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sticksandbones2025-01-03 12:00 pm
sticksandbonesmods) wrote in sticksandbones2025-01-03 12:00 pm
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Most likely, ya. No one has found it yet, but we've all pretty much agreed that the best way to do that is to take out the Other Sun- one of the gods here. He's the one running this madhouse.
We owe you much and more.
[ It was Dion who took the risk of priming even after losing the majority of his Eikon to Clive, Dion who got them into Origin, and Dion who stalled and even injured Ultima enough for the two to reconvene. Information is the least they can do, Clive owes the man a debt that can't be re-payed that easily. He lets his brother explain the brand, glancing out the door thoughtfully. ]
It seems to steer clear of the Inn and the River itself is safe. If you touch it, you will experience a paralysis that starts at the touch spot, then swiftly sweeps over the rest of your body. It will fade in time, allowing you a chance to break free, but prolonged contact will start the paralysis again until it fully ensnares you. It... seems somewhat living. Not sentient, but it will reach for you. If you land it in, your memories will become reality, and be shared with others.
[ He may have been avoiding Will a little, still entirely unsure how to unpack all of that.
He shakes his head a little as he says that though to indicate no he doesn't quite understand how it works, or why. Magical maladies... ]
[ It was Dion who took the risk of priming even after losing the majority of his Eikon to Clive, Dion who got them into Origin, and Dion who stalled and even injured Ultima enough for the two to reconvene. Information is the least they can do, Clive owes the man a debt that can't be re-payed that easily. He lets his brother explain the brand, glancing out the door thoughtfully. ]
It seems to steer clear of the Inn and the River itself is safe. If you touch it, you will experience a paralysis that starts at the touch spot, then swiftly sweeps over the rest of your body. It will fade in time, allowing you a chance to break free, but prolonged contact will start the paralysis again until it fully ensnares you. It... seems somewhat living. Not sentient, but it will reach for you. If you land it in, your memories will become reality, and be shared with others.
[ He may have been avoiding Will a little, still entirely unsure how to unpack all of that.
He shakes his head a little as he says that though to indicate no he doesn't quite understand how it works, or why. Magical maladies... ]
The... brand?
[The name conjures up images that are... less than pleasant at first. He finds his eyes flicking to the scar on Clive's cheek, before his minds-eye supplements the reality. He had been told to avoid the strange, fleshy blue roots marring parts of the town. He can only assume that these things are one in the same.]
How pleasant. [His tone is dry, and there's no amusement reflected in his features. At least he's used to having to navigate all matter of dangers. And most of these seem to be truly monstrous, rather than hiding within human skin.
He'll count his blessings where he can.]
We have our work cut out for us then.
[They'd worked together to free their home from its tyranny, but no one said that partnership had to stop. And while the threat had been too much for him to overcome, until his own demise they had at least managed to work well in tandem.]
Provided, of course, you will still have my assistance?
[The name conjures up images that are... less than pleasant at first. He finds his eyes flicking to the scar on Clive's cheek, before his minds-eye supplements the reality. He had been told to avoid the strange, fleshy blue roots marring parts of the town. He can only assume that these things are one in the same.]
How pleasant. [His tone is dry, and there's no amusement reflected in his features. At least he's used to having to navigate all matter of dangers. And most of these seem to be truly monstrous, rather than hiding within human skin.
He'll count his blessings where he can.]
We have our work cut out for us then.
[They'd worked together to free their home from its tyranny, but no one said that partnership had to stop. And while the threat had been too much for him to overcome, until his own demise they had at least managed to work well in tandem.]
Provided, of course, you will still have my assistance?
Edited 2025-03-03 21:13 (UTC)
Mm. Then consider us comrades in arms until his defeat.
[He makes a note of all of these names and references. He'll have to ask for more information later.]
[He makes a note of all of these names and references. He'll have to ask for more information later.]
[ Ah. He sees the way that Dion looks to Clive - or, rather, the scar on his cheek - at that word. It had been his first thought, too, when he heard it. Thankfully, it is not the same thing. Dangerous in its own right, but not the same. ]
It isn't the worst thing to happen, from what I've heard, but the fact that it is... invasive is bad enough.
