sticks and bones. (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
sticksandbonesmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sticksandbones2025-01-03 12:00 pm
sticksandbonesmods) wrote in sticksandbones2025-01-03 12:00 pm
Entry tags:
Town is safe then. [It's less a comment to her, and more a simple observation. He gives a nod, mostly thinking to himself. He expects there will be a guard stationed somewhere. Perhaps they might have more information for him.
And if nothing else, he'll at least have something to do.]
Rest would do you well then. Overwork lends itself to no one, after all.
[He would know that best.]
And if nothing else, he'll at least have something to do.]
Rest would do you well then. Overwork lends itself to no one, after all.
[He would know that best.]
Yep. [ Just a simple confirmation.
His advice makes her actually laugh. ]
Thanks, but I'm not really the kind of person you have to remind to take it easy. This is important, that's all. And something I'm not used to. I'm from a big city, we mostly leave the plants alone.
His advice makes her actually laugh. ]
Thanks, but I'm not really the kind of person you have to remind to take it easy. This is important, that's all. And something I'm not used to. I'm from a big city, we mostly leave the plants alone.
I see.
[Well, that puts his mind at ease a little. It's one less good, kind soul to worry about.]
You and I seem to be from familiar circumstances then. Many of my years were spent behind the walls of cities. Little grows there.
[He doesn't add that what does grow within the city are often painful reminders of his role in the world. Or that when he is out in the field, there is little wild plant life to be found. The flames of war and the boots of soldiers had long since destroyed that.]
[Well, that puts his mind at ease a little. It's one less good, kind soul to worry about.]
You and I seem to be from familiar circumstances then. Many of my years were spent behind the walls of cities. Little grows there.
[He doesn't add that what does grow within the city are often painful reminders of his role in the world. Or that when he is out in the field, there is little wild plant life to be found. The flames of war and the boots of soldiers had long since destroyed that.]
[ Joshua watches as Clive continues the story, as he was unable to do so himself. He hates to see the pain there, knows that just the memory of it is killing his brother, but they have to talk about it, if only just this once.
But when Dion's attention turns to Clive's hand, it's his turn to grimace as the pain takes him. That one, despite not truly being his fault... ]
Clive's hand is... from here. From a death here. The price that was paid to return to life.
[ He rubs the handle of his mug with his thumb. Like Clive with his death, he doesn't like to think about this one. It's Clive's tale to tell, if he wants it. Not that it hasn't already been half-told. ]
But when Dion's attention turns to Clive's hand, it's his turn to grimace as the pain takes him. That one, despite not truly being his fault... ]
Clive's hand is... from here. From a death here. The price that was paid to return to life.
[ He rubs the handle of his mug with his thumb. Like Clive with his death, he doesn't like to think about this one. It's Clive's tale to tell, if he wants it. Not that it hasn't already been half-told. ]
[ Well, he called her 'Lady' for one, and he mentioned city walls? So she's willing to bet things are pretty different. ]
Maybe a bit. But where I'm from the cities don't have walls.
Maybe a bit. But where I'm from the cities don't have walls.
[ Dion pointing it out makes Clive shift, bring his left hand over to dig into the edge of the glove he wears on his right to pull it down. Just enough to show the flesh giving way to stone. Then he smooths it back down and shrugs his shoulder gently.
Reach out to take his brother's shoulder and squeeze it, gentle, before dropping his hand. ]
There is truly no rest for the wicked.
[ He doesn't want to talk about it so, sorry Dion, he won't. He does study the Dragoon though, thoughtful. He doesn't know if the other is suffering any of the curses affects like the others were. Cid, Jill, Joshua. So he asks, his voice soft. ]
How are you feeling?
[ More than just the mental. ]
Reach out to take his brother's shoulder and squeeze it, gentle, before dropping his hand. ]
There is truly no rest for the wicked.
[ He doesn't want to talk about it so, sorry Dion, he won't. He does study the Dragoon though, thoughtful. He doesn't know if the other is suffering any of the curses affects like the others were. Cid, Jill, Joshua. So he asks, his voice soft. ]
How are you feeling?
