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and then you decide to fight - Deimos - 05-20-2025
Information was a valuable resource – and the most recent amounts from Starfall were movements forward, but also stagnant portions of plateaus they’d have to deal with sooner, rather than later. And perhaps, after everything was said and done, changes and arrangements would have to be re-coordinated, designated.
Deimos had yet to actually enjoy the semblances of their latest and newest hot springs, and upon letter exchanges with trusted allies, utilized the opportunity (and despite the name and associations, figured neither Ronin nor Remi would mind the area). It wouldn’t be the worst place to conduct a meeting, regardless. Maybe he could pass off a certain cannister when one demigod wasn’t looking either.
So after arranging and coordinating, the sunset array made the celestial quiet even more awe-inspiring, the Sword settled amidst the glowing, star-laden configuration, swim trunks and all within Halo’s snowy efforts. Taking one moment to let the heat swell around muscles in a long breath of contentment, he leaned against the ground and permitted the relaxation to surge and permeate, before his machinations began again, grabbing his bag close at hand upon the bank, ensuring a journal was close by for future discussions.
RE: and then you decide to fight - Remi - 05-20-2025
[say]"Alright, I’ll admit it,"[/say] Remi says as they crest the final rise near the Citadel, the long stretch of snow-glittering stone giving way to the glimmering pools beyond. His curls are tousled from the wind, his scarf looped lazily around his neck even if he hasn’t needed it in hours. [say]"Halo isn’t completely miserable in LongHeat."[/say]
There’s a sideways glance at Ronin, amused and expectant, as if daring him to gloat. A small trail of steam curls into the cool evening air ahead of them, betraying the heat of the springs just before they come into view.
The starlit waters spread out like a celestial mirror, and Remi’s brow arches in open appreciation. It’s quieter here than he expected, but the sight of Deimos already settled in the steaming pool has him lifting a hand in greeting, the motion easy and familiar. [say]"Evening,"[/say] he calls out, the travelling tongue wrapping warmly around the word.
Without much ceremony, Remi tosses aside his scarf and starts unbuttoning his shirt, tossing it onto a nearby boulder before stepping out of his boots. His swim trunks are a dark navy, peppered with tiny, shimmering stars that catch the light with every movement. [say]"I see you saved the best spot for yourself,"[/say] he says with a crooked grin, nodding toward Deimos's position as he steps toward the edge. [say]"I take it this is Safrin's doing?"[/say] You know, given the stars and all.
RE: and then you decide to fight - Ronin - 05-20-2025
[say]"I would argue,"[/say] Ronin replies, sounding reasonable enough if only because all of his gloating is hidden behind the scarf wrapped about his face, [say]"that after how hot Torchline can be in Longheat, this is actually a nice change. And it's not as if we're going to be cold for long."[/say] He nods towards the plume of steam curling up against the brilliance of the sky, casting the Citadel and the Palace in shades of blush and amber as the sun sets.
His attention is drawn back to ground level as the hotsprings finally come upon them, Ronin's eyes widening at the sight of the twinkling waters, clean and clear and undoubtedly Safrin-blessed. (And these days, especially, he really doesn't mind the idea of basking in the goddess's presence). Spotting Deimos and offering a grin and a wave as Remi calls out a greeting, he follows suit with his husband and slips out of his layers of clothing.
Ronin's trunks, by contrast, are sky blue and adorned with cheerful, yellow suns - because he has to match Remi, you see, even if it's a study in opposites. [say]"It's his hotspring,"[/say] he says through a chuckle as he goes to sit at the edge and ease himself into the water. [say]"I think that means he can sit wherever he likes."[/say]
RE: and then you decide to fight - Deimos - 05-20-2025
[say]“Evening,”[/say] Deimos echoed as soon as the others arrived, granting a wave, a quirk of his brow and a sly half-grin notched on his features at the inquiries and statements. [say]“Dibs,”[/say] he shrugged, wholly unbothered by all of it. [say]“And yes. We asked her to help us move and revitalize it. We can add healing to it soon.”[/say] Once he’d finished some other preparations.