[ It isn't being controlled and used to kill your own brother. ... maybe his bar is a bit high.
But the question makes him look up from his mug, eyebrows lifting just a bit. ]
Of course, Dion. We would have it no other way.
[ He glances at Clive. Right? You agree? ]
It isn't the worst thing to happen, from what I've heard, but the fact that it is... invasive is bad enough.
[ It isn't being controlled and used to kill your own brother. ... maybe his bar is a bit high.
But the question makes him look up from his mug, eyebrows lifting just a bit. ]
Of course, Dion. We would have it no other way.
[ He glances at Clive. Right? You agree? ]
[ Boy, Dion should be glad Clive harbors no ill will towards the Empire - and Dion - for the branding. He catches the look, that flash of a glance towards him, and he raises his hand self-consciously still. It hasn't been an issue for five years, but the memory will always be burned bright into his mind. He drops it again before he touches his own cheek though, remains silent. His mug is empty and he knows better than to refill it, so he doesn't, but he will stare into it for a moment.
Then, like Joshua, furrow his brow at the last bit and look up, confusion in his eyes. He catches Joshuas glance and nods, frowning a little at Dion. ]
He's right. You're part of the family now, a brother.
[ And not just because of Anabella being a demon in the thin disguise of a woman. ]
Our hands go to your cause, as we know your hands lend to ours. For here, it means keeping people safe as we figure out ways to take down the beast that looms over us. As such, never call it a God again. Such words are power here. But feel free to profane it such as-
[ Oh, he's grinning now, trying to lighten the mood. Has Dion ever heard such language as he's about to hear, or has his Dragoons and his soldiers been far too proper around the Lordling? ]
Cunt, prick, little bitch is a favorite around these parts, I think I heard whore-son once but-
[ A little shoulder shrug. Welcome to being an Outlaw, Dion. ]
Then, like Joshua, furrow his brow at the last bit and look up, confusion in his eyes. He catches Joshuas glance and nods, frowning a little at Dion. ]
He's right. You're part of the family now, a brother.
[ And not just because of Anabella being a demon in the thin disguise of a woman. ]
Our hands go to your cause, as we know your hands lend to ours. For here, it means keeping people safe as we figure out ways to take down the beast that looms over us. As such, never call it a God again. Such words are power here. But feel free to profane it such as-
[ Oh, he's grinning now, trying to lighten the mood. Has Dion ever heard such language as he's about to hear, or has his Dragoons and his soldiers been far too proper around the Lordling? ]
Cunt, prick, little bitch is a favorite around these parts, I think I heard whore-son once but-
[ A little shoulder shrug. Welcome to being an Outlaw, Dion. ]
[Yeah, he's going to make a point to avoid the hell out of the Brand, thanks. He has plenty of memories that he doesn't want to relive, let alone share with strangers. He'll fail miserably in doing so in a matter of a few days, but hey. Let him sit pretty with his resolve for the time being.
Anyway, pardon him as he lifts his brows. He glances from Clive to Joshua, then back again. He knows what Clive means, and yet...]
A brother? [There is just a small second in which his mind runs away with itself, before he swiftly reins it back in.] I suppose it is a better familial association than the other tie that binds us.
[He won't say her name out loud, and not only because he's certain the brothers don't want to hear it. They'd only just said names are power and -
Oh. Those are quite the names. Certainly, Dion had heard worse on the battlefield. Soldiers could be vulgar, and though he held his dragoons to a higher standard than all that, he was certainly no virginal boy locked away in an ivory tower. Still, the brazen way Clive carries on does serve to warm the very tips of Dion's ears.]
I shall... make a note of all of those names. They are - creative, if nothing else.
[Great Greagor have mercy upon him.]
Anyway, pardon him as he lifts his brows. He glances from Clive to Joshua, then back again. He knows what Clive means, and yet...]
A brother? [There is just a small second in which his mind runs away with itself, before he swiftly reins it back in.] I suppose it is a better familial association than the other tie that binds us.
[He won't say her name out loud, and not only because he's certain the brothers don't want to hear it. They'd only just said names are power and -
Oh. Those are quite the names. Certainly, Dion had heard worse on the battlefield. Soldiers could be vulgar, and though he held his dragoons to a higher standard than all that, he was certainly no virginal boy locked away in an ivory tower. Still, the brazen way Clive carries on does serve to warm the very tips of Dion's ears.]
