𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐤𝐚 "ate 12 sandwiches & napped" 𝐬𝐮𝐢 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
aquaveiled) wrote2021-06-10 12:41 pm
aquaveiled) wrote2021-06-10 12:41 pm
Abraxas IC Inbox
[ Letters | Network | Domain | Action ]
[ Letters | Network | Domain | Action ]
I have not, no. Though Julia has suggest that I try. I have considered it, but...
[ She kind of misses Hydaelyn.
A tail would be an UPGRADE, Thancred! ]
They can dry out quite easily. I'll bring some of my homemade lotion the next we meet in Nocwich. I'm not sure how different it is in Thorne, but I found that I need to do much more once I left the Ruby Sea.
[ She kind of misses Hydaelyn.
A tail would be an UPGRADE, Thancred! ]
They can dry out quite easily. I'll bring some of my homemade lotion the next we meet in Nocwich. I'm not sure how different it is in Thorne, but I found that I need to do much more once I left the Ruby Sea.
She would certainly glare at you with such intensity you wished for death, if nothing else.
[ It's both warming to the heart and gutting in the same moment to speak of good friends like this, when they have been separated for so long with who knows how much more time left until they are sent home. Thancred takes a swig of his drink to wash some of the bitterness away.
For all his jesting, he does look forward to the possibility of returning to Etheirys with his memories and updating their fellow Scions on all that has happened. Himeka's certainty draws a smile out of him; that's how she is, always managing to balance out his naturally realistic outlook.
And she makes a good point, about the memories. Thancred's brow knits as he stares down into his mug of ale, as if it might have the answers for them. ]
It does feel as if everything comes back to that. If it's a matter of proximity, then that makes it a difficult problem to solve, but it's certainly worth some deeper research.
[ Too bad neither of them are the ideal Scions for that job, as they've already discussed. ]
[ It's both warming to the heart and gutting in the same moment to speak of good friends like this, when they have been separated for so long with who knows how much more time left until they are sent home. Thancred takes a swig of his drink to wash some of the bitterness away.
For all his jesting, he does look forward to the possibility of returning to Etheirys with his memories and updating their fellow Scions on all that has happened. Himeka's certainty draws a smile out of him; that's how she is, always managing to balance out his naturally realistic outlook.
And she makes a good point, about the memories. Thancred's brow knits as he stares down into his mug of ale, as if it might have the answers for them. ]
It does feel as if everything comes back to that. If it's a matter of proximity, then that makes it a difficult problem to solve, but it's certainly worth some deeper research.
[ Too bad neither of them are the ideal Scions for that job, as they've already discussed. ]
I was not told the details, but I have a guess as to who's behind it. Perhaps it is for the best that I do not share too much with you for now.
[ Thancred hopes she will understand it's for her own safety. ]
Yes, I had more than enough advance notice to leave the castle before it all kicked off.
I am on the road now, and it will be at least a week's travel to reach my destination. There are two other Summoned with me as well.
[ Thancred hopes she will understand it's for her own safety. ]
Yes, I had more than enough advance notice to leave the castle before it all kicked off.
I am on the road now, and it will be at least a week's travel to reach my destination. There are two other Summoned with me as well.
What is it that leaves you uncertain?
[ Himeka is usually the one who jumps into things feet-first; it's rare for her to hesitate like this. Thancred suspects there's something more to it. ]
I see. I assume that is due to the dryness of other climes compared to your home? In that case, I will gladly accept your offering.
[ The last thing he wants is for these scales to end up itchy and flaky. If he has them, they better look decent. ]
[ Himeka is usually the one who jumps into things feet-first; it's rare for her to hesitate like this. Thancred suspects there's something more to it. ]
I see. I assume that is due to the dryness of other climes compared to your home? In that case, I will gladly accept your offering.
[ The last thing he wants is for these scales to end up itchy and flaky. If he has them, they better look decent. ]
[ She gets it, even if it's difficult to accept. ]
I understand.
I'm glad you weren't the only one able to escape. It does make me worry about the others left at the castle...
