Rinwell? It's Zephyr. I've got some bad news. You... may want to sit down first.
Mm. Nothing that won't heal with time. It's...
[ Gods, where does he start? How does he start? ]
It's Law. I'll preface this by saying that he's alive, but... I don't know. He's hurt pretty bad.
[ Gods, where does he start? How does he start? ]
It's Law. I'll preface this by saying that he's alive, but... I don't know. He's hurt pretty bad.
[ She frowns, lips parting to reply before the magic words: 'it's law'.
There's a short, sharp intake of breath, girl frozen in place. ]
Law..? [No. Nononono that's not right. That can't be right? she saw him barely a week ago before leaving Coatepec and he was fine— ]
What happened? [she swallows] How bad is 'pretty bad'?
There's a short, sharp intake of breath, girl frozen in place. ]
Law..? [No. Nononono that's not right. That can't be right? she saw him barely a week ago before leaving Coatepec and he was fine— ]
What happened? [she swallows] How bad is 'pretty bad'?
Wyverns started harassing the townsfolk again. They took at least one person that I knew, but we were trying to take care of the rest and keep everyone else safe. He, ah...
[ His voice trails off for a long moment, rough with exhaustion and a general weariness that only comes from a days-long adrenaline crash. He seems to realize it sooner rather than later, and Zephyr clears his throat quietly. ]
One tried to snag me while our backs were turned, he tried to stop it. It... got him pretty bad, Rinwell. I nearly lost him.
[ His voice trails off for a long moment, rough with exhaustion and a general weariness that only comes from a days-long adrenaline crash. He seems to realize it sooner rather than later, and Zephyr clears his throat quietly. ]
One tried to snag me while our backs were turned, he tried to stop it. It... got him pretty bad, Rinwell. I nearly lost him.
Wyverns...I heard something about them being more territorial around this time of year, but, outright attacking Coatepec? That's...
[A lump forms in her throat, and shaky fingers reach up to clasp around the little blue sphere of her pendant. And Law got hurt because of it.
He was hurt, because he was trying to protect Zephyr. It makes an awful amount of sense, because of course he would. Of course he'd protect Zephyr. She knows better than almost anyone else (save perhaps Zephyr himself) how much it means to Law to have his father back, here. How protective he was.
And he— He almost—]
Will...will he be okay? [her voice is small, before she clears her throat, trying to keep any wobble out of her words.] Are you okay?
[A lump forms in her throat, and shaky fingers reach up to clasp around the little blue sphere of her pendant. And Law got hurt because of it.
He was hurt, because he was trying to protect Zephyr. It makes an awful amount of sense, because of course he would. Of course he'd protect Zephyr. She knows better than almost anyone else (save perhaps Zephyr himself) how much it means to Law to have his father back, here. How protective he was.
And he— He almost—]
Will...will he be okay? [her voice is small, before she clears her throat, trying to keep any wobble out of her words.] Are you okay?
It's nesting season for them too, at least according to Volkbert. People are probably easy prey compared to some of the other animals out there.
[ And he gets that. Boy, he really does. The feral, more bestial side that takes over his senses and mind when the incense gets to it makes sure to remind him every single time. Why waste energy going after something with thick hide and equally large teeth when easier, softer targets exist?
It's terrifying to think about. ]
Given time, rest and patience I'm sure he'll be back to himself in no time. Salamander stepped in personally and Dohalim is here too, but in the end it's up to him. I've never... [ A slow breath, and Zephyr shakes his head even though she can't see it. ] I'm fine. I cut my hands up a bit trying to get him out and I'm supposed to keep weight off my right leg for awhile, but I'll heal.
[ Except that's not what she meant and he knows it. ]
[ And he gets that. Boy, he really does. The feral, more bestial side that takes over his senses and mind when the incense gets to it makes sure to remind him every single time. Why waste energy going after something with thick hide and equally large teeth when easier, softer targets exist?
