on. Let’s get going, alright?
[ His answer seems genuine enough, but then again, he’s not against twisting the truth of his own words around if it suits him at any given moment. He tends to leave himself loopholes like that. ]
[ She doesn't seem to notice the hesitation. In fact, so caught up in her concern that she's being an inconvenience she feels like the pause is more exasperation with her than anything else. The familiar flush of shame begins to creep up her cheeks again. There's several beats as she blinks tears that had escaped and she furiously goes to rub her eyes with a nod.
Climbing onto his back is a bit of an ordeal considering her inebriated state, but she manages it, albeit clumsily. Her face bumps against the back of his head and she lets out a soft groan when her teeth catch her lips. A quick lick of her lips confirms there's no blood, but she's certainly smarting as she wraps her arms loosely around his neck. ]
Okay, ready. Up, up, Gautier.
Climbing onto his back is a bit of an ordeal considering her inebriated state, but she manages it, albeit clumsily. Her face bumps against the back of his head and she lets out a soft groan when her teeth catch her lips. A quick lick of her lips confirms there's no blood, but she's certainly smarting as she wraps her arms loosely around his neck. ]
Okay, ready. Up, up, Gautier.
I’m not a wyvern, you know.
[ He loops his arms under her knees an hefts her a little higher, until she can settle into a comfortable position against his back. ]
Hold on tight now.
[ Setting off away from the Inn, he keeps her steady against his back as he walks through the darkened streets, winding his way through a maze of back alleys and sidestreets. After a few moments of silence, he casts her a look over his shoulder again. ]
So. Are you going to tell me what tonight was really about?
[ He loops his arms under her knees an hefts her a little higher, until she can settle into a comfortable position against his back. ]
Hold on tight now.
[ Setting off away from the Inn, he keeps her steady against his back as he walks through the darkened streets, winding his way through a maze of back alleys and sidestreets. After a few moments of silence, he casts her a look over his shoulder again. ]
So. Are you going to tell me what tonight was really about?
I know you're not. [ Another hiccup. ] You're obviously a horse because you love them so much. And besides, 'Gautier' is a silly name for a wyvern.
[ Somehow this line of reasoning is foolproof in Hilda's eyes.
The gentle sway of his body beneath her and the silence would normally be enough to lull her into a sedated state had she not had as much alcohol as she'd had. Unfortunately as it stood, her stomach was beginning to rumble and she can feel a queasiness come over her, not so unlike when she had first taken to the skies on Waffle's back.
For that reason it takes her some time to answer him. When she does though, her words tumble out unbidden. ]
I'm so lonely and sad, Sylvain. [ The admission pulls a halting breath through her body like a shudder. ] But that's my own fault. I deserve it. I didn't even mean to say the things I said.
[ Somehow this line of reasoning is foolproof in Hilda's eyes.
The gentle sway of his body beneath her and the silence would normally be enough to lull her into a sedated state had she not had as much alcohol as she'd had. Unfortunately as it stood, her stomach was beginning to rumble and she can feel a queasiness come over her, not so unlike when she had first taken to the skies on Waffle's back.
For that reason it takes her some time to answer him. When she does though, her words tumble out unbidden. ]
I'm so lonely and sad, Sylvain. [ The admission pulls a halting breath through her body like a shudder. ] But that's my own fault. I deserve it. I didn't even mean to say the things I said.
[ His grip on her tightens slightly and his head turns back to watch the direction he’s heading, feeling her relax against his back slightly. Even though he can still feel every shudder that sweeps through her.
He lets her talk, lets her work through what she wants to stay, even as he stays quiet and listens. He chooses his own response just as carefully, biting back the instinctive reply that jumps to his lips, because that won’t help her right now. ]
So why did you?
He lets her talk, lets her work through what she wants to stay, even as he stays quiet and listens. He chooses his own response just as carefully, biting back the instinctive reply that jumps to his lips, because that won’t help her right now. ]
So why did you?
[ She tosses her head backwards in mild despair. That's a bad idea though because as soon as she does, her field of vision goes spinning and she has to right herself immediately, feeling some of the drink shift from her stomach into her chest. (That's not how anatomy works, but you get the idea.) ]
I don't know.
[ That too is a knee jerk response that Hilda, unlike Sylvain, can't stop from being vocalized into the night. It's not the truth though. Reminded again of how she had broken her promise to him she bites on her lower lip before quietly amending herself. ]
...I'm just scared. I'm scared that people will see that I'm not really some delicate flower and change their minds.
I don't know.
[ That too is a knee jerk response that Hilda, unlike Sylvain, can't stop from being vocalized into the night. It's not the truth though. Reminded again of how she had broken her promise to him she bites on her lower lip before quietly amending herself. ]
...I'm just scared. I'm scared that people will see that I'm not really some delicate flower and change their minds.
Edited 2023-07-24 21:28 (UTC)
[ His grip tightens on her when she suddenly leans back but at least she rights herself all on her own a moment later. He turns to glance back at her again before once more fixing his gaze on the alley ahead of them as he winds through the city. ]
Sweetheart, did you ever stop to consider that maybe the people who care about you don’t give a damn about whether you’re a delicate flower or not, and that doesn’t at all affect who you are and why they might like you?
Sweetheart, did you ever stop to consider that maybe the people who care about you don’t give a damn about whether you’re a delicate flower or not, and that doesn’t at all affect who you are and why they might like you?
[ Her reply is interrupted by a hiccup that quickly leads into a small burp which is...probably a lot less cute and definitely not very delicate flower of her. At least nothing came up with it. ]
Why wouldn't it though? [ Hilda draws in a shuddering breath, her voice sounding teary and forlorn. ] I'm not really strong like Holst. Or really smart like Claude. Or super super kind and talented like you. Eventually people are going to figure out that I'm just a pretty thing and get bored.
[ Her eyes fix on a point just ahead of them, knowing that if she turns her gaze upwards her world may spin again. She gives her head a short shake. Other words are on the tip of her tongue, like why part of the reason she had told him she didn't want him was a roundabout, awful way of ensuring that he didn't make an awful mistake himself. ]
Like you - I don't know why you haven't. I said something so mean to you but you're still here.
Why wouldn't it though? [ Hilda draws in a shuddering breath, her voice sounding teary and forlorn. ] I'm not really strong like Holst. Or really smart like Claude. Or super super kind and talented like you. Eventually people are going to figure out that I'm just a pretty thing and get bored.
[ Her eyes fix on a point just ahead of them, knowing that if she turns her gaze upwards her world may spin again. She gives her head a short shake. Other words are on the tip of her tongue, like why part of the reason she had told him she didn't want him was a roundabout, awful way of ensuring that he didn't make an awful mistake himself. ]
Like you - I don't know why you haven't. I said something so mean to you but you're still here.
Edited 2023-07-24 22:48 (UTC)
Apparently it's because I'm super super kind.
[ His tone is dry, but he does pause to shoot her a bemused look over his shoulder at that. ]
Man, appearances really are deceiving. I didn't realize I had you that fooled. [ he frees a hand long enough to reach back and give a playful tap to the tip of her nose. ] Stop being ridiculous. I'm not at all kind. And none of us can be summed down to just one thing and have that be the total of it. I don't know Holst but I'm pretty sure there's more to him than just his strength. There's definitely more to Claude than just his smarts - especially because he can be just as utterly stupid as he is clever.
And you, sweetheart, while you are indeed very pretty and you can be just as delicate as you like, you have a strength all your own, far beyond what most idiots give you credit for. You're stronger than you give yourself credit for. It's one of the reasons I admire you so much.
[ His tone is dry, but he does pause to shoot her a bemused look over his shoulder at that. ]
Man, appearances really are deceiving. I didn't realize I had you that fooled. [ he frees a hand long enough to reach back and give a playful tap to the tip of her nose. ] Stop being ridiculous. I'm not at all kind. And none of us can be summed down to just one thing and have that be the total of it. I don't know Holst but I'm pretty sure there's more to him than just his strength. There's definitely more to Claude than just his smarts - especially because he can be just as utterly stupid as he is clever.
And you, sweetheart, while you are indeed very pretty and you can be just as delicate as you like, you have a strength all your own, far beyond what most idiots give you credit for. You're stronger than you give yourself credit for. It's one of the reasons I admire you so much.
[ He's not wrong in what he says - no one person is a singular thing, but that doesn't stop her irritation from sparking. The dry tone doesn't go unnoticed nor does the boop to the nose. Hilda's eyebrows furrow immediately as she swipes at his hand, a whine forming at the back of her throat. And because that doesn't seem like enough, she grabs a hold of his cheeks in retaliation. ]
Why are you being mean to yourself? Yes you are!
[ Her reaction has less to do with the boop and the attitude, and more to do with what he's said about himself. Why would a kind person take care of not just them, but his friends at home the way he did? Sure, he flirted and acted like he didn't care, but she had seen it. Why would he get so upset about she and Claude fighting and try to get them to make up? And more than that, why would he have comforted her the night she had gone looking for Claude? ]
I don't have to listen to anything you say if you don't believe that you're kind. [ Her voice rises as she gives his cheeks another tug. ] You're so frustrating I - [ Suddenly her stomach churns and her words cut off. ] Sylvain? I don't feel good.
Why are you being mean to yourself? Yes you are!
[ Her reaction has less to do with the boop and the attitude, and more to do with what he's said about himself. Why would a kind person take care of not just them, but his friends at home the way he did? Sure, he flirted and acted like he didn't care, but she had seen it. Why would he get so upset about she and Claude fighting and try to get them to make up? And more than that, why would he have comforted her the night she had gone looking for Claude? ]
I don't have to listen to anything you say if you don't believe that you're kind. [ Her voice rises as she gives his cheeks another tug. ] You're so frustrating I - [ Suddenly her stomach churns and her words cut off. ] Sylvain? I don't feel good.
[ He doesn’t get a chance to defend himself - or not defend himself, as it were - before she offers that warning. It’s enough to have him pausing and moving off to the side of the street.
Maybe carrying her hadn’t been the best idea, but he’s pretty sure she was beyond walking at this point. ]
Do I need to set you down, sweet?
Maybe carrying her hadn’t been the best idea, but he’s pretty sure she was beyond walking at this point. ]
Do I need to set you down, sweet?
Mhmm -
[ She begins to tap his shoulders in a panic as if that will somehow get her down faster. All the while she can't help but think that this wouldn't have happened if whoever had tattled on her had just let her be. Cadens wasn't wildly dangerous - surely she could fend for herself. Or maybe she could have stumbled back up to her room at the Sarstina if she were that desperate to puke and sleep off her drunken stupor.
Her legs unhook from around his hip as she hurries to get the ground back underneath her feet. Sylvain stopping seems to help some, but it's a false relief. The moment she wiggles out of his grasp, Hilda feels a lurch in her stomach as she drops the short distance to the cobblestone.
Let it be known that Hilda Goneril probably would have gone to the grave claiming never having puked in her life (not even as a baby!). She'd claim that she never knew what the feeling of acid and bile being projected out of her mouth would feel like, but if she had to guess, it would probably be worse than discovering someone else's blood on your favourite boots.
But after today, she can't confidently make that claim anymore. Despite her best efforts to hold it back, puke comes spilling out of her mouth in a wet splutter. That alone would have been bad enough to cause her sudden death by embarrassment but the added cherry on top is that she can't turn around in time to avoid getting it on her boots. Oh, and the back of Sylvain's pant legs.
The moment she's done retching and realizes what she's done, Hilda lets out another wail of despair. Immediately she wraps her arms tight around herself as she crumbles into a crouched little ball. ]
[ She begins to tap his shoulders in a panic as if that will somehow get her down faster. All the while she can't help but think that this wouldn't have happened if whoever had tattled on her had just let her be. Cadens wasn't wildly dangerous - surely she could fend for herself. Or maybe she could have stumbled back up to her room at the Sarstina if she were that desperate to puke and sleep off her drunken stupor.
Her legs unhook from around his hip as she hurries to get the ground back underneath her feet. Sylvain stopping seems to help some, but it's a false relief. The moment she wiggles out of his grasp, Hilda feels a lurch in her stomach as she drops the short distance to the cobblestone.
Let it be known that Hilda Goneril probably would have gone to the grave claiming never having puked in her life (not even as a baby!). She'd claim that she never knew what the feeling of acid and bile being projected out of her mouth would feel like, but if she had to guess, it would probably be worse than discovering someone else's blood on your favourite boots.
But after today, she can't confidently make that claim anymore. Despite her best efforts to hold it back, puke comes spilling out of her mouth in a wet splutter. That alone would have been bad enough to cause her sudden death by embarrassment but the added cherry on top is that she can't turn around in time to avoid getting it on her boots. Oh, and the back of Sylvain's pant legs.
The moment she's done retching and realizes what she's done, Hilda lets out another wail of despair. Immediately she wraps her arms tight around herself as she crumbles into a crouched little ball. ]
[ It happens so fast that he can’t get her all the way back down to the ground before she gets sick and then all he can do is reach to hold her hair back and keep it out of her way. Having been on the other end of this far more times than he can even count, she has all his sympathy.
Even if she didn’t manage to miss his pantlegs in the process.
That dismayed wail from her gets a sound somewhere between a laugh and a soothing croon from him as he rests a hand atop her head, trying to comfort her. ]
Sweetheart, hey. It’s okay. Do you feel better now?
[ At the moment, he’s far more worried about her than his clothes. ]
Even if she didn’t manage to miss his pantlegs in the process.
That dismayed wail from her gets a sound somewhere between a laugh and a soothing croon from him as he rests a hand atop her head, trying to comfort her. ]
Sweetheart, hey. It’s okay. Do you feel better now?
[ At the moment, he’s far more worried about her than his clothes. ]
[ Even in the pit of her despair she hears the telltale sound of a laugh in his voice that she had unwittingly committed to memory. Somehow the amused tone of his voice makes the situation worse and she buries her face deeper into her knees. Cheeks burning with shame she had never wished to be smited into the earth more than she did now. ]
No, I don't! [ There's a loud, wet sounding intake of breath. ] I'm so disgusting. Why would you want me at all after this?
No, I don't! [ There's a loud, wet sounding intake of breath. ] I'm so disgusting. Why would you want me at all after this?
[ He knows the soft laughter is still somewhat audible in his tone, although he does his best to stifle it. He can’t quite help it, though, because she’s adorable, even like this.
Carefully, he crouches down in front of her and the look in his eyes is all fond affection as he deliberately tugs her face out of hiding. His lips quirk as he brushes her hair back off her flushed face. ]
Because you’re perfect, no matter what state I happen to find you in. Now come on, sweet, you don’t want to stay here. Let’s get you home and I promise I’ll fill your big tub up with a hot steaming bath and your favorite soaps, okay?
Carefully, he crouches down in front of her and the look in his eyes is all fond affection as he deliberately tugs her face out of hiding. His lips quirk as he brushes her hair back off her flushed face. ]
Because you’re perfect, no matter what state I happen to find you in. Now come on, sweet, you don’t want to stay here. Let’s get you home and I promise I’ll fill your big tub up with a hot steaming bath and your favorite soaps, okay?
[ He definitely meets some resistance and when he eventually does unearth her face it's not a pretty sight. Her eyes are rimmed red and puffy from all the crying that she's been doing. There's faint streaks of dampness under her nose from the snot that she's wiped furiously away leaving the tip of her nose raw as a result. Her bangs are slightly askew from being pressed into Marshy's mane and her arms, and her cheeks are the splotchy sort of pink that she would never think is cute on her. Being this close to her, he might get the whiff of alcohol and bile on her breath too.
Whether or not he'll admit it his kindness is showing again, making her tear up with a fresh batch of tears on the horizon. ]
It's not even my home anymore. And the last time I had a bath an octopus fell on my head.
Whether or not he'll admit it his kindness is showing again, making her tear up with a fresh batch of tears on the horizon. ]
It's not even my home anymore. And the last time I had a bath an octopus fell on my head.
[ He blinks at that, because he has no idea what she’s talking about and then just assumes it’s something that makes more sense when she’s drunk.
Reaching behind him, he fishes a handkerchief out of his pocket and reaches to clean off her face for her with an indulgent fondness. ]
It’s still your home, sweetness. No one’s taking that away from you. Your room is there and waiting for you, just like how you last left it. And I promise to protect you from any more octopus…ses? [ Now is probably a bad time to try to remember what the plural of octopus is. Especially because she’s not in any state to appreciate terrible innuendo right now. ]
Reaching behind him, he fishes a handkerchief out of his pocket and reaches to clean off her face for her with an indulgent fondness. ]
It’s still your home, sweetness. No one’s taking that away from you. Your room is there and waiting for you, just like how you last left it. And I promise to protect you from any more octopus…ses? [ Now is probably a bad time to try to remember what the plural of octopus is. Especially because she’s not in any state to appreciate terrible innuendo right now. ]
[ She hasn't had someone wipe her face in a very long time. The last time had probably been a nanny of some kind - either that or Holst. Who is less important than the feeling of being cared for however. The fondness that exudes from the gentle hand holding the handkerchief to her face to wipe away the tears - and her snot - only add to the disaster that are her alcohol-soaked emotions.
Had she not been in such a state, she would have explained that the octopus had fallen out of the rift in the bathroom ceiling and definitely hadn't been funny at the time. It sounds far-fetched, especially when she had been the only one in the loft at the time - but it's a story for another day. And maybe if she weren't as drunk, there's a very high chance she would have found his innuendo funny even if she'd act scandalized.
Several sniffles sound from her before she takes a shuddering breath in. ]
Just one bath. And then I'll go to the Old Public Hall.
Had she not been in such a state, she would have explained that the octopus had fallen out of the rift in the bathroom ceiling and definitely hadn't been funny at the time. It sounds far-fetched, especially when she had been the only one in the loft at the time - but it's a story for another day. And maybe if she weren't as drunk, there's a very high chance she would have found his innuendo funny even if she'd act scandalized.
Several sniffles sound from her before she takes a shuddering breath in. ]
Just one bath. And then I'll go to the Old Public Hall.
Alright. We’ll take it one step at a time.
[ He answers her agreeably, even if that’s not really agreeing to that at all. He doesn’t think she’ll notice the difference, however, as he holds out his hands to help her up. ]
Come on. Do you think you’ll be okay to get on my back again, or is your stomach still too upset?
[ He answers her agreeably, even if that’s not really agreeing to that at all. He doesn’t think she’ll notice the difference, however, as he holds out his hands to help her up. ]
Come on. Do you think you’ll be okay to get on my back again, or is your stomach still too upset?
[ She's slow to grasp a hold of his hand, but eventually does. Her grip is firm like she's holding onto him for dear life even though she's only being helped to her feet. Through a quiet symphony of sniffles she nods. ]
I should be okay now.
[ At least she hopes so. There's a drunken determinedness to her like she dares her stomach to betray her like that again. Climbing onto his back this time around is no easier than before but she manages it. This time when she's on, she tucks her head into the crook of his neck and wraps her arms around his neck to hold on even though she doesn't believe he'll drop her on purpose. ]
I should be okay now.
[ At least she hopes so. There's a drunken determinedness to her like she dares her stomach to betray her like that again. Climbing onto his back this time around is no easier than before but she manages it. This time when she's on, she tucks her head into the crook of his neck and wraps her arms around his neck to hold on even though she doesn't believe he'll drop her on purpose. ]
[ He tucks his arms under her knees and holds her up, lets her settle comfortably against his back, even if she clings to him a little more tightly this time around.
He turns his head just enough to rub his cheek against the top of her head. ]
I’ve got you, sweetheart. Just hold on until I get you home.
[ Giving up on the pretense that he’d ever been headed towards the Old Hall - which he hadn’t - he turns down the last few side streets separating them from the loft. Climbing the stairs, he slips inside with her to the quiet apartment and carries her back the hallway towards where her room and bath are located.
Once inside, he turns until he can set her down on the edge of the counter holding her sink before turning to face her once more, making sure she’ alright. His fingers brush against her cheek, back her jaw. ]
I’m going to get your bath started, okay? Can you sit here for me until it’s ready?
He turns his head just enough to rub his cheek against the top of her head. ]
I’ve got you, sweetheart. Just hold on until I get you home.
[ Giving up on the pretense that he’d ever been headed towards the Old Hall - which he hadn’t - he turns down the last few side streets separating them from the loft. Climbing the stairs, he slips inside with her to the quiet apartment and carries her back the hallway towards where her room and bath are located.
Once inside, he turns until he can set her down on the edge of the counter holding her sink before turning to face her once more, making sure she’ alright. His fingers brush against her cheek, back her jaw. ]
I’m going to get your bath started, okay? Can you sit here for me until it’s ready?
[ The journey back this time is far less turbulent than before now that she had emptied what little there was in her stomach. With the contents of her stomach on the floor of the alleyway, her boots and Sylvain's pants, the gentle motion of Sylvain walking them home is soothing in a way. Her eyelids grow heavy as she quietly clings to him, the streets they pass by barely registering until they turn down the familiar ones that will lead them to the loft.
And as eager as she is to hop into the bath, another reluctance emerges: she didn't want him to be apart from her even if it was just to draw the bath. Her rational voice would protest, say that it's counterintuitive to have told him one thing but then want another. When he places her down and steadies her, she leans into his touch instinctively, the smell of him lingering against her clothing and her skin. Her lower lip juts out, as if readying a protest about how no, she doesn't want to wait.
Surely she can just hop in and that way he doesn't have to be far from her at all (never mind that the bath is literally so close she could reach out a hand and touch him if she really wanted to), but she nods instead, steadying herself by gripping the counter under her. ]
And as eager as she is to hop into the bath, another reluctance emerges: she didn't want him to be apart from her even if it was just to draw the bath. Her rational voice would protest, say that it's counterintuitive to have told him one thing but then want another. When he places her down and steadies her, she leans into his touch instinctively, the smell of him lingering against her clothing and her skin. Her lower lip juts out, as if readying a protest about how no, she doesn't want to wait.
Surely she can just hop in and that way he doesn't have to be far from her at all (never mind that the bath is literally so close she could reach out a hand and touch him if she really wanted to), but she nods instead, steadying herself by gripping the counter under her. ]
[ She’s not normally so clingy, but he picks up on the subtle hints of it all the same. He lingers for a moment, cupping a hand against her cheek and giving her a faint smile before stepping back enough that he can bend over her large clawfoot tub and start the hot water running for her. A moment later, the soft scents of rose and jasmine fill the air, carried by the steam already rising.
That part handled, he turns back to her. Leaning past her, he turns on the sink for a moment, filling a cup with water and bringing it to her lips. ]
Here, drink. The water will help. [ And he’s pretty sure her mouth probably tastes terrible right now, in the aftermath of all that ale and getting sick. ] Then we can start getting you undressed and into the tub, alright?
That part handled, he turns back to her. Leaning past her, he turns on the sink for a moment, filling a cup with water and bringing it to her lips. ]
Here, drink. The water will help. [ And he’s pretty sure her mouth probably tastes terrible right now, in the aftermath of all that ale and getting sick. ] Then we can start getting you undressed and into the tub, alright?
[ When some of her favourite smells begin to fill the air, whatever tension in her body that existed slowly begins to ebb away. It mingles so nicely with the smell of him that lingers on her and she absently goes from wanting him needing to be there right by her, to watching him fondly as he putters around getting the bath drawn.
Had his back always been so lovely and broad? His hair that red? Maybe she could find glass beads that colour - and if she couldn't, it wouldn't be that difficult to make them, surely. Not with Cyprian's contacts. Time passes so fluidly that she doesn't realize he's in front of her until he's offering her a glass of water.
There's another protest on her lips that she doesn't need to drink water but it's already being held to her lips. It's only when she's gulping it down that she realizes how parched she was and how good it feels against her throat. She finishes it all, placing it gently on the counter beside her with a murmured thank you before going to fiddle with her boots as if that were a signal somehow that she should probably undress herself. ]
Remind me not to not to wear boots with so many laces the next time I go drinking.
Had his back always been so lovely and broad? His hair that red? Maybe she could find glass beads that colour - and if she couldn't, it wouldn't be that difficult to make them, surely. Not with Cyprian's contacts. Time passes so fluidly that she doesn't realize he's in front of her until he's offering her a glass of water.
There's another protest on her lips that she doesn't need to drink water but it's already being held to her lips. It's only when she's gulping it down that she realizes how parched she was and how good it feels against her throat. She finishes it all, placing it gently on the counter beside her with a murmured thank you before going to fiddle with her boots as if that were a signal somehow that she should probably undress herself. ]
Remind me not to not to wear boots with so many laces the next time I go drinking.
How about we just avoid drinking binges that leave you unable to unlace them instead, hmm?
[ Humor is layered in his tone once more as he lifts one of her feet to press it against his stomach so he can start unlacing it for her. Luckily, this seems to be the clean one, although he’s pretty sure he’s going to have to wash both their outfits after tonight. ]
Here, let me. Why don’t you get your top off? That should be easier to handle.
[ Humor is layered in his tone once more as he lifts one of her feet to press it against his stomach so he can start unlacing it for her. Luckily, this seems to be the clean one, although he’s pretty sure he’s going to have to wash both their outfits after tonight. ]
Here, let me. Why don’t you get your top off? That should be easier to handle.
You're so smart, Sylvain. [ She says it so cheerfully and full of warmth. When Sylvain relieves her of her struggle, she goes to pinch his cheeks affectionately, speaking without thinking. ] It's another reason I like you.
[ It's unclear if she realizes what she's saying because she dives right into her task of undressing herself. Thankfully she'd had some foresight to wear a dress that day without fiddly buttons. Wriggling her dress from underneath her, Hilda tugs her dress off of her in one fluid motion dropping it to the floor leaving her in a shift and a far simpler - albeit pink - corset than he's probably seen her in. The hooks at the front make it easier for her to undo it herself, but her fingers still fumble, making slow but steady work.
Several moments later however she's free and lets out a content sigh as it's dropped to the floor leaving her in just her slip. Seconds later a happy giggle bubbles to her lips looking goofily at him. ]
I did it!
[ It's unclear if she realizes what she's saying because she dives right into her task of undressing herself. Thankfully she'd had some foresight to wear a dress that day without fiddly buttons. Wriggling her dress from underneath her, Hilda tugs her dress off of her in one fluid motion dropping it to the floor leaving her in a shift and a far simpler - albeit pink - corset than he's probably seen her in. The hooks at the front make it easier for her to undo it herself, but her fingers still fumble, making slow but steady work.
Several moments later however she's free and lets out a content sigh as it's dropped to the floor leaving her in just her slip. Seconds later a happy giggle bubbles to her lips looking goofily at him. ]
I did it!
[ Her unexpected statement has his fingers fumbling for a moment on the laces, but fortunately she’s well distracted with the task he’d given her and misses it entirely. Casting a momentary glance up at her, he shakes his head with a crooked smile and goes back to unlacing her boots, stripping her of one and then the other before moving on to her stockings.
By the time she gets off her dress and corset, leaving only her slip, he has the rest of it off and the tub is nearly full. At her gleeful exclamation, he chuckles and ruffles a hand over her hair, mussing it with a smirk. ]
You did, indeed. I knew you could do it. Alright, sweet, come on. Your bath awaits.
[ Leaning in, he scoops her up into his arm and spins her towards the bath, moving to lower her into the steaming, sweet-scented water. ]
By the time she gets off her dress and corset, leaving only her slip, he has the rest of it off and the tub is nearly full. At her gleeful exclamation, he chuckles and ruffles a hand over her hair, mussing it with a smirk. ]
You did, indeed. I knew you could do it. Alright, sweet, come on. Your bath awaits.
[ Leaning in, he scoops her up into his arm and spins her towards the bath, moving to lower her into the steaming, sweet-scented water. ]
[ There's barely time to react to the ruffle and mussing of her hair because the grounding presence of the counter is gone. Her "Wait!" turns into a squeal as she's spun around. ]
Sylvain no, I'm in my shift still!
[ It's said like getting her clothes wet would be the biggest offence. She wiggles in his arms, tugging the shift over her hips, over her torso before it's pulled clumsily over her head, not caring that her hair is mussed more in the process or that her breasts are on full display. Her hands go to tug her panties off without a second thought, lifting her hips just enough so that she's left fully naked with the same proud smile on her face. ]
Okay, now you can put me in the bath.
Sylvain no, I'm in my shift still!
[ It's said like getting her clothes wet would be the biggest offence. She wiggles in his arms, tugging the shift over her hips, over her torso before it's pulled clumsily over her head, not caring that her hair is mussed more in the process or that her breasts are on full display. Her hands go to tug her panties off without a second thought, lifting her hips just enough so that she's left fully naked with the same proud smile on her face. ]
Okay, now you can put me in the bath.
[ He manages not to laugh, but barely, and when she turns to him, victorious in having lost the last of her clothing, his lips are still twitching from stifling his amusement. ]
As her Highness demands.
[ Carefully, he lowers her down into the bath, ignoring the fact that it gets his own shirt drenched in the process. ]
As her Highness demands.
[ Carefully, he lowers her down into the bath, ignoring the fact that it gets his own shirt drenched in the process. ]
[ The water feels luxurious on her skin and she sinks right in, momentarily missing that his shirt has become soaked in the process. When she does turn to look back at him, she notices the soaked fabric and a furrow appears between her brows. Before he can straighten up, her fingers find purchase on his sleeve, stopping him from leaving.
Her momentary triumph at being able to remove her clothing hasn't completely erased the fact that she doesn't want him to go or that she's been an inconvenience to him. ]
Did I do that? [ Hilda hands immediately finds the buttons on his shirt. ] I puked on your pants and got your shirt wet - I should be the one bathing you. [ The first button is undone with relative ease. ] Come here.
Her momentary triumph at being able to remove her clothing hasn't completely erased the fact that she doesn't want him to go or that she's been an inconvenience to him. ]
Did I do that? [ Hilda hands immediately finds the buttons on his shirt. ] I puked on your pants and got your shirt wet - I should be the one bathing you. [ The first button is undone with relative ease. ] Come here.
[ He stills, so surprised by her movement that it catches him completely off-guard and gives her the chance to get his first button undone, and then the second. His hands come up to catch her wrists again before she can go further, giving a low laugh as he does so. ]
It’s fine, sweetheart, don’t worry about it. I’m pretty sure we’re going to have to wash everything anyway, so it was going to get soaked sooner or later. Let’s get you cleaned up first and we can worry about the clothes later on.
It’s fine, sweetheart, don’t worry about it. I’m pretty sure we’re going to have to wash everything anyway, so it was going to get soaked sooner or later. Let’s get you cleaned up first and we can worry about the clothes later on.
[ The pout on her face is immediate, mingled with a flash of hurt in her expression that she isn't entirely aware of. Not that she has any real reason to. Rational Hilda would know that she's not being rejected, but the middling effects of the alcohol hadn't helped matters. Thankfully it makes it just as easy to brush aside the sliver of hurt in exchange for more of a pout.
She twists her wrists out his grasp with the grace of someone who had been taught how before both hands cling onto his shirt. ]
No, please? There's so much room. [ There's a brief pause as her eyes search his. ] And I miss you.
She twists her wrists out his grasp with the grace of someone who had been taught how before both hands cling onto his shirt. ]
No, please? There's so much room. [ There's a brief pause as her eyes search his. ] And I miss you.
[ He doesn't really struggle when she tugs her wrists free of his grip, or when she latches onto the front of his shirt again. Her words, however, do give him pause, and he blinks down at her pout, feeling that sudden stab of hurt that he knows wasn't his own.
Careful, Gautier.
His expression softens as he reaches out a hand and brushes his fingertips against her jaw once more. ]
I'm right here, Hilda. I'm not going anywhere. Let me take care of you, okay?
Careful, Gautier.
His expression softens as he reaches out a hand and brushes his fingertips against her jaw once more. ]
I'm right here, Hilda. I'm not going anywhere. Let me take care of you, okay?
[ If she stops to think about her hurt, turn it over and dissect it, she would see that it mingles with guilt. She has no right to tell him she misses him after she had told him she didn't want him. There's no guarantee that he even likes her like that.
Just because he's kind and caring doesn't translate into affection. Is she being selfish? Is this mean? It would track with her recent behaviour. None of these things manage to make it to the surface with her drunken haze.
What does register however is the touch of his fingertips against her lips and the tender, soft quality of it that makes her want to cry. Her grip loosens on his shirt, gathering his hand in hers so she can press kisses to each of his fingertips. Another thought swims beneath the haze trying to break through, but she doesn't dwell on it either too focused on pressing apologetic kisses to him. ]
Okay.
[ Instead she offers him a conditional in exchange, murmured against his hands. ]
Only if you let me take care of you after. And only if you take your shirt off. You're going to catch a cold and then someone is going to get mad at me.
Just because he's kind and caring doesn't translate into affection. Is she being selfish? Is this mean? It would track with her recent behaviour. None of these things manage to make it to the surface with her drunken haze.
What does register however is the touch of his fingertips against her lips and the tender, soft quality of it that makes her want to cry. Her grip loosens on his shirt, gathering his hand in hers so she can press kisses to each of his fingertips. Another thought swims beneath the haze trying to break through, but she doesn't dwell on it either too focused on pressing apologetic kisses to him. ]
Okay.
[ Instead she offers him a conditional in exchange, murmured against his hands. ]
Only if you let me take care of you after. And only if you take your shirt off. You're going to catch a cold and then someone is going to get mad at me.
Edited (I saw a typo don't look at me or the timestamp ) 2023-07-28 07:44 (UTC)
[ He just arches an eyebrow at this outlandish statement, his lips twitching in amusement. ]
Sweetheart. You’re still talking to the heir of Gautier. Who’s currently stuck in the desert. I’m not about to be done in by a wet shirt in the middle of summer. [ He bops a fingertip against the tip of her nose. ] But if you wanted to ogle me, all you had to do was say so.
[ That, at least, is an easy enough thing to joke about, as he’s been making it most of his life. ]
Sweetheart. You’re still talking to the heir of Gautier. Who’s currently stuck in the desert. I’m not about to be done in by a wet shirt in the middle of summer. [ He bops a fingertip against the tip of her nose. ] But if you wanted to ogle me, all you had to do was say so.
[ That, at least, is an easy enough thing to joke about, as he’s been making it most of his life. ]
[ Her nose immediately wrinkles at the nose boop and she pulls away mid-kiss from his hand to pout at him. ]
I do want to ogle you but that's not what - [ She shakes her head, tongue stumbling over words. ] I mean why.
[ The gentle press of her lips against his fingers resumes as the pout fades but still lingers in her voice. ]
I'm worried about you. I don't want you to get sick because you do so much to care for us but what have I done for you? [ The pout in her voice gives way to a thick quality, like she's trying to swallow a lump in her throat. More words stumble past her lips as she presses a lingering kiss to his palm. ] I really care about you, you know? I wake up sometimes in the middle of the night because I dream about how you looked in the Horizon and I never want to see that happen again.
I do want to ogle you but that's not what - [ She shakes her head, tongue stumbling over words. ] I mean why.
[ The gentle press of her lips against his fingers resumes as the pout fades but still lingers in her voice. ]
I'm worried about you. I don't want you to get sick because you do so much to care for us but what have I done for you? [ The pout in her voice gives way to a thick quality, like she's trying to swallow a lump in her throat. More words stumble past her lips as she presses a lingering kiss to his palm. ] I really care about you, you know? I wake up sometimes in the middle of the night because I dream about how you looked in the Horizon and I never want to see that happen again.
[ Her words are enough to have him stilling again, not expecting such a serious answer from her. His gaze softens as he slides his hand free and then brings it to rest against the nape of her neck. Bending his head forward, he rests his forehead against her own. ]
You’ve done more than you think, Sweetheart. But I’m sorry, I didn’t realize that was still haunting you. Look. [ He takes her hands, slides them against his shoulders as he rests his own over hers. ] I’m not hurt. I’m right here. Just a little damp is all. You don’t have to fret over anything else tonight, okay?
You’ve done more than you think, Sweetheart. But I’m sorry, I didn’t realize that was still haunting you. Look. [ He takes her hands, slides them against his shoulders as he rests his own over hers. ] I’m not hurt. I’m right here. Just a little damp is all. You don’t have to fret over anything else tonight, okay?
[ Her breath hitches at his touch. Automatically she nuzzles closer to him, her other hand going to tenderly cup his cheek. Even in her drunken state, she doesn't think that she's done anything at all except cause trouble, made things difficult for him, been awful, petty and jealous, and lied to him when she said she wouldn't.
When he pulls her hands away, tension fills her body as if it viscerally fears that he's pulling away. Her fingertips linger, wanting to hold onto him as long as humanly possible. When she realizes what he's doing, her body immediately relaxes as he guides their hands down his shoulders. Through the damp fabric of his shirt, she can feel the muscles there, how strong, warm and sturdy he is. How good he is. It's grounding and after a moment she nods, pressing the lightest of kisses his nose.
Hilda keeps her forehead pressed against his. A beat later she slides her hands over the curve of his shoulders, folding her arms around his neck to draw him close. ]
Why are you apologizing? I'm the one who's sorry.
When he pulls her hands away, tension fills her body as if it viscerally fears that he's pulling away. Her fingertips linger, wanting to hold onto him as long as humanly possible. When she realizes what he's doing, her body immediately relaxes as he guides their hands down his shoulders. Through the damp fabric of his shirt, she can feel the muscles there, how strong, warm and sturdy he is. How good he is. It's grounding and after a moment she nods, pressing the lightest of kisses his nose.
Hilda keeps her forehead pressed against his. A beat later she slides her hands over the curve of his shoulders, folding her arms around his neck to draw him close. ]
Why are you apologizing? I'm the one who's sorry.
[ He lets her pull him in, even if he has to lean against the edge of the tub to keep from being unbalanced completely. He chuckles quietly though, soothing his hands up and down her bare arms. ]
How ‘bout we forbid anyone from being sorry tonight, hmm? It’s way too late at night for that. Lean back, Sweet, let me wash your hair, okay?
[ And he gives a tug against her as he pulls back, his hands siding up to start working her hair free of how she’d pinned it up for the day. ]
How ‘bout we forbid anyone from being sorry tonight, hmm? It’s way too late at night for that. Lean back, Sweet, let me wash your hair, okay?
[ And he gives a tug against her as he pulls back, his hands siding up to start working her hair free of how she’d pinned it up for the day. ]
It's not that late. There's plenty of time for other things.
[ What those things are exactly never come to light. Her mumbled protest is weak but she allows herself to be pulled back against the tub. Her silence should be enough of an indication that she agrees there won't be any more sorry's this evening – at least for the next little while.
The feel of Sylvain's fingers in her hair only further aids in dissipating the tension from her body. As he does, she pulls herself into a little ball, hugging her arms around her legs. Absently her thoughts wander, wondering and worrying if he believes her when she says she cares or if they'll be dismissed as nothing more than words that she's tossed around in the past. If that is the case izt would serve her right, she thinks. ]
[ What those things are exactly never come to light. Her mumbled protest is weak but she allows herself to be pulled back against the tub. Her silence should be enough of an indication that she agrees there won't be any more sorry's this evening – at least for the next little while.
The feel of Sylvain's fingers in her hair only further aids in dissipating the tension from her body. As he does, she pulls herself into a little ball, hugging her arms around her legs. Absently her thoughts wander, wondering and worrying if he believes her when she says she cares or if they'll be dismissed as nothing more than words that she's tossed around in the past. If that is the case izt would serve her right, she thinks. ]
[ His fingers let down her hair before wetting it and starting to massage shampoo into the long locks, massaging her scalp at the same time. Trying to get her to relax, because he can practically feel the unhappiness radiating from her right now. ]
You’re thinking very loudly for someone who’s supposed to be relaxing and enjoying themselves.
You’re thinking very loudly for someone who’s supposed to be relaxing and enjoying themselves.
[ Once the shampoo begins being worked into her hair and the faint smell of peonies joins the medley of scents, Hilda finds herself getting lost deeper and deeper into her own thoughts. Sylvain's words rouse her from them. And while they don't startle her, what he says earns a small genuine gasp of surprise as she cranes her neck around to look at him. ]
Since when could you read minds?
[ In another scenario she wouldn't be so earnest with her question. After all, as far as she's aware he can't but her imagination is already in the habit of spinning silly possibilities that aided with the help of drink, drags her towards an endless vortex of 'what if's'. Belatedly her question more or less gives away that she had in fact been thinking about things and she's quick to try and cover it up. ]
I'm not thinking anything at all. You said there wasn't supposed to be any more apologizing tonight so what else am I supposed to do?
Since when could you read minds?
[ In another scenario she wouldn't be so earnest with her question. After all, as far as she's aware he can't but her imagination is already in the habit of spinning silly possibilities that aided with the help of drink, drags her towards an endless vortex of 'what if's'. Belatedly her question more or less gives away that she had in fact been thinking about things and she's quick to try and cover it up. ]
I'm not thinking anything at all. You said there wasn't supposed to be any more apologizing tonight so what else am I supposed to do?
Clearly I’m a master of it now.
[ He retorts this back lightly, teasingly. Were his two closest friends here not currently fighting, he would have made a joke about how it had become a necessity in translating Claude - which it was - but he has a feeling she wouldn’t appreciate that humor of that right now.
His fingers continue to work against her scalp, persistent in trying to get her to relax, even hen he could feel she was still spiraling. ]
Since when are those the only two options? Apologizing or brooding? Neither of those seem much like your style.
[ He retorts this back lightly, teasingly. Were his two closest friends here not currently fighting, he would have made a joke about how it had become a necessity in translating Claude - which it was - but he has a feeling she wouldn’t appreciate that humor of that right now.
His fingers continue to work against her scalp, persistent in trying to get her to relax, even hen he could feel she was still spiraling. ]
Since when are those the only two options? Apologizing or brooding? Neither of those seem much like your style.
[ Even with the teasing lilt, that certainly doesn't stop her delving down a rabbit hole of what if scenarios – but it does slow the thoughts down briefly. She gives him a click of her tongue. ]
And you say that you aren't smart.
[ Her words are softened with the faintest of affectionate smiles before she turns her head back around so that he can continue his work. Turning around serves another purpose though: it hides the lamenting expression on her face and the way she worries her lower lip. ]
I know it isn't me. But I haven't really felt like me lately.
[ It felt like pieces of her had been dislodged over the course of several months and instead of doing something about it she had tried to patch them up with stickers and bright things that would distract her from that fact. ]
...I don't know what to do about it.
And you say that you aren't smart.
[ Her words are softened with the faintest of affectionate smiles before she turns her head back around so that he can continue his work. Turning around serves another purpose though: it hides the lamenting expression on her face and the way she worries her lower lip. ]
I know it isn't me. But I haven't really felt like me lately.
[ It felt like pieces of her had been dislodged over the course of several months and instead of doing something about it she had tried to patch them up with stickers and bright things that would distract her from that fact. ]
...I don't know what to do about it.
[ his fingers hesitate a moment before continuing as he leans over her where she’s curled in the tub. He lets the comment about his intelligence slide, because any joke he makes about that at the moment has too high a chance of upsetting her again, so instead he focuses on the rest of what she says. ]
Well. Maybe you should start with what you want?
Well. Maybe you should start with what you want?
I want...
[ Her voice trails off, the pause of his hands noticeable. Had she said something wrong again?
There's too many thoughts jostling for attention in her mind, too many things that she wants. She wants her best friend back. She doesn't want to feel like a burden. She doesn't want to be an awful person that lies to people that she cares about. She wants to be as graceful and pretty on the inside as she is on the outside. She wants – ]
You.
[ Her voice is quiet but it's no less certain and unwavering. "You" doesn't seem adequate enough however, doesn't encompass everything she wants to say to him. That she wants him for more than just his body, that she wants his heart as selfish and scary as that is. But all of her words seem to get caught just behind her teeth and nerves. ]
[ Her voice trails off, the pause of his hands noticeable. Had she said something wrong again?
There's too many thoughts jostling for attention in her mind, too many things that she wants. She wants her best friend back. She doesn't want to feel like a burden. She doesn't want to be an awful person that lies to people that she cares about. She wants to be as graceful and pretty on the inside as she is on the outside. She wants – ]
You.
[ Her voice is quiet but it's no less certain and unwavering. "You" doesn't seem adequate enough however, doesn't encompass everything she wants to say to him. That she wants him for more than just his body, that she wants his heart as selfish and scary as that is. But all of her words seem to get caught just behind her teeth and nerves. ]
[ Sylvain has to blink at the back of her head for a moment, not expecting that answer.
Just how drunk is she right now?
But he just tugs her hair lightly, tipping her head back until he can peer down at her, upside-down. ]
You have me. I’m right here, remember?
Just how drunk is she right now?
But he just tugs her hair lightly, tipping her head back until he can peer down at her, upside-down. ]
You have me. I’m right here, remember?
[ The gentle tug of her hair and her world view turning upside down successfully draws her from her thoughts. Immediately her lips twist with displeasure.
Sober Hilda would have realized what she had said, tried to deflect, agree with what he's saying instead of doubling down on her truth. But drunk Hilda can't help but feel a pang of hurt that she's being questioned. That it sounds like he doesn't believe her.
Her words leave her mouth in a whine, hands reaching behind her to push his cheeks together, spraying water in her wake. ]
That's not what I mean. I really – [ She buries her face into her arms, cheeks suddenly burning. Why would be believe her, she had told him she didn't. Her voice grows quiet again, retracting her arms and curling into a tighter ball than before. ] nevermind.
Sober Hilda would have realized what she had said, tried to deflect, agree with what he's saying instead of doubling down on her truth. But drunk Hilda can't help but feel a pang of hurt that she's being questioned. That it sounds like he doesn't believe her.
Her words leave her mouth in a whine, hands reaching behind her to push his cheeks together, spraying water in her wake. ]
That's not what I mean. I really – [ She buries her face into her arms, cheeks suddenly burning. Why would be believe her, she had told him she didn't. Her voice grows quiet again, retracting her arms and curling into a tighter ball than before. ] nevermind.
Hey.
[ He’s quick to interrupt that, hands sliding down her arms before tugging her back against his chest from where he leans behind her in her tub, where he’d positioned himself to wash her hair. His hands continue to stroke soothingly up and down her arms uncaring that her wet hair is soaking his shirt even more now. ]
I’m listening, Hilda. You don’t have to hide what your thinking from me. Talk to me.
[ He’s quick to interrupt that, hands sliding down her arms before tugging her back against his chest from where he leans behind her in her tub, where he’d positioned himself to wash her hair. His hands continue to stroke soothingly up and down her arms uncaring that her wet hair is soaking his shirt even more now. ]
I’m listening, Hilda. You don’t have to hide what your thinking from me. Talk to me.
I don't want to.
[ She sounds petulant and she knows it, but she can't bring herself care. All of her annoyance is aimed at herself, none of it aimed at him.
Her embarrassment makes its way down her neck, fuelling her hold on her legs. Her voice wobbles. ]
I shouldn't have said that. Of course you wouldn't believe me after what I said to you – it's so selfish of me.
[ She's tired of being selfish, she thinks. Of being so greedy and thinking that her life would always be the way it would be if she were home. ]
[ She sounds petulant and she knows it, but she can't bring herself care. All of her annoyance is aimed at herself, none of it aimed at him.
Her embarrassment makes its way down her neck, fuelling her hold on her legs. Her voice wobbles. ]
I shouldn't have said that. Of course you wouldn't believe me after what I said to you – it's so selfish of me.
[ She's tired of being selfish, she thinks. Of being so greedy and thinking that her life would always be the way it would be if she were home. ]
[ Scooping a handful of water up and over her hair to start rinsing out the shampoo, he makes a quiet sound of disagreement. ]
I was the one that asked. If I didn’t want to know, I wouldn’t have.
[ A pause, because he realizes that applies to more than just now. His lips quirk slightly, but its more melancholy than a true smile. Easier to hide when he’s still working behind her. ]
Both times. It wasn’t the answer I was hoping for, but I wasn’t surprised by it either. Saying what you want - or don’t want - isn’t selfish of you, Hilda.
I was the one that asked. If I didn’t want to know, I wouldn’t have.
[ A pause, because he realizes that applies to more than just now. His lips quirk slightly, but its more melancholy than a true smile. Easier to hide when he’s still working behind her. ]
Both times. It wasn’t the answer I was hoping for, but I wasn’t surprised by it either. Saying what you want - or don’t want - isn’t selfish of you, Hilda.
It normally wouldn't be.
[ She has no problem admitting that truth when she's already admitted so much this evening. All of her faults are thought about more than she'd like to admit, especially over the last couple of months. Being vocal about what she wants and doesn't want comes easily, but it's not often she faces the consequences of doing so, rarer still for her to regret it so much that it shakes her to her core, coating her tongue in bitterness. ]
But it is this time. Because it's you.
[ Another thought flashes through her mind and she turns around in the tub to look at him. ]
What did you mean when you asked me if I wanted you?
[ She has no problem admitting that truth when she's already admitted so much this evening. All of her faults are thought about more than she'd like to admit, especially over the last couple of months. Being vocal about what she wants and doesn't want comes easily, but it's not often she faces the consequences of doing so, rarer still for her to regret it so much that it shakes her to her core, coating her tongue in bitterness. ]
But it is this time. Because it's you.
[ Another thought flashes through her mind and she turns around in the tub to look at him. ]
What did you mean when you asked me if I wanted you?
[ He blinks down at her when he spins to ask him that question letting one eyebrow arch upwards. ]
Uhh. Is there more than one meaning to that question that I’m not aware of? I thought I was pretty straightforward. It’s not a complicated question. Is it?
Uhh. Is there more than one meaning to that question that I’m not aware of? I thought I was pretty straightforward. It’s not a complicated question. Is it?
It has different meanings! Why would I ask otherwise?
[ The apples of her cheeks flush further as her brow furrows. ]
Did you mean physically or you know – [ She places her hands over his heart but her eyes look right into his, oddly serious. ] here.
[ The apples of her cheeks flush further as her brow furrows. ]
Did you mean physically or you know – [ She places her hands over his heart but her eyes look right into his, oddly serious. ] here.
[ His gaze drops to where her hand presses over his heart and she might feel the way it lurches beneath the surface. Or maybe that’s just his imagination.
He swallows thickly for a moment before giving her a half-hearted smile that doesn’t reach anywhere close to his shadowed gaze. ]
I learned a long time ago to not ask for that. You don’t have to worry, Hilda. I wasn’t trying to make things more complicated.
He swallows thickly for a moment before giving her a half-hearted smile that doesn’t reach anywhere close to his shadowed gaze. ]
I learned a long time ago to not ask for that. You don’t have to worry, Hilda. I wasn’t trying to make things more complicated.
[ Hilda doesn't feel the lurch of his heart. Had she been more herself, her attentiveness might have picked up on his heart beating a little faster. But as it stands she dismisses it as nothing more than the rise and fall of his chest.
And even though she can't quite decipher the look on his face, it weighs her heart down all the same. Fills it with a heaviness that she had been trying to drown in drink. But this weight is different – what did he mean by learning not to ask for that? ]
Ask for what? To be loved by someone else?
And even though she can't quite decipher the look on his face, it weighs her heart down all the same. Fills it with a heaviness that she had been trying to drown in drink. But this weight is different – what did he mean by learning not to ask for that? ]
Ask for what? To be loved by someone else?
[ His grin stretches a little wider, but it’s an old act. One he’d worn for years when they were in school and after. It comes as easily as breathing, even if that doesn’t make it any more real. ]
I’m not who people come to when they’re looking for that. Usually, I’m who they come to when they’re trying to forget or ignore that. Or just never cared about it in the first place.