You don't need to tell me where, but do you have a destination in mind?
[ It's Thancred, so she figures that if first step was flee, then second would be to find the safest place they can to hide out. ]
I understand.
I'm glad you weren't the only one able to escape. It does make me worry about the others left at the castle...
You don't need to tell me where, but do you have a destination in mind?
[ It's Thancred, so she figures that if first step was flee, then second would be to find the safest place they can to hide out. ]
I worry for them too. With any luck, none of them will be directly targeted. If there truly is a coup happening, surely those responsible will have more than enough on their plates as is.
[ While Thancred intends to be careful with who he shares this information with, he thinks it's safe enough to tell Himeka. She's in a neutral territory and it's unlikely anyone would think to question her about such things. ]
We're headed to Nott.
I would take care with who you share that with, if anyone. At least for now.
[ While Thancred intends to be careful with who he shares this information with, he thinks it's safe enough to tell Himeka. She's in a neutral territory and it's unlikely anyone would think to question her about such things. ]
We're headed to Nott.
I would take care with who you share that with, if anyone. At least for now.
It won't be the same.
[ Meeting Venat as she was, as a person before she became a god...could the Singularity be similar? ]
Yes, precisely! And you want a shed to come off in one piece if possible. That shows you that you're good and moisturized.
This is exciting! I'm sure you will come to love them.
[ Meeting Venat as she was, as a person before she became a god...could the Singularity be similar? ]
Yes, precisely! And you want a shed to come off in one piece if possible. That shows you that you're good and moisturized.
This is exciting! I'm sure you will come to love them.
It won't, no. Yet perhaps that is for the best.
[ For it to not be familiar. Hydaelyn had been a singular entity, after all, and the Singularity surely could not compare. Perhaps if Himeka accepts that from the start, it will be easier. ]
You are causing me to realize how little I know about this. I'll do my best to be a diligent student, in that case.
[ For it to not be familiar. Hydaelyn had been a singular entity, after all, and the Singularity surely could not compare. Perhaps if Himeka accepts that from the start, it will be easier. ]
You are causing me to realize how little I know about this. I'll do my best to be a diligent student, in that case.
[ While Thancred has kept Himeka appraised of his status ever since the coup and the following attack on Castle Thorne (which he was nowhere near at the time; the benefits of being a fugitive), it's no true substitute for seeing one another in the flesh. They could have met by the Horizon, but they've each been busy with their respective tasks in their territories. Thancred is still adjusting to life in Nott, and letting his guard down by entering the Horizon hasn't been high on his to-do list.
Nocwich allows him some much-needed freedom, however, and taking the portal from Nott to the land of eternal night is like a breath of fresh air. While he can't assume he isn't still being watched here to some degree, it's more his surface level of situational awareness that he employs rather than being on high alert.
He and Himeka have a standing appointment to meet each other for drinks each month, and so he suspects that he will find her there. As expected, she's waiting near the tavern in question. Her brightly-colored hair — now longer than ever, he can't help but notice — causes her to stand out in the crowd despite her diminutive stature. (Sorry, Himeka.)
He can't help it. She's distracted by watching the performance on the outdoor stage a short distance away, allowing him the perfect opportunity to creep up behind her and tap her on the shoulder. ]
Nocwich allows him some much-needed freedom, however, and taking the portal from Nott to the land of eternal night is like a breath of fresh air. While he can't assume he isn't still being watched here to some degree, it's more his surface level of situational awareness that he employs rather than being on high alert.
He and Himeka have a standing appointment to meet each other for drinks each month, and so he suspects that he will find her there. As expected, she's waiting near the tavern in question. Her brightly-colored hair — now longer than ever, he can't help but notice — causes her to stand out in the crowd despite her diminutive stature. (Sorry, Himeka.)
He can't help it. She's distracted by watching the performance on the outdoor stage a short distance away, allowing him the perfect opportunity to creep up behind her and tap her on the shoulder. ]
Do you think so? She had such a personal stake in our world. What the Singularity wants...IF it wants anything? What could that be?
