[ By this point, Thancred knows that it isn't only him and Stephen who are suffering ill effects. They may have been the first Summoned to become aware of the omens, but their proximity to the thaumametor isn't what caused all of these strange symptoms.
He should have known when he returned and Urianger had seemed more distracted and quieter than usual. More than that, as the days have gone on, it's become more and more difficult to even find him, which is saying something given that they live together. Still, it seems that whenever Thancred is home, Urianger is conspicuously absent, and they continue to miss each other.
Surely it's something he done. Maybe he made a careless comment that had gotten under Urianger's skin at some point. Or perhaps it's even that he's fed up with the fact that Thancred hasn't produced more results when it comes to uncovering Thorne's secrets or finding their way back home.
(He does his best to dispel such disparaging thoughts, as always, but it feels a bit harder this time. He can't quite shake this this is his fault, somehow.)
He won't be able to rest until he can track down Urianger and settle things between them, and so he begins his search. The town and the castle itself turn up nothing, and even when he specifically asks around, no one has seen Urianger. Someone in the library does mention that he'd been around a day or so ago, but that's all.
That leaves only one other place to check: Nott.
Thancred's been meaning to take the portal anyway, aware after his chat with Lyle that the small settlement needs all the help it can get. The castle is already well-defended against the rising dead, but Nott will be less so.
First, though, he must find Urianger. This time his questioning does bear some fruit, as he's told of a hooded man matching his friend's description (to say nothing of the comments about his way of speech). His investigation leads him to the Hooks, and with the smell of freshly caught fish in the air, he takes to his search through the intertwined alleys. This is his realm more than Urianger's, in truth, and as soon as he spots a cloaked figure moving ahead of him down one of the narrow passageways, he knows it must be his quarry.
He immediately picks up the pace. ]
Urianger!
[ Surely he isn't going to ignore him. Surely he isn't that upset. ]
( The ease with which Urianger slips away from the warmth of his home with Thancred is dismaying, to say the least, although he's at least able to understand why it doesn't cause him as much pain as it might another. It's because he believes himself to be doing completely the right thing: that Thancred deserves more than the twisted thing he's tried to expunge from himself; that in his failure, he ought to sequester himself away from his companions again.
He heads to Nott. If nothing else it's because he feels like he might be able to do some good there: he remembers the village from his mission with Thancred and Istredd but a moon ago, and he remembers how vulnerable it had looked in comparison the the high-walled settlement of Castle Thorne. If the dead are rising there as well then those people will be in need—
And it will surely keep Urianger's mind occupied, focused on something important enough that he might briefly forget about his reflection.
He takes a room at a tavern in one of the less than savory areas, but then he likely looks like a less than savory character himself dressed as he is in hooded black. Ironically, it isn't because he's going to great lengths to hide his appearance from others: Urianger simply does not wish to accidentally catch sight of himself in an unfortunately placed reflective surface. If it didn't feel a hint overdramatic, he might have opted for the face-covering he wore while scheming with the Warriors of Darkness — but along the way he has conceded that there are fewer people to reconise him here. It seems a bit much ...
Or so he thinks, until a familiar voice calls out to him as he's heading back to the tavern.
Urianger fumbles his step, pausing momentarily to catch himself against the tone in Thancred's voice, before picking up the pace as he presses on along the alley. If he can just make it a little further, if he can just slip into the tavern and lose himself among the scattered patrons—
[ Even with that face-covering, Thancred would have been able to recognize Urianger. He knows him too well by this point — knows his exact height, the angle of his shoulders, the rhythm of his gait. It's part of Thancred's skillset to know such things about people, and for a fellow Scion, those details are catalogued with care in his mind.
Even with all that, though, he isn't expecting Urianger to go this far to try and elude him once he's been found. It causes Thancred to pause in the alley for a few moments, fighting against the traitorous voices in his head.
He doesn't want anything to do with you, one whispers. Isn't that obvious by now?
But Thancred's pushed through such nagging thoughts before. He'll do so again, for the sake of a friend he suspects to be in need. So he does eventually follow, making it to the alley's exit just in time to see that hooded figure disappear into a tavern across the road.
Thancred lets out a small grunt of frustration, but quickens his pace to follow Urianger inside. After he shuts the door behind him, he scans the room for any sign of his friend. ]
( And he'll find his friend at the veyr back ot the room, tucked away in a corner so dingy it's positively conspicuous for its potential as a hiding spot. Urianger's hands are laced tightly in his lap as he keeps his attention on the table before him, those pale gold eyes boring hole into the ale-damp, grubby wood.
He hears the door clatter open, and he doesn't need to look up to know who just walked in. He's already beginning to feel foolish for trying to elude his friend: Thancred is perhaps the most exprerienced tracker he knows — it's been one of his main roles as a Scion for a number of years — and Urianger is ...
Tall.
He's tall, and he's dressed in black, and perhaps he shouldn't have run from him after all. )
[ It's true that Urianger's intention of avoiding him had been doomed by the start. The only thing that might have gotten in Thancred's way are his own thoughts — ones he suspects are not actually his own, at the moment.
He at least has that level of self-awareness. He knows what his own negative thoughts sound like, and these aren't quite right. One of the upsides of having fended them off for so long, it seems.
Urianger is doing his best, but tucking himself away in the corner means that he's actually in one of the first spots that Thancred checks. He can't help a wry smile from touching at his lips as he approaches the table and then sits down, now positioned across from his wayward friend. ]
( At the very least, Urianger has the good grace to look appropriately chastened by Thancred's comment. Few know better than himself (and his fellow Scions) that he isn't really a man from which you can easily slip away — and Urianger should have known better than to think that, after all they've been through, he would simply give up the chase.
These afflictions are making quite the fool of him, or so it would seem. His shoulders remain tense for a long moment before slumping in defeat, and he brings his hands together atop the table before lacing his fingers tight. )
... Aye, I should think so.
( He replies wearily, the exhaustion of the last few days beginning to creep in around the edges of his words. )
I prithee forgive my poor behaviour of late, Thancred.
( And yet his lashes remain low, his attention fixed on the clasp of his hands before him. )
'Twas not mine intent to instigate a childish game of cat and mouse.
[ It isn't often that the two of them ever find themselves at odds quite like this. That's proof enough that they're being affected in certain ways, as if it wasn't obvious already. Thancred had been granted a glimpse of what was to come on his investigation of the thaumametor with Stephen, but they hadn't noticed any side effects to them specifically until the trip back.
By then, it had been too late. Urianger was already feeling the effects, and they haven't been able to have a proper talk since then. Thancred can't heap all of the blame on Urianger, either, as his own insecurities (forced upon him or not) had come into play as well. ]
Neither of us are quite ourselves at the moment, it seems.
[ Urianger won't even look at him. It's quite reminiscent of when he'd cover most of his face and lurk in the corner at most Scion discussions. Thancred lets out a long sigh, then reaches up to brush his hair back. ]
For example, I've been having to fend off thoughts that you want nothing to do with me and that's why you've been avoiding me at every turn. But... that isn't true, is it?
[ He knows what his own doubts sound like. This is different, which means he's better equipped to push past it. ]
( Urianger's lips thin at Thancred's words, a flush of discomfort rising into his cheeks as he continues speaking. )
Nay— of course not.
( It's an effort, but Urianger finally looks up at his the man sitting across the table. A cold pearl of fear settles low in his stomach as an uncomfortable silence stretches between them; what if Thancred can see it? What if a single glance is enough to reveal the truth of the thing he allowed himself to become? Urianger seems to be waiting for it — he hesitates briefly, his gaze flitting all over Thancred's face for some kind of tell — before finding hismelf faced with the conclusion that whatever he can see in his reflection?
Thancred can't.
Urianger exhales a measured breath. )
It shames me deeply to know that mine actions hath stirred such thoughts within thee.
( And he seems genuinely chastened, as though he hadn't quite considered that Thancred might be anything more than a little bewildered by his absence. The fact that he's caused his friend distress — that he made him think he'd done something wrong — is more than a little upsetting to learn. )
Know that I would not remove myself from your presence unless I considered it of utmost importance.
( A beat. )
I am ... tainted, by memories of mine own making. The person I used to be: his choices, his betrayals ... I see them reflected upon mine own visage as clear as day. A reminder of how little I deserve what thou might extend to me in even the smallest gesture of friendship.
[ With the way that Urianger lifts his head, as if something had been weighing it down that he has to overpower, it's clear that his choice to looking anywhere but at him had in fact been purposeful. Their eyes lock and Thancred can see that Urianger is searching for something, but all that he does is hold his gaze. If he is expecting to find judgment or derision in Thancred's expression, it certainly isn't there. ]
It's not your fault.
