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experiential docet - Deimos - 04-23-2025
He hadn’t been to the Castaway Exchange often; once or twice with Ru to look over wares for pending baby showers was a highlight, and given that Erebos was now over a year old, told the Warden that it’d been some time. But he’d offered to meet Alys there, and he had no real reason to avoid King’s End nowadays, save for the compunction of being a hovering, protective shield in Halo for eternity.
But even then he needed breaks, and given how the initial part of the season had gone, he’d earned some platitudes to not go sinking himself into further machinations and driven onslaughts. Thoughts of his quest weren’t too far from his mind regardless, not with the armor resting in his bag, but he occupied himself until Alys arrived by browsing through a few stalls and kiosks; figuring he’d stick out like a sore thumb despite his interest in keeping a lower profile. His height and bulk did him no favors in those regards.
RE: experiential docet - Alys - 04-27-2025
The Castaway Exchange was an odd place, and not one that Alys frequented. A graveyard of ships floated in the water, but they were anything but lifeless, their wreckage now a patchwork of floating stalls and businesses that supplied King's End with a variety of goods and services. Vendors cried out prices, trying to entice passersby to make a purchase; gulls swooped down to grab bits and pieces that had been dropped upon the ground. All in all, it was a moderately organized chaos, reminding the seer a bit of Kaiholo Port in Torchline.
She strode along one of the old boats, Sascha on her heels. The little ursur's time in Mort's halls had made her less likely to stray from Alys's side, and she stuck like a burr as they navigated past stands of food and little makeshift clothing shops. For her part, Alys kept glancing down at her companion, a soft smile on her lips, as though to reassure herself that Sascha was really here to stay.
Deimos loomed ahead, browsing some stall or other, and Alys approached with a wide smile for her friend. [say]"Hey, Dei,"[/say] she said as she stopped beside him, eyeing a baker's goods with interest. At her feet, Sascha rumbled a greeting of her own, ears perked and eyes sparkling, lifting her head towards Deimos proudly to say hello.
RE: experiential docet - Deimos - 04-27-2025
Perusing several stalls, and eyeing the baked goods himself, he was only interrupted from potentially pursuing a haggle for several danishes by the sound of Alys’s voice nearby. Turning, he arched a brow in inquiry, before the question preceding his mind didn’t need to be answered – the little ursur was by her side again, returned from Mort’s realm.
[say]“Alys,”[/say] he rumbled in return, before fishing through his pockets for a stray treat for Sascha, tossing it nimbly towards her feet. [say]“Congratulations,”[/say] and he jutted his jawline towards her companion, found once more, giving a small smile. He didn’t have to fathom or imagine the heartache endured by the lapse in the bond; he’d lost enough people in his life to not bring the subject up any further. [say]“Seems things went well,”[/say] despite the suffering throughout.
Gesturing to the exchange at large, and the goods his eyes went too again, he snorted, giving a lower whisper. [say]“I was told to bring back something regional,”[/say] and she’d be able to surmise it was for his family – all three of those tucked away in Halo, not including his own companions, would likely herald anything edible as some sort of trophy. [say]“How is everything else for you?”[/say]
RE: experiential docet - Alys - 04-27-2025
Sascha, who would have been content with a simple hello, rumbled happily up at Deimos before diving for the treat. Alys smiled, leaning down to run an affectionate hand down the ursur's back. [say]"Thank you,"[/say] she told Deimos warmly, shielding her eyes from the sun with her free hand as she looked up at him. [say]"I completed my quest, and Mort gave Sascha a choice. She chose to come back to me."[/say] Adoring eyes turned to the little bear. [say]"I am very fortunate, to have been given a second chance with her."[/say]
Turning her attention to the display that Deimos gestured towards, Alys pursed her lips in thought. [say]"Then perhaps one of those, or these?"[/say] she suggested, pointing out a few regional varieties of pastry that she'd found appealing when first arriving in King's End. [say]"Everything else is fine. We still travel a lot, although I'm not sure when we'll be in Halo next. Sascha... isn't keen to return just yet, although I think she does miss the snow."[/say] The ursur huffed her agreement. [say]"Otherwise, I think we're all just hunting for the season's prettiest blooms and trying to find time for everything else besides. What about you?"[/say]
RE: experiential docet - Deimos - 04-28-2025
A choice was intriguing; Mort placing free will upon a companion. Deimos hated to imagine the alternative in decision making – but where it didn’t meander there, he opted out of delving into those further machinations. His eyes instead went to the bear, watching as she consumed the treat, with a small smile. Worth it, in the end, he could guess Alys would surmise.
He surveyed the pastries too, as the seer persisted – head tilting as he examined them. One of each would probably do well, and he went out purchasing them while she explained the current circumstances. [say]“That is understandable,”[/say] despite being the home climate of the ursur. The Sword thought it unfortunate that Halo had earned such an angst-riddled reputation as of late, but maybe that was because he was biased – it had provided and presided as a shelter and sanctuary for him and so many others. [say]“At least you still get a taste of it in Deepfrost,”[/say] snow-wise anyway.