[ He reaches out and tugs on a damp lock of her hair before attempting to nudge her head back around so he can finish rinsing out her hair. ]
I know things are complicated between you and that person I’m not allowed to mention. But I also know you both have very deep feelings about each other you’re going to need to work through at some point. You’re both just breaking your own hearts at each other right now and it hurts me to watch you keep doing this to yourselves.
[ His thumb swipes along her cheek as he meets her gaze, turning a hint more genuine now that he diverted to topic off himself. ] I hate seeing you so sad. I miss your smiles. Your laughter.
I’m not who people come to when they’re looking for that. Usually, I’m who they come to when they’re trying to forget or ignore that. Or just never cared about it in the first place.
[ He reaches out and tugs on a damp lock of her hair before attempting to nudge her head back around so he can finish rinsing out her hair. ]
I know things are complicated between you and that person I’m not allowed to mention. But I also know you both have very deep feelings about each other you’re going to need to work through at some point. You’re both just breaking your own hearts at each other right now and it hurts me to watch you keep doing this to yourselves.
[ His thumb swipes along her cheek as he meets her gaze, turning a hint more genuine now that he diverted to topic off himself. ] I hate seeing you so sad. I miss your smiles. Your laughter.
[ Wriggling from his grasp in order to stay facing him is easier with alcohol and determination. And after seeing this new smile replace the one that hadn't reached his eyes only spurs that. Even she doesn't have to be sober to recognize that. She doesn't have to be sober to think that she hates seeing that smile.
If she's being honest she doesn't want to move away from the topic they're on. She feels like she's accidentally stumbled onto something that Sylvain will never want to talk about again. The rational part of her desperately tries to dig her heels in but her breath catches in her throat when he brushes his thumb against her cheek. His care and his softness has once again taken her by surprise. Hilda stumbles over it, her heart soaked in disbelief because she can't understand how he doesn't see himself the way she sees him.
Her fingers fist the fabric of his damp shirt. ]
But I'm not talking about me and him. [ There's determination to her voice. ] I'm talking about you and me.
[ She pauses. Maybe he had been so quiet afterwards because he didn't have feelings for her - maybe he had sensed it. Not that she'd blame him. She isn't Claude. She isn't some intriguing puzzle to be solved, not some bright mysterious moon that still sheds brilliant light. Maybe she should just let it be. Despite the uncertainty that fills her, words continue to tumble over her tongue, lubricated by drink. ]
Because I don't want you just for those things you said.
If she's being honest she doesn't want to move away from the topic they're on. She feels like she's accidentally stumbled onto something that Sylvain will never want to talk about again. The rational part of her desperately tries to dig her heels in but her breath catches in her throat when he brushes his thumb against her cheek. His care and his softness has once again taken her by surprise. Hilda stumbles over it, her heart soaked in disbelief because she can't understand how he doesn't see himself the way she sees him.
Her fingers fist the fabric of his damp shirt. ]
But I'm not talking about me and him. [ There's determination to her voice. ] I'm talking about you and me.
[ She pauses. Maybe he had been so quiet afterwards because he didn't have feelings for her - maybe he had sensed it. Not that she'd blame him. She isn't Claude. She isn't some intriguing puzzle to be solved, not some bright mysterious moon that still sheds brilliant light. Maybe she should just let it be. Despite the uncertainty that fills her, words continue to tumble over her tongue, lubricated by drink. ]
Because I don't want you just for those things you said.
[ There’s the faintest hint of a flinch around his eyes before that mask of a smile turns into something more wry. Resigned. ]
I know, Hilda. I haven’t forgotten your answer. It’s okay. I’m not going to push anymore. Let me just finish getting you cleaned up, okay?
I know, Hilda. I haven’t forgotten your answer. It’s okay. I’m not going to push anymore. Let me just finish getting you cleaned up, okay?
It's not okay! [ Her brows furrow, a spike of hurt rooting in her heart. ] My real answer or the one I told you before?
[ The possibility that he doesn't believe her makes her heart sink a little deeper, her fingers grip a little tighter. It doesn't matter to her that her intoxication might make this seem less sincere. She just wants him to know. Wants him to believe it. ]
I'm not letting you until you tell me. I want you for all of you. Not just your body. [ Her fingers smooth over the fabric she's bunched up, the one just over his heart. ] This too. I want this.
[ The possibility that he doesn't believe her makes her heart sink a little deeper, her fingers grip a little tighter. It doesn't matter to her that her intoxication might make this seem less sincere. She just wants him to know. Wants him to believe it. ]
I'm not letting you until you tell me. I want you for all of you. Not just your body. [ Her fingers smooth over the fabric she's bunched up, the one just over his heart. ] This too. I want this.
Edited 2023-08-05 05:20 (UTC)
[ He’s still not convinced that her first answer hadn’t been the more truthful of the two. This one, he reluctantly suspects, is more likely brought on by too much alcohol and guilt and the complicated feelings for Claude she’s still trying to avoid. But that’s not an answer she wants to face yet either.
So he lets one hand slide down to cup over her own, resting against his chest, while the other comes up to cup against her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against the flushed skin there. ]
Sweetheart. I believe that’s what you want right now. But you’ve also had a lot of alcohol and a hurt heart, and neither of those things are something I’m going to take advantage of tonight. [ Or ever. She deserved better than that. Than something like him.
He lets his other hand drop until he can cup her face between his warm palms, cradling her gently. ] Let’s put a pin in it tonight, okay? We can talk about this again when you’ve had some good sleep and you’re sober again.
[ Or maybe he’ll luck out and she’ll forget this entire conversation. He can hope. ]
In the meantime, let me finish rinsing your hair so you can get into your comfortable pajamas. We can even go out and snuggle on the terrace a while if you want or I can tuck you into your bed if you’d rather. Whatever will make you happy, sweetheart. Let’s save the serious talks for another day, when there’s not so much alcohol involved. That never helps make good decisions, no matter how it feels in the moment.
So he lets one hand slide down to cup over her own, resting against his chest, while the other comes up to cup against her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against the flushed skin there. ]
Sweetheart. I believe that’s what you want right now. But you’ve also had a lot of alcohol and a hurt heart, and neither of those things are something I’m going to take advantage of tonight. [ Or ever. She deserved better than that. Than something like him.
He lets his other hand drop until he can cup her face between his warm palms, cradling her gently. ] Let’s put a pin in it tonight, okay? We can talk about this again when you’ve had some good sleep and you’re sober again.
[ Or maybe he’ll luck out and she’ll forget this entire conversation. He can hope. ]
In the meantime, let me finish rinsing your hair so you can get into your comfortable pajamas. We can even go out and snuggle on the terrace a while if you want or I can tuck you into your bed if you’d rather. Whatever will make you happy, sweetheart. Let’s save the serious talks for another day, when there’s not so much alcohol involved. That never helps make good decisions, no matter how it feels in the moment.
[ The feelings that follow his response shoot so rapidly through her that she barely has time to comprehend them herself. To Sylvain it's probably a cacophony of emotions all at once: indignation at being told what to do, petulance at not being believed despite saying that he did, lingering sadness because she couldn't get that image of his smile that didn't reach his eyes out of her mind, and hurt.
Hurt layers on top of it all, permeating everything else until it's the emotion that stands out the most. Of course it is; it had been following her for months now hand in hand with this fear that everyone would get bored of her being a pretty little thing the way Claude had. That they'd re-evaluate her place in their lives and leave her behind. Even Sylvain's hands cupping her face, telegraphing the care that she didn't think she was deserving of, can't dispel it.
But this isn't about her. In other circumstances she'd toss said pin out the window, demanding that they talk about this thing she had stumbled upon now. But she's weighed down by hurt and the knowledge that she's been too much of a burden already. Too selfish. Too greedy and naive in her thinking. Hilda's lower lip trembles and her eyes mist, but there's stubborn determination in her voice. Her hands stay over his heart. ]
Promise we'll talk about it tomorrow.
[ Because she will remember it tomorrow, she thinks. She must. He needs to know she means it even if he doesn't reciprocate any of it. She'd be okay if he didn't so long as he starts to believe that he's worthy of being adored and cared for and that he's wanted for more than whatever people have used him for in the past. Her eyes flutter closed as she memorizes the feel of the callouses on his hands against her cheeks. ]
I want to snuggle in bed. That will make me happy.
Hurt layers on top of it all, permeating everything else until it's the emotion that stands out the most. Of course it is; it had been following her for months now hand in hand with this fear that everyone would get bored of her being a pretty little thing the way Claude had. That they'd re-evaluate her place in their lives and leave her behind. Even Sylvain's hands cupping her face, telegraphing the care that she didn't think she was deserving of, can't dispel it.
But this isn't about her. In other circumstances she'd toss said pin out the window, demanding that they talk about this thing she had stumbled upon now. But she's weighed down by hurt and the knowledge that she's been too much of a burden already. Too selfish. Too greedy and naive in her thinking. Hilda's lower lip trembles and her eyes mist, but there's stubborn determination in her voice. Her hands stay over his heart. ]
Promise we'll talk about it tomorrow.
[ Because she will remember it tomorrow, she thinks. She must. He needs to know she means it even if he doesn't reciprocate any of it. She'd be okay if he didn't so long as he starts to believe that he's worthy of being adored and cared for and that he's wanted for more than whatever people have used him for in the past. Her eyes flutter closed as she memorizes the feel of the callouses on his hands against her cheeks. ]
I want to snuggle in bed. That will make me happy.
[ He feels the riot of emotions that wash through her, but it’s the depth of that hurt that stabs through him. Has his movements stuttering before he leans forward to rest his forehead against hers. That was the last emotion he’d wanted to cause, so of course that would be the strongest.
He silently curses himself even as he strokes a thumb against her jaw. ]
We can talk about anything you want tomorrow, sweet. I promise. [ Although he’s still pretty sure she won’t remember any of this, after the amount of alcohol she’d consumed tonight.
He finishes getting her cleaned up and her hair done before getting her up out of the tub and wrapped thickly in soft towels He pauses to strip out of his own pants and soaked shirt, leaving them discarded in a pile on the floor for now and him standing there in a dark pair of boxers.
Scooping her up into his arms, he moves to carry her away from the bathroom and down the hall towards her bedroom. ]
One late-night snuggle in bed, as the Princess wishes.
He silently curses himself even as he strokes a thumb against her jaw. ]
We can talk about anything you want tomorrow, sweet. I promise. [ Although he’s still pretty sure she won’t remember any of this, after the amount of alcohol she’d consumed tonight.
He finishes getting her cleaned up and her hair done before getting her up out of the tub and wrapped thickly in soft towels He pauses to strip out of his own pants and soaked shirt, leaving them discarded in a pile on the floor for now and him standing there in a dark pair of boxers.
Scooping her up into his arms, he moves to carry her away from the bathroom and down the hall towards her bedroom. ]
One late-night snuggle in bed, as the Princess wishes.
[ The hurt lingers even with the alcohol. It lingers even as the shampoo is washed from her hair. What doesn't linger however is the determination with which she had so fiercely told herself that she'd hold fast to tomorrow once sleep had come and gone.
The voice telling her that she's been all the awful things she fears rears its head; that even if she will be okay when he doesn't reciprocate her feelings, it is what she deserves. It is what she'll deserve until she becomes less of a bitter, jealous thing that shouldn't touch the happy, soft thing he and Claude are creating. The soft negative voice chips away bit by bit as the water cools and her hair is cleaned and washed until her determination is nothing but a whimper.
The softness of the towel rouses her and her fingers gently grasp the edges of the towel to hold the warmth of the bath to her as long as she can. Weariness weighs her down and she rubs her eyes gently. ]
Just a short one. I'm supposed to go back to the Old Public Hall. And then you can go snuggle with Claude.
[ That's the way it should be after all, she thinks. This small happiness will be enough, one last selfish act and she'll try and be better tomorrow. ]
The voice telling her that she's been all the awful things she fears rears its head; that even if she will be okay when he doesn't reciprocate her feelings, it is what she deserves. It is what she'll deserve until she becomes less of a bitter, jealous thing that shouldn't touch the happy, soft thing he and Claude are creating. The soft negative voice chips away bit by bit as the water cools and her hair is cleaned and washed until her determination is nothing but a whimper.
The softness of the towel rouses her and her fingers gently grasp the edges of the towel to hold the warmth of the bath to her as long as she can. Weariness weighs her down and she rubs her eyes gently. ]
Just a short one. I'm supposed to go back to the Old Public Hall. And then you can go snuggle with Claude.
[ That's the way it should be after all, she thinks. This small happiness will be enough, one last selfish act and she'll try and be better tomorrow. ]
[ He presses a soft kiss to her forehead as he carries her down the hall towards her room. ]
He doesn’t snuggle nearly as well as you do.
[ He can feel the lingering hurt, doesn’t know how to take that back without venturing into topics that are just going to cause more pain first. For both of them. He knows that without the alcohol talking, she’d remember that he’s not what she wants but that Claude’s still painfully out of reach until these two can sort out their emotions.
Were they anyone else, he wouldn’t feel so bad about taking advantage of that. But he hadn’t been lying when he said he hated seeing her so sad, that he missed her smiles and laughter. He missed Claude’s too. They’d both become a little dimmer in the weeks since their fight, like they’d doused too much of that inner warmth that shown so brightly from both of them. He wanted to see that back more than just about anything.
He nudges her door open with his foot, her room clean and tidy and just as she’d left it. Carrying her over to the bed, he lays her down and crawls in beside her, wrapping his arms around her and tugging her closer. ]
Come here. I’ve missed this, too.
He doesn’t snuggle nearly as well as you do.
[ He can feel the lingering hurt, doesn’t know how to take that back without venturing into topics that are just going to cause more pain first. For both of them. He knows that without the alcohol talking, she’d remember that he’s not what she wants but that Claude’s still painfully out of reach until these two can sort out their emotions.
Were they anyone else, he wouldn’t feel so bad about taking advantage of that. But he hadn’t been lying when he said he hated seeing her so sad, that he missed her smiles and laughter. He missed Claude’s too. They’d both become a little dimmer in the weeks since their fight, like they’d doused too much of that inner warmth that shown so brightly from both of them. He wanted to see that back more than just about anything.
He nudges her door open with his foot, her room clean and tidy and just as she’d left it. Carrying her over to the bed, he lays her down and crawls in beside her, wrapping his arms around her and tugging her closer. ]
Come here. I’ve missed this, too.
That's only because he doesn't have big boobs.
[ The reply is murmured before she can stifle it - not that she'd be ashamed to say as much sober. It's the truth even without the alcohol because if there's one thing she can be confident about it's her breasts. ]
If he did, my snuggling title would be in danger.
[ Having that title is perhaps the only thing that she has over Claude. Not that it's a competition or anything. But despite what Sylvain thinks his embrace is exactly what she needs. Not because there is an absence of Claude or anyone else but because there is safety in these arms.
Hilda snuggles back into him, arms pulling him tighter around her midsection in order to dispel what little space is between them. Her fingers tangle into his, the warmth of his body softening the harsh edges of the feelings she had been feeling. Tension slowly seeps from body as her eyes flutter closed. ]
I miss you, Sylvain. I wanted to see the feywilds with you.
[ The reply is murmured before she can stifle it - not that she'd be ashamed to say as much sober. It's the truth even without the alcohol because if there's one thing she can be confident about it's her breasts. ]
If he did, my snuggling title would be in danger.
[ Having that title is perhaps the only thing that she has over Claude. Not that it's a competition or anything. But despite what Sylvain thinks his embrace is exactly what she needs. Not because there is an absence of Claude or anyone else but because there is safety in these arms.
Hilda snuggles back into him, arms pulling him tighter around her midsection in order to dispel what little space is between them. Her fingers tangle into his, the warmth of his body softening the harsh edges of the feelings she had been feeling. Tension slowly seeps from body as her eyes flutter closed. ]
I miss you, Sylvain. I wanted to see the feywilds with you.
[ Her comment gets a quiet snicker from him. ] The boobs are a nice bonus, not gonna lie. But your snuggling title would never be in danger either way. It’s all yours, sweetheart.
[ He drags her blanket up over them both, even as he settles down with her in his arms, letting her wiggle as close as she wanted. He stays wrapped around her, holding her close, his chin resting atop her head. She fits so perfectly here, that it brings a soft smile to his lips.
Her confession has him pressing another soft kiss to the top of her head as he lets one hand stroke softly up and down her arm. ]
Then we’ll go back and explore it together next time, you and me.
[ He drags her blanket up over them both, even as he settles down with her in his arms, letting her wiggle as close as she wanted. He stays wrapped around her, holding her close, his chin resting atop her head. She fits so perfectly here, that it brings a soft smile to his lips.
Her confession has him pressing another soft kiss to the top of her head as he lets one hand stroke softly up and down her arm. ]
Then we’ll go back and explore it together next time, you and me.
[ The noise she makes clearly says she's doubtful of his reassurance that her snuggling skills are better than Claude's. But more than that it's directed at his promise that he'll follow through with it. Why would anyone who has feelings for someone else want to do something like that with her? Perhaps it's another kindness.
She's already cemented his evasiveness of addressing her declaration of feelings a response in and of itself. But she is the self-proclaimed princess of delusion and daydreams and her constant pull and push of insecurity continues. Her fingers cling to him like she's clinging onto this moment for as long as she's awake, like this will somehow slip away when she wakes. ]
Tell me what you did when you were there.
[ She doubts it had been as lonely as her time had been. At least she hopes that's the case. Hilda had spent time with people but that didn't dispel the gnawing hole in her chest left by those she has purposely distanced herself from. ]
She's already cemented his evasiveness of addressing her declaration of feelings a response in and of itself. But she is the self-proclaimed princess of delusion and daydreams and her constant pull and push of insecurity continues. Her fingers cling to him like she's clinging onto this moment for as long as she's awake, like this will somehow slip away when she wakes. ]
Tell me what you did when you were there.
[ She doubts it had been as lonely as her time had been. At least she hopes that's the case. Hilda had spent time with people but that didn't dispel the gnawing hole in her chest left by those she has purposely distanced herself from. ]
[ He’d missed having her at his side just as much. He gives her a squeeze and settles in to regale her with ridiculous tales from his time with the Fey.
If he exaggerated a bit when it came to the mount contests they’d dared him to, or the disastrous drinking contest with Shepard, well… he knew she’d find it amusing all the same. ]
Of course, one of the highlights of the visit was this stunning beauty that let me chase her through the maze the night of the ball…
If he exaggerated a bit when it came to the mount contests they’d dared him to, or the disastrous drinking contest with Shepard, well… he knew she’d find it amusing all the same. ]
Of course, one of the highlights of the visit was this stunning beauty that let me chase her through the maze the night of the ball…
[ He's right. She does find the embellishments amusing – adores them in fact. If a story didn't have embellishments what was the point? As she listens to his escapades, she smiles quietly to herself, glad to hear that he had fun.
Every so often she interjects, peppering him with questions asking for more ridiculous details, or providing murmured comments as colour commentary. It's a means of catching up. Of saying she's sorry without actually saying it (even though saying sorry would really just make more sense).
Wistfully she wishes that she could have been there to see him successfully handle the fey mounts. That she could have been a bystander watching him try and go shot for shot with Shepard and laugh at his attempt before dragging him back to his room when he inevitably wasn't able to stand on his own two feet. But that's all wishful thinking. Those moments had been reserved for Claude. Inserting herself even in thought still feels intrusive.
But then he mentions their moment together in the maze. She stills in his arms, fingers absently running over his knuckles. ]
You must have really liked her a lot to chase her through a maze.
[ It's not meant to be leading. Rather she doesn't think before she speaks. ]
That or you really needed to see if it was who you thought she was.
Every so often she interjects, peppering him with questions asking for more ridiculous details, or providing murmured comments as colour commentary. It's a means of catching up. Of saying she's sorry without actually saying it (even though saying sorry would really just make more sense).
Wistfully she wishes that she could have been there to see him successfully handle the fey mounts. That she could have been a bystander watching him try and go shot for shot with Shepard and laugh at his attempt before dragging him back to his room when he inevitably wasn't able to stand on his own two feet. But that's all wishful thinking. Those moments had been reserved for Claude. Inserting herself even in thought still feels intrusive.
But then he mentions their moment together in the maze. She stills in his arms, fingers absently running over his knuckles. ]
You must have really liked her a lot to chase her through a maze.
[ It's not meant to be leading. Rather she doesn't think before she speaks. ]
That or you really needed to see if it was who you thought she was.
I think a part of me knew who she was from the very start.
[ There’s a fond smile in his voice as he murmurs the words against her hair, still holding her close. He knows that’s a dangerous admission but as they lay there together, with her so soft and relaxed and warm in his arms, it’s hard for him to cling to all the reasons he should keep that to himself.
He brushes his lips against her hair again and turns his hand until he can tangle his fingers with her own, threading them together. ]
And she was worth every moment of the chase.
[ There’s a fond smile in his voice as he murmurs the words against her hair, still holding her close. He knows that’s a dangerous admission but as they lay there together, with her so soft and relaxed and warm in his arms, it’s hard for him to cling to all the reasons he should keep that to himself.
He brushes his lips against her hair again and turns his hand until he can tangle his fingers with her own, threading them together. ]
And she was worth every moment of the chase.
[ There's a laugh in her voice. ]
How? It was a masquerade.
[ Her hair had been devoid of colour, and her eyes had been gold and predatory instead of its usual pink. She hadn't even crossed paths with him before the maze. For him to know it was her, even without all her usual physical trappings, makes her heart thrum in a way she knows it shouldn't.
Whatever charged feelings she'd had when she initially found his fox mask appears to have dissipated. Or maybe it's a combination of the alcohol and the warm bath that had worn away the fear she had felt knowing that she crossed a line she said she wouldn't cross. ]
How? It was a masquerade.
[ Her hair had been devoid of colour, and her eyes had been gold and predatory instead of its usual pink. She hadn't even crossed paths with him before the maze. For him to know it was her, even without all her usual physical trappings, makes her heart thrum in a way she knows it shouldn't.
Whatever charged feelings she'd had when she initially found his fox mask appears to have dissipated. Or maybe it's a combination of the alcohol and the warm bath that had worn away the fear she had felt knowing that she crossed a line she said she wouldn't cross. ]
[ The feel of his fingers against her skin draws a soft exhale from her. Don't read into it, she tells herself, don't get more invested than you already are. That will only make this more difficult to say goodbye to.
She's been saying goodbye to a lot of things lately, hasn't she?
At first she starts to laugh but it's quickly swallowed by a hiccup. ]
What does that even mean? Paying attention to what?
She's been saying goodbye to a lot of things lately, hasn't she?
At first she starts to laugh but it's quickly swallowed by a hiccup. ]
What does that even mean? Paying attention to what?
[ It’s ironic, how often he’s been saying those same words to himself lately. It’s not something he’s ever had to work at reminding himself before. It had never even been an issue before. Not before her, not before Claude. No one had ever really tempted him to get invested. Or if they had, he’d regretted it fairly quickly.
But for now, he just lets his smile linger as he repeats the motion, gentle but teasing against sensitive skin. ]
To the stunning beauty who made me chase her through a maze, of course.
But for now, he just lets his smile linger as he repeats the motion, gentle but teasing against sensitive skin. ]
To the stunning beauty who made me chase her through a maze, of course.
[ Hilda had always attributed her flippancy towards people, matters of importance, hobbies, and feelings, as a way to avoid boredom. But perhaps her fear of expectations, of trying and failing, was the real drive behind her flippancy. The same fear she had about not being able to make a difference in the war also fueled her approach to relationships. Why start something at all if it would end in disappointment? Why should she have to say goodbye at all if she said it first? If whatever began never made it far enough to constitute a goodbye? She had gone too far with Claude. She's teetering on the edge of it now with Sylvain.
Those thoughts are clouded by the haze of alcohol and all she can focus on now is that what he's doing tickles. A girlish giggle manages its way past her lips as she wriggles in his hold. It's part protest, part knee-jerk reaction to the ticklish spot beneath her ribcage. ]
That's not what I meant! [ It's part laugh, part whine. ] You're avoiding the question again. What did you notice about her in the first place?
Those thoughts are clouded by the haze of alcohol and all she can focus on now is that what he's doing tickles. A girlish giggle manages its way past her lips as she wriggles in his hold. It's part protest, part knee-jerk reaction to the ticklish spot beneath her ribcage. ]
That's not what I meant! [ It's part laugh, part whine. ] You're avoiding the question again. What did you notice about her in the first place?
That I missed being able to see her smile.
[ The confession is soft but his hands drift away from her ticklish ribs to brush over the back of her hand once more instead. ]
That no matter what she changed, how different she looked, I was still just as drawn to her as ever. Still wanted to hear her laugh, scoop her up in my arms, hold her against me. I kept catching sight of her all night at that ball, even tried to chase her in there, but she kept getting away. It wasn’t till she stepped outside that I finally caught her. And then got to chase her for real.
[ The confession is soft but his hands drift away from her ticklish ribs to brush over the back of her hand once more instead. ]
That no matter what she changed, how different she looked, I was still just as drawn to her as ever. Still wanted to hear her laugh, scoop her up in my arms, hold her against me. I kept catching sight of her all night at that ball, even tried to chase her in there, but she kept getting away. It wasn’t till she stepped outside that I finally caught her. And then got to chase her for real.
[ Hilda hadn't known what answer to expect when she asked her question. Except that isn't the truth. Maybe she did. Maybe she had expected something along the lines of how she moved, something about her perfume, the way she chose to accessorize, or maybe some patch of pink had slipped through her glamour unbeknownst to her. That had always been the case in the past; she had always been distilled down to her looks and nothing more because what else did she have to offer? Instead it had been none of those things.
At the realization that he's describing seeing her in a way that she's always hoped she'd be seen, her cheeks flush. Her stupid little heart skips a beat and has the audacity to hover several inches off the ground in her chest. She's glad that her back is to him so that he can't see the way her eyes widen or how she's at a loss for words. He probably wasn't saying things just to be kind - but that didn't mean that it meant what she wanted it to mean, right? Hadn't he already turned her down?
She swallows and several beats later she asks - ]
And do you still feel that way? Even after everything that she said?
At the realization that he's describing seeing her in a way that she's always hoped she'd be seen, her cheeks flush. Her stupid little heart skips a beat and has the audacity to hover several inches off the ground in her chest. She's glad that her back is to him so that he can't see the way her eyes widen or how she's at a loss for words. He probably wasn't saying things just to be kind - but that didn't mean that it meant what she wanted it to mean, right? Hadn't he already turned her down?
She swallows and several beats later she asks - ]
And do you still feel that way? Even after everything that she said?
[ He almost makes a lighthearted comment about not giving up that easily but… no. That would be a lie. He’s a master of strategic retreat when things start turning too serious or too uncomfortable or maybe just too outright risky.
Even that night, he’d slipped away before she could catch on to who he was beneath his own mask. Hadn’t been willing to face the consequences of the anger or rejection he’d been expecting from her, or to ruin the rest of their nights. Better to leave it a hopefully-pleasant mystery to remember instead.
He could give her a pretty answer or he could divert her onto a different topic, probably. But instead he just gives her a simple truth, turning his head just enough that he can rest his cheek atop her head. ]
Yes. I don’t think that feeling is going anywhere.
Even that night, he’d slipped away before she could catch on to who he was beneath his own mask. Hadn’t been willing to face the consequences of the anger or rejection he’d been expecting from her, or to ruin the rest of their nights. Better to leave it a hopefully-pleasant mystery to remember instead.
He could give her a pretty answer or he could divert her onto a different topic, probably. But instead he just gives her a simple truth, turning his head just enough that he can rest his cheek atop her head. ]
Yes. I don’t think that feeling is going anywhere.
[ One of the thoughts plaguing her since she had discovered who Lief had really been had been why he had left so abruptly. They could have gone elsewhere. They didn't even have to continue. But instead she had been left hurrying back into her clothing with shaking limbs before the other maze goers they had heard discovered her.
If Sylvain had known - if he had suspected - it had been her, why not stay? As soon as she asks herself that question though she recalls her reaction upon discovering it had been him. The dread and guilt she had felt. The fear that now that he'd had her he wouldn't want her any other way. Of course he wouldn't have wanted to stay.
But all of those things don't necessarily cancel out someone's wants and desires. She knew that all too well. ]
Do you want her to feel the same way about you as you do about her?
If Sylvain had known - if he had suspected - it had been her, why not stay? As soon as she asks herself that question though she recalls her reaction upon discovering it had been him. The dread and guilt she had felt. The fear that now that he'd had her he wouldn't want her any other way. Of course he wouldn't have wanted to stay.
But all of those things don't necessarily cancel out someone's wants and desires. She knew that all too well. ]
Do you want her to feel the same way about you as you do about her?
[ That was the rub, wasn’t it? The ironic dichotomy that was him. His wants rarely mattered when it came to things like this. Especially when it involved matters of the heart.
But that’s dangerous territory to tread, both for him to consider and for him to word his answer to her. She’s not going to like that truth and it’s too ingrained in him to avoid giving unpleasant truths, or finding a way to word them to steer away from the dark shadows that stained so much of the person he was behind his masks.
He doesn’t want to steal even more of her smiles, but he doesn’t know how to answer that question in a way that avoids that without outright lying to her. ]
I want her to be happy. [ It’s a quiet concession. Not quite an answer, but not a lie, either. ] What I want doesn’t really matter beyond that.
But that’s dangerous territory to tread, both for him to consider and for him to word his answer to her. She’s not going to like that truth and it’s too ingrained in him to avoid giving unpleasant truths, or finding a way to word them to steer away from the dark shadows that stained so much of the person he was behind his masks.
He doesn’t want to steal even more of her smiles, but he doesn’t know how to answer that question in a way that avoids that without outright lying to her. ]
I want her to be happy. [ It’s a quiet concession. Not quite an answer, but not a lie, either. ] What I want doesn’t really matter beyond that.
[ Sylvain's answer is enough to cause her to shift in his arms, untangling their fingers. To face him head on in a way that she may not have the courage to do had she not tried to outpace an imaginary Raphael at the Sarstina. The alcohol in her fuels an already existing desire to have him see that he deserves the world. To convince him that he deserves to be cared for in the way that he extends care to those around him. But how is the question.
Some might say that it's easier for her to quietly and doggedly continue to show him. That over time, she could show him that even if he never cared for her the way he clearly yearned for Claude. But that felt like too much effort and required more patience than drunk Hilda is willing to give at that moment. So if she didn't take the slow and steady route, what did that leave? Brute force?
But that was a terrifying thought too. It also required her to be brave, to bare her own truth too. That felt like a lot from someone who thought she was a coward. But how much more bravery did she need to expend tonight? Did that matter when she had already said as much in the bathroom? ]
That isn't an answer either. What you want does matter. You matter, Sylvain. [ Pink eyes look earnestly, fiercely into amber ones. Her hands find the place over his heart again, curling over his chest as a quiet reminder about what she had admitted earlier. That she wanted him. All of him. ] And I'm saying that as someone who cares for you. Whether that's me or Claude or whoever or whatever - what you want matters.
Some might say that it's easier for her to quietly and doggedly continue to show him. That over time, she could show him that even if he never cared for her the way he clearly yearned for Claude. But that felt like too much effort and required more patience than drunk Hilda is willing to give at that moment. So if she didn't take the slow and steady route, what did that leave? Brute force?
But that was a terrifying thought too. It also required her to be brave, to bare her own truth too. That felt like a lot from someone who thought she was a coward. But how much more bravery did she need to expend tonight? Did that matter when she had already said as much in the bathroom? ]
That isn't an answer either. What you want does matter. You matter, Sylvain. [ Pink eyes look earnestly, fiercely into amber ones. Her hands find the place over his heart again, curling over his chest as a quiet reminder about what she had admitted earlier. That she wanted him. All of him. ] And I'm saying that as someone who cares for you. Whether that's me or Claude or whoever or whatever - what you want matters.
And what if I want all of it?
[ He arches an eyebrow, capturing her hand, holding it against his chest. He tugs her closer, holding her gaze, his own intent. He rolls them, then, until she’s stretched out on the mattress beneath him, pinning her there with his own weight, a knee lodged between her thighs. ]
What if I want everything? I’ve never claimed not to be selfish, Hilda. I’m very selfish, in fact. What if I want you and Claude? What if I want more nights like the ones we spent together before? With you caught between us or one of us there instead. Because I think that was the closest thing to perfect the three of us will ever get.
[ He arches an eyebrow, capturing her hand, holding it against his chest. He tugs her closer, holding her gaze, his own intent. He rolls them, then, until she’s stretched out on the mattress beneath him, pinning her there with his own weight, a knee lodged between her thighs. ]
What if I want everything? I’ve never claimed not to be selfish, Hilda. I’m very selfish, in fact. What if I want you and Claude? What if I want more nights like the ones we spent together before? With you caught between us or one of us there instead. Because I think that was the closest thing to perfect the three of us will ever get.
[ A small breath escapes her lips as she's rolled over staring up at him, skin pebbling at the sudden rush of air as her towel unravels from around her. Cool air is a sharp contrast to the warmth that quickly pools at the pit of her stomach from the action itself. It doesn't even occur to her in that moment to be shy about being naked beneath him, or that he's barely wearing anything himself.
All she can focus on is his words and the sight of him above her.
She's selfish too, she thinks. She's greedy and she hadn't been more aware of it since arriving here. She wants them both. But she's also terrified. The realization is enough to make her balk, to turn tail and run in the other direction now that she's here again. But this feels all too much like she's standing at the edge of the cliff she had dove off with Altair and Diana on in Aquila. What's stopping her from just taking the leap? She had survived that. Surely she can survive this.
But a cliff dive into blue waters is far less intimidating than this. Diving off a cliff wouldn't shatter her soul, her body, her heart. Her feelings for Claude had almost broken her. How is she to survive Sylvain coming to a similar realization that Claude had? That she's not worthy of those affections or wants?
Her hands reach up to cup his face, her fingers running gently over his cheek with adoration. What she says is as much for herself as it is for him. ]
Then you shouldn't be afraid to take or ask for those things. But you also can't be afraid if ask the same in return.
All she can focus on is his words and the sight of him above her.
She's selfish too, she thinks. She's greedy and she hadn't been more aware of it since arriving here. She wants them both. But she's also terrified. The realization is enough to make her balk, to turn tail and run in the other direction now that she's here again. But this feels all too much like she's standing at the edge of the cliff she had dove off with Altair and Diana on in Aquila. What's stopping her from just taking the leap? She had survived that. Surely she can survive this.
But a cliff dive into blue waters is far less intimidating than this. Diving off a cliff wouldn't shatter her soul, her body, her heart. Her feelings for Claude had almost broken her. How is she to survive Sylvain coming to a similar realization that Claude had? That she's not worthy of those affections or wants?
Her hands reach up to cup his face, her fingers running gently over his cheek with adoration. What she says is as much for herself as it is for him. ]
Then you shouldn't be afraid to take or ask for those things. But you also can't be afraid if ask the same in return.
I’m not afraid of you asking.
[ He turns his head jut enough to catch her hand against his lips, pressing light kisses to her fingertips as he gives a quiet, almost weary sigh. ]
I just don’t want to see you disappointed.
[ Because that’s inevitable, even if he’ll try to delay it as long as possible. With both of them. ]
[ He turns his head jut enough to catch her hand against his lips, pressing light kisses to her fingertips as he gives a quiet, almost weary sigh. ]
I just don’t want to see you disappointed.
[ Because that’s inevitable, even if he’ll try to delay it as long as possible. With both of them. ]
So it's what comes after that you're afraid of.
[ This is the same as the fear she had voiced to him earlier, isn't it? It's just wrapped up in different trappings, stemmed from different sources of hurt and worry. She can't help but give him a sad, understanding smile. ]
If that's what you're worried about, you can't disappoint anyone worse than me. You're amazing, Sylvain. I wish I cared about people half as much as you did. I wish I was as smart and attentive as you.
[ Sometimes her care felt put on. Like it was an exaggeration of the façade she built for others so they'd help her, take pity on her when she flashed them her doe eyes, so they'd never think to expect anything of her except hapless damsel. Clearly that dishonesty and burden is the reason why Claude had let Sylvain through his defences and why he had turned her away for those more capable than her. The sliver of hurt that had remained lodged in her heart like a splinter buries itself deeper. Her eyes search his face, her thumb continuing to brush gently over his cheek. ]
I won't be disappointed by what you have to show me. Claude probably won't either. [ Her other hand goes to brush gently against the earring, the flash of gold and green that now adorned his ear. It lingers there along with her gaze. They had already decided, she thinks. Sylvain spoke of wanting them both, but perhaps that's a kindness too, just for this moment. ] I'm not him but...I knew him well enough to know that the only disappointing person in his life was me. And if you're selfish, then what am I? I don't want you if it isn't all of you.
[ Perhaps that was what she really meant to say that day in his room. Letting that truth slip from her tongue is what it feels like to dive right off a proverbial cliff. ]
Don't be afraid of being honest with Claude, okay?
[ This is the same as the fear she had voiced to him earlier, isn't it? It's just wrapped up in different trappings, stemmed from different sources of hurt and worry. She can't help but give him a sad, understanding smile. ]
If that's what you're worried about, you can't disappoint anyone worse than me. You're amazing, Sylvain. I wish I cared about people half as much as you did. I wish I was as smart and attentive as you.
[ Sometimes her care felt put on. Like it was an exaggeration of the façade she built for others so they'd help her, take pity on her when she flashed them her doe eyes, so they'd never think to expect anything of her except hapless damsel. Clearly that dishonesty and burden is the reason why Claude had let Sylvain through his defences and why he had turned her away for those more capable than her. The sliver of hurt that had remained lodged in her heart like a splinter buries itself deeper. Her eyes search his face, her thumb continuing to brush gently over his cheek. ]
I won't be disappointed by what you have to show me. Claude probably won't either. [ Her other hand goes to brush gently against the earring, the flash of gold and green that now adorned his ear. It lingers there along with her gaze. They had already decided, she thinks. Sylvain spoke of wanting them both, but perhaps that's a kindness too, just for this moment. ] I'm not him but...I knew him well enough to know that the only disappointing person in his life was me. And if you're selfish, then what am I? I don't want you if it isn't all of you.
[ Perhaps that was what she really meant to say that day in his room. Letting that truth slip from her tongue is what it feels like to dive right off a proverbial cliff. ]
Don't be afraid of being honest with Claude, okay?
Hilda, there’s never been an ‘after’ with me. [ His voice holds a dry note of humor as he shakes his head slightly. ] That’s not what people are interested in me for. Or if they are, it’s been for all the worst reasons.
[ He leans into the warmth of her hand for a moment, feeling her fingers brush against the hoop of his earring. But then she says that and he spares a moment to roll his eyes up towards the ceiling. Likely begging the Goddess for patience in dealing with these two stubborn idiots. ]
You know. [ he starts that mildly enough, letting his gaze drop back to her face, one eyebrow arching upwards. ] I’m pretty sure the only person he’s disappointed in is himself. Because he thinks he can never be the person you want. And it’s gutted him.
[ Claude’s going to murder him if this ever gets back to him. He’s 100% sure he was never supposed to repeat that to Hilda, but Sylvain’s about at the end of his rope when it comes to both of them.
But he lets it go there, hopes she’ll mull that over, maybe rethink some things. He can’t fix them but he can keep trying to nudge them where he can. Until they tell him to stop or he pisses them off too far, he supposes.
He bends his head down to rest his forehead against hers again, still crouching over her on the bed and caging her in beneath him. ]
And that’s not selfish, sweetheart. I’m pretty sure that’s pretty normal, actually. But I mostly wish you could see yourself the way we see you. Because you’re amazing all on your own, just as you are. [ He brushes a kiss against the tip of her nose, not missing that admission from her, a complete contradiction to what she’d told him before.
Being honest rarely got him anywhere good, however. He has plenty of experience to back up that understanding. ]
Are you still afraid to be honest with me?
[ He leans into the warmth of her hand for a moment, feeling her fingers brush against the hoop of his earring. But then she says that and he spares a moment to roll his eyes up towards the ceiling. Likely begging the Goddess for patience in dealing with these two stubborn idiots. ]
You know. [ he starts that mildly enough, letting his gaze drop back to her face, one eyebrow arching upwards. ] I’m pretty sure the only person he’s disappointed in is himself. Because he thinks he can never be the person you want. And it’s gutted him.
[ Claude’s going to murder him if this ever gets back to him. He’s 100% sure he was never supposed to repeat that to Hilda, but Sylvain’s about at the end of his rope when it comes to both of them.
But he lets it go there, hopes she’ll mull that over, maybe rethink some things. He can’t fix them but he can keep trying to nudge them where he can. Until they tell him to stop or he pisses them off too far, he supposes.
He bends his head down to rest his forehead against hers again, still crouching over her on the bed and caging her in beneath him. ]
And that’s not selfish, sweetheart. I’m pretty sure that’s pretty normal, actually. But I mostly wish you could see yourself the way we see you. Because you’re amazing all on your own, just as you are. [ He brushes a kiss against the tip of her nose, not missing that admission from her, a complete contradiction to what she’d told him before.
Being honest rarely got him anywhere good, however. He has plenty of experience to back up that understanding. ]
Are you still afraid to be honest with me?
[ What he says confuses her. There's nothing she can think of that she would gain from wanting Sylvain. They aren't in Fodlan; there are no lands to join or politics to play. If there is anything that either of them would be gaining here in Abraxas, it would be Sylvain gaining a burden in the form of her.
Sincerity turns to annoyance when she spots Sylvain's eyeroll heavenward. Here she is trying to be serious and he's rolling his eyes at something she'd said. She barely has enough time to comprehend what he says about Claude being disappointed that he isn't what she wants him to be but she does have enough sense to immediately pinch Sylvain's cheek. Why did it feel like he was laughing at her? If Sylvain thought Claude was going to murder him, he might not even get that far if she murdered him first. There's some heat to her voice as she tugs at his cheek partly aimed at his eyeroll and partly fuelled by a truth she's since convinced herself of. ]
He doesn't care what I think because I don't mean anything to him. He made that pretty clear.
[ But she cared what Claude thought of her. That's why it had hurt so much to hear that he thought she had no substance and had nothing between her ears except air. Even that hadn't been enough to stop her from admiring him for who he was even after understanding that he made himself difficult to get to know by design. So did Sylvain, she realizes hazily. Is that why they both didn't want her? Because she was just a pretty thing to be put on a shelf with no other useful skills to speak of? Because she didn't have a brave, bleeding heart? Or was it because she wasn't some intriguing puzzle to solve?
Before she can question it further he's closing the space between them and her breath catches in her throat. Her hand relinquishes his cheek, going instead to slide into the hair at the nape of his neck. She tells herself her breathlessness has nothing to do with his question or the way she can make out the golden flecks in his eyes, and that she's just caught off guard. ]
That depends. Do you think I'm interested in you for the wrong reasons the way that others are?
Sincerity turns to annoyance when she spots Sylvain's eyeroll heavenward. Here she is trying to be serious and he's rolling his eyes at something she'd said. She barely has enough time to comprehend what he says about Claude being disappointed that he isn't what she wants him to be but she does have enough sense to immediately pinch Sylvain's cheek. Why did it feel like he was laughing at her? If Sylvain thought Claude was going to murder him, he might not even get that far if she murdered him first. There's some heat to her voice as she tugs at his cheek partly aimed at his eyeroll and partly fuelled by a truth she's since convinced herself of. ]
He doesn't care what I think because I don't mean anything to him. He made that pretty clear.
[ But she cared what Claude thought of her. That's why it had hurt so much to hear that he thought she had no substance and had nothing between her ears except air. Even that hadn't been enough to stop her from admiring him for who he was even after understanding that he made himself difficult to get to know by design. So did Sylvain, she realizes hazily. Is that why they both didn't want her? Because she was just a pretty thing to be put on a shelf with no other useful skills to speak of? Because she didn't have a brave, bleeding heart? Or was it because she wasn't some intriguing puzzle to solve?
Before she can question it further he's closing the space between them and her breath catches in her throat. Her hand relinquishes his cheek, going instead to slide into the hair at the nape of his neck. She tells herself her breathlessness has nothing to do with his question or the way she can make out the golden flecks in his eyes, and that she's just caught off guard. ]
That depends. Do you think I'm interested in you for the wrong reasons the way that others are?
No.
[ That answer, at least, comes immediately. Succinct and honest.
He lets his eyes slide shut when she slides fingers into his hair, tangling them there in way that almost always has him going boneless at the feeling. ]
No, you’re nothing like the others, Hilda. You’ve always been special.
[ That answer, at least, comes immediately. Succinct and honest.
He lets his eyes slide shut when she slides fingers into his hair, tangling them there in way that almost always has him going boneless at the feeling. ]
No, you’re nothing like the others, Hilda. You’ve always been special.
[ Being called special isn't new. So often it fell from people's lips when they were fawning over her, to the point where it bounced off of her like the word meant nothing at all. After all, it isn't like she thinks she's anything special. They only saw what she presented to them: a delicate flower all soft without a care in the world.
But hearing the word from Sylvain's lips, she can't help but feel like it means something. Or maybe that's her heart yearning for something she can't have again. ]
So if I'm not like the others, [ If Claude isn't anything like the others - ] and you know how I feel about you and that I won't be disappointed, then what's stopping you from what you want?
[ Her fingers curl into his hair, tugging lightly signaling that he should open his eyes to look at her. If he does, he'll see that her gaze is soft. Pleading. ]
There's nothing to be afraid of.
[ She can no longer tell if she's trying to convince him or convince herself. Maybe it's both even though she knows better than to listen to her own advice. ]
But hearing the word from Sylvain's lips, she can't help but feel like it means something. Or maybe that's her heart yearning for something she can't have again. ]
So if I'm not like the others, [ If Claude isn't anything like the others - ] and you know how I feel about you and that I won't be disappointed, then what's stopping you from what you want?
[ Her fingers curl into his hair, tugging lightly signaling that he should open his eyes to look at her. If he does, he'll see that her gaze is soft. Pleading. ]
There's nothing to be afraid of.
[ She can no longer tell if she's trying to convince him or convince herself. Maybe it's both even though she knows better than to listen to her own advice. ]
[ His eyes open in time to meet her own pleading look, holding her gaze for a moment. He debates his answer to that, since just because she isn’t like the others doesn’t change what he’s like. It hasn’t ruled out the inevitable crash of reality that’s still looming in his future. But he knows she’s not going to accept that answer right now anyway. Not until it’s real.
So instead he bends his head closer to hers, his lips hovering over her own. ]
Then what are you afraid of, Hilda? What’s stopping you from taking what you want?
So instead he bends his head closer to hers, his lips hovering over her own. ]
Then what are you afraid of, Hilda? What’s stopping you from taking what you want?
[ Another version of her would sink back against the pillows as if that would somehow put more space between her and the thing she wants. That would be the rational, right thing to do. It's what this version of her should be doing, really. But she can't tear herself away, nor can she get the image of him sitting on his bed sadder than she had ever seen him out of her head.
His earring catches in the light acting as a reminder that he had already decided on someone else far more brilliant and bright than her. And despite that her body arches instinctively towards him. Maybe it's the alcohol that makes her braver than she is, or maybe it's the act of having already leapt that makes it easier to leave just a hair's breadth between their lips. ]
You asking me for my heart too.
[ She wants this to be real too. Not just a kindness, not just a desire. Real. Honest. ]
His earring catches in the light acting as a reminder that he had already decided on someone else far more brilliant and bright than her. And despite that her body arches instinctively towards him. Maybe it's the alcohol that makes her braver than she is, or maybe it's the act of having already leapt that makes it easier to leave just a hair's breadth between their lips. ]
You asking me for my heart too.
[ She wants this to be real too. Not just a kindness, not just a desire. Real. Honest. ]
[ Hilda doesn't flinch, even though yes, it some ways that does scare her. Terrifies her in fact. But that's not what she had meant when she said it. ]
No, that's what's stopping me from taking what I want.
[ Her hand cards gently through his hair, voice quiet but steady. ]
I told you I was selfish too. I want all of you. I want to know you want all of me too.
[ And if he didn't then she would survive. She could live through a broken heart, couldn't she? So long as she knew that the two people that were the most important to her here in Abraxas were happy that's all that mattered to her. ]
No, that's what's stopping me from taking what I want.
[ Her hand cards gently through his hair, voice quiet but steady. ]
I told you I was selfish too. I want all of you. I want to know you want all of me too.
[ And if he didn't then she would survive. She could live through a broken heart, couldn't she? So long as she knew that the two people that were the most important to her here in Abraxas were happy that's all that mattered to her. ]
[ Was it a bad sign he felt guilty already? Probably. She deserved better than this. Better than him. If he gave her anything of him, it was just going to blow the door open that much wider for him to fuck this up.
But he also hadn’t been lying when he’d told her he had a hard time denying her anything. That was still true. He still wanted this, even if he knew there was no way this could end well. At best, he could find a way to mitigate the damage to her when it did. Maybe by then she and Claude would be talking again, closer. At least his inevitable screw up might do some good. He tries not to think of all the ways it could make it so much worse. ]
I want everything you’re willing to give me, Hilda. [That much, at least, is still the truth. He slides a finger along her jaw, keeping her face directed towards him. ] But I want a promise from you.
But he also hadn’t been lying when he’d told her he had a hard time denying her anything. That was still true. He still wanted this, even if he knew there was no way this could end well. At best, he could find a way to mitigate the damage to her when it did. Maybe by then she and Claude would be talking again, closer. At least his inevitable screw up might do some good. He tries not to think of all the ways it could make it so much worse. ]
I want everything you’re willing to give me, Hilda. [That much, at least, is still the truth. He slides a finger along her jaw, keeping her face directed towards him. ] But I want a promise from you.
[ It isn't the answer she hopes for. It's another side step around a hazy truth that she's been going back and forth on ever since that day. That doesn't give her anymore clarity. His avoidance only urges the sliver of hurt a little bit deeper, like it hadn't already made it all the way through her heart and taken root. Could hurt compound like that? It certainly felt that way.
She tries not to let it show even as she lets her back fall against the mattress again. ]
What is it?
She tries not to let it show even as she lets her back fall against the mattress again. ]
What is it?
[ He can practically taste her disappointment like a bitter bite on the back of his tongue. He almost laughs - not in humor, but because he’d managed to avoid picking up on what that particular emotion felt like since he’d gotten this strange magical ability. Ironic, when it had once been the emotion he recognized first and the most often, if only from so much frequent exposure to it.
He definitely didn’t like it any better now that he could feel it compounded by magic.
Hating that he was already fucking this up, he rethinks what he’d been about to ask her and eventually just shakes his head, shoulders slumping a little. He was tired of constantly making this worse, even if that felt like it was all he’d been doing for weeks now. With both Claude and her.
So instead, he just casts her a small smile and gathers her up in his arms again, rolling over onto his side so he can go back to cuddling her. He presses a kiss to her forehead, wrapping snugly around her. ]
Nevermind. It’s not important. I know that wasn’t the answer you wanted to hear, though. I’ll try and do better. Because you do deserve everything. I’m just… not sure there’s enough of me to fill that up.
He definitely didn’t like it any better now that he could feel it compounded by magic.
Hating that he was already fucking this up, he rethinks what he’d been about to ask her and eventually just shakes his head, shoulders slumping a little. He was tired of constantly making this worse, even if that felt like it was all he’d been doing for weeks now. With both Claude and her.