It's terrifying to think about. ]
Given time, rest and patience I'm sure he'll be back to himself in no time. Salamander stepped in personally and Dohalim is here too, but in the end it's up to him. I've never... [ A slow breath, and Zephyr shakes his head even though she can't see it. ] I'm fine. I cut my hands up a bit trying to get him out and I'm supposed to keep weight off my right leg for awhile, but I'll heal.
[ Except that's not what she meant and he knows it. ]
You'd think otherwise, given what people can do. But compared to other incensed creatures...
[ that makes an awful lot of sense. And nesting time? She remembers how absolutely deadly some of the stories about zeugles on the Nevira Snowplains could be. That even the Renans didn't attempt to bother them at the height of the season.
It is really, truly terrifying to think about, and she closes her eyes a moment.
It's not what she meant. They both know it. And she bites her lip, hard. ]
Law's really strong. I'm sure, as long as you're there for him, he— [she breaks off, and takes a breath. Now is not the time, Rinwell.] I know you have Dohalim there, and, and I think Shionne's still in Coatepec too, if she can help with her artes, but.. Is there anything I can do?
[ She may have just gotten back to Coba, again, but she knows some spiracorn riders in the Eagles. She'd get back there as fast she can. ]
[ that makes an awful lot of sense. And nesting time? She remembers how absolutely deadly some of the stories about zeugles on the Nevira Snowplains could be. That even the Renans didn't attempt to bother them at the height of the season.
It is really, truly terrifying to think about, and she closes her eyes a moment.
It's not what she meant. They both know it. And she bites her lip, hard. ]
Law's really strong. I'm sure, as long as you're there for him, he— [she breaks off, and takes a breath. Now is not the time, Rinwell.] I know you have Dohalim there, and, and I think Shionne's still in Coatepec too, if she can help with her artes, but.. Is there anything I can do?
[ She may have just gotten back to Coba, again, but she knows some spiracorn riders in the Eagles. She'd get back there as fast she can. ]
Edited 2022-03-31 20:17 (UTC)
Hey...Rinwell?
[He doesn't have to ask if she's heard. He already knows.]
Are you going to Coatepec? I'm leaving from Tikal. We could go together from Coba, if you haven't left yet.
[He doesn't have to ask if she's heard. He already knows.]
Are you going to Coatepec? I'm leaving from Tikal. We could go together from Coba, if you haven't left yet.
I almost wasn't. The incense got to me when I went to get the herbs they were missing, and...
[ He doesn't have to spell it out, not when his voice is leaden with shame, guilt, and regret. If he had been too late, Zephyr never would've forgiven himself.
But he made it back, so he doesn't have to live with that particular mistake weighing on his shoulders. ]
I haven't seen Shionne since... For awhile, at least. [ Hell, he didn't even know she was around?? Either he kept missing her, or he'd done something to make her avoid him - he doesn't know. ] They said he's clear for visitors starting tomorrow. I'm going to call Alphen and let him know what happened too, but... If you want to stop by? Check up on him yourself? You're more than welcome to.
[ He doesn't have to spell it out, not when his voice is leaden with shame, guilt, and regret. If he had been too late, Zephyr never would've forgiven himself.
But he made it back, so he doesn't have to live with that particular mistake weighing on his shoulders. ]
I haven't seen Shionne since... For awhile, at least. [ Hell, he didn't even know she was around?? Either he kept missing her, or he'd done something to make her avoid him - he doesn't know. ] They said he's clear for visitors starting tomorrow. I'm going to call Alphen and let him know what happened too, but... If you want to stop by? Check up on him yourself? You're more than welcome to.
I’m here.
[ She’s heard. She’s most definitely heard, if the stiffness to her voice is any indication. ]
I am. I said I would. I—
[ she takes a breath. ]
I can wait. If you’re here, then- then we can borrow one of the fast mounts that they won’t let me take by myself.
[ She’s heard. She’s most definitely heard, if the stiffness to her voice is any indication. ]
I am. I said I would. I—
[ she takes a breath. ]
I can wait. If you’re here, then- then we can borrow one of the fast mounts that they won’t let me take by myself.
Zephyr..