[ More than just the mental. ]
[From a mile away, Dion can see that Clive doesn't want to talk about it. As someone with his own baggage better left unclaimed, he gets it. He doesn't push the matter, instead making a note to himself that death seems to be little more than an inconvenience here. Perhaps he'll ask someone else for further details at a later date. He has no intention of leaving this conversation at the moment, though.]
I ache, of course, but that is to be expected after all I have endured. [He motions vaguely with his left hand. The right is still bandaged to high hell. They need not know of the extent of his injuries, or how the draw of aether had begun to eat at him. Perhaps they did not have the same expectations of him as those who came before, but it was ever a hard habit to break.]
In time, I suspect the bodily injury will begin to fade.
[To say nothing of the mental, which he carefully avoids. He'll respect their boundaries, but he expects the reverse to be the case as well. They all have their wounds, and they'll all lick them in peace.]
I ache, of course, but that is to be expected after all I have endured. [He motions vaguely with his left hand. The right is still bandaged to high hell. They need not know of the extent of his injuries, or how the draw of aether had begun to eat at him. Perhaps they did not have the same expectations of him as those who came before, but it was ever a hard habit to break.]
In time, I suspect the bodily injury will begin to fade.
[To say nothing of the mental, which he carefully avoids. He'll respect their boundaries, but he expects the reverse to be the case as well. They all have their wounds, and they'll all lick them in peace.]
No? How lucky for you.
[There's a wry little smile there.]
The land I come from is a cruel one, I am afraid. I am well acquainted with monsters lurking in the woods, and all other manner of frights.
[There's a wry little smile there.]
The land I come from is a cruel one, I am afraid. I am well acquainted with monsters lurking in the woods, and all other manner of frights.
[ Joshua suspects that they all have some mental injury from what they've been through, honestly. It isn't as easy to heal as a physical wound. It will take time, and even then, it may not... But it isn't his place to ask about another's mental injuries.
Physical, however, is a different story. Not only is he the Phoenix, the only Eikon capable of healing, but here in the Grove, he works at the clinic. ]
Bodily injury will fade faster with treatment.
[ He glances at Clive, because he knows. He knows his brother will protest. But he doesn't have to use his magic to heal wounds. He turns back to Dion, leaning forward a bit to rest his mug on the table. ]
I am trying to avoid using my magic unless it is absolutely necessary, but I help at the clinic here. We have salves, bandages. If you are injured, I would be glad to treat your wounds. It is a far sight better than waiting and risking infection.
Physical, however, is a different story. Not only is he the Phoenix, the only Eikon capable of healing, but here in the Grove, he works at the clinic. ]
Bodily injury will fade faster with treatment.
[ He glances at Clive, because he knows. He knows his brother will protest. But he doesn't have to use his magic to heal wounds. He turns back to Dion, leaning forward a bit to rest his mug on the table. ]
I am trying to avoid using my magic unless it is absolutely necessary, but I help at the clinic here. We have salves, bandages. If you are injured, I would be glad to treat your wounds. It is a far sight better than waiting and risking infection.
[ Clive knows that look and he bristles, but also knows his brother and honestly, he can't argue against him. So he sighs heavily and gestures with his hand as if to say do what you must, giving him a fond little look after. ]
Joshua is right. I know you wish to atone, and I know you think you deserve the injuries and the pain, but it doesn't help anyone to let your injuries fester. Least of all yourself.
[ He remembers you turning down the flower, Dion. Remembers your words to him, his voice soft. ]
Remember what I told you, your Highness? What Harpocrates told you?
[ He glances up to Dion, crooks a little smile at him. ]
Remember your resolve. Why you're moving forward. Let yourself be cleansed of at least the physical.
Joshua is right. I know you wish to atone, and I know you think you deserve the injuries and the pain, but it doesn't help anyone to let your injuries fester. Least of all yourself.