[ The words spill out immediately, even as Urianger continues to explain himself. The truth is that Urianger's actions hadn't mattered so much as how Thancred's own mind had twisted them into something else.
It seems that both of them have been operating under false assumptions. As Urianger finishes speaking, Thancred lets out a dismissive scoff and shakes his head. ]
We both have been quite foolish, it seems. I hardly need tell you that I am capable of making my own decisions when it comes to who I call friend, and I have never found you wanting. [ All those difficult choices Urianger had made, all those betrayals he'd carried out, they had ultimately been out of love and care for his friends. Thancred would be the last person to judge.
After another pause, he flags down one of the servers to come and take their orders. If they're in this tavern now, they may as well have a drink. Or he will be, in any case. ]
I do have a theory for why we're under these effects, if you'll humor me.
'Twas never a question of thy judgement, Thancred, but of mine own right to thy kindness.
( But it's a relief to hear the blunt honesty in Thancred's words as he so masterfully dismisses Urianger's concerns — as though it were obvious, and should always have been obvious that his friend would never suffer someone he didn't want to. It isn't quite enough to dislodge the deep-rooted insecurities clinging on where they can, but it is enough to dissade him from arguing.
Perhaps it's just as well that Thancred chooses that moment to wave for a server. It's enough to break the spiral of Urianger's less pleasant thoughts: he blinks a little owlishly before ordering himself a cup of sweet wine, then laces his fingers together in front of himself again. )
... Yet in my cowardice I would not fan the flames of discord any further; I would remove myself from thy company, but I will not argue with thee.
( Urianger will argue points in his research, certainly, but he dislikes confrontation and personal conflict, especially when it involves the people he considers dearest to him. Perhaps that's something he needs to work on too, but he's taking the overhauling of his life-long habits one step at a time. )
Besides, I am most interested in thy theory. Thou hast conducted research of thine own in mine absence?
[ Thancred is relieved that Urianger has chosen to order something, as he suspects that the alcohol might take the edge off of some of their effects. He hopes, at least — there is always a chance it will make them worse, but that's a risk he's willing to take. For his part, he orders a pint of ale and then watches as the server heads off toward the bar.
They could go back and forth on how worthy they each are of the other's friendship, but Thancred imagines all that will happen is them going on and on in circles for little reason. Nor are either of them in the right state of mind about this at the moment.
For that reason, he decides to focus on the facts of their situation. Which is perhaps a cowardly move, but he's going with it for now.
At Urianger's question, a smirk curls his lips as he nods. ] Of a sort. I suppose you could call it field research. As you know, Stephen and I went to investigate the disturbance reported by the thaumametor. As it turned out, there was something amiss, as an undead rat burst forth from the earth.
[ That was only the beginning, of course, as Urianger has no doubt seen and heard of the dead rising, the animals dying of illness, and the spoiled food stores. ]
It's almost as if the very aether of the land has been distorted, wouldn't you say?
[ Not quite like what happened to the Empty. The aether hasn't been sucked dry, but tainted in some way. ]
( And that is an interesting theory, to be sure. The discomfort melts away from Urianger's expression as he engages the academic part of his brain over the motional one, setting his feelings aside with ease for the sake of pursuing this thread of knowledge. The fact that the undead rat appeared at the site of the disturbance lends weight to Thancred's idea: a taint plaguing the very earth, or perhaps tainting the magics that move through the earth, corrupting all with which it would come into contact. )
Aye ...
( Soft, thoughtful. But he's heard this before, hasn't he? )
Dost thou recall Himeka's trouble in Coerthas? A man-made corruption — the life's work of a young Xaela woman and her suffering ...
( His brow furrows. t had been difficult to see the bigger picture, lost as he's been in with his own demons, but it seems Thancred has somehow managed to nudge him back into familiar territory mby mere virtue of a simple conversation. )
Thou art of the opinion that Abraxas is under attack?
( The server returns and sets their drinks down before them. Urianger barely notices; he sits with a hand curled in front of his mouth as he tries to puzzle out what the implications of such a theory would mean, and just how much more "field work" they might need to do in order to get a definitive answer. To jump straight to the conclusion that the corruption is the result of an intentional effort would be baseless at the moment, it's true, but Urianger isn't willing to rule anything out just yet. )
I shall alter the course of mine own studies to further explore thy theory. 'Tis the very least I can do, as recompense for my inaction and absence.
[ It's no surprise that bringing this conversation to the facts of their situation rather than the emotions tied up in it is going to do a world of good for Urianger right now. That's certainly part of the reason that Thancred brought this up, but he also genuinely wants to get to the bottom of what's going on here.
Especially if there's a chance it might get worse.
At that question, Thancred thinks back. Himeka's tracking of the Xaela woman as she tainted the land's aether had taken place while he was either adrift in the Lifestream or expelled in the Dravanian Forelands, left to survive in the wilds. While he'd heard some of it after the fact, he suspects that Urianger had peppered her with far more questions than he did. ] I have a vague recollection, yes, though I would hardly refuse a refresher.
[ The drinks arrive then and he's quick to pick up his pint and takes a long swig from it, letting out a relieved exhale afterward. ]
I can't say for certain. [ Here, he leans in and lowers his voice. ] We know Himeka and her friends in Solvunn made a sacrifice to try and earn the attention of the old gods. [ Could they be considered responsible for this, or is there something deeper going on? It's difficult to say.
He rolls his eyes at Urianger's self-deprecating statement. ] Oh, come off it. You've only been gone a few days.
( Where Thancred takes a long pull of his ale Urianger's sip is more delicate — thoughtful, even — savoring the sweet flavour almost absently as he considers the implication of his friend's words. )
I confess, Himeka's foray into such magicks had quite slipped my mind.
( And it's a troubling reminder indeed. From what he gathered the sacrifice wasn't recent — but who knows how long it takes to rouse an old god into action? Had Himeka and her companions truly understood what it was they were attempting to do, or did they approach it with reckless abandon?
These are questions for the Warrior herself, not Thancred. Urianger can't deny that he has his suspicions. )
Thou hast not made mention of this to Himeka, I trust? 'Twould be wise to gather more evidence before bringing this to her — if 'tis not a conclusion at which she hath already arrived herself.
( But there's real concern creeping in around his edges — concern which will undoubtedly worm its way into his heart if left unchecked. Himeka has plenty of freinds in Solvunn, it's true, but Urianger cares for her as a sister, and he can't abide the idea of danger shadowing his dear friend while he puzzles over it from malms away. )
... Mayhap we should speak with her all the same.
( But there's a problem with that right now, isn't there. )
[ While Thancred can understand Urianger's concern about approaching Himeka regarding all of this, he doesn't believe that he can simply ignore it either. She's been trying to make contact with the old gods for some time now, and has escalated her methods accordingly. Of course, there are rumors of many other sacrifices being conducted in secret in Solvunn, so it's not as if this would all fall to her, Wanda, and Nero.
Even Urianger seems to renege on this as he gives it more thought. Thancred shakes his head at the question. ]
I haven't made an attempt to enter since the discovery made with Stephen, or that ominous dream that followed. It's unclear if the Horizon will grant us a reprieve from our traitorous senses or if it will only make things worse.
[ He sighs, rotating his pint along the wooden table as he weighs the pros and cons. ]
Ultimately, though, I do think it's important to check in with Himeka, so I may make an attempt before long. What do you plan to do?
[ There's plenty to concern themselves with in the waking world, after all, with the dead rising and food stores depleting. Urianger may have come to Nott to avoid him and the other Summoned, but he may have had another reason as well. ]
'Twas mine intent to make myself useful here. Castle Thorne boasts defenses lacking in Nott, and the people here hath already endured many hardships following the attacks.
( The fact that it put some distance between himself and the other Summoned? Well. Even Urianger can't claim it to have been pure coincidence, but he really had wanted to help. Sequestering himself among the bookshelves would be to undo the work he's done on himself since Moenbryda's death; he wants to take action, wants to support his friends and help those in need as actively as he can. )
If there is aught I might do to assist them, I would.
( He takes another sip of mead. )
To that end, I shall remain here in Nott.
( A beat. )
But I would ask thee to keep me abreast of the situation should thy attempt to reach Himeka prove fruitful.
[ Urianger's admittance doesn't surprise Thancred in the slightest. Long gone are the days when he would stay behind in the Waking Sands to perform research while the rest of them went out into the field. Even then he had supported the Scions, but he had hardly been living up to his full potential. It's been a pleasure to see the shift, to watch him shrug off that terrible cloak and step into the world anew.
Interesting, that he'd only truly managed that when all the way on the First. Now all of them, Urianger and Thancred and Himeka, are almost old hands when it comes to weathering time spent on another star. ]
I'd had a similar thought, and will likely stay here at least a day or so before braving the Horizon.