I shall... make a note of all of those names. They are - creative, if nothing else.
[Great Greagor have mercy upon him.]
[ Dion's confusion brings a smile back to Joshua's face. He knows precisely what Clive means, of course, but the fact that Dion is perplexed by it is... ]
He means a brother in arms. Just as anyone in the Hideaway. You're a part of the group now, Dion.
[ And he's glad for it. His own joining had felt... so nice, honestly. The Undying are wonderful people, working hard while living in the shadows, but the people of the Hideaway just feel so different. They don't perceive him as a symbol. They consider him a person, just like any of them would be. And now Dion is that, too. Just a person.
But watching Dion's reaction to Clive's rather crass language - he knows exactly where he got it from, too - makes him tip his head down, politely and softly laughing into the side of his hand. ]
Any derogatory terms help, really. So long as you don't call it anything respectful.
He means a brother in arms. Just as anyone in the Hideaway. You're a part of the group now, Dion.
[ And he's glad for it. His own joining had felt... so nice, honestly. The Undying are wonderful people, working hard while living in the shadows, but the people of the Hideaway just feel so different. They don't perceive him as a symbol. They consider him a person, just like any of them would be. And now Dion is that, too. Just a person.
But watching Dion's reaction to Clive's rather crass language - he knows exactly where he got it from, too - makes him tip his head down, politely and softly laughing into the side of his hand. ]
Any derogatory terms help, really. So long as you don't call it anything respectful.
[ Just a person. Just Dion. And he lifts his mugs in a fake cheers as Dion gets the idea, his eyes crinkling a little as he then picks himself up to get some water instead. And some water for Dion and his brother. He'll set the water in front of them all.. as well as some food. Just whatever Luca has available to munch on to absorb what little alcohol they did drink. ]
Eat.
[ Then settles himself back down because as far as he's concerned, he has nothing to do but sit with his brother and Dion, though he's giving Dion the eye a little. Just... checking him out. His current situation, whether he might need rest. Medicine.
A bath. ]
Eat.
[ Then settles himself back down because as far as he's concerned, he has nothing to do but sit with his brother and Dion, though he's giving Dion the eye a little. Just... checking him out. His current situation, whether he might need rest. Medicine.
A bath. ]
Right. Brothers in arms.
[Not so unfamiliar to him. He thinks, somewhat forlornly, of the dragoons he had left behind. Part of him longs for the simpler days back in their camp. And yet, tehre is also comfort there, too. If it's to be anything like those days, then perhaps he'll settle in just fine with the Rosfields.]
I suppose there is nothing to do but come up with a suitable name then. [He won't be taking Clive's examples, thank you very much.
As Clive gets up, Dion finds himself sitting back. There's been a lot to take in. If he weren't used to outright insanity at this point, maybe he'd be dizzy with it. As it stands, he just feels tired. Or maybe that's the wine and his injuries talking.
Either way, he hasn't had much time to think about his appetite until a bowl of stew and a side of bread are placed in front of him. It's simple, and yet it makes his stomach growl all the same. Humiliating.]
My apologies. [He mutters it quickly before taking a bite of the stew. He's still a refined man, and eats with politeness. He just eats quickly, while he's at it.]
[Not so unfamiliar to him. He thinks, somewhat forlornly, of the dragoons he had left behind. Part of him longs for the simpler days back in their camp. And yet, tehre is also comfort there, too. If it's to be anything like those days, then perhaps he'll settle in just fine with the Rosfields.]
I suppose there is nothing to do but come up with a suitable name then. [He won't be taking Clive's examples, thank you very much.
As Clive gets up, Dion finds himself sitting back. There's been a lot to take in. If he weren't used to outright insanity at this point, maybe he'd be dizzy with it. As it stands, he just feels tired. Or maybe that's the wine and his injuries talking.
Either way, he hasn't had much time to think about his appetite until a bowl of stew and a side of bread are placed in front of him. It's simple, and yet it makes his stomach growl all the same. Humiliating.]
My apologies. [He mutters it quickly before taking a bite of the stew. He's still a refined man, and eats with politeness. He just eats quickly, while he's at it.]