Placing the baked goods into a pouch within his bag of holding, he snagged at his armor still layered within, figuring it’d be a good time to survey the damage and necessary means. [say]“Mm, the gardening. There may be another group ready for planting soon,”[/say] and he gestured his jawline in the vague direction of Starfall. He was, at least, content it wasn’t him this round – but the apprehension still lingered for those involved.
As for his own circumstances, he lifted the leviathan scaled portions towards Alys so she’d have a look. [say]“Halo is busy getting our hot springs back, and I am upgrading my armor for now. Thought it would not hurt to be prepared.”[/say] Which likely wouldn’t be a surprise, given who he was. [say]“I need to repair the damage already sustained.”[/say]
RE: experiential docet - Alys - 05-01-2025
It was truly unfortunate that Halo had become a place to avoid rather than to visit for the seer. It had been the first place that Alys had truly called home. But after losing Sascha, was it any wonder that neither she nor her companion were eager to return to the tundra? One day, Alys thought, they would go back - perhaps after the Family and the Void were defeated, if that day was ever to pass.
Not, of course, that the rest of Caido was any safer. But there were facts and there were feelings, and one could not always be fought with the other.
[say]"I hope there are very few thorns in the garden,"[/say] Alys replied, her dark eyes concerned. It was likely a futile hope, but it made her feel better to say it all the same. As for Halo and Deimos, however, the seer nodded. [say]"Somehow it doesn't surprise me that you're staying busy. Is there anything we can do to help with the armor repairs? Or at least we could keep you company?"[/say]
RE: experiential docet - Deimos - 05-02-2025
Given that he tended to avoid the Hollowed Grounds purposefully, unless something was truly pressing, Deimos already understood the lengths of evasion based on haunting memories and platitudes. There was only so much one could experience and still entertain the semblances of visiting without the nostalgic melancholy suffocating – so he would never ask anything of the Seer to return to the tundra.
Her answer gave him a slight smile, angled in his juvenile way. [say]“The last one was quite sharp,”[/say] as the monster laden within hadn’t been culled; still lurking beneath the layers after they’d planted the flower. As to his own busy means and methods, he shrugged, snorting. He’d never done well with sitting still and letting the world pass by – if he’d been given a moment of reprieve and repose, he was going to take actions within it – something that could benefit in the long run, like making gas masks with Sah, or improving upon himself. So that at least, when the next time came, they’d be more prepared and vigilant. [say]“I would not mind the company,”[/say] he surmised with the same grin, as they came upon some benches, tables, and chairs. [say]"Anything new in King's End?"[/say]
RE: experiential docet - Alys - 05-05-2025
Deimos's understanding was like a balm to the seer, who hadn't been aware of her tension until she released it. As one of her dearest friends, she would have hated to offend him over her hesitation to return to Halo, but it seemed that that was not to be the case. Instead, he accepted her reluctance without another word, and she was grateful for the silent reassurance granted her by her magic.
As talk shifted to Starfall, Alys's curiosity sparked in her eyes, but without a way to speak plainly, she didn't dare to ask for clarification. Instead, she merely nodded, sending up a prayer to all the gods that the next party to grace Starfall's shores would be successful in their endeavors. At her feet, Sascha shifted, leaning against her bonded's calves in silent support, and Alys leaned down to rub an affectionate hand over the little ursur's head. [say]"I think it's been fairly quiet since LongNight,"[/say] she said. [say]"We're still working on some protection. As far as I know, it's coming along."[/say]
RE: experiential docet - Deimos - 05-06-2025
Settling upon the bench, he laid the armor out in front of him, studying the dented portions with great precision as she spoke. [say]“Sometimes quiet is rewarding, and other times alarming,”[/say] he indicated with a vague touch of humor, creation incantations unfurling, gilded and glowing from his hands, at a portion along the shoulder pieces. There was something to be said for repose and sanctuary, no matter how sparse or few, they needed to snag and take as much as they could – at least, that was what he’d learned. His, and many others, seemed to be meager in comparison to multitudes, but such was the current line of work and exposure.
Rendering over some more cracks in the scales, head tilting and eyes shifting back to the Seer occasionally, he grinned, trying to find ways to humor and indulge, rather than linger on anything uncomfortable for too long. [say]“How has business been?”[/say] Not long ago she’d been absorbed in all the fortunes told and exposed.