[ He remembers you turning down the flower, Dion. Remembers your words to him, his voice soft. ]
Remember what I told you, your Highness? What Harpocrates told you?
[ He glances up to Dion, crooks a little smile at him. ]
Remember your resolve. Why you're moving forward. Let yourself be cleansed of at least the physical.
[Dion opens his mouth, but words fail to follow. He looks between the two men, kind to him despite all he's done, and then closes it once more. He looks down at his lap, unsure how to untangle the mess of emotion in his chest. He is grateful, even if he deeply wishes to push the outpouring away. He doesn't deserve them.]
Fear not... [His voice comes out soft, perhaps hard to hear over the din of the tavern.] I am tending to myself with some poultices that a dear friend gave me.
[He doesn't admit that he's been remiss to apply them. It isn't just his own lack of self-preservation. They are a dear gift to him, and to use the last of it would mean that tie was gone, likely forever.]
Still, I will do my best to remember to visit the clinic here and there. [He glances upward, now a touch sly.] Though only if you two continue to do the same.
Fear not... [His voice comes out soft, perhaps hard to hear over the din of the tavern.] I am tending to myself with some poultices that a dear friend gave me.
[He doesn't admit that he's been remiss to apply them. It isn't just his own lack of self-preservation. They are a dear gift to him, and to use the last of it would mean that tie was gone, likely forever.]
Still, I will do my best to remember to visit the clinic here and there. [He glances upward, now a touch sly.] Though only if you two continue to do the same.
[ Poultices from a dear friend. Who, he wonders? Though, like his medicine, poultices will run out eventually.
But if Dion is using them, it's better than nothing. He will let it slide, for now. ]
Worry not. I am at the clinic most days, anyway. But I assure you, we are in very capable hands. And I do hope to see you when your poultices run out.
[ Joshua gives Dion a smile. Not a threatening or menacing one, just a smile. He knows that's all he needs to give.]
But if Dion is using them, it's better than nothing. He will let it slide, for now. ]
Worry not. I am at the clinic most days, anyway. But I assure you, we are in very capable hands. And I do hope to see you when your poultices run out.
[ Joshua gives Dion a smile. Not a threatening or menacing one, just a smile. He knows that's all he needs to give.]
[ Clive recognizes that smile and he has to hide his own, one of amusement. Tarja would be proud. Pure Vanilla would be proud. It's very much like the Healers. ]
As Joshua said, we keep ourselves regularly checked. I recommend you don't disappoint my brother, either.
[ It's a joke, really, but his brother has been learning. And now it's his turn to look a little sly, drinking for a moment to finish off his mug, an eyebrow quirked. ]
Plus it gives you both time to catch up.
[ He's not blind to the hugs you two have shared. There's a deeper connection there, and Dion sorely needs someone in his life like his brother. Even just a friendship. ]
Where have you been staying?
As Joshua said, we keep ourselves regularly checked. I recommend you don't disappoint my brother, either.
[ It's a joke, really, but his brother has been learning. And now it's his turn to look a little sly, drinking for a moment to finish off his mug, an eyebrow quirked. ]
Plus it gives you both time to catch up.
[ He's not blind to the hugs you two have shared. There's a deeper connection there, and Dion sorely needs someone in his life like his brother. Even just a friendship. ]
Where have you been staying?
[Dion pauses, giving Joshua a scrutinizing look. For just a split second, he finds himself worried over the man's health, having to be at the clinic for so long. It takes him the space of a breath to put it together, and he finds himself laughing with the rush of relief that floods through him.
That relief, mind you, lasts only a few seconds. Clive's comment catches him by surprise, and he finds himself instinctively reaching for his goblet. He takes a drink, only to find that... oh right. He'd already drained it. Perhaps he should have accepted Clive's offer for another.
No matter, he hides behind it all the same, feigning a swallow before setting it down. It's not nearly long enough for him to find his composure, but it will do.]
I am - sure there is fair little that we need to catch up on beyond this? [Wait - ] Not that I would mind but...