[ Logically the answer is to ask, but...
Yes, there isn't much that Himeka has any sort of hesitance on. She's a little surprised that this is one of those points, herself. ]
I don't know why I struggle with this. I had no problems throwing myself at the old gods.
[ Logically the answer is to ask, but...
Yes, there isn't much that Himeka has any sort of hesitance on. She's a little surprised that this is one of those points, herself. ]
I don't know why I struggle with this. I had no problems throwing myself at the old gods.
[ She knows she not ought be, but Himeka has been worried. Thancred is more than capable, mayhaps one of the most capable people she's ever known and especially the sort who can handle a little escape from a nation under duress. But she can't help it. That just comes with caring, with having family.
Himeka doesn't believe if she needs to ask if they're still on--they always are, that's the beauty of Nocwich. But admittedly she's a little on edge, which isn't like her, only because of that worry she just cannot shake. She knows that seeing him in person will abate her fears and remind her that it's Thancred, of course he's fine.
Of course he'd find her because she's SO TALL she clearly sticks out of the crowd. Half-dazed, she watches a local bard as she starts to imagine what state she might find him in-- ]
Ack!
[ Only to be caught off guard as she whirls around, whipping her tail out dangerously.
Au Ra have great hearing, but Thancred is a master of stealth. ]
Himeka doesn't believe if she needs to ask if they're still on--they always are, that's the beauty of Nocwich. But admittedly she's a little on edge, which isn't like her, only because of that worry she just cannot shake. She knows that seeing him in person will abate her fears and remind her that it's Thancred, of course he's fine.
Of course he'd find her because she's SO TALL she clearly sticks out of the crowd. Half-dazed, she watches a local bard as she starts to imagine what state she might find him in-- ]
Ack!
[ Only to be caught off guard as she whirls around, whipping her tail out dangerously.
Au Ra have great hearing, but Thancred is a master of stealth. ]
I meant more specifically for you. If connecting to the Singularity felt similar to what speaking to Hydaelyn was like, that would perhaps sting even more. Though I might be overstepping by assuming so.
[ His closeness to Himeka has somehow only grown as a result of that shared dream. Perhaps this isn't something a friend could say, but a brother?
Maybe. He'll have to see how she takes it. ]
[ His closeness to Himeka has somehow only grown as a result of that shared dream. Perhaps this isn't something a friend could say, but a brother?
Maybe. He'll have to see how she takes it. ]
[ Thancred is a master of stealth, and perhaps that's why he can't resist testing his own abilities by making sure he can still successfully sneak up on the Warrior of Light. Y'shtola he's never been able to manage, but he continues to argue that she cheats.
He huffs out a laugh at her yelp, but then reaches out to lay a hand on her shoulder and steady her from the shock. ]
My apologies. I couldn't resist.
[ She'll see now what he referred to during their check-in after the shared dream. Just slightly under his Archon tattoos, the red scales start, disappearing under the collar of his shirt. Thankfully they haven't attracted too much attention in Nott. He's gotten some strange looks, but most people are polite enough to keep their questions to themselves. ]
Shall we head inside, or did you wish to listen a bit longer?
[ He glances over to the bard who's singing of some folk tale from Luna while playing a lute. ]
He huffs out a laugh at her yelp, but then reaches out to lay a hand on her shoulder and steady her from the shock. ]
My apologies. I couldn't resist.
[ She'll see now what he referred to during their check-in after the shared dream. Just slightly under his Archon tattoos, the red scales start, disappearing under the collar of his shirt. Thankfully they haven't attracted too much attention in Nott. He's gotten some strange looks, but most people are polite enough to keep their questions to themselves. ]
Shall we head inside, or did you wish to listen a bit longer?
[ He glances over to the bard who's singing of some folk tale from Luna while playing a lute. ]
It might... But I won't know if I don't try, will I?
[ To be frank, she doesn't like feeling hesitance. Not at all. It's not that it makes her feel weak, but that avoidance has caused her problems in the past. She ought to know better by now. ]
You know, for as long as I had the Echo, it wasn't until I saw her face as a person that it really hit me. It's easier when they're distant things.