[ The entreaty to keep Urianger in the loop is met with a quick nod as Thancred continues to nurse his drink. ]
Naturally. All of your self-imposed concerns aside, there's little reason to keep things from each other here. [ Thancred hasn't once suspected that maybe Urianger is harboring some other secret. And, even if that were the case, he'd know it was for good reason. He's happy to make that clear to him yet again. He holds his pint up then, for a casual toast. ] As soon as you return from here, I'll be ready with a full report. How does that sound?
( It sounds good. In fact, everything about their meeting feels good in a way that highlights what a fool this place has made of him: Urianger doubted himself, doubted Thancred, allowed one moment of weakness to dictate his actions that led to his withdrawal. It would be more than pointless to waste any more time in feeling embarrassment over it all — far better to acknowledge it, learn from it, and move past it as best he can.
He lifts his own cup to join the toast and taps it against Thancred's, his smile a small, private thing that warms the space between them. )
Aye, that suits me well.
( Urianger takes another sip of his drink to complete the ritual of the toast, then places his cup down again before folding his hands together atop the table. )
Shouldst thou require assistance of any manner, I prithee, do not hesitate to call for aid.
( They may be living through curious times but this much, at least, is certain: Urianger would never deny Thancred his help. )
I would offer succor to Nott, but thy safety is ever my priority.
[ While Thancred's not certain what response he'd been awaiting after all that he has heard about what those taken have gone through, he isn't ready for this.
He's heard of visions assaulting the captive Summoned, of lesions opening in their skin, of fungi sprouting from places it shouldn't.
This is something else. It's different, and it scares him more than anything else he's seen or heard thus far. ]
I'll be there a̴͚͗̏s̸̟͋̎ ̶̯̌̿s̶͙̈́͝o̴̬͊̈́o̷̫̒n̵̪̖͝ ̵̯̗̐a̴̰͝ş̷͌͋ ̶͚̃̎I̶͚͓͒̒ ̵͓͆͠c̷͈͇͂̀a̴̝͋͐ͅn̵͙̟̓̇.̸͓̀
And then w̴͓͂e̵̦͗̕'̴̻̀l̶̪̥̊͠l̸̙̮͆ ̸̞̖̓̽ḿ̷̭ͅa̶̯̓̚k̷̘͉̀ḙ̷̊̚ ̶̞̚͝ this right.
[ Thancred has no idea what it is that Urianger wants to give him, but he can't imagine it's anything good. He'll need to tell Himeka about this as soon as he sees her again. ]
Y̴͑͜o̵͉̰̚ṷ̴̚ focus on yourself f̷̟͉̈́̎o̴̩͋͒ṙ̸͖͠ ̷̳̺̈͂n̸̟̈́o̵̼̦͑͠w̸̲̆,̴͉̿ ̵̙̏͘͜f̵͓͊ŕ̶̰ȋ̶̭̭͝e̸̦̾n̶̨̪͂̽d̴̝̩͒́.̵̛̫͗
Himeka and I w̶̮̟͗̈́i̵̧̲͐̿l̶̤̲̇l̸̼̦̈́ ̶̘̿b̷̨͔̀e̷̞͊̑ ̷̞̏͑t̶͎̣̄h̴̨̄̑é̵͖r̵͚̓e̶͓̳͂͐ before long.
I would share the ŗ̶͔̖̟̫̣̳̣͑̑͂͑͜͝ȩ̵̫̲̤̼̥̙̗̈́̑͜ͅv̸̼͈̫̀̈͛́̈́͒̌͠͠͝e̷̪͔͓͕͙͇̟͈̘̊͆̓l̷̹̘͍̫̻̜͉̲̽͌̇̆̂̕a̴̰̳̫̮͉͕͉͒͊͑̋̊̒̃͘̕̚͜͜ţ̵̖̯͇̱̤̻̱̮̥͑̈̓̀́̿̈́̅͌ï̷͓̘̳̭̰͚͇̬̬̒͐̇̂̊̒̾͜͝͝ơ̸͍̳͖͈̲̲̰̞̄̔̄̄̍͋n̵̛̩͇̏̓̄̂͆̄͝ ̸͈̭̌̈́̒̅͘w̵͔̘̙̼̖̥͉̼͒̈̍͘ĭ̸̙̤t̶̞̬̠̳̗̳̑̄̓̊̈́͋̽͋̕ĥ̶̡̦̣̼͕̋̎̋̀̕ thee
The ritual
That t̶͈̍͛̀͗̽̐̈͊ḧ̵͓̖͍̈́̇̊͒͘o̵͉̭͎͍̳͒́̄̑̌ȗ̶̙͓͔͍͎͓̆͆̓̓̓̒́̕͝ ̶̛͉̌̆͒̏̌́ṁ̷̢̱͇̘̬̫͕́̈́̈́̂͋͝i̴̛̛͈̲͓̦̩̥̒͑͐͋͛̄g̸̟͕͚̮̻͚̑͝ͅh̴͉͉͙̊t̷͌͛̍̈̉̄͒͆͘͜ partake of this gift
It gladdens my heart to hear from thee in the aftermath of such difficult times. With Thancred's help I am recovering well, and I hope to be returned to my full capacity within the coming weeks.
And thee? Thou art well, in the company of thy Summoned companions?
I had no doubt he would look after you. Though are you looking after yourself?
Oh I'm fine, I'm not the one that was put through the paces. Nero is resilient and wouldn't be caught ill or weak if he can avoid it. Everyone is looking after each other.
Oh? Mayhap I shall bring him with my for the journey, that thou mightst hold him in thine own arms for a time. I am certain he would be most pleased by thy company.
[ It all came about following one of their now routine training sessions. Urianger had made some comment about how sore he would be the next day, and Thancred had followed up with a teasing comment that a soak in Thorne's famous baths would certainly help with that.
Imagine his surprise when Urianger had agreed that was a good idea, and even invited him to come along. Urianger has certainly come a long way, when Thancred considers how he used to hide his face under a hood and behind a pair of goggles. He can't help but feel a twinge of pride.
They walk over to the Castle together, drawing little attention to themselves as they make their way to the bathing area. Thancred does catch some whispering among the servants about strange flashing lights that have been spotted in the sky at night, and can't help but wonder what will be in store for them next. He knows better than to brush off that sort of thing, as Abraxas seems to be as full of strange occurrences as Etheirys.
For now, though, all is quiet. Thancred doesn't want to push Urianger's sense of decency too far, so he tells him to go enter the baths first and he'll follow him in shortly after. He undresses in the changing room and tucks away his clothing, then wraps a towel around his waist. See, he can be accommodating!
He strides into the bath with the towel still firmly in place. Urianger's already in the water, revealing only as much of his bare skin as he finds comfortable. ]
How is it? Did you try the baths at the Cascading Boughs? They were—
[ But it seems some prior bather allowed water to pool on the stone floor and didn't wipe it up, and it's enough that he slips and almost loses his balance. Thancred manages to redistribute his weight and stumbles to the side slightly, which keeps him from actually falling and hurting himself, but his towel has fallen from his hips in the process.
( Urianger has learned that there's nothing quite like a long, hot soak after a day of working one's muscles to their limit. He's not fool enough to imagine that he's gained any strength yet, or increased his stamina more than a pinch, but in moments like these he can remind himself that his aches and pains mean that he's nevertheless making progress where he wasn't before.
Thancred's regimen is hard-going, but relaxing with him in the aftermath is a quiet pleasure, and so when he'd suggested they head to the baths that evening Urianger had been only too happy to oblige. He's getting much better at this whole "public bathing" thing — better at allowing himself to relax regardless of who might be watching — although a pulse of fondness warms his chest when Thancred hangs back for the sake of his comfort.
Thoughtful man.
He's relaxed and settled in the steaming water when his friend strides towards their chosen bath with a towel around his waist and conversation on his lips—
But then a few things happen at once, and it's all a bit much if truth be told. )
Thancred—!
( Urianger half rises out of the water with one hand outstretched to his friend as he slips through the puddle and loses his towel — but what happens next? Well. He could never have prepared himself for it. Just as Thancred's unmentionables are about to become extremely mentionable, his modesty is temporarily saved as a wholly out-of-place nutkin leaps towards him from below. Urianger reels back in shock, loses his footing, splashes back into the bath, and a strangled shout escapes his lips as the Twelve themselves guide the nutkin towards Thancred's meat and two popotoes. )
[ It's not like Thancred can blame Urianger too much for his prudishness, not when he takes even a moment to think back on what life in Old Sharlyan had been like. Buttoned up to the point of absurdity, with the members of the Forum and even some of the professors at the Studium requiring a level of propriety and conservatism that had been stifling, to say the least.
Some of Urianger's behavior could also simply be attributed to his personality, but he's made great strides in coming out of his shell.