RE: experiential docet - Alys - 05-12-2025
Alys supposed that quiet could indeed be alarming, particularly when one had small children to consider. In some ways, she supposed, companions were much like children in that she was concerned when Sascha and Boreal got too quiet. That was always when they got into the most trouble. So it was with a smile that the seer agreed: [say]"That is very true."[/say]
The seer paused for a moment when asked about business. [say]"Slow,"[/say] she admitted sheepishly. [say]"But only because I was working so hard to bring Sascha back."[/say] At the ursur's plaintive rumble, Alys looked at her fondly. [say]"No, Sascha, it's not a problem. Business will pick up again now."[/say] To Deimos, she added. [say]"My regulars were very understanding, and traveling so much has made it fairly easy to get new clients, as well. How's Evie? And Erebos and Amhran?"[/say]
RE: experiential docet - Deimos - 05-12-2025
The gilded glow proceeded over other dented portions, drifting downwards upon guards for his chest, brows only furrowing as he concentrated on lifting the depressions away from the scales. The hollows rose under his ministrations, and then he moved on to other ones, listening all the while.
He was surprised business had slowed down for her, but then again, with everything else going on, it made sense. Where she’d been wholly, justifiably, and sensibly occupied with gaining her companion back, other things would fizzle and cool. It didn’t mean the notions couldn’t be acquired again. [say]“With the new season, people will likely have lots of questions for you anyway.” [/say]He gave another smile, polishing and smoothing over the leviathan denizens, glancing upwards at Alys as she relayed her own questions. [say]“They are all well. Busy. Evie has been trying to handle the paperwork side of everything,”[/say] to which he wrinkled his nose, as it was obviously not his favorite. [say]“Amhran has been tending to his greenhouse and helping with our regional quest, and Erebos is growing like a weed.”[/say]
RE: experiential docet - Alys - 05-16-2025
Alys watched as Deimos worked on the armor, lifting depressions that she'd hardly noticed until they were gone. It was nice to sit and chat a while about something so mundane, even if they did so as he worked on ways to be stronger, more well-protected, as he went about saving the world. [say]"New seasons do tend to bring on a new round of questions, it's true,"[/say] she agreed with a smile. Then, teasing: [say]"I don't suppose you have any questions for me?"[/say] Knowing full well that Deimos had sat through readings with her more out of support for her than any true belief in their truth.
Then talk turned to Deimos and his family, and Alys listened with rapt attention. She hadn't seen Evie in far too long, having not ventured up to Halo often, but it did not surprise her to hear that her friend remained busy. She'd have to send a letter soon, if only to say hello. [say]"I'm glad to hear they're well,"[/say] she murmured, then smiled. [say]"I bet Erebos is growing. I haven't seen him in a while; I bet I'd hardly recognize him now."[/say] Children grew so quickly at his age, after all. [say]"Is Amhran's greenhouse separate from the main Halovian one? Of all of you, I think I know the least about him."[/say]
RE: experiential docet - Deimos - 05-17-2025
Dents from snowball fights and onslaughts amidst trainings disappeared beneath his careful ministrations, embodying focus into creation proportions and conversation, lifting his gaze from time to time to answer the Fateweaver in all her inquiries. He snorted at her tease. [say]“My questions would likely be the same. Everything seems to pertain to gardening lately.”[/say] All roads leading to conquering and destroying – and he wasn’t sure if the fate of cards would lend or bend anything to him.
Discussions of Erebos made him laugh. [say]“Walking, talking, very outgoing. Growing all the time. He will be two in Deepfrost,”[/say] which sounded absurd when he said it out loud, then snorted at the notions. He figured the toddler would be taking after him in height, for his legs were already quite gangly and by no means diminutive.
The queries about Amhran didn’t surprise him; he’d had multiple segmented his way about the Raeling. [say]“When Evie and I renovated our home, we made sure to include a greenhouse for her.”[/say] Something for the Ignatius family alone – separated from the main Halovian quarters, akin to whatever personal planting Amhran and the Evergreen were content with. [say]“He prefers that area.” [/say]
RE: experiential docet - Alys - 05-21-2025
Ah, yes, all of their beloved pastime: gardening. Alys had always enjoyed growing herbs and flowers, but she could learn to hate the word all the same. [say]”I have very little in the way of solid answers with regard to that,”[/say] she admitted, making a face. Her work had always been more introspective as opposed to fortune telling, and she doubted that her abilities were likely to change very much - even if she wished they might. The future was simply too complex, too interwoven with a million tiny, changing decisions. Any one difference could shift things in ways that she could barely comprehend.
But that was not the purpose of today - today was a chance to chat between friends, and even if the ever-present threat of the Family and the Void and Starfall lingered in the background, they could at least pretend, for a time, that it did not.
[say]”Two?”[/say] she laughed. [say]”Where has the time gone?”[/say] She shook her head ruefully. She’d never spent much time around children, but she gathered that they changed quite rapidly at that age. [say]”Who does he take after more, do you think? You or Evie?”[/say] Said with a grin: something lighthearted to think about, when he rest of the world was on the brink of disaster.
As for Amhran, Alys nodded along. She didn’t know the Raeling that well - in fact, she wasn’t sure they’d ever even met - but the inclusion in the Ignatius family was enough for her to consider him a friend.