But we have to move on, yes?
[ To be frank, she doesn't like feeling hesitance. Not at all. It's not that it makes her feel weak, but that avoidance has caused her problems in the past. She ought to know better by now. ]
You know, for as long as I had the Echo, it wasn't until I saw her face as a person that it really hit me. It's easier when they're distant things.
But we have to move on, yes?
[ She chuckles at that. Y'shtola's subtle warnings were some of the first things to really keep her in line in those early days, infrequent as they were. She certainly misses such admonishments whether they were true or jesting in their sincerity...
Yes, there are many friends and family they've been separated for some time. While missions can take them away, this does feel different. ]
It would be convenient if we could just take a piece, wouldn't it? Then we could carry it with us and mayhaps never lose our memories...
[ A thoughtful hum follows, a little sing-song as she imagines possibilities well beyond her ability to replicate. ]
...Oh! Wait!
[ She slams her hands down on the table as she turns to Thancred in earnest. ]
The crystals! We could put our memories in crystals like the Ancients did!
Yes, there are many friends and family they've been separated for some time. While missions can take them away, this does feel different. ]
It would be convenient if we could just take a piece, wouldn't it? Then we could carry it with us and mayhaps never lose our memories...
[ A thoughtful hum follows, a little sing-song as she imagines possibilities well beyond her ability to replicate. ]
...Oh! Wait!
[ She slams her hands down on the table as she turns to Thancred in earnest. ]
The crystals! We could put our memories in crystals like the Ancients did!
[ Y'shtola absolutely cheats. Himeka will back Thancred up on that! And then probably live to regret her endorsement.
Of course it's Thancred! She recognizes him instantly and a hand falls onto her chest as she steadies her heart while she lets him ground her posture. ]
I'll accept an apology in the form of a pint, thank you!
[ Which she's sure he would buy her anyway, but now it's the point that matters. If she felt any true annoyance at his surprise attack (she didn't), it's washed away entirely after a few beats as she pulls him into a tight hug, bard be damned.
Seeing him in the Horizon is one thing...but in person? Hale and whole? That's infinitely more important.
Her tail swishes behind her back and forth in restrained excitement. She holds on as long as he allows before finally pulling back. ]
Let's head inside. You may need a drink more than me.
Of course it's Thancred! She recognizes him instantly and a hand falls onto her chest as she steadies her heart while she lets him ground her posture. ]
I'll accept an apology in the form of a pint, thank you!
[ Which she's sure he would buy her anyway, but now it's the point that matters. If she felt any true annoyance at his surprise attack (she didn't), it's washed away entirely after a few beats as she pulls him into a tight hug, bard be damned.
Seeing him in the Horizon is one thing...but in person? Hale and whole? That's infinitely more important.
Her tail swishes behind her back and forth in restrained excitement. She holds on as long as he allows before finally pulling back. ]
Let's head inside. You may need a drink more than me.
I never had the same connection to her as you, Minfilia, and Krile did. Even so, seeing her face-to-face still had its effect on me.
[ Which means it must have been even more hard-hitting for Himeka. ]
Aye, we do. And so when you feel up to it, I do think it would benefit us if you reached out to the Singularity.
Though I realize I am once again asking you to take everything onto your shoulders. If there is any way I can take on some of that burden, you need only ask.
[ Which means it must have been even more hard-hitting for Himeka. ]
Aye, we do. And so when you feel up to it, I do think it would benefit us if you reached out to the Singularity.
Though I realize I am once again asking you to take everything onto your shoulders. If there is any way I can take on some of that burden, you need only ask.
[ Breaking a piece off of the Singularity seems like quite the bold suggestion, given that it might cause some sort of political incident given how it's both cherished and mistrusted by the people of Abraxas.
Then again, none of them could actually get close to it to witness such a thing. Perhaps they would need to worry instead about how the Singularity would respond, or any Summoned who feel a strong attachment to it.