So instead, he just casts her a small smile and gathers her up in his arms again, rolling over onto his side so he can go back to cuddling her. He presses a kiss to her forehead, wrapping snugly around her. ]
Nevermind. It’s not important. I know that wasn’t the answer you wanted to hear, though. I’ll try and do better. Because you do deserve everything. I’m just… not sure there’s enough of me to fill that up.
[ The smile that follows the slump of his shoulders doesn't go unnoticed and she frowns even as she's tucked carefully into his arms and brought close to his chest again.
Of course she had been disappointed in the response, but that didn't mean that she was disappointed in him. Just because she had already tempered her expectations, had been half expecting him to hesitate because she's convinced his feelings are for Claude - someone who is vastly deserving of his affections, didn't mean that she faulted him for it. She no longer had the energy to play a woman scorned despite what her jealous, wanting heart urged her to do. ]
Stop that. You're enough, Sylvain - it's me that isn't.
[ She shifts herself up the mattress so she's eye level with him. Despite the unwavering resolve in her gaze, the pleading look still remains. ]
Please tell me what it is. It's important to me. You're important to me.
Of course she had been disappointed in the response, but that didn't mean that she was disappointed in him. Just because she had already tempered her expectations, had been half expecting him to hesitate because she's convinced his feelings are for Claude - someone who is vastly deserving of his affections, didn't mean that she faulted him for it. She no longer had the energy to play a woman scorned despite what her jealous, wanting heart urged her to do. ]
Stop that. You're enough, Sylvain - it's me that isn't.
[ She shifts herself up the mattress so she's eye level with him. Despite the unwavering resolve in her gaze, the pleading look still remains. ]
Please tell me what it is. It's important to me. You're important to me.
[ His fingers catch her chin between his thumb and forefinger, holding her still. ]
If I can’t say it, you’re not allowed to, either. You’re so much more than you know, Hilda. It’s a travesty that you don’t seem to know that. [ Which baffles him a little, actually. He knows this isn’t an act like he would suspect of so many playing at it, but he can feel it emanating from her and he hated that she felt she wasn’t enough.
He’s still not sure asking what he’s about to is a good idea. This could backfire horribly, just as so many of his other attempts have lately. But he can’t back out of it again without making her feel bad so he takes a deep breath and braces himself for her reaction. ]
I want you to talk to Claude. Like this. A genuine conversation, nothing but honesty between you. I know it’s not the same, but I think it’s important you both try. [ He slides his thumb against her jaw, his dark eyes searching her face, a shadow of sadness lurking there. ] You’re important to me, too. Both of you are. And it’s killing me that you both are still so hurt. I think you’re both aching from missing the other, but that’s not going to change if you two keep pretending the other one doesn’t exist.
If I can’t say it, you’re not allowed to, either. You’re so much more than you know, Hilda. It’s a travesty that you don’t seem to know that. [ Which baffles him a little, actually. He knows this isn’t an act like he would suspect of so many playing at it, but he can feel it emanating from her and he hated that she felt she wasn’t enough.
He’s still not sure asking what he’s about to is a good idea. This could backfire horribly, just as so many of his other attempts have lately. But he can’t back out of it again without making her feel bad so he takes a deep breath and braces himself for her reaction. ]
I want you to talk to Claude. Like this. A genuine conversation, nothing but honesty between you. I know it’s not the same, but I think it’s important you both try. [ He slides his thumb against her jaw, his dark eyes searching her face, a shadow of sadness lurking there. ] You’re important to me, too. Both of you are. And it’s killing me that you both are still so hurt. I think you’re both aching from missing the other, but that’s not going to change if you two keep pretending the other one doesn’t exist.
Edited 2023-08-12 19:21 (UTC)
Me? [ Her lips quirk as if that idea is somehow inherently funny. Had she been more herself, that's all it would have been too. Instead it falls flat turning out a little more sad than she intends. ] I'm just Holst's little sister.
[ She's never held any resentment towards Holst for his effortless existence. Exasperation towards his exuberance towards her? Yes. Staggering annoyance when he became an overbearing big brother to the point where she had been relieved when he had sent her away to Garreg Mach because it was like the first taste of freedom she'd had in a very long time? Yes. But he had never showered her with anything but love. Never treated her with anything but smothering affection and kindness. She balked at his unwavering belief in her but she chalked that up to being blood related and her being his precious little sister.
Expectations are a fearsome beast more terrifying than any man or demonic beast she's encountered. She hadn't expected this promise to hide one too. Silence passes between them as she feels the familiar fear drape its claws over her shoulders. Hilda knows that she has to respond. After all, she had asked him to tell her. Her eyes flutter shut unable to look at him, body almost slumping with dejection. ]
It feels easier to be honest with you.
[ The admission passes easily from her lips - although that too would be a hard pressed admission if the circumstances were different. But it's true. Being with him here like this feels so easy it makes her heart ache. The chasm between them isn't as wide, isn't wrought with history like it is with Claude. ]
I'm scared to talk with him. We haven't talked in a long time. I'm not sure I know how to anymore. [ That isn't an answer either. She realizes belatedly she's stalling. ] Are you going to be disappointed with me if I don't try? I'm not brave like you.
[ She's never held any resentment towards Holst for his effortless existence. Exasperation towards his exuberance towards her? Yes. Staggering annoyance when he became an overbearing big brother to the point where she had been relieved when he had sent her away to Garreg Mach because it was like the first taste of freedom she'd had in a very long time? Yes. But he had never showered her with anything but love. Never treated her with anything but smothering affection and kindness. She balked at his unwavering belief in her but she chalked that up to being blood related and her being his precious little sister.
Expectations are a fearsome beast more terrifying than any man or demonic beast she's encountered. She hadn't expected this promise to hide one too. Silence passes between them as she feels the familiar fear drape its claws over her shoulders. Hilda knows that she has to respond. After all, she had asked him to tell her. Her eyes flutter shut unable to look at him, body almost slumping with dejection. ]
It feels easier to be honest with you.
[ The admission passes easily from her lips - although that too would be a hard pressed admission if the circumstances were different. But it's true. Being with him here like this feels so easy it makes her heart ache. The chasm between them isn't as wide, isn't wrought with history like it is with Claude. ]
I'm scared to talk with him. We haven't talked in a long time. I'm not sure I know how to anymore. [ That isn't an answer either. She realizes belatedly she's stalling. ] Are you going to be disappointed with me if I don't try? I'm not brave like you.
I don’t give a damn abut Holst. [ His voice is dry, but genuine, as he gives her hair a light tug, still holding her gaze with his. ] As far as I’m concerned, he’s just Hilda’s big brother and other than mildly concerned he might try to punch me into next week if he ever learns I’ve had my hands - and my mouth - on his precious baby sister, he’s not important here.
[ He lets his hands slide down to cup to either side of her cheeks, his grip warm but gentle. ] No, sweetheart, I’m not going to be disappointed in you. Sad for you, yes, because I know how much you hurt and I want to do whatever I can to ease that ache. But I can’t fix this, sweet, this isn’t a wound I can heal for you.
But you’re wrong. You are brave. I understand being frightened to talk to him again, when it hurt so much the last time. But sweetheart, being brave doesn’t mean not being scared anymore. It just means you do what’s important even when you are scared of what will happen. And I think, even now, you know how important he is to you. I know how important you are to him, too. It’s why I want this so badly, for both of you. I’d even offer to come with you, if that would make it easier for you, if you needed a hand to hold, but I also don’t want to be in your way, or make it more uncomfortable.
[ He lets his hands slide down to cup to either side of her cheeks, his grip warm but gentle. ] No, sweetheart, I’m not going to be disappointed in you. Sad for you, yes, because I know how much you hurt and I want to do whatever I can to ease that ache. But I can’t fix this, sweet, this isn’t a wound I can heal for you.
But you’re wrong. You are brave. I understand being frightened to talk to him again, when it hurt so much the last time. But sweetheart, being brave doesn’t mean not being scared anymore. It just means you do what’s important even when you are scared of what will happen. And I think, even now, you know how important he is to you. I know how important you are to him, too. It’s why I want this so badly, for both of you. I’d even offer to come with you, if that would make it easier for you, if you needed a hand to hold, but I also don’t want to be in your way, or make it more uncomfortable.
[ The reminder about what they'd done combined with Holst's reaction if he ever found out is both terrifying and funny to think about. She can't help but let out a pained laugh in response as her eyes open to look at him. Because despite her initial, regrettable response, she doesn't regret the night in the maze.
In response to his hands gently holding her cheeks, her hands reach out, tangling themselves into his hair so she can bring their foreheads to touch. ]
He won't punch you into next week if I have anything to say about it. I'll protect you, Sylvain Jose Gautier.
[ Amusement and conviction are quick to flee though. His belief in her sounded all too much like expectation too and fear's claws press a little more lightly into her shoulders. She gives a brief, hollow laugh. ]
I was just hoping time would heal it.
[ She had, after all decorated it with shiny pretty distractions like the facade would also trick her into believing she was okay. But she knows that asking him or asking anyone else to fix this thing between her and Claude would be yet another selfish burden. Not that she thinks there's anything that can be salvaged or fixed but that's neither here nor there.
Sylvian mentioning how important he knows she is to Claude skips like a record in her mind, as if she's convinced herself that isn't the truth like so many other "truths" she's convinced herself of. ]
You wouldn't be in our way. You've already put up with us more than anyone should. [ Her fingers tenderly play with his hair, voice growing quiet again. ] But if that's your definition of brave, you should be honest with him too. If I talk to him, you won't have anything to worry about after that.
[ If talking to Claude would make it more comfortable for Sylvain then maybe she could do it. Not for herself but for someone else she cared for. ]
In response to his hands gently holding her cheeks, her hands reach out, tangling themselves into his hair so she can bring their foreheads to touch. ]
He won't punch you into next week if I have anything to say about it. I'll protect you, Sylvain Jose Gautier.
[ Amusement and conviction are quick to flee though. His belief in her sounded all too much like expectation too and fear's claws press a little more lightly into her shoulders. She gives a brief, hollow laugh. ]
I was just hoping time would heal it.
[ She had, after all decorated it with shiny pretty distractions like the facade would also trick her into believing she was okay. But she knows that asking him or asking anyone else to fix this thing between her and Claude would be yet another selfish burden. Not that she thinks there's anything that can be salvaged or fixed but that's neither here nor there.
Sylvian mentioning how important he knows she is to Claude skips like a record in her mind, as if she's convinced herself that isn't the truth like so many other "truths" she's convinced herself of. ]
You wouldn't be in our way. You've already put up with us more than anyone should. [ Her fingers tenderly play with his hair, voice growing quiet again. ] But if that's your definition of brave, you should be honest with him too. If I talk to him, you won't have anything to worry about after that.
[ If talking to Claude would make it more comfortable for Sylvain then maybe she could do it. Not for herself but for someone else she cared for. ]
Good. Because big brothers sort of hate me on principle and yours is especially scary.
[ There’s a hint of raw irony in that statement, even though he specifically implies it’s just about other people’s big bothers. Then again, with his reputation, that wouldn’t be surprising either.
He bumps his forehead likely against hers, resting there against he. He lets one hand slide down but only as far as to stroke along her spine. He can feel her fear, and wraps around her a little more snugly in response, cradling her against him, as if that alone could protect her from anything that frightened her. ]
Well, you both have also been putting up with me all these months, so I think we’re more than even.
[ He tries to ignore the pang of dread he feels at her offhand comment. Yeah, if she talked to Claude and resolved things… he was pretty sure his part in all this would be officially done, so she was probably right. Why worry when he couldn’t change where this was headed anyway? ]
Besides. I have been honest with him. Maybe even too much.
[ There’s a hint of raw irony in that statement, even though he specifically implies it’s just about other people’s big bothers. Then again, with his reputation, that wouldn’t be surprising either.
He bumps his forehead likely against hers, resting there against he. He lets one hand slide down but only as far as to stroke along her spine. He can feel her fear, and wraps around her a little more snugly in response, cradling her against him, as if that alone could protect her from anything that frightened her. ]
Well, you both have also been putting up with me all these months, so I think we’re more than even.
[ He tries to ignore the pang of dread he feels at her offhand comment. Yeah, if she talked to Claude and resolved things… he was pretty sure his part in all this would be officially done, so she was probably right. Why worry when he couldn’t change where this was headed anyway? ]
Besides. I have been honest with him. Maybe even too much.
Can you blame them when you've got such a handsome face?
[ She grins cheekily at him making her look a little more like herself. Looking like herself also comes hand in hand with remaining blissfully and completely unaware about what the irony is really directed towards. In true Hilda form she prattles on, momentarily swept away by the happy thought. ]
They just worry that you're gonna take off with their younger siblings before they have a chance to get to know the real you. Talk about an exciting love story though - running off together just so you can be with the person you love. I always thought that was so romantic. I'd like to do that someday.
[ But for that story to be written she'd need to find someone who loved her back, wouldn't she? And that would require letting herself care deeply for another and opening herself up to more expectations. More pointed looks of disappointment. Perhaps that's better left for her daydreams.
Her smile dims a beat later at his words. Trying to ignore the hollowness in her chest, she swallows. It's a warning she knows unfortunately all too well: the confirmation that this might be the admission of what she had seen in front of her the whole time. In this case it's that Sylvain cared for Claude and Claude returned those feelings. Everything Sylvain had told her in the past about them not being actually together - that must be a kindness too, right? She has eyes. She knows Claude. Knew him.
Fiercely she reminds herself that she'll have to live with this feeling, learn how to slowly fill it with happier, brighter things if she's meant to reconcile with Claude so she can step aside and leave a clear path for Sylvain. And she's good at that, isn't she? Delusion is one of the few things she's good at. ]
Don't sound so bummed out about it - honesty is a good thing. [ Her lips quirk tentatively like she's trying to praise him. There's a pause that follows, worry coating the split second of silence before she pushes through, words tripping over one another. ] What did you tell him? Unless that's too personal then never mind. I don't want to cause trouble between you two.
[ She grins cheekily at him making her look a little more like herself. Looking like herself also comes hand in hand with remaining blissfully and completely unaware about what the irony is really directed towards. In true Hilda form she prattles on, momentarily swept away by the happy thought. ]
They just worry that you're gonna take off with their younger siblings before they have a chance to get to know the real you. Talk about an exciting love story though - running off together just so you can be with the person you love. I always thought that was so romantic. I'd like to do that someday.
[ But for that story to be written she'd need to find someone who loved her back, wouldn't she? And that would require letting herself care deeply for another and opening herself up to more expectations. More pointed looks of disappointment. Perhaps that's better left for her daydreams.
Her smile dims a beat later at his words. Trying to ignore the hollowness in her chest, she swallows. It's a warning she knows unfortunately all too well: the confirmation that this might be the admission of what she had seen in front of her the whole time. In this case it's that Sylvain cared for Claude and Claude returned those feelings. Everything Sylvain had told her in the past about them not being actually together - that must be a kindness too, right? She has eyes. She knows Claude. Knew him.
Fiercely she reminds herself that she'll have to live with this feeling, learn how to slowly fill it with happier, brighter things if she's meant to reconcile with Claude so she can step aside and leave a clear path for Sylvain. And she's good at that, isn't she? Delusion is one of the few things she's good at. ]
Don't sound so bummed out about it - honesty is a good thing. [ Her lips quirk tentatively like she's trying to praise him. There's a pause that follows, worry coating the split second of silence before she pushes through, words tripping over one another. ] What did you tell him? Unless that's too personal then never mind. I don't want to cause trouble between you two.
I can blame them when their first target for punching me into next week is my handsome face. [ It’s a cheeky retort, even if its true enough.
But her confession and the way she sort of dims after she speaks it aloud, shrinking back into herself, has him tightening his hold around her once more as he presses a kiss to her brow. ]
Well. I think this certainly counts as running off somewhere far away, even if it hadn’t been completely voluntary. And you have me and Claude here with you. ] He slides his fingers against her jaw in a light caress. ] As difficult as things may be for the moment, I know he still loves you, Hilda. And I… [ Another pause as he lets his thumb drift over the soft skin of her lips. ] I happen to adore you way more than I probably should. Enough to tempt me to throw my common sense out the window despite all the consequences. You tempt me to be selfish, sweet. Greedy. You have no idea, all the things I want to do to you. With you.
[ He’d distracted himself now, forgetting what else she’d asked. In that moment, it didn’t seem all that important. ]
But her confession and the way she sort of dims after she speaks it aloud, shrinking back into herself, has him tightening his hold around her once more as he presses a kiss to her brow. ]
Well. I think this certainly counts as running off somewhere far away, even if it hadn’t been completely voluntary. And you have me and Claude here with you. ] He slides his fingers against her jaw in a light caress. ] As difficult as things may be for the moment, I know he still loves you, Hilda. And I… [ Another pause as he lets his thumb drift over the soft skin of her lips. ] I happen to adore you way more than I probably should. Enough to tempt me to throw my common sense out the window despite all the consequences. You tempt me to be selfish, sweet. Greedy. You have no idea, all the things I want to do to you. With you.
[ He’d distracted himself now, forgetting what else she’d asked. In that moment, it didn’t seem all that important. ]
[ Another declaration of how she'll take care of him is on her lips when she's pulled closer to his chest.
When he compares Abraxas to the equivalent of running away together, the intrusive thought that this is all just another form of kindness surfaces. That this is a way to help soothe the sadness that has settled deep in her bones. It surely can't be an admission of something she hopes for because hope had been her downfall this entire time. Whatever it is, it works because she can slowly feel cold ebb from her body.
A half-hearted laugh threatens to bubble from her lips when he says that Claude loves her like it's a funny joke of some kind. He doesn't, she reminds herself. He can't. Because that would make this all the more strange and awful. She hasn't forgotten her question, and it doesn't go unnoticed that he didn't answer it. What isn't certain is if he's avoiding it for a reason. It's hard for her to stay focused on that when her breath catches in her throat as his thumb ghosts her lips. Her own eyes flit towards his and without thinking she raises a finger to his lips, mimicking his action. Goddess, she's so easily distracted. ]
What other consequences are there? I already told you I'd protect you from Holst.
[ She can't help but say it with an amused lilt. Her heart beats loudly in her chest as her finger rounds the plush curve of his bottom lip contemplating what she says next. She can't bring herself to look into his gaze, all too aware that she could very well drown in soulful, warm amber so she keeps her eyes trained on his lips instead. ]
What sorts of things?
When he compares Abraxas to the equivalent of running away together, the intrusive thought that this is all just another form of kindness surfaces. That this is a way to help soothe the sadness that has settled deep in her bones. It surely can't be an admission of something she hopes for because hope had been her downfall this entire time. Whatever it is, it works because she can slowly feel cold ebb from her body.
A half-hearted laugh threatens to bubble from her lips when he says that Claude loves her like it's a funny joke of some kind. He doesn't, she reminds herself. He can't. Because that would make this all the more strange and awful. She hasn't forgotten her question, and it doesn't go unnoticed that he didn't answer it. What isn't certain is if he's avoiding it for a reason. It's hard for her to stay focused on that when her breath catches in her throat as his thumb ghosts her lips. Her own eyes flit towards his and without thinking she raises a finger to his lips, mimicking his action. Goddess, she's so easily distracted. ]
What other consequences are there? I already told you I'd protect you from Holst.
[ She can't help but say it with an amused lilt. Her heart beats loudly in her chest as her finger rounds the plush curve of his bottom lip contemplating what she says next. She can't bring herself to look into his gaze, all too aware that she could very well drown in soulful, warm amber so she keeps her eyes trained on his lips instead. ]
What sorts of things?
Yeah?
[ His voice is a low rasp as he watches her, tone turning soft and husky as his lips curve against the brush of his fingers. He doesn’t miss the way she’s avoiding his gaze. Or the way her pulse had jumped in response to his own brush against her lips. ]
And who’s gonna protect you from me?
[ He doesn’t give her a chance to answer that before he’s leaning down and catching her lips with his own in a slow but deep kiss. He shouldn’t be doing this. She was still drunk and he really shouldn’t be taking advantage of her like this.
But Goddess. Her mouth, her body, had been a near constant on his mind since the maze. Since before it, even. And his willpower in resisting temptation had never been very strong. ]
[ His voice is a low rasp as he watches her, tone turning soft and husky as his lips curve against the brush of his fingers. He doesn’t miss the way she’s avoiding his gaze. Or the way her pulse had jumped in response to his own brush against her lips. ]
And who’s gonna protect you from me?
[ He doesn’t give her a chance to answer that before he’s leaning down and catching her lips with his own in a slow but deep kiss. He shouldn’t be doing this. She was still drunk and he really shouldn’t be taking advantage of her like this.
But Goddess. Her mouth, her body, had been a near constant on his mind since the maze. Since before it, even. And his willpower in resisting temptation had never been very strong. ]
[ She shouldn't be doing this.
Hilda knows she tempted fate, or in this case Sylvain, by asking her question, but the words had rushed out without a second thought. At least that's what she tells herself. She's awful, she thinks. Just awful. This is the opposite of stepping aside and quietly letting the two of them explore whatever it is between them.
But the taste of Sylvain's lips on hers soften the edge of those thoughts. They remind her of her admission, that she does want this. That she wants him. She wants all of him even if he can't give that to her. Being content with moments like this shouldn't even be in the realm of possibilities because the care she has for him as rooted so deeply in her heart that it's impossible to untangle.
The sigh she presses against his lips is more longing than sound. Her hand finds the back of his neck, nails lightly scraping against it as she pulls him closer like she's willing this to last. Hilda's tongue gently pries open his lips so she can savour the taste of him, commit more of it to memory. When she finally breaks for air she lets out a brief laugh. ]
I was going to say you, but you'd just let yourself walk right through and let yourself have your way.
Hilda knows she tempted fate, or in this case Sylvain, by asking her question, but the words had rushed out without a second thought. At least that's what she tells herself. She's awful, she thinks. Just awful. This is the opposite of stepping aside and quietly letting the two of them explore whatever it is between them.
But the taste of Sylvain's lips on hers soften the edge of those thoughts. They remind her of her admission, that she does want this. That she wants him. She wants all of him even if he can't give that to her. Being content with moments like this shouldn't even be in the realm of possibilities because the care she has for him as rooted so deeply in her heart that it's impossible to untangle.
The sigh she presses against his lips is more longing than sound. Her hand finds the back of his neck, nails lightly scraping against it as she pulls him closer like she's willing this to last. Hilda's tongue gently pries open his lips so she can savour the taste of him, commit more of it to memory. When she finally breaks for air she lets out a brief laugh. ]
I was going to say you, but you'd just let yourself walk right through and let yourself have your way.
[ He gives a soft groan when her nails rake lightly against his skin, the sensation sending a shiver of delight down his spine. His own conscience is still sending up red flags over all the reasons he should not be doing this right now, but…
He gives her lower lip a playful nip before he kisses her again, deeper this time, tongue delving in to slide against her own, teasing and challenging, daring her for more. ]
I suppose now would be a good time to admit I’m very bad at saying no when its something I really want?
He gives her lower lip a playful nip before he kisses her again, deeper this time, tongue delving in to slide against her own, teasing and challenging, daring her for more. ]
I suppose now would be a good time to admit I’m very bad at saying no when its something I really want?
[ The hunger in his kiss, his mouth all warm and wonderful, works at dislodging the claws of fear that had slowly tried to dig into her.
It brings her back to the night where she had first crawled into his bed, back to a time when the only thing she’d had to contest with was her death. But even that did not detract from the fact that for that moment, the things that had been causing her strife had been made to feel simple and easily conquered. It had been bathed in a soft light that she come to associate with Sylvain.
He made her feel safe. Wanted. A thought surfaces: she wants to make him feel the same way too whether that’s with her or with someone else.
She laughs into his lips, running her fingernails lightly against warm skin noting how he had groaned before. With her forehead pressed to his, it makes a warm, private space just for them. ]
So earlier when you didn’t want to bathe with me — was that a rare show of self-restraint or was that because you didn’t want to?
It brings her back to the night where she had first crawled into his bed, back to a time when the only thing she’d had to contest with was her death. But even that did not detract from the fact that for that moment, the things that had been causing her strife had been made to feel simple and easily conquered. It had been bathed in a soft light that she come to associate with Sylvain.
He made her feel safe. Wanted. A thought surfaces: she wants to make him feel the same way too whether that’s with her or with someone else.
She laughs into his lips, running her fingernails lightly against warm skin noting how he had groaned before. With her forehead pressed to his, it makes a warm, private space just for them. ]
So earlier when you didn’t want to bathe with me — was that a rare show of self-restraint or was that because you didn’t want to?
That was because I was trying to be good, because you were very, very drunk and not thinking clearly and if I let myself crawl into that bathtub with a very wet and naked you, we weren’t going to be getting out of there for a long, long time.
[ That sentence ends with his voice dropping an octave into a low, husky growl as he rolls her over onto her back again, pinning her down onto the mattress beneath him as he cages her in. His lips don’t move away from hers, however. In fact, he deepens the kiss now that he has her under him once more. ]
And right now I’m having a very hard time remembering why I was trying to behave myself in the first place.
[ That sentence ends with his voice dropping an octave into a low, husky growl as he rolls her over onto her back again, pinning her down onto the mattress beneath him as he cages her in. His lips don’t move away from hers, however. In fact, he deepens the kiss now that he has her under him once more. ]
And right now I’m having a very hard time remembering why I was trying to behave myself in the first place.
I’m not that drunk.
[ Which is exactly what someone who is drunk would say. Whatever serious conviction she tries to imbue into it is lost in another giggle as she’s rolled onto her back. Her legs hook around his waist as they shift positions, dragging his lower body down on top of hers demandingly. No space was allowed to exist between them while they were in her bed.
The smell of the tavern is long gone thanks to the bath, but her body still feels lit up from the inside out. While some of it is realistically the effects of the alcohol, Sylvain’s attention, his gaze, the low timbre of his voice certainly adds to that. A small moan escapes her this time, muffled by the tangle of tongues and press of his lips before she returns it with equal fervour. ]
I really did want to take care of you - [ She’s insistent in the small break of their kiss. The rest of the sentence is hurried out before she grasps his face with her hands to drag him in again. ] but I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t think about that too.
[ This is a good consolation prize, she thinks. Tangled in the sheets with his weight on top of hers, the smell of him around her. ]
[ Which is exactly what someone who is drunk would say. Whatever serious conviction she tries to imbue into it is lost in another giggle as she’s rolled onto her back. Her legs hook around his waist as they shift positions, dragging his lower body down on top of hers demandingly. No space was allowed to exist between them while they were in her bed.
The smell of the tavern is long gone thanks to the bath, but her body still feels lit up from the inside out. While some of it is realistically the effects of the alcohol, Sylvain’s attention, his gaze, the low timbre of his voice certainly adds to that. A small moan escapes her this time, muffled by the tangle of tongues and press of his lips before she returns it with equal fervour. ]
I really did want to take care of you - [ She’s insistent in the small break of their kiss. The rest of the sentence is hurried out before she grasps his face with her hands to drag him in again. ] but I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t think about that too.
[ This is a good consolation prize, she thinks. Tangled in the sheets with his weight on top of hers, the smell of him around her. ]
I’m going to remind you that you said that in the morning, when you come back to your senses.
[ His lips quirk into a smirk against her own, even as he catches her hands and pins them above her head. If only to keep her from wiggling so much - not that it seems to be very effective as she wraps her legs about his waist and tries to drag him down against the enticing heat of her - very naked - body. There’s no way to hide the way he’s hardened beneath his boxers as he half-collapses atop her, pinning her beneath his weight now. He gives a strained groan against her lips when her squirming only emphasizes that even more. ]
Tell me what you thought about.
[ His lips quirk into a smirk against her own, even as he catches her hands and pins them above her head. If only to keep her from wiggling so much - not that it seems to be very effective as she wraps her legs about his waist and tries to drag him down against the enticing heat of her - very naked - body. There’s no way to hide the way he’s hardened beneath his boxers as he half-collapses atop her, pinning her beneath his weight now. He gives a strained groan against her lips when her squirming only emphasizes that even more. ]
Tell me what you thought about.
[ The motion of pulling her hands by the wrists over her head is met with a delighted gasp. She can feel how hard he is against her and sends a shockwave of warmth to pool in the pit of her belly. She wants to remember this, she thinks, she doesn’t want to forget any of this night. Well, except maybe the puking part but even that seems dim and miles away now.
Breaking away from his kiss is a necessary evil, but only so she can do as she’s asked. WIth his body pressed so close to hers however, she takes the opportunity to pepper whatever she can reach with her lips in kisses — in this case, his collarbone, his shoulder and the gentle curve of his beautiful neck. ]
I thought about washing your hair and running my hands down your neck and chest. [ Small nips and bites are added between her kisses as she fights the temptation to not leave behind marks. ] I thought about reaching down between your legs to take care of you the way you took care of me that night in the maze.
[ As if to emphasize it, there’s a pronounced jut of her pelvis into his hardened cock. ]
You ran away before I could.
Breaking away from his kiss is a necessary evil, but only so she can do as she’s asked. WIth his body pressed so close to hers however, she takes the opportunity to pepper whatever she can reach with her lips in kisses — in this case, his collarbone, his shoulder and the gentle curve of his beautiful neck. ]
I thought about washing your hair and running my hands down your neck and chest. [ Small nips and bites are added between her kisses as she fights the temptation to not leave behind marks. ] I thought about reaching down between your legs to take care of you the way you took care of me that night in the maze.
[ As if to emphasize it, there’s a pronounced jut of her pelvis into his hardened cock. ]
You ran away before I could.
[ He gives a low strained groan, both at the rock of her hips up against his length and the bite of her teeth against his throat - something he doesn’t mind in the least. She can leave as many marks on him as her little heart desires and he wouldn’t utter a single complaint. ]
I wasn’t sure how much longer I could keep my identity a secret. And I didn’t want to upset you if you found out and weren’t happy about it. I didn’t want to ruin your night.
[ She’d seemed happy enough to indulge with a stranger and he’d been afraid to find out if that would have changed, had she known it was him beneath that mask. ]
I wasn’t sure how much longer I could keep my identity a secret. And I didn’t want to upset you if you found out and weren’t happy about it. I didn’t want to ruin your night.
[ She’d seemed happy enough to indulge with a stranger and he’d been afraid to find out if that would have changed, had she known it was him beneath that mask. ]
[ The desire to make good on her thoughts from the bath earlier would be easy to act on were it not for the fact that he has her hands captured and pulled taut above her.
There’s a brief pause in her kisses however when he explains why he had left so abruptly that evening. It has her peering up at him in thought. In hindsight it would be easy for her to say that she wouldn’t have been upset - but even she knows that that isn’t entirely the truth. Her kisses turn from heated to tender, practically apologetic in nature as she traces the shape of his collarbones with her lips. ]
You definitely didn’t ruin my night, Sylvain. [ That she can admit with certainty; and surprisingly, she finds herself admitting something else that brushes up on something that only seems to surface now. ] I think, maybe, I was more upset about you not telling me it was you. [ She buries her face into the hollow of his collarbone. ] I don’t want us not being honest with one another anymore.
There’s a brief pause in her kisses however when he explains why he had left so abruptly that evening. It has her peering up at him in thought. In hindsight it would be easy for her to say that she wouldn’t have been upset - but even she knows that that isn’t entirely the truth. Her kisses turn from heated to tender, practically apologetic in nature as she traces the shape of his collarbones with her lips. ]
You definitely didn’t ruin my night, Sylvain. [ That she can admit with certainty; and surprisingly, she finds herself admitting something else that brushes up on something that only seems to surface now. ] I think, maybe, I was more upset about you not telling me it was you. [ She buries her face into the hollow of his collarbone. ] I don’t want us not being honest with one another anymore.
[ At that quiet confession, he releases his grip on her wrists in order to slide his hands back down to cup to either side of her face. ]
I should have told you. I’m sorry I kept it a secret. I kept telling myself I didn't know for sure, but… I think that was just an excuse I was telling myself, even when I didn’t fully believe it either.
I should have told you. I’m sorry I kept it a secret. I kept telling myself I didn't know for sure, but… I think that was just an excuse I was telling myself, even when I didn’t fully believe it either.
[ The trail of his hands leaves a wave of goosebumps in their wake. With her hands free, it provides an opportunity to loop one loosely over his neck while the other is left free to explore the curves and strong lines of his chest. Her back arches ever so slightly to bump their noses up against one another.
Her voice still holds that apologetic quality to it, eyes trained on his. ]
I can't say that I blame you especially after how I reacted at the loft. I would have been hurt too. [ Her eyes suddenly fill with regret. ] I don't think there's anything I can do to ever make it up to you for hurting you like that. But I want to try if you'll let me.
Her voice still holds that apologetic quality to it, eyes trained on his. ]
I can't say that I blame you especially after how I reacted at the loft. I would have been hurt too. [ Her eyes suddenly fill with regret. ] I don't think there's anything I can do to ever make it up to you for hurting you like that. But I want to try if you'll let me.
[ Her soft regret prompts a slow, gentle kiss from him, lingering in the contact as one hand slides to cup against her jaw, tilting her face up towards him. ]
I shouldn’t have pushed you that night. I forgot myself for a bit, but to be fair, you’re very distracting.
I shouldn’t have pushed you that night. I forgot myself for a bit, but to be fair, you’re very distracting.
[ Hilda can’t help the embarrassed laugh at his compliment. Flattery regarding her outward appearance had never had much of an effect on her. Dressing up, looking pretty, charming those around her were some of the few things she knew herself to be good at. But with the way he’s holding her, the way he’s looking at her, she can’t help but suddenly feel shy under his gaze. Like she’s melting under his touch and taste of her mouth.
Her eyes flutter as she savours the taste of him, keeping him close so that their lips are inches apart even after they part. Her free hand settles just over his heart, committing the warmth of his chest under her palm and the steady but gentle heartbeat to memory. ]
I meant it when I said I want all of you, Sylvain. I was scared. It was so much. But I mean it, and I hope you believe it. [ She brushes her nose against his again. ] You don’t even have to return my feelings. I just need you know that you’re so deserving of being wanted and loved.
Her eyes flutter as she savours the taste of him, keeping him close so that their lips are inches apart even after they part. Her free hand settles just over his heart, committing the warmth of his chest under her palm and the steady but gentle heartbeat to memory. ]
I meant it when I said I want all of you, Sylvain. I was scared. It was so much. But I mean it, and I hope you believe it. [ She brushes her nose against his again. ] You don’t even have to return my feelings. I just need you know that you’re so deserving of being wanted and loved.
I don’t want you scared of this. Of me. That’s the last thing I want, Hilda.
[ There’s a soft note of regret in his own tone as he brushes a kiss against the tip of her nose. Leaning forward, he rests his forehead against her own again, even as one hand comes up to cup over hers, cradling it against his chest. He breathes out a quiet, uneasy sigh. ]
I don’t know how to do this. To do something more than just casual sex where there’s safety in it not meaning anything. I don’t want to hurt you when I fuck it up.
[ There’s a soft note of regret in his own tone as he brushes a kiss against the tip of her nose. Leaning forward, he rests his forehead against her own again, even as one hand comes up to cup over hers, cradling it against his chest. He breathes out a quiet, uneasy sigh. ]
I don’t know how to do this. To do something more than just casual sex where there’s safety in it not meaning anything. I don’t want to hurt you when I fuck it up.
[ What he’s describing is how she had approached any potential relationship that threatened to crest into genuine feelings. Flirting is fine, well and good. But trying harder than that with the possibility of expectations terrified her. Caring to the point where she could feel it so viscerally in her body was something she never thought possible.
Hilda wants to reassure him that he can’t hurt her. That he won’t hurt her. But if this experience with Claude has taught her anything, it’s that feelings are hurt all the time whether intentional or not. That’s not something anyone can guarantee. Perhaps it’s how they handled it after is what mattered the most.
She feels bare, bearer than how they’re practically naked pressed up against one another now and that feeling in itself is terrifying. Her fingers thread through his against his chest, curling lightly over his heart. ]
I don’t either. Caring for people is so scary - scarier than war sometimes. But I don’t think you’ll fuck it up as badly as you think you will.
[ The fingers tangled in his hair stroke the back of his neck softly. ]
But have you considered that if we hurt each other than we’ll patch it up together too? You aren’t at fault for everything. This involves the both of us.
Hilda wants to reassure him that he can’t hurt her. That he won’t hurt her. But if this experience with Claude has taught her anything, it’s that feelings are hurt all the time whether intentional or not. That’s not something anyone can guarantee. Perhaps it’s how they handled it after is what mattered the most.
She feels bare, bearer than how they’re practically naked pressed up against one another now and that feeling in itself is terrifying. Her fingers thread through his against his chest, curling lightly over his heart. ]
I don’t either. Caring for people is so scary - scarier than war sometimes. But I don’t think you’ll fuck it up as badly as you think you will.
[ The fingers tangled in his hair stroke the back of his neck softly. ]
But have you considered that if we hurt each other than we’ll patch it up together too? You aren’t at fault for everything. This involves the both of us.
[ He gives a soft, disbelieving laugh at that, his hand tightening slightly in his grip around her much smaller hand. His eyes slide shut again as he feels a pang of regret. Especially at her words, because it’s clear she understands why he’s holding back here.
He wishes he could be as optimistic as she was. It’s been a long time since he’d thought anything like that. He feels far too cynical for that now. ]
Sweetheart, I think you’re underestimating my singular talent of spectacularly fucking up just about anything I get my hands on. That reputation I had wasn’t just gossip when we were growing up. I’m no good at this. Pretty sure I bring bad luck to any relationship I even consider taking beyond casual. Not that there’ve been a lot of those, either.
He wishes he could be as optimistic as she was. It’s been a long time since he’d thought anything like that. He feels far too cynical for that now. ]
Sweetheart, I think you’re underestimating my singular talent of spectacularly fucking up just about anything I get my hands on. That reputation I had wasn’t just gossip when we were growing up. I’m no good at this. Pretty sure I bring bad luck to any relationship I even consider taking beyond casual. Not that there’ve been a lot of those, either.
Prove it then.
[ The immediate response is past her lips before she can stop herself. There’s defiance there that rears its head. Despite her own chronic aversion to feelings and things of a serious nature, Hilda still so deeply believed in those that she cared for. Maybe her abilities weren’t much to write home about, but it was hard for even the hardest of cynics to dissuade her from her optimism. ]
Who you were at home doesn’t matter. You’re here. The Sylvain I knew then isn’t the same Sylvain I know now.
[ She probably wouldn’t have developed feelings for a younger him beyond that of casual sex but she was smarter than some gave her credit for. Dabbling back then would have caused some sort of trouble. But people were capable of change, and she had seen glimpses of what she suspects he had been hiding during their time at the Academy.
Her hand slips from his neck to brush her thumb against his cheek before pressing a soft kiss to his lips pleadingly. ]
At least give yourself the chance to try.
[ The immediate response is past her lips before she can stop herself. There’s defiance there that rears its head. Despite her own chronic aversion to feelings and things of a serious nature, Hilda still so deeply believed in those that she cared for. Maybe her abilities weren’t much to write home about, but it was hard for even the hardest of cynics to dissuade her from her optimism. ]
Who you were at home doesn’t matter. You’re here. The Sylvain I knew then isn’t the same Sylvain I know now.
[ She probably wouldn’t have developed feelings for a younger him beyond that of casual sex but she was smarter than some gave her credit for. Dabbling back then would have caused some sort of trouble. But people were capable of change, and she had seen glimpses of what she suspects he had been hiding during their time at the Academy.
Her hand slips from his neck to brush her thumb against his cheek before pressing a soft kiss to his lips pleadingly. ]
At least give yourself the chance to try.
[ If there’s anything more terrifying than allowing yourself to hope that a ‘chance to try’ would result in anything different that history repeating itself, Sylvain can’t think of it. Hope was more dangerous than any emotion he could allow himself to feel, and he’d forbidden that one along with all the others.
What was that line about doing the same thing but expecting different results leading to insanity? He didn’t think Hilda would appreciate that reminder right now, but he can’t help but think it all the same.
Giving himself a chance to try opened up a far darker void than Hilda realized, and one he never wanted to expose her to. Her or Claude. There was a reason he’d been struggling so stubbornly to keep emotions from getting involved here but he was beginning to suspect that these two were far more like those gravity wells Garrus had been telling him about. And he kept getting sucked deeper in no matter how hard he tried to keep himself free.
Plus, it as getting harder and harder to keep reminding himself why he was doing it in the first place.
But Hilda’s words had been a challenge, and he hasn’t changed enough that he’s not completely susceptible to one of those. Even beyond having a hard time denying her anything. So he gives a quiet exhale and presses one more kiss against her lips. ]
I promise I’ll try. I just hope I don’t make you regret it.
What was that line about doing the same thing but expecting different results leading to insanity? He didn’t think Hilda would appreciate that reminder right now, but he can’t help but think it all the same.
Giving himself a chance to try opened up a far darker void than Hilda realized, and one he never wanted to expose her to. Her or Claude. There was a reason he’d been struggling so stubbornly to keep emotions from getting involved here but he was beginning to suspect that these two were far more like those gravity wells Garrus had been telling him about. And he kept getting sucked deeper in no matter how hard he tried to keep himself free.
Plus, it as getting harder and harder to keep reminding himself why he was doing it in the first place.
But Hilda’s words had been a challenge, and he hasn’t changed enough that he’s not completely susceptible to one of those. Even beyond having a hard time denying her anything. So he gives a quiet exhale and presses one more kiss against her lips. ]
I promise I’ll try. I just hope I don’t make you regret it.
[ Before he can pull back her fingers grasp his chin, holding him fast to her. ]
You let me worry about what I’ll regret.
[ It’s so unlike her to say that, to take on such ownership of something so serious but in the moment it escapes her completely. Most of them time she cares little for decisions being made for her when they involve some iota of responsibility. It goes against every cell in her body because her position in life denotes that she’s meant to follow and following to Hilda meant never taking accountability for any matter of importance.
Yet here she is. Trying. Hoping that Sylvain will do the same.
He often said he was a lover and not a fighter, but all of that love often felt directed at everyone but himself. All she wanted to do in that moment was take his hand so they could experience all the joy, all the terror, in accepting that love together. She wanted to walk beside him as much as she wanted him to find refuge in her.
Her eyes become liquid, practically molten pools of adoration as she relinquishes her hold on his chin to hold out her pinky towards him. ]
Pinky promise it, Sylvain.
You let me worry about what I’ll regret.
[ It’s so unlike her to say that, to take on such ownership of something so serious but in the moment it escapes her completely. Most of them time she cares little for decisions being made for her when they involve some iota of responsibility. It goes against every cell in her body because her position in life denotes that she’s meant to follow and following to Hilda meant never taking accountability for any matter of importance.
Yet here she is. Trying. Hoping that Sylvain will do the same.
He often said he was a lover and not a fighter, but all of that love often felt directed at everyone but himself. All she wanted to do in that moment was take his hand so they could experience all the joy, all the terror, in accepting that love together. She wanted to walk beside him as much as she wanted him to find refuge in her.
Her eyes become liquid, practically molten pools of adoration as she relinquishes her hold on his chin to hold out her pinky towards him. ]
Pinky promise it, Sylvain.
[ His gaze drops to her outstretched pinky, because those are the last words he'd expected to ever hear come out of her mouth. He knew her well, knew that that admission was beyond anything she would normally make. It is this that finally nudges him over the edge into giving in to her, even as he reaches out and hooks his own pinky with hers. ]
I pinky swear.
[ ...Even if he feels a little silly in the process. ]
I pinky swear.
[ ...Even if he feels a little silly in the process. ]
[ Silly, sure. But when has the real her ever been anything but that?
Sylvain hooking his pinky around hers fills up with her such childlike joy that as soon as he does, there’s a split second where her expression is caught between something tender and reverential. Untangling her hands from his, she pulls him close. Her legs tighten around his waist as she closes the very small gap left between them to kiss him again.
Having his lips on hers has her her heart banging in her chest, lips parting in a happy rapture. She’s warm all over. Warmed by him, by a potentially terrifying hope that even she runs from but one that she trusts they’ll try to face together. ]
Sylvain hooking his pinky around hers fills up with her such childlike joy that as soon as he does, there’s a split second where her expression is caught between something tender and reverential. Untangling her hands from his, she pulls him close. Her legs tighten around his waist as she closes the very small gap left between them to kiss him again.
Having his lips on hers has her her heart banging in her chest, lips parting in a happy rapture. She’s warm all over. Warmed by him, by a potentially terrifying hope that even she runs from but one that she trusts they’ll try to face together. ]
[ He lets her pull him down for a kiss and he goes willingly, caging her in with his body as he presses her down and captures her mouth. Deep and slow and lazy, his tongue teasing against her lips. One hand comes to tangle in her long hair, fingers working lightly at her scalp a moment before he tugs her head back and grins down at her ruefully. ]
I’m still not going to do anything you might end up hating me for in the morning when you’re sober again.
I’m still not going to do anything you might end up hating me for in the morning when you’re sober again.
[ This is what she should have become drunk on, she thinks hazily when she feels his tongue asking for permission to enter and she grants it to him. The taste of him is so heady, so lovely that the loud voice that had been dissuading her from doing more of this can't properly break through the haze of content that she finds herself in. No wonder Claude enjoys kissing him, she thinks. No wonder he looks at Sylvain the way he does. There's more than just how he kisses of course. Sylvain is more than his body despite his determined dodging of that fact but that doesn't change the fact that he kisses so well that she could cry.
And while she doesn't cry right now (that would simply add to more of her despair in the morning when she wakes up to realize everything that has transpired this evening), she does whine when he pulls away. The whine is partly directed at the distance and then at his words. ]
I won't hate you. I just told you how I felt, didn't I?
And while she doesn't cry right now (that would simply add to more of her despair in the morning when she wakes up to realize everything that has transpired this evening), she does whine when he pulls away. The whine is partly directed at the distance and then at his words. ]
I won't hate you. I just told you how I felt, didn't I?
I'm going to remember it.
[ She seems determined to, as she bunches her hands into fists against his back. He can take that as her agreeing to his deal though. ]
Just like how I'm going to remember to ask you why you're wearing an earring all of a sudden. An earring I didn't make.
[ It's not clear if that's her way of saying that she wants to table the topic for the morning as well, but it is clear that she seems mildly annoyed at the last part. ]
[ She seems determined to, as she bunches her hands into fists against his back. He can take that as her agreeing to his deal though. ]
Just like how I'm going to remember to ask you why you're wearing an earring all of a sudden. An earring I didn't make.
[ It's not clear if that's her way of saying that she wants to table the topic for the morning as well, but it is clear that she seems mildly annoyed at the last part. ]
[ The pout she gives him is so potent that it feels very much like she's never pouted this strongly in her life. People could wear whatever they wanted and she knew that. Not everything had to be made by her nor did she have a monopoly on what Sylvain did but her muddled drunk logic can't help but feel so deeply that this is somehow an affront.
She's already crossing her arms, a whine edging into her voice. Surprisingly her protest has less to do with the fact that she has a sneaking suspicion it has to do with Claude and far more to do with how she feels about Sylvain not asking her. ]
I know. But you could have asked me to make it for you. You didn't need to spend money on it! [ She goes quiet, eyes flitting from the earring to his face. ] Why green and gold?
She's already crossing her arms, a whine edging into her voice. Surprisingly her protest has less to do with the fact that she has a sneaking suspicion it has to do with Claude and far more to do with how she feels about Sylvain not asking her. ]
I know. But you could have asked me to make it for you. You didn't need to spend money on it! [ She goes quiet, eyes flitting from the earring to his face. ] Why green and gold?
[ Oh. This is. Awkward.
He makes a face, his nose scrunching up slightly before he leans in to kiss her again apologetically. ]
It was… sentimental. And technically I didn’t spend money on it, it was a gift. But if you would like to make me an additional one, I wouldn’t say no. I could put it in the other ear. Or maybe down the curve? What would look better?
He makes a face, his nose scrunching up slightly before he leans in to kiss her again apologetically. ]
It was… sentimental. And technically I didn’t spend money on it, it was a gift. But if you would like to make me an additional one, I wouldn’t say no. I could put it in the other ear. Or maybe down the curve? What would look better?
[ The pause before sentimental pulls at something in the back of her brain, like this is important. Like she should pay attention to this because maybe her hunch was right. He's playing to what will appease her and while it would normally be enough to distract her, the questioning of the earring has pulled everything into the forefront for her.
Hollowness begins to take root in her chest, eating away at the buoyancy from before, slowly bringing her back down to reality. She'd tell him she had feelings for him, but then she'd leave it at that, she thinks. This is an answer in and of itself. How could she possibly compare, how could there possibly be room for her when this feels like a decision that's already been made and solidified? That's just how life worked when it came to matters of the heart, didn't it? The difference now is that with the hollowness there's acceptance too.
Her arms stay crossed over her chest but instead of it being in protest, it looks like it's a shield as if this will somehow make her feel less small than she feels at that moment. ]
Is it for Claude?
Hollowness begins to take root in her chest, eating away at the buoyancy from before, slowly bringing her back down to reality. She'd tell him she had feelings for him, but then she'd leave it at that, she thinks. This is an answer in and of itself. How could she possibly compare, how could there possibly be room for her when this feels like a decision that's already been made and solidified? That's just how life worked when it came to matters of the heart, didn't it? The difference now is that with the hollowness there's acceptance too.
Her arms stay crossed over her chest but instead of it being in protest, it looks like it's a shield as if this will somehow make her feel less small than she feels at that moment. ]
Is it for Claude?
[ He mentally winces at that, because he can feel that sudden distance now opening up between them. But he has no idea how he could have evaded this one, short of not wearing his earring. Which wasn’t going to be an option.
So he cups her face in her hands, holding her in place as he meets her gaze with a firm look, frown lingering on his lips as he searches her expression. ]
Whatever you’re thinking, stop. I don’t know what it is, but I don’t like that look in your eyes. Or that I put it there. Yes, it’s for Claude. [ He wasn’t going to lie to her about it. He’d promised not to. ] It was a memento of our first date. He wanted to get me something to make up for my birthday and I chose this while we were at the beach a few weeks back.
So he cups her face in her hands, holding her in place as he meets her gaze with a firm look, frown lingering on his lips as he searches her expression. ]
Whatever you’re thinking, stop. I don’t know what it is, but I don’t like that look in your eyes. Or that I put it there. Yes, it’s for Claude. [ He wasn’t going to lie to her about it. He’d promised not to. ] It was a memento of our first date. He wanted to get me something to make up for my birthday and I chose this while we were at the beach a few weeks back.
[ When he cups her face whatever uncertain expression she has on her face turns into a defensive pout. He's not a mind reader. How would he know? ]
I'm not thinking anything.
[ The answer makes her heart sink in a way that it's been sinking ever since she had gotten wind of this new found affection between them. But this time, plummeting despair doesn't follow. After everything that had happened, it had no where else to go. It simply became heavier and heavier, making her remember part of the reason why she had been drinking in the first place. Hadn't she said that she wouldn't be so stubborn though? That she wouldn't be so greedy? Something else emerges from the sinking feeling in her heart: a bittersweet happiness that he and Claude had allowed themselves to open up to one another as much as they had is a good thing. It bodes well. And while she is glad, a greedy jealous heart doesn't change overnight.