[ Awed dismay, and no small amount of worry fills her. She knows how adults can downplay their injuries, knows full well that Zephyr would put himself first in the line of fire (old dogs protecting younger members of the pack), but even he can't escape the impact of the incense. ]
Oh... Should— Would you like me or Alphen to contact her? She was in Coatepec, but she may have traveled on. I don't know what her plans were.
[ Shionne is still so closed mouthed, but the fact Rinwell would even offer to contact her says a great deal about how things have changed between them, even a little.
And she knows the older woman would never refuse to offer healing to Law. ]
Of course I do! I will come back to Coatepec as soon as I can. [with Alphen, if he heads this way, which she is sure is more likely a 'when'.] Just make sure he rests, and that you get lots of rest too.
[ Awed dismay, and no small amount of worry fills her. She knows how adults can downplay their injuries, knows full well that Zephyr would put himself first in the line of fire (old dogs protecting younger members of the pack), but even he can't escape the impact of the incense. ]
Oh... Should— Would you like me or Alphen to contact her? She was in Coatepec, but she may have traveled on. I don't know what her plans were.
[ Shionne is still so closed mouthed, but the fact Rinwell would even offer to contact her says a great deal about how things have changed between them, even a little.
And she knows the older woman would never refuse to offer healing to Law. ]
Of course I do! I will come back to Coatepec as soon as I can. [with Alphen, if he heads this way, which she is sure is more likely a 'when'.] Just make sure he rests, and that you get lots of rest too.
They let me sit with him while I was like that, so all things considered it wasn't as bad as it could've been. No memory loss this time, either. They just had to give me time to cool off for a bit.
[ Nothing says "high stress environment" like a panicked wolf-zeugle-man-beast that could easily fit a person's upper torso into his mouth with no issue! Throw in a heaping dose of parental worry and protective instinct, and... yeah, it's probably a good thing they threw him in Wolf Jail and then threw a muzzle on him just in case.
The fact that they let him sit by his side to begin with was a miracle in and of itself, but he'll forever be grateful for it. Maybe it's a sign of trust? ]
You can tell her, sure. I don't know if she'd be thrilled with hearing from someone who is meant to be dead, you know? That said she's not obligated to. Dohalim has been helping with what he can, though the Salamanders don't want to put too much stress on him while he's still recovering. Healing artes feels... [ A quiet laugh. ] It feels weird.
[ But not entirely unpleasant, at least. ]
We've been doing nothing but rest, I promise you.
[ Nothing says "high stress environment" like a panicked wolf-zeugle-man-beast that could easily fit a person's upper torso into his mouth with no issue! Throw in a heaping dose of parental worry and protective instinct, and... yeah, it's probably a good thing they threw him in Wolf Jail and then threw a muzzle on him just in case.
The fact that they let him sit by his side to begin with was a miracle in and of itself, but he'll forever be grateful for it. Maybe it's a sign of trust? ]
You can tell her, sure. I don't know if she'd be thrilled with hearing from someone who is meant to be dead, you know? That said she's not obligated to. Dohalim has been helping with what he can, though the Salamanders don't want to put too much stress on him while he's still recovering. Healing artes feels... [ A quiet laugh. ] It feels weird.
[ But not entirely unpleasant, at least. ]
We've been doing nothing but rest, I promise you.
[The tone of her voice pretty much confirms it. For his part, Alphen is doing his level best to keep his voice calm. It's...kind of working.]
Strength in numbers, right? [He exhales quietly.] Alright. I'm leaving now, and I'll see you soon.
Strength in numbers, right? [He exhales quietly.] Alright. I'm leaving now, and I'll see you soon.
[ It helps. Even if she knows, and he knows she knows, and she knows he knows she-- well, you get the picture. ]
..Right. [a beat] And physical, too. I'll make sure to pack some extra things from here to be ready.
It..it may be worth asking that someone will look in on his chickens and Fang while he's out, right?
..Right. [a beat] And physical, too. I'll make sure to pack some extra things from here to be ready.
It..it may be worth asking that someone will look in on his chickens and Fang while he's out, right?