I've taken to calling it the Fallen Sun, if it helps.
[ Just a suggestion to get Dion started.
But as Clive gets up to retrieve food and water, Joshua is content to give Dion his silence. It's a lot to take in, especially all at once, and Founder knows he'd needed time to process it. If there are questions, they are here to help Dion through it, but otherwise it would be an insult to Dion to try to hold his hand through the process. He will help if asked, and nothing more.
When Clive brings everything back to the table, he abruptly realizes that he was more hungry than he thought. The bowl of stew is scrutinized for a moment, with a soft sigh of relief upon seeing no carrots floating in it. Clive truly does look out for him. ]
Thank you, Clive.
[ And though he's hungry, he still picks at his food. With the curse beginning to settle into his stomach, eating too much too quickly makes it ache, so he tends to take it slow. But he watches Dion as he does, lips curling around his spoon at the apology. Old habits die hard? ]
[ Just a suggestion to get Dion started.
But as Clive gets up to retrieve food and water, Joshua is content to give Dion his silence. It's a lot to take in, especially all at once, and Founder knows he'd needed time to process it. If there are questions, they are here to help Dion through it, but otherwise it would be an insult to Dion to try to hold his hand through the process. He will help if asked, and nothing more.
When Clive brings everything back to the table, he abruptly realizes that he was more hungry than he thought. The bowl of stew is scrutinized for a moment, with a soft sigh of relief upon seeing no carrots floating in it. Clive truly does look out for him. ]
Thank you, Clive.
[ And though he's hungry, he still picks at his food. With the curse beginning to settle into his stomach, eating too much too quickly makes it ache, so he tends to take it slow. But he watches Dion as he does, lips curling around his spoon at the apology. Old habits die hard? ]
[ Clive will wait for both of them to start eating before he helps himself. If his bowl looks like it has way more carrots than normal, well, Joshua don't look. ... And he speaks while he eats because unlike Dion - and Joshua - Clive has spent the last eighteen years as a branded and then an Outlaw. He has manners. Not just really around people he actually gives a damn about. ]
Try not to stick to one name too long.
[ To Joshua and Dion both, Clive giving his brother a pointed look then watching him pick for a moment with a pinched expression. Then digs into his bowl to pull out some of the stew meat and place it into Joshua's. ]
A name for too long becomes a Title. It's probably not as bad as "naming" it, but it's bad enough.
[ Then he stuffs a rather large mouthful or two of soup into his mouth, along with some bread. S...sorry. ]
Try not to stick to one name too long.
[ To Joshua and Dion both, Clive giving his brother a pointed look then watching him pick for a moment with a pinched expression. Then digs into his bowl to pull out some of the stew meat and place it into Joshua's. ]
A name for too long becomes a Title. It's probably not as bad as "naming" it, but it's bad enough.
[ Then he stuffs a rather large mouthful or two of soup into his mouth, along with some bread. S...sorry. ]
[Dion studies the exchange of food quizzically. He chalks it up to it being a sibling thing, something he was woefully (and perhaps obviously) inexperienced in. Olivier, don't interact.]
There are many rules to living in this place. [Cue him being worried about giving a name to anything for the next forever. Imagine if his furniture came to life or something. But that's probably outlandish thinking.
Probably.
Anyway, he watches Clive eat and... has to suppress the urge to wrinkle his nose. He's eaten around all manner of men, he's used to poor table manners but... come on man. He turns to Joshua, inclining his head toward Clive.]
Does he always eat like this?
[There is... a faint smile on his lips. Brothers in arms are meant to tease each other, right?]
There are many rules to living in this place. [Cue him being worried about giving a name to anything for the next forever. Imagine if his furniture came to life or something. But that's probably outlandish thinking.
Probably.
Anyway, he watches Clive eat and... has to suppress the urge to wrinkle his nose. He's eaten around all manner of men, he's used to poor table manners but... come on man. He turns to Joshua, inclining his head toward Clive.]
Does he always eat like this?
[There is... a faint smile on his lips. Brothers in arms are meant to tease each other, right?]
It might be a long time before you can go back. People here are really nice, overall, but... we're still trapped.