But before he can say anything about that idea, Himeka comes up with another. Right, the Ancients. As much as Thancred feels a healthy wariness toward them given what some of them become, he can't ignore the fact that this idea has some weight.
He glances down at Himeka's hand where it slammed on the table, amused by her enthusiasm if nothing else. ]
Are there crystals here that work in the same way as those from our world? That's the question. [ He pauses then, head tilting to one side in a brief moment of contemplation as something occurs to him. ] There is a tunnel made of some sort of crystal here in Thorne where they do some mining, to say nothing of Hayle, which has a great many crystal structures. Mayhap you're onto something.
[ He quirks a smile. As much as he feels Urianger's absence, this does prove that he and Himeka can manage on their own if that's how it must be. ]
Then again, none of them could actually get close to it to witness such a thing. Perhaps they would need to worry instead about how the Singularity would respond, or any Summoned who feel a strong attachment to it.
But before he can say anything about that idea, Himeka comes up with another. Right, the Ancients. As much as Thancred feels a healthy wariness toward them given what some of them become, he can't ignore the fact that this idea has some weight.
He glances down at Himeka's hand where it slammed on the table, amused by her enthusiasm if nothing else. ]
Are there crystals here that work in the same way as those from our world? That's the question. [ He pauses then, head tilting to one side in a brief moment of contemplation as something occurs to him. ] There is a tunnel made of some sort of crystal here in Thorne where they do some mining, to say nothing of Hayle, which has a great many crystal structures. Mayhap you're onto something.
[ He quirks a smile. As much as he feels Urianger's absence, this does prove that he and Himeka can manage on their own if that's how it must be. ]
[ A pint, Thancred can manage. He's not so low on coin that he can't make that work, and he isn't going to worry Himeka by even making reference to his current financial situation. He's already found ways to earn his keep in Nott, and he suspects he'll uncover additional methods before long.
But then the hug comes, one he really should have expected. Himeka squeezes tight, almost knocking the air out of him, and he lets out a warm chuckle as he returns it, resting his chin atop her head for a moment (while also taking care not to bump her horns).
It is good to see her in the flesh after all that's happened and how much his life has been uprooted.
As they pull away, he heaves out a sigh at her comment and nods. ]
I won't argue that point. This time, anyhow.
[ So with that, they head into the tavern and find their usual table, putting in orders for their pints. Thancred lifts up a leg to rest his ankle on his opposite thigh and leans back in his chair. ]
How have things been in Solvunn? I understand you all had to retreat underground for a time as well.
But then the hug comes, one he really should have expected. Himeka squeezes tight, almost knocking the air out of him, and he lets out a warm chuckle as he returns it, resting his chin atop her head for a moment (while also taking care not to bump her horns).
It is good to see her in the flesh after all that's happened and how much his life has been uprooted.
As they pull away, he heaves out a sigh at her comment and nods. ]
I won't argue that point. This time, anyhow.
[ So with that, they head into the tavern and find their usual table, putting in orders for their pints. Thancred lifts up a leg to rest his ankle on his opposite thigh and leans back in his chair. ]
How have things been in Solvunn? I understand you all had to retreat underground for a time as well.
A crystal tunnel?
[ Recognition flashes across her face--way back when all this began, getting shoved off to work the mines else waste away in the brig. She had led Estinien on something of a wild wyrm chase, but it did lead to their escape, short as it was. ]
Yes, the worm tunnels! Not wyrm tunnels. They're not very good at making that clear.
[ Thancred can doubtlessly imagine her disappointment when she realized her mistake. ]
Do they let you go there now? Like, when you're not in trouble?
[ Though even if they don't, if someone needs to go in under cover and sneak off with some crystals? Who better to do it than Thancred, Master of Stealth. ]
[ Recognition flashes across her face--way back when all this began, getting shoved off to work the mines else waste away in the brig. She had led Estinien on something of a wild wyrm chase, but it did lead to their escape, short as it was. ]
Yes, the worm tunnels! Not wyrm tunnels. They're not very good at making that clear.