Maybe with time, she thinks, with some level of grace that she doesn't possess, she won't feel the bitter sadness that coats her tongue. They didn't have to keep being kind to her like this, offering to wear something just because she was around. Sadness is inevitable in an ending. Maybe that's what the last several months have been culminating into and her body had known it was in some state of mourning all along. Her mind was just catching up to it now. As she brushes away Sylvain's hand, an understanding smile flutters to her face but it doesn't reach her eyes. ]
Good. I'm glad he made it up to you. And it's sweet that you're wearing it.
[ And she means it. There's genuineness to it. But that doesn't dispel the lingering sadness that had permeated her bones. Her gaze lingers on the earring and then his face ever so briefly before she lets out a yawn, stretching like a cat. ]
I guess if that's the case then I won't be too upset that you're wearing something I didn't make.
I'm not thinking anything.
[ The answer makes her heart sink in a way that it's been sinking ever since she had gotten wind of this new found affection between them. But this time, plummeting despair doesn't follow. After everything that had happened, it had no where else to go. It simply became heavier and heavier, making her remember part of the reason why she had been drinking in the first place. Hadn't she said that she wouldn't be so stubborn though? That she wouldn't be so greedy? Something else emerges from the sinking feeling in her heart: a bittersweet happiness that he and Claude had allowed themselves to open up to one another as much as they had is a good thing. It bodes well. And while she is glad, a greedy jealous heart doesn't change overnight.
Maybe with time, she thinks, with some level of grace that she doesn't possess, she won't feel the bitter sadness that coats her tongue. They didn't have to keep being kind to her like this, offering to wear something just because she was around. Sadness is inevitable in an ending. Maybe that's what the last several months have been culminating into and her body had known it was in some state of mourning all along. Her mind was just catching up to it now. As she brushes away Sylvain's hand, an understanding smile flutters to her face but it doesn't reach her eyes. ]
Good. I'm glad he made it up to you. And it's sweet that you're wearing it.
[ And she means it. There's genuineness to it. But that doesn't dispel the lingering sadness that had permeated her bones. Her gaze lingers on the earring and then his face ever so briefly before she lets out a yawn, stretching like a cat. ]
I guess if that's the case then I won't be too upset that you're wearing something I didn't make.
[ Her sadness is so deep and choking that for a moment, all he can do is blink at her before he’s drawing her in close in his arms once more, wrapping around her and cradling her against his chest. He brushes his lips against her hair in a gentle kiss. ]
I’m glad you’ll forgive me for it. But that just means I’m going to be extra annoying until you make me one from you, too.
I’m glad you’ll forgive me for it. But that just means I’m going to be extra annoying until you make me one from you, too.
[ She whines as she's pulled into his chest mid-stretch. Her struggles don't last very long before she gives up at the brush of his lips against her head. With her face pressed into his chest he can't see how the sadness lingers there, whatever trace of happiness she had felt earlier quickly dispelled. It's a blessing, really. ]
You don't have to wear it just to be nice. It won't have anything sentimental attached to it. [ Even that tastes bitter on her tongue and she has to follow it up with a put on pout - ] And besides you didn't wear the hat I made you.
You don't have to wear it just to be nice. It won't have anything sentimental attached to it. [ Even that tastes bitter on her tongue and she has to follow it up with a put on pout - ] And besides you didn't wear the hat I made you.
[ He pulls back enough to boop her nose chidingly before tipping her head up in his direction, fingers catching her chin between them. ]
Hilda Valentine Goneril, you listen to me. It will have everything sentimental attached to it, because it will have been crafted by you, by your own hands. We’re not going to talk about the hat, we’re going to let it rest in peace wherever it ended up. This is different. I want to wear a piece of your jewelry. I want something to symbolize both the people I like.
Besides. [ He presses a kiss to the tip of her nose now before playfully nipping at it with his teeth. ] I am not nice.
Hilda Valentine Goneril, you listen to me. It will have everything sentimental attached to it, because it will have been crafted by you, by your own hands. We’re not going to talk about the hat, we’re going to let it rest in peace wherever it ended up. This is different. I want to wear a piece of your jewelry. I want something to symbolize both the people I like.
Besides. [ He presses a kiss to the tip of her nose now before playfully nipping at it with his teeth. ] I am not nice.
Edited 2023-08-23 04:21 (UTC)
[ The boop is met with an annoyed scrunch of her face that he'll see in full force when he tugs it up to make her look at him. ]
Sylvain Jose Gautier, you didn't just full name me!
[ The protest is merely a means of prolonging her reply to something that made her heart hope for more than it should be allowed to. Why hadn't it learned yet that sentimental never ended well for her? Had it so quickly forgotten that she still had the burns from Claude to prove it?
Her mind tells her heart it should know better than to hinge something so simple on things like words. It reminds her that she is not Claude, she will never be Claude, and that if Sylvain cared for him in the way she's sure he does, then he could never possibly care for her in the same way. This kindness is too much. Her heavy heart might shatter.
An annoyed growl flutters from her lips as she playfully shoves his face away once he bites her nose. ]
You are - we talked about this. And I'm not making you something just because you feel bad that I'm upset about this earring.
Sylvain Jose Gautier, you didn't just full name me!
[ The protest is merely a means of prolonging her reply to something that made her heart hope for more than it should be allowed to. Why hadn't it learned yet that sentimental never ended well for her? Had it so quickly forgotten that she still had the burns from Claude to prove it?
Her mind tells her heart it should know better than to hinge something so simple on things like words. It reminds her that she is not Claude, she will never be Claude, and that if Sylvain cared for him in the way she's sure he does, then he could never possibly care for her in the same way. This kindness is too much. Her heavy heart might shatter.
An annoyed growl flutters from her lips as she playfully shoves his face away once he bites her nose. ]
You are - we talked about this. And I'm not making you something just because you feel bad that I'm upset about this earring.
Good.
[ The word comes out pointed and succinct as he holds her gaze, not letting her look away from him. ]
Because that’s not why I want one. I want one because it’s something you made for me and I’m selfish like that. I want one because you- [ He interrupts his own explanation to place a purposeful kiss on her lips. Not teasing and playful this time. No, there’s far more poured into this one that he can’t put into words.
When he pulls back, he finishes his statement, his voice softer this time, but the look in his eyes is sincere as he catches her gaze once more. ]
Because you are just as important to me and I want something to show that, too.
[ The word comes out pointed and succinct as he holds her gaze, not letting her look away from him. ]
Because that’s not why I want one. I want one because it’s something you made for me and I’m selfish like that. I want one because you- [ He interrupts his own explanation to place a purposeful kiss on her lips. Not teasing and playful this time. No, there’s far more poured into this one that he can’t put into words.
When he pulls back, he finishes his statement, his voice softer this time, but the look in his eyes is sincere as he catches her gaze once more. ]
Because you are just as important to me and I want something to show that, too.
[ It's tempting to ask why then if he wanted something from her why he didn't keep that stupid hat - but any snark is quickly swallowed up by the press of his lips against hers. The kiss isn't one just to shut her up. She knows what those kisses feel like and this isn't that.
There's something more to it, an earnestness that she's terrified to read into because it feels like kindling that could easily stoke the flames of her hope that she's trying desperately to stamp out. Easier said than done when they're pressed up together like this and she can feel his heartbeat through the palms of her hands. A kiss is a kiss, she reminds herself. It wouldn't mean anything unless she made something of it.
And if she isn't assigning meaning, if she's trying to turn a blind eye to this kiss, then that also means she shouldn't be assigning anything to the look he's giving her, right? How can she not when he's looking at her the way she had seen him look at Claude that night of the gala? Hilda feels her heart lurch and creak in her chest as she looks into his eyes, feeling breathless from a kiss that didn't make her heart hope, that didn't make it feel like she was floating and light, that didn't make it feel like the world was just them and these sheets.
Her gaze lingers on amber eyes more warm and light than any precious stone. Breath returns to her and her protest comes out as a barely audible exhale as her eyes flit away before her eyes mist over from the undeserving kindness he's showing her. ]
We'll see.
[ But they both know that she's softer for him than she can voice at this moment. ]
There's something more to it, an earnestness that she's terrified to read into because it feels like kindling that could easily stoke the flames of her hope that she's trying desperately to stamp out. Easier said than done when they're pressed up together like this and she can feel his heartbeat through the palms of her hands. A kiss is a kiss, she reminds herself. It wouldn't mean anything unless she made something of it.
And if she isn't assigning meaning, if she's trying to turn a blind eye to this kiss, then that also means she shouldn't be assigning anything to the look he's giving her, right? How can she not when he's looking at her the way she had seen him look at Claude that night of the gala? Hilda feels her heart lurch and creak in her chest as she looks into his eyes, feeling breathless from a kiss that didn't make her heart hope, that didn't make it feel like she was floating and light, that didn't make it feel like the world was just them and these sheets.
Her gaze lingers on amber eyes more warm and light than any precious stone. Breath returns to her and her protest comes out as a barely audible exhale as her eyes flit away before her eyes mist over from the undeserving kindness he's showing her. ]
We'll see.
[ But they both know that she's softer for him than she can voice at this moment. ]
[ He flops back over onto his back with a dramatic sigh, flopping one arm over his eyes in playful dismay. Although the other arm is still keeping her anchored against him. Just in case. ]
Ouch. She’s doubting my pinky promise already and it hasn’t even been five minutes.
Ouch. She’s doubting my pinky promise already and it hasn’t even been five minutes.
[ Sylvain's dramatics gets the sort of reaction he's probably hoping for and she gasps, rolling up to perch her arm on his chest to look down at him.
She's too sensitive right now, too worried about offending and feeling like she's on the precipice of crying from the storm of feelings that currently whirl in her heart ]
I'm not! I just - [ She cuts herself short, worry shining in her eyes as her hand gently grasps the wrist of the arm covering his face to remove it. She's just what? Trying not to get her hopes up about this? Trying to dissuade him from something that she's certain will only serve to distract him from the person that he really cares for? All the explanations feel like too much for her to attempt to explain to him without just outright embarrassing herself. ] it's a lot of pressure to just ask me to make something.
What if you hate it?
[ It's not like he's picking this hypothetical thing out. And if he didn't like it and it didn't suit him, she didn't want him wearing it out of obligation. ]
She's too sensitive right now, too worried about offending and feeling like she's on the precipice of crying from the storm of feelings that currently whirl in her heart ]
I'm not! I just - [ She cuts herself short, worry shining in her eyes as her hand gently grasps the wrist of the arm covering his face to remove it. She's just what? Trying not to get her hopes up about this? Trying to dissuade him from something that she's certain will only serve to distract him from the person that he really cares for? All the explanations feel like too much for her to attempt to explain to him without just outright embarrassing herself. ] it's a lot of pressure to just ask me to make something.
What if you hate it?
[ It's not like he's picking this hypothetical thing out. And if he didn't like it and it didn't suit him, she didn't want him wearing it out of obligation. ]
[ The smile only serves to fill her with a mixture of annoyance and exasperation. She's drunk but she's not drunk enough to have that escape her attention. ]
I might if you're going to laugh at me.
[ Where she would even get that amount of material to make an earring large enough is beyond her. At that point it would be a shield. And why she's even considering this seriously is a good indication that she's still, in fact pretty drunk. ]
I'm serious. I don't want you to wear something just because you feel obligated to. I want you to wear it because you like it but I don't want you to lie to me about it either.
I might if you're going to laugh at me.
[ Where she would even get that amount of material to make an earring large enough is beyond her. At that point it would be a shield. And why she's even considering this seriously is a good indication that she's still, in fact pretty drunk. ]
I'm serious. I don't want you to wear something just because you feel obligated to. I want you to wear it because you like it but I don't want you to lie to me about it either.
[ He reaches up to drag her down onto his chest once more. ]
Do I need to make another pinky promise that this has nothing to do with feeling obligated? I don’t feel obligated. Trust me, if I did? I’d be complaining about it a whole lot more. [ ….which probably doesn't say good things about his opinion of the former hat, may it forever rest inpeace pieces. ] I promise not to lie to you about whether I like it or not. But I’m pretty sure if you make me a pretty earring you think I’ll like, I trust that I’ll like it.
Do I need to make another pinky promise that this has nothing to do with feeling obligated? I don’t feel obligated. Trust me, if I did? I’d be complaining about it a whole lot more. [ ….which probably doesn't say good things about his opinion of the former hat, may it forever rest in
[ There's no resistance as he pulls her down onto his chest. She presses the side of her face just over his heart and closes her eyes. The sounds of a pout still linger in her voice but she seems more resigned than she had been before. ]
Even if I make something really sparkly and dangling?
[ She'd never. Not for him at least. It wasn't very practical considering he spent so much time in the desert and at the stables. Something incredibly shiny and sparkly might look like an attractive snack to a horse or whatever creatures scuttled out in the desert. She'd had her earrings tugged on by Waffle and had her long hair caught in them enough times to know how painful that could be.
If she was going to make him anything, it'd sit close to his body so that there wasn't any chance of it snagging on anything - hair, clothing, the environment. And it would have to compliment the other earring she thinks - although that thought kicks up a swirl of mixed feelings. ]
Even if I make something really sparkly and dangling?
[ She'd never. Not for him at least. It wasn't very practical considering he spent so much time in the desert and at the stables. Something incredibly shiny and sparkly might look like an attractive snack to a horse or whatever creatures scuttled out in the desert. She'd had her earrings tugged on by Waffle and had her long hair caught in them enough times to know how painful that could be.
If she was going to make him anything, it'd sit close to his body so that there wasn't any chance of it snagging on anything - hair, clothing, the environment. And it would have to compliment the other earring she thinks - although that thought kicks up a swirl of mixed feelings. ]
[ He just chuckles and strokes his fingers through her hair soothingly when she lays her cheek down atop his chest. Coaxing her to relax as he tugs a sheet up over them. Tucks her in against him. ]
Even if it’s sparkly and dangly. I bet I can make it work.
Even if it’s sparkly and dangly. I bet I can make it work.
[ The soft flutter of the sheet being drawn atop of them adds another layer of warmth. That combined with the feeling of his arms feels like an invitation to close her eyes. As they do her arms slowly wrap around him in turn, pressing their bodies close. ]
If there's anyone that could, it would be you. But it wouldn't be very practical.
[ Words that she never thought that would come out of her mouth.
She lapses into silence then, allowing the beat of his heart to soothe her, soaking up the warmth that she feels like will eventually slip through her fingers. Quietly she asks - ]
Is it selfish to ask you to stay here tonight?
If there's anyone that could, it would be you. But it wouldn't be very practical.
[ Words that she never thought that would come out of her mouth.
She lapses into silence then, allowing the beat of his heart to soothe her, soaking up the warmth that she feels like will eventually slip through her fingers. Quietly she asks - ]
Is it selfish to ask you to stay here tonight?
[ Sylvain's answer brings with it a quiet blanket of content that drapes gently across her heavy heart. It's difficult for her not to feel some level of happiness at hearing that, and even more difficult to stop herself from squeezing him tightly in the process all thoughts of leaving for the Old Public Hall and the couch in her office that had become her bed most nights also drifting away in the process.
As her eyes grow heavy and sleep calls to her, several thoughts float through her mind: she hopes that Claude won't hold it against her for wanting this last, selfish thing, that she'll still have the courage to tell Sylvain how she feels and that her heart won't shatter when the inevitable end arrives and that she'll be a better friend to the both of them tomorrow and the days after that.
Her head nuzzles into just over his heart finally drifting off to sleep.
When she wakes the next morning, the previous day is hazy in her mind and there's a dryness to her mouth that is always a clear indication of having drank a little too much. It doesn't register immediately that she's curled up in Sylvain's arms, or that she's even sharing a bed with him. She blinks several times in confusion as her vision comes into focus as she glances down to the arms wrapped around her before her eyes travel lower realizing with a slow horror that she's completely naked underneath the sheets.
Her eyes blow wide open then as she shifts, twisting around to see who it is holding her. Is it a good thing that it's Sylvain holding her? Is it worse than waking up beside a stranger? The better question is why he's holding her in the first place in her bed, in the loft? And that's when last night comes rushing back to her - all the drinks, crying into Marshy's mane, Sylvain finding her, her puking on Sylvain. Hilda inhales. Oh Goddess, she puked on Sylvain.
Hilda scrambles backwards, forcing herself out of Sylvain's arms in a panic - and immediately falls out of the bed with a resounding crash. ]
Fuck!
As her eyes grow heavy and sleep calls to her, several thoughts float through her mind: she hopes that Claude won't hold it against her for wanting this last, selfish thing, that she'll still have the courage to tell Sylvain how she feels and that her heart won't shatter when the inevitable end arrives and that she'll be a better friend to the both of them tomorrow and the days after that.
Her head nuzzles into just over his heart finally drifting off to sleep.
When she wakes the next morning, the previous day is hazy in her mind and there's a dryness to her mouth that is always a clear indication of having drank a little too much. It doesn't register immediately that she's curled up in Sylvain's arms, or that she's even sharing a bed with him. She blinks several times in confusion as her vision comes into focus as she glances down to the arms wrapped around her before her eyes travel lower realizing with a slow horror that she's completely naked underneath the sheets.
Her eyes blow wide open then as she shifts, twisting around to see who it is holding her. Is it a good thing that it's Sylvain holding her? Is it worse than waking up beside a stranger? The better question is why he's holding her in the first place in her bed, in the loft? And that's when last night comes rushing back to her - all the drinks, crying into Marshy's mane, Sylvain finding her, her puking on Sylvain. Hilda inhales. Oh Goddess, she puked on Sylvain.
Hilda scrambles backwards, forcing herself out of Sylvain's arms in a panic - and immediately falls out of the bed with a resounding crash. ]
Fuck!
Edited 2023-08-24 20:12 (UTC)
[ There’s not a lot that can jolt Sylvain into full wakefulness first thing in the morning - he has never been a morning person and that hasn’t changed any. But not even he can sleep through the sudden crash as he jerks awake, just in time to see flailing limbs go over the side of the bed.
He blinks, his mind needing a moment to catch up. Eh, forget that, he has no fucking idea what’s going on.
His head comes to peer over the edge of the mattress where she is sprawled on the rug, sheet tangled around her hips and legs. Arching an eyebrow, he gives her a confused look. ]
Are you alright? Why are you down there?
He blinks, his mind needing a moment to catch up. Eh, forget that, he has no fucking idea what’s going on.
His head comes to peer over the edge of the mattress where she is sprawled on the rug, sheet tangled around her hips and legs. Arching an eyebrow, he gives her a confused look. ]
Are you alright? Why are you down there?
[ A groan is the immediate response as she stares up at the ceiling of her room that is shortly followed by Sylvain's face in her field of vision. ]
No, I'm not okay! I fell out of bed, my mouth feels like it's full of cotton, I have a splitting headache.
[ And I puked on you last night. She can't quite get those words out as she struggles to sit up in the tangle of sheets. Her hands grasp, pulling the sheets up around the upper half of her body quickly, cheeks growing pink. The fall had momentarily made her forget that she was butt naked for some reason but it all comes rushing back when she spots Sylvain's bare chest. Her eyes look questioningly towards him, mildly panicked. ]
Why are you in my bed?
No, I'm not okay! I fell out of bed, my mouth feels like it's full of cotton, I have a splitting headache.
[ And I puked on you last night. She can't quite get those words out as she struggles to sit up in the tangle of sheets. Her hands grasp, pulling the sheets up around the upper half of her body quickly, cheeks growing pink. The fall had momentarily made her forget that she was butt naked for some reason but it all comes rushing back when she spots Sylvain's bare chest. Her eyes look questioningly towards him, mildly panicked. ]
Why are you in my bed?
[ His eyebrow arches a little higher before he gives a quiet sigh and scrapes his hand tiredly over his face.
He tries to ignore the pang he feels at her words. At the look she shoots him. He’d figured this might be the case. ]
How much of last night do you remember?
He tries to ignore the pang he feels at her words. At the look she shoots him. He’d figured this might be the case. ]
How much of last night do you remember?
[ The arched eyebrow and quiet sigh don't provide much context or an answer to her question. There's a brief pause before she can answer his question, occupied with pulling herself to her feet while trying to desperately recall anything else past puking on him.
That part is a little difficult though. Mortification creeps across her skin and by the time she's on her feet she's pressing a hand to her face as if that will somehow prevent him from seeing her embarrassment. Goddess her breath is awful. ]
I'm trying to get past the part where I puked on you. Please tell me I didn't actually puke on you.
That part is a little difficult though. Mortification creeps across her skin and by the time she's on her feet she's pressing a hand to her face as if that will somehow prevent him from seeing her embarrassment. Goddess her breath is awful. ]
I'm trying to get past the part where I puked on you. Please tell me I didn't actually puke on you.
Edited 2023-08-24 21:21 (UTC)
[ The answer doesn't help and she lets out another whine into her hands. That seems to be enough though to nudge her memory a little further into the evening: he had carried her back here and she had somehow ended up naked in the bath if her still slightly damp hair is any indication.
Their voices are muddied and clouded like she can't quite grasp the actual words they had exchanged - but she does remember their lips on one another's which prompts another flare of heat to her cheeks along with a wash of guilt. ]
I'm sorry! I'll just - [ She'll just what? Leave? This is her room. Hand her rubs her face, before briefly pressing the heel of her palm into her eyes. ] I'll make it up to you somehow. I don't know why I drank that much in the first place.
Their voices are muddied and clouded like she can't quite grasp the actual words they had exchanged - but she does remember their lips on one another's which prompts another flare of heat to her cheeks along with a wash of guilt. ]
I'm sorry! I'll just - [ She'll just what? Leave? This is her room. Hand her rubs her face, before briefly pressing the heel of her palm into her eyes. ] I'll make it up to you somehow. I don't know why I drank that much in the first place.
Hilda.
[ His voice softens and turns fond as he sits up. Reaching out, he snags one of her wrists and tugs her back towards the bed. ]
You don’t have to make anything up to me. I’ve had worse nights. And you might not remember it, but we agreed on no more apologies last night. There’s been too many already.
[ His voice softens and turns fond as he sits up. Reaching out, he snags one of her wrists and tugs her back towards the bed. ]
You don’t have to make anything up to me. I’ve had worse nights. And you might not remember it, but we agreed on no more apologies last night. There’s been too many already.
[ Her feet skirt across the rug, half reluctant, half embarrassed about getting closer to someone that she had not only little recollection of sharing a bed with but had also puked on. Eventually her knees bump up against the bed.
Stubbornly her hand still remains over her face as she peeks out through her fingers at him. Even with most of her face hidden, the worried furrow on her brow is evident. ]
What else did I apologize for?
Stubbornly her hand still remains over her face as she peeks out through her fingers at him. Even with most of her face hidden, the worried furrow on her brow is evident. ]
What else did I apologize for?
Edited 2023-08-24 23:19 (UTC)
A lot.
[ He informs her of this wryly as he gives one more persistent tug, intent on toppling her back down beside him. His lips quirk faintly as he watches her peek out at him from behind her fingers.
Yeah, this was what he'd been worried about. ]
I take it you don't remember much of last night after getting home, then?
[ He informs her of this wryly as he gives one more persistent tug, intent on toppling her back down beside him. His lips quirk faintly as he watches her peek out at him from behind her fingers.
Yeah, this was what he'd been worried about. ]
I take it you don't remember much of last night after getting home, then?
[ There's a muffled noise of protest as she's tugged off her feet and onto the bed beside him. She's still not moving her hands though. There's no way he can make her.
It doesn't matter that she can make out the tiniest smile on his face, the question is enough to give her reason for pause. Like she's about to walk into something that she isn't prepared to walk into. Like she's forgotten something incredibly important but she can't for the life of her remember what. ]
A lot isn't very comforting. Neither is that question. [ There's a pause before she slowly lowers her hands, searching his face for something. ] Did I do something wrong?
It doesn't matter that she can make out the tiniest smile on his face, the question is enough to give her reason for pause. Like she's about to walk into something that she isn't prepared to walk into. Like she's forgotten something incredibly important but she can't for the life of her remember what. ]
A lot isn't very comforting. Neither is that question. [ There's a pause before she slowly lowers her hands, searching his face for something. ] Did I do something wrong?
[ He can’t help but chuckle at that, tucking her in against his chest and making sure the sheets are tucked securely around her. Which is a little late, considering they’d just spent the night in bed together like this. But he does at least still have his boxers on under his half of the blankets, even if that’s hard to tell from all the bared skin from the waist up. ]
Of course not. [ He brushes a light kiss against her brow as he drapes an arm around her waist, keeping her anchored there against him. Just so she can’t panic and run away again. ] And before you start worrying, we didn’t do anything, either. Other than coming in here to talk after your bath and then falling asleep, hence the… lack of clothing.
Of course not. [ He brushes a light kiss against her brow as he drapes an arm around her waist, keeping her anchored there against him. Just so she can’t panic and run away again. ] And before you start worrying, we didn’t do anything, either. Other than coming in here to talk after your bath and then falling asleep, hence the… lack of clothing.
[ Her heart softens despite itself as he tucks her in and she has to catch herself before it melts any further. In hindsight, it's a silly thing to get embarrassed about considering the confirmation of a hazey bath time where it feels a lot like she had asked him to join her in it.
His reassurance only serves to dissolve some of her worry. Not that she thinks he's lying to her. It's not that. It's an already deep rooted anxiety that has set her skin crawling with dread at what she could have possibly said. ]
Are you going to tell me what we spoke about? [ There's a pause, a slight wrinkle of her nose, her eyes close as she struggles to recall - ] Was I crying to a horse?
His reassurance only serves to dissolve some of her worry. Not that she thinks he's lying to her. It's not that. It's an already deep rooted anxiety that has set her skin crawling with dread at what she could have possibly said. ]
Are you going to tell me what we spoke about? [ There's a pause, a slight wrinkle of her nose, her eyes close as she struggles to recall - ] Was I crying to a horse?
Nooo –
[ She lets out a mortified wail, twisting around so she no longer has to look at him as another piece of last night clicks into place. Can she even apologize to a horse? Probably not. But she should probably go and apologize to Mags at the very least.
If there was any hope of her returning to the loft after this, it's certainly evaporated into thin air after that admission. There's a clear, despairing quality to in her voice as embarrassed tears prick at the corner of her eyes. ]
Tell me what else we spoke about right now.
[ She lets out a mortified wail, twisting around so she no longer has to look at him as another piece of last night clicks into place. Can she even apologize to a horse? Probably not. But she should probably go and apologize to Mags at the very least.
If there was any hope of her returning to the loft after this, it's certainly evaporated into thin air after that admission. There's a clear, despairing quality to in her voice as embarrassed tears prick at the corner of her eyes. ]
Tell me what else we spoke about right now.
[ He just gives a fond laugh as he wraps his arms around her and tugs her back to cradle her against his chest. ]
Don’t fret, Princess. You’re just as adorable when deep in your cups as you are out of them. And I promise, Marshy and I won’t tell your deep dark secrets to a soul.
Don’t fret, Princess. You’re just as adorable when deep in your cups as you are out of them. And I promise, Marshy and I won’t tell your deep dark secrets to a soul.
I'm fretting. It's easy for you to say when you weren't the drunk one.
[ His pointed avoidance of her question continues to drive her anxiety higher. Her cheeks burn with worry, embarrassment, nerves. All of this is quickly undoing whatever resolve she had tried to hard to instill in herself over the last several months, and guilt bubbles in her stomach.
Whatever wriggling in his arms is suddenly stilled as her hands go to lightly touch his forearms. ]
Please tell me what I said.
[ His pointed avoidance of her question continues to drive her anxiety higher. Her cheeks burn with worry, embarrassment, nerves. All of this is quickly undoing whatever resolve she had tried to hard to instill in herself over the last several months, and guilt bubbles in her stomach.
Whatever wriggling in his arms is suddenly stilled as her hands go to lightly touch his forearms. ]
Please tell me what I said.
[ He feels those pangs of emotions and even though he’s not sure what they are or what’s causing them, he knows they’re definitely not positive ones.
He turns her around until she’s facing him again, cupping her chin between his fingers as he tips her head up towards him. ]
You don’t have to be upset. You didn’t do anything you’ll regret - I wouldn’t have let you. But we did talk. We talked about what had happened a bit. And what didn’t. And we talked about… us, a little.
He turns her around until she’s facing him again, cupping her chin between his fingers as he tips her head up towards him. ]
You don’t have to be upset. You didn’t do anything you’ll regret - I wouldn’t have let you. But we did talk. We talked about what had happened a bit. And what didn’t. And we talked about… us, a little.
[ There's protests at the tip of her tongue about how again, it's easy for him to say when he can remember everything from the night before. She trusts him, knows full well that he wouldn't do anything to hurt her intentionally or let her do anything she would regret. But that doesn't mean he knows what she might regret saying.
And the current state of affairs means that there's plenty that falls under that category.
His gentle redirection of her gaze means it falls on his face and the glint of gold and green in his ear. The admission about it being a memento for his date with Claude and how the man in question had bought it for him floods back and she feels her heart thud dully in her chest. Ah.
Suddenly she doesn't want to hear anymore. The smile on her face comes too late to be convincing but there it remains. ]
If that's all then... I guess I don't have anything to worry about like you said. [ Gently she tries to tug her chin away. ] I'm sorry I puked on you. I'll make it up to you for having to take care of me.
And the current state of affairs means that there's plenty that falls under that category.
His gentle redirection of her gaze means it falls on his face and the glint of gold and green in his ear. The admission about it being a memento for his date with Claude and how the man in question had bought it for him floods back and she feels her heart thud dully in her chest. Ah.
Suddenly she doesn't want to hear anymore. The smile on her face comes too late to be convincing but there it remains. ]
If that's all then... I guess I don't have anything to worry about like you said. [ Gently she tries to tug her chin away. ] I'm sorry I puked on you. I'll make it up to you for having to take care of me.
[ He watches her, trying to sift through what he was picking up from her. It was a little reminiscent of last night, but she’d been much more open in her feelings when she’d been drunk, than she was this morning.
Knowing she’d assumed the worst and not missing where her gaze had temporarily drifted, he keeps his fingers on her chin. ]
That’s not quite all. But considering you’re completely sober this morning. It means I can finally do this.
[ And then purposefully leans in close to kiss her slowly, his gaze never leaving hers as he does so. ]
Knowing she’d assumed the worst and not missing where her gaze had temporarily drifted, he keeps his fingers on her chin. ]
That’s not quite all. But considering you’re completely sober this morning. It means I can finally do this.
[ And then purposefully leans in close to kiss her slowly, his gaze never leaving hers as he does so. ]
Edited 2023-08-30 01:18 (UTC)
[ Her plan had been to roll out of bed, get dressed and then leave which feels like it might have been her intention last night had sleep not claimed her first. When she says she'll make it up to him she means it - maybe she can drop off some groceries for him to make he and Claude something nice later. Or a new tea set, you could never have too many of those right?
But then the wrench named Sylvain is tossed directly in her plans again. When her chin isn't relinquished, there's a surprised look that crosses Hilda's face that only intensifies when Sylvain's lips encapsulate hers. Instinctively she leans into the familiar taste and feel of his lips before catching herself moments later. Pulling back to look at him, her eyes are still wide and confused. ]
What was that for? What do you mean now that I'm sober?
But then the wrench named Sylvain is tossed directly in her plans again. When her chin isn't relinquished, there's a surprised look that crosses Hilda's face that only intensifies when Sylvain's lips encapsulate hers. Instinctively she leans into the familiar taste and feel of his lips before catching herself moments later. Pulling back to look at him, her eyes are still wide and confused. ]
What was that for? What do you mean now that I'm sober?
[ Sylvain is pretty sure his best talent is being the wrench in everyone’s well-laid plans.
He takes in her confused expression, lips quirking faintly as he brushes another whisper-light kiss at the corner of her lips. ]
Because I wanted to. And because I told you we wouldn’t do anything you might regret when you weren’t sober enough to remember it. That’s not a problem this morning.
He takes in her confused expression, lips quirking faintly as he brushes another whisper-light kiss at the corner of her lips. ]
Because I wanted to. And because I told you we wouldn’t do anything you might regret when you weren’t sober enough to remember it. That’s not a problem this morning.
[ Disbelief reaches across her face. ]
Even if I have awful morning breath?
[ It's hard for Hilda to believe that her drunk self hadn't tried to force herself upon Sylvian for a kiss especially if he had been kind enough to drag her all the way back to the loft. Then again, who she is, is quickly becoming a nebulous thing for even her to grasp and hold onto.
Joking aside, the word want still throws her for a loop. Why did he want to? Why would he want to when there's someone else? And for all of this talk about regret, she can't help but ask - ]
What if you regret wanting to?
[ Wanting her in whatever capacity that means? ]
Even if I have awful morning breath?
[ It's hard for Hilda to believe that her drunk self hadn't tried to force herself upon Sylvian for a kiss especially if he had been kind enough to drag her all the way back to the loft. Then again, who she is, is quickly becoming a nebulous thing for even her to grasp and hold onto.
Joking aside, the word want still throws her for a loop. Why did he want to? Why would he want to when there's someone else? And for all of this talk about regret, she can't help but ask - ]
What if you regret wanting to?
[ Wanting her in whatever capacity that means? ]
I’m pretty sure that by now I’m well aware of the things I’d regret and the things I wouldn’t, Hilda.
[ His voice is a dry drawl, because self-awareness has never been one of his weak points.
But he brushes his thumb over her lip as he holds her gaze. ]
You? You’re never going to fall anywhere close to the “regret” list.
[ His voice is a dry drawl, because self-awareness has never been one of his weak points.
But he brushes his thumb over her lip as he holds her gaze. ]
You? You’re never going to fall anywhere close to the “regret” list.
[ Her heart stutters again. Perhaps at the lip brush, perhaps at his words that she wants to be sincere and true. She pushes past the yearning hope to try and level set her own expectations and what he says he wants. ]
But I puked on you last night.
[ Even that sounds like a weak excuse to her own ears. She isn't even sure that she'd be so forgiving if the positions were swapped. Or rather, she isn't certain that she wouldn't be grossed out. There's the strongest urge to press her head into his chest - partly so she doesn't have to see him but also for the comfort it provides.
But because she's being held there by his gentle hand all she can do is sigh and close her eyes. ]
I don't want you saying something you don't mean. And you shouldn't be wasting your energy on me. [ Her hand snakes up between them, brushing lightly against the earring before gently cupping his face. ] You should focus on someone else.
But I puked on you last night.
[ Even that sounds like a weak excuse to her own ears. She isn't even sure that she'd be so forgiving if the positions were swapped. Or rather, she isn't certain that she wouldn't be grossed out. There's the strongest urge to press her head into his chest - partly so she doesn't have to see him but also for the comfort it provides.
But because she's being held there by his gentle hand all she can do is sigh and close her eyes. ]
I don't want you saying something you don't mean. And you shouldn't be wasting your energy on me. [ Her hand snakes up between them, brushing lightly against the earring before gently cupping his face. ] You should focus on someone else.
Trust me. [ His dry tone lingers as he frees her chin long enough to tweak a lock of her hair. Then he tugs her close again, wrapping her up in his arms once more. He rests his chin atop her head as he holds her. ] I’ve had nights end on much worse notes. That didn’t even make the top ten. There was no bloodshed, no angry relatives, no escaping out of a window. A little bit of extra laundry isn’t a hardship.
And besides. It isn’t up to you to decide where I get to spend my energy, because I definitely don’t see it as a waste. [ Where does she even get these ideas? He’s positive he’s never implied anything of the sort. ] I have more than enough focus to go around.
[ He reaches up to catch her hand in his, threading their fingers together. ] And oh, yeah. Just in case you forgot that part, too, you promised to make me an earring. And I’m holding you to that.
And besides. It isn’t up to you to decide where I get to spend my energy, because I definitely don’t see it as a waste. [ Where does she even get these ideas? He’s positive he’s never implied anything of the sort. ] I have more than enough focus to go around.
[ He reaches up to catch her hand in his, threading their fingers together. ] And oh, yeah. Just in case you forgot that part, too, you promised to make me an earring. And I’m holding you to that.
[ He's regaled her with stories of close calls, scaling out windows in the dead of night or just as dawn was breaking as someone came bursting through doors demanding to know what he was doing in bed with someone. It's never failed to delight her and it doesn't fail to draw the corners of her lips upwards now despite the conflicting feelings whirling inside of her.
And again, despite the doubt that stirs in her heart at his words, she allows herself to melt into his embrace. Instinctively she moves to wrap her arms around him - but before she can he's tangling their fingers together.
It's difficult to hide her bewilderment and confusion. ]
When did I say I was going to make you an earring? You already have one.
And again, despite the doubt that stirs in her heart at his words, she allows herself to melt into his embrace. Instinctively she moves to wrap her arms around him - but before she can he's tangling their fingers together.
It's difficult to hide her bewilderment and confusion. ]
When did I say I was going to make you an earring? You already have one.
[ There's no arguing that that sounds like something she would have done. But her eyes dart once again to earring before peeling away uncomfortably. It's hard to feel second place when she had never been in the running to begin with, she tells herself.
Instead she focuses her gaze on their hands and the feeling of the senseless circles against her knuckles and the arm around her waist. She squeezes his hand letting out a tired exhale. ]
It probably won't look good beside that one.
Instead she focuses her gaze on their hands and the feeling of the senseless circles against her knuckles and the arm around her waist. She squeezes his hand letting out a tired exhale. ]
It probably won't look good beside that one.
[ He just gives a disbelieving scoff at that. ]
If anyone could make a piece of jewelry that would look good there, it would be you. But if it’s too difficult for you, you can always make one for the other ear. Or maybe up the curve of this one instead.
If anyone could make a piece of jewelry that would look good there, it would be you. But if it’s too difficult for you, you can always make one for the other ear. Or maybe up the curve of this one instead.
[ There's a non-commmital sound from her. It's partly a dismissal at his confidence in her jewelry making skills and partly towards this supposed promise she had made him. Had she agreed because she so desperately wanted to feel included? To feel wanted? Is it some kindness he's giving her because he feels pity towards her and that her temper tantrum as she is coming to think of it, had worked in some way, shape or form?
It's too much to think about this early (is it even early?) in the morning and when she can feel the hangover that she's undoubtedly going to have the rest of the day creeping at the edges of her mind. Weariness and an impending hangover aren't enough to stop her from feeling and sounding reticent despite her best efforts to sound like a less than chipper version of herself. ]
I guess if I promised, I don't really have a choice, do I?
[ When she makes it though hadn't been discussed as far as she's aware - otherwise he would have mentioned that too. And maybe she would some day when her heart didn't feel so heavy and aching as it did right now. Maybe some day when she didn't feel the creep of the jealous creature stroke its sharpened claws along the length of her spine reminding her that it was still there, ever present. ]
It won't be today though. I feel like I woke up with cotton balls in my mouth.
It's too much to think about this early (is it even early?) in the morning and when she can feel the hangover that she's undoubtedly going to have the rest of the day creeping at the edges of her mind. Weariness and an impending hangover aren't enough to stop her from feeling and sounding reticent despite her best efforts to sound like a less than chipper version of herself. ]
I guess if I promised, I don't really have a choice, do I?
[ When she makes it though hadn't been discussed as far as she's aware - otherwise he would have mentioned that too. And maybe she would some day when her heart didn't feel so heavy and aching as it did right now. Maybe some day when she didn't feel the creep of the jealous creature stroke its sharpened claws along the length of her spine reminding her that it was still there, ever present. ]
It won't be today though. I feel like I woke up with cotton balls in my mouth.
[ He bends to press a kiss to her brow once more, tucking her hair back off her face with an affectionate brush of his fingers. ]
I think I can do something about that. Why don’t you go get washed up and into something comfy. I’ll go make you some tea. I promise you’ll feel all better afterwards.
I think I can do something about that. Why don’t you go get washed up and into something comfy. I’ll go make you some tea. I promise you’ll feel all better afterwards.
[ Hilda's eyes flutter closed for a moment as his warm lips kiss her forehead. There's other excuses on her lips about why she shouldn't linger longer than necessary. She's no longer familiar with Claude's schedule but she has to imagine that just because it's some nebulous part of the morning, he's probably somewhere which is probably the biggest reason she'd prefer to leave as quickly as possible.
But instead of saying anything along those lines she brings their hands closer together to brush her lips gently and quickly against his knuckles in silent agreement. ]
I won't stay too long. I have to meet Ioana in Aquila to pick up some packages.
[ That one at least isn't a lie. As she extracts herself from the bed, she tugs the sheet along with her to wrap around her body as she darts towards the bathroom. It's probably ridiculous and she's probably going to get laughed at - but after everything she had been through in the last 24 hours, she can't help it. Just before she closes the door she lingers in the doorway not turning to look at him. ]
Sylvain, I really don't deserve to be treated so kindly. But I appreciate it.
But instead of saying anything along those lines she brings their hands closer together to brush her lips gently and quickly against his knuckles in silent agreement. ]
I won't stay too long. I have to meet Ioana in Aquila to pick up some packages.
[ That one at least isn't a lie. As she extracts herself from the bed, she tugs the sheet along with her to wrap around her body as she darts towards the bathroom. It's probably ridiculous and she's probably going to get laughed at - but after everything she had been through in the last 24 hours, she can't help it. Just before she closes the door she lingers in the doorway not turning to look at him. ]
Sylvain, I really don't deserve to be treated so kindly. But I appreciate it.
Well. We’ll have to agree to disagree on that fact.
[ He watches her go with a faint smile lingering at the corner of his lips, his expression full of fondness. ]
But you’re welcome anyway. Now go on. I’ll have your tea ready for you when you’re finished.
[ He watches her go with a faint smile lingering at the corner of his lips, his expression full of fondness. ]
But you’re welcome anyway. Now go on. I’ll have your tea ready for you when you’re finished.
— i'm not lazy, i'm just cautious (my heart ponding makes me nauseous) | early aug @ cryptsleeper
theidlemaiden
2023-08-10 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
[ As the days leading up to their appointed training session loomed closer, Hilda had tried in vain to come up with whatever excuses she could to dodge it. Had she been the one to initiate this in the first place? Yes. Does that mean she'll still whine and dig her heels into the ground in protest? Absolutely.
The only saving grace to this entire ordeal is that she's spending time with Alucard. Well, that and there's dinner and dessert at the end of it. But all of those things combined are still not enough to dispel the pout from her lips as they arrive at the training grounds that day. It's clear that some part of her is resigned to her fate. Her hair is up in a rare ponytail that day in an attempt to keep most of it out of her face, and she's dressed in plainer clothing than she might otherwise don. Even her boots - which are still fashionable - err on the side of practical.
She unstraps her axe from her back with a sigh. ]
Are you sure we can't just skip to dinner and dessert? I'm already sweaty.
The only saving grace to this entire ordeal is that she's spending time with Alucard. Well, that and there's dinner and dessert at the end of it. But all of those things combined are still not enough to dispel the pout from her lips as they arrive at the training grounds that day. It's clear that some part of her is resigned to her fate. Her hair is up in a rare ponytail that day in an attempt to keep most of it out of her face, and she's dressed in plainer clothing than she might otherwise don. Even her boots - which are still fashionable - err on the side of practical.
She unstraps her axe from her back with a sigh. ]
Are you sure we can't just skip to dinner and dessert? I'm already sweaty.
Hilda, you asked me to do this for you.
[Alucard has placed his coat off to one side, but has otherwise dressed no differently. Simple white shirt. Black trousers. Sturdy boots. Hair very much still down, and now sword unsheathed.
It is a fair replica of the one from home, although this one rather pointedly does not float.]
And if we put it off now, it'll be put off perpetually.
[Alucard has placed his coat off to one side, but has otherwise dressed no differently. Simple white shirt. Black trousers. Sturdy boots. Hair very much still down, and now sword unsheathed.
It is a fair replica of the one from home, although this one rather pointedly does not float.]
And if we put it off now, it'll be put off perpetually.
[ Do you really have to point out the obvious, Alucard? And with the emphasis on the words? ]
It wouldn't be put off perpetually. [ One last attempt at wheedling because why not? Also, it isn't fair whatsoever that he doesn't have a bead of sweat on him. ] Just temporarily in favour of some delicious food instead.
[ The axe glints in the sun as she unwraps it from its covers and she can see her own reflection looking worriedly back at her. Finally she lets out a sigh. ]
How did you want to do this?
It wouldn't be put off perpetually. [ One last attempt at wheedling because why not? Also, it isn't fair whatsoever that he doesn't have a bead of sweat on him. ] Just temporarily in favour of some delicious food instead.
[ The axe glints in the sun as she unwraps it from its covers and she can see her own reflection looking worriedly back at her. Finally she lets out a sigh. ]
How did you want to do this?
[He does Hilda, sorry.
Alucard just flat out decides to ignore the attempt to sliiiide out of their arrangement. Instead he holds his sword lightly, considering the question. And the fact that Hilda holding that axe just looks right.]
Move to attack me. We'll take it from there.
Alucard just flat out decides to ignore the attempt to sliiiide out of their arrangement. Instead he holds his sword lightly, considering the question. And the fact that Hilda holding that axe just looks right.]
Move to attack me. We'll take it from there.
[ Ugh. Friendship is a real drag sometimes.
Hilda gives Alucard a long, weary stare as she hefts the axe over her shoulder. She can't tell if no training exercise is a better or worse scenario. Steve always had a plan for their training sessions and while there was some uniformity to those sessions, it was purposefully not the same by design because she had a distinct feeling that Steve had wizened up to the fact that if he did that, she'd be bored and sweaty. A dangerous combination than just one or the other, really.
The last time she had picked up her axe had been in the mountains attempting to track down the taken Summoned. She'd had to clean the blood and gore off of its blade until there had been no trace of it left and that had been such a chore. She isn't used to going so long without picking one up but it immediately feels familiar in her hands. Is she supposed to feel good about that?
Before she can think too long about it she dashes towards him, hands gripping the haft and taking a swing towards his legs that she expects him to counter. ]
Hilda gives Alucard a long, weary stare as she hefts the axe over her shoulder. She can't tell if no training exercise is a better or worse scenario. Steve always had a plan for their training sessions and while there was some uniformity to those sessions, it was purposefully not the same by design because she had a distinct feeling that Steve had wizened up to the fact that if he did that, she'd be bored and sweaty. A dangerous combination than just one or the other, really.
The last time she had picked up her axe had been in the mountains attempting to track down the taken Summoned. She'd had to clean the blood and gore off of its blade until there had been no trace of it left and that had been such a chore. She isn't used to going so long without picking one up but it immediately feels familiar in her hands. Is she supposed to feel good about that?
Before she can think too long about it she dashes towards him, hands gripping the haft and taking a swing towards his legs that she expects him to counter. ]
[Alucard waits patiently for Hilda to decide what her first move will be. He's not thinking of this as training with drills and repeated actions. No uniformity. This is just a fight between friends, which means friends don't hold back their stupid vampire tricks.
Which is to say that where Alucard is one moment when Hilda swings towards his legs that...
...he's behind her, his left hand grabbing onto her right shoulder with the intent to throw her off balance.]
Over here.
Which is to say that where Alucard is one moment when Hilda swings towards his legs that...
...he's behind her, his left hand grabbing onto her right shoulder with the intent to throw her off balance.]
Over here.
Wha -
[ It wasn't like she was going for a swing with intent, but instead of the clash of metal, she's met with air. When she realizes that Alucard has appeared behind her instead she staggers forward due to all her forward momentum. Years of grappling practice tells her that she could grab a hold of his wrist but for that she'd have to drop her axe. And frankly, a wrestling match sounds far less appealing than sparring.
She stumbles forward before turning around to look at him. Hilda doesn't go so far as to stomp her feet but the spirit of it is there in her voice. ]
That's not fair! How am I supposed to spar with you if you're just going to use your vampire skills?
[ Her Crest might be able to help with some of that but it had clearly been too fast for it to comprehend. ]
[ It wasn't like she was going for a swing with intent, but instead of the clash of metal, she's met with air. When she realizes that Alucard has appeared behind her instead she staggers forward due to all her forward momentum. Years of grappling practice tells her that she could grab a hold of his wrist but for that she'd have to drop her axe. And frankly, a wrestling match sounds far less appealing than sparring.
She stumbles forward before turning around to look at him. Hilda doesn't go so far as to stomp her feet but the spirit of it is there in her voice. ]
That's not fair! How am I supposed to spar with you if you're just going to use your vampire skills?
[ Her Crest might be able to help with some of that but it had clearly been too fast for it to comprehend. ]
You didn't say that I couldn't.
[He's smiling. He looks smug. He is being very, very rude about it and absolutely does not care.
But he does take the point.]
But if you insist.
[He's smiling. He looks smug. He is being very, very rude about it and absolutely does not care.
But he does take the point.]
But if you insist.
[ Hilda's quick to narrow her eyes at the response. Vampire or not, he's still being such a man right now. ]
I didn't think it needed saying.
[ She gives him a strong poke in the chest that is probably unlikely to do anything before stepping back to create space between them again. ]
You come at me this time.
I didn't think it needed saying.
[ She gives him a strong poke in the chest that is probably unlikely to do anything before stepping back to create space between them again. ]
You come at me this time.
How are you going to fight non-humans if you don't practice?
[But he takes the point. Literally. True enough, Hilda's poke in the chest bounces right off, but that's fine. His tits are strong.
Alucard takes a few steps back at that point, considering Hilda, her weapon, and her balance. Then in a (human speed) flash, he's moving to slash at her left side, feet moving deftly over the ground.]
[But he takes the point. Literally. True enough, Hilda's poke in the chest bounces right off, but that's fine. His tits are strong.
Alucard takes a few steps back at that point, considering Hilda, her weapon, and her balance. Then in a (human speed) flash, he's moving to slash at her left side, feet moving deftly over the ground.]
I don't know maybe I could charm them? All the non-humans I've met do far adore me. [ She flashes him a grin. ] Present company included.
[ Strong and lovely to look at. At least she's got a view while she's sparring. It's another small saving grace.
There's more to add to the quippy return but it's put on pause for Alucard advancing on her. She reads the motion, moving her axe down to parry before it gets anywhere close to her side. A ting rings out as metal meets metal and she shoves it away, before shifting her grip effortlessly to bring her axe down towards his right shoulder. ]
That or I wouldn't be alone with a non-human and someone else would fight them for me.
[ Strong and lovely to look at. At least she's got a view while she's sparring. It's another small saving grace.
There's more to add to the quippy return but it's put on pause for Alucard advancing on her. She reads the motion, moving her axe down to parry before it gets anywhere close to her side. A ting rings out as metal meets metal and she shoves it away, before shifting her grip effortlessly to bring her axe down towards his right shoulder. ]
That or I wouldn't be alone with a non-human and someone else would fight them for me.
[Hilda has a point about present company, but there's no time to respond. Her movements are well practiced, and Alucard disengages his sword as quickly as he can. Before her axe can find his shoulder though, Alucard pivots so that his back is to Hilda, his sword swiping low at her legs where her axe pointedly is not.
It is also a little flourishy movement that lets him turn and face her again properly. Is he showing off? Yes. But he's not using vampire speed, so there.]
Your luck is good, but I wouldn't count on it 100% of the time.
It is also a little flourishy movement that lets him turn and face her again properly. Is he showing off? Yes. But he's not using vampire speed, so there.]
Your luck is good, but I wouldn't count on it 100% of the time.
[ Hilda feels her Crest thrum as Alucard turns, and she does a small jump backwards, only getting the barest nick from his sword. She should be annoyed, but she isn't because even she could tell there was no harm done.