With that in mind, Thancred's looking forward to a relaxed evening soaking in the baths with a good friend, only for this disaster to strike. The fact that he avoided slipping onto the floor, which would have surely resulted in him landing with his legs spread open and his privates on full display for everyone to see ("everyone" being Urianger in this case), is a small blessing. Now he simply has to hope he didn't pull a muscle or tweak his back in avoiding that outcome. With his towel having traitorously fallen to the floor, there's little to protect him.
(Or so he thought.)
The splash from the bath is what registers next, followed by a brush of something soft between his legs. When Thancred realizes that a small, furry rodent — a nutkin, in fact — has managed to cling to him at just the right time, yet again, he truly does believe for a moment that this must be a shockingly vivid dream. ]
How—
[ But never let it be said that Thancred wasn't gifted with good reflexes and reaction time, and he pitches forward to snatch up the towel once more. As soon as he moves to wrap himself up again, the nutkin leaps off him onto the floor and then stares up at him with shining black eyes, chittering loudly. ]
No need to get cheeky. [ But his towel is back where it should be. Wait, Urianger — he'll need to check that he hasn't drowned. ] Are you all right over there? [ Thancred starts toward the baths, taking care to watch his footing this time. Oddly enough, the little nutkin scurries after him, as if waiting for a reward for its timely assistance. ]
( Urianger resurfaces a moment later, the waters churning around him as he rises from the depths with all the grace of ...
Well. A decidedly graceless thing.
He blinks through the cascade of water before pushing his soaked hair back from his face, dunked and dripping and dazed from the sudden flurry of motion. Thancred is approaching him again with his towel in place — not that that really seems to matter any more, actually — but Urianger is immediately distracted by the sudden chittering of the Surprise Nutkin. )
Aye, naught but my pride hath been bruised.
( He replies, gingerly easing himself back onto the submerged stone bench to get comfortable again. )
Thy company was quite the surprise.
( Indicating the nutkin with a wave of his hand, Urianger raises both eyebrows at Thancred in a vaguely questioning manner before gesturing for his friend to join him. He's found he quite enjoys sharing moments like this with Thancred — a little peace and quiet among the chaos — and while the idea of being stripped bare with another person still draws a flush to his ears?
He's working on it. It feels less scandalous than it did a year ago, in any case, and after those first few moments of acclimatization Urianger has been finding he's actually quite comfortable! Indeed, he already seems to have settled enough that the beginnings of a smirk finds its way to the corners of his lips: )
Nonetheless, that can be a painful thing to bruise. You're in good company, at least.
[ In that Thancred's pride has also taken a blow from the sheer fact that he almost slipped and cracked his head open when he's meant to be fleet of foot. Urianger will hopefully not share the details of what happened here tonight with anyone else, though, the secret safe between them.
It seems that despite their rocky start, however, Urianger still wants to go forward with the bath. Thancred suspects it will do him good to soak in some warm water after what just transpired, and so he crosses the last bit of distance, gesturing with one hand when he plans to remove the towel so that Urianger can avert his gaze as needed, and then carefully stepping into the waiting water.
The nutkin remains on the outer edge of the bath, uninterested in the water itself but glancing between the two of them.
Thancred shrugs in response to Urianger's question, still processing this odd turn of events. ] It seems he'd rather observe. Still, who would have thought a nutkin of all things would turn up here? Did you happen to see where he came from?
It's a self-inflicted test, really, in an attempt to find out whether he really is getting better at this — and he's pleased to find that the heat around his ears remains at his ears as Thancred removes his towel. A body is simply a body, is it not? Thancred's is more defined than most, certainly, and bears the tale of his life writ across it in fading scars; uniqueness to be quietly appreciated, not feared.
Something warm settles into Urianger's gut as he smiles at his friend. )
Aye, a humiliation shared can be a most comforting thing.
( He replies, settling back against the bench as the nutkin looks at them expectantly. )
I am afraid not. 'Tis most curious: I have discovered little of these lands that harken back to Hydaelyn, and yet for this nutkin to appear so suddenly ...
( A thoughtful line creases his brow. )
Mayhap it slipped through the rift during one of our Summonings?
[ It's not as if Thancred could miss the fact that Urianger chooses not to look away this time. He doesn't stare or make it uncomfortable, but simply keeps his focus on Thancred for the short time between when he removes the towel and when the majority of his body disappears under the water. It does feels like some sort of progress, from a man who used to shield most of his body under a loose robe and who masked his face most of the time.
After settling down into a sit, Thancred lets out a long relieved sigh as the warmth of the water soaks into his muscles. Baths like these always feel the best after some exercise, and with their training sessions, there's been plenty of that.
As they both look at the nutkin, it chitters at them, its black eyes shining as its head tilts from side to side. Thancred considers Urianger's theory. ]
I suppose that's the only logical explanation, but it's never happened before. Then the question becomes, what changed?
[ Not that he expects Urianger to have the answer, but it is rather curious. Of all the things that might have slipped through, at least it was a harmless rodent. After a pause, Thancred reaches out to give the nutkin a gentle scratch on its head. ]
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affliction event; oct 19
He should have known when he returned and Urianger had seemed more distracted and quieter than usual. More than that, as the days have gone on, it's become more and more difficult to even find him, which is saying something given that they live together. Still, it seems that whenever Thancred is home, Urianger is conspicuously absent, and they continue to miss each other.
Surely it's something he done. Maybe he made a careless comment that had gotten under Urianger's skin at some point. Or perhaps it's even that he's fed up with the fact that Thancred hasn't produced more results when it comes to uncovering Thorne's secrets or finding their way back home.
(He does his best to dispel such disparaging thoughts, as always, but it feels a bit harder this time. He can't quite shake this this is his fault, somehow.)
He won't be able to rest until he can track down Urianger and settle things between them, and so he begins his search. The town and the castle itself turn up nothing, and even when he specifically asks around, no one has seen Urianger. Someone in the library does mention that he'd been around a day or so ago, but that's all.
That leaves only one other place to check: Nott.
Thancred's been meaning to take the portal anyway, aware after his chat with Lyle that the small settlement needs all the help it can get. The castle is already well-defended against the rising dead, but Nott will be less so.
First, though, he must find Urianger. This time his questioning does bear some fruit, as he's told of a hooded man matching his friend's description (to say nothing of the comments about his way of speech). His investigation leads him to the Hooks, and with the smell of freshly caught fish in the air, he takes to his search through the intertwined alleys. This is his realm more than Urianger's, in truth, and as soon as he spots a cloaked figure moving ahead of him down one of the narrow passageways, he knows it must be his quarry.
He immediately picks up the pace. ]
Urianger!
[ Surely he isn't going to ignore him. Surely he isn't that upset. ]
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( The ease with which Urianger slips away from the warmth of his home with Thancred is dismaying, to say the least, although he's at least able to understand why it doesn't cause him as much pain as it might another. It's because he believes himself to be doing completely the right thing: that Thancred deserves more than the twisted thing he's tried to expunge from himself; that in his failure, he ought to sequester himself away from his companions again.
He heads to Nott. If nothing else it's because he feels like he might be able to do some good there: he remembers the village from his mission with Thancred and Istredd but a moon ago, and he remembers how vulnerable it had looked in comparison the the high-walled settlement of Castle Thorne. If the dead are rising there as well then those people will be in need—
And it will surely keep Urianger's mind occupied, focused on something important enough that he might briefly forget about his reflection.
He takes a room at a tavern in one of the less than savory areas, but then he likely looks like a less than savory character himself dressed as he is in hooded black. Ironically, it isn't because he's going to great lengths to hide his appearance from others: Urianger simply does not wish to accidentally catch sight of himself in an unfortunately placed reflective surface. If it didn't feel a hint overdramatic, he might have opted for the face-covering he wore while scheming with the Warriors of Darkness — but along the way he has conceded that there are fewer people to reconise him here. It seems a bit much ...
Or so he thinks, until a familiar voice calls out to him as he's heading back to the tavern.
Urianger fumbles his step, pausing momentarily to catch himself against the tone in Thancred's voice, before picking up the pace as he presses on along the alley. If he can just make it a little further, if he can just slip into the tavern and lose himself among the scattered patrons—
Well. He has to try. )
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Even with all that, though, he isn't expecting Urianger to go this far to try and elude him once he's been found. It causes Thancred to pause in the alley for a few moments, fighting against the traitorous voices in his head.
He doesn't want anything to do with you, one whispers. Isn't that obvious by now?
But Thancred's pushed through such nagging thoughts before. He'll do so again, for the sake of a friend he suspects to be in need. So he does eventually follow, making it to the alley's exit just in time to see that hooded figure disappear into a tavern across the road.