O-oh. Is...Is memory loss usually a component of that sort of change? [but the fact he hadn't forgotten...well, that was probably the best outcome in unenviable circumstances, really.] Did it take long to, um. Cool off?
[ No week long nap, like Law went through...though she has a feeling he'll be sleeping at least one week, if not more. And she'll make Hootle sit on him if he tries to get up too soon! ]
I think she'd be as surprised as I was.. [but at least she had Law to confirm it first. Hnn.] I'll ask. Only fair, after all. She's a strong healer.
[a sigh] I wish I had a few artes for healing, too..
Really? Like, tingly? Or warm? [she'd gotten used to receiving healing on their journey, before coming here. If anything, Rinwell's pretty sure she'd started taking it for granted.] And good! And you'll be able to rest even more without worry once Alphen and I get there.
[ No week long nap, like Law went through...though she has a feeling he'll be sleeping at least one week, if not more. And she'll make Hootle sit on him if he tries to get up too soon! ]
I think she'd be as surprised as I was.. [but at least she had Law to confirm it first. Hnn.] I'll ask. Only fair, after all. She's a strong healer.
[a sigh] I wish I had a few artes for healing, too..
Really? Like, tingly? Or warm? [she'd gotten used to receiving healing on their journey, before coming here. If anything, Rinwell's pretty sure she'd started taking it for granted.] And good! And you'll be able to rest even more without worry once Alphen and I get there.
I'm still missing parts of the first time it happened, but otherwise I'm not sure if it's a universal thing or just me. [ If he could forget one instance, it'd definitely be that and part of the second. At least he wasn't so far gone the third time? ] Overall... I think it took a few hours to calm down? I tried to bite and wound up getting a pretty good swat on the nose for it.
[ And time in Sad Wolf Jail, but hey! ]
Is there anything stopping you from learning? I don't know a whole lot about artes like that.
[ Especially given his all entail, uh. Lightning and fire. Big explosions, big damage. ]
I'd say it's both. I wonder if it differs from arte-to-arte, though... When Shionne tried to use them on me in Cyslodia, I couldn't feel too much of anything at the time. [ Whether that was because he'd been on the brink of death, the poison counteracting it, the chill in the air or a combination of all three was a mystery, though. ] You know I'll always be worrying, Rinwell.
[ And time in Sad Wolf Jail, but hey! ]
Is there anything stopping you from learning? I don't know a whole lot about artes like that.
[ Especially given his all entail, uh. Lightning and fire. Big explosions, big damage. ]
I'd say it's both. I wonder if it differs from arte-to-arte, though... When Shionne tried to use them on me in Cyslodia, I couldn't feel too much of anything at the time. [ Whether that was because he'd been on the brink of death, the poison counteracting it, the chill in the air or a combination of all three was a mystery, though. ] You know I'll always be worrying, Rinwell.
I'm glad that's as long as it took, then..
[even if its hard to picture someone swatting Zephyr of all people, never mind across the nose! Perhaps picturing it will be easier, the day she sees his morphed form in person.]
Ah, it's. If I was ever going to learn it, then, my family— [she swallows, then pushes on] —would have taught me. But, that, that wasn't really part of the mage teachings passed down through my clan. It might have been lost, even before the Renans invaded.
[ And now, here she is, getting news of how close she came to losing a member of her new family. She bites her lip, and he can't see her nodding. ]
..Of course you will, you're his father. That's what family does. But if we can help reduce it, well. We will. You'll see.
[even if its hard to picture someone swatting Zephyr of all people, never mind across the nose! Perhaps picturing it will be easier, the day she sees his morphed form in person.]
Ah, it's. If I was ever going to learn it, then, my family— [she swallows, then pushes on] —would have taught me. But, that, that wasn't really part of the mage teachings passed down through my clan. It might have been lost, even before the Renans invaded.
[ And now, here she is, getting news of how close she came to losing a member of her new family. She bites her lip, and he can't see her nodding. ]
..Of course you will, you're his father. That's what family does. But if we can help reduce it, well. We will. You'll see.
