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sticksandbones2025-01-03 12:00 pm
sticksandbonesmods) wrote in sticksandbones2025-01-03 12:00 pm
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[ Luca's judgement alone already has Will's ears drooping... and the shell seals the deal. As the newcomer turns to leave:]
Wait. Ser, I wasn't trying to start anything with you. I... forget not everyone is in the mood for my humor so soon after arriving here from Seasons knows what.
Wait. Ser, I wasn't trying to start anything with you. I... forget not everyone is in the mood for my humor so soon after arriving here from Seasons knows what.
A mountain lion?
[He can't say he's familiar with the name, though it does prompt something of an itch in the back of his mind. A half smile curls over his lips.]
If you mean a Coeurl, I think you would find that I am well-equipped to handle such a beast, even in this state.
[Though even as he says it, he can't say he knows that to be true. Though he'd been able to summon Bahamut's power at its fullest, he can't say if he was still in possession of his magic, or if it would even come to him in such a state.]
[He can't say he's familiar with the name, though it does prompt something of an itch in the back of his mind. A half smile curls over his lips.]
If you mean a Coeurl, I think you would find that I am well-equipped to handle such a beast, even in this state.
[Though even as he says it, he can't say he knows that to be true. Though he'd been able to summon Bahamut's power at its fullest, he can't say if he was still in possession of his magic, or if it would even come to him in such a state.]
Uh... nevermind.
[ He's so sensitive, she doesn't seem like the right time to explain mountain lions to him. ]
I'm Steph, by the way. Stephanie Brown.
[ He's so sensitive, she doesn't seem like the right time to explain mountain lions to him. ]
I'm Steph, by the way. Stephanie Brown.
( the alarm doesn't faze her- but then, compared to till's justified aggression, he's being remarkably composed. she just smiles a bit. )
I won't pry further, but... I do have some unsolicited advice.
... If you do not allow kindnesses into your life, while trying to make up for things you've done- you will quickly lose will.
Now then, I don't think I've seen you before?
I won't pry further, but... I do have some unsolicited advice.
... If you do not allow kindnesses into your life, while trying to make up for things you've done- you will quickly lose will.
Now then, I don't think I've seen you before?
[ Dion declines but Clive will order a drink for his brother and himself - and somehow manages to not flirt with Luca in the process not right now - then turns his attention back to Dion. He frowns a little, tilting his head a bit. ]
Not an all together unfamiliar one. It's the sibling of the Sun God here, Lady Beiwe, but it's become Corrupted by something and hates humans as a result. But rather than attempting to bring it's own race back, it simply wishes to torment us then kill us when it finally gets bored.
[ He'll accept his and Joshua's mugs and set them down, sliding one towards his brother, then settle himself comfortably again, leaning forward to rest his arms on the table. And if he's pleased Dion actually uses his name, then he'll hold it for less serious times. ]
And unfortunately, it has a stronger desire to torment us than Ultima ever did. To Ultima, we were pieces of "Them" that gained freedom, and in the end we would be erased from history as we returned properly to our maker upon him remaking the world. This creature, however... It would rather our souls be erased complete.
[ He pauses to sip his drink, scowling into it to the memory of Joshua turning against him. ]
Not an all together unfamiliar one. It's the sibling of the Sun God here, Lady Beiwe, but it's become Corrupted by something and hates humans as a result. But rather than attempting to bring it's own race back, it simply wishes to torment us then kill us when it finally gets bored.
[ He'll accept his and Joshua's mugs and set them down, sliding one towards his brother, then settle himself comfortably again, leaning forward to rest his arms on the table. And if he's pleased Dion actually uses his name, then he'll hold it for less serious times. ]
And unfortunately, it has a stronger desire to torment us than Ultima ever did. To Ultima, we were pieces of "Them" that gained freedom, and in the end we would be erased from history as we returned properly to our maker upon him remaking the world. This creature, however... It would rather our souls be erased complete.
[ He pauses to sip his drink, scowling into it to the memory of Joshua turning against him. ]
[ While Clive fetches the drinks, Joshua tries to politely ignore the... strange glances that Dion seems to be giving him. He isn't sure why. The ones that he does catch, he returns with a smile, a slight cant of his head that asks a silent question, but otherwise he will let the matter be. If Dion doesn't want to ask, he will not press.