The showmanship is met with a raised eyebrow, an amused glimmer in her eyes. But she pouts, pulling out her doe eyes. ]
No? You're saying you wouldn't protect me with your impressive swordsmanship and vampire abilities?
[ Her hands shift a little lower down the haft. The next strike is aimed for his chest – but instead of swinging overhead she uses her height to her advantage swinging from below instead. ]
The showmanship is met with a raised eyebrow, an amused glimmer in her eyes. But she pouts, pulling out her doe eyes. ]
No? You're saying you wouldn't protect me with your impressive swordsmanship and vampire abilities?
[ Her hands shift a little lower down the haft. The next strike is aimed for his chest – but instead of swinging overhead she uses her height to her advantage swinging from below instead. ]
I'm asking what if I'm not able to?
[It is a different question, one that's a reminder of certain cult related shenanigans earlier in the year.
Either way, Alucard actually doesn't dodge the attack from below. He welcomes it, and he places his right hand against his own blade to hold it parallel, meeting the axe and beginning to use his own strength to force it downwards, injury to his own hand be damned.]
[It is a different question, one that's a reminder of certain cult related shenanigans earlier in the year.
Either way, Alucard actually doesn't dodge the attack from below. He welcomes it, and he places his right hand against his own blade to hold it parallel, meeting the axe and beginning to use his own strength to force it downwards, injury to his own hand be damned.]
[ She senses that in the question he asks but she doesn't respond immediately, eyes widened slightly at the disregard to his own hand. The strength she is using is no where near what she'd use in a real fight, and while he may be a vampire and could probably heal quickly, that doesn't mean she wants to cause any actually harm.
Hilda doesn't hold the axe there for long. Instead she lets it fall before pivoting back to make space and changing direction. Her voice is bright, light, with none of the gravity the question alludes to. ]
Then I guess I'll have to come save you. Or else our story will end tragically, I guess.
[ Her axe comes back down, aiming this time for the wrist of his sword hand. ]
Hilda doesn't hold the axe there for long. Instead she lets it fall before pivoting back to make space and changing direction. Her voice is bright, light, with none of the gravity the question alludes to. ]
Then I guess I'll have to come save you. Or else our story will end tragically, I guess.
[ Her axe comes back down, aiming this time for the wrist of his sword hand. ]
[The instant the axe falls, Alucard lets go of his own sword. In a moment, everything is healed. If there was any pain involved, he doesn't show it.]
I'll admit, you charging into a fight would create a few heart palpitations.
[Adrian "I am weak for partners that could break me" Tepes in a nutshell. Because Hilda swooping in suddenly with an axe is hot. Sorry.
What Alucard had intended to do was to force Hilda's axe down, then step on it and leap over her to get a nice surprise strike in. But that's not what happens. Instead, the minute that she swipes for his sword hand, he throws the blade upwards and steps back, confident that the momentum of the strike will carry Hilda through and permit him to catch the blade.
Which he'll use vampire speed for, but only for flavor.]
I'll admit, you charging into a fight would create a few heart palpitations.
[Adrian "I am weak for partners that could break me" Tepes in a nutshell. Because Hilda swooping in suddenly with an axe is hot. Sorry.
What Alucard had intended to do was to force Hilda's axe down, then step on it and leap over her to get a nice surprise strike in. But that's not what happens. Instead, the minute that she swipes for his sword hand, he throws the blade upwards and steps back, confident that the momentum of the strike will carry Hilda through and permit him to catch the blade.
Which he'll use vampire speed for, but only for flavor.]
How about we just don't speak that into existence, hm? I feel like that's just asking for trouble in Abraxas.
[ It's a whine, but a whine with a mildly flustered blush all the same. She doesn't want to come blazing in to be anyone's hero or saviour. Sparring privately? Fine. But someone's life in the balance had been far too much work, far too much responsibility for her. The kidnappings had proven that much.
Okay, she hadn't been expecting him to throw his stupid sword into the air. Hilda's eyes follow it for only a brief moment before darting back down to him (training had been more effective on her than she otherwise claimed). She has to wonder what he's doing but she isn't going to stop - not with all this momentum.
So she does follow through on the strike - but bends her knees closet to the ground, changing the trajectory of her swing in an attempt to hook the back of her axe around his calf so she can tug him down. ]
[ It's a whine, but a whine with a mildly flustered blush all the same. She doesn't want to come blazing in to be anyone's hero or saviour. Sparring privately? Fine. But someone's life in the balance had been far too much work, far too much responsibility for her. The kidnappings had proven that much.
Okay, she hadn't been expecting him to throw his stupid sword into the air. Hilda's eyes follow it for only a brief moment before darting back down to him (training had been more effective on her than she otherwise claimed). She has to wonder what he's doing but she isn't going to stop - not with all this momentum.
So she does follow through on the strike - but bends her knees closet to the ground, changing the trajectory of her swing in an attempt to hook the back of her axe around his calf so she can tug him down. ]
Fair point.[They don't need another kidnapping adventure.
Alucard takes the fall. Lands flat on his back, sword clattering beside him. It is the easiest thing in the world to roll over towards it and rebound, aware that Hilda is at a three quarter angle from him now. He rushes, swiping for her mid section.]
Alucard takes the fall. Lands flat on his back, sword clattering beside him. It is the easiest thing in the world to roll over towards it and rebound, aware that Hilda is at a three quarter angle from him now. He rushes, swiping for her mid section.]
You don't think we have anything to worry about that sort of thing anymore, do you?
[ The last several words are part gasp as she hollows out her stomach as if that would somehow stop the sword from what would definitely be a killing blow. Her axe is too low to the ground to block it but she has to do something – her cowardice practically demands it.
The downside(?) to being her brother's sister is that she had the misfortune to pick up grappling skills too. If you aren't in a position to stop the blade with yours, try to disarm them instead, Hilda.
She tries a risky move – twisting her body to let the blade pass through a gap in her arm as she reaches to try and trap his arm so he can't move it.
Which would also effectively mean dropping her own axe and pulling him close into an embrace. ]
[ The last several words are part gasp as she hollows out her stomach as if that would somehow stop the sword from what would definitely be a killing blow. Her axe is too low to the ground to block it but she has to do something – her cowardice practically demands it.
The downside(?) to being her brother's sister is that she had the misfortune to pick up grappling skills too. If you aren't in a position to stop the blade with yours, try to disarm them instead, Hilda.
She tries a risky move – twisting her body to let the blade pass through a gap in her arm as she reaches to try and trap his arm so he can't move it.
Which would also effectively mean dropping her own axe and pulling him close into an embrace. ]
I'm living in perpetual paranoia about it, honestly.
[His greatest fear happened again, he's never letting it go.
Alucard is a fan of using whatever one has at their disposal. It is why he'll shift forms in a fight if that's what it takes to get him out of a tight spot. He's all set to do just that when Hilda tries trapping his arm, because honestly. It's a good move. Enough to force him to stop and either call this much a draw or find a less animal based way out of the situation.
Embrace it is, even if Alucard totally ruins it with:] I could turn into bats right now, you know.
[His greatest fear happened again, he's never letting it go.
Alucard is a fan of using whatever one has at their disposal. It is why he'll shift forms in a fight if that's what it takes to get him out of a tight spot. He's all set to do just that when Hilda tries trapping his arm, because honestly. It's a good move. Enough to force him to stop and either call this much a draw or find a less animal based way out of the situation.
Embrace it is, even if Alucard totally ruins it with:] I could turn into bats right now, you know.
That's why you were so worried when we found you in the desert, wasn't it?
[ There's a gentle sympathy in her voice when she asks him. It's easier out of context to forget the state of him when they found him in the caves. She thinks him invincible, fearless, in some ways. It brings him down to a relatable level - not that she puts him up on a pedestal or anything. At least not as of late since getting to know him.
She realizes belatedly how close they are. It would be absolutely a little romantic - had it not been for that line. Her expression falls a little flat but the momentum she's still got pushes them several steps backwards, pressing into him. ]
Doesn't that fall under the vampire category? Can't we just have something nice like a little hug?
[ It transitions into more than a hug. Her feet trip over themselves, pitching her and her weight forward. ]
[ There's a gentle sympathy in her voice when she asks him. It's easier out of context to forget the state of him when they found him in the caves. She thinks him invincible, fearless, in some ways. It brings him down to a relatable level - not that she puts him up on a pedestal or anything. At least not as of late since getting to know him.
She realizes belatedly how close they are. It would be absolutely a little romantic - had it not been for that line. Her expression falls a little flat but the momentum she's still got pushes them several steps backwards, pressing into him. ]
Doesn't that fall under the vampire category? Can't we just have something nice like a little hug?
[ It transitions into more than a hug. Her feet trip over themselves, pitching her and her weight forward. ]
I was having flashbacks to what happened back home, yes.
[There's no point denying it, especially since Hilda knows the full truth of the situation there.
This is really getting quite ridiculous, and rather in defeat of the purpose of sparring.]
I'm fairly certain that in a fight, I'd have pushed you away or otherwise found a way to turn this into a fight with both of our weapons scattered to the wi--
[Hilda doesn't weigh that much, even with an axe. The problem is that it is unexpected. So Alucard takes both their weight and--
--okay, the angles are wild because his lips are definitely against Hilda's.
For a second time.
That's actually a novelty in and of itself, and the thought occupies Alucard's brain enough that he falls down on the ground entirely, aware that Hilda's being dragged along via momentum.]
[There's no point denying it, especially since Hilda knows the full truth of the situation there.
This is really getting quite ridiculous, and rather in defeat of the purpose of sparring.]
I'm fairly certain that in a fight, I'd have pushed you away or otherwise found a way to turn this into a fight with both of our weapons scattered to the wi--
[Hilda doesn't weigh that much, even with an axe. The problem is that it is unexpected. So Alucard takes both their weight and--
--okay, the angles are wild because his lips are definitely against Hilda's.
For a second time.
That's actually a novelty in and of itself, and the thought occupies Alucard's brain enough that he falls down on the ground entirely, aware that Hilda's being dragged along via momentum.]
Well I don't see you doing that. Holding onto you like this is exhausting! If you're going to do something shouldn't you be doing it -
[ It doesn't even occur to her that he won't stop their fall because, vampire. But she's cut off, not by the surprise that they were in fact falling, but because his lips were on hers.
The weight of gravity practically presses her lips to his. Her eyes widen and just as they hit the ground, she has just enough common sense to flatten her hands against his back pressing them even closer. She pulls back a hair's breadth, eyes still wide like saucers, brain just white noise but all too aware about his aversion to physical intimacy. ]
Oh – uhm.
[ It doesn't even occur to her that he won't stop their fall because, vampire. But she's cut off, not by the surprise that they were in fact falling, but because his lips were on hers.
The weight of gravity practically presses her lips to his. Her eyes widen and just as they hit the ground, she has just enough common sense to flatten her hands against his back pressing them even closer. She pulls back a hair's breadth, eyes still wide like saucers, brain just white noise but all too aware about his aversion to physical intimacy. ]
Oh – uhm.
[Hilda you can't say no vampire nonsense and then expect vampire nonsense!
They've both made it weird now. Alucard for breaking the fall by just taking the fall, Hilda being a good friend and well aware that Alucard and physical intimacy is something he's still working on getting through. What it results in is the dhampir just staring at Hilda, wide eyed and not wanting to shove her off but absolutely feeling awkward about the situation and--
--he tries to focus on the thing they're supposed to be doing.]
I think this is a draw?
They've both made it weird now. Alucard for breaking the fall by just taking the fall, Hilda being a good friend and well aware that Alucard and physical intimacy is something he's still working on getting through. What it results in is the dhampir just staring at Hilda, wide eyed and not wanting to shove her off but absolutely feeling awkward about the situation and--
--he tries to focus on the thing they're supposed to be doing.]
I think this is a draw?
[ * No vampire nonsense unless it means it could save them from this exact scenario.
Despite being clearly flustered she lets out a tittering laugh. ]
I'm sorry – yeah, a draw sounds good.
[ She has the sense to scramble off of him, righting herself. When she's up on her feet she extends a hand out to him to help pull him up. By the time he's on his feet, she's smiling like nothing had ever happened. That's the best way to address it, right? ]
Did you want to go again? Or maybe it's food time?
Despite being clearly flustered she lets out a tittering laugh. ]
I'm sorry – yeah, a draw sounds good.
[ She has the sense to scramble off of him, righting herself. When she's up on her feet she extends a hand out to him to help pull him up. By the time he's on his feet, she's smiling like nothing had ever happened. That's the best way to address it, right? ]
Did you want to go again? Or maybe it's food time?
[THERE WAS NO FINE PRINT IN THAT CONVERSATION cut a dhampir a break Hilda!!!]
Best out of five?
[At least he didn't offer to be up for as many rounds as she wasas i almost typed. Alucard takes the offered hand, happy to totally ignore what just happened. And vowing that Jaskier is soooooo not finding out.]
One skirmish does not count as a sparring session.
[but it does let us handwave further fighting]
Best out of five?
[At least he didn't offer to be up for as many rounds as she was
One skirmish does not count as a sparring session.
[
[ You should have looked closer and read the fine print before clicking accept on the terms and conditions, sorry!
Hilda can't help the immediate look of incredulousness on her face at his suggestion. ]
Best of five? Why not best of three or something?
[ Regardless of what they decide to land on, it’s clear by the end that she’s tiring. Months of not properly training and keeping up her stamina with a weapon in her hand shows. Objectively however, it’s clear that her body still remembers what she’s supposed to do and the axe still feels like an unfortunate extension of herself. The last round sees her splayed out on her back staring up at the sky. Her chest heaves and she can feel a bead of sweat begin to form in her hairline and trickle down her forehead.
The feel of it only spurs the whine that wrenches from her lips. ]
I’m exhausted, please tell me it’s dinner time now.
Hilda can't help the immediate look of incredulousness on her face at his suggestion. ]
Best of five? Why not best of three or something?
[ Regardless of what they decide to land on, it’s clear by the end that she’s tiring. Months of not properly training and keeping up her stamina with a weapon in her hand shows. Objectively however, it’s clear that her body still remembers what she’s supposed to do and the axe still feels like an unfortunate extension of herself. The last round sees her splayed out on her back staring up at the sky. Her chest heaves and she can feel a bead of sweat begin to form in her hairline and trickle down her forehead.
The feel of it only spurs the whine that wrenches from her lips. ]
I’m exhausted, please tell me it’s dinner time now.
It's dinner time now.
[It probably isn't a surprise that Alucard looks fairly put together in spite of the length of time they've spent romping about. There's a little sweat that means his shirt clings to his chest, but he's not panting. Not falling over. Nothing seems to remotely bother him, he might as well have gone for a walk in the park.
His sword is sheathed, and Alucard offers Hilda a hand up.]
I'll even carry your axe for you.
[It probably isn't a surprise that Alucard looks fairly put together in spite of the length of time they've spent romping about. There's a little sweat that means his shirt clings to his chest, but he's not panting. Not falling over. Nothing seems to remotely bother him, he might as well have gone for a walk in the park.
His sword is sheathed, and Alucard offers Hilda a hand up.]
I'll even carry your axe for you.
[ At the confirmation she lets out a weary little cheer and a half-hearted fist pump to the sky.
Of course he looks fine. He looks fine in every sense of the word on any given day, even when he looks disheveled in the middle of a desert. She tries not to look too envious when he steps into view, and definitely brushes away the intrusive thought about what it would look like if he were more sweaty.
The offer is tempting. But as she takes his hand she gives him a bat of her eyelashes trying to look as pathetic as possible. ]
How about you just carry me instead as part of my consolation prize for losing so badly? I think my legs are jelly after that last round.
Of course he looks fine. He looks fine in every sense of the word on any given day, even when he looks disheveled in the middle of a desert. She tries not to look too envious when he steps into view, and definitely brushes away the intrusive thought about what it would look like if he were more sweaty.
The offer is tempting. But as she takes his hand she gives him a bat of her eyelashes trying to look as pathetic as possible. ]
How about you just carry me instead as part of my consolation prize for losing so badly? I think my legs are jelly after that last round.
[Bluff calls bluff.
Alucard wordlessly extends both arms and crouches down low.]
Very well. But then you're carrying your axe.
Alucard wordlessly extends both arms and crouches down low.]
Very well. But then you're carrying your axe.
[ Obviously she had hoped he'd say yes but hoping that is a little different from actually having it happen. She tries not to look too surprised before nodding. Holding her axe is a small sacrifice if it means not having to walk after a training session.
Hilda pulls the axe across her lap, blade pointing away from Alucard before looking towards him expectantly. ]
Ready when you are!
Hilda pulls the axe across her lap, blade pointing away from Alucard before looking towards him expectantly. ]
Ready when you are!
[.......................oh he didn't think this was going to.
Wait.
He should have absolutely expected it, what is wrong with him.
Picking Hilda up is like carrying a pillow. It is easy to just scoop her up and wait just long enough so she can adjust the axe. Then he starts walking, the intended destination being the office he shares with Jaskier.]
This second part is not going to be a regular occurrence.
Wait.
He should have absolutely expected it, what is wrong with him.
Picking Hilda up is like carrying a pillow. It is easy to just scoop her up and wait just long enough so she can adjust the axe. Then he starts walking, the intended destination being the office he shares with Jaskier.]
This second part is not going to be a regular occurrence.
[ Bluff calls bluff, Alucard. Did you really think that she wouldn’t capitalize on an opportunity to be cradled close to someone’s well defined chest?
The way she settles right in with a not-so-hiddden smile on her face as they walk through the streets of Cadens looks something akin to a smug cat.
The faux-innocence of her voice could either be endearing or nauseating. ]
Are you sure? I think we should add it in as a consolation prize for all future training sessions. We can’t really expect the loser to have to walk all the way home after losing so badly, right?
The way she settles right in with a not-so-hiddden smile on her face as they walk through the streets of Cadens looks something akin to a smug cat.
The faux-innocence of her voice could either be endearing or nauseating. ]
Are you sure? I think we should add it in as a consolation prize for all future training sessions. We can’t really expect the loser to have to walk all the way home after losing so badly, right?
What if I lose on purpose one day and you have to carry me about?
[He asks it with just as smug a tone.]
[He asks it with just as smug a tone.]
[ She gasps, looking mildly offended at the suggestion. ]
You'd like that, wouldn't you? But there's no way I could actually beat you in a fight even if you lost on purpose.
[ Also losing on purpose is her thing. He needs to find his own thing. ]
Also, how would I carry you? You're so much taller than me.
[ Said as if she hadn't carried Claude after a particularly long training session or when she had found him snoring and hunched over a table with books surrounding him. It is do-able - but she isn't going to let Alucard know that. ]
You'd like that, wouldn't you? But there's no way I could actually beat you in a fight even if you lost on purpose.
[ Also losing on purpose is her thing. He needs to find his own thing. ]
Also, how would I carry you? You're so much taller than me.
[ Said as if she hadn't carried Claude after a particularly long training session or when she had found him snoring and hunched over a table with books surrounding him. It is do-able - but she isn't going to let Alucard know that. ]
Maybe I would.
[He grins, smug, and keeps moving forward. This really isn't a problem, but it's more fun to tease about failing to account for Alucard throwing a match.]
If you're so worried about carrying me, then don't throw out suggestions someone that aren't equitable to all parties.
[He grins, smug, and keeps moving forward. This really isn't a problem, but it's more fun to tease about failing to account for Alucard throwing a match.]
If you're so worried about carrying me, then don't throw out suggestions someone that aren't equitable to all parties.
Alucard, please.
[ To say that she looks completely unimpressed with the thought of something that she can absolutely see him doing is an understatement. ]
That's hardly the gentlemanly thing to do! Even if I could carry you, don't you think that would look silly? You don't want to look silly, do you?
[ She shifts slightly in his hold, mindful of the position of her axe. Her protest draws the looks of several of the locals as they pass by but she pays them little heed. ]
If you think about it that way, I'm really just adding to your mysterious yet dashing vampire image.
[ To say that she looks completely unimpressed with the thought of something that she can absolutely see him doing is an understatement. ]
That's hardly the gentlemanly thing to do! Even if I could carry you, don't you think that would look silly? You don't want to look silly, do you?
[ She shifts slightly in his hold, mindful of the position of her axe. Her protest draws the looks of several of the locals as they pass by but she pays them little heed. ]
If you think about it that way, I'm really just adding to your mysterious yet dashing vampire image.
You're moving the goal posts. This isn't about looking gentlemanly or silly. It is about who wins and loses, and nothing else.
[This is so dumb. And yet he keeps going.]
No. What you're doing is risking me walking into the office only for Jaskier to see this particular arrangement and to give us both hell until the end of our days.
[This is so dumb. And yet he keeps going.]
No. What you're doing is risking me walking into the office only for Jaskier to see this particular arrangement and to give us both hell until the end of our days.
I don't even know what goal posts are, you can't hold that against me.
[ Hilda, for one, doesn't care much about how dumb this is. She's fully committed to this argument and she intends to win it because there is no way that she is going to carry Alucard over a lost bet. ]
Jaskier is all you're worried about? I mean, I suppose being his business partner and friend being worried about that makes sense, but I'm neither of those things to him.
[ ...So in other words it's really just an Alucard problem. ]
What would he even say? And, if you're really that worried about it, you can put me down just outside the door of the office. That way he won't be the wiser.
[ Hilda, for one, doesn't care much about how dumb this is. She's fully committed to this argument and she intends to win it because there is no way that she is going to carry Alucard over a lost bet. ]
Jaskier is all you're worried about? I mean, I suppose being his business partner and friend being worried about that makes sense, but I'm neither of those things to him.
[ ...So in other words it's really just an Alucard problem. ]
What would he even say? And, if you're really that worried about it, you can put me down just outside the door of the office. That way he won't be the wiser.
First of all, you can infer meaning. Secondly, of course. Say you have a friend where you live on a reliable back and forth, and you're caught doing something either ridiculous or something that can be teased about into perpetuity. Would you let that chance slip away?
[The answer is no, and don't try lying to him Hilda.]
I am not in the habit of giving out low hanging fruit that is practically on the ground.
[The answer is no, and don't try lying to him Hilda.]
I am not in the habit of giving out low hanging fruit that is practically on the ground.
[ That only prompts her to grin a little wider, cheekiness edging into her voice as she dons the airheaded delicate flower act she's so used to wearing. ]
I don't know what infer means either.
[ She does, but it's more fun to act like she doesn't if it means riling him up a little more. ]
I probably wouldn't, no. But Jaskier seems like the type of man who does plenty of ridiculous things, so you could probably do the same thing right back to him. And besides this [ She motions to him holding her. ] isn't that ridiculous. How could he tease you about helping a hapless flower?
I don't know what infer means either.
[ She does, but it's more fun to act like she doesn't if it means riling him up a little more. ]
I probably wouldn't, no. But Jaskier seems like the type of man who does plenty of ridiculous things, so you could probably do the same thing right back to him. And besides this [ She motions to him holding her. ] isn't that ridiculous. How could he tease you about helping a hapless flower?
I am going to drop you, axe and all.
[HE MEANS IT. Probably.]
Hilda, all three of us know that you are absolutely not a helpless flower. Jaskier is also aware of my romantic shortcomings and I expect would be overly encouraging if you follow my meaning.
[HE MEANS IT. Probably.]
Hilda, all three of us know that you are absolutely not a helpless flower. Jaskier is also aware of my romantic shortcomings and I expect would be overly encouraging if you follow my meaning.
No! I'm sorry, please don't drop me. It would hurt so much.
[ Immediately her eyes go all gooey and misty at the possible threat. Her body immediately tenses at it too and she holds onto her axe that much tighter.
Her brief wiggle of protest which would probably result in anyone but someone with an extremely firm grip or a vampire ceases. She blinks several times confusedly. ]
You don't even like me that way. And wait - you really think of it as a shortcoming?
[ Immediately her eyes go all gooey and misty at the possible threat. Her body immediately tenses at it too and she holds onto her axe that much tighter.
Her brief wiggle of protest which would probably result in anyone but someone with an extremely firm grip or a vampire ceases. She blinks several times confusedly. ]
You don't even like me that way. And wait - you really think of it as a shortcoming?
[HE IS IMMUNE TO THE SAD EYES.]
I won't, but you know those eyes don't work on me, correct? I can make bigger and sadder ones as a wolf.
[Wiggle or no, Alucard keeps moving on.]
I do not, but it is a cleaner label than me rehashing everything. And I've told him that I think I might be at the point to consider romantic endeavors again.
I won't, but you know those eyes don't work on me, correct? I can make bigger and sadder ones as a wolf.
[Wiggle or no, Alucard keeps moving on.]
I do not, but it is a cleaner label than me rehashing everything. And I've told him that I think I might be at the point to consider romantic endeavors again.
[ That doesn’t mean she won’t stop trying. And he has yet to see her actually turn on the waterworks so just you wait, Alucard.
The sad eyes linger for just a brief second longer before she dispels them with a roll of her eyes and a pout. Like sees like, apparently. ]
That’s not fair! Of course a wolf’s eyes are going to be bigger and cuter than mine.
[ The pout is two-fold however. Namely, it’s aimed at the shortcomings label. She shifts her hold on the axe to free up a hand and gives him a gentle flick on the chest. ]
Just because it’s cleaner doesn’t mean it’s right. Don’t call it that. [ That next bit though - curiosity sparks in her gaze. ] Really? That’s great, Alucard! Is there someone you have your eye on then?
The sad eyes linger for just a brief second longer before she dispels them with a roll of her eyes and a pout. Like sees like, apparently. ]
That’s not fair! Of course a wolf’s eyes are going to be bigger and cuter than mine.
[ The pout is two-fold however. Namely, it’s aimed at the shortcomings label. She shifts her hold on the axe to free up a hand and gives him a gentle flick on the chest. ]
Just because it’s cleaner doesn’t mean it’s right. Don’t call it that. [ That next bit though - curiosity sparks in her gaze. ] Really? That’s great, Alucard! Is there someone you have your eye on then?
Hilda, I offer this to you as a friend: you need to get a better line of defense that doesn't rely on fairness. It is a better argument and a better guilt trip.
[Hilda did...did you just flick his tits? Really?
Give him a minute to look baffled about that. It means his response to the question will look baffled too, but little problems.]
Feeling ready versus feeling that there's something to act on are two different things. So no, there's not. And if there were, maybe I would feel less prepared than I hypothetically do.
[Hilda did...did you just flick his tits? Really?
Give him a minute to look baffled about that. It means his response to the question will look baffled too, but little problems.]
Feeling ready versus feeling that there's something to act on are two different things. So no, there's not. And if there were, maybe I would feel less prepared than I hypothetically do.
[ She flicked the tits. And what of it?
She can't help her grumbled response that sounds suspiciously like how a real friend would just let her get away with it and therefore excusing her from the responsibility of needing to find a different defence. ]
Okay, fine you got me there. You just got my hopes up that you had a little crush on someone.
[ Because as her good friend knows, there's nothing she loves more than some gossip. ]
Why would you feel less prepared though?
She can't help her grumbled response that sounds suspiciously like how a real friend would just let her get away with it and therefore excusing her from the responsibility of needing to find a different defence. ]
Okay, fine you got me there. You just got my hopes up that you had a little crush on someone.
[ Because as her good friend knows, there's nothing she loves more than some gossip. ]
Why would you feel less prepared though?
[At least she didn't hit a nip.]
You've never felt completely confident in yourself in approaching something only to begin it and suddenly feel that confidence evaporate?
You've never felt completely confident in yourself in approaching something only to begin it and suddenly feel that confidence evaporate?
[ Be rude enough and she might.
If she hadn't known that they were talking about romantic interests Hilda might have hesitated in answering. Because the truth of the matter is, she faces those situations every day. Decisions that need to be made for the Old Public Hall are rarely done without consulting another member of the team, choosing to take on Cyprian’s tutelage more seriously as a metalsmith and blacksmith are daunting and ones she hadn’t fully committed to even though in practice, she was doing the things an apprentice would do. And those were just the things here.
There were countless other project she had begun and stopped because she suddenly realized she couldn’t do them. Not because of a physical road block mind you, but literally because a voice in her head told her that there was too much expectation attached to it.
Thankfully she's able to catch herself before tripping mentally over that thought. Except the pause might be telling enough that she’s thinking about something else. ]
I mean maybe when I was younger and approaching someone I had a crush on but after a while, you realize it’s just kind of for fun and put yourself out there anyway.
If she hadn't known that they were talking about romantic interests Hilda might have hesitated in answering. Because the truth of the matter is, she faces those situations every day. Decisions that need to be made for the Old Public Hall are rarely done without consulting another member of the team, choosing to take on Cyprian’s tutelage more seriously as a metalsmith and blacksmith are daunting and ones she hadn’t fully committed to even though in practice, she was doing the things an apprentice would do. And those were just the things here.
There were countless other project she had begun and stopped because she suddenly realized she couldn’t do them. Not because of a physical road block mind you, but literally because a voice in her head told her that there was too much expectation attached to it.
Thankfully she's able to catch herself before tripping mentally over that thought. Except the pause might be telling enough that she’s thinking about something else. ]
I mean maybe when I was younger and approaching someone I had a crush on but after a while, you realize it’s just kind of for fun and put yourself out there anyway.
[She should.
Alucard notices the pause, but true to his own form, he does not comment. He can guess what the answer is, and that Hilda's absolutely not going to say anything about what just flashed through her head. He doesn't need to know of course, it isn't any of his business.]
Fun, maybe, but I still have to get over a constant concern of being murdered.
Alucard notices the pause, but true to his own form, he does not comment. He can guess what the answer is, and that Hilda's absolutely not going to say anything about what just flashed through her head. He doesn't need to know of course, it isn't any of his business.]
Fun, maybe, but I still have to get over a constant concern of being murdered.
[ Don't tempt her with a good time, Alucard.
If he doesn't press, she won't give. She realizes it goes against her "I'm an open book" comment, but she's too focused on this particular scenario that she doesn't want to distract by talking about herself and her non-existent problems. ]
Even here? Who's here trying to murder you?
[ There's some heat to her question, as if the very idea is enough to give her a real reason to use her axe. ]
If he doesn't press, she won't give. She realizes it goes against her "I'm an open book" comment, but she's too focused on this particular scenario that she doesn't want to distract by talking about herself and her non-existent problems. ]
Even here? Who's here trying to murder you?
[ There's some heat to her question, as if the very idea is enough to give her a real reason to use her axe. ]
No one, no one! [He worded that badly. Alucard pauses, just long enough to shift around Hilda's weight to adjust the distribution, and then keeps moving.]
But I can easily see my brain suddenly thinking that might be the case in a perfectly pleasant situation with a partner, because it is still running on the fear of the last time.
But I can easily see my brain suddenly thinking that might be the case in a perfectly pleasant situation with a partner, because it is still running on the fear of the last time.
[ That seems to be enough to get her to back down and the grip around the handle of her axe relaxes considerably. She hadn't forgotten the whole reason behind his "shortcoming" to romance and she still sympathizes. And because she hasn't forgotten that also means she hasn't forgotten their accidental kiss during their training session.
Hilda pauses herself this time recalling the feel of his lips pressed awkwardly against hers. Honestly she was going to leave it at that and never speak of it again, but perhaps the best way to help him work through it would be by actually talking about it.
What a concept. ]
You didn't have that fear earlier, did you?
Hilda pauses herself this time recalling the feel of his lips pressed awkwardly against hers. Honestly she was going to leave it at that and never speak of it again, but perhaps the best way to help him work through it would be by actually talking about it.
What a concept. ]
You didn't have that fear earlier, did you?
Earl-- [Hilda he was going to just try and forget that it happened and not dwell on it.]
No, I did not.
[He turns a corner, and the familiar sight of the office finally comes into view.]
No, I did not.
[He turns a corner, and the familiar sight of the office finally comes into view.]
[ She's trying this new thing where she talks about things sometimes, okay Alucard? As her friend you should encourage her to practice good behaviour.
She spots the office as they round the corner and knows that the window to talk about this - and for him carrying her - is quickly coming to an end. ]
Oh. [ There's a brief pause. ] That's a good thing, right? Progress!
She spots the office as they round the corner and knows that the window to talk about this - and for him carrying her - is quickly coming to an end. ]
Oh. [ There's a brief pause. ] That's a good thing, right? Progress!
Yes, but that doesn't mean that a bad memory might flare up in the heat of the moment either.
[Alucard doesn't pick up the pace, which he thinks deserves an award. It means he's at least having the conversation.]
I don't want to rush anything just because it feels comfortable either. Whatever happens, having it be organic is probably wise.
[Alucard doesn't pick up the pace, which he thinks deserves an award. It means he's at least having the conversation.]
I don't want to rush anything just because it feels comfortable either. Whatever happens, having it be organic is probably wise.
[ She regards him a little longer before letting out a breathy laugh. ]
That's probably the smart thing to do. I didn't really do that when I was younger. I was just way too excited when I got to Garreg Mach and my brother wasn't there.
[ That isn't to say she had immediately gone and slept with the first person that showed the slightest interest in her. Rather, she had had her fill of flirting because even that had been hard pressed to do when every person within a ten-mile radius knew who she was and was terrified of her brother. ]
Were you with any before that happened?
That's probably the smart thing to do. I didn't really do that when I was younger. I was just way too excited when I got to Garreg Mach and my brother wasn't there.
[ That isn't to say she had immediately gone and slept with the first person that showed the slightest interest in her. Rather, she had had her fill of flirting because even that had been hard pressed to do when every person within a ten-mile radius knew who she was and was terrified of her brother. ]
Were you with any before that happened?
You got freedom for the first time. Why would you be thinking about limits on yourself in that moment?
[They're at the door now, and that means Hilda is going to back on her own little feets. Sorry Hilda.]
No. Just two crushes that got much more complicated in the aftermath. One of them was here for a time. We....made progress. Which was nice.
[They're at the door now, and that means Hilda is going to back on her own little feets. Sorry Hilda.]
No. Just two crushes that got much more complicated in the aftermath. One of them was here for a time. We....made progress. Which was nice.
I wasn't. And I had so much fun. [ There's a fondness as she thinks briefly about her time at the Academy. It inevitably leads her to think about her friends in the Golden Deer, the friends she had made in the other houses, and then of course, to Claude. ] But being a little cautious might have helped in some respects.
[ Her feet find the ground - albeit reluctantly - and she takes a moment adjusting her axe so that it won't be a bother as she walks the short way into the office. ]
A friend from home? [ That's what she can assume anyway if the feelings for his crushes had developed before this supposed aftermath. ] I'm sorry that they left, Alucard. But I'm glad that you got the time with them that you did. I think that's the one thing that Abraxas can at least give us - time to figure things out when they're less complicated.
[ ...As long as you know, they aren't being kidnapped. Or being taken to a political mediation disguised as an all expense paid vacation, or the other things that had happened to the Summoned before their arrival. ]
[ Her feet find the ground - albeit reluctantly - and she takes a moment adjusting her axe so that it won't be a bother as she walks the short way into the office. ]
A friend from home? [ That's what she can assume anyway if the feelings for his crushes had developed before this supposed aftermath. ] I'm sorry that they left, Alucard. But I'm glad that you got the time with them that you did. I think that's the one thing that Abraxas can at least give us - time to figure things out when they're less complicated.
[ ...As long as you know, they aren't being kidnapped. Or being taken to a political mediation disguised as an all expense paid vacation, or the other things that had happened to the Summoned before their arrival. ]
Better to have the fun, I suspect. [Alucard can only imagine how much just...more...Hilda might have been when first let upon the world without the structure of home life to keep her in check. It was probably a lot of personality all at once for everyone including herself.
He smiles faintly at the thought as he opens the door that leads up to the second floor offices, holding it for Hilda first.]
You'd have gotten along well with Sypha. And I don't think you're wrong about what this place offers. Being away from home offers the luxury of time and perspective that may be impossible to find at home. I know that was the case for myself.
He smiles faintly at the thought as he opens the door that leads up to the second floor offices, holding it for Hilda first.]
You'd have gotten along well with Sypha. And I don't think you're wrong about what this place offers. Being away from home offers the luxury of time and perspective that may be impossible to find at home. I know that was the case for myself.
do we want to try and wrap this soon before the event?
theidlemaiden
2023-08-19 07:15 am (UTC)(link)
[ Her lips twitch as she gives him a light laugh. ]
Younger me would definitely agree with you. So does current me.
[ Younger Hilda had definitely been more hell bent on having a good time and in the habit of not thinking twice about what that could possibly entail if someone got in her way. She wouldn't go as far as saying that she was recklessly careless with others feelings, but it fit in the uncomfortable way that it usually is when one reflects on their younger self once they've put some years between them. ]
Well if she was a friend of yours, I doin't have any doubt about that. I'd love to hear more about her and what you mean by gaining more perspective - maybe over dinner?
[ This is the other part of her that she's grown into over time. A younger Hilda's questions about others and those important to them had, in some respects, had been tinged with her needing to earn their good graces because you never knew when you needed their aid in doing a chore or work. ]
Younger me would definitely agree with you. So does current me.
[ Younger Hilda had definitely been more hell bent on having a good time and in the habit of not thinking twice about what that could possibly entail if someone got in her way. She wouldn't go as far as saying that she was recklessly careless with others feelings, but it fit in the uncomfortable way that it usually is when one reflects on their younger self once they've put some years between them. ]
Well if she was a friend of yours, I doin't have any doubt about that. I'd love to hear more about her and what you mean by gaining more perspective - maybe over dinner?
[ This is the other part of her that she's grown into over time. A younger Hilda's questions about others and those important to them had, in some respects, had been tinged with her needing to earn their good graces because you never knew when you needed their aid in doing a chore or work. ]
I think over dinner is the only available option. I've made a corn, tomato, and bell pepper salad that's waiting, and all that needs to be done is for me to quickly sear the steak to put on top of it.
[Dinner should be low lift and full of meat after such shenanigans, in Alucard's opinion. He's happy to make it all happen, and to enjoy the evening. If Jaskier pops in, he's welcome to at least steal some food.]
[Dinner should be low lift and full of meat after such shenanigans, in Alucard's opinion. He's happy to make it all happen, and to enjoy the evening. If Jaskier pops in, he's welcome to at least steal some food.]
[ It takes the second time Claire finds herself in need of healing to stop and find herself inside a residence to catch her breath. There's the sticky residue of blood on her neck, but she's otherwise fine and isn't in any sort of headspace to contemplate magical healing having experienced it now for herself.
Instead, she's reaching out to Hilda, then to everyone else in other factions she cares for. ]
𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑛'𝑡 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑑𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝑆𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝐼 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒, 𝐻𝑖𝑙𝑑𝑎, 𝑏𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑙.
Instead, she's reaching out to Hilda, then to everyone else in other factions she cares for. ]
𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑛'𝑡 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑑𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝑆𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝐼 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒, 𝐻𝑖𝑙𝑑𝑎, 𝑏𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑙.
[ Claire is incredibly lucky that these messages can't transmit videos of what the sender's state currently is because Hilda would be on the verge of rioting right now.
Hilda's own state is a little battered and a little bruised, but nothing that some healing magic can't take care of. She's surrounded by a plethora of parts and books and she's fairly certain she's going cross-eyed staring at everything as intently as she has been for the last however many hours.
The woman's words bring a wry smile to her lips. ]
𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘐'𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸. 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦?
Hilda's own state is a little battered and a little bruised, but nothing that some healing magic can't take care of. She's surrounded by a plethora of parts and books and she's fairly certain she's going cross-eyed staring at everything as intently as she has been for the last however many hours.
The woman's words bring a wry smile to her lips. ]
𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘐'𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸. 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦?
[LOL ]
𝐴 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑝, 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑡𝑠, 𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ?
[ She absolutely does not answer the question, attempting to smoothly dodge it so she doesn't have to lie. ]
𝐴 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑝, 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑡𝑠, 𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ?
[ She absolutely does not answer the question, attempting to smoothly dodge it so she doesn't have to lie. ]
[ She sees what you did there. Luckily she's going to try and keep this Light and Fun because while this isn't the kidnappings, this isn't exactly a party either. ]
𝘕𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 - 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦, 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘦? 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦.
...𝘐 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵?
𝘕𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 - 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦, 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘦? 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦.
...𝘐 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵?
[ Chuckling softly despite herself, she lets out a soft breath, content that Hilda's safe for now. ]
𝑂𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒. 𝐼'𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑦 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛.
[ The'll both always do what they're best at, no matter what the stakes. ]
𝑂𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒. 𝐼'𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑦 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛.
[ The'll both always do what they're best at, no matter what the stakes. ]
𝘖𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦.
𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩, 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘦? 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘢 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘰𝘯.
𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩, 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘦? 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘢 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘰𝘯.
[ She knew Hilda would get back to this and she braces herself for the fussing. ]
𝑊𝑒𝑙𝑙, 𝐼 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑛'𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐻𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛, 𝑠𝑜 𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑𝑛'𝑡 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝐼'𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑎𝑠 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒; 𝐿𝑢𝑐𝑘𝑖𝑙𝑦 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑢𝑛𝑛 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑛𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑟𝑠.
[ No more detail needed! ]
𝑊𝑒𝑙𝑙, 𝐼 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑛'𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐻𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛, 𝑠𝑜 𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑𝑛'𝑡 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝐼'𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑎𝑠 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒; 𝐿𝑢𝑐𝑘𝑖𝑙𝑦 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑢𝑛𝑛 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑛𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑟𝑠.
[ No more detail needed! ]
𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨?
[ She isn't getting away that easily! Hilda practically has a sixth sense for these things - look who she's friends with. ]
[ She isn't getting away that easily! Hilda practically has a sixth sense for these things - look who she's friends with. ]
𝐴 𝑏𝑖𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ 𝑖𝑓 𝐼'𝑚 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑡. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑙𝑢𝑐𝑘𝑖𝑙𝑦 𝐻𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑘𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑀𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑒𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼'𝑚 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒. 𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑎 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ.
[ Yet. She still has an encounter to go and doesn't know it. ]
[ Yet. She still has an encounter to go and doesn't know it. ]
[ Knowing Claire is running in close circles with Himeka is comforting but that doesn't stop her from worrying. ]
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦?! 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵?
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦?! 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵?
....𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑠, 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑒𝑦𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑.
[ She's being casual about it to keep Hilda calm, but the truth is she's been taking an extended break because she isn't sure she can do much more near-dying. ]
𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑠 𝐼 𝑡𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢, 𝐼'𝑚 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒, 𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐼𝑛 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡, 𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝐼'𝑚 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝐼 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑜 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑖𝑓 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒'𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡.
[ She's being casual about it to keep Hilda calm, but the truth is she's been taking an extended break because she isn't sure she can do much more near-dying. ]
𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑠 𝐼 𝑡𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢, 𝐼'𝑚 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒, 𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐼𝑛 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡, 𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝐼'𝑚 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝐼 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑜 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑖𝑓 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒'𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡.
[ Is this close to having a heart attack when she reads Claire’s words about encountering several creatures that she isn’t sure she’s equipped to fight. ]
𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦! 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶?
𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦! 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶?
𝐼'𝑚 𝑏𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑡'𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑖𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚.
[ Which isn't an answer and she knows it. And she also knows Hilda isn't a child, and deserves to know what's happened. ]
𝐼'𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑑𝑚𝑖𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑑 𝐼 𝑛𝑜𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑑 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑠, 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑎 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑. 𝐼 𝑡𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑎𝑡ℎ 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑜𝑎𝑡ℎ 𝑖𝑠 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑘𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠.
[ There's a pause in the words before Claire adds: ]
𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜𝑛'𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟, 𝑛𝑒𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝐽𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑒.
[ Which isn't an answer and she knows it. And she also knows Hilda isn't a child, and deserves to know what's happened. ]
𝐼'𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑑𝑚𝑖𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑑 𝐼 𝑛𝑜𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑑 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑠, 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑎 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑. 𝐼 𝑡𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑎𝑡ℎ 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑜𝑎𝑡ℎ 𝑖𝑠 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑘𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠.
[ There's a pause in the words before Claire adds: ]
𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜𝑛'𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟, 𝑛𝑒𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝐽𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑒.
[ That's definitely not an answer, Claire. As difficult as it is for her to swallow, as much as she'd like to protest her decision, Hilda understands. Sometimes she wishes that people weren't so selfless; it would mean they're less likely to get hurt in moments like these. But all of that selflessness is what made Claire, Claire. ]
𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘑𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘦 𝘐 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥. 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴.
𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘑𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘦 𝘐 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥. 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴.
𝐷𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡'𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐼 ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡? 𝑌𝑜𝑢'𝑣𝑒 𝑛𝑜 𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑎 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑜, 𝑑𝑜𝑛'𝑡 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑦.
[ Claire sighs and rubs her forehead, trying to stave off a pending headache. She should at least rest, but when? ]
𝐼 ℎ𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑜𝑛. 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒'𝑠 𝑠𝑎𝑘𝑒, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐼'𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 ℎ𝑜𝑡 𝑐𝑢𝑝 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑒𝑎 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 𝑏𝑖𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑔𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑝.
[ Claire sighs and rubs her forehead, trying to stave off a pending headache. She should at least rest, but when? ]
𝐼 ℎ𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑜𝑛. 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒'𝑠 𝑠𝑎𝑘𝑒, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐼'𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 ℎ𝑜𝑡 𝑐𝑢𝑝 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑒𝑎 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 𝑏𝑖𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑔𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑝.
𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵?
[ She's kidding of course. ]
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯.
[ ...The ones she had run into didn't really count. ]
𝘐'𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶!
[ She's kidding of course. ]
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯.
[ ...The ones she had run into didn't really count. ]
𝘐'𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶!
𝑂𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝐼 𝑑𝑜, 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡.
[ She's also teasing, she has no idea if that's even right. But she does care for Hilda an immense amount. ]
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑡'𝑠 𝑎 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑒, 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡? 𝑁𝑜𝑤 𝐼 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑘𝑒𝑒𝑝 𝑚𝑦𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓 𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛'𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛.
[ She's also teasing, she has no idea if that's even right. But she does care for Hilda an immense amount. ]
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑡'𝑠 𝑎 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑒, 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡? 𝑁𝑜𝑤 𝐼 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑘𝑒𝑒𝑝 𝑚𝑦𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓 𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛'𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛.
[ It's unlikely that she is Claire's youngest nor does she actually want her to worry for her the most, but it feels her chest with a happy warmth to read those words regardless. ]
𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦. 𝘉𝘶𝘵, 𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦.
𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘸.
𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦. 𝘉𝘶𝘵, 𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦.
𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘸.
[ So. There's a small problem. At some point in the midst of all the monster attacks, Hilda receives a sudden, hurried message. Even in mind-text, the urgency carries, the 'penmanship' quick and messy where before it had been elegantly pristine. ]
I'm sorry
It's Linhardt
that monster I saw in my dream is here and Linhardt is being possessed by it or something
we don't know how to help him
Please
I'm sorry
It's Linhardt
that monster I saw in my dream is here and Linhardt is being possessed by it or something
we don't know how to help him
Please
[ The message comes a day after she has her own "possession". The creature's hold on her is no longer present but she's still reeling from the feelings she had felt in that moment, the need to hurt, to feast, to kill.
But the familiar writing, the name of a friend, along with a clear message that he's in danger sends any other thought immediately from her mind.
Her own message is scrawled back - ]
𝘙𝘩𝘺?!
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥? 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯?
[ And then a beat later she adds for the both of them, ]
𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺.
But the familiar writing, the name of a friend, along with a clear message that he's in danger sends any other thought immediately from her mind.
Her own message is scrawled back - ]
𝘙𝘩𝘺?!
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥? 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯?
[ And then a beat later she adds for the both of them, ]
𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺.
He's attacking everyone. Violently.
Fighting alongside the beast, using fire, not acting like himself at all
Do these monsters infect people? Is that how they are made?
Fighting alongside the beast, using fire, not acting like himself at all
Do these monsters infect people? Is that how they are made?
𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳! 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦. 𝘏𝘦'𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴.
𝘋𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 - 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘺 𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯'𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩. 𝘐𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦.
𝘋𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 - 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘺 𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯'𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩. 𝘐𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦.
I know
All right
[ He has no idea what kinds of Crests or Relics Hilda means, surmising only they're from her and Linhardt's world and don't exist here; at least, that's what it seems like she's saying.
Frankly, he's a little distracted.
There's no answer for a minute or two, then-- ]
Hilda he's not calming down
What can kill the demon beast?
All right
[ He has no idea what kinds of Crests or Relics Hilda means, surmising only they're from her and Linhardt's world and don't exist here; at least, that's what it seems like she's saying.
Frankly, he's a little distracted.
There's no answer for a minute or two, then-- ]
Hilda he's not calming down
What can kill the demon beast?
Edited 2023-09-02 06:31 (UTC)
[ She paces, waiting for words to fill her vision. When they do she lets out her held breath. ]
𝘈𝘪𝘮 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘴. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵. 𝘞𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵.
𝘈𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘵, 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘐 -
[ The admission about being possessed herself almost gets scrawled down. Catching herself she continues. ]
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘴𝘯𝘢𝘱 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘵. 𝘖𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘶𝘯. 𝘗𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.
𝘈𝘪𝘮 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘴. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵. 𝘞𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵.
𝘈𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘵, 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘐 -
[ The admission about being possessed herself almost gets scrawled down. Catching herself she continues. ]
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘴𝘯𝘢𝘱 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘵. 𝘖𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘶𝘯. 𝘗𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.
okay
will try
[ After that uncharacteristically rushed response, Rhy goes quiet. For a long time.
It's hours before he's able to reach out again, this time apparently more calmly. ]
Hilda,
Thank you for your assistance earlier. With relief, I would like to inform you that Linhardt is safe and mostly unharmed. He will be all right.
will try
[ After that uncharacteristically rushed response, Rhy goes quiet. For a long time.
It's hours before he's able to reach out again, this time apparently more calmly. ]
Hilda,
Thank you for your assistance earlier. With relief, I would like to inform you that Linhardt is safe and mostly unharmed. He will be all right.
[ As the hours stretch she waits, pacing, trying to keep herself busy knowing that there's little she can do from where she is except hope that Rhy, Linhardt and whoever else is there with them are as safe.
When she sees Rhy's familiar handwriting she immediately puts down what she's doing to read them, letting out the biggest sigh of relief. ]
𝘕𝘰, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘙𝘩𝘺.
𝘐'𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨? 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨?
When she sees Rhy's familiar handwriting she immediately puts down what she's doing to read them, letting out the biggest sigh of relief. ]
𝘕𝘰, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘙𝘩𝘺.
𝘐'𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨? 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨?
We're all doing better.
He's all right. Sustained minor injuries, since healed. Mostly, I think he just feels bad, but he wasn't himself.
I'm all right, as is Kell. I just wanted to let you know.
He's all right. Sustained minor injuries, since healed. Mostly, I think he just feels bad, but he wasn't himself.
I'm all right, as is Kell. I just wanted to let you know.
𝘐'𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘥.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘙𝘩𝘺. 𝘐 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘵. 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘢𝘺. 𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘒𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰𝘰? 𝘐'𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘢 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘰𝘤𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘙𝘩𝘺. 𝘐 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘵. 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘢𝘺. 𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘒𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰𝘰? 𝘐'𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘢 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘰𝘤𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦.
Of course. I'm just happy we could help.
I'll let Kell know. I'm sure we would both love that.
Let's plan to meet at the start of next month. Do you have a teashop there you like?
I'll let Kell know. I'm sure we would both love that.
Let's plan to meet at the start of next month. Do you have a teashop there you like?
𝘐'𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥.
𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘻𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵𝘴.
𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘻𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵𝘴.
Are you still here? I have seen evidence of you in Horizon but you have not responded to my question about whether I could nap in Goneril.
[Linhardt spends time at the monastery and notes what is happening, he just is usually there at odd hours.]