Snorting at Ronin’s response, he waited for them to ease in, grow far more comfortable in the latent heat and warmth. It was difficult to know where to begin – because he was aware of their boundaries, of all the stipulations bombarding amidst the Family’s fault lines and deaths. Pulling his hair back out of his face and into a messy bun, he sighed, opting to be blunt and concise, after offering some snacks layered out on the side – some safe to remain along the snow and embankment. [say]“My apologies for always needing to meet on the brink of something – but how much do you want to know about the current gardening adventures?”[/say]
RE: and then you decide to fight - Remi - 05-21-2025
Remi snorts under his breath at Ronin’s perfectly reasonable weather argument, rolling his eyes with a fondness that’s far too warm to hold any real bite. [say]"Alright, fine. You win this one."[/say] His lips twitch at Deimos’s equally smug “dibs,” but there’s no true resentment in the exaggerated sigh he lets out as he wades into the water. [say]"And here I was, dreaming of that exact corner all day."[/say]
The heat envelops him like a sigh, pulling tension from his shoulders in slow, invisible threads. He reaches back, casually offering his hand to Ronin with fingers that curl loosely, but confidently, expecting his husband to take it.
At Deimos’s phrasing, Remi glances over with a dry look. [say]"We’re still doing that, are we?"[/say] he asks aloud, voice light but edged with a wry curiosity. Still, he doesn’t push it. Not out here in the open. Instead, his attention sharpens as he tips his head to the side and slips into the quiet, seamless thread of the bond between the three of them.
[say]I heard something[/say], he says silently, sea-glass eyes narrowing faintly in thought. [say]About two monsters left after your last run. But the rose was planted? And without having to kill anything, if I heard right.[/say] The disbelief is minimal, mostly tinged with cautious optimism. [say]That sounds like progress. Or at least like you’re not getting ripped in half the second you set foot on the island anymore, which is progress enough for me.[/say]
RE: and then you decide to fight - Ronin - 05-22-2025
Slipping his fingers against Remi's to clasp his hand and wade deeper into the water as well, it's with a cheerfully smug smile that Ronin accepts being right - both about the weather and about Deimos's privilege to sit where he pleases in his own hotspring. Settling back into the depths and relishing the crisp difference between the cold air and the hot water, he scoffs at the Sword's apology, waving a hand as if to say it's unnecessary. [say]"You chose a good place to have a bad conversation this time around, so it's forgiven,"[/say] he says, opting not to pick at the snacks just yet; not until the difficult part is over and done with.
Sitting quietly as Remi's voice echoes in his mind to take over, Ronin skimming his fingers across the surface of the water and furrowing his brow. [say]Hadama asked to meet with me recently confirming the same thing,[/say] he says with a soft sigh. [say]He mentioned that he and a few others were going to try to make another attempt on the island. I... assume that might have happened, since you called on us?[/say] And that it perhaps hadn't gone well, given that they're hearing from Deimos rather than the Tidebreaker himself.
RE: and then you decide to fight - Deimos - 05-22-2025
The unfortunately nearly rippled through, but instead stayed stagnant in his mind. He wished he had better alternatives to offer, but with Caido under duress and threat at large, he couldn’t really salvage much else, save for the details of the hour. His grin remained, half-inclined from the corner of his mouth, while he leaned further into the brink of the springs, as if they would give him further aid at the impending discussion.
That Remi and Ronin had already heard something assisted in not transcribing an entire litany of events, so he threaded through the Attuned bond, nodding at the insinuations and bits, pieces. [say]Hadama, Sunjata, and I went to the next level after the beach, and managed to place the flower, but could not defeat the monster within. It had the ability to go much faster within the tunnels, and we could not get the finishing blow in.[/say] His nose wrinkled, still bothered by the fact that no matter what he’d attempted, all he’d managed to do was ensure rocks didn’t fall and crush them. His time and efforts had been purely elemental, striving to make certain no one died. [say]So when Hadama, Noah, Sah, and Jack went, they managed to plant the flower on the next boundary and kill a spider, but not the mirewyrm. [/say]
He kept the flicker of irritation down. It’d been a long while since any cretin had managed to slip past them, repeatedly, and it merely meant there’d be two foes to face, yet again, before they could conquer the remaining intervals. [say]I am not certain where you both stand on things presently, but I understand if nothing has changed. I wanted to keep you aware, just the same.[/say]
RE: and then you decide to fight - Remi - 05-23-2025
Remi sinks deeper into the water, the heat licking up his spine and soaking into tired muscles that don't seem to loosen, no matter how long he sits. His fingers skim lazily across the surface, but his expression stills into something quieter—more inward—when Deimos's voice threads through the bond.