Instead, he takes his mug gladly as Clive sets it on the table for him, pulling it toward himself and cupping it in his hands, though he doesn't drink just yet. He folds one knee over the other, listening as Clive explains. ]
When we first arrived here, we aided a group in trying to make an assault on it while it slumbered during the winter months. It ended horribly. That... thing... It toyed with us, played with our minds, made us see things that weren't truly there. It killed some of us as though we were nothing.
[ The memory of it is still sour in his throat, even after all these weeks. He frowns down at his mug, pausing to take a sip, like the drink will wash the taste from his mouth. ]
It took control of me and corrupted me. Set me upon Clive. And I will never forgive it for that.
Instead, he takes his mug gladly as Clive sets it on the table for him, pulling it toward himself and cupping it in his hands, though he doesn't drink just yet. He folds one knee over the other, listening as Clive explains. ]
When we first arrived here, we aided a group in trying to make an assault on it while it slumbered during the winter months. It ended horribly. That... thing... It toyed with us, played with our minds, made us see things that weren't truly there. It killed some of us as though we were nothing.
[ The memory of it is still sour in his throat, even after all these weeks. He frowns down at his mug, pausing to take a sip, like the drink will wash the taste from his mouth. ]
It took control of me and corrupted me. Set me upon Clive. And I will never forgive it for that.
Edited 2025-03-02 18:58 (UTC)
[That convinces Dion to slow. He turns back, his own expression smoothing into something much more composed.]
Your apology is both appreciated and accepted. [He is tempted to leave it at that. However, something prompts him to hesitate. As his gaze shifts to the floor, he offers:] I am more on edge than I would usually be. That does not help matters.
Your apology is both appreciated and accepted. [He is tempted to leave it at that. However, something prompts him to hesitate. As his gaze shifts to the floor, he offers:] I am more on edge than I would usually be. That does not help matters.
Lady Brown. [He gives a short nod, tucking this much into his memory.]
My name is Pr- [He stops, wincing visibly. Before she can ask, he plays the movement off as merely a sore spot, rather than something internal.] Dion Lesage.
Would that I could say our meeting is a pleasure. Alas, the circumstances are less than desirable, as I am sure you have surmised.
My name is Pr- [He stops, wincing visibly. Before she can ask, he plays the movement off as merely a sore spot, rather than something internal.] Dion Lesage.
Would that I could say our meeting is a pleasure. Alas, the circumstances are less than desirable, as I am sure you have surmised.
[Long since schooled by the politicking of Empire, Dion doesn't visibly react to her words. Still, they do stir faintly within his chest, an uncomfortable sensation that he has to resist the urge to shift away from, lest he invoke suspicion.]
You are right in two regards. Foremost of which being that it was indeed unsolicited. [He takes a sip from his goblet, before setting it aside.]
And second being that I am indeed new here.
You are right in two regards. Foremost of which being that it was indeed unsolicited. [He takes a sip from his goblet, before setting it aside.]
And second being that I am indeed new here.
Aye... people showing up here when things are at their worst back home is... pretty common. I am sorry for proddin' you.
[A strange rush fills Dion when he realizes Joshua has caught his gaze. It feels so juvenile, not unlike his and Terence's earliest days. This thought, of course, prompts a sharp pang within his chest, and sets him to staring at the table until the conversation has well and truly begun.
Not that he particularly likes what he hears. He'd thought Ultima and his scheming bad enough. Yes, Dion had suffered by his machinations, but never physically so. And in the end, all of his actions could only be tied to himself, rather than his hand being forced. This seemed far worse.]
So there is to be no rest for the deceased, then. [A wry smile works over his lips, brief though it might be. He shouldn't be surprised. Fool he was for believing that his death might end his troubles. Thousands had died by his hands, after all. Surely he would have to suffer an equal amount of ends before he could rest.
Still, anger does grip him when Joshua speaks of his own troubles, one that pairs with concern.]
You would do well to be more careful. I cannot imagine that whatever corruption plagued you plays well with - [Dion stops short, however. His eyes fall to the spot on Joshua's chest that once was marred so deeply by Ultima's grip. He can't quite tell if the mark still lingers, but something about how Joshua's presence had shifted gives him the answer he needs.]