[ Joshua catches the look that Dion gives them, and he smiles sheepishly. He's aware it's a little childish, but... ]
Clive always takes care of the carrots for me.
[ But thankfully, that's all the explanation he gets out, because Clive is... well. He sure is eating. Very enthusiastically. Dion may be able to resist the urge to wrinkle his nose, but Joshua can't. At least it's with a smile? ]
Only when he thinks the bowl is trying to run away from him. Honestly, Clive.
Clive always takes care of the carrots for me.
[ But thankfully, that's all the explanation he gets out, because Clive is... well. He sure is eating. Very enthusiastically. Dion may be able to resist the urge to wrinkle his nose, but Joshua can't. At least it's with a smile? ]
Only when he thinks the bowl is trying to run away from him. Honestly, Clive.
[ The teasing makes him glance up and crinkle his nose at Dion in return. There's no malice in the look, however, because it turns it on his brother a moment later. At least he clears his mouth and washes it down with water. ]
I merely appreciate good food. And I'm hungry.
[ It's huffed out but he will... ease up on stuffing his face, rolling his eyes in return as he does and making little mocking gestures with his spoon. There, your HIGHNESSES, is this better?
Though the moment they look away he's dipping his head again and shoveling in more. ]
I merely appreciate good food. And I'm hungry.
[ It's huffed out but he will... ease up on stuffing his face, rolling his eyes in return as he does and making little mocking gestures with his spoon. There, your HIGHNESSES, is this better?
Though the moment they look away he's dipping his head again and shoveling in more. ]
Well, as I have nothing to go back to, I suppose I cannot complain about the circumstance.
[The grim reality of Clive's situation, the life he'd spent effectively in chains, very nearly threatens to ruin what little good mood Dion had managed to cobble together. He reminds himself that the other man's suffering had happened under his own banner. The thought settles unpleasantly within his mind, another reminder that perhaps his father had simply never been the man he'd thought of him as.
But the light mood between the brothers prevails. And despite it all, Dion can't help but laugh. It's a light sound, almost hesitant, but some of the tension in his shoulders eases up all the same.]
Far better. My own appetite will live to see another day.
[He shoots an amused glance toward Joshua, then feigns exasperation. How did you grow up with this.]
But the light mood between the brothers prevails. And despite it all, Dion can't help but laugh. It's a light sound, almost hesitant, but some of the tension in his shoulders eases up all the same.]
Far better. My own appetite will live to see another day.
[He shoots an amused glance toward Joshua, then feigns exasperation. How did you grow up with this.]
[ It's all in good fun. Clive knows it, too, Joshua knows. Just seeing his brother try to temper himself is enough to make him muffle a laugh by placing a spoonful of stew in his mouth.
But it's so good to see Dion feeling well enough to laugh. He's not sure that he ever truly heard the sound from him before, now that he's thinking of it. It's... nice. Pleasant. ]
Thank the Founder for that.
[ He returns Dion's faux exasperation, but then turns to look fondly at Clive all the same. This is his brother. Faults and horrible table manners and all, he loves him. ]
But it's so good to see Dion feeling well enough to laugh. He's not sure that he ever truly heard the sound from him before, now that he's thinking of it. It's... nice. Pleasant. ]
Thank the Founder for that.
[ He returns Dion's faux exasperation, but then turns to look fondly at Clive all the same. This is his brother. Faults and horrible table manners and all, he loves him. ]
[ Give him a second to clear his mouth again, surprised by Dion's laugh as well. Like his brother, he decides it's nice. It's soft, sort of like the brother's own. Like Dion's forgotten how to laugh freely. ]
I feel under attack, here.
[ His words are amused, however, and he'll allow it, shooting back a fond look to his brother and nodding to his bowl. As much as you can. And? He gives the same look to Dion, pointing at his bowl with his spoon. ]
Eat, lest I forget whose bowl is whose here and dig in.
I feel under attack, here.
[ His words are amused, however, and he'll allow it, shooting back a fond look to his brother and nodding to his bowl. As much as you can. And? He gives the same look to Dion, pointing at his bowl with his spoon. ]
Eat, lest I forget whose bowl is whose here and dig in.