[Thankfully, Clive saves him from himself.]
The inn, of course. Though it may not be the palace I grew up on, it's far better than the cots and tents of the fields.
That relief, mind you, lasts only a few seconds. Clive's comment catches him by surprise, and he finds himself instinctively reaching for his goblet. He takes a drink, only to find that... oh right. He'd already drained it. Perhaps he should have accepted Clive's offer for another.
No matter, he hides behind it all the same, feigning a swallow before setting it down. It's not nearly long enough for him to find his composure, but it will do.]
I am - sure there is fair little that we need to catch up on beyond this? [Wait - ] Not that I would mind but...
[Thankfully, Clive saves him from himself.]
The inn, of course. Though it may not be the palace I grew up on, it's far better than the cots and tents of the fields.
[ Joshua, meanwhile, in the process of taking a drink from his own mug, turns his eyes to Clive with a confused lift of his eyebrows. Catch up? Is that not what they just did? What more catching up is there to do?.
But Dion seems to be of the same mind, and as soon as he swallows his mouthful, he laughs quietly against the edge of the mug. Ah... Maybe it would be good to "catch up" in terms of being old friends. Never mind that the meeting that makes them "old friends" was only one time, when they were both 9 years old, and then they didn't meet again until 28. ]
You are always welcome to visit the clinic, Dion. Even if our services are not needed.
[ He does enjoy Dion's company, after all! It wouldn't be so bad. Just like Clive or Will or Luca dropping by to say hello, really. ]
But Dion seems to be of the same mind, and as soon as he swallows his mouthful, he laughs quietly against the edge of the mug. Ah... Maybe it would be good to "catch up" in terms of being old friends. Never mind that the meeting that makes them "old friends" was only one time, when they were both 9 years old, and then they didn't meet again until 28. ]
You are always welcome to visit the clinic, Dion. Even if our services are not needed.
[ He does enjoy Dion's company, after all! It wouldn't be so bad. Just like Clive or Will or Luca dropping by to say hello, really. ]
[ Oh Founder, is this how he looked when Luca's flirts were going over his head? He really needs to apologize to the man again. He merely huffs a soft laugh and lets it go. They'll figure it out. He hm's thoughtfully - Dion he knows your cup is empty but he won't mention it - thinking about them all being in the Inn. And somehow not running into each other.
That makes things easier though, keeping the three of them closer together. He doesn't want to be a third wheel, but it will help Dion settle better having something familiar.
Speaking of settling, actually. ]
Now that I'm sure we've thoroughly upset and confused you, is there any other thing you want to know?
[ Because there's definitely a Lot More but he doesn't want Dion being overwhelmed. ]
That makes things easier though, keeping the three of them closer together. He doesn't want to be a third wheel, but it will help Dion settle better having something familiar.
Speaking of settling, actually. ]
Now that I'm sure we've thoroughly upset and confused you, is there any other thing you want to know?
[ Because there's definitely a Lot More but he doesn't want Dion being overwhelmed. ]
[Though they have no reason to actually know his feelings, Dion has to wonder if they're deliberately conspiring against him. On the one hand, he would love to have a reason to see Joshua. On the other, actually tending to what ails him? Terrible.]
I will do my best to bear that in mind.
[In their defense, Dion has probably spent precious little time actually within the Inn. Between his incessant questions around the grove and his own exhaustion, he's either been resigned to his bed or out busying himself. It was as Clive had said: No rest for the wicked.
In any case, there is much that Dion could ask about this world. Perhaps soon he will. For now, though, only one urgent question comes to mind.]
Is there anyone else...?
[Of their home is silently implied.]
I will do my best to bear that in mind.
[In their defense, Dion has probably spent precious little time actually within the Inn. Between his incessant questions around the grove and his own exhaustion, he's either been resigned to his bed or out busying himself. It was as Clive had said: No rest for the wicked.
In any case, there is much that Dion could ask about this world. Perhaps soon he will. For now, though, only one urgent question comes to mind.]