Thancred lets out a small grunt of frustration, but quickens his pace to follow Urianger inside. After he shuts the door behind him, he scans the room for any sign of his friend. ]
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( And he'll find his friend at the veyr back ot the room, tucked away in a corner so dingy it's positively conspicuous for its potential as a hiding spot. Urianger's hands are laced tightly in his lap as he keeps his attention on the table before him, those pale gold eyes boring hole into the ale-damp, grubby wood.
He hears the door clatter open, and he doesn't need to look up to know who just walked in. He's already beginning to feel foolish for trying to elude his friend: Thancred is perhaps the most exprerienced tracker he knows — it's been one of his main roles as a Scion for a number of years — and Urianger is ...
Tall.
He's tall, and he's dressed in black, and perhaps he shouldn't have run from him after all. )
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He at least has that level of self-awareness. He knows what his own negative thoughts sound like, and these aren't quite right. One of the upsides of having fended them off for so long, it seems.
Urianger is doing his best, but tucking himself away in the corner means that he's actually in one of the first spots that Thancred checks. He can't help a wry smile from touching at his lips as he approaches the table and then sits down, now positioned across from his wayward friend. ]
Well, that was fun. Are you done running now?
no subject
( At the very least, Urianger has the good grace to look appropriately chastened by Thancred's comment. Few know better than himself (and his fellow Scions) that he isn't really a man from which you can easily slip away — and Urianger should have known better than to think that, after all they've been through, he would simply give up the chase.
These afflictions are making quite the fool of him, or so it would seem. His shoulders remain tense for a long moment before slumping in defeat, and he brings his hands together atop the table before lacing his fingers tight. )
... Aye, I should think so.
( He replies wearily, the exhaustion of the last few days beginning to creep in around the edges of his words. )
I prithee forgive my poor behaviour of late, Thancred.
( And yet his lashes remain low, his attention fixed on the clasp of his hands before him. )
'Twas not mine intent to instigate a childish game of cat and mouse.
no subject
By then, it had been too late. Urianger was already feeling the effects, and they haven't been able to have a proper talk since then. Thancred can't heap all of the blame on Urianger, either, as his own insecurities (forced upon him or not) had come into play as well. ]
Neither of us are quite ourselves at the moment, it seems.
[ Urianger won't even look at him. It's quite reminiscent of when he'd cover most of his face and lurk in the corner at most Scion discussions. Thancred lets out a long sigh, then reaches up to brush his hair back. ]
For example, I've been having to fend off thoughts that you want nothing to do with me and that's why you've been avoiding me at every turn. But... that isn't true, is it?
[ He knows what his own doubts sound like. This is different, which means he's better equipped to push past it. ]
no subject
( Urianger's lips thin at Thancred's words, a flush of discomfort rising into his cheeks as he continues speaking. )
Nay— of course not.
( It's an effort, but Urianger finally looks up at his the man sitting across the table. A cold pearl of fear settles low in his stomach as an uncomfortable silence stretches between them; what if Thancred can see it? What if a single glance is enough to reveal the truth of the thing he allowed himself to become? Urianger seems to be waiting for it — he hesitates briefly, his gaze flitting all over Thancred's face for some kind of tell — before finding hismelf faced with the conclusion that whatever he can see in his reflection?
Thancred can't.
Urianger exhales a measured breath. )
It shames me deeply to know that mine actions hath stirred such thoughts within thee.
( And he seems genuinely chastened, as though he hadn't quite considered that Thancred might be anything more than a little bewildered by his absence. The fact that he's caused his friend distress — that he made him think he'd done something wrong — is more than a little upsetting to learn. )
Know that I would not remove myself from your presence unless I considered it of utmost importance.
( A beat. )
I am ... tainted, by memories of mine own making. The person I used to be: his choices, his betrayals ... I see them reflected upon mine own visage as clear as day. A reminder of how little I deserve what thou might extend to me in even the smallest gesture of friendship.
( He turns his face away once more. )
I had thought to spare thee from it.
no subject
It's not your fault.
[ The words spill out immediately, even as Urianger continues to explain himself. The truth is that Urianger's actions hadn't mattered so much as how Thancred's own mind had twisted them into something else.
It seems that both of them have been operating under false assumptions. As Urianger finishes speaking, Thancred lets out a dismissive scoff and shakes his head. ]
We both have been quite foolish, it seems. I hardly need tell you that I am capable of making my own decisions when it comes to who I call friend, and I have never found you wanting. [ All those difficult choices Urianger had made, all those betrayals he'd carried out, they had ultimately been out of love and care for his friends. Thancred would be the last person to judge.
After another pause, he flags down one of the servers to come and take their orders. If they're in this tavern now, they may as well have a drink. Or he will be, in any case. ]
I do have a theory for why we're under these effects, if you'll humor me.
no subject
'Twas never a question of thy judgement, Thancred, but of mine own right to thy kindness.
( But it's a relief to hear the blunt honesty in Thancred's words as he so masterfully dismisses Urianger's concerns — as though it were obvious, and should always have been obvious that his friend would never suffer someone he didn't want to. It isn't quite enough to dislodge the deep-rooted insecurities clinging on where they can, but it is enough to dissade him from arguing.
Perhaps it's just as well that Thancred chooses that moment to wave for a server. It's enough to break the spiral of Urianger's less pleasant thoughts: he blinks a little owlishly before ordering himself a cup of sweet wine, then laces his fingers together in front of himself again. )
... Yet in my cowardice I would not fan the flames of discord any further; I would remove myself from thy company, but I will not argue with thee.
( Urianger will argue points in his research, certainly, but he dislikes confrontation and personal conflict, especially when it involves the people he considers dearest to him. Perhaps that's something he needs to work on too, but he's taking the overhauling of his life-long habits one step at a time. )
Besides, I am most interested in thy theory. Thou hast conducted research of thine own in mine absence?
no subject
They could go back and forth on how worthy they each are of the other's friendship, but Thancred imagines all that will happen is them going on and on in circles for little reason. Nor are either of them in the right state of mind about this at the moment.
For that reason, he decides to focus on the facts of their situation. Which is perhaps a cowardly move, but he's going with it for now.
At Urianger's question, a smirk curls his lips as he nods. ] Of a sort. I suppose you could call it field research. As you know, Stephen and I went to investigate the disturbance reported by the thaumametor. As it turned out, there was something amiss, as an undead rat burst forth from the earth.
[ That was only the beginning, of course, as Urianger has no doubt seen and heard of the dead rising, the animals dying of illness, and the spoiled food stores. ]
It's almost as if the very aether of the land has been distorted, wouldn't you say?
[ Not quite like what happened to the Empty. The aether hasn't been sucked dry, but tainted in some way. ]
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( And that is an interesting theory, to be sure. The discomfort melts away from Urianger's expression as he engages the academic part of his brain over the motional one, setting his feelings aside with ease for the sake of pursuing this thread of knowledge. The fact that the undead rat appeared at the site of the disturbance lends weight to Thancred's idea: a taint plaguing the very earth, or perhaps tainting the magics that move through the earth, corrupting all with which it would come into contact. )
Aye ...
( Soft, thoughtful. But he's heard this before, hasn't he? )
Dost thou recall Himeka's trouble in Coerthas? A man-made corruption — the life's work of a young Xaela woman and her suffering ...
( His brow furrows. t had been difficult to see the bigger picture, lost as he's been in with his own demons, but it seems Thancred has somehow managed to nudge him back into familiar territory mby mere virtue of a simple conversation. )
Thou art of the opinion that Abraxas is under attack?
( The server returns and sets their drinks down before them. Urianger barely notices; he sits with a hand curled in front of his mouth as he tries to puzzle out what the implications of such a theory would mean, and just how much more "field work" they might need to do in order to get a definitive answer. To jump straight to the conclusion that the corruption is the result of an intentional effort would be baseless at the moment, it's true, but Urianger isn't willing to rule anything out just yet. )
I shall alter the course of mine own studies to further explore thy theory. 'Tis the very least I can do, as recompense for my inaction and absence.
no subject
Especially if there's a chance it might get worse.
At that question, Thancred thinks back. Himeka's tracking of the Xaela woman as she tainted the land's aether had taken place while he was either adrift in the Lifestream or expelled in the Dravanian Forelands, left to survive in the wilds. While he'd heard some of it after the fact, he suspects that Urianger had peppered her with far more questions than he did. ] I have a vague recollection, yes, though I would hardly refuse a refresher.
[ The drinks arrive then and he's quick to pick up his pint and takes a long swig from it, letting out a relieved exhale afterward. ]
I can't say for certain. [ Here, he leans in and lowers his voice. ] We know Himeka and her friends in Solvunn made a sacrifice to try and earn the attention of the old gods. [ Could they be considered responsible for this, or is there something deeper going on? It's difficult to say.