[ She sees the message just as she's beginning to stir from a nap of her own which is unfortunately not Goneril. ]
𝘖𝘰𝘱𝘴, 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺! 𝘐'𝘮 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘐 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵. 𝘖𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘭. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘔𝘰𝘨𝘸𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘦.
[ The temperature in her domain is, unsurprisingly, always adjusted to the nappers preference. ]
𝘐'𝘮 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘢𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭.
𝘖𝘰𝘱𝘴, 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺! 𝘐'𝘮 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘐 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵. 𝘖𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘭. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘔𝘰𝘨𝘸𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘦.
[ The temperature in her domain is, unsurprisingly, always adjusted to the nappers preference. ]
𝘐'𝘮 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘢𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭.
[A little cold? Linhardt frowns; Hilda is a social butterfly. If she stops responding to people just because she had a slight illness, sustaining her relationships would not be possible. Hilda seems more like the sort of person who would be more communicative with a cold as it would be an excuse to get people to do things for her.]
Are you lying? You said we shouldn't hide things.
So there are no prickles or thistles in the fields? I hate when one finds an environment that seems conducive to sleeping and then there are small, thorny plants there.
Who is Mogwry?
Goneril has a very pleasant climate and it’s drier than Hevring - I think the sun would be more pleasant in Goneril.
𝘜𝘨𝘩, 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘐 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘧𝘧𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘢𝘵.
[ That's...more of the truth. ]
𝘐'𝘮 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯! 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧?
𝘔𝘰𝘨𝘸𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘨𝘭𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘥'𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥𝘴. 𝘈...𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘎𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘨 𝘔𝘢𝘤𝘩.
[ That's...more of the truth. ]
𝘐'𝘮 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯! 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧?
𝘔𝘰𝘨𝘸𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘨𝘭𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘥'𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥𝘴. 𝘈...𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘎𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘨 𝘔𝘢𝘤𝘩.
You were angry when I suggested that being concerned about me is a waste of your time. Did you not think that as a healer I would want to know if you were injured? Particularly as you were injured enough to not respond to messages when you enjoy social interactions.
Maybe you'd be punishing me for something by putting in thistles.
Mogwry can talk? How did he come to be in Horizon? Did your friend or lover create him?
𝘐 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨! [ And that isn't a lie. ] 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘳. 𝘈 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘦! 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘦 - 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦?
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘐 𝘣𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳, 𝘓𝘪𝘯?
𝘠𝘶𝘱! 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩. 𝘏𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘬𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥'𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯. 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳.
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘐 𝘣𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳, 𝘓𝘪𝘯?
𝘠𝘶𝘱! 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩. 𝘏𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘬𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥'𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯. 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳.
You are not the Professor: You cannot sleep that long. I could have asked questions to make sure that you were being well attended to. I have spoken with Nadine and have a lot of respect for her at this moment, but I may know things she does not and vice versa.
Perhaps you would find it amusing?
[Linhardt and Caspar would probably put thistles in each other's domains, and Linhardt would 100% put his at the top of a long tower in the sky just to make Hubert exist there.]
Interesting. I will need to speak with Mogwry. Has anyone made people?
Edited (html) 2023-09-10 21:38 (UTC)
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴. 𝘚𝘺𝘭𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥. 𝘕𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴.
𝘐 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘯𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴.
[ The Golden Deer shenanigans had prepared her well and given her plenty of ideas of how to prank people or do silly things that provided endless hours of amusement for her. ]
𝘔𝘰𝘨𝘸𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘶𝘯𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯 "𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦" 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰.
𝘐 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘯𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴.
[ The Golden Deer shenanigans had prepared her well and given her plenty of ideas of how to prank people or do silly things that provided endless hours of amusement for her. ]
𝘔𝘰𝘨𝘸𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘶𝘯𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯 "𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦" 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰.
You do realize that 'Sylvain and Claude have been doing pretty good all things considered' is not particularly comforting. Nadine said that she is learning medicine in order to help the Summoned. You are of the Summoned. Besides, we both know that it takes more than 'a couple of scratches' to lay you down for long.
I appreciate that you understand that some things are too sacred to be tampered with.
Oh. That sounds horrific.
𝘕𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵?
𝘌𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺. 𝘚𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘭'𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴.
𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 "𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯" 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩?
𝘌𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺. 𝘚𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘭'𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴.
𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 "𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯" 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩?
They are worried about you, which means that you were hurt. I find it confusing when I am told one thing - that we should not keep secrets and it is not a waste of time to care for one's friends - and shown another. Which am I to take as true?
It sounds horrific because it looks like a person but isn't them. I do not like the idea of a version of myself with no mind.
[ Linhardt's words are enough cause for Hilda to let out a groan in the silence of her room, prompting the leosylph slumbering on her bed with her to stir. ]
𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭.
𝘖𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘰𝘯.
𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭.
𝘖𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘰𝘯.
"𝘔𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦." That applies to you as well.
I don't know how I feel about creating...half people. It seems like something the Agarthans would do.
𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳! 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦.
...𝘐 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘺. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 "𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦" 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩. 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘔𝘰𝘨𝘸𝘳𝘺.
...𝘐 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘺. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 "𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦" 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩. 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘔𝘰𝘨𝘸𝘳𝘺.
But not much of a difference in meaning or purpose. Only in semantics.
I'm surprised that nobody has. I had the thought of creating Caspar, but the more I thought of it, the more repellant I found the idea. It's less troublesome if the creature or person being made is not meant to replicate someone. It sounds as though Waffle and Mogwry are their own creatures.
𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵!!
𝘐 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯, 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵. 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘮𝘦, 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺. 𝘖𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴, 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺. 𝘐𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵. 𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘮?
𝘈𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘞𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘭𝘦'𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘍𝘰𝘥𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘔𝘰𝘨𝘸𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘴...𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨.
𝘐 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯, 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵. 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘮𝘦, 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺. 𝘖𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴, 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺. 𝘐𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵. 𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘮?
𝘈𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘞𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘭𝘦'𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘍𝘰𝘥𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘔𝘰𝘨𝘸𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘴...𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨.
You're not going to convince me. Saying the same thing over and over doesn't work on me. If it did, I would agree with Edelgard all of the time.
I do miss him. It's surprisingly hard to keep track of time without him nagging me to eat.
Interesting in what way? Is there a 'real' Mogwry?
𝘈 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘺.
𝘈𝘸, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶.
𝘕𝘰, 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘴𝘰. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵.
𝘈𝘸, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶.
𝘕𝘰, 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘴𝘰. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵.
𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦?
[ Sorry, not sorry Linhardt. Hilda's going to be your personal reminder (when she remembers to do actually remind you). ]
𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘞𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦. 𝘏𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘐 𝘢𝘮!
[ Sorry, not sorry Linhardt. Hilda's going to be your personal reminder (when she remembers to do actually remind you). ]
𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘞𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦. 𝘏𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘐 𝘢𝘮!
𝘕𝘰, 𝘺𝘦𝘴, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴, 𝘐'𝘮 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸.
Hildaaaa. I have a poem for you.
Roses are red.
Violets aren't blue.
They are violet.
And I’m going to be violent here soon if they keep taking my stash.
S.O.S.
Roses are red.
Violets aren't blue.
They are violet.
And I’m going to be viole
S.O.S.
{ he didn’t say it was a good poem. p.s. ignore the totally unhinged moment back there. }
Actually, while on topic, what is your favorite color?
[ She'll forgive him, she understands being a little loopy. In fact, she'll send her own little ditty along. ]
...𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘺! 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘰'𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘩? 𝘋𝘰 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮?
𝘐'𝘮 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 - 𝘸𝘩𝘺?
𝘖𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵, 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵
𝘖𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘸𝘰
𝘐𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘴
𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵,
𝘛𝘰 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘦𝘺𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰
...𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘺! 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘰'𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘩? 𝘋𝘰 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮?
𝘐'𝘮 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 - 𝘸𝘩𝘺?
I'm going to frame it so everyone knows I'm a Darling Violet which makes you the Dulcet Rosé, our Bella Terroir Rose. It is now scripture. Since we now have a near death experience bond, I'll let you in on a little secret.
{ he's too shameless to be embarrassed over pun menacing. which could be up for debate. later, he'll blame it on the medical drugs. they do hit harder with magic. }
I've been borrowing some trinkets from around Thorne for my experiments. This morning someone took my champagne bottle. I probably shouldn't have snuck it in, but what else is there but a terrible paint job at this infirmary??? It's going down to a 3.9 rating. How's the Free Cities rating?
What if I want to give you some thanks-for-kicking-ass flowers???
What if I want to give you some thanks-for-kicking-ass flowers???
𝘖𝘩 𝘯𝘰, 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵! 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬.
[ Yes, she's aware that the writing will eventually fade but she hopes all the same that he doesn't have a writing implement and paper nearby. ]
𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸? 3.0 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘧𝘧. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴?
𝘖𝘰𝘩, 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦, 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘬. 𝘈𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵.
[ Yes, she's aware that the writing will eventually fade but she hopes all the same that he doesn't have a writing implement and paper nearby. ]
𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸? 3.0 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘧𝘧. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴?
𝘖𝘰𝘩, 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦, 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘬. 𝘈𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵.
I'll await an original poem then. Meanwhile. The shade matters! There's millennial pink, pastel, rosa, dark, fuchsia, bubblegum... Not all pinks are equal pretty. Some are better than others.
{ probably good that he can't memorize the magic text, but don't put it past a theatrical connoisseur. }
Being washed out is truly a whole rating down. They really should stop with the white walls. It's one paint coat away from loco. I'm doing the good experimental of eradicating soberisms. Can you believe I was at another magical world and they didn't have champagne?! Kept trying to replicate it. I decided I'm going to create a new drink while everyone else is playing political dolls.
she's going to have to find a fitting one that isn't just a shortened version of his name too
theidlemaiden
2023-09-28 04:21 am (UTC)(link)
𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦. 𝘈𝘭𝘴𝘰, 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘣𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘶𝘮 𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯.
[ She's still from ye-old JRPG medieval times after all. ]
𝘐 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 - 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘥𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘥, 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦.
𝘕𝘰 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘦?! 𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘶𝘯? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘳? 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘰𝘤𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦?
[ She's still from ye-old JRPG medieval times after all. ]
𝘐 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 - 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘥𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘥, 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦.
𝘕𝘰 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘦?! 𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘶𝘯? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘳? 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘰𝘤𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦?
I forget Earth lingo. We name our colors by association sometimes. I already have something that suits you. Look at me being efficient.
{ was that a slip? syke. it’s top secret! }
Good. My tastes are not to be questioned, and yours, chérie, are to be envied.
And for a world full of magic, Fillory didn’t have pizzaz. Until we arrived. I will need a taste tester so I’ll bring in a sample. Hint: I found some lavender, some orange peel. Still trying things. By the way, that reminds me, did you feel the opium in my domain?
And for a world full of magic, Fillory didn’t have pizzaz. Until we arrived. I will need a taste tester so I’ll bring in a sample. Hint: I found some lavender, some orange peel. Still trying things. By the way, that reminds me, did you feel the opium in my domain?
𝘖𝘰, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 "𝘸𝘺𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯"? 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 - 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦?
[ A girl can try and find out anyway. ]
𝘌𝘭, 𝘐'𝘮 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 - 𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸?
𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩. 𝘞𝘢𝘪𝘵 - 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘶𝘮? 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯?
[ A girl can try and find out anyway. ]
𝘌𝘭, 𝘐'𝘮 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 - 𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸?
𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩. 𝘞𝘢𝘪𝘵 - 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘶𝘮? 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯?
{ eliot had a self-made quest after taking too long to recover. it started with a boutique store in the city. he ended up spending most of the day there periodically as he begun to feel better in the physical sense. the emotion bottle did cause pain to his psyche, but he's been there and won't flinch at it. it's part of deal with magic. along the weeks, he found a space that isn't his room where he'll store different patterns to what he was trying to envision. it probably wouldn't be ideal to have all the supplies he needs laid on half of his side of the room. kyle wouldn't appreciate that, and he can't risk someone stepping over the fabric.
eliot is good with people. he takes advantage of it by charming the seamstress in the store. right now he'd rather do something that is less about trying to survive beasts and overcoming having to kill again. a slice of life, if one can call it that?
it takes a better part of two weeks when he finishes, thanking the woman whose name is janet, which absolutely makes him pause. she's older with a sort of mean look that only is upfront. it's very a devil wears prada with the streak of white hair and an eye for color he can appreciate. he likes her. apparently she likes him enough to give him an honest opinion as the clock strikes closer to the portal, and with it in sight and a final approval, he has the super-top-secret garment in his hands, carefully packaged into some fancy cloth all tied neatly into a bag, that he may or may not have taken from thorne's hallway decoration...
off he goes, into nocwich and the eternal night to see thought the sort of quests he would prefer nowadays. he let hilda know he'll be at the fountain in the main square of the marketplace, and he stays settled with the package on his lap. then he pulls out a small pipe he also may have allegedly taken from somewhere in thorne, lighting it up and taking a break. he deserves it. the puffs will smell like peach if someone gets close enough, something of a little trick whenever he does smoke. once he sees a stellar shade of pink in sight he tilts his attention. }
Ah. Rosé, darling. Guess where I was before this?
eliot is good with people. he takes advantage of it by charming the seamstress in the store. right now he'd rather do something that is less about trying to survive beasts and overcoming having to kill again. a slice of life, if one can call it that?
it takes a better part of two weeks when he finishes, thanking the woman whose name is janet, which absolutely makes him pause. she's older with a sort of mean look that only is upfront. it's very a devil wears prada with the streak of white hair and an eye for color he can appreciate. he likes her. apparently she likes him enough to give him an honest opinion as the clock strikes closer to the portal, and with it in sight and a final approval, he has the super-top-secret garment in his hands, carefully packaged into some fancy cloth all tied neatly into a bag, that he may or may not have taken from thorne's hallway decoration...
off he goes, into nocwich and the eternal night to see thought the sort of quests he would prefer nowadays. he let hilda know he'll be at the fountain in the main square of the marketplace, and he stays settled with the package on his lap. then he pulls out a small pipe he also may have allegedly taken from somewhere in thorne, lighting it up and taking a break. he deserves it. the puffs will smell like peach if someone gets close enough, something of a little trick whenever he does smoke. once he sees a stellar shade of pink in sight he tilts his attention. }
Ah. Rosé, darling. Guess where I was before this?
My glittering heart!
[ One of the many pet names she's come up with (and there's probably more to come) trills from her lips and over the din of the crowd even before she's reached him. Part of the projected announcement has in part to do with the fact that she's walking a little slower than she'd have liked no thanks to her still healing injuries and just because someone like Eliot deserved that sort of fanfare. There's a third reason there of course - because if she acts like she didn't almost die then it might as well not have occurred in the first place, right?
There's nothing to betray that she might be hurting. Not in the way that she's dressed (although long sleeves, a high collar and not an inch of skin showing might be a tip off considering she's someone that always enjoys showing a little bit of skin to tantalize and tease), or in the way that she walks or looks. She breezes up to him, giving him two quick kisses on the cheek before sliding beside him onto the fountain, noting the faint smell of peach in the air leftover from the smoke. Her lips quirk in amusement. ]
Is this a trick question? Because my first guess is Thorne.
[ One of the many pet names she's come up with (and there's probably more to come) trills from her lips and over the din of the crowd even before she's reached him. Part of the projected announcement has in part to do with the fact that she's walking a little slower than she'd have liked no thanks to her still healing injuries and just because someone like Eliot deserved that sort of fanfare. There's a third reason there of course - because if she acts like she didn't almost die then it might as well not have occurred in the first place, right?
There's nothing to betray that she might be hurting. Not in the way that she's dressed (although long sleeves, a high collar and not an inch of skin showing might be a tip off considering she's someone that always enjoys showing a little bit of skin to tantalize and tease), or in the way that she walks or looks. She breezes up to him, giving him two quick kisses on the cheek before sliding beside him onto the fountain, noting the faint smell of peach in the air leftover from the smoke. Her lips quirk in amusement. ]
Is this a trick question? Because my first guess is Thorne.
{ his mouth twitches at the nickname and his own attempt to add to the list. they'll rotate until one sticks or come back to it like bubblegum (which is usually pink! he's so clever). there's more to come on his end as well as he figures out what rolls off the tongue in the prettiest manner. eliot of course halts when he glances at hilda, and he wants to ask. it's at the tip of his tongue as the smoke disappears from the pipe and he sets it into his pocket. she is covered up. if there's something eliot knows as a fashion lover, is that he often uses clothing to emit. if his own wear is currently in tasteful muted colors, he'll just say it's to match the nocwich vibe.
he's usually good at reading people, but right now he's been attempting to run away from his own issues. it's nothing new. if he joins hilda in the pretending nothing is wrong, then let's see how far it takes them?
like he once did before while waiting upon the steps of brakebills for the new arrivals, his long body laid out, he also laid down and took most of the fountain, lazing out before properly lowering his legs to settle and reach out to hilda in a swoosh. }
A vision in person. { he winks, moving his hands to run along her arms and then giving her hands a light squeeze in greeting to her own before he leans back with a mischievous glint that settles into a smile that says he's glad to see her. } You could say that. I decided to see if I can find you with a locator spell. I got lost. And found myself at the hunting grounds. Not really my scene.
he's usually good at reading people, but right now he's been attempting to run away from his own issues. it's nothing new. if he joins hilda in the pretending nothing is wrong, then let's see how far it takes them?
like he once did before while waiting upon the steps of brakebills for the new arrivals, his long body laid out, he also laid down and took most of the fountain, lazing out before properly lowering his legs to settle and reach out to hilda in a swoosh. }
A vision in person. { he winks, moving his hands to run along her arms and then giving her hands a light squeeze in greeting to her own before he leans back with a mischievous glint that settles into a smile that says he's glad to see her. } You could say that. I decided to see if I can find you with a locator spell. I got lost. And found myself at the hunting grounds. Not really my scene.
[ Pretending nothing wrong is usually best done with company because enial is more fun that way when everyone is encouraging it, right? And clearly that's what healthy coping mechanisms look like.
All of that is to say that she spots the pause and her posture stiffens just enough in anticipation for a question that she probably has an answer for - but is relieved when he doesn't. She didn't want to lie to him (little white lies and omissions of truths are things she's been putting some concentrated effort into working herself out of), but she isn't necessarily prepared to answer it either. Not when it brushes dangerously close to unpleasant things that definitely don't have a place here in Nocwich and with someone that she enjoys the company of.
She's quick to recover, eyelashes fluttering demurely at his compliment before it gives way to a little wrinkle of her nose. ]
Oh no. Definitely not mine either. The locator spell might need a little work because obviously you and I would never go there willingly. [ She gives him a fond look. tinged with some worry. ] How are you feeling?
[ Well enough to crack jokes and make it out to Nocwich obviously. But if she's going off of personal experience, that isn't a very good indicator. ]
All of that is to say that she spots the pause and her posture stiffens just enough in anticipation for a question that she probably has an answer for - but is relieved when he doesn't. She didn't want to lie to him (little white lies and omissions of truths are things she's been putting some concentrated effort into working herself out of), but she isn't necessarily prepared to answer it either. Not when it brushes dangerously close to unpleasant things that definitely don't have a place here in Nocwich and with someone that she enjoys the company of.
She's quick to recover, eyelashes fluttering demurely at his compliment before it gives way to a little wrinkle of her nose. ]
Oh no. Definitely not mine either. The locator spell might need a little work because obviously you and I would never go there willingly. [ She gives him a fond look. tinged with some worry. ] How are you feeling?
[ Well enough to crack jokes and make it out to Nocwich obviously. But if she's going off of personal experience, that isn't a very good indicator. ]
{ they’re champions at coping, clearly.
he knows when to back off, from his years. right now they don’t need the background noise of what had clearly been a rather traumatic experience with the rifts. he’s left wondering when the next rift will occur, the next near death coming for them. it’s still better than what awaits him back home. it’s a motivator, to fall back into old habits that he enjoyed. the company alone is worth it.
eliot feigns a gasp, laying a hand over his heart dramatically. }
You wound my glittery heart. To think I’ve become a novice. I’ll have to make it up, chase you down next time. Don’t think I can sneak by into the Free Cities?
{ he teases, forgetting their limitations. then the question arrives as his fingers grip the package on his lap somewhat protectively. it becomes a silent anchor. takes a second, then his grip loosens, leaving a soft rustle of the fabric as he bumps his thigh next to hilda’s and keeps it there. }
I’m here. Good enough for me. And you? { the last bit is said in a softer tone. which is to say, he’s giving her an opening. he’s ready to pivot just in case. for good measure, he adds, } I don’t intend to become cozy with the dreadful walls of Thorne’s hospital. Too dull.
he knows when to back off, from his years. right now they don’t need the background noise of what had clearly been a rather traumatic experience with the rifts. he’s left wondering when the next rift will occur, the next near death coming for them. it’s still better than what awaits him back home. it’s a motivator, to fall back into old habits that he enjoyed. the company alone is worth it.
eliot feigns a gasp, laying a hand over his heart dramatically. }
You wound my glittery heart. To think I’ve become a novice. I’ll have to make it up, chase you down next time. Don’t think I can sneak by into the Free Cities?
{ he teases, forgetting their limitations. then the question arrives as his fingers grip the package on his lap somewhat protectively. it becomes a silent anchor. takes a second, then his grip loosens, leaving a soft rustle of the fabric as he bumps his thigh next to hilda’s and keeps it there. }
I’m here. Good enough for me. And you? { the last bit is said in a softer tone. which is to say, he’s giving her an opening. he’s ready to pivot just in case. for good measure, he adds, } I don’t intend to become cozy with the dreadful walls of Thorne’s hospital. Too dull.
[ Before the rifts, before the creatures, death had been a closer companion than she'd like to admit. The missions the Church had dispatched them on when they were barely out of their childhood years hadn't seemed so serious at the time. At the time they had seemed so invincible. Their youth gave them that impression and death on the battlefield was several steps removed from their world.
It hadn't been until recently that she had realized how closely it entwined itself in her life, following her like a shadow, waiting to lead her to whatever lay beyond.
To that dramatic gasp she gathers the hand over his heart, peppering it with a kiss and a teasing smile. ]
If I could smuggle you back without causing another war, I'd do it. Although if there's anyone worth starting one for it's you.
[ Her teasing gives way to something softer again, mirroring his. She lets out a wistful sigh. ]
I wish I could have been there. I would have come and decorated it with colour for you. [ Hesitation reaches through her again for a brief moment. To tell or not to tell? It's no secret that she had been laid out in bed - the question is how much is she meant to tell him without causing more undue worry? Despite her light tone, the hesitant smile betrays her. ] I'm a little slower than I'd like to be. The dragon sort of took it out of me.
It hadn't been until recently that she had realized how closely it entwined itself in her life, following her like a shadow, waiting to lead her to whatever lay beyond.
To that dramatic gasp she gathers the hand over his heart, peppering it with a kiss and a teasing smile. ]
If I could smuggle you back without causing another war, I'd do it. Although if there's anyone worth starting one for it's you.
[ Her teasing gives way to something softer again, mirroring his. She lets out a wistful sigh. ]
I wish I could have been there. I would have come and decorated it with colour for you. [ Hesitation reaches through her again for a brief moment. To tell or not to tell? It's no secret that she had been laid out in bed - the question is how much is she meant to tell him without causing more undue worry? Despite her light tone, the hesitant smile betrays her. ] I'm a little slower than I'd like to be. The dragon sort of took it out of me.
𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺? 𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵? 𝘐'𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦, 𝘕𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘶𝘦.
BIG ROCKS
MAKE PREETTY JURLY
[ The next time they meet in Nocwich, he will have a crate of rocks. Some of them are worthless garbage that might've looked shiny when wet, but there's a fist-sized one that looks suspiciously like it has opal peeking out, as well as a bag of a dozen pearls.
(some small crabs crawl out when disrupted...) ]
MAKE PREETTY JURLY
[ The next time they meet in Nocwich, he will have a crate of rocks. Some of them are worthless garbage that might've looked shiny when wet, but there's a fist-sized one that looks suspiciously like it has opal peeking out, as well as a bag of a dozen pearls.
(some small crabs crawl out when disrupted...) ]
[ It's been a while since he's walked through the entirety of Garreg Mach. Most of the time, Claude has a destination in mind - the aerie, the library, the fishing docks to lounge - and takes the paths he remembers well to get there. There's certainly something soothing about it even if he knows it's not the same thing. There's also the thought that his days of walking the real place are past beyond whatever time he'll be able to make it back to visit in an entirely different capacity, assuming he ever does.
Today finds him restlessly shuffling things around in his own domain. Normally he'd find it soothing, but one particular drawer in his desk he knows exists but has remained locked just as it is at home with its contents deliberately kept shut away has been pulling at his mind more and more. Especially so given what's happened recently; it's another thing Claude's started to wonder whether it was a misstep in keeping them hidden while the rest of what was there was discovered.
A walk will clear his mind, he decides, and rather than heading out into the Horizon proper - next door to the monastery it is. He walks the paths without any particular aim beyond looping through walkways less traveled, through this room or that building, until he looks out to the edge and realizes: there's something new there.
At first and from far away, he almost thinks it's the creation from someone just arrived. But closer and when he's at the edge of the fields looking at the lake, the cottage, the whole scene before him, it suddenly fits with glimpses of a territory he's mainly seen from above on wyvernback and peering down to the ground before. Claude steps forward onto what's leading towards a cottage which must be somewhere in Goneril, and with a smile on his face even as a light snow starts to fall to go and see if its owner is here. ]
Today finds him restlessly shuffling things around in his own domain. Normally he'd find it soothing, but one particular drawer in his desk he knows exists but has remained locked just as it is at home with its contents deliberately kept shut away has been pulling at his mind more and more. Especially so given what's happened recently; it's another thing Claude's started to wonder whether it was a misstep in keeping them hidden while the rest of what was there was discovered.
A walk will clear his mind, he decides, and rather than heading out into the Horizon proper - next door to the monastery it is. He walks the paths without any particular aim beyond looping through walkways less traveled, through this room or that building, until he looks out to the edge and realizes: there's something new there.
At first and from far away, he almost thinks it's the creation from someone just arrived. But closer and when he's at the edge of the fields looking at the lake, the cottage, the whole scene before him, it suddenly fits with glimpses of a territory he's mainly seen from above on wyvernback and peering down to the ground before. Claude steps forward onto what's leading towards a cottage which must be somewhere in Goneril, and with a smile on his face even as a light snow starts to fall to go and see if its owner is here. ]
[ A year in Abraxas means a year away from home. Days had passed since the date of her actual arrival but she still didn't know how she felt about it. Hilda doesn't often pay much mind to the passage of time in such sobering terms; she tries to live in the present as much as possible to avoid worrying about the future or feeling guilty about the past, but being pulled away from everything she once knew certainly had a way of changing that. Perhaps that's why she finds herself retreating back to her domain to think about how she feels being so far away from home for so long - amongst other things that is.
Her domain seems to sense her melancholy state. It's still bright in her domain, but the clouds obscure the sign, painting things in a slightly grey light and there's snow covering the flowers that sleep beneath it. The pond outside has frozen over and Mogwry had had to pull in the little tea set from the patio before that too was covered in a light dusting of snow.
When the door swings open it isn't Hilda like Claude may expect however. Instead, there's a small, tiny creature with little wings, what looks like a giant pom pom on its head carrying a broom. He tilts his head curiously at Claude before he speaks. Oh. You're that guy, kupo. Pretty bold of you to show up here.
Before he has a chance to expand on what he means by that, a voice from somewhere in the cottage calls out, overlaying with the sound of footsteps. Hilda comes into view a moment later, dressed down in a white shift and an oversized light pink knit cardigan. Ever since her "sleepover" in Wanda's domain, she had taken to dressing more casually here with her hair down and looser clothing because she had no one to impress, no one to see. Upon seeing Claude however she halts several metres from the door. ]
Mogwry, who's - oh.
[ Pink colours her cheeks more in surprise than anything else but she doesn't dwell on it. The corners of her lips tug upwards slightly. ]
You do know that we share a loft, right? You don't have to visit me here.
Her domain seems to sense her melancholy state. It's still bright in her domain, but the clouds obscure the sign, painting things in a slightly grey light and there's snow covering the flowers that sleep beneath it. The pond outside has frozen over and Mogwry had had to pull in the little tea set from the patio before that too was covered in a light dusting of snow.
When the door swings open it isn't Hilda like Claude may expect however. Instead, there's a small, tiny creature with little wings, what looks like a giant pom pom on its head carrying a broom. He tilts his head curiously at Claude before he speaks. Oh. You're that guy, kupo. Pretty bold of you to show up here.
Before he has a chance to expand on what he means by that, a voice from somewhere in the cottage calls out, overlaying with the sound of footsteps. Hilda comes into view a moment later, dressed down in a white shift and an oversized light pink knit cardigan. Ever since her "sleepover" in Wanda's domain, she had taken to dressing more casually here with her hair down and looser clothing because she had no one to impress, no one to see. Upon seeing Claude however she halts several metres from the door. ]
Mogwry, who's - oh.
[ Pink colours her cheeks more in surprise than anything else but she doesn't dwell on it. The corners of her lips tug upwards slightly. ]
You do know that we share a loft, right? You don't have to visit me here.
[ It's a good thing he normally wears substantial boots in the Horizon more often than not, but: the rest of what he's wearing is decidedly not meant for anything resembling winter. One wind gust bringing in a chill to match the snow - or possibly just his own dramatics over it being cold - is enough for that first shiver to be one too many. A blink later and he's wrapped in a substantial coat with a scarf and gloves to match.
Possibly an overreaction to a temperature he can admit isn't that bad, but it feels a bit more so after spending warmer days in the desert since its night chill hasn't hit winter levels yet. In either case, the layers give him a reason to take his time wandering down the path and with a curious glance or two at what might be beneath the snow, if anything, before he looks out to the frozen lake. A rather peaceful scene completed with the cabin he approaches.
But who opens the door isn't who he expect, and that's enough for Claude to stop in his tracks. Maybe this doesn't belong to who he'd thought and that was wishful thinking, but then the creature speaks. ]
Uh, [ is the very eloquent response he manages in his uncertainty since that certainly sounds like he's recognized even if the reverse isn't true, but a familiar voice speaks up soon after. His confusion is lessened, sort of, or at least enough to look away to who he does know. ]
Well, you know how the saying goes. I was in the mind neighborhood, or however that works, and saw something new. Curiosity practically demanded I come check it out. [ An answer that probably won't surprise Hilda, though he casts a glance back over one shoulder at the landscape behind him. ] Especially when it looks as familiar as this does compared to everything else in here that's not.
Possibly an overreaction to a temperature he can admit isn't that bad, but it feels a bit more so after spending warmer days in the desert since its night chill hasn't hit winter levels yet. In either case, the layers give him a reason to take his time wandering down the path and with a curious glance or two at what might be beneath the snow, if anything, before he looks out to the frozen lake. A rather peaceful scene completed with the cabin he approaches.
But who opens the door isn't who he expect, and that's enough for Claude to stop in his tracks. Maybe this doesn't belong to who he'd thought and that was wishful thinking, but then the creature speaks. ]
Uh, [ is the very eloquent response he manages in his uncertainty since that certainly sounds like he's recognized even if the reverse isn't true, but a familiar voice speaks up soon after. His confusion is lessened, sort of, or at least enough to look away to who he does know. ]
Well, you know how the saying goes. I was in the mind neighborhood, or however that works, and saw something new. Curiosity practically demanded I come check it out. [ An answer that probably won't surprise Hilda, though he casts a glance back over one shoulder at the landscape behind him. ] Especially when it looks as familiar as this does compared to everything else in here that's not.
[ Her lips curl at the typical Claude answer. ]
Right.
[ Claude's own bundled up outfit brings an amused crinkle of Hilda's eyes because really, it isn't even as cold as it could get. She had never lied about disliking the cold, but unlike Claude, she had grown up in a place with four seasons and more snow than Almyra likely ever did unless it was in the mountains of Fodlan's Throat. And also unlike Claude, she stands inside her toasty warm cottage. The fire blazes bright, the warmth from it emanating to every nook and cranny thanks to some help from Hilda's will.
Meanwhile Mogwry seems unimpressed by Claude's arrival and continues to stand in his place in the doorway like some sort of mini sential. Before Hilda has a chance to respond, the pipes up,You want me to let him in, kupo? The broom suddenly seems to crackle with some sort of mysterious electricity which doesn't go unnoticed by the domain owner. ]
Mogwry, we talked about the electric rod.
[ The moogle whips his head around, pompom bobbing adorably even though it's clear that he's baffled by this turn of events. Kupo, but you said that he -, Whatever Mogwry claims Hilda had said is muffled by her hand as she picks him up in her arms. The embarrassing interaction is met with a flush of her cheeks even as she holds on tight to her little guard moogle but she moves smoothly right past it like Mogwry had said nothing at all. ]
It's new. [ She pauses as annoyed kupo's! come from the moogle. ] The domain that is. I was going to make a meadow but then it kind of just...grew from there. I got Mogwry from a friend who left a couple of months ago.
[ There's another embarrassed pause. ]
Does it look okay?
Right.
[ Claude's own bundled up outfit brings an amused crinkle of Hilda's eyes because really, it isn't even as cold as it could get. She had never lied about disliking the cold, but unlike Claude, she had grown up in a place with four seasons and more snow than Almyra likely ever did unless it was in the mountains of Fodlan's Throat. And also unlike Claude, she stands inside her toasty warm cottage. The fire blazes bright, the warmth from it emanating to every nook and cranny thanks to some help from Hilda's will.
Meanwhile Mogwry seems unimpressed by Claude's arrival and continues to stand in his place in the doorway like some sort of mini sential. Before Hilda has a chance to respond, the pipes up,You want me to let him in, kupo? The broom suddenly seems to crackle with some sort of mysterious electricity which doesn't go unnoticed by the domain owner. ]
Mogwry, we talked about the electric rod.
[ The moogle whips his head around, pompom bobbing adorably even though it's clear that he's baffled by this turn of events. Kupo, but you said that he -, Whatever Mogwry claims Hilda had said is muffled by her hand as she picks him up in her arms. The embarrassing interaction is met with a flush of her cheeks even as she holds on tight to her little guard moogle but she moves smoothly right past it like Mogwry had said nothing at all. ]
It's new. [ She pauses as annoyed kupo's! come from the moogle. ] The domain that is. I was going to make a meadow but then it kind of just...grew from there. I got Mogwry from a friend who left a couple of months ago.
[ There's another embarrassed pause. ]
Does it look okay?
[ The electric rod - that gets a glance from Claude back to Mogwry momentarily when static rises in the air with the exact feeling he remembers from lightning spells being aimed his way in battle. This isn't battle, though the small creature's retort Hilda cuts out now does get both eyebrows raised from him. That aligns with the greeting he'd gotten mere moments ago and though she tries to muffle it to quite a number of protests, it's far from enough to make Claude forget about it.
Call it putting it on pause for a second since it's not as important as that question with a weighted pause before it he knows well. ]
That depends. Do you want the real answer or the teasing one?
[ Or, alternatively, Claude's just going to let this stand in for the latter since it doesn't come with any further explanation. It's a gentle tease at most considering he does plan to actually answer her - and with only well-deserved flattery there since the landscape is striking even when blanketed in winter.
Another wind gust reminds him of that very season and the resulting shiver when it brings a few snowflakes to pelt him in the face is only slightly exaggerated. Though he shifts his weight from one foot to another rather than making any approach, it's enough movement to have the broomstick crackling again which gets another raised eyebrow as he ducks down into the folds of his scarf for a moment until the breeze ends. ]
More importantly, do I get to come inside or am I going to be electrocuted first? Curious minds - [ Claude, who's also readying to conjure up another couple of layers for good measure - ] want to know.
Call it putting it on pause for a second since it's not as important as that question with a weighted pause before it he knows well. ]
That depends. Do you want the real answer or the teasing one?
[ Or, alternatively, Claude's just going to let this stand in for the latter since it doesn't come with any further explanation. It's a gentle tease at most considering he does plan to actually answer her - and with only well-deserved flattery there since the landscape is striking even when blanketed in winter.
Another wind gust reminds him of that very season and the resulting shiver when it brings a few snowflakes to pelt him in the face is only slightly exaggerated. Though he shifts his weight from one foot to another rather than making any approach, it's enough movement to have the broomstick crackling again which gets another raised eyebrow as he ducks down into the folds of his scarf for a moment until the breeze ends. ]
More importantly, do I get to come inside or am I going to be electrocuted first? Curious minds - [ Claude, who's also readying to conjure up another couple of layers for good measure - ] want to know.
[ Even though it's apparent that he's teasing her (he had said as much), Hilda's cheeks puff up automatically in response, dispelling most, if not all of her embarrassment in one fell swoop. One hand immediately goes to her hip. ]
I think that hinges on that teasing response.
[ But she catches Claude's slight shiver as a gust of wind rolls down from the Throat. Quickly she ushers him inside into the warmth and the bigger on the inside cottage. Slipping behind him she moves to close the door, staring out briefly at the sprawling, snowcapped rooftops of Goneril nestled into the mountainous terrain. Sometimes it's easy for her to forget that they aren't in Fodlan and that she can't just waltz right back into town and her family home only to be greeted with a spine crushing hug from Holst. She had considered making the town proper instead of just a visage that would never get closer no matter how closely you walked towards it - but had ended up shelving the idea for another day. It felt like too much work and she worried about not being able to do it justice.
With the door closed, the cold stays where it belongs and Hilda finally releases Mogwry with a look that clearly warns him he better be on his best behaviour. There's a moment where it looks like Mogwry is about to argue with her but after a moment he lets out a little huff before fluttering off upstairs broom and all. Hilda waits for him to turn the corner before turning back to Claude with an apologetic look on her face. ]
I'm sorry about Mogwry. He likes picking fights but we're working on it.
[ He'd already made an enemy of Rocket, wrongly accused Thancred of bullying him, and was now apparently trying to provoke Claude. But without the small creature in her arms, she suddenly finds herself uncertain about what to do with her hands. ]
Did you want tea? Is that weird in the Horizon? [ She rocks back and forth on her heels, finally settling on clasping her hands behind her back, ready to turn in any given direction based on Claude's answer. ] We can go sit in the living room unless you want a tour, but it'll be a short one.
I think that hinges on that teasing response.
[ But she catches Claude's slight shiver as a gust of wind rolls down from the Throat. Quickly she ushers him inside into the warmth and the bigger on the inside cottage. Slipping behind him she moves to close the door, staring out briefly at the sprawling, snowcapped rooftops of Goneril nestled into the mountainous terrain. Sometimes it's easy for her to forget that they aren't in Fodlan and that she can't just waltz right back into town and her family home only to be greeted with a spine crushing hug from Holst. She had considered making the town proper instead of just a visage that would never get closer no matter how closely you walked towards it - but had ended up shelving the idea for another day. It felt like too much work and she worried about not being able to do it justice.
With the door closed, the cold stays where it belongs and Hilda finally releases Mogwry with a look that clearly warns him he better be on his best behaviour. There's a moment where it looks like Mogwry is about to argue with her but after a moment he lets out a little huff before fluttering off upstairs broom and all. Hilda waits for him to turn the corner before turning back to Claude with an apologetic look on her face. ]
I'm sorry about Mogwry. He likes picking fights but we're working on it.
[ He'd already made an enemy of Rocket, wrongly accused Thancred of bullying him, and was now apparently trying to provoke Claude. But without the small creature in her arms, she suddenly finds herself uncertain about what to do with her hands. ]
Did you want tea? Is that weird in the Horizon? [ She rocks back and forth on her heels, finally settling on clasping her hands behind her back, ready to turn in any given direction based on Claude's answer. ] We can go sit in the living room unless you want a tour, but it'll be a short one.
[ There's nothing but a grin from Claude at her answer verbal and otherwise to that, especially so when it means he still gets to come inside anyway. The warmth inside is much appreciated even if he's still getting the occasional glare from the small being on which he still has many questions even if he thinks he can guess the answers. Or some of them, anyway, when it comes to the varying levels of hostility not merely from being muffled alone.
Hilda gives him one, kind of, by way of mentioning that Mogwry - a name which has him glancing up towards where Mogwry disappeared to the upper level in what Claude's willing to bet is absolutely a form of sulking - likes to pick fights. That summation gets a snort from him that's not quite laughter but is definitely amused. ]
I never would've guessed. [ He is wisely going to keep any other thoughts on that to himself in favor of shrugging now that his hands are no longer jammed in his coat pockets to keep them from becoming (nowhere near) numb. ] And if tea's weird in the Horizon then I suppose I've weirded out plenty of people what with offering it just about every chance I've gotten. Besides, if we're going to be here on a snowy day then it's only fitting, isn't it?
[ All with the sort of breeziness meant to add some calm to the situation considering Claude's not missed the way Hilda's fidgeting, and probably not over Mogwry's behavior. He'd been looking out a nearby window at the mountains outside with more appreciation without any cold wind bothering him, but he turns to shoot a smile her direction. ]
I'll let you choose if you want to do the tour or not. Where's this - [ with a small wave of his hand to encompass the cottage and the outdoors here but also wherever it is in reality - ] at?
Hilda gives him one, kind of, by way of mentioning that Mogwry - a name which has him glancing up towards where Mogwry disappeared to the upper level in what Claude's willing to bet is absolutely a form of sulking - likes to pick fights. That summation gets a snort from him that's not quite laughter but is definitely amused. ]
I never would've guessed. [ He is wisely going to keep any other thoughts on that to himself in favor of shrugging now that his hands are no longer jammed in his coat pockets to keep them from becoming (nowhere near) numb. ] And if tea's weird in the Horizon then I suppose I've weirded out plenty of people what with offering it just about every chance I've gotten. Besides, if we're going to be here on a snowy day then it's only fitting, isn't it?
[ All with the sort of breeziness meant to add some calm to the situation considering Claude's not missed the way Hilda's fidgeting, and probably not over Mogwry's behavior. He'd been looking out a nearby window at the mountains outside with more appreciation without any cold wind bothering him, but he turns to shoot a smile her direction. ]
I'll let you choose if you want to do the tour or not. Where's this - [ with a small wave of his hand to encompass the cottage and the outdoors here but also wherever it is in reality - ] at?
[ Thinking that Claude's dismissal of Mogwry's attitude is where it will end would be silly of her to believe. The man before her had a mind as sharp as a trap and remembered everything and he'd definitely remember a comment like Mogwry's with that much attitude laced behind it. He'd bring it up again. She was counting on that.
But in another display of Typical Claude moves, he moves on and she tells herself to do the same. Quietly she curses herself for asking a silly question; she'd offered tea plenty of times before in the Horizon too but she hadn't known what else to say, so taken aback by his appearance at her front door. While she had come here to escape and think, she hadn't planned on thinking about the thing Mogwry had been alluding to and she isn't about to let this surprise appearance by Claude be the reason she starts again. She's tired of the heaviness in her heart and slipping into a melancholy when she found herself alone.
Her lips quirk a little higher, a teasing lilt to her voice. ]
Well if you're talking about here - it's the living room. [ The slight rocking motion stops but her fidgeting continues behind her back, fiddling with the hems of her sleeves. ] But if you're talking about here - [ At this she motions around them. ] it's just some field in Goneril. Holst used to take me when I felt like I was getting restless. You'd like it a lot more in the spring and summer. The wildflowers stretch on for days.
[ She pauses, casting a glance around the cozy interior with its fairy lights strung up along the windows, casting everything in warmth and light. ]
There was nothing like this cottage though. There were some places for hikers to stay if they were going long distances so they could have a place to rest for the night that wasn't outside but [ She pulls a face. It goes without saying that she'd never done it. ] I've never been in one. I thought...it might be nice to have a place like this someday. If I ever go home.
[ Her gaze settles on the large bay window looking out towards Goneril. The word "home" sticks in her throat and there's a moment where she isn't certain if she'll be able to swallow it - but she does in the end. ]
Maybe I can convince Holst to buy me one and fix it up.
But in another display of Typical Claude moves, he moves on and she tells herself to do the same. Quietly she curses herself for asking a silly question; she'd offered tea plenty of times before in the Horizon too but she hadn't known what else to say, so taken aback by his appearance at her front door. While she had come here to escape and think, she hadn't planned on thinking about the thing Mogwry had been alluding to and she isn't about to let this surprise appearance by Claude be the reason she starts again. She's tired of the heaviness in her heart and slipping into a melancholy when she found herself alone.
Her lips quirk a little higher, a teasing lilt to her voice. ]
Well if you're talking about here - it's the living room. [ The slight rocking motion stops but her fidgeting continues behind her back, fiddling with the hems of her sleeves. ] But if you're talking about here - [ At this she motions around them. ] it's just some field in Goneril. Holst used to take me when I felt like I was getting restless. You'd like it a lot more in the spring and summer. The wildflowers stretch on for days.
[ She pauses, casting a glance around the cozy interior with its fairy lights strung up along the windows, casting everything in warmth and light. ]
There was nothing like this cottage though. There were some places for hikers to stay if they were going long distances so they could have a place to rest for the night that wasn't outside but [ She pulls a face. It goes without saying that she'd never done it. ] I've never been in one. I thought...it might be nice to have a place like this someday. If I ever go home.
[ Her gaze settles on the large bay window looking out towards Goneril. The word "home" sticks in her throat and there's a moment where she isn't certain if she'll be able to swallow it - but she does in the end. ]
Maybe I can convince Holst to buy me one and fix it up.
[ Her immediate comeback about the location, narrowing down a rather broad question to the specifics of right here, gets laughter from him. Well. That's certainly on him for choosing that way of phrasing it, and it's with a smile Claude looks back out the window to take in what's out there again. This time through the lens of Hilda's explanation and though it's his own imagination filling in everything else between the details she supplies, he thinks he could almost imagine it. Or maybe there's an overlay of something else coming to mind, especially when it comes to the mention of home. ]
Sounds a lot like the prairies in Almyra. Some of them seemed to change almost every day with the different flowers that'd bloom and more so after it rained or the temperatures changed. After I learned to ride wyverns I liked to explore wherever I could, and those fields and the steppes were among my favorites.
[ Hilda says it'd be nice to have if she went home, and here he is thinking as much about taking her to see the places he grew up with. Home is a far way away for both of them at the moment even as they stand here in an approximation of hers, and Claude turns over the idea of changing his own domain. It'd be one way to show her, though he's careful to wipe away any wistfulness before turning a smile back to her. ]
You should do it. Not just because I think Holst would be more than pleased and also right there helping to fix it up every step of the way before you even finished the sentence, but it's good to have a place of your own to go to. I imagine the lake out there is even nicer in summertime, too.
[ Not that it's not a nice sight from here - though he appreciates it more thanks to being inside, truthfully, unless there's something else about it Hilda knows he doesn't. ]
Sounds a lot like the prairies in Almyra. Some of them seemed to change almost every day with the different flowers that'd bloom and more so after it rained or the temperatures changed. After I learned to ride wyverns I liked to explore wherever I could, and those fields and the steppes were among my favorites.
[ Hilda says it'd be nice to have if she went home, and here he is thinking as much about taking her to see the places he grew up with. Home is a far way away for both of them at the moment even as they stand here in an approximation of hers, and Claude turns over the idea of changing his own domain. It'd be one way to show her, though he's careful to wipe away any wistfulness before turning a smile back to her. ]
You should do it. Not just because I think Holst would be more than pleased and also right there helping to fix it up every step of the way before you even finished the sentence, but it's good to have a place of your own to go to. I imagine the lake out there is even nicer in summertime, too.
[ Not that it's not a nice sight from here - though he appreciates it more thanks to being inside, truthfully, unless there's something else about it Hilda knows he doesn't. ]
I'd like to see it someday.
[ The wistful thought comes unbidden before she can stop herself, so caught up in this recounting of a piece of Claude's childhood that she had never been privy to. The heat of embarrassment rises to her cheeks once more when she realizes what she's let that thought slip. Why that is, she can't say. It's not like she was overstepping any boundaries. Not when he had already implied as much given everything they had gone through until this point. Quickly she follows up with - ]
Once you're not busy winning the throne that is. I'm sure that will take some time.
[ Would they ever return back to Fodlan? There have been too many times as of late where she'll drift to sleep wondering if she'll wake up the next morning not here, but back on Gronder Field about to step into the fog to fight old friends and classmates. Or worse. She wakes to find Sylvain and Claude gone, leaving her here alone. The former has plagued her since their kidnapping and it had never left. The thought makes her heart clench but she artfully presses it back down like the thought had never occurred to her in the first place.
Instead she offers him a cheeky smile. ]
That's the plan! I'll lay out the design, buy all the furniture and paint, and Holst can do all the heavy lifting.
[ As for the lake... ]
It's glacier water so it's freezing even in the summer. [ Involuntarily she shivers at the thought of summers past where she had been pulled in by Holst or the times when her feet grazed the cool surface in an attempt to cool herself down without jumping right in. ] You'd hate it. It isn't that bad right now either though. It's thick enough to skate on.
[ The wistful thought comes unbidden before she can stop herself, so caught up in this recounting of a piece of Claude's childhood that she had never been privy to. The heat of embarrassment rises to her cheeks once more when she realizes what she's let that thought slip. Why that is, she can't say. It's not like she was overstepping any boundaries. Not when he had already implied as much given everything they had gone through until this point. Quickly she follows up with - ]
Once you're not busy winning the throne that is. I'm sure that will take some time.
[ Would they ever return back to Fodlan? There have been too many times as of late where she'll drift to sleep wondering if she'll wake up the next morning not here, but back on Gronder Field about to step into the fog to fight old friends and classmates. Or worse. She wakes to find Sylvain and Claude gone, leaving her here alone. The former has plagued her since their kidnapping and it had never left. The thought makes her heart clench but she artfully presses it back down like the thought had never occurred to her in the first place.
Instead she offers him a cheeky smile. ]
That's the plan! I'll lay out the design, buy all the furniture and paint, and Holst can do all the heavy lifting.
[ As for the lake... ]
It's glacier water so it's freezing even in the summer. [ Involuntarily she shivers at the thought of summers past where she had been pulled in by Holst or the times when her feet grazed the cool surface in an attempt to cool herself down without jumping right in. ] You'd hate it. It isn't that bad right now either though. It's thick enough to skate on.
[ Claude catches that wistfulness and it's nearly enough to make him pause. But he's done that so much lately, hasn't he? Is it worth questioning (to himself) whether Hilda means that because they're currently here in Abraxas where home - either of their homes - are so distant, or because this is an invitation he should offer yet again, and one that will be weighted with that throne she mentions?
Hilda doesn't need yet another reminder of home, he decides. Not when they're standing right here in the very vision of hers, and not when they've already looped around the topic in different memories shared. He lets it go, finding it far easier to slip on a matching smile as they'd done so many times over so many other topics, and this one in agreement that there's no doubt Holst will be in charge of... anything requiring labor, if Claude had to guess. As Holst would prefer it just as much as Hilda, he's certain. But in response to that shiver, there's also a matching wrinkle of his nose to glacial temperatures. ]
I remember a trip to the mountains when I was a kid and seeing snow there. There were lots of streams around and they looked sort of like the ones I was used to, so I immediately went to play in one and was, ah, surprised. I can't imagine a whole lake of it feels much better than that did. How difficult is it to skate on?