A glance over his shoulder at Ronin betrays the motionless unease that begins to gather beneath his ribs. The kind that doesn’t rise in his expression but pulses beneath the surface like an undertow. Even if he doesn’t say anything, Deimos will feel it—a sharp flicker of frustration, smoothed quickly by guilt.
[say]The more we talk about it[/say], Remi admits quietly, words shared along the bond, [say]the less we like sitting out.[/say]
His hands disappear beneath the surface, curling over his knees as he exhales a long breath through his nose. [say]Mateo is moving into Haulani, so we know he’ll be safe. But Flora’s chosen not to.[/say] His thoughts go quieter then, touched by something thorned and protective. [say]Her agreement with Dahlia is still in place. If we assist in any way, there’ll be consequences. Likely for her first.[/say]
He lifts his gaze toward Ronin again, the question unspoken but undeniable: Do we take the risk? The weight of it presses into the bond like a hand to the chest. Especially now, when taking risks seems to be their daughter's favourite pastime.
Still, his focus flicks back to Deimos, expression tightening slightly.[say] What is the next level like?[/say] he asks, more businesslike now. [say]If we were to help—not saying we will—but if we did...would we even be of use?[/say]
RE: and then you decide to fight - Ronin - 05-23-2025
Shifting automatically to sit close enough to his husband to wind an arm around him, the movement automatic and a comfort for them both rather than just for the Bastion, Ronin listens intently as Deimos relays the full story. He lets his words fill in blanks left by the half-stories he'd heard around Torchline, and like Remi, the flicker of frustration burns low like a fire that has never quite gone out, but hasn't enough fuel to properly rekindle.
[say]It is getting more and more difficult to make myself stay on the sidelines, even knowing the consequences,[/say] he agrees, the guilt heavy in his tone, because he knows exactly what those consequences will be - and always for Flora, regardless of which direction it goes.
Raising his eyebrow as he feels Remi glance up at him, the silent question is like an itch he finds impossible not to scratch; gods but there's nothing Ronin wants more than to dive into the fray again and feel useful, and they all know it. [say]If we do decide to risk joining you, we'd have to speak to Flora first. It's her life that we'd be endangering, though she's no pushover these days herself.[/say]
As for whether they'd be useful, the Knight's brow furrows. [say]I spoke to Vi recently, to try and put more power into Emmett's Axe. He suggested that perhaps there's something new within me I've been overlooking. Some ability or magic, I imagine.[/say] He's not had the opportunity to really explore it, though.
RE: and then you decide to fight - Deimos - 05-23-2025
They could’ve matched in frustration and guilt, but Deimos kept his tightly under wraps, stuck into his ribcage with hordes of other lacerations, scars, and emotions. He didn’t want anything to be misconstrued or waylaid; so his brows remained furrowed as the two men contorted through the given and granted information. If anything meandered through the abyss, it was his own apologies and acknowledgments of the situation, nodding and swallowing something down as Remi described the motions of Dahlia and Floa, Mateo’s whereabouts, and the inclining stature.
Rather than answer immediately, he grabbed the journal. [say]Safrin gave Koa some descriptions of the levels. The next is water.[/say] He passed it over to them both, high above the steam and springs, so they might have the opportunity to glance, and peruse the knowledge themselves.
On the subject of Flora, he could only hasten another quick nod. [say]Of course.[/say] Intending to remain neutral in tone, and merely preside and provide in the sharing of sagacity, his head tilted, unfurling another sigh. [say]We have enough flowers to place in the three remaining levels. I have two, courtesy of Liam, Maea, Theea, and Elizabeth from their finds in the Greatwood, and Amhran should have another ready next season. [/say]
Ronin's mention of Emmett's axe earned an arch of his brow, and another understanding nod; all that compulsion to strive and do something more. The underlying insinuations remained there - for he couldn't be any more certain of what all that entailed, but he'd offer his assistance just the same. [say]Let me know if you need help with anything. [/say]
RE: and then you decide to fight - Remi - 05-25-2025
Remi lifts a brow at the mention of water, the word alone enough to shift the weight of his thoughts. His hand drifts to Ronin’s knee beneath the surface, a quiet tether as his other rises to scratch thoughtfully at the scruff along his jaw. Brows drawn, he leans forward slightly, his gaze flicking from the journal to Deimos, then out across the gently steaming water.