Couldn't Dohalim or Shionne teach you? They're bound to know something.
[ And after spending decades living in fear of Renans and their artes, it's actually a little refreshing to see them in a way where he doesn't feel threatened. To think that there were so many that could be used to enhance the quality of one's life... It's a little unfair if he really thinks about it. ]
You make it sound like you're prepared to shoo me out to pick up tea.
[ Is he teasing? He's teasing. ]
[ And after spending decades living in fear of Renans and their artes, it's actually a little refreshing to see them in a way where he doesn't feel threatened. To think that there were so many that could be used to enhance the quality of one's life... It's a little unfair if he really thinks about it. ]
You make it sound like you're prepared to shoo me out to pick up tea.
[ Is he teasing? He's teasing. ]
[At least it still helps for both of them, even when they both know they're both worried.]
Sounds good.
[A brief laugh; little more than an emphatic sigh, honestly.]
That's my next stop on my way out. We have a few neighbors who enjoy animals, and they've looked after them before, so...I'm hoping they won't mind doing me a favor.
Sounds good.
[A brief laugh; little more than an emphatic sigh, honestly.]
That's my next stop on my way out. We have a few neighbors who enjoy animals, and they've looked after them before, so...I'm hoping they won't mind doing me a favor.
I'm sure Law would be happy to let them have a few of the eggs his hens have laid in payment for taking care of them. ...Just be careful, Fang's really good at getting where they're not supposed to.
[ If they get to Coatepec, and the fang puppy climbs out of your backpack, Rinwell won't be remotely surprised. ]
..Hey Alphen? Do you think asking Shionne to lend Dohalim a hand with some of the healing might be okay?
[ She's certain it would be, but Zephyr had been surprised to hear she was around...But maybe if Alphen asked her? ]
[ If they get to Coatepec, and the fang puppy climbs out of your backpack, Rinwell won't be remotely surprised. ]
..Hey Alphen? Do you think asking Shionne to lend Dohalim a hand with some of the healing might be okay?
[ She's certain it would be, but Zephyr had been surprised to hear she was around...But maybe if Alphen asked her? ]
That's what I was thinking, too. And don't worry, I'll keep a lookout for Fang. Zephyr asked for a few of Law's things, so I'll have to double check before I head out.
[And yet Fang will probably find some way to stowaway anyhow.]
I think Shionne is still in Coatepec, so she might already know. If she doesn't...she'll definitely want to.
[And yet Fang will probably find some way to stowaway anyhow.]
I think Shionne is still in Coatepec, so she might already know. If she doesn't...she'll definitely want to.
Sounds good. You'll let me know once you're close to Coba, right? I can have a mount ready for us to go immediately, if you're happy to be the main rider.
[ Noodle mage arms do not make for good mount control. ]
Could you put in a word with her? Unless Dohalim told her, I don't know that she knows yet. Zephyr hadn't realised she was even here. And I think she'd be more receptive if you asked than me.
[ Noodle mage arms do not make for good mount control. ]
Could you put in a word with her? Unless Dohalim told her, I don't know that she knows yet. Zephyr hadn't realised she was even here. And I think she'd be more receptive if you asked than me.
Will do, I promise. I don't mind being the main rider, but I'm glad not to be wrangling one of them alone, honestly.
[He likes animals well enough, but he's definitely not as good with them as Law is.
Alphen hesitates on that last request, but just for the briefest of moments. Whatever is going on between the two of them right now, he's certain Shionne will want to know what's happening with Law. So, another nod. Which she can't see. Because voice.]
I'm hoping she's been informed already, but just in case...I'll let her know.
[He likes animals well enough, but he's definitely not as good with them as Law is.
Alphen hesitates on that last request, but just for the briefest of moments. Whatever is going on between the two of them right now, he's certain Shionne will want to know what's happening with Law. So, another nod. Which she can't see. Because voice.]
I'm hoping she's been informed already, but just in case...I'll let her know.
on... some day after the linked thread but before the event lgkjg
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
counterattack
2022-04-21 08:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Page 1 of 3