You better watch out, you better watch out- [OPEN]

[lupusxylem]

Who: Nicholas D. Wolfwood and YOU!
What: It's December and it's time for Saint Nick to deliver presents(tm)
When: Mid-December, not like ON Christmas but around it yk, it'll probably take him a day or two to deliver everything
Where: Various places in the Grove
Warnings: Wolfwood's mouth probably, will tag as necessary

Comments

[namuthing]

Y-yeah. Don't mention it.

[Maybe he could scuttle away now and leave Elder Faerie to it, but...]

Are you doin' okay? No one I need to give an earful too, right?

[argentry]

[he is still looking over the stick as Genya speaks, but then glances up to meet his eyes]

Hm? Whatever do you mean?

[namuthing]

Just... making sure you're alright. A lot of people seem to be goin' through it lately.

[Mainly his people. He's been so busy checking up on the people from his world and hearing about all of their problems, that he hasn't been able to check in.]

[argentry]

Oh. Of course. I am alright, for now. Though, i suppose I am a little apprehensive about what awaits us after this.

[namuthing]

Yeah... I don't blame you. Seems like things have been peaceful for far too long.

[Even if things had started out a little nerve-wracking, the month prior had been calm enough. And this was outright peaceful. Surely it was only a matter of time until shit went wrong.]

We'll have to keep our guard up once we get back. But, uh... Don't worry. More and more of my friends have been showing up here. I might not be good with a sword, but them? They'll be able to take care of any trouble, no problem.

[argentry]

[Elder Faerie's eyebrows raise]

More of your friends? People from your world?

[YAY FRIENDS FOR GENYA]

[namuthing]

[Genya gives a short nod, even if he looks a little troubled at the thought.]

Couple of 'em, now. Rengoku's younger brother was the first to show up. Then the others started rolling in. [He wraps one arm around his torso, gripping at the fabric of his shirt on the opposite arm.]

They've been pretty roughed up, when they got here. Things aren't going the best back home.

[argentry]

[he deflates like a balloon]

I see. The burdens you and your friends bear must be great. I am sorry to hear that they are not well.

[namuthing]

It's...

[He releases his shirt in order to clasp his hands together, then curls his fingers into fists.]

They're alive, right? Here, at least. I should be relieved. And they're getting even better.

[But they're still dead. There's no changing that.]

But it shouldn't be them. They're actually strong, you know. And they mean somethin' to people. And I guess I'm still alive and kicking for them.

[Well...]

That doesn't seem right.

[argentry]

[wait.

Elder Faerie's brows furrow. he doesn't like where this is going]

Why do you act like you're worth less than someone else?

[namuthing]

[Genya is quiet for a long moment. The answer is obvious enough for him, and given a second or two, he'll be able to rattle it off. But he's never quite been asked that out right. It's almost enough to make him question his beliefs in himself.

Almost.]

I mean. I just am. The people I know are way better swordsmen than I'll ever be. They'll be able to finish the fight. Even if I survived this one, I'm dead meet if we ever find Kibutsuji. [He's somewhat aware that Elder Faerie doesn't know who that is but, it's also not the point.]

So why should they die before me? I should be paving the way for them.

[argentry]

[he recalls their first chat where Genya had come off incredibly strong, and capable. Elder Faerie still believes these things to be true. he places a hand on the young Demon Slayer's shoulder, looking at him seriously]

That could all very well be true. After all, there will always be someone who is braver than you, stronger than you, more kind than you. But, does that mean that you should simply give up this life that was given to you?

[namuthing]

[Genya finds his gaze flicking toward the hand on his shoulder. The weight of it feels nice, a comfort he didn't know that he needed. But the words? Those feel wrong. The other man doesn't understand, both the things that Genya's done and must atone for, and the way his world works.]

I mean - kind of. [He folds his arms around himself.] In the corps, we all sort of expect to die. Slaying demons isn't something you really get to retire from. And if I'm supposed to die, then I should do it making sure that I'm keeping the other, stronger slayers alive for even worse battles.

[His jaw shifts as he chews on the inside of his cheek.]

Everyone keeps sayin' that this is the final battle we're heading into. A real chance at finally putting things right. So it should be the stronger people that get to live on, right? They've earned it way more than me.

[argentry]

[Genya's correct. Elder Faerie doesn't understand his world.

what he does understand, is dying for one's cause. he has to, because that's essentially what he did, right? he looks sad, though, because he lived a rich, full life. Genya is not even an adult]

I cannot speak for your world, or for your people. But, what I can speak for, is myself. And I wish for you to live, Genya. For as long as you are able.

[he doesn't believe he'll change Genya's mind, but at least he has said his piece]

[namuthing]

[Why do those words hurt?

Genya finds himself bowing his head beneath the force of those words. His chest aches, while his temples throb as each syllable rattles around within his brain. He wants to ask Elder Faerie to take it back, wants to insist he does not deserve it.]

Guess it doesn't really matter now, right? We're stuck here. No need to worry about back home.

[If he doesn't acknowledge it, if he doesn't thank Elder Faerie or say he'll try, then it maybe it won't feel like he's disappointing the man, if it ever comes to that.]

[argentry]

[slowly, Elder Faerie nods. he understands, in some ways. he will just allow Genya to reflect on those words and maybe come to his own conclusion. but if he doesn't, it is alright. he removes his hand, placing both hands on the top of the walking stick now]

Indeed. For now, allow me to treat you to tea. It is the least that I can do.

[he will get Genya a gift too, once he thinks about what to give him, but later!]

[namuthing]

[He laments the loss of that hand, of the warmth and reassurance that even a single touch could provide. It isn't just Elder Faerie, either. He misses someone beyond that — perhaps several someones, even.

But he doesn't say it. He simply nods.]

Tea... tea would be nice. If that's really alright.

[argentry]

[Elder faerie smiles, warm]

It is more than alright. I have a new blend I have been crumbling to try, if you like lavender. If not, there are others.

[namuthing]

Lavender, yeah. I can do that.

[Elder Faerie makes it sound good at least, even if Genya is used to basic, black tea. But at this point, he'd probably do anything if EF asked him.]

Lead the way?

wrap then

[argentry]

Of course.

[though Elder Faerie had wanted to save his treasures from Silent Salt, they won't do well to just sit around. besides, this is an emergency! so he will share.

he nods, and leads Genya off to the kitchen, so that they can grab a teapot and cups, smiling the whole way]