Is there anyone else...?
[Of their home is silently implied.]
Edited 2025-03-03 04:21 (UTC)
[ Maybe, maybe not! Honestly, Joshua just wants to make sure that Dion is all right. He'd feared Dion dead after everything that happened, but now that he's here? He's getting the same treatment as Clive. Rest when needed, food and water on a regular basis, and treatment for wounds when called for.
Nevermind that he's a very big hypocrite, but he gets away with it while he can.
Hearing that Dion is also staying in the Inn makes him feel a lot better, though. More of a chance that they'll be able to catch each other, should they need it. Like at the Hideaway, but slightly different. ]
... no. Not that we've noticed, anyway. You are the first aside from ourselves.
[ Because he's sure that Clive would have said so otherwise. ]
Nevermind that he's a very big hypocrite, but he gets away with it while he can.
Hearing that Dion is also staying in the Inn makes him feel a lot better, though. More of a chance that they'll be able to catch each other, should they need it. Like at the Hideaway, but slightly different. ]
... no. Not that we've noticed, anyway. You are the first aside from ourselves.
[ Because he's sure that Clive would have said so otherwise. ]
[ And Clive confirms by nodding lightly to Joshua's words, leaning back again finally, folding his arms comfortably. ]
We've been here for about two months now, and have seen no one else.
[ It gives Clive no small amounts of despair. He would rather Dion not be here, he'd rather him be alive at home, or even resting in peace at home. But now the Dominant is another piece of fodder.
But if Dion has appeared, it means others may appear as well. Any one of them. It makes him frown, tilt his head down and to the side. Try not to think of anyone else appearing. He glances back and shakes his head. ]
That is not to say someone might not appear later.
[ It's a warning. Because no one should want anyone here. Not even young teens are safe. ]
We've been here for about two months now, and have seen no one else.
[ It gives Clive no small amounts of despair. He would rather Dion not be here, he'd rather him be alive at home, or even resting in peace at home. But now the Dominant is another piece of fodder.
But if Dion has appeared, it means others may appear as well. Any one of them. It makes him frown, tilt his head down and to the side. Try not to think of anyone else appearing. He glances back and shakes his head. ]
That is not to say someone might not appear later.
[ It's a warning. Because no one should want anyone here. Not even young teens are safe. ]
[ Will's ears and tail fluff up at 'grovel'. Rude!!]
Almost everyone here is, yeah. The shopkeep and the trader are local I think, and the Guardians. But pretty much the entire village is people that just appeared here, me included.
[ though he supposes, in theory, they are all prodigal sons returning home, if those brand memories and the gods are to be believed. But that's a lot to take on day one. It's been two months and Will still isn't ready to just accept it]
Almost everyone here is, yeah. The shopkeep and the trader are local I think, and the Guardians. But pretty much the entire village is people that just appeared here, me included.
[ though he supposes, in theory, they are all prodigal sons returning home, if those brand memories and the gods are to be believed. But that's a lot to take on day one. It's been two months and Will still isn't ready to just accept it]
[ The small smile she shoots back is sad. ]
So's mine. Gotham isn't a nice place to live. The monsters I'm used to are all human.
So's mine. Gotham isn't a nice place to live. The monsters I'm used to are all human.
There is no one else.
[Sitting forward with his elbows braced against his knees, Dion finds himself turning the thought over within his head. He'd only just equated his revival as a call for his continued repentance. Now he can't help but wonder if he was off base entirely. Perhaps this wasn't meant to be a new life, but a manner of punishment for his sins. Greagor herself had taken his measure, and cast him into hell.
He glances up, lips parting as if to share this thought, but stops short when he glances at Joshua. No, this cannot be hell, for there was no way he would be here. He could believe, for all that Clive had done — though he had meant well — that the man would be condemned. Not Joshua, though. In the scarce time that Dion had truly known him, he had done nothing but try to shepherd the world around him to salvation. His touch was a healing one, gentle and kind. If Greagor would spare anyone, it would be him.