Ultima's curse. It no longer plagues you here.
[It's not a question.]
Not that he particularly likes what he hears. He'd thought Ultima and his scheming bad enough. Yes, Dion had suffered by his machinations, but never physically so. And in the end, all of his actions could only be tied to himself, rather than his hand being forced. This seemed far worse.]
So there is to be no rest for the deceased, then. [A wry smile works over his lips, brief though it might be. He shouldn't be surprised. Fool he was for believing that his death might end his troubles. Thousands had died by his hands, after all. Surely he would have to suffer an equal amount of ends before he could rest.
Still, anger does grip him when Joshua speaks of his own troubles, one that pairs with concern.]
You would do well to be more careful. I cannot imagine that whatever corruption plagued you plays well with - [Dion stops short, however. His eyes fall to the spot on Joshua's chest that once was marred so deeply by Ultima's grip. He can't quite tell if the mark still lingers, but something about how Joshua's presence had shifted gives him the answer he needs.]
Ultima's curse. It no longer plagues you here.
[It's not a question.]
I won't apologize.
( not when she is so very sure: he's like her, on their trip to hell and all. and she's not... very good to herself. it's not something she wants to see in others. )
I am sorry that of all places, you're here, though. The people are good, mostly, but the circumstances...
... I am White Lily Cookie. "Lily" suffices just fine, though.
( not when she is so very sure: he's like her, on their trip to hell and all. and she's not... very good to herself. it's not something she wants to see in others. )
I am sorry that of all places, you're here, though. The people are good, mostly, but the circumstances...
... I am White Lily Cookie. "Lily" suffices just fine, though.
[ Being called 'Lady Brown' is so weird, but it's... probably not that different from being called 'Miss', right? She can't say she likes the Victorian Lady vibe she gets from this place now and then.
She snorts a laugh. ]
You don't know the half of it. Wherever you were before, you're very, very far from there now.
[ If he doesn't know the woods are full of monsters, he's definitely new to the Grove. ]
She snorts a laugh. ]
You don't know the half of it. Wherever you were before, you're very, very far from there now.
[ If he doesn't know the woods are full of monsters, he's definitely new to the Grove. ]
[ Dion's comment makes Joshua smile, too. It's a weak one into the edge of his mug, and he glances at his brother as he does. A funny thought, considering his thoughts on how they arrived. ]
None whatsoever, I'm afraid. Such is our fate as Dominants.
[ But then, Dion's observation catches him off guard. He'd noticed? His eyebrows raise, and he catches that look towards his chest. He'd once shown Dion the mark, of course he would know where it was. Bundled as he is against the chill, it's difficult to see the scar that remains there now, but the difference in his aether, perhaps... ]
... Ultima... left my body, shortly before I came here. So I no longer suffer his presence.
[ What that entails about his body at home, though, it still pains him to say. Not because he cannot accept his own death, but because Clive had been witness to it, and he knows that it likely still plagues his brother's nightmares. How could it not? ]
None whatsoever, I'm afraid. Such is our fate as Dominants.
[ But then, Dion's observation catches him off guard. He'd noticed? His eyebrows raise, and he catches that look towards his chest. He'd once shown Dion the mark, of course he would know where it was. Bundled as he is against the chill, it's difficult to see the scar that remains there now, but the difference in his aether, perhaps... ]
... Ultima... left my body, shortly before I came here. So I no longer suffer his presence.
[ What that entails about his body at home, though, it still pains him to say. Not because he cannot accept his own death, but because Clive had been witness to it, and he knows that it likely still plagues his brother's nightmares. How could it not? ]
[With the motion of a single hand, Dion waves Will off.]
You have already been forgiven. You need not grovel any further.
[Though Dion has picked up bits and pieces here and there, he does make a note of one thing.]
Arrivals from other worlds are not uncommon here, then?
You have already been forgiven. You need not grovel any further.
[Though Dion has picked up bits and pieces here and there, he does make a note of one thing.]
Arrivals from other worlds are not uncommon here, then?
Nor did I ask you to.
[He's only been here a day, but it's swiftly becoming clear that everyone in this place is a stubborn lot. Moreover, everyone seems to care, regardless of their own well-being or someone else's pushing.]