He rolls his eyes at Urianger's self-deprecating statement. ] Oh, come off it. You've only been gone a few days.
no subject
( Where Thancred takes a long pull of his ale Urianger's sip is more delicate — thoughtful, even — savoring the sweet flavour almost absently as he considers the implication of his friend's words. )
I confess, Himeka's foray into such magicks had quite slipped my mind.
( And it's a troubling reminder indeed. From what he gathered the sacrifice wasn't recent — but who knows how long it takes to rouse an old god into action? Had Himeka and her companions truly understood what it was they were attempting to do, or did they approach it with reckless abandon?
These are questions for the Warrior herself, not Thancred. Urianger can't deny that he has his suspicions. )
Thou hast not made mention of this to Himeka, I trust? 'Twould be wise to gather more evidence before bringing this to her — if 'tis not a conclusion at which she hath already arrived herself.
( But there's real concern creeping in around his edges — concern which will undoubtedly worm its way into his heart if left unchecked. Himeka has plenty of freinds in Solvunn, it's true, but Urianger cares for her as a sister, and he can't abide the idea of danger shadowing his dear friend while he puzzles over it from malms away. )
... Mayhap we should speak with her all the same.
( But there's a problem with that right now, isn't there. )
How fares thy Horizon?
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Even Urianger seems to renege on this as he gives it more thought. Thancred shakes his head at the question. ]
I haven't made an attempt to enter since the discovery made with Stephen, or that ominous dream that followed. It's unclear if the Horizon will grant us a reprieve from our traitorous senses or if it will only make things worse.
[ He sighs, rotating his pint along the wooden table as he weighs the pros and cons. ]
Ultimately, though, I do think it's important to check in with Himeka, so I may make an attempt before long. What do you plan to do?
[ There's plenty to concern themselves with in the waking world, after all, with the dead rising and food stores depleting. Urianger may have come to Nott to avoid him and the other Summoned, but he may have had another reason as well. ]
no subject
( Urianger offers a stiff nod. )
'Twas mine intent to make myself useful here. Castle Thorne boasts defenses lacking in Nott, and the people here hath already endured many hardships following the attacks.
( The fact that it put some distance between himself and the other Summoned? Well. Even Urianger can't claim it to have been pure coincidence, but he really had wanted to help. Sequestering himself among the bookshelves would be to undo the work he's done on himself since Moenbryda's death; he wants to take action, wants to support his friends and help those in need as actively as he can. )
If there is aught I might do to assist them, I would.
( He takes another sip of mead. )
To that end, I shall remain here in Nott.
( A beat. )
But I would ask thee to keep me abreast of the situation should thy attempt to reach Himeka prove fruitful.
no subject
Interesting, that he'd only truly managed that when all the way on the First. Now all of them, Urianger and Thancred and Himeka, are almost old hands when it comes to weathering time spent on another star. ]
I'd had a similar thought, and will likely stay here at least a day or so before braving the Horizon.
[ The entreaty to keep Urianger in the loop is met with a quick nod as Thancred continues to nurse his drink. ]
Naturally. All of your self-imposed concerns aside, there's little reason to keep things from each other here. [ Thancred hasn't once suspected that maybe Urianger is harboring some other secret. And, even if that were the case, he'd know it was for good reason. He's happy to make that clear to him yet again. He holds his pint up then, for a casual toast. ] As soon as you return from here, I'll be ready with a full report. How does that sound?
no subject
( It sounds good. In fact, everything about their meeting feels good in a way that highlights what a fool this place has made of him: Urianger doubted himself, doubted Thancred, allowed one moment of weakness to dictate his actions that led to his withdrawal. It would be more than pointless to waste any more time in feeling embarrassment over it all — far better to acknowledge it, learn from it, and move past it as best he can.
He lifts his own cup to join the toast and taps it against Thancred's, his smile a small, private thing that warms the space between them. )
Aye, that suits me well.
( Urianger takes another sip of his drink to complete the ritual of the toast, then places his cup down again before folding his hands together atop the table. )
Shouldst thou require assistance of any manner, I prithee, do not hesitate to call for aid.
( They may be living through curious times but this much, at least, is certain: Urianger would never deny Thancred his help. )
I would offer succor to Nott, but thy safety is ever my priority.
second week of urianger's absence...
You may not see this, but I hope you are well. As well as you can be.
We haven't forgotten you nor or we giving up. Everyone is coming together, following new leads, uncovering clues to find out what happened.
I know you may be suffering right now. But you've withstood so much already. This has to be nothing in comparison, right?
Just hold on a little while longer, okay? We're coming for you.
We promise.
水
no subject
Come
c̷̨̛̟̻̗̲̥͛͑̀̃̊̉̆̃͝ǫ̴̦̰͉͒̉̀͐m̶̛͇͔͂̓͌̃̀̌ḛ̴̢͚̠̯̹̈́́̕ͅ ̸̢̫̩̠̟͇̼̮͒͑̅̉̈́t̵̡̨͕͔̬̯̦͆̄̇̂͜͝͠o̵̱͇͈̳̗͍͈̅̔̏͆̀̒̈́͘ͅ us
Join with us
I see t̸͇̍̀͛̊̌͋̂͘h̴̢̛̛̥̔͗͑͂̓̈́̓͘e̶̟̥̝̤̮̭͌͜m̸̲̹͈̼̙̯̱̎̔͂̽̔͐̃͜͜͝ ̴̯͈̩͂̀͊̄̏͆̄͋͝i̴̱̖̘̲̥͔͉̤͆n̵̢̮͔̯̟̜̖̖̊ ̸̥̜͇̺̅̑̃̎m̴̨͍͍̙̲͛͆y̵̦̹̒͋̊́q waking hours
The visage in t̶̫̺͔̂̅̓̈́͝h̴̝͖̺̯͓͊̉͒̆͝e̵̬͒̈̍̌̆͝ ̴̝̞̯͎̳̖̯͒̓͐̿͑̏̌̑̈́̕s̶̯̗̙͇̣͕̈́̊̔̆͊̇͐̀͝ķ̴̺̝̩̩̞͙̙̠̖̅̎į̵͎̼̟̫͎̫̰̹͕̆̐͛̋̿͠͠ḛ̴̬̈́͝s̶̤̾͋͋̏͒̈́͛̀͐͝
He showeth himself unto me
c̶̛͇͇͙̻̣̈́̈́͗̍̐ͅo̷̡̥͎̣̺̬͕͍̙̔̈͂̇ͅm̶̢̛̰̤̫̖̰̺̲̠͌́ĕ̴̢̾
We promise
no subject
Urianger is alive but...not himself. ]
Of course I'll come to see you.
But who is he?
no subject
Magic
He i̵̫̪̭̐̆̄̿̚s̸̨̩͍͔͉͕̘̹̃̓̄̿̿̆͜͝ ̴̮̠̦͗̈́̋̔̀A̵͚͓̽̆̎̽́̈́̓̚b̵̫͓̺͕͓̋ŗ̷͌̀̃͠a̵̛̼̲̱͇̼̺̖̯̜͑͊͂́ͅx̵̙́͐͝a̸̲̱̟͍̟͚̩̫̣͒̀̍̽̅̓̿̓̅s̸̺͇̣̳̳̼̫̺̈́̓̾͗̇̓͒̚̚͝
Come, Himeka
J̴̩̝̙͓̳͙̦́͋̄̂̐̅͒͊̾͝ǫ̷̗̟̽̈͘i̷̯͕̣̜͕̼̬͑͑̚͠͝ṅ̶̡̖͖͎̤̙̿͆́̊̍̑́̊ͅ ̷̧̻̲̰͍̤̰̱̹̰̈́͆̍̃̀̀̈́̊͛͝ṷ̸̪̫͕̫̺̔͗͠ͅs̷͙̹̜̞̹͔͈̋͒͋̋ in the ritual
no subject
Okay. I'll come for the ritual.
But you have to hang on until then. Promise me?
invocation event; end of week 2
Once we h̴͉̰̽̊â̷̝̻v̴̧̓͝e̴̮͒̀ ̸̩̇s̶̢̐̒o̷͈͒r̷̪̾t̶̗̊̈́ȇ̶͚̋d̴͔͔̒͛ ̶̼́̀͜o̷̦͗́u̷͉͎̐͝t̴͖̄ ̵̬̥̿t̴̛̙̄h̵̥͈͑͒e̴͇̰̎̀ logistics, we'll c̸͓̕̕ö̷̯̣́m̶̘̈e̴̹̲̎ ̴͑͋͜t̷̟̍o̶̬̒ ̶͔̥̉̊f̶̗̯͆ê̵̝͙̚ẗ̷̛̞̹́c̶͓̈h̶̢͍͛̏ you.