Closing his eyes, he shakes the last of the thought away.]
I shall hope against hope itself that it not be true, then. [Regardless of how they had arrived there, Dion was certain of one thing: no one he knew deserved this fate.]
In any case, I should like to thank you both for being so forthcoming about our situation. Preparedness is the first defense against whatever my come next, and I shall not have it be said that I have ever gone into a fight blind.
[Sitting forward with his elbows braced against his knees, Dion finds himself turning the thought over within his head. He'd only just equated his revival as a call for his continued repentance. Now he can't help but wonder if he was off base entirely. Perhaps this wasn't meant to be a new life, but a manner of punishment for his sins. Greagor herself had taken his measure, and cast him into hell.
He glances up, lips parting as if to share this thought, but stops short when he glances at Joshua. No, this cannot be hell, for there was no way he would be here. He could believe, for all that Clive had done — though he had meant well — that the man would be condemned. Not Joshua, though. In the scarce time that Dion had truly known him, he had done nothing but try to shepherd the world around him to salvation. His touch was a healing one, gentle and kind. If Greagor would spare anyone, it would be him.
Closing his eyes, he shakes the last of the thought away.]
I shall hope against hope itself that it not be true, then. [Regardless of how they had arrived there, Dion was certain of one thing: no one he knew deserved this fate.]
In any case, I should like to thank you both for being so forthcoming about our situation. Preparedness is the first defense against whatever my come next, and I shall not have it be said that I have ever gone into a fight blind.
It is a strange manner of magic at work then.
[He doesn't seem particularly bothered by the concept of other worlds. It helps that Ultima had already alluded to as much to Clive and Joshua. If anything, he's just relieved that everyone here, thus far, hasn't wanted to sap the life from the planet or anything like that.]
No matter. If there is a way here, then surely there is a way back, wouldn't you say?
[He doesn't seem particularly bothered by the concept of other worlds. It helps that Ultima had already alluded to as much to Clive and Joshua. If anything, he's just relieved that everyone here, thus far, hasn't wanted to sap the life from the planet or anything like that.]
No matter. If there is a way here, then surely there is a way back, wouldn't you say?
[Ah. He doesn't quite wince, but there's certainly pain to be found in his expression before it shifts to sympathy.]
Would that I could say I was not familiar.
[Thanks Anabella. Thanks a lot.]
Would that I could say I was not familiar.
[Thanks Anabella. Thanks a lot.]
[ Though not quite in the same way, Joshua's thoughts of their purpose here are not far off in echoing Dion's. The fact that all three of them were brought here either at the point of a certain death or a very possible one means that they were spared it for some reason, in his mind. If that reason is the salvation of this place, a place which was, apparently, once their home... Well, regardless of the reason, they're here now, and how could they not help?
He catches Dion's glance before the man dismisses his own thoughts, giving him a smile. ]
Of course. As comrades in arms, it would do all of us some good to be on the same page.
[ He turns his smile to Clive, thinking of the sun marking that Beiwe had placed on the both of them. Dion will make an excellent addition to the little cohort that is developing around them. ]
You will want to be mindful of this place, however. It seems as though each month brings something different. While we haven't experienced too much of it, personally, I have heard... tales of what has happened in the past. Some of it sounds innocent enough, but others - like right now, with the brand stretching across the Grove - are a threat. I suggest you do not touch it, should you come across it.
He catches Dion's glance before the man dismisses his own thoughts, giving him a smile. ]
Of course. As comrades in arms, it would do all of us some good to be on the same page.
[ He turns his smile to Clive, thinking of the sun marking that Beiwe had placed on the both of them. Dion will make an excellent addition to the little cohort that is developing around them. ]
You will want to be mindful of this place, however. It seems as though each month brings something different. While we haven't experienced too much of it, personally, I have heard... tales of what has happened in the past. Some of it sounds innocent enough, but others - like right now, with the brand stretching across the Grove - are a threat. I suggest you do not touch it, should you come across it.
Page 42 of 45