I admit I know little of the circumstances, but it is hardly worse than the place I have come from.
[With that out of the way, Dion gives a bow at the waist, arm folded inward.]
It is a pleasure, lady Lily. You may call me Dion.
[He's only been here a day, but it's swiftly becoming clear that everyone in this place is a stubborn lot. Moreover, everyone seems to care, regardless of their own well-being or someone else's pushing.]
I admit I know little of the circumstances, but it is hardly worse than the place I have come from.
[With that out of the way, Dion gives a bow at the waist, arm folded inward.]
It is a pleasure, lady Lily. You may call me Dion.
I admit that I had already surmised as much, if I am being honest. My home has not seen snow in some time.
[Though naturally, he doesn't know the half of how far he's been spirited away.]
Why, then, are you out wandering in monster strewn woods. You say you are strong, but I see no weapons on you. Would that not put you in danger?
[Though naturally, he doesn't know the half of how far he's been spirited away.]
Why, then, are you out wandering in monster strewn woods. You say you are strong, but I see no weapons on you. Would that not put you in danger?
[The sudden shift in mood is not lost on Dion. He looks from Joshua to Clive now, then back once more. There is something he isn't keyed in on, it would seem. While normally, he would not seek to pry into business that is not his own, he figures he's earned that right having stood with the brothers at the end of the world.]
Perhaps it would serve me well to know what happened after my demise.
[He doesn't shy away from this statement. There's no sense in pretending that he had not met his end within Origin. What he wants to — no, must know, is whether or not anyone else had.]
I can tell by the look upon your face, Ifrit, things did not go to plan. [And that leaves him to look to Joshua next. He'd had his fears from the first that the man would not make the journey, given his already fragile constitution. Their reactions did little to assuage those doubts.]
Perhaps it would serve me well to know what happened after my demise.
[He doesn't shy away from this statement. There's no sense in pretending that he had not met his end within Origin. What he wants to — no, must know, is whether or not anyone else had.]
I can tell by the look upon your face, Ifrit, things did not go to plan. [And that leaves him to look to Joshua next. He'd had his fears from the first that the man would not make the journey, given his already fragile constitution. Their reactions did little to assuage those doubts.]
[ Now that she thinks about it, she's a lot further into the woods than she had realized. She kept thinking, "just a little more", and she kept not getting attacked... ]
...Yeah, probably. It's safer closer to town. I guess I sort of lost track of where I was? I'm supposed to be looking for plants for the clinic. But it's also safer with two people. Most wild animals will avoid humans if they can, so it's good to make a lot of noise.
And if monsters are the opposite, I dunno, I'll improvise.
...Yeah, probably. It's safer closer to town. I guess I sort of lost track of where I was? I'm supposed to be looking for plants for the clinic. But it's also safer with two people. Most wild animals will avoid humans if they can, so it's good to make a lot of noise.
And if monsters are the opposite, I dunno, I'll improvise.
[ Joshua glances at Clive again. He can see the pain on his brother's face at the mere mention of it. It isn't something that he wants to talk about, but...
Dion is right. He should know. Joshua inhales softly, resting his mug on his thigh, eyes focusing on the liquid within. ]
Over the years, after I had absorbed Ultima into my body at Drake's Head, I thought that my hold on him was failing as my body grew weaker. But I was wrong. It wasn't my hold that was weakening, but his strength that was growing.
Each Mothercrystal was nothing more than a fragment of Ultima, crystallized to bleed the land of its aether. I had only imprisoned one of many. And the more Mothercrystals that were shattered, the stronger Ultima became. And when we encountered him at Origin, when all of the fragments began to merge into one...
[ His nose wrinkles slightly at the memory of the pain. He doesn't want to go into explicit detail - it's already hard enough on Clive. ]
I don't recall anything after Ultima tore himself from my body. But Clive has told me that I did not survive the injuries sustained in the process.
Dion is right. He should know. Joshua inhales softly, resting his mug on his thigh, eyes focusing on the liquid within. ]
Over the years, after I had absorbed Ultima into my body at Drake's Head, I thought that my hold on him was failing as my body grew weaker. But I was wrong. It wasn't my hold that was weakening, but his strength that was growing.
