+- Court of the Fallen (https://cotf-rpg.com)
+-- Forum: Out of Character (https://cotf-rpg.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=26)
+--- Forum: Important (https://cotf-rpg.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=27)
+---- Forum: Archives (https://cotf-rpg.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=38)
+---- Thread: Hot, wet Halovian summer (/showthread.php?tid=11388)
Hot, wet Halovian summer - Talyson - 05-24-2025
Tal was up to his neck in hot water. Again.
"Gotta admit, havin' these springs in th'Citadel is a hailuva lot more convenient'n trekkin' out t'th'Fangs for a soak," he sighed, letting his head fall back to rest against the lip of the new, starlit pools. He heaved a contented sigh that swirled the steam around him and opened one eye to lazily watch the progress of Boreal as she dragon-paddled around nearby, happy as could be and trying to coax Sol down to join her.
His clothes and gear were neatly folded in a pile that was in arm's reach in spite of the relative safety of the Citadel, though he retained his jewelry and the Goggles that perched atop his head. The Dagger had been reluctantly set atop his clothes, and when he'd stripped down to shorts he had briefly revealed a pair of old scars over his right ribs, broad gashes of darker skin from some great, clawed beast.
"So what all've y'got t'do here in Halo, again?" he asked Zavien curiously. They'd come straight from the Skyport to heal up from their training session on the Peregrine. They'd made good enough time that the courier figured his packages could wait a couple more hours with no one the wiser that he'd arrived in town early!
RE: Hot, wet Halovian summer - Zavien - 05-24-2025
[say]"I never visited them when they were still in the Fangs. It wasn't worth the hike."[/say] Zavien chuckled before it melted into a groan, his body feeling like it was releasing months of tension all at once. In all honesty, it probably was. Even after Sol's return, he'd used the stabilization of his emotions as an opportunity to strengthen himself, asking for a quest and traveling out to Halo. He hadn't really relaxed since his death, nightmares and shadows clinging to every moment while schemes and plots began to take hold again.
Now, other than the nasty scar that ran across his flank, Zavien felt like everything else washed away in the heat of the water. Leaning back against the side, his mouth hung open in a deep breath of relief, the exhale taking more than just air with it as he closed his eyes. He answered in a soft sigh, [say]"A few more trainings for my quest. One where I try to stay five feet away, and another where I have to stay as still as possible. Should be fun."[/say] He didn't mention his plans to visit the Tundra, not wanting to worry Tal with thoughts of Zavien torturing himself with horrid memories and not wanting to think about it at the moment, not when he was enjoying the moment too much.
Instead, he turned to the courier, his expression gentle and caring with a hint of regret for his failings as a friend. [say]"But how have you been? I feel like we haven't really talked recently."[/say]
RE: Hot, wet Halovian summer - Talyson - 05-25-2025
"Sure it was! ... Just, not very often," Tal allowed with a huff of laughter, sinking deeper into the springs with a contented sigh. "An' usually not at all in Deepfrost!" This, though? This was perfect. And it was definitely going to make delivering to Halo even better, though getting a home cooked meal with his sisters was already a pretty strong draw. He'd have to drop in to say hello to Sah and his kids, too...
He lazily listened to his friend list his tasks and grinned. "Sounds familiar," he mumbled, inhaling the steam deep into his lungs and feeling his chest ease. "Safrin quest?" The lack of self-stabbing sure made it sound like any god except Ludo! He hummed for a moment, thoughts already dancing out to his next request of the gods. Maybe he should go see Safrin again. Take a break from the weapons and focus on helping his friends out instead.
Pale eyes blinked open at the unexpected care in Zavien's voice and Tal turned his head to look at his friend. The Dragoon's expression was... oh. Tal tried not to squirm at the softness in those bright eyes and just gave a nod and a sigh. "Yeah... yeah, I guess we haven't. I've been travelin' around my route an' helpin' King's End get its protections up an' helpin' Alys get Sascha back an'... well. Sorry about that, Zav. You're right, it's been way too long. I've been..." He hesitated and then gave a shrug that sent small ripples into the water around him. "Alys an' I are doin' great, an' Sascha came back from Mort's realm an' that's been... it's been amazin'. Havin' 'er home, it's meant th'world to all o' us. I just..." He chewed his lip and looked away, frowning out over the sparkling surface of the springs. "Some shit happened a couple seasons back an' it... it's been harder t'get over than I thought it'd be." He shook his head to dispel the lingering shadows and made himself turn back to the Dragoon, really seeing him - well, as much as he could through the steam. "What about you? How're y'doin' with th'whole... recovery thing?" After being dead, and all.