We'll be there s̷͙̓ȯ̵̯͔o̵͕̜͌n̴͚̉,̶̼̺̈͛ ̵̨̗͊w̸̭̼̓̅i̵̮̥̊͒t̶̠̱̂͠h̷̦͊ ̵͎̱̚á̴̮ń̵͙͚y̸̟̦̋ ̵̬̺̾l̶͔͑u̶̫͌̌c̴̺̈́͆k̵͎͑́.̵̝͠ ̵͎͖̕͝ Hold fast, my friend.
no subject
Come
Thancred
Mine arms a̸̡̦̗͔̻̅͛̆͐̄̿̐̚͝ŗ̵̳̠͛͊̃̇̃̉̋̀̚ë̴̩̭̬́ ̶̛̭̯̣̩͎̥̦̀͛̉̊̈́̅͛̑̕ǫ̶̺̿̈́̇͗p̸̪̃́̅͐͜ȅ̵̯̥͓͍͇͂̒̽͒̆̿͗̑n̴̡͙͖̻̆͋́̚ ̸̢̗͚̬̇͑̍͂ͅf̷͉̻̖͚͜͜͝ȍ̸͓̹̅̔̿͊͒̐̏̎r̶͖͉̺͙̰͈̄̋̽͂̎̍̿͠ thee
Such ş̸͉͔̠̫͓̝͚̘͎̐̏͒̄͋́͛̀͆i̶͚̔̓́̅̂͂͐̆g̶̖̾̉̀́ḩ̷͖̟̘͎̫̓͑̎ţ̷̟̺͖̆̍̀̍̓͑͘̚͝s̶̡͓̠̞̤̠̞̤̹̣̊̓ ̷͎̹̥͒͊͗̀̀͂̀̕t̴̛̤̍̈́̈́͌̓̚͘͠ơ̴̝̮̬̖̖̝̳͍͔͒̏̌͗͐͑̊̕ share with thee
We promise
W̶̢̞͕͖͍͒̍͋̐̈́ḛ̶̅͆̔͘ ̶̛́̇̓́̊̑̓͒͠ͅp̶̬͚̦̰̱͎͚̘͇̫͊͊̃̈r̷̼̦̩͌͗̂̏̍̓̚̚ö̵̥͈̖̰̖̣͎̞́̄m̸̙̥̳̱͒̌͠ǐ̵̱̼͔͇͉̹̱̫̅̀͊̈s̶̯̣͖̙̪̀͗̆̊̽e̷̦̊͑͛͆̾̓̌
My dearest friend
Join w̶̗͍̬̬̺̯͎̰̞̎̃̑́͝ͅi̷̫̻͈̼̿͜͠t̶̟̜̜͖̭̰̤͉͖̘́̀h̸̘͇̞̲͒͗ ̴͙͈͔̼̋̽̃̎̕u̸̞̻͇̪̺̙̔̃͗͝͝s̶̬̝͎͊̈̽
no subject
He's heard of visions assaulting the captive Summoned, of lesions opening in their skin, of fungi sprouting from places it shouldn't.
This is something else. It's different, and it scares him more than anything else he's seen or heard thus far. ]
I'll be there a̴͚͗̏s̸̟͋̎ ̶̯̌̿s̶͙̈́͝o̴̬͊̈́o̷̫̒n̵̪̖͝ ̵̯̗̐a̴̰͝ş̷͌͋ ̶͚̃̎I̶͚͓͒̒ ̵͓͆͠c̷͈͇͂̀a̴̝͋͐ͅn̵͙̟̓̇.̸͓̀
And then w̴͓͂e̵̦͗̕'̴̻̀l̶̪̥̊͠l̸̙̮͆ ̸̞̖̓̽ḿ̷̭ͅa̶̯̓̚k̷̘͉̀ḙ̷̊̚ ̶̞̚͝ this right.
no subject
Thou must j̴̰͉̮̬̩͔̜̘͐̓̏̀̔̊ô̴͈̲̩̟̬̲͈͌i̴̙͓͇̋̆̋̎͘n̴͍͐̐͒͐̾͊͠ us
Ş̷̟̼̮̜̀̉̂̌̇̑͜͠ḙ̶̡̬̳̈́̇͑̓͝͝e̸̡͍̮͋ ̴̧̡̦̺͔̊̈́̾̇͝ả̸̭̻̲̱̲͕͇̝̪͉͐͑̑̊́͛͛̑̔s̸̩̎ I see
I would give this to thee
And m̶̗̱͓͓̖̄̋͜ä̴̦̖̦͈̠̱͉́̆̇̽͝͝k̴̠͚͍̃e̵̥͇̮̅͜ ̴̳͉̃͋͑͆̄́̈́͘͘͠i̷͖͓̓̔͒̒̒̾t̴̟͓̘̓̀̉ ̵͉̤͇̩͚̩̈̎ŗ̷̻̬̰̤̤͓̾̔̉i̴̦͖̳̩͈͒̒͆̚g̶̛̪̘̩͊͠h̷̡̰̪͍̠̝̝̽̽͐̉̒ţ̸̨̻̳͉̘̍̋̍̽̏͊̓̀̆ͅ
no subject
Y̴͑͜o̵͉̰̚ṷ̴̚ focus on yourself f̷̟͉̈́̎o̴̩͋͒ṙ̸͖͠ ̷̳̺̈͂n̸̟̈́o̵̼̦͑͠w̸̲̆,̴͉̿ ̵̙̏͘͜f̵͓͊ŕ̶̰ȋ̶̭̭͝e̸̦̾n̶̨̪͂̽d̴̝̩͒́.̵̛̫͗
Himeka and I w̶̮̟͗̈́i̵̧̲͐̿l̶̤̲̇l̸̼̦̈́ ̶̘̿b̷̨͔̀e̷̞͊̑ ̷̞̏͑t̶͎̣̄h̴̨̄̑é̵͖r̵͚̓e̶͓̳͂͐ before long.
late week 2
no subject
For the f̴̧̣̪̥̣̲̩̤̞͇̒͋̎ỉ̷̢̛̛͈̓͆͛̆̈́̂͝ŗ̶̫̙̹̹̼͆̿͋̊̀̓̕͠s̶̢͉͖̖̟̤̘̗̦̈́̌̊̿ẗ̷̡̹̳̫́̔̉̿̂͑̓ ̶̻́̕t̸̬̺̫͚͖̗͙̤̦̞̿͘͠͝͝i̶̧͐̄̑̓̃̕͝m̴͙̼̫̙͔̀̀̔̉̍̽͊̓͛ę̵̭̹͖̙̼̮̙̲̬͋̈́͑̓̇̕̚͘͝
Thy concern is needless
Ç̴̧̢͉͙̮͈̫͇͚̌͑̅̓͑̌͑̚o̵̦̐̆m̶̪̮͙͍͉̳̀̓̉̈́́͛͜͝e̸̛̝͎̰̙̓͑͌̄̀̐͆
I would share the ŗ̶͔̖̟̫̣̳̣͑̑͂͑͜͝ȩ̵̫̲̤̼̥̙̗̈́̑͜ͅv̸̼͈̫̀̈͛́̈́͒̌͠͠͝e̷̪͔͓͕͙͇̟͈̘̊͆̓l̷̹̘͍̫̻̜͉̲̽͌̇̆̂̕a̴̰̳̫̮͉͕͉͒͊͑̋̊̒̃͘̕̚͜͜ţ̵̖̯͇̱̤̻̱̮̥͑̈̓̀́̿̈́̅͌ï̷͓̘̳̭̰͚͇̬̬̒͐̇̂̊̒̾͜͝͝ơ̸͍̳͖͈̲̲̰̞̄̔̄̄̍͋n̵̛̩͇̏̓̄̂͆̄͝ ̸͈̭̌̈́̒̅͘w̵͔̘̙̼̖̥͉̼͒̈̍͘ĭ̸̙̤t̶̞̬̠̳̗̳̑̄̓̊̈́͋̽͋̕ĥ̶̡̦̣̼͕̋̎̋̀̕ thee
The ritual
That t̶͈̍͛̀͗̽̐̈͊ḧ̵͓̖͍̈́̇̊͒͘o̵͉̭͎͍̳͒́̄̑̌ȗ̶̙͓͔͍͎͓̆͆̓̓̓̒́̕͝ ̶̛͉̌̆͒̏̌́ṁ̷̢̱͇̘̬̫͕́̈́̈́̂͋͝i̴̛̛͈̲͓̦̩̥̒͑͐͋͛̄g̸̟͕͚̮̻͚̑͝ͅh̴͉͉͙̊t̷͌͛̍̈̉̄͒͆͘͜ partake of this gift
no subject
sometime mid-may
I know it hasn't been too long since you've returned to Thorne after all that's happened. How are you doing?
no subject
It gladdens my heart to hear from thee in the aftermath of such difficult times. With Thancred's help I am recovering well, and I hope to be returned to my full capacity within the coming weeks.