[ Thancred can doubtlessly imagine her disappointment when she realized her mistake. ]
Do they let you go there now? Like, when you're not in trouble?
[ Though even if they don't, if someone needs to go in under cover and sneak off with some crystals? Who better to do it than Thancred, Master of Stealth. ]
She wanted the best for all of us. She cared so much.
[ Were her actions the right ones? That could be argued. Neither side seemed to have the right answer, Himeka feels, mayhaps a little too in line with her previous incarnation in abstaining. But inaction isn't acceptable either.
To live is to struggle. To make mistakes.
Venat was right in that. ]
You could buy the next round of drinks when we visit Nocwich. How about that?
[ Were her actions the right ones? That could be argued. Neither side seemed to have the right answer, Himeka feels, mayhaps a little too in line with her previous incarnation in abstaining. But inaction isn't acceptable either.
To live is to struggle. To make mistakes.
Venat was right in that. ]
You could buy the next round of drinks when we visit Nocwich. How about that?
She did. Of that I have no doubt.
[ For all that Thancred might have some feelings about Hydaelyn's choices, particularly when it came to Minfila, was it truly his place to judge? How could he know the choices he would have made, in her position?
For all his ire toward the Ascians, Hydaelyn had never been that. ]
That's your price? While I feel like I am most certainly benefiting from the better end of the deal here, I won't protest.
[ For all that Thancred might have some feelings about Hydaelyn's choices, particularly when it came to Minfila, was it truly his place to judge? How could he know the choices he would have made, in her position?
For all his ire toward the Ascians, Hydaelyn had never been that. ]
That's your price? While I feel like I am most certainly benefiting from the better end of the deal here, I won't protest.
[ If only she had more coin to share with him. Solvunn, being so intent on trade of goods and services as it is, has little use for it unless trading with outsiders. What she does collect usually gets spent in Nott anyway. But she would be happy to send him off with what she has left.
Not that she's paying for Thancred hugs or anything. She knows she gets those for free.
It's nice to be back in Nocwich too. The tavern has become something of a usual haunt and even if it's only once a month, it feels homey. Her tail even curls around one of the legs as she settles. ]
We did, yes.
[ Himeka, instead, leans forward towards the table, resting her forearms on it. ]
The land seemed blighted and the gods were angry, so they thought it'd be best if we got out of their way. Which upset some of the animals that live underground, unfortunately...
[ She shakes her head, turning her attention to Thancred properly. ]
But that's nothing in comparison to your journey, I imagine.
Not that she's paying for Thancred hugs or anything. She knows she gets those for free.
It's nice to be back in Nocwich too. The tavern has become something of a usual haunt and even if it's only once a month, it feels homey. Her tail even curls around one of the legs as she settles. ]
We did, yes.
[ Himeka, instead, leans forward towards the table, resting her forearms on it. ]
The land seemed blighted and the gods were angry, so they thought it'd be best if we got out of their way. Which upset some of the animals that live underground, unfortunately...
[ She shakes her head, turning her attention to Thancred properly. ]
But that's nothing in comparison to your journey, I imagine.
[ If there's one thing she's learned over the years, it's that the world is so very, very gray. It's easy for her to see the best in intentions, but her own actions have led her to hurting others. Mayhaps not to the same cosmic degree, but...
She ought not put those worries onto a rock that may not have them at all. It feels...less aware than Hydaelyn ever did. ]
I'm glad we can come to an agreement, then. You were always difficult.
[ A big fat lie, but hopefully he can read the smile in her script. ]
Thank you, Thancred.
She ought not put those worries onto a rock that may not have them at all. It feels...less aware than Hydaelyn ever did. ]
I'm glad we can come to an agreement, then. You were always difficult.
[ A big fat lie, but hopefully he can read the smile in her script. ]
Thank you, Thancred.
[ Perhaps at one point Thancred would have been sensitive enough that the comment would have crept under his skin, but now his bond with Himeka and his own self-esteem are solid enough that he only laughs to himself over it. ]
You're very welcome.
You're very welcome.
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