Each Mothercrystal was nothing more than a fragment of Ultima, crystallized to bleed the land of its aether. I had only imprisoned one of many. And the more Mothercrystals that were shattered, the stronger Ultima became. And when we encountered him at Origin, when all of the fragments began to merge into one...
[ His nose wrinkles slightly at the memory of the pain. He doesn't want to go into explicit detail - it's already hard enough on Clive. ]
I don't recall anything after Ultima tore himself from my body. But Clive has told me that I did not survive the injuries sustained in the process.
[Is there a faint sense of amusement radiating off of Dion? The ghost of a laugh in the way he exhales? Probably.]
I suppose, then, I should apologize for distracting you from your task. Should you require to stop and collect something, please say so. [That mirth does fade in the slightest as Steph continues.] Though you would be surprised at how noise tends to draw in beasts. Smaller creatures may well choose to avoid you, but those that are hungry, or territorial will be less inclined to do so.
I suppose, then, I should apologize for distracting you from your task. Should you require to stop and collect something, please say so. [That mirth does fade in the slightest as Steph continues.] Though you would be surprised at how noise tends to draw in beasts. Smaller creatures may well choose to avoid you, but those that are hungry, or territorial will be less inclined to do so.
[ Yeah that sounds like her luck. On the other hand, she's pretty sure she can at least buy time with a bigger monster. ]
The closer we get to town the lower that risk will be. And I should head in anyway. I've been out here for hours already, I'm starting to get sore.
The closer we get to town the lower that risk will be. And I should head in anyway. I've been out here for hours already, I'm starting to get sore.
[ He let's Joshua explain, nodding a little here or there, his eyes on the table. Silent. But Dion is right, Dion has earned the right to know. His voice is soft, as he turns his mug back and forth under his fingers. ]
He did not. The wound was too great, there was too much damage.
[ He pauses, takes a drink, lifts his head and sets the mug down again. ]
He gave me the Phoenix, in the end. With it, with the help of everyone, I was able to defeat Ultima. I took him as well, used him and the Phoenix to try and heal Joshua.
[ He shakes his head, his eyes crinkling at the edges in pain to the memory of his brother's body. Healed, and lifeless. ]
In the end I cast the spell Ultima was trying to do, but for humanity. I don't know if I succeeded. There was white, fire, and then I was here.
He did not. The wound was too great, there was too much damage.
[ He pauses, takes a drink, lifts his head and sets the mug down again. ]
He gave me the Phoenix, in the end. With it, with the help of everyone, I was able to defeat Ultima. I took him as well, used him and the Phoenix to try and heal Joshua.
[ He shakes his head, his eyes crinkling at the edges in pain to the memory of his brother's body. Healed, and lifeless. ]
In the end I cast the spell Ultima was trying to do, but for humanity. I don't know if I succeeded. There was white, fire, and then I was here.
[It's strange the way his heart aches. For all intents and purposes, Joshua is alive. Dion had only just reveled in his warmth, just as he can feel his own pulse within his chest. None of them were revenants, haunting this world. They lived and yet breathed. Yet the thought of Joshua's death serves to wound him all the same. He was the best of the three of them, after all. If anyone deserved to live on after all this suffering, it was him.
He tries to turn his mind from it, focusing instead on Clive. He nods to the man's right arm, struggling to keep his tone even. He's noticed how the man fails to use it, despite knowing it to be his dominant limb.]
It seems you were not without your own injuries. [He sits back within his chair and glances up toward the ceiling.] And so we all suffered, and naught a guarantee of our success.
[He thinks of Kihel, and then to Terence. What world did they now find themselves in? Were they gripped by the continued despair brought by the ruined land around them? Or had they found new hope for the future?
Silently, he prays to Greagor for the latter.]
He tries to turn his mind from it, focusing instead on Clive. He nods to the man's right arm, struggling to keep his tone even. He's noticed how the man fails to use it, despite knowing it to be his dominant limb.]
It seems you were not without your own injuries. [He sits back within his chair and glances up toward the ceiling.] And so we all suffered, and naught a guarantee of our success.
[He thinks of Kihel, and then to Terence. What world did they now find themselves in? Were they gripped by the continued despair brought by the ruined land around them? Or had they found new hope for the future?
Silently, he prays to Greagor for the latter.]
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