And thee? Thou art well, in the company of thy Summoned companions?
no subject
Oh I'm fine, I'm not the one that was put through the paces. Nero is resilient and wouldn't be caught ill or weak if he can avoid it. Everyone is looking after each other.
no subject
Good. 'Tis well thou art in good company, lest I be forced to have words with thy new companions.
I would very much like to see thee once I am recovered, if thou art amenable to a visit via the Horizon?
no subject
You couldn't keep me away if you tried. Just let me know when!
Also, I have some things for you and Hoppingway the next time you're in Nocwich.
no subject
Oh? Mayhap I shall bring him with my for the journey, that thou mightst hold him in thine own arms for a time. I am certain he would be most pleased by thy company.
no subject
no subject
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[ She's not saying the L-word but she's thinking it. ]
no subject
A pity I have no talent as a weaver, lest I make thine idea a reality.
no subject
That being said...
If I do hear you're not resting properly, the next time we meet up you won't know when that Sleep spell will hit you.
[ Surely he can feel the <3 <3 in that. ]
rifts prelude; mid-july
Imagine his surprise when Urianger had agreed that was a good idea, and even invited him to come along. Urianger has certainly come a long way, when Thancred considers how he used to hide his face under a hood and behind a pair of goggles. He can't help but feel a twinge of pride.
They walk over to the Castle together, drawing little attention to themselves as they make their way to the bathing area. Thancred does catch some whispering among the servants about strange flashing lights that have been spotted in the sky at night, and can't help but wonder what will be in store for them next. He knows better than to brush off that sort of thing, as Abraxas seems to be as full of strange occurrences as Etheirys.
For now, though, all is quiet. Thancred doesn't want to push Urianger's sense of decency too far, so he tells him to go enter the baths first and he'll follow him in shortly after. He undresses in the changing room and tucks away his clothing, then wraps a towel around his waist. See, he can be accommodating!
He strides into the bath with the towel still firmly in place. Urianger's already in the water, revealing only as much of his bare skin as he finds comfortable. ]
How is it? Did you try the baths at the Cascading Boughs? They were—
[ But it seems some prior bather allowed water to pool on the stone floor and didn't wipe it up, and it's enough that he slips and almost loses his balance. Thancred manages to redistribute his weight and stumbles to the side slightly, which keeps him from actually falling and hurting himself, but his towel has fallen from his hips in the process.
Whoops— ]
no subject
( Urianger has learned that there's nothing quite like a long, hot soak after a day of working one's muscles to their limit. He's not fool enough to imagine that he's gained any strength yet, or increased his stamina more than a pinch, but in moments like these he can remind himself that his aches and pains mean that he's nevertheless making progress where he wasn't before.
Thancred's regimen is hard-going, but relaxing with him in the aftermath is a quiet pleasure, and so when he'd suggested they head to the baths that evening Urianger had been only too happy to oblige. He's getting much better at this whole "public bathing" thing — better at allowing himself to relax regardless of who might be watching — although a pulse of fondness warms his chest when Thancred hangs back for the sake of his comfort.
Thoughtful man.
He's relaxed and settled in the steaming water when his friend strides towards their chosen bath with a towel around his waist and conversation on his lips—
But then a few things happen at once, and it's all a bit much if truth be told. )
Thancred—!
( Urianger half rises out of the water with one hand outstretched to his friend as he slips through the puddle and loses his towel — but what happens next? Well. He could never have prepared himself for it. Just as Thancred's unmentionables are about to become extremely mentionable, his modesty is temporarily saved as a wholly out-of-place nutkin leaps towards him from below. Urianger reels back in shock, loses his footing, splashes back into the bath, and a strangled shout escapes his lips as the Twelve themselves guide the nutkin towards Thancred's meat and two popotoes. )
no subject
Some of Urianger's behavior could also simply be attributed to his personality, but he's made great strides in coming out of his shell.
With that in mind, Thancred's looking forward to a relaxed evening soaking in the baths with a good friend, only for this disaster to strike. The fact that he avoided slipping onto the floor, which would have surely resulted in him landing with his legs spread open and his privates on full display for everyone to see ("everyone" being Urianger in this case), is a small blessing. Now he simply has to hope he didn't pull a muscle or tweak his back in avoiding that outcome. With his towel having traitorously fallen to the floor, there's little to protect him.
(Or so he thought.)
The splash from the bath is what registers next, followed by a brush of something soft between his legs. When Thancred realizes that a small, furry rodent — a nutkin, in fact — has managed to cling to him at just the right time, yet again, he truly does believe for a moment that this must be a shockingly vivid dream. ]
How—
[ But never let it be said that Thancred wasn't gifted with good reflexes and reaction time, and he pitches forward to snatch up the towel once more. As soon as he moves to wrap himself up again, the nutkin leaps off him onto the floor and then stares up at him with shining black eyes, chittering loudly. ]
No need to get cheeky. [ But his towel is back where it should be. Wait, Urianger — he'll need to check that he hasn't drowned. ] Are you all right over there? [ Thancred starts toward the baths, taking care to watch his footing this time. Oddly enough, the little nutkin scurries after him, as if waiting for a reward for its timely assistance. ]
no subject
( Urianger resurfaces a moment later, the waters churning around him as he rises from the depths with all the grace of ...
Well. A decidedly graceless thing.
He blinks through the cascade of water before pushing his soaked hair back from his face, dunked and dripping and dazed from the sudden flurry of motion. Thancred is approaching him again with his towel in place — not that that really seems to matter any more, actually — but Urianger is immediately distracted by the sudden chittering of the Surprise Nutkin. )
Aye, naught but my pride hath been bruised.
( He replies, gingerly easing himself back onto the submerged stone bench to get comfortable again. )
Thy company was quite the surprise.
( Indicating the nutkin with a wave of his hand, Urianger raises both eyebrows at Thancred in a vaguely questioning manner before gesturing for his friend to join him. He's found he quite enjoys sharing moments like this with Thancred — a little peace and quiet among the chaos — and while the idea of being stripped bare with another person still draws a flush to his ears?
He's working on it. It feels less scandalous than it did a year ago, in any case, and after those first few moments of acclimatization Urianger has been finding he's actually quite comfortable! Indeed, he already seems to have settled enough that the beginnings of a smirk finds its way to the corners of his lips: )
Will he be joining us?
no subject
[ In that Thancred's pride has also taken a blow from the sheer fact that he almost slipped and cracked his head open when he's meant to be fleet of foot. Urianger will hopefully not share the details of what happened here tonight with anyone else, though, the secret safe between them.
It seems that despite their rocky start, however, Urianger still wants to go forward with the bath. Thancred suspects it will do him good to soak in some warm water after what just transpired, and so he crosses the last bit of distance, gesturing with one hand when he plans to remove the towel so that Urianger can avert his gaze as needed, and then carefully stepping into the waiting water.
The nutkin remains on the outer edge of the bath, uninterested in the water itself but glancing between the two of them.
Thancred shrugs in response to Urianger's question, still processing this odd turn of events. ] It seems he'd rather observe. Still, who would have thought a nutkin of all things would turn up here? Did you happen to see where he came from?
no subject
( Urianger doesn't avert his gaze.
It's a self-inflicted test, really, in an attempt to find out whether he really is getting better at this — and he's pleased to find that the heat around his ears remains at his ears as Thancred removes his towel. A body is simply a body, is it not? Thancred's is more defined than most, certainly, and bears the tale of his life writ across it in fading scars; uniqueness to be quietly appreciated, not feared.
Something warm settles into Urianger's gut as he smiles at his friend. )
Aye, a humiliation shared can be a most comforting thing.
( He replies, settling back against the bench as the nutkin looks at them expectantly. )
I am afraid not. 'Tis most curious: I have discovered little of these lands that harken back to Hydaelyn, and yet for this nutkin to appear so suddenly ...
( A thoughtful line creases his brow. )
Mayhap it slipped through the rift during one of our Summonings?
no subject
After settling down into a sit, Thancred lets out a long relieved sigh as the warmth of the water soaks into his muscles. Baths like these always feel the best after some exercise, and with their training sessions, there's been plenty of that.
As they both look at the nutkin, it chitters at them, its black eyes shining as its head tilts from side to side. Thancred considers Urianger's theory. ]
I suppose that's the only logical explanation, but it's never happened before. Then the question becomes, what changed?
[ Not that he expects Urianger to have the answer, but it is rather curious. Of all the things that might have slipped through, at least it was a harmless rodent. After a pause, Thancred reaches out to give the nutkin a gentle scratch on its head. ]