[ Is there a way to ask this casually where it doesn't immediately betray that he doesn't know what he'd be doing if they attempted such a thing? No, there isn't. But that's not going to stop Claude from asking it anyway even as more snow starts to fall, as if he's asking about something as simple as the weather. He has a feeling there's only one expert in skating here, and definitely knows it's not him. ]
Hilda doesn't need yet another reminder of home, he decides. Not when they're standing right here in the very vision of hers, and not when they've already looped around the topic in different memories shared. He lets it go, finding it far easier to slip on a matching smile as they'd done so many times over so many other topics, and this one in agreement that there's no doubt Holst will be in charge of... anything requiring labor, if Claude had to guess. As Holst would prefer it just as much as Hilda, he's certain. But in response to that shiver, there's also a matching wrinkle of his nose to glacial temperatures. ]
I remember a trip to the mountains when I was a kid and seeing snow there. There were lots of streams around and they looked sort of like the ones I was used to, so I immediately went to play in one and was, ah, surprised. I can't imagine a whole lake of it feels much better than that did. How difficult is it to skate on?
[ Is there a way to ask this casually where it doesn't immediately betray that he doesn't know what he'd be doing if they attempted such a thing? No, there isn't. But that's not going to stop Claude from asking it anyway even as more snow starts to fall, as if he's asking about something as simple as the weather. He has a feeling there's only one expert in skating here, and definitely knows it's not him. ]
[ Without realizing it, her gaze had moved back towards the large window, watching the snow begin to fall again outside. So rarely had she been engrossed in a sea of homesickness for this long. Is it a dangerous thing, she wonders, to want so deeply for something she had in some ways taken for granted? When Claude speaks, and her gaze skips back towards him, there's a faint answer in her mind that, yes. It could.
But that's neither here nor there because there's something else more important that has arisen. ]
You've never skated?
[ Just as he suspects, Hilda immediately catches onto what he's saying and she can't help but sound amused, her eyebrows lifting slightly. She shouldn't feel so surprised. Claude's distaste of the cold isn't a well kept secret, or a secret at all actually. So maybe the surprise comes because she had thought that if anyone would have taken him skating, it might have been Sylvain. After all, there had been a time where she hadn't been here, and amongst the many things the two enjoyed doing with one another it was daring one another to do any assortment of things ranging from silly to downright stupid.
The thought of time without her should bring about a twinge of bitterness. And maybe it does stir something deep in her belly, adding more weight to her paranoia - but she can't hide the faint lift of her lips. ]
It's not that difficult. [ And that should mean something coming from the woman who shied away from most everything. She tilts her head towards the door. ] We could go try it now. If you want. Maybe get in some practice before Sylvain makes fun of you for not being able to?
But that's neither here nor there because there's something else more important that has arisen. ]
You've never skated?
[ Just as he suspects, Hilda immediately catches onto what he's saying and she can't help but sound amused, her eyebrows lifting slightly. She shouldn't feel so surprised. Claude's distaste of the cold isn't a well kept secret, or a secret at all actually. So maybe the surprise comes because she had thought that if anyone would have taken him skating, it might have been Sylvain. After all, there had been a time where she hadn't been here, and amongst the many things the two enjoyed doing with one another it was daring one another to do any assortment of things ranging from silly to downright stupid.
The thought of time without her should bring about a twinge of bitterness. And maybe it does stir something deep in her belly, adding more weight to her paranoia - but she can't hide the faint lift of her lips. ]
It's not that difficult. [ And that should mean something coming from the woman who shied away from most everything. She tilts her head towards the door. ] We could go try it now. If you want. Maybe get in some practice before Sylvain makes fun of you for not being able to?
[ At her question - Claude opts to neither confirm nor deny it, though his lack of response is likely equally telling as anything else. A faint raise of one eyebrow follows at it not being difficult, since: that's probably true, and especially so since Hilda would've made a point (or several points) to exclaim to the otherwise if it wasn't.
Something he thinks of with only fondness, though after that last question his face immediately shifts into a flat look of what might be rather unimpressed if it wasn't for the amusement he's now not bothering to hide either on his face or in his words. ]
Are you sure that's going to change anything? [ About the being made fun of part, that is, considering Claude's fairly certain that's going to happen no matter what. Hilda's point stands regardless that practice would absolutely be a help rather than a hindrance prior to any future events. And as a further bonus, falling on the ice won't hurt nearly as much in the Horizon as it would while awake. Probably. ] I have a feeling you just predicted my soon to be future should Sylvain ever drag us somewhere frozen to offset... well, all the suffering in the desert he claims he's been doing. Some extended stay in Luna is probably in both of our futures as soon as he remembers how cold it was there last year.
[ All fondly, though, since Claude also remembers the heavy layers they'd been provided with on that visit. He'll just have to locate those and then it'll be fine. Probably. That's a problem for Future Claude though since there's still this, and he tils his head towards the door in a mirror of her own action. ]
Alright, I'm putting my skating future in your capable hands then just as soon as I give myself a better coat than what I have on before we go back out there.
Something he thinks of with only fondness, though after that last question his face immediately shifts into a flat look of what might be rather unimpressed if it wasn't for the amusement he's now not bothering to hide either on his face or in his words. ]
Are you sure that's going to change anything? [ About the being made fun of part, that is, considering Claude's fairly certain that's going to happen no matter what. Hilda's point stands regardless that practice would absolutely be a help rather than a hindrance prior to any future events. And as a further bonus, falling on the ice won't hurt nearly as much in the Horizon as it would while awake. Probably. ] I have a feeling you just predicted my soon to be future should Sylvain ever drag us somewhere frozen to offset... well, all the suffering in the desert he claims he's been doing. Some extended stay in Luna is probably in both of our futures as soon as he remembers how cold it was there last year.
[ All fondly, though, since Claude also remembers the heavy layers they'd been provided with on that visit. He'll just have to locate those and then it'll be fine. Probably. That's a problem for Future Claude though since there's still this, and he tils his head towards the door in a mirror of her own action. ]
Alright, I'm putting my skating future in your capable hands then just as soon as I give myself a better coat than what I have on before we go back out there.
[ As Claude's features arrange themselves into a flat, unamused look that is actually quite the opposite, the corner of Hilda's lips curl that much higher. Ice skating isn't that difficult - but there were still plenty of things that she doesn't enjoy about the experience. Like how her ice skates never failed to pinch her toes or how the pain and bruises lingered for several days on the odd occasion that she did fall on her knees.
Admitting as much is hardly confidence building for someone that already had an aversion to cold though. And for the sake of their dance and the roles they've assigned themselves, she doesn't fully address Claude's plain as day amusement. Where was the fun in that otherwise?
Easier to focus on his agreement and how easy it had been to get him to try it. Not that she thought he'd put up much of a fuss, but there was always the possibility considering how stubborn Hilda knew he could be. It's easier to focus on all of that than how she very nearly makes a comment about how an extended stay in Luna might only be in one of their futures and it wouldn't be hers. But even she knows that there's no amount of joking levity that she can pour into her voice that would hide how a part of her still believes it.
Instead she chases the thought aside with a bright grin, closing the space between them to thread her fingers through his. ]
Oh, stop stalling. We both know that magic will have us dressed appropriately faster than we can actually dress ourselves.
[ And without waiting to hear the protests that she knows are coming, she tugs him towards the door. Her clothes transform into thick winter wear similar to what they'd have at home in Fodlan just as she pulls the door open, the warmth from inside spilling out. Casting a glance over her shoulder towards Claude, the same grin is still affixed on her face as she holds up two pairs of skates that have appeared in her hand. ]
Ready?
Admitting as much is hardly confidence building for someone that already had an aversion to cold though. And for the sake of their dance and the roles they've assigned themselves, she doesn't fully address Claude's plain as day amusement. Where was the fun in that otherwise?
Easier to focus on his agreement and how easy it had been to get him to try it. Not that she thought he'd put up much of a fuss, but there was always the possibility considering how stubborn Hilda knew he could be. It's easier to focus on all of that than how she very nearly makes a comment about how an extended stay in Luna might only be in one of their futures and it wouldn't be hers. But even she knows that there's no amount of joking levity that she can pour into her voice that would hide how a part of her still believes it.
Instead she chases the thought aside with a bright grin, closing the space between them to thread her fingers through his. ]
Oh, stop stalling. We both know that magic will have us dressed appropriately faster than we can actually dress ourselves.
[ And without waiting to hear the protests that she knows are coming, she tugs him towards the door. Her clothes transform into thick winter wear similar to what they'd have at home in Fodlan just as she pulls the door open, the warmth from inside spilling out. Casting a glance over her shoulder towards Claude, the same grin is still affixed on her face as she holds up two pairs of skates that have appeared in her hand. ]
Ready?
Edited 2023-12-28 07:13 (UTC)
Do we? What if this is the time that magic fails us?
[ That's paired with playfully and half-heartedly digging his heels into the floor as if Hilda's forcing him into something and there's any real resistance here - though the thought does cross his mind that if he stays behind it also means being that much closer to being electrocuted. He has a feeling Mogwry would delight in that. Which is to say: whatever supposed protest Claude's putting on dissolves in an instant with a squeeze to familiar fingers laced through his own to let her lead the way he was always going to follow. He's only partially aware of smiling as they walk to the door, but far more aware of it when Hilda glances back with her own grin and the one on his own face grows to match when it's too infectious to not. ]
As much as I'll ever be if you're going to insist on dragging me out there.
[ It goes without saying, perhaps, that the list of people he would do this for is a very short one. Never mind that this is all in their imaginations or whatever other technicality could be applied about being here - it makes no difference to him in the end when there's no way he would've said no to her asking. There's not any answer but yes which crosses his mind even if he has to be a little difficult about it in the process.
Magic doesn't fail this time as it turns out when in the blink of an eye, Claude's wearing a much thicker coat then before with a scarf to match. Also some sturdier socks since that seems smart what with standing on ice... sort of coming into play, and substantial gloves. Claude's self aware enough to know there's more than one way to come in contact with ice here - especially as a beginner to this - and he's not taking any chances even as he follows that up with a fully dramatic shiver. ]
Alright, let's do this.
[ That's paired with playfully and half-heartedly digging his heels into the floor as if Hilda's forcing him into something and there's any real resistance here - though the thought does cross his mind that if he stays behind it also means being that much closer to being electrocuted. He has a feeling Mogwry would delight in that. Which is to say: whatever supposed protest Claude's putting on dissolves in an instant with a squeeze to familiar fingers laced through his own to let her lead the way he was always going to follow. He's only partially aware of smiling as they walk to the door, but far more aware of it when Hilda glances back with her own grin and the one on his own face grows to match when it's too infectious to not. ]
As much as I'll ever be if you're going to insist on dragging me out there.
[ It goes without saying, perhaps, that the list of people he would do this for is a very short one. Never mind that this is all in their imaginations or whatever other technicality could be applied about being here - it makes no difference to him in the end when there's no way he would've said no to her asking. There's not any answer but yes which crosses his mind even if he has to be a little difficult about it in the process.
Magic doesn't fail this time as it turns out when in the blink of an eye, Claude's wearing a much thicker coat then before with a scarf to match. Also some sturdier socks since that seems smart what with standing on ice... sort of coming into play, and substantial gloves. Claude's self aware enough to know there's more than one way to come in contact with ice here - especially as a beginner to this - and he's not taking any chances even as he follows that up with a fully dramatic shiver. ]
Alright, let's do this.
[ Hilda didn't usually second guess herself. Or if she did, she tried not to let it show. Second guessing her actions when it came to Claude is becoming a habit that she has to unlearn and this moment is no exception. Even if it was playful in nature she hadn't missed the way his heels had dug into the ground and it nags at her insecurities.
She has to wonder if she ever felt this uncertain with him. Had she second guessed herself as much when they had first met? A part of her knows the answer already: she didn't. But how much of that had to do with the fact that her bond with him hadn't been as deep as it was now? How much of that has to do with her feelings for him now? Probably more than she's admitted aloud to him.
But as she watches his clothing magically transform into an outfit that she knows is as much for warmth as it is for cushion, all of those feelings momentarily melt away. Affection for him surges in her chest. Warmth radiates from her smile, her eyes crinkling as she pulls him towards the ice. The edge of the concrete platform is cleared of snow and she drags him down beside her so that they can start the arduous task of putting on their skates. It's the only time she releases his hand.
But as she's about to pull her skates on when she realizes - ]
Do you know how to lace your skates? Do you want me to do them for you, your Highness?
[ It's said teasingly, that same warmth laced through her words. ]
I know we're in the Horizon but I'd rather avoid seeing you fall flat on your face or break your ankles.
She has to wonder if she ever felt this uncertain with him. Had she second guessed herself as much when they had first met? A part of her knows the answer already: she didn't. But how much of that had to do with the fact that her bond with him hadn't been as deep as it was now? How much of that has to do with her feelings for him now? Probably more than she's admitted aloud to him.
But as she watches his clothing magically transform into an outfit that she knows is as much for warmth as it is for cushion, all of those feelings momentarily melt away. Affection for him surges in her chest. Warmth radiates from her smile, her eyes crinkling as she pulls him towards the ice. The edge of the concrete platform is cleared of snow and she drags him down beside her so that they can start the arduous task of putting on their skates. It's the only time she releases his hand.
But as she's about to pull her skates on when she realizes - ]
Do you know how to lace your skates? Do you want me to do them for you, your Highness?
[ It's said teasingly, that same warmth laced through her words. ]
I know we're in the Horizon but I'd rather avoid seeing you fall flat on your face or break your ankles.
Oh, well. If you're offering, who am I to say no?
[ Is his immediately fired back quip once they're seated and he pulls his gaze away from the skates in question to Hilda with a grin to match. Claude might've even included some ridiculous bow to match the title used on him and purely in hopes of making Hilda laugh. The skates do look rather complicated now that he's eying them with the realization he has to get them on, though Hilda pointing out the potential for accidents - ]
But hey, I don't want to break my ankles either! Speaking from experience I can tell you breaking something in here feels just like the real thing and I'm not eager to repeat it.
[ Thanks, labyrinth! Claude doesn't want to dwell on that either any longer than the follow up questions will take to answer since he knows he can't get away with saying something like that without Hilda (correctly) questioning it. At least if he does crash and burn he'll be ready for that particular disaster - and it doesn't change he'd rather encounter it here than anywhere in person where it's easy enough to fix.
Enough procrastinating; Claude reaches for one set of the skates and peers at them up close before raising an eyebrow. They look somewhat simple, but far be it for him to not think there's a trick to it both in mild suspicion and genuine curiosity about what all goes into this skating adventure. He's also possibly adding a second sweater surreptitiously under his coat for good measure. ]
Maybe you can show me how to do them? If we do get dragged somewhere later it'll save me there with any luck and all credit to your tutelage, of course. Though that does mean I'm counting on you keeping my ankles intact and my roguishly beautiful face unblemished all for your viewing pleasure.
[ Is his immediately fired back quip once they're seated and he pulls his gaze away from the skates in question to Hilda with a grin to match. Claude might've even included some ridiculous bow to match the title used on him and purely in hopes of making Hilda laugh. The skates do look rather complicated now that he's eying them with the realization he has to get them on, though Hilda pointing out the potential for accidents - ]
But hey, I don't want to break my ankles either! Speaking from experience I can tell you breaking something in here feels just like the real thing and I'm not eager to repeat it.
[ Thanks, labyrinth! Claude doesn't want to dwell on that either any longer than the follow up questions will take to answer since he knows he can't get away with saying something like that without Hilda (correctly) questioning it. At least if he does crash and burn he'll be ready for that particular disaster - and it doesn't change he'd rather encounter it here than anywhere in person where it's easy enough to fix.
Enough procrastinating; Claude reaches for one set of the skates and peers at them up close before raising an eyebrow. They look somewhat simple, but far be it for him to not think there's a trick to it both in mild suspicion and genuine curiosity about what all goes into this skating adventure. He's also possibly adding a second sweater surreptitiously under his coat for good measure. ]
Maybe you can show me how to do them? If we do get dragged somewhere later it'll save me there with any luck and all credit to your tutelage, of course. Though that does mean I'm counting on you keeping my ankles intact and my roguishly beautiful face unblemished all for your viewing pleasure.
[ After a brief show of thinking about it, Hilda's response is quick and, unsurprisingly, reveals how she'll benefit from this somehow in the future. ]
Only so that you can do them for me once you get the hang of it. It has nothing to do with your face.
[ As quick as she is to quip back however, Claude's allusion to breaking something in the Horizon and having it feel just as real once they left it doesn't escape her. Instead of pursuing that particular line of questioning however she hops onto the ice, reaching for the skate that isn't in Claude's hand.
She has no doubt that Claude will pick it up quickly since it's essentially like tying a boot. And she knew he could do that. In the meantime she makes quick work of unlacing the boot on his feet, tugging the first off with a bit of effort. Miraculously, she manages not to fall flat on her ass as she does. A further examination of his foot has her looking at him with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. ]
Are you wearing three pairs of socks?
[ Said like she isn't also wearing at least two. ]
Only so that you can do them for me once you get the hang of it. It has nothing to do with your face.
[ As quick as she is to quip back however, Claude's allusion to breaking something in the Horizon and having it feel just as real once they left it doesn't escape her. Instead of pursuing that particular line of questioning however she hops onto the ice, reaching for the skate that isn't in Claude's hand.
She has no doubt that Claude will pick it up quickly since it's essentially like tying a boot. And she knew he could do that. In the meantime she makes quick work of unlacing the boot on his feet, tugging the first off with a bit of effort. Miraculously, she manages not to fall flat on her ass as she does. A further examination of his foot has her looking at him with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. ]
Are you wearing three pairs of socks?
[ Said like she isn't also wearing at least two. ]
I'm not getting blisters from this even if it's just the Horizon!
[ Said with no small amount of being Deeply Scandalized seeping into his tone as if blisters are the worst thing in the world to ever face. They might be in the real world whereas here he could just wish them away - or possibly prevent them from happening - but would that entertain Hilda as much as leaning into this? Of course not.
Claude immediately extends his leg to flex the ankle of the foot she'd just freed from its boot related confines to show off the socks, because - ]
And it's four pairs, actually. It's cold out here if you aren't used to it. [ No, he won't miss a chance to grumble about that even as he turns his attention back to his other boot to yank it off without any ceremony and risk being exposed to the cold air that much more. ] By the way, don't think I'm not hurt you're leaving my face out of this like it's just a second thought. Yours looks rather nice from the cold, though.
[ There's just enough time to shoot a cheeky grin Hilda's direction since he does actually mean that while he picks up the other skate and undoes some of the laces on it to match where she has the other one. All the better to study with in this live demonstration. ]
Okay, so now that we've established the correct number of socks needed to be appropriately ready. What's next?
[ Said with no small amount of being Deeply Scandalized seeping into his tone as if blisters are the worst thing in the world to ever face. They might be in the real world whereas here he could just wish them away - or possibly prevent them from happening - but would that entertain Hilda as much as leaning into this? Of course not.
Claude immediately extends his leg to flex the ankle of the foot she'd just freed from its boot related confines to show off the socks, because - ]
And it's four pairs, actually. It's cold out here if you aren't used to it. [ No, he won't miss a chance to grumble about that even as he turns his attention back to his other boot to yank it off without any ceremony and risk being exposed to the cold air that much more. ] By the way, don't think I'm not hurt you're leaving my face out of this like it's just a second thought. Yours looks rather nice from the cold, though.
[ There's just enough time to shoot a cheeky grin Hilda's direction since he does actually mean that while he picks up the other skate and undoes some of the laces on it to match where she has the other one. All the better to study with in this live demonstration. ]
Okay, so now that we've established the correct number of socks needed to be appropriately ready. What's next?
The only way you'll get blisters is if you don't tie your laces properly.
[ All of his antics combined prompt the reaction he'd been hoping for. Amusement turns into laughter as she makes quick work of loosening the laces on the skate in her hand. The nice thing about Horizon magic is that the laces were far less likely to be stiff from the inevitable dampness that would seep into the fabrics.
Laughter however is quickly stifled, traded for a mildly embarrassed pout about her face. It should be impossible for her cheeks to flush more than they already are from the chill in her domain. But if they were going off the logic that most anything was possible in the Horizon then maybe she would be proven wrong at some point. ]
Stop fishing for compliments. You're just being greedy now. [ Her lower lip juts out just an inch more, a glimmer of exasperated fondness shining through. ] But if you manage not to fall flat on your face you might get a reward for that.
[ Back to business though. With a little bit of elbow grease she manages to wriggle the skate onto Claude's foot no thanks to the four layers of fabric he's put on. Her hands move slowly, speaking as she demonstrates. ]
Start from the bottom here and feed the laces from the outside to the inside. When you reach one eyelet, cross the laces under the sides and back out and...repeat until you make it all the way up! Easy, right?
[ All of his antics combined prompt the reaction he'd been hoping for. Amusement turns into laughter as she makes quick work of loosening the laces on the skate in her hand. The nice thing about Horizon magic is that the laces were far less likely to be stiff from the inevitable dampness that would seep into the fabrics.
Laughter however is quickly stifled, traded for a mildly embarrassed pout about her face. It should be impossible for her cheeks to flush more than they already are from the chill in her domain. But if they were going off the logic that most anything was possible in the Horizon then maybe she would be proven wrong at some point. ]
Stop fishing for compliments. You're just being greedy now. [ Her lower lip juts out just an inch more, a glimmer of exasperated fondness shining through. ] But if you manage not to fall flat on your face you might get a reward for that.
[ Back to business though. With a little bit of elbow grease she manages to wriggle the skate onto Claude's foot no thanks to the four layers of fabric he's put on. Her hands move slowly, speaking as she demonstrates. ]
Start from the bottom here and feed the laces from the outside to the inside. When you reach one eyelet, cross the laces under the sides and back out and...repeat until you make it all the way up! Easy, right?
Or if you wear all the socks you own.
[ For good measure because he's sticking to this Extreme Sock Layering being worth it, though it's not without a scoff at the idea of being greedy as if he wasn't doing exactly that and has been rightfully called out on it.
He'd be tempted to reply if it wasn't for focusing in on what Hilda's doing moments later considering there's always time to tease another time - and the further pinking of her cheeks feels like a victory in and of itself which requires no further comment. (For now.) As Hilda deftly laces the skate he watches for a second before picking up the laces in his gloved hands, then grimacing and pulling off the gloves when the thick knit prevents dexterity unlike his usual ones then grimacing more at the chill, but: Claude manages to get the skate laced up without too much fuss and then shoots a grin her way. ]
I think having an excellent teacher helped for this, even if it's a little like lacing boots. But most boots don't come with giant blades on the bottom of them that I'm supposed to stand on. On ice on top of that!
[ A pointed look down at the ice goes with that since while Hilda seems right at home - maybe this is a bit of the reality of what he's going to have to do sinking in. Because he is going to have to stand on that slippery surface but beyond that, he's gonna have to move around it. Something else he could probably use a demonstration on as he moves to the edge of his seat to drag this out. ]
And that's enough to keep me from breaking an ankle or two, huh?
[ Now he's just stalling. ]
[ For good measure because he's sticking to this Extreme Sock Layering being worth it, though it's not without a scoff at the idea of being greedy as if he wasn't doing exactly that and has been rightfully called out on it.
He'd be tempted to reply if it wasn't for focusing in on what Hilda's doing moments later considering there's always time to tease another time - and the further pinking of her cheeks feels like a victory in and of itself which requires no further comment. (For now.) As Hilda deftly laces the skate he watches for a second before picking up the laces in his gloved hands, then grimacing and pulling off the gloves when the thick knit prevents dexterity unlike his usual ones then grimacing more at the chill, but: Claude manages to get the skate laced up without too much fuss and then shoots a grin her way. ]
I think having an excellent teacher helped for this, even if it's a little like lacing boots. But most boots don't come with giant blades on the bottom of them that I'm supposed to stand on. On ice on top of that!
[ A pointed look down at the ice goes with that since while Hilda seems right at home - maybe this is a bit of the reality of what he's going to have to do sinking in. Because he is going to have to stand on that slippery surface but beyond that, he's gonna have to move around it. Something else he could probably use a demonstration on as he moves to the edge of his seat to drag this out. ]
And that's enough to keep me from breaking an ankle or two, huh?
[ Now he's just stalling. ]
[ Hilda knows Claude better than to think that that's the last she's heard of her supposed reward. While she didn't get quite the same gleeful delight that Sylvain and Claude had when it came to picking up dares like they were flowers to be plucked from a field, it would be a lie to say that she didn't partake for similar reasons. What she had offered him isn't so much a dare as it is a silent challenge. Whether she chose to voice it or not, she knew what levers it took to pull in order to coax Claude into doing something that he might not otherwise bother with. She just didn't think that ice skating would be one of them.
A reward for his efforts could be thought of later though. She meant what she said about not wanting to see him fall flat on his face and hurt himself, even if it was in the Horizon and therefore superficial hurt. As she ties the laces into a dainty bow on one skate, she watches him attempt the other. It isn't bad all things considered and it is just like he said. It really is like lacing boots. For that she gives him an affectionate if not jokingly patronizing, pat on the cheek. ]
I knew those hands were good for other things than just pulling bow strings.
[ If Sylvain were here she knows he'd make a comment. And as tempting as it is to make her own joke about it, she doesn't want to give Claude the opportunity to stall anymore than he already has or stroke his ego anymore than she already does. Hopping back up beside him on the platform, Hilda is quick to pull her own skates on with skilled practice. ]
We'll have to see, won't we?
[ In no time at all she's back onto the ice, holding out her hands for him to grasp onto. ]
Now stop stalling. It's called ice skating not ice sitting.
A reward for his efforts could be thought of later though. She meant what she said about not wanting to see him fall flat on his face and hurt himself, even if it was in the Horizon and therefore superficial hurt. As she ties the laces into a dainty bow on one skate, she watches him attempt the other. It isn't bad all things considered and it is just like he said. It really is like lacing boots. For that she gives him an affectionate if not jokingly patronizing, pat on the cheek. ]
I knew those hands were good for other things than just pulling bow strings.
[ If Sylvain were here she knows he'd make a comment. And as tempting as it is to make her own joke about it, she doesn't want to give Claude the opportunity to stall anymore than he already has or stroke his ego anymore than she already does. Hopping back up beside him on the platform, Hilda is quick to pull her own skates on with skilled practice. ]
We'll have to see, won't we?
[ In no time at all she's back onto the ice, holding out her hands for him to grasp onto. ]
Now stop stalling. It's called ice skating not ice sitting.
[ It's with a grumble he takes her hands which is a predictable reaction considering 1) in general and that 2) he's been doing it ever since ice skating first came into the picture as an option for what might be done here, though there's no real bite behind it. Plus, having Hilda's hands in his means she (probably) can't escape his own comment to match what was said earlier. ]
I think you've been well apprised of what my hands are capable of in the past, you know.
[ Sylvain would be proud. Is now the smartest time to break out that remark considering he could just be stranded on the ice at any moment if Hilda skates away from him? Definitely not, but that'd probably add to the proudness of the risk factor involved. The shameless grin on Claude's face certainly speaks to that he knows he's potentially (literally) on thin ice and that he's unconcerned about it.
Or was until he decided skating has to be as easy as it looks and with some misguided bravery, takes a step forward on the heels of offering up that cheek only to go sliding a bit too quickly. It's a good thing he's still holding onto Hilda since there's no hiding how his grip on her hands tighten until he finds his balance again a second later. That feels - oddly familiar. ]
I see this is going to be like learning to not fall off a wyvern's back all over again, except now it's the ground betraying me by not remaining still instead.
I think you've been well apprised of what my hands are capable of in the past, you know.
[ Sylvain would be proud. Is now the smartest time to break out that remark considering he could just be stranded on the ice at any moment if Hilda skates away from him? Definitely not, but that'd probably add to the proudness of the risk factor involved. The shameless grin on Claude's face certainly speaks to that he knows he's potentially (literally) on thin ice and that he's unconcerned about it.
Or was until he decided skating has to be as easy as it looks and with some misguided bravery, takes a step forward on the heels of offering up that cheek only to go sliding a bit too quickly. It's a good thing he's still holding onto Hilda since there's no hiding how his grip on her hands tighten until he finds his balance again a second later. That feels - oddly familiar. ]
I see this is going to be like learning to not fall off a wyvern's back all over again, except now it's the ground betraying me by not remaining still instead.
[ In hindsight, Hildareally should have seen that one coming. And after all these years of both enabling and being on the receiving end of Claude's cheeky nature, she should be better about not reacting so expressively when she only has herself to blame for it. If she's being honest however, most of her reaction has to do with the fact that she can practically hear it in a certain smug red-headed roommate's voice.
Claude isn't wrong, of course. She does know. Which makes it all the more miraculous that the only reaction Claude receives is a flat look thanks to the cold of her domain disguising the added flush to her cheeks. ]
"In the past," being the key phrase. It could be worse now for all I know.
[ While it's punctuated with a nonchalant shrug, it's clear from her body language that her attention is fully on him now. Before he's even taken his first step she can tell it's a mistake. Calmly she skates back several inches to watch him steady himself like a foal on unsteady legs squeezing his hands back in return.
There's a brief snort of disbelieving laughter from her. ]
I know for a fact that the ice isn't going to move in here, Claude. [ Not unless she willed it. ] Me on the other hand -
[ When she's certain he's steady she twists cleverly from his grasp before skating backwards several more inches with a twinkle in her gaze. Is this more payback for that comment earlier? Maybe. ]
Come on. The best way to learn is by doing it. This time push out with your skates instead of trying to take a step.
Claude isn't wrong, of course. She does know. Which makes it all the more miraculous that the only reaction Claude receives is a flat look thanks to the cold of her domain disguising the added flush to her cheeks. ]
"In the past," being the key phrase. It could be worse now for all I know.
[ While it's punctuated with a nonchalant shrug, it's clear from her body language that her attention is fully on him now. Before he's even taken his first step she can tell it's a mistake. Calmly she skates back several inches to watch him steady himself like a foal on unsteady legs squeezing his hands back in return.
There's a brief snort of disbelieving laughter from her. ]
I know for a fact that the ice isn't going to move in here, Claude. [ Not unless she willed it. ] Me on the other hand -
[ When she's certain he's steady she twists cleverly from his grasp before skating backwards several more inches with a twinkle in her gaze. Is this more payback for that comment earlier? Maybe. ]
Come on. The best way to learn is by doing it. This time push out with your skates instead of trying to take a step.
Are you saying you want to find out if it's still the case? I could keep you in suspense until you do.
[ He might be dangerously close to falling flat on his face, ass, or any other body part that'd undoubtedly be uncomfortable, but will that stop Claude from still finding ways to run his mouth and alarm Hilda even as she skates away from him? Absolutely not. File that under enjoying a little bit of living dangerously since she very well could shift the ice around on him as well she points out.
But now he's standing here on his own with hands held out at his sides, still channeling that bit of learning to balance on a wyvern in there somewhere like it'll really help, and there's nothing keeping him upright but sheer willpower. Claude would like to think that counts for something, but it'll count for more as he silently repeats Hilda's advice to himself and then puts it into action.
It's one extremely slow skate as he starts with his right foot to move at a speed roughly equivalent to glaciers and it propels him forward incrementally. The next hurdle is bringing his left foot in the same motion, and while it's certainly wobbly: he's moving forward. ]
Watch out, Hilda. At this incredibly fast rate I'll manage to get to where you are just about the time the sun sets in here.
[ He's still moving slowly but surely with each movement getting a little more confident, though! ]
[ He might be dangerously close to falling flat on his face, ass, or any other body part that'd undoubtedly be uncomfortable, but will that stop Claude from still finding ways to run his mouth and alarm Hilda even as she skates away from him? Absolutely not. File that under enjoying a little bit of living dangerously since she very well could shift the ice around on him as well she points out.
But now he's standing here on his own with hands held out at his sides, still channeling that bit of learning to balance on a wyvern in there somewhere like it'll really help, and there's nothing keeping him upright but sheer willpower. Claude would like to think that counts for something, but it'll count for more as he silently repeats Hilda's advice to himself and then puts it into action.
It's one extremely slow skate as he starts with his right foot to move at a speed roughly equivalent to glaciers and it propels him forward incrementally. The next hurdle is bringing his left foot in the same motion, and while it's certainly wobbly: he's moving forward. ]
Watch out, Hilda. At this incredibly fast rate I'll manage to get to where you are just about the time the sun sets in here.
[ He's still moving slowly but surely with each movement getting a little more confident, though! ]
[ Hilda doesn't miss a beat.]
Who says you'll get the chance?
[ The banter echoes the banter they'd had back at the Academy. All flirtatious, meant to tease and coax anticipation long before their lips had ever touched and they knew how the other tasted. Long before feelings rooted and made things complicated. Those days had been so much easier. Caught up in her homesick reminiscing, wistfulness worms its way into her heart. But before it takes on a mind of its own she tugs it back, not wanting to give bitterness a chance to taint that too.
She'd rather stay here out in the cold, with warm cheeks and laughter woven in the space between them.
As Claude inches his way towards her, she begins to skate in a lackadaisical figure eight motion. There's approval in her gaze that goes unspoken, staying true to her word about not wanting to blow his ego up too much. ]
Look at you go. You'll be able to fly faster than the wyverns at this rate. [ Suddenly she pushes herself back, several more inches. ] That means you'll be able to make it this far without my help, right?
Who says you'll get the chance?
[ The banter echoes the banter they'd had back at the Academy. All flirtatious, meant to tease and coax anticipation long before their lips had ever touched and they knew how the other tasted. Long before feelings rooted and made things complicated. Those days had been so much easier. Caught up in her homesick reminiscing, wistfulness worms its way into her heart. But before it takes on a mind of its own she tugs it back, not wanting to give bitterness a chance to taint that too.
She'd rather stay here out in the cold, with warm cheeks and laughter woven in the space between them.
As Claude inches his way towards her, she begins to skate in a lackadaisical figure eight motion. There's approval in her gaze that goes unspoken, staying true to her word about not wanting to blow his ego up too much. ]
Look at you go. You'll be able to fly faster than the wyverns at this rate. [ Suddenly she pushes herself back, several more inches. ] That means you'll be able to make it this far without my help, right?
[ Claude will take the risk to his precarious balancing in order to slap a hand to his chest with a theatric gasp not a split second after Hilda's comeback is said like he's been completely and totally deeply wounded by the very idea. There's no time to dwell on it now as Hilda moves away again, and he stops where he is - not that he was really moving much at all anyway - to watch her loop through her steps. ]
You make that look unfairly easy, for the record. And you might as well be asking me to cross the Great Bridge of Myrddin at this rate!
[ The complaining will truly never stop. Then again, neither will Claude's will to keep trying something even if he's bad at it on the first few goes or else he'd never have learned to climb a tree back at Garreg Mach, or any number of smaller things. And he has been studying Hilda as she moves and started considering that moving slowly might be his mistake here; if it's easier to move around with a little quickness, then shouldn't he try the same?
That's Claude's goal when he pushes off his skate as she'd instructed him earlier, and - rather bravely, in his opinion - follows that up with moving the next one after. It's a marked increased in his speed from before (not that it's saying much) and with that? Comes false confidence.
Because once he's successfully skated a few more steps and nearly made it to Hilda, that's where the fatal flaw comes in: he goes to turn a bit too sharply, his balance tips, and with it one skate flies one direction and the other in another to send him sprawling with a yelp to where he just lays on his back on the ice to stare up at the sky now that it's directly above him. ]
Ugh. Is it any easier to get up from the ice than it is to stand on it?
You make that look unfairly easy, for the record. And you might as well be asking me to cross the Great Bridge of Myrddin at this rate!
[ The complaining will truly never stop. Then again, neither will Claude's will to keep trying something even if he's bad at it on the first few goes or else he'd never have learned to climb a tree back at Garreg Mach, or any number of smaller things. And he has been studying Hilda as she moves and started considering that moving slowly might be his mistake here; if it's easier to move around with a little quickness, then shouldn't he try the same?
That's Claude's goal when he pushes off his skate as she'd instructed him earlier, and - rather bravely, in his opinion - follows that up with moving the next one after. It's a marked increased in his speed from before (not that it's saying much) and with that? Comes false confidence.
Because once he's successfully skated a few more steps and nearly made it to Hilda, that's where the fatal flaw comes in: he goes to turn a bit too sharply, his balance tips, and with it one skate flies one direction and the other in another to send him sprawling with a yelp to where he just lays on his back on the ice to stare up at the sky now that it's directly above him. ]
Ugh. Is it any easier to get up from the ice than it is to stand on it?
[ Laughter lights up in her eyes again, threatening to spill over at the dramatics. Is she joking? Probably. It's not like she's been avoiding him or anything, not when they had said they would try. But for some reason her nerves always got the best of her just before things became too heated. It's not something she's spent much time thinking about if she's honest. How she feels about it, the potential why, is all promptly glossed over like so many other things that she doesn't want to think about too long or hard.
Instead she offers him a teasing roll of her eyes, her little figure eights coming to a halt so that it doesn't inadvertently send her further back than she intends. She knew he liked a challenge but she didn't want to make it impossible for him. ]
We both know you're going to be better than me at this in no time.
[ She holds her hands out again, curling her fingers towards him in a playful come hither motion. It doesn't surprise her that there's a little more oomph in the next push of his feet to propel him a further than he had been before. Nor does it surprise her that she spies that look of smug confidence in his eyes when he's onto something. For a split second she thinks he's going to do it - until he suddenly becomes a blur of limbs and fabric and he lands flat on his back.
There's a moment of shocked silence worried that he's somehow hurt himself. But his words betray that he's fine even if he's going to probably add this to his list of complaints shortly. Hilda is by his side in a flash, spraying just the smallest amount of ice onto his legs as she does so. She gazes down at him, all smiles and rosy cheeks. ]
It should be. You skipped ahead a couple of lessons, but maybe I should have started with how to fall gracefully first. There's a dignified way of getting up and a not so dignified way. Which one do you want?
Instead she offers him a teasing roll of her eyes, her little figure eights coming to a halt so that it doesn't inadvertently send her further back than she intends. She knew he liked a challenge but she didn't want to make it impossible for him. ]
We both know you're going to be better than me at this in no time.
[ She holds her hands out again, curling her fingers towards him in a playful come hither motion. It doesn't surprise her that there's a little more oomph in the next push of his feet to propel him a further than he had been before. Nor does it surprise her that she spies that look of smug confidence in his eyes when he's onto something. For a split second she thinks he's going to do it - until he suddenly becomes a blur of limbs and fabric and he lands flat on his back.
There's a moment of shocked silence worried that he's somehow hurt himself. But his words betray that he's fine even if he's going to probably add this to his list of complaints shortly. Hilda is by his side in a flash, spraying just the smallest amount of ice onto his legs as she does so. She gazes down at him, all smiles and rosy cheeks. ]
It should be. You skipped ahead a couple of lessons, but maybe I should have started with how to fall gracefully first. There's a dignified way of getting up and a not so dignified way. Which one do you want?
[ Claude's only response to that at first is a groan like he's forever collapsed onto the ice and destined to stay there. Clearly getting up is going to be an impossible task, even as he lifts his gloved hands to tentatively tap around on his body like he's expecting something to be missing.
It isn't, of course, especially since he can feel there's nothing wounded here but maybe a little bit of his pride. But none of that will stop him from putting on (and it is put on) the most pitiful look he can muster as he gazes up at Hilda, possibly borrowing a page out of her book from back when Teach used to insist it was training time. ]
I should've put on at least five more coats. Note to self for me for next time.
[ Or if they ever do this somewhere outside of the Horizon, anyway; there's probably a few sweaters he could dig out of the back of his closet to wear beneath his coat, and that's a note he's absolutely making.
The lamenting only lasts so long since Claude tilts his head back slightly to get a better look at Hilda, or rather to admire her and without making any secret of it. A couple more seconds of that will go by before he reaches out for her hands - assuming that's part of whatever she has in mind. ]
At this point I'm not thinking there's much of a difference between the options when it comes to how I'll do them in reality. Pick one and we'll go with it.
It isn't, of course, especially since he can feel there's nothing wounded here but maybe a little bit of his pride. But none of that will stop him from putting on (and it is put on) the most pitiful look he can muster as he gazes up at Hilda, possibly borrowing a page out of her book from back when Teach used to insist it was training time. ]
I should've put on at least five more coats. Note to self for me for next time.
[ Or if they ever do this somewhere outside of the Horizon, anyway; there's probably a few sweaters he could dig out of the back of his closet to wear beneath his coat, and that's a note he's absolutely making.
The lamenting only lasts so long since Claude tilts his head back slightly to get a better look at Hilda, or rather to admire her and without making any secret of it. A couple more seconds of that will go by before he reaches out for her hands - assuming that's part of whatever she has in mind. ]
At this point I'm not thinking there's much of a difference between the options when it comes to how I'll do them in reality. Pick one and we'll go with it.
Six coats and at least four pairs of socks. You're not going to be able to move at all like that.
[ The pitiful, doe-eyed look is one she knows well having employed it plenty of times in the past. Shockingly it has the exact same effect on Hilda that it had on Byleth which is to say, it doesn't. Huh. So that's how it feels to be on the receiving end of it.
Her lips twitch in amusement as she tries to put on her best impassive Byleth face. It's a pretty faithful recreation of it (it should be considering how often she had been on the receiving end of it), but it's incredibly short lived in the face of Claude's blatant staring. With how much effort she puts into her appearance, being admired is something she should be used to by now. She has no problem preening - that much should be evident by her fashion choices at any ball or event they've been to. Unfortunately being admired by someone she has feelings for is a little (read: vastly) different.
Thankfully a distraction comes in the form of trying to get him back onto his feet. At least in that she can feign that she hadn't noticed his eyes on her. There's still laughter in her voice as she takes a hold of his hands, propelling them backwards a little bit just for the fun of it. This has nothing to do with getting him back up and everything to do with Hilda amusing herself with the image of Claude being hapless on the ice like a giant yellow turtle. ]
Well, it'll be easier if you aren't on your back for one.
[ The pitiful, doe-eyed look is one she knows well having employed it plenty of times in the past. Shockingly it has the exact same effect on Hilda that it had on Byleth which is to say, it doesn't. Huh. So that's how it feels to be on the receiving end of it.
Her lips twitch in amusement as she tries to put on her best impassive Byleth face. It's a pretty faithful recreation of it (it should be considering how often she had been on the receiving end of it), but it's incredibly short lived in the face of Claude's blatant staring. With how much effort she puts into her appearance, being admired is something she should be used to by now. She has no problem preening - that much should be evident by her fashion choices at any ball or event they've been to. Unfortunately being admired by someone she has feelings for is a little (read: vastly) different.
Thankfully a distraction comes in the form of trying to get him back onto his feet. At least in that she can feign that she hadn't noticed his eyes on her. There's still laughter in her voice as she takes a hold of his hands, propelling them backwards a little bit just for the fun of it. This has nothing to do with getting him back up and everything to do with Hilda amusing herself with the image of Claude being hapless on the ice like a giant yellow turtle. ]
Well, it'll be easier if you aren't on your back for one.
[ There's no response from Claude on the first part but a grumble, since - that probably sums up any and all complaining he could've done aloud between that and the blank Teach-like expression he'd received to go along with it. As Hilda tugs on his hands he promptly goes as limp as possible purely for the sake of being difficult. The grin on his face probably says as much when they barely move. ]
Maybe, but maybe I don't trust myself to not end up sprawled out on the ice if I move any more than this.
[ Or some other such nonsense; playfully he wiggles his fingers in her grasp as if that's all the help ("help") he's really going to provide. Something Hilda's well familiar with from many times before, and it's not lost on Claude that even if he's laying down on this ice like it's any old field where he might've gone to take a nap once upon a time that all of this comes with familiar comfort. That's the right word for it with Hilda's laughter warmer than any forty-five layers he might put on to ward off the cold. That could do it all on its own and then some.
Not a second later Claude frees one of his hands to not take Hilda down with him as he rolls over onto his stomach before grabbing her hand in his again. ]
Alright, now what? Don't tell me I'm gonna have to jump up onto my feet from here or something.
[ He could probably do it if he really tried, but where's the fun in doing that immediately? ]
Maybe, but maybe I don't trust myself to not end up sprawled out on the ice if I move any more than this.
[ Or some other such nonsense; playfully he wiggles his fingers in her grasp as if that's all the help ("help") he's really going to provide. Something Hilda's well familiar with from many times before, and it's not lost on Claude that even if he's laying down on this ice like it's any old field where he might've gone to take a nap once upon a time that all of this comes with familiar comfort. That's the right word for it with Hilda's laughter warmer than any forty-five layers he might put on to ward off the cold. That could do it all on its own and then some.
Not a second later Claude frees one of his hands to not take Hilda down with him as he rolls over onto his stomach before grabbing her hand in his again. ]
Alright, now what? Don't tell me I'm gonna have to jump up onto my feet from here or something.
[ He could probably do it if he really tried, but where's the fun in doing that immediately? ]
[ Claude immediately going limp is something she's somewhat prepared for, if only because she would have and has done the same when their positions had been reversed. As much as she'd like to whine about him spoiling her fun - is he really? Another round of laughter leaves her lips instead. Even as Claude wriggles his hand free, years of ice skating and a surprising amount of balance keep her upright even as they come to grinding halt and he flips over onto his belly.
Whether he had intended or not, this is a far easier position to continue gliding across the ice. Soon the sound of her skates cutting into the ice mingles with the sound of Claude being dragged fills the air around them in an oddly soothing way. ]
I don't why I ever thought you were a lazy student. That's exactly what someone like Holst would do. But I guess we could start by you just getting up onto your hands and knees - everyone has to start somewhere.
Whether he had intended or not, this is a far easier position to continue gliding across the ice. Soon the sound of her skates cutting into the ice mingles with the sound of Claude being dragged fills the air around them in an oddly soothing way. ]
I don't why I ever thought you were a lazy student. That's exactly what someone like Holst would do. But I guess we could start by you just getting up onto your hands and knees - everyone has to start somewhere.
[ Meanwhile, Claude's kind of enjoying his unintentional full body skating across the ice thanks to Hilda propelling them both. It's better than most ways he's been dragged, even if he dramatically sputters a bit when there's a small spray of ice from the skates which (barely) hits him in the face. Well. That might be a motivator to get up if nothing else. ]
Is being compared to Holst supposed to be a motivation for me? [ There's an attempt to ask this seriously but it fades out pretty quickly considering the amount of times he's worked with Holst. Some more serious than others, though there's also one particular time he has in mind. That thought can wait a minute. ] Alright, alright. Don't threaten me with any mushrooms next.
[ This time Claude lets go of Hilda's hands to remain here he is, and it takes all of a second to push himself up onto his knees. The easy part, of course, since it's the next part which gives him some pause. Time to distract Hilda a bit while he evaluates the best way to move to standing. ]
By the way, did I ever tell you Holst and Nader become best friends during the war? Nader as in Nader the Undefeated since I'm sure he'll be frowning wherever he is if I leave off the title.
[ He knows he hasn't told her - not to mention he's pretty sure he hasn't mentioned 'Nardel' is Nader, so this harmless reveal just might also be to entertain himself, too. ]
Is being compared to Holst supposed to be a motivation for me? [ There's an attempt to ask this seriously but it fades out pretty quickly considering the amount of times he's worked with Holst. Some more serious than others, though there's also one particular time he has in mind. That thought can wait a minute. ] Alright, alright. Don't threaten me with any mushrooms next.
[ This time Claude lets go of Hilda's hands to remain here he is, and it takes all of a second to push himself up onto his knees. The easy part, of course, since it's the next part which gives him some pause. Time to distract Hilda a bit while he evaluates the best way to move to standing. ]
By the way, did I ever tell you Holst and Nader become best friends during the war? Nader as in Nader the Undefeated since I'm sure he'll be frowning wherever he is if I leave off the title.
[ He knows he hasn't told her - not to mention he's pretty sure he hasn't mentioned 'Nardel' is Nader, so this harmless reveal just might also be to entertain himself, too. ]
[ The longer Hilda skates like this building momentum, dragging Claude around the ice becomes less of a chore and far more fun for her than originally anticipated. Some of that enjoyment might have to do with how silly Claude looks being dragged around the ice like a puffy yellow pillow. The rest of it has to do with the fact that each stride she takes seems to push the dreary thoughts she'd had before he arrived at her domain doorstep further away. ]
It's a motivation for some people. I've heard that a motivational speech from Holst is one of the biggest morale boosters amongst our men.
[ He'll never get up this way though so she releases her hold on him patiently waiting for him to puzzle how best to get to his feet. Maybe it's a good thing that she let go of him. Because what he says next might very well have resulted in him being flung across the ice or pushed back onto it.
It would be incredibly unrealistic, and perhaps unfair, of her to think that Claude was done telling her everything about a future she had yet to live (or maybe never live, although she staunchly squishes that thought before it has a chance to go any further). But that's certainly one of the things that she hadn't expected to hear. There's more to unpack in there of course now that she has context about Claude's heritage. She had met Nardel in passing and while 'Nader' was close enough of a name it wasn't the same name. And there's no way that they could be the same person. ...Right? ]
They what?! Claude von Riegan you know you didn't tell me that! How!?
It's a motivation for some people. I've heard that a motivational speech from Holst is one of the biggest morale boosters amongst our men.
[ He'll never get up this way though so she releases her hold on him patiently waiting for him to puzzle how best to get to his feet. Maybe it's a good thing that she let go of him. Because what he says next might very well have resulted in him being flung across the ice or pushed back onto it.
It would be incredibly unrealistic, and perhaps unfair, of her to think that Claude was done telling her everything about a future she had yet to live (or maybe never live, although she staunchly squishes that thought before it has a chance to go any further). But that's certainly one of the things that she hadn't expected to hear. There's more to unpack in there of course now that she has context about Claude's heritage. She had met Nardel in passing and while 'Nader' was close enough of a name it wasn't the same name. And there's no way that they could be the same person. ...Right? ]
They what?! Claude von Riegan you know you didn't tell me that! How!?
[ If he hadn't been busy waiting for her reaction to what else was said - and wasn't still pondering how to go about standing up - Claude might've launched right back into more grumbling about Holst. All for show, that is; though he certainly hadn't known what to make of Holst at first, he'd become an invaluable ally and a friend, as much as their positions had allowed for. That was a thought Claude hadn't allowed him to dwell on too much since there'd only be so far that'd go before that duel Hilda had always mentioned offhand would have to happen to take her anywhere far away.
But all of that is far away by virtue of being here, and in the present is Hilda sputtering in a way which absolutely and immediately makes him laugh. ]
Oh, I didn't? Huh, I must've misremembered. [ A supposed innocent bit of confusion he barely gets out between laughter even as it's calming down though the grin Claude offers her is shameless and unrepentant for pulling out that one. ] We needed more of an army at one point in the war, so I brought Nader to meet Holst to make it easier to get those forces... well, past the Locket. They were a little unsure of each other at first but it only took a few drinks before they were adopting each other. Rest assured you had much the same reaction upon finding out then as you do now.
[ The smile he gives her now is all fondness despite the fluster of that particular time and now where she's looking at him, and after debating about his next (physical) move Claude pushes himself up to kneeling with one skate against the ice how it should be. Now it's just a matter of bracing himself to stand from here. Probably. ]
I suppose now's the time to mention you also know Nader as Nardel, my supposed retainer for House Riegan. I needed someone there I could trust after my grandfather died, and so he came.