[say]If Flora agrees[/say], he begins down the bond, his voice a touch more guarded than before, [say]do you think we’d be useful?[/say]
There’s no pride in the question. Just a quiet, measured assessment of what he still has to give.
[say]I don’t hit the way I used to[/say], he admits, [say]but I can still take the worst of it. If it’s just damage to be soaked, I can manage that much[/say]. A pause, the thought settling heavier across the connection. [say]And if the level’s water-based, my tentacles can hold whatever we need in place. At least long enough for the rest of you to finish the job.[/say]
His fingers tighten slightly on Ronin’s knee, steady but not anxious. [say]I won’t be able to anchor and tank at the same time, though. [/say]
RE: and then you decide to fight - Ronin - 05-26-2025
Nodding his gratitude to Deimos - he'd certainly be in touch with the Sword in due course regarding his quest, given that they're all together here now anyway - Ronin also leans in to peruse the journal, blue eyes scanning the notes and implications of the next foray into Starfall's depths. [say]Useful? You're indispensable,[/say] he objects to Remi with a half smile, leaning in to plant a soft kiss amongst his damp curls. He might not hit like he used to, but he can take a hit better than all of them put together, and given all that they know about the creatures beneath the island so far, slippery is an understatement.
[say]We work best together anyway - all of us. That's the point of going as a group,[/say] he agrees. [say]I might not do as much against the void as the rest of you, but if nothing else I can get you back in the fray if anything goes wrong. It feels important that we don't allow any more creatures to sneak past us to the next levels.[/say] And if nothing else, he can guarantee that they last longer in whatever fight erupts.
And in the water, too, he and Remi can also work in tandem. His leviathan shift isn't one he uses often, but it remains in his back pocket, just in case.
RE: and then you decide to fight - Deimos - 05-26-2025
The inquiry nearly made Deimos suddenly saddened by its notions – for he’d never once thought Remi not competent or capable. How many countless hours and days and seasons had he and Ronin spent saving lives? Committed to the endless duty of salvation across Caido? They’d all their moments of pause and reflection – some more than others – nor was that their principal purpose in life. It wasn’t about how much they could give or take or yield. They’d ceased because their children had been threatened. An understandable notion amidst the horrendous follies of the world presently. So his jaw clenched, wondering multitudes and giving them none but his concise veracity. [say]I do.[/say] was given with a small smile, and the imparting that that wasn’t what the only thing they were.
Ronin said more than the Warden could anyway, and his eyes flickered down to the water, listening. They hadn’t said yes or no, and discussions with Flora were necessary, but the information was still there, fresh and keen in his mind. Within the attuned bond, he conjured the mental images of before, of the wyrm, of the tunnels, of the rocks falling, of stabilizing as best he could under the rallying circumstances. [say]I have heard theories of luring it out – potentially with other void creatures as bait.[/say] He shrugged; really, all he wanted was the opportunity to hit it more than once, to seal the deal.
RE: and then you decide to fight - Remi - 05-28-2025
Remi huffs softly, a flush of heat that has little to do with the springs blooming across his cheeks. Shaking his head, he ducks it a little beneath the gentle weight of Ronin’s kiss, fingers brushing lazily through the water between them. [say]"I wasn’t fishing for compliments,"[/say] he mutters aloud, voice low and laced with reluctant fondness. [say]Just saying...if damage soaking isn’t the priority, I’m not sure how much help I actually am.[/say]
Still, his eyes flick toward Ronin with a glint of consideration, brushing his thumb once more over the line of his husband’s knee. [say]We could always channel in Hadama or Sunjata, depending on who rounds out the group,[/say] he muses down the bond, quiet and curious. [say]Even if it’s only enough for a single attack—it might be enough.[/say]
Turning toward Deimos again, his expression shifts with subtle resolve. [say]That sounds wise,[/say] he agrees, nodding toward the Warden’s mental conjuring of the wyrm and its terrain. [say]We could all go hunting for something if it’s easier.[/say] No reason for it to all be on Deimos' shoulders.
A grin tugs at the corner of his mouth, though it’s softened by the steadiness in his eyes. [say]Happy to bleed for the cause if that’s more convenient as well.[/say] The humour is dry, but the offer is sincere.