[Dion recoils, holding his left hand to his chest. He looks incredibly scandalized, thank you very much. Jokingly so, but scandalized all the same.]
Excuse you - [He hunches back over his bowl almost protectively.] Need I remind you, I am only two days dead by my count. I can only surmise that I need all the energy I can get.
[Never in his life did he think he'd be joking about his own demise with an Outlaw, yet here he is. Nevertheless, he does take a few bites before muttering into his stew:]
All of the brawn and none of the manners, I see.
Excuse you - [He hunches back over his bowl almost protectively.] Need I remind you, I am only two days dead by my count. I can only surmise that I need all the energy I can get.
[Never in his life did he think he'd be joking about his own demise with an Outlaw, yet here he is. Nevertheless, he does take a few bites before muttering into his stew:]
All of the brawn and none of the manners, I see.
[ Joshua nods back to Clive, his attention turning back to his bowl. As much as he can is the mantra of every meal time, so he's well prepared to do as his brother says.
But he's not entirely prepared for the fond bickering between his brother and Dion. His eyes raise to them as he lifts his spoon to his mouth, watching them as he takes a bite.
And then hurriedly has to lift a hand to cover his mouth as Dion mutters beside him, because he doesn't want to be rude and spray stew over the table on accident as the urge to laugh overtakes him, pulling at his lips and threatening to spill out anyway should he not swallow his mouthful fast enough. ]
But he's not entirely prepared for the fond bickering between his brother and Dion. His eyes raise to them as he lifts his spoon to his mouth, watching them as he takes a bite.
And then hurriedly has to lift a hand to cover his mouth as Dion mutters beside him, because he doesn't want to be rude and spray stew over the table on accident as the urge to laugh overtakes him, pulling at his lips and threatening to spill out anyway should he not swallow his mouthful fast enough. ]
[ There. That's what he wanted. Dion relaxing further. Letting go - if briefly - of the memories and the pains that haunt him. Just let himself be Dion. He hm's with a soft snort, as if to say sure, then looks absolutely "offended" by the muttering. Then throws a look at o his brother when he raises his hand to his mouth. He can hear that choking laughter.
He takes a sip of his water, deliberate and slow, before putting his cup down. ]
You're lucky I like you.
[ There's a barely hidden laugh in his voice, before he sighs heavily and shrugs, taking the blow to his ego good-naturedly. ]
Manners are overrated.
He takes a sip of his water, deliberate and slow, before putting his cup down. ]
You're lucky I like you.
[ There's a barely hidden laugh in his voice, before he sighs heavily and shrugs, taking the blow to his ego good-naturedly. ]
Manners are overrated.
[The reactions of the brothers are not lost on him. In fact, he finds himself treasuring the moment despite everything. He is perhaps locked in hell, and under the thumb of yet another would-be god. And yet he finds himself feeling... light, in a way he hasn't felt likely since his youth.
And yes, he absolutely feels a swell of pride when Clive admits to liking him. He isn't sure why, but the approval really means something to him.]
Yet neither myself nor your brother have suffered for having them. Perhaps you ought to take note?
[Okay, okay, he'll leave Clive alone in favor of actually eating now. Even if he is nearly grinning into each bite.]
And yes, he absolutely feels a swell of pride when Clive admits to liking him. He isn't sure why, but the approval really means something to him.]
Yet neither myself nor your brother have suffered for having them. Perhaps you ought to take note?
[Okay, okay, he'll leave Clive alone in favor of actually eating now. Even if he is nearly grinning into each bite.]
[ Please, please, he's already about to choke on his stew. Joshua has a difficult time swallowing his mouthful, but he manages, pausing to take a drink of his water. ]
It's part of his rogueish charm, you see. Why would Cid the Outlaw have something like table manners?
[ He's smirking at Dion, barely holding back a little laugh. But his boot nudges Clive's beneath the table, fond. This kind of banter feels... good. It's like they're back at the Hideaway. Except this time, he's participating. ]
It's part of his rogueish charm, you see. Why would Cid the Outlaw have something like table manners?
[ He's smirking at Dion, barely holding back a little laugh. But his boot nudges Clive's beneath the table, fond. This kind of banter feels... good. It's like they're back at the Hideaway. Except this time, he's participating. ]
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