But all of that is far away by virtue of being here, and in the present is Hilda sputtering in a way which absolutely and immediately makes him laugh. ]
Oh, I didn't? Huh, I must've misremembered. [ A supposed innocent bit of confusion he barely gets out between laughter even as it's calming down though the grin Claude offers her is shameless and unrepentant for pulling out that one. ] We needed more of an army at one point in the war, so I brought Nader to meet Holst to make it easier to get those forces... well, past the Locket. They were a little unsure of each other at first but it only took a few drinks before they were adopting each other. Rest assured you had much the same reaction upon finding out then as you do now.
[ The smile he gives her now is all fondness despite the fluster of that particular time and now where she's looking at him, and after debating about his next (physical) move Claude pushes himself up to kneeling with one skate against the ice how it should be. Now it's just a matter of bracing himself to stand from here. Probably. ]
I suppose now's the time to mention you also know Nader as Nardel, my supposed retainer for House Riegan. I needed someone there I could trust after my grandfather died, and so he came.
[ Hilda knew that Claude was more than capable of drawing his own conclusions of people including her brother and often wondered what they'd make of one another once they actually met. All of her moaning and groaning that usually categorized her relationship with Holst probably hadn't had too much weight in the grand scheme of things, but she doubted that Claude had forgotten about them.
She understood to some degree that some of her complaints were unfair; Holst was trying to be a good brother and show that he cared for her in the way he thought was right. She knew how lucky she was to have him him and their parents. Holst's overbearing nature was merely the only hardship she'd had to latch onto in her otherwise cushy life. All of that is to say - she can't help but wonder what it'd be like to see Holst and Claude at a dinner with one another without the pretense of war or politics. Probably just as strange as it would have been to see Nader and Holst seated at a table together. ]
Wait a minute. Adopting?
[ She can't even begin to question it because honestly? That checks out. In her mind's eye she can practically see Holst getting louder and louder as he drank, throwing his arm around the infamous Almyran that she now knows to be Nardel. Er, Nader. It's weird for sure. But not entirely a bad thing.
Hilda lets out another huff of exasperation even as she holds out her hands for Claude to steady himself if need be. ]
Ugh. That's all it took? Men are so weird! Let me guess, I wasn't there for that dinner either? Why didn't you invite me?! I would have loved to see that.
She understood to some degree that some of her complaints were unfair; Holst was trying to be a good brother and show that he cared for her in the way he thought was right. She knew how lucky she was to have him him and their parents. Holst's overbearing nature was merely the only hardship she'd had to latch onto in her otherwise cushy life. All of that is to say - she can't help but wonder what it'd be like to see Holst and Claude at a dinner with one another without the pretense of war or politics. Probably just as strange as it would have been to see Nader and Holst seated at a table together. ]
Wait a minute. Adopting?
[ She can't even begin to question it because honestly? That checks out. In her mind's eye she can practically see Holst getting louder and louder as he drank, throwing his arm around the infamous Almyran that she now knows to be Nardel. Er, Nader. It's weird for sure. But not entirely a bad thing.
Hilda lets out another huff of exasperation even as she holds out her hands for Claude to steady himself if need be. ]
Ugh. That's all it took? Men are so weird! Let me guess, I wasn't there for that dinner either? Why didn't you invite me?! I would have loved to see that.
[ Sure, he's supposed to be standing up but that'll have to wait for a minute when Hilda's reaction demands more laughter and demands it immediately without question. It's so similar to what he remembers of her reaction then after Lorenz started a conversation which led into (some of) his hopes and aspirations, though he hadn't committed those words to memory in the midst of everything else. This will more than do now. ]
What, and spoil all of my surprises for the day we found ourselves somehow pulled into another world? As if I'd ever let that happen!
[ As if he'd planned for anything about here either, but it feels easier to joke about that than the realities of home. There's no denying that he could've told her - could have invited her along as Hilda's pointed out, and so Claude doesn't bother to attempt it or even circling around it. He's eying her hands as he debates grabbing hold again but decides against it (for now) to give himself a silent countdown to stand up.
It's mostly successful; he's upright, even if it comes with more than a few wobbles back and forth until he finds his center of gravity once more. Lying on the ground was helpful for not having to worry about that. ]
But I did mean adopting. It's a whole thing in Almyran culture when it comes to warriors who respect each other and despite their initial differences, it ended up that way. But now that I think about it, [ with a smile which points to impending mischief and more than a little glee over it, ] that means your number of older brothers doubles, doesn't it? It's only a matter of time before Nader figures out that out, and I can promise you he's no less overbearing than Holst.
What, and spoil all of my surprises for the day we found ourselves somehow pulled into another world? As if I'd ever let that happen!
[ As if he'd planned for anything about here either, but it feels easier to joke about that than the realities of home. There's no denying that he could've told her - could have invited her along as Hilda's pointed out, and so Claude doesn't bother to attempt it or even circling around it. He's eying her hands as he debates grabbing hold again but decides against it (for now) to give himself a silent countdown to stand up.
It's mostly successful; he's upright, even if it comes with more than a few wobbles back and forth until he finds his center of gravity once more. Lying on the ground was helpful for not having to worry about that. ]
But I did mean adopting. It's a whole thing in Almyran culture when it comes to warriors who respect each other and despite their initial differences, it ended up that way. But now that I think about it, [ with a smile which points to impending mischief and more than a little glee over it, ] that means your number of older brothers doubles, doesn't it? It's only a matter of time before Nader figures out that out, and I can promise you he's no less overbearing than Holst.
[ Adoption could be meant figuratively - she didn't know. And that's what she assumes he means because why else would someone adopt a full grown man like Holst? Unless your Nader the Undefeated apparently. The truth of the matter dawns on her just as Claude speaks it into existence. To say that she's utterly horrified by the reality that she could potentially return to if they ever left Abraxas is an understatement. Aghast, her mouth drops open forming a perfect little 'o'.
It took a certain sort of personality to get along with Holst. When it came to matters of business and politics, he was incredibly serious but level-headed - a far cry from the ridiculous side that he had when he was with her. He could be just as dramatic as she could be if not worse because all of his dramatics were out of genuine concern for her. And worse still, he could easily rope personalities like his into it too. Case in point Balthus who was both an instigator and a partner in crime to Holst's big brother schemes.
Claude's gleeful mischief is met with a little noise of indignation. Just as he manages to right himself, she pushes lightly on his chest, sending him sliding backwards as she skates after him. ]
You better not have given them any ideas! I can't believe that you said that. I can barely handle Holst some days - how am I supposed to handle two of him?! You better take responsibility, Claude von Riegan!
It took a certain sort of personality to get along with Holst. When it came to matters of business and politics, he was incredibly serious but level-headed - a far cry from the ridiculous side that he had when he was with her. He could be just as dramatic as she could be if not worse because all of his dramatics were out of genuine concern for her. And worse still, he could easily rope personalities like his into it too. Case in point Balthus who was both an instigator and a partner in crime to Holst's big brother schemes.
Claude's gleeful mischief is met with a little noise of indignation. Just as he manages to right himself, she pushes lightly on his chest, sending him sliding backwards as she skates after him. ]
You better not have given them any ideas! I can't believe that you said that. I can barely handle Holst some days - how am I supposed to handle two of him?! You better take responsibility, Claude von Riegan!
Edited (last one i swear ) 2024-02-15 00:56 (UTC)
[ Muscle memory from many a time of teasing Hilda has him ready for that push he feels coming instinctively before it happens in time to grab onto her hands as they land on his chest to keep them there. Though it of course manages to also push him back a bit across the ice since the skates don't offer much in the way of bracing himself, it also has him laughing loudly again between that and her outburst with the latter being the very thing he was counting on happening, too. ]
As if Holst didn't give him plenty of ideas on his own! I hardly had to do anything but sit and watch as the two of them dove deep into all kinds of plans. Nader's enthusiasm knows no bounds, you know.
[ Something he's every bit as guilty of and has admitted to here what with not bothering to stop any of it either, and Claude's chuckling still even as another thought occurs to him. That push and the subsequent moving of his skates to find his balance again had unlocked something missing in the skating motions he was attempting, and it's while now using Hilda for balance he tries it again. With success: the motion propels them backwards in something considerably clumsier than her seamless skating from earlier, but they do move backwards slowly as he's found a way to keep them going that way that's somehow easier than going forwards.
And it does have the benefit of keeping her close again as Claude shifts his grip to link their fingers together like he's really the one leading on this unsteady path, and he lets mirth fade away into affection again as he looks at her. ]
You know, Nader was also there when my mother left Fodlan with my father. Maybe Holst won't be so reluctant to let you visit now that he knows someone else there who'll have - [ with the next part said in a fairly good impression of Holst thanks to that time spent together during the war - ] your best interests in mind.
As if Holst didn't give him plenty of ideas on his own! I hardly had to do anything but sit and watch as the two of them dove deep into all kinds of plans. Nader's enthusiasm knows no bounds, you know.
[ Something he's every bit as guilty of and has admitted to here what with not bothering to stop any of it either, and Claude's chuckling still even as another thought occurs to him. That push and the subsequent moving of his skates to find his balance again had unlocked something missing in the skating motions he was attempting, and it's while now using Hilda for balance he tries it again. With success: the motion propels them backwards in something considerably clumsier than her seamless skating from earlier, but they do move backwards slowly as he's found a way to keep them going that way that's somehow easier than going forwards.
And it does have the benefit of keeping her close again as Claude shifts his grip to link their fingers together like he's really the one leading on this unsteady path, and he lets mirth fade away into affection again as he looks at her. ]
You know, Nader was also there when my mother left Fodlan with my father. Maybe Holst won't be so reluctant to let you visit now that he knows someone else there who'll have - [ with the next part said in a fairly good impression of Holst thanks to that time spent together during the war - ] your best interests in mind.
[ When she finds herself propelled right alongside him she lets out a noise of mild indignation that quickly turns into laughter thanks to Claude's infectious sound. Even if she had remained annoyed, she's still conscious that he's unsteady on his feet. So while part of her attention is focused on making sure that they don't go toppling onto the ice together, some of that caution seems to ebb away when it becomes apparent that Claude is slowly getting the hang of skating backwards. Hilda can't hide the amusement that flickers across her features as a thought flits through her mind: leave it to Claude to get the hang of skating backwards before he mastered going forward first.
By the time he threads their fingers together most of her light annoyance gives way to a groan. The worst part about all of this is that she knows that Claude is absolutely correct in what he says. Holst's stupid brain could come up with as many brilliant ideas as it could dumb things. And with him knowing Nader better than her she can only assume that he's telling the truth about his Holst-like enthusiasm.
It's probably for the best that Claude nips her lamenting in the bud with a terrifyingly accurate impression of her big brother. She blinks several times in shock before bursting out into laughter again. ]
I think you're underestimating just how much he wants to keep me in Goneril. Just because he sent me to the Academy, didn't mean he was happy about it. And a new brother doesn't mean he's not going to try and come along himself.
[ And privately, if she was going to visit Almyra, she didn't want her first time to be with Holst acting like a hover wyvern the entire time. With a little push, she swings gently around him so that she's the one skating backwards now. Lacing their fingers together she can't help but laugh. ]
Are you sure you aren't just trying to avoid asking him if I can go and visit yourself?
By the time he threads their fingers together most of her light annoyance gives way to a groan. The worst part about all of this is that she knows that Claude is absolutely correct in what he says. Holst's stupid brain could come up with as many brilliant ideas as it could dumb things. And with him knowing Nader better than her she can only assume that he's telling the truth about his Holst-like enthusiasm.
It's probably for the best that Claude nips her lamenting in the bud with a terrifyingly accurate impression of her big brother. She blinks several times in shock before bursting out into laughter again. ]
I think you're underestimating just how much he wants to keep me in Goneril. Just because he sent me to the Academy, didn't mean he was happy about it. And a new brother doesn't mean he's not going to try and come along himself.
[ And privately, if she was going to visit Almyra, she didn't want her first time to be with Holst acting like a hover wyvern the entire time. With a little push, she swings gently around him so that she's the one skating backwards now. Lacing their fingers together she can't help but laugh. ]
Are you sure you aren't just trying to avoid asking him if I can go and visit yourself?
[ The blinking feels like prize enough at that bewildered surprise clear on her face, and her laughter feels even more so when the grin reappears on his face post-Holst impression as she skates around again to redirect them a different direction. Considering his ability to skate is incredibly tenuous at best - not to mention managing to be upright is something he's considering an accomplishment enough on its own - he's more than content to let her lead.
And that gives him more metaphorical space, of course, to consider what it is Hilda's telling him about Holst wanting her to stay in Goneril. It's something he's heard before and sends an echo back to when he'd brought up the idea of her meeting his parents in what feels like such a long time ago now even if the offer still stands to this day. Hilda had mentioned Holst being an obstacle, and, well. That is not something Claude doubts even if he still has yet to figure out a way around it.
Which starts, of course, with putting on a look of absolute(ly fake) shock. ]
Are you saying you're not going to help me out with that all? I'm heartbroken!
[ He's no such thing, but that doesn't stop him from tugging on her hands as if to bring her a little closer again. There's any number of things he could say here in terms of convincing Holst, and he certainly things about saying all of them while spinning yet another thread bemoaning this cruel fate Hilda's left him to - but. Claude thinks better of it when there's maybe a chance of those protests edging a bit too much towards something real.
And that won't do, and especially so when he still has something else far more real to offer. ]
Now that just makes my next plan of following even further in my father's footsteps of whisking you away by wyvern in the middle of the night for a grand adventure sound even better. I'm sure that'd immediately endear me to Holst if he suddenly finds you missing and not even in Fodlan on top of that.
And that gives him more metaphorical space, of course, to consider what it is Hilda's telling him about Holst wanting her to stay in Goneril. It's something he's heard before and sends an echo back to when he'd brought up the idea of her meeting his parents in what feels like such a long time ago now even if the offer still stands to this day. Hilda had mentioned Holst being an obstacle, and, well. That is not something Claude doubts even if he still has yet to figure out a way around it.
Which starts, of course, with putting on a look of absolute(ly fake) shock. ]
Are you saying you're not going to help me out with that all? I'm heartbroken!
[ He's no such thing, but that doesn't stop him from tugging on her hands as if to bring her a little closer again. There's any number of things he could say here in terms of convincing Holst, and he certainly things about saying all of them while spinning yet another thread bemoaning this cruel fate Hilda's left him to - but. Claude thinks better of it when there's maybe a chance of those protests edging a bit too much towards something real.
And that won't do, and especially so when he still has something else far more real to offer. ]
Now that just makes my next plan of following even further in my father's footsteps of whisking you away by wyvern in the middle of the night for a grand adventure sound even better. I'm sure that'd immediately endear me to Holst if he suddenly finds you missing and not even in Fodlan on top of that.
[ Teasingly she bats back - ]
If you can win a war, I'm sure navigating Hoslt Goneril won't be a problem for you.
[ The ice skating lesson isn't enough to subconsciously make her forget that there's a reason she had been in the Horizon in the first place. Nor is it enough to forget about Claude's offer to let her meet his parents some day if they ever returned home. There's still so much newness to this new chapter of their relationship that she had nudged the door closed on what it could mean beyond that. It doesn't escape her if they had been in Fodlan, such an offer might imply other things. But that thought too had been shoved behind the door not to be thought about now, or even in the short term.
Getting her hopes up was the worst thing that could happen here. And all she wants is to soak in as much of this - the cold air biting at their cheeks, the warmth of his hands in hers - as possible because a part of her still thinks this might not last. And a run-in with a certain blonde in Nocwich certainly hadn't helped matters.
Thankfully Claude's grand, hypothetical proposal is enough to push that last thought back a little further into her mind. In fact, it's enough to make her eyes glint with the telltale sign of amusement. ]
Now hold on, what kind of adventure did you have in mind? The middle of the night is when I get my best sleeping done, you know.
If you can win a war, I'm sure navigating Hoslt Goneril won't be a problem for you.
[ The ice skating lesson isn't enough to subconsciously make her forget that there's a reason she had been in the Horizon in the first place. Nor is it enough to forget about Claude's offer to let her meet his parents some day if they ever returned home. There's still so much newness to this new chapter of their relationship that she had nudged the door closed on what it could mean beyond that. It doesn't escape her if they had been in Fodlan, such an offer might imply other things. But that thought too had been shoved behind the door not to be thought about now, or even in the short term.
Getting her hopes up was the worst thing that could happen here. And all she wants is to soak in as much of this - the cold air biting at their cheeks, the warmth of his hands in hers - as possible because a part of her still thinks this might not last. And a run-in with a certain blonde in Nocwich certainly hadn't helped matters.
Thankfully Claude's grand, hypothetical proposal is enough to push that last thought back a little further into her mind. In fact, it's enough to make her eyes glint with the telltale sign of amusement. ]
Now hold on, what kind of adventure did you have in mind? The middle of the night is when I get my best sleeping done, you know.
[ Hilda has a point, or more like several wrapped up into one about how Holst shouldn't be any kind of obstacle. And yet - it's impossible to not think again of the Nether and how it'd felt like Hilda had moved away from something he'd dared to ask as plainly as he could manage with so many unknowns.
Ones it occurs to him he could probably look for the answers to now when there's far less hanging in the same balance they'd held them to for years before now. With steps forward to move past that, and surely that would lead to other clarifications. If he'd ask, of course. That would be the first step, but it'd be less lighthearted than supposedly theoretical discussions of nighttime departures. ]
Oh, c'mon. It also happens to be the best time for absconding into the unknown. I might be speaking from experience there.
[ It'd been the easiest way to vanish without too many questions, or at least ones he wouldn't have to answer himself considering - he wouldn't be there. There'd only be his parents and what few letters they'd sent back and forth over the years, and all of the unsent ones too like the one on his desk in Derdriu letting them know he'd be returning soon. That's a familiar enough wistfulness that it's easy to let it subside the same as he does when thinking about home and how long it's been.
But with the thought of home, and Holst, and everything else that inviting Hilda would bring with it gets eclipsed by, say, a threat more prominent being that it's here and not where they were brought from. ]
Though maybe rather than fearing Holst from afar, I should be more afraid of Mogwry and whatever he was going to do to electrocute me. I'm fully expecting him to try again when we get back, you know.
Ones it occurs to him he could probably look for the answers to now when there's far less hanging in the same balance they'd held them to for years before now. With steps forward to move past that, and surely that would lead to other clarifications. If he'd ask, of course. That would be the first step, but it'd be less lighthearted than supposedly theoretical discussions of nighttime departures. ]
Oh, c'mon. It also happens to be the best time for absconding into the unknown. I might be speaking from experience there.
[ It'd been the easiest way to vanish without too many questions, or at least ones he wouldn't have to answer himself considering - he wouldn't be there. There'd only be his parents and what few letters they'd sent back and forth over the years, and all of the unsent ones too like the one on his desk in Derdriu letting them know he'd be returning soon. That's a familiar enough wistfulness that it's easy to let it subside the same as he does when thinking about home and how long it's been.
But with the thought of home, and Holst, and everything else that inviting Hilda would bring with it gets eclipsed by, say, a threat more prominent being that it's here and not where they were brought from. ]
Though maybe rather than fearing Holst from afar, I should be more afraid of Mogwry and whatever he was going to do to electrocute me. I'm fully expecting him to try again when we get back, you know.
Oh? Does that mean you've swept me away already?
[ As teasing as she says it, it occurs to Hilda that as wide and sweeping as they tend to jokingly speak about future what-if's that may or may not ever come to pass, that he could be serious about it. Maybe some version of herself would have happily gone along with him without second thought or hesitation because what had her heart yearned for if not grand adventure? Would she still? This version of her that had painted her in shades of caution by Abraxas?
Such thoughts would only serve to be counterproductive to her resolve not to go down that route.
Claude's comment about Mogwry however only serves to drag her mind right back. Try as she might to fold the way her expression hardens into an exasperated sigh at the thought of her newly acquired guard moogle, it's wishful thinking considering who she's trying to hide it from. ]
I don't even know where he got that idea. [ The sound of their skates cut clean against the ice as they near their first loop round. ] I was only venting to him because of something that happened the other day. And that definitely didn't involve telling him to electrocute you.
[ As teasing as she says it, it occurs to Hilda that as wide and sweeping as they tend to jokingly speak about future what-if's that may or may not ever come to pass, that he could be serious about it. Maybe some version of herself would have happily gone along with him without second thought or hesitation because what had her heart yearned for if not grand adventure? Would she still? This version of her that had painted her in shades of caution by Abraxas?
Such thoughts would only serve to be counterproductive to her resolve not to go down that route.
Claude's comment about Mogwry however only serves to drag her mind right back. Try as she might to fold the way her expression hardens into an exasperated sigh at the thought of her newly acquired guard moogle, it's wishful thinking considering who she's trying to hide it from. ]
I don't even know where he got that idea. [ The sound of their skates cut clean against the ice as they near their first loop round. ] I was only venting to him because of something that happened the other day. And that definitely didn't involve telling him to electrocute you.
I think you win any and all prizes for sweeping someone away since you've done that to me quite literally today.
[ It's a horrible joke and the grin on his face says Claude's quite Proud of it for being that awful. But it's fitting for literally being dragged across the ice - quite voluntarily at that - and it's another none too subtle attempt to fish for a smile, a laugh, or even a roll of her eyes. Some things never change from how they've always been.
The same can be said for Claude noticing the expression shifting across her face just enough for him to pick it up in pieces. What's underneath it still isn't clear to him though it seems to be more than just Mogwry's antics alone. But - it does also feel like a confirmation of sorts that it is tied to him somehow even if electrocuting him was all the moogle's doing since the cause behind it came from somewhere. Didn't it? ]
I suppose he gets full marks for creativity then. [ Dryly, and something to contemplate for a second as he moves their hands to attempt spinning Hilda in a slow circle in place like they're on a dance floor rather than ice. It's not the best misdirection he's ever done, but it's enough to offer Hilda her own second to think before he continues in that same lightly teasing tone as an opening to a different branch of the conversation if she'd like to take it. ] Do I get to know what it is that happened?
[ It's a horrible joke and the grin on his face says Claude's quite Proud of it for being that awful. But it's fitting for literally being dragged across the ice - quite voluntarily at that - and it's another none too subtle attempt to fish for a smile, a laugh, or even a roll of her eyes. Some things never change from how they've always been.
The same can be said for Claude noticing the expression shifting across her face just enough for him to pick it up in pieces. What's underneath it still isn't clear to him though it seems to be more than just Mogwry's antics alone. But - it does also feel like a confirmation of sorts that it is tied to him somehow even if electrocuting him was all the moogle's doing since the cause behind it came from somewhere. Didn't it? ]
I suppose he gets full marks for creativity then. [ Dryly, and something to contemplate for a second as he moves their hands to attempt spinning Hilda in a slow circle in place like they're on a dance floor rather than ice. It's not the best misdirection he's ever done, but it's enough to offer Hilda her own second to think before he continues in that same lightly teasing tone as an opening to a different branch of the conversation if she'd like to take it. ] Do I get to know what it is that happened?
[ The joke is predictably awful, earning him a little nose wrinkle but a spark of bright laughter all the same. ]
I'm not so sure that sweeping is the word I'd use for it.
[ She motions cheekily behind them where the very visible if you look hard enough remnants of a body being dragged across the surface remain. They could skate in circles all day long about semantics but that would detract from the question that Claude so rightly asked.
In hindsight, she should have known that admitting what she did was going to result in a question about it. That doesn't stop her from briefly shutting her eyes as Claude begins to spin her wondering for the umpteenth time what she was doing. There's been space between their fight, their subsequent apology and a whole new dynamic to their relationship that has been introduced since - but her insecurities, jealousy, and tentative approach to their relationship with Sylvain, are still tender.
It doesn't escape her that Claude is offering her both an out and room to talk more about what had happened. It's tempting to take the offered out. Dismiss her unpleasant feelings and pretend them away like she's always had because the last time she let them get the best of her, it had almost ruined one of the most precious things in her life. But they've lived through bottling feelings down and that alternative hadn't gone well either.
When she returns to his side, a cloud of breath precedes her answer. ]
...You just have to promise not to be upset with me, okay?
I'm not so sure that sweeping is the word I'd use for it.
[ She motions cheekily behind them where the very visible if you look hard enough remnants of a body being dragged across the surface remain. They could skate in circles all day long about semantics but that would detract from the question that Claude so rightly asked.
In hindsight, she should have known that admitting what she did was going to result in a question about it. That doesn't stop her from briefly shutting her eyes as Claude begins to spin her wondering for the umpteenth time what she was doing. There's been space between their fight, their subsequent apology and a whole new dynamic to their relationship that has been introduced since - but her insecurities, jealousy, and tentative approach to their relationship with Sylvain, are still tender.
It doesn't escape her that Claude is offering her both an out and room to talk more about what had happened. It's tempting to take the offered out. Dismiss her unpleasant feelings and pretend them away like she's always had because the last time she let them get the best of her, it had almost ruined one of the most precious things in her life. But they've lived through bottling feelings down and that alternative hadn't gone well either.
When she returns to his side, a cloud of breath precedes her answer. ]
...You just have to promise not to be upset with me, okay?
[ Sweeping absolutely isn't the word for it. Claude knows this without even looking at the tracks that definitely aren't just from their skates and from all of a few minutes ago, but the combination laugh-internal groan it gets from Hilda makes it worth it when that warms him as much as his approximately seventy clothing layers.
The smile on his face grows to a grin because of it, one of all fondness as they twirl (mostly) in place with something not quite as seamless as all those dances they'd had together. Something still close to him as much as this, though he catches a flash of Hilda's expression as she goes and nearly pauses. Instead it's relegated to an internal pause as his own expression stays as even as ever in the time she's turned away and then also when she's back facing him again.
Though he hadn't really thought he'd get an answer right away - not when he's every bit as much averse to voicing them the first time he's asked something, if not twenty times as much so - what she prefaces it with is enough to get him to pause completely now. They come to a slow halt as he lets the momentum fade out to slow them to it and he studies her face curiously. Those words are ever so slightly ominous in how they're said when it doesn't seem like this will lead to some of their usual silliness. It doesn't take him longer than a second to find his own answer. ]
Okay, I promise.
[ As he runs gloved thumbs over the backs of her hands in his, the look on his face is still set to something neutral even as a flicker of concern goes through it. But he means it; with whatever she's about to tell him and no matter what it is, if it's something she's reluctant to - chastising her for choosing to share isn't anything he wants to do. ]
The smile on his face grows to a grin because of it, one of all fondness as they twirl (mostly) in place with something not quite as seamless as all those dances they'd had together. Something still close to him as much as this, though he catches a flash of Hilda's expression as she goes and nearly pauses. Instead it's relegated to an internal pause as his own expression stays as even as ever in the time she's turned away and then also when she's back facing him again.
Though he hadn't really thought he'd get an answer right away - not when he's every bit as much averse to voicing them the first time he's asked something, if not twenty times as much so - what she prefaces it with is enough to get him to pause completely now. They come to a slow halt as he lets the momentum fade out to slow them to it and he studies her face curiously. Those words are ever so slightly ominous in how they're said when it doesn't seem like this will lead to some of their usual silliness. It doesn't take him longer than a second to find his own answer. ]
Okay, I promise.
[ As he runs gloved thumbs over the backs of her hands in his, the look on his face is still set to something neutral even as a flicker of concern goes through it. But he means it; with whatever she's about to tell him and no matter what it is, if it's something she's reluctant to - chastising her for choosing to share isn't anything he wants to do. ]
[ A part of her almost wishes that they'd keep skating if only because it would provide a nice distraction for her, to lighten what probably isn't a big deal (it really isn't that serious, but is that her old habit of pretending things away rearing its head?) into something anecdotal that they can just laugh about right after. Avoidance is a dance she's always known, particularly when it comes to Claude. It's a dance that they have to unlearn.
So the urge to continue moving, doing anything that will help distract is quashed in favour of being truthful about her less than attractive feelings. To her credit she does attempt to sound even keeled throughout her account of the interaction that resulted in Claude being threatened by a creature that barely came up to his knees. Embarrassment and shame are quick to creep into her voice much like the way heat rushes into her cheeks. ]
I ran into Dion in Nocwich. And he mentioned that you two met on some rooftop, indulged in Nocwich's "musical inclinations" and a meal. I know it probably was just you being kind to a new Summoned but when I got the feeling that you left him with some sort of impression, I guess my mind got away from me.
[ Her gaze drops to their skates towards the end, unable to bear the way heat prickles uncomfortably at the back of her neck like pins and needles. A little breath of annoyance aimed at herself and her inability to trust someone that she said she would escapes her. ]
I got jealous. Again. Over nothing! And I didn't want to say anything to you or Sylvain because it's so stupid of me to react that way and not trust you. I didn't want to cause trouble so I wasn't going to say anything about it.
[ There's other things left unsaid there - that she didn't want him to think less of her or second guess whatever it was they were trying to make work. She didn't want him to leave again. Rehashing all of that in her mind sends more prickles of anxiety down her spine though and they go unsaid. Helplessly she gestures towards the quaint cottage with its warm light. ]
...I just didn't account for a protective moogle. [ Her lips lift humourlessly in a self-deprecating way. ] But that's why I'm not that tactician out of the two of us.
So the urge to continue moving, doing anything that will help distract is quashed in favour of being truthful about her less than attractive feelings. To her credit she does attempt to sound even keeled throughout her account of the interaction that resulted in Claude being threatened by a creature that barely came up to his knees. Embarrassment and shame are quick to creep into her voice much like the way heat rushes into her cheeks. ]
I ran into Dion in Nocwich. And he mentioned that you two met on some rooftop, indulged in Nocwich's "musical inclinations" and a meal. I know it probably was just you being kind to a new Summoned but when I got the feeling that you left him with some sort of impression, I guess my mind got away from me.
[ Her gaze drops to their skates towards the end, unable to bear the way heat prickles uncomfortably at the back of her neck like pins and needles. A little breath of annoyance aimed at herself and her inability to trust someone that she said she would escapes her. ]
I got jealous. Again. Over nothing! And I didn't want to say anything to you or Sylvain because it's so stupid of me to react that way and not trust you. I didn't want to cause trouble so I wasn't going to say anything about it.
[ There's other things left unsaid there - that she didn't want him to think less of her or second guess whatever it was they were trying to make work. She didn't want him to leave again. Rehashing all of that in her mind sends more prickles of anxiety down her spine though and they go unsaid. Helplessly she gestures towards the quaint cottage with its warm light. ]
...I just didn't account for a protective moogle. [ Her lips lift humourlessly in a self-deprecating way. ] But that's why I'm not that tactician out of the two of us.
[ Claude waits patiently as Hilda finds what she wants to say, as her cheeks flush in a way which feels fitting to that promise of not getting upset by what's said even before she starts to say it. He listens carefully and avoids any sort of strong reactions - or any reactions at all to make sure he doesn't discourage her.
There's a passing thought that if he'd taken longer to contemplate it, this might've been on the list of things he'd guessed. Left him with some sort of impression, Hilda says. While that's something Claude will contemplate in depth later, for now the only focus on that is what Hilda says it made her feel. That it caused her some level of discomfort or pain is something he's responsible for, no matter whether it was caused inadvertently or otherwise.
The mention of Mogwry gets a faint smile from him, but it fades not long after at any sort of tactics here as he brings gloved hands up first to tug her closer and then one to brush some of her hair back to tuck it behind her ear. ]
Hilda, I want you to tell me these things. It's not stupid to feel any way about something and it's not causing trouble. But I think you and I both know you have plenty of strategy in you since it's just one of the reasons I like you so much.
[ Paired with a light tug of her hair looped around one of his fingers, but lighthearted teasing isn't the way he wants to shift this towards. That'd be too much like minimizing something she trusted him enough to tell him despite being uncomfortable and as Claude considers what to say next he keeps his gaze on her. ]
I know they're just words rather than actions, but I meant what I told you that if something was going to change I would tell you before anything else. I know we have a lot to figure out still, but the most important part of that to me is that I don't want to break or lose your trust ever again. I don't want to keep secrets from you anymore.
There's a passing thought that if he'd taken longer to contemplate it, this might've been on the list of things he'd guessed. Left him with some sort of impression, Hilda says. While that's something Claude will contemplate in depth later, for now the only focus on that is what Hilda says it made her feel. That it caused her some level of discomfort or pain is something he's responsible for, no matter whether it was caused inadvertently or otherwise.
The mention of Mogwry gets a faint smile from him, but it fades not long after at any sort of tactics here as he brings gloved hands up first to tug her closer and then one to brush some of her hair back to tuck it behind her ear. ]
Hilda, I want you to tell me these things. It's not stupid to feel any way about something and it's not causing trouble. But I think you and I both know you have plenty of strategy in you since it's just one of the reasons I like you so much.
[ Paired with a light tug of her hair looped around one of his fingers, but lighthearted teasing isn't the way he wants to shift this towards. That'd be too much like minimizing something she trusted him enough to tell him despite being uncomfortable and as Claude considers what to say next he keeps his gaze on her. ]
I know they're just words rather than actions, but I meant what I told you that if something was going to change I would tell you before anything else. I know we have a lot to figure out still, but the most important part of that to me is that I don't want to break or lose your trust ever again. I don't want to keep secrets from you anymore.
[ A part of her tenses, waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop. She can't even bring herself to look at him for fear of seeing something unpleasant bloom on his features that would speak louder than words. Instead comfort comes in the form of him drawing her close. The tension in her body relaxes some.
Protests are already on the tip of her tongue. That it's stupid for her to feel this way. That it's awful how she was practically ready to bare her teeth towards someone that hadn't done anything wrong except probably been charmed by Claude. That she doesn't have an ounce of strategy in her; if anything she might possess the propensity to be cunning in the way that's bratty or self-serving but never anything that should be praised. And it's certainly not something that should be liked either. As she finally turns her gaze back towards him all of those self doubts are quickly swallowed, folded away for her to contemplate another day.
For now she tucks herself into him, drawing her arms close around his waist so she can rest her head against his chest to listen to the steady beat of his heart beneath the ridiculous amount of layers he wears. ]
I know you would, and I know you don't. [ And both of those things are something she has to remind herself of. ] I know how I can get. But I don't want to act that way anymore. I don't want to doubt you or make up ridiculous stories in my head about what you are or aren't doing because -
[ She stops herself short, a string of three words and eight letters that she'd nursed for so long now on the tip of her tongue. Except they feel right accompanying her admission of jealousy. It doesn't feel right when she doesn't feel worthy enough of his affections and attention when there are clearly others in Fodlan, Almyra and here that are more deserving. ]
You mean so much to me. [ Her gaze goes back up towards him. ] We mean so much to me.
Protests are already on the tip of her tongue. That it's stupid for her to feel this way. That it's awful how she was practically ready to bare her teeth towards someone that hadn't done anything wrong except probably been charmed by Claude. That she doesn't have an ounce of strategy in her; if anything she might possess the propensity to be cunning in the way that's bratty or self-serving but never anything that should be praised. And it's certainly not something that should be liked either. As she finally turns her gaze back towards him all of those self doubts are quickly swallowed, folded away for her to contemplate another day.
For now she tucks herself into him, drawing her arms close around his waist so she can rest her head against his chest to listen to the steady beat of his heart beneath the ridiculous amount of layers he wears. ]
I know you would, and I know you don't. [ And both of those things are something she has to remind herself of. ] I know how I can get. But I don't want to act that way anymore. I don't want to doubt you or make up ridiculous stories in my head about what you are or aren't doing because -
[ She stops herself short, a string of three words and eight letters that she'd nursed for so long now on the tip of her tongue. Except they feel right accompanying her admission of jealousy. It doesn't feel right when she doesn't feel worthy enough of his affections and attention when there are clearly others in Fodlan, Almyra and here that are more deserving. ]
You mean so much to me. [ Her gaze goes back up towards him. ] We mean so much to me.
[ As she curls into him, Claude's arms go around her as well in what's almost an automatic reaction. The kind which feels right, like an instinct that'd always been there just as in so many years ago when it was he'd first realized it felt like the empty spaces around him were made for her to fit into. And she had so seamlessly in a way that no one ever had, and so much so that he could do nothing but marvel at the simplicity of it in a way which had made him never want to let go. That belief had never once wavered, not even in their jagged separation here where they'd only ached with loss, and it doesn't now either.
Claude leans down to kiss the top of her head and considers resting his chin on top of it, but decides against it to watch what he can see of her face while she talks. It works out since when her words abruptly stop, there's a second where his breath inaudibly catches in his throat and even for all of his control over everything he projects, he forgets to inhale again. The absence of what follows he hears loud and clear.
Or - does he? Is it wishful thinking, just a product of that all important phrase resonating somewhere inside of him with a truth he'd long ago stopped denying to himself? It's difficult to not think of something Sylvain had told him months ago, something that'd all but confirm it. Something Claude still hears now said in what Hilda tells him: the same thing, just in different words. An admission from either one of them which will take time - something beyond worth waiting for. ]
You mean so much to me, too. And so do we, and for what we have with Sylvain as well. I care about you for who you are, Hilda. Not for who you think you should be but for all of you, no matter what. We'll just have to work on everything else together now that we can, but I believe in us.
Claude leans down to kiss the top of her head and considers resting his chin on top of it, but decides against it to watch what he can see of her face while she talks. It works out since when her words abruptly stop, there's a second where his breath inaudibly catches in his throat and even for all of his control over everything he projects, he forgets to inhale again. The absence of what follows he hears loud and clear.
Or - does he? Is it wishful thinking, just a product of that all important phrase resonating somewhere inside of him with a truth he'd long ago stopped denying to himself? It's difficult to not think of something Sylvain had told him months ago, something that'd all but confirm it. Something Claude still hears now said in what Hilda tells him: the same thing, just in different words. An admission from either one of them which will take time - something beyond worth waiting for. ]
You mean so much to me, too. And so do we, and for what we have with Sylvain as well. I care about you for who you are, Hilda. Not for who you think you should be but for all of you, no matter what. We'll just have to work on everything else together now that we can, but I believe in us.
[ Hilda's propensity to selectively forget or purposefully ignore things that she definitely notices has never failed her - especially over the last several years of her life that were spent at the Academy and then at war. Conveniently it's glossed over any sign, gesture or meaning that might lead her to think that Claude cared deeply in the same way that she did. It was knowledge that wouldn't serve either of them in the times they lived in.
Despite her hopes to remain untethered, unbothered and free even that wish is kept within a glass box where she sits on display; she knows the role for youngest - and only - daughters like her in Fodlan. It was likely going to end up in marriage to someone whose family still held some social status or other that would best benefit both of their families than for love. To even have an inkling of hope that Claude felt anything deeper than affection beyond the realm of like fed daydreams of a child that she was beginning to see needed to grow up.
It's a bitter truth to swallow, one that some days she desperately digs her claws into in an attempt to hold onto fleeting days of innocence. At the very least, it's made sweeter by the fact that Abraxas has brought her something that she might very well never have in Fodlan. Perhaps that was enough for now. The rest, no matter how daunting, could follow.
Even if the words he offers don't help shift her views they still manage to warm her some and dispel some of the static at the back of her neck. It pulls a smile to her lips, one that she hopes seems more tender and watery than rueful. ]
Work? But you know how much I hate work. [ She sighs, meaning to break up some of the mood because there's only so much melancholy she can bear. The winter had bled into her heart weighing it down and she wanted nothing more than to chase it away again. The smile still lingers at the corner of her lips as she reaches up to brush her mittened thumb against his cheek. ] But I guess if you two are there to do most of it then it might not be so bad.
[ But quietly she knows that she'd do the same. If not for her, then for them. ]
Despite her hopes to remain untethered, unbothered and free even that wish is kept within a glass box where she sits on display; she knows the role for youngest - and only - daughters like her in Fodlan. It was likely going to end up in marriage to someone whose family still held some social status or other that would best benefit both of their families than for love. To even have an inkling of hope that Claude felt anything deeper than affection beyond the realm of like fed daydreams of a child that she was beginning to see needed to grow up.
It's a bitter truth to swallow, one that some days she desperately digs her claws into in an attempt to hold onto fleeting days of innocence. At the very least, it's made sweeter by the fact that Abraxas has brought her something that she might very well never have in Fodlan. Perhaps that was enough for now. The rest, no matter how daunting, could follow.
Even if the words he offers don't help shift her views they still manage to warm her some and dispel some of the static at the back of her neck. It pulls a smile to her lips, one that she hopes seems more tender and watery than rueful. ]
Work? But you know how much I hate work. [ She sighs, meaning to break up some of the mood because there's only so much melancholy she can bear. The winter had bled into her heart weighing it down and she wanted nothing more than to chase it away again. The smile still lingers at the corner of her lips as she reaches up to brush her mittened thumb against his cheek. ] But I guess if you two are there to do most of it then it might not be so bad.
[ But quietly she knows that she'd do the same. If not for her, then for them. ]
[ In the same instant Hilda sighs Claude can't help but laugh following that familiar refrain when it's one he's heard her say so many times before for so many reasons. Something constant he can count on and one after all these years he's still not tired of; though once she might've meant those words it's difficult to believe them these days when there's so much that's come to pass.
They're not a real protest but the echo of one. Of that much he's certain even if they're said here to put the weight of what needs to be done onto him and Sylvain, and even more so when Claude's even more certain Hilda would do just as much even if not asked. There's been proof of that over these last few months where things were slow to mend until that decisive point on which the three of them had talked in great detail, and in what's been cemented since.
Here now, too, as he leans his face into her hand with a smile settling on his face once laughter fades out. ]
I'll take it into consideration, unless by 'work' you mean leaving me out here in the cold to freeze over and over. Maybe next time we could visit Goneril in the summer since I bet it's just as beautiful without the snow.
[ Not that he minds it so much while being here with Hilda, but it feels right to bookend one familiar complaint with another... or rather, for maybe the twentieth time in the past hour when it comes to their surroundings. What Claude doesn't do is move like he might have any other time in avoiding weather he finds less than pleasant. Not this time when this is who he wants to be here with, and the only movement involves staying where he is to lean down with that smile still present for a kiss. ]
They're not a real protest but the echo of one. Of that much he's certain even if they're said here to put the weight of what needs to be done onto him and Sylvain, and even more so when Claude's even more certain Hilda would do just as much even if not asked. There's been proof of that over these last few months where things were slow to mend until that decisive point on which the three of them had talked in great detail, and in what's been cemented since.
Here now, too, as he leans his face into her hand with a smile settling on his face once laughter fades out. ]
I'll take it into consideration, unless by 'work' you mean leaving me out here in the cold to freeze over and over. Maybe next time we could visit Goneril in the summer since I bet it's just as beautiful without the snow.
[ Not that he minds it so much while being here with Hilda, but it feels right to bookend one familiar complaint with another... or rather, for maybe the twentieth time in the past hour when it comes to their surroundings. What Claude doesn't do is move like he might have any other time in avoiding weather he finds less than pleasant. Not this time when this is who he wants to be here with, and the only movement involves staying where he is to lean down with that smile still present for a kiss. ]
[ Left at Hilda's home is a colorful set of heels that he made for her. They have the level of heel that he knows she prefers to wear. He also got a bottle of her favorite alcoholic beverage, whatever it is.]
This is not a design for anyone else but you. Thank you for being my work partner, here's to our business ventures!
-Jesper
This is not a design for anyone else but you. Thank you for being my work partner, here's to our business ventures!
-Jesper
[ Yes, his message includes the @. Please don't question it. ]
@Hilda, are you going to be in Nocwich in the next few days? I have something for you for you.
[ The "something" in question is actually two, small, almost perfect wild pearls. ]
@Hilda, are you going to be in Nocwich in the next few days? I have something for you for you.
[ The "something" in question is actually two, small, almost perfect wild pearls. ]
[ She's gonna question it. ]
𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦? 𝘐 𝘥𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘺𝘦𝘴.
𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘺𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘭? 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦. @?
@@@@@?
𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦? 𝘐 𝘥𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘺𝘦𝘴.
𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘺𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘭? 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦. @?
@@@@@?
𝘖𝘩, 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦! 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘯 𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬. 𝘚𝘰 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘧 𝘸𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 @ 𝘕𝘰𝘤𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘩?
𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘐 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘵?
𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘐 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘵?
You could.
It was actually co-opted from a planet's accounting systems prior to digitization; originally it meant "at a rate of," before being shortened to just "at" and used in message protocols. Once the character became standardized on keyboards and then spread through interplanetary travel and communication, other uses also became established.
[ God. he is SUCh a fucking nerd. ]
Your hint is that it is shiny.
It was actually co-opted from a planet's accounting systems prior to digitization; originally it meant "at a rate of," before being shortened to just "at" and used in message protocols. Once the character became standardized on keyboards and then spread through interplanetary travel and communication, other uses also became established.
[ God. he is SUCh a fucking nerd. ]
Your hint is that it is shiny.
[ So...all of that explanation went in one ear and out the other. Fucking Nerd. ]
𝘚𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 "𝘢𝘵"?
𝘖𝘩𝘩𝘩, 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘺! 𝘐 𝘥𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. 𝘐'𝘮 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘋𝘢𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘯𝘨 - 𝘸𝘦'𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦.
𝘚𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 "𝘢𝘵"?
𝘖𝘩𝘩𝘩, 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘺! 𝘐 𝘥𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. 𝘐'𝘮 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘋𝘢𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘯𝘨 - 𝘸𝘦'𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦.
Yes, or make faces. Like so:
@_@
[ That was the point he was trying to make there. Definitely. ]
It isn't a lot, but I hope you will appreciate them.
Tell me when you are available, and I will come find you.
@_@
[ That was the point he was trying to make there. Definitely. ]
It isn't a lot, but I hope you will appreciate them.
Tell me when you are available, and I will come find you.
Edited (damn you casual html) 2023-12-19 06:00 (UTC)
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵?! 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦! @ _ @ 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦? @𝘵@? @𝘰@?
[ Oh, right he had asked about something else, hadn't he? ]
𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭. 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘕𝘰𝘤𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘴? 𝘐 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰𝘰, 𝘴𝘰 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦.
[ Oh, right he had asked about something else, hadn't he? ]
𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭. 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘕𝘰𝘤𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘴? 𝘐 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰𝘰, 𝘴𝘰 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦.
Edited 2023-12-19 06:32 (UTC)
^_^
𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦? 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 ^_^ 𝘴𝘰 ^_^ 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 ^_^ 𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘳 ^_^
[ Hilda unfortunately is not one of those readers and is fully convinced he's making the ^_^ face while he's writing it. ]
𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵! 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰.
𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦? 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 ^_^ 𝘴𝘰 ^_^ 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 ^_^ 𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘳 ^_^
[ Hilda unfortunately is not one of those readers and is fully convinced he's making the ^_^ face while he's writing it. ]
𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵! 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰.
i'm actually wheezing this is such a one brain cell conversation
theidlemaiden
2023-12-20 07:01 am (UTC)(link)
[ Wow okay that "..." felt pretty rude and sassy. ]
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘴𝘦 ^ 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯?
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘴𝘦 ^ 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯?
[ This is a good sign, young padawan - wait, wrong canon. ]
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳.
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯?
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳.
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯?
𝘐𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘰𝘸.
𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘋𝘢𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘯𝘨. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘦? (･ω<)☆
𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘋𝘢𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘯𝘨. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘦? (･ω<)☆
[ A lightbulb suddenly turns on. ]
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𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦. 𝘐𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘦𝘪𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘐'𝘮 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶? (･ω<)☆
𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘐'𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘥 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.
𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘐'𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘥 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.
[ Not all pink-haired girls are the same, Dan Heng, gosh. ]
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢!
𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯'𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘐𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘶𝘱 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘦 𝘶𝘴? 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘦'𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢!
𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯'𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘐𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘶𝘱 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘦 𝘶𝘴? 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘦'𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰.
[ if two is a coincidence and three is a data trend... we are getting very close to a trend here. ]
Sure.
She will need your guidance for bartering as well. March hasn't spent long periods of time on planets without standardized currency.
[ The fact that the trailblaze trio is as well-adjusted as they are, with one being an excon, one an amnesiac, and one a tube baby nuke container, is nothing short of a miracle, tbh. ]
Sure.
She will need your guidance for bartering as well. March hasn't spent long periods of time on planets without standardized currency.
[ The fact that the trailblaze trio is as well-adjusted as they are, with one being an excon, one an amnesiac, and one a tube baby nuke container, is nothing short of a miracle, tbh. ]
[ Find us one more pink haired girl then. ]
𝘐'𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳! 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭.
𝘞𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘰𝘤𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘩. 𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦!
𝘐'𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳! 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭.
𝘞𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘰𝘤𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘩. 𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦!
[ Sometime mid-month, Hilda will find left on her bed two large wrapped packages and an envelope. The first wrapped box holds an ornate tea set, the cups of which form a heart with the liquid inside when filled. Accompanying it are two large tins of freshly blended tea leaves, one a mimicry of Albinean Berry Blend and the other a familiar Rose Petal Blend.
The second box contains a large charmed picnic basket, designed to keep the food inside fresh for a length of time. Inside of it, she'll find an array of freshly-baked and decorated treats, all for her. (There's a definite theme running here)
Finally, the envelope holds a pair of tickets to one of the exclusive spas in Aquila and a reservation card for one of the nicer restaurants there, to be filled out at and cashed in at her leisure. Underneath is a short note in Sylvain's familiar handwriting. ]
I wasn't sure what to get you for this festival season, since obviously jewelry and/or clothes are straight out. Flowers never last very long and also we already have too many of those on the terrace anyway. Have to hope this will suffice and that you enjoy your treats. I tried to find ones as sweet as you.
Let me know when you'd like to take a trip to Aquila. I'm looking forward to some time together. Even if you will probably make me take another bath in mud.
~ Sylvain
The second box contains a large charmed picnic basket, designed to keep the food inside fresh for a length of time. Inside of it, she'll find an array of freshly-baked and decorated treats, all for her. (There's a definite theme running here)
Finally, the envelope holds a pair of tickets to one of the exclusive spas in Aquila and a reservation card for one of the nicer restaurants there, to be filled out at and cashed in at her leisure. Underneath is a short note in Sylvain's familiar handwriting. ]
I wasn't sure what to get you for this festival season, since obviously jewelry and/or clothes are straight out. Flowers never last very long and also we already have too many of those on the terrace anyway. Have to hope this will suffice and that you enjoy your treats. I tried to find ones as sweet as you.
Let me know when you'd like to take a trip to Aquila. I'm looking forward to some time together. Even if you will probably make me take another bath in mud.
~ Sylvain
Edited 2023-12-17 20:42 (UTC)
( The package that arrives for Hilda is small, wrapped in cloth and tied in twine. Inside she'll find a small fragment of intricately carved bone hung from a string as a charm, and a note written in a careful hand. )
Hilda,
I couldn't find something in Solvunn that would suit what I assume is your style -- forgive the rustic nature of the charm, and feel free to hide it on your person. The spell carved into it is 'Shield' -- should you be attacked, simply say 'macte virtute' and a magical barrier will spring up around you, lasting at most a minute, and protecting you from the triggering attack and any other until it is broken or your concentration wavers.
May it help you if you should ever find yourself in over your head,
- Haelva
[the package arrives via courier to hilda's place of residence. it is wrapped plainly, tied with blue-dyed twine and a sprig of bloomed iris. an engraved hatchet is in the package, along with a note written in an elegant script:]
For one who blends beauty and strength without equal.
-Diana
For one who blends beauty and strength without equal.
-Diana
( Inside a small package from Thorne are five pieces of fabric, clearly meant to tie hair back from one's face. Four are clearly themed after the seasons, with embroidery to match: snowflakes, bright green plants, ocean waves and the sun, and falling leaves. The fifth is a complimentary shade of pink-red, in order to work well with Hilda's hair, and embroidered with delicate flowers. )
Keep well, Hilda.
- Jill
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