RE: Hot, wet Halovian summer - Zavien - 05-25-2025
Nodding his head, Zavien confirmed [say]"Safrin quest."[/say] Although if he knew Tal's line of thinking, he might add that the goddess had him burn himself with his sword during his last quest, so Ludo wasn't the only deity to ask such discomfort of people. At least Alys had been there to heal him.
Although he was grateful to hear what Tal had been up to, he got the sense that he'd made his friend feel bad for being busy. Sitting up a little higher, he frowned and ran a wet hand through his hair. [say]"I didn't mean it as an insult. It sounds like you've been busy with your own stuff, and I'm just sorry I haven't been more available."[/say] Physically, emotionally. It wasn't the kind of friend he wanted to be, and he vowed to do better about checking in, even if it was just a letter here or there.
Perking at the other news, he tried to spin the regret into something light and positive. [say]"I'm glad to hear about Sascha though! Alys must be so happy."[/say] It also helped ease some of the guilt he didn't realize he harbored for the companion's death and his own inability to help prevent it. However, even in his relief, he didn't miss the nerves Tal displayed as he glossed over the next piece. He opened his mouth to inquire about what it may have been that caused such a reaction but was quickly swept into the concern for his own wellbeing.
Zavien decided to table the thoughts for a moment, feeling that he had a responsibility to share his progress with one of the first friends he'd told of his death. Smiling softly, he shrugged his shoulders. [say]"A lot better than last season."[/say] He paused, letting the truth unfurl as he leaned his head back to look at the open sky above them, the steam obscuring his view of any clouds that may hover above. [say]"Just when I'd thought things were getting better - like I might be 'healed' - Sol had to leave for a mission, and I had to let him in order to prove to Vi that I deserved the Rose."[/say] It sounded just as complicated as it'd been, but he didn't really have another way to explain the circumstances except to admit, [say]"I didn't realize how much I'd been relying on him and.... I didn't handle it very well."[/say] He winced at the truth, knowing it was an understatement of incredible proportions. He'd been a wreck on the verge of falling apart, and despite the fact that he'd found a new equilibrium with Sol gone, Zavien had no desire to relive the experience.
The gleam in his eyes returned as he continued, [say]"Now that he's back, everything just feels... right again. And things with Lena are doing better, and I'm not looking over my shoulder all the time, and I know it sounds stupid, but I feel hope for what's to come."[/say] Not necessarily a certainty that it would all work out or that everything would be okay, but that familiar optimism that had always lived in his heart telling him that things would eventually turn around.
With his own story shared, he couldn't ignore what he'd noticed. Tilting his head to look at Tal, his mood dampened, worry creasing his forehead. [say]"Can I ask what happened? A few seasons ago?"[/say] There was a care in his words, like the caution one might take when approaching a skittish creature, willing it to trust them.
RE: Hot, wet Halovian summer - Talyson - 05-26-2025
"Huh? Oh, no, it's fine," Tal hurried to assure his friend, waving his hand as if to wave away the misunderstanding over the 'insult' he hadn't even seen. "Didn't think it was. I've been... well, I've kinda pulled back from things a lot. Just been keepin' my head down an' focused on Alys, but I guess I've been leavin' my other friends kinda... by th'wayside. An' I kinda needed t'hear this t'see it." He lifted his shoulders in an apologetic shrug,
Zavien's excitement and support over Sascha, however, raised Tal's spirits and he nodded emphatic agreement, his expression softening the way it did only for Alys, or the mention of her. "She is. We are." It meant the world to them all to have their little family whole again, and the missing piece of Alys's soul returned to her side.
And if Tal deliberately glossed over his own pain to ask after the Dragoon's health? Well, it was always easier to shoulder a friend's weight than his own, and he listened with unfeigned interest and open relief at hearing how much better Zavien was doing as time passed and wounds healed. "A Rose from Vi himself," Tal repeated, awe in his voice, right before the price that had been asked sunk in and he winced. "Oh, fuck, Zav. How long was he...were y'separated from him?" Sol was still so young and the bond between man and dragon so fresh that Tal didn't know how they'd made it.
But clearly they had, and the courier let out a breath of relief at the reassurance that quickly followed - even knowing the spoiler alert that Sol was alive and well and back with his partner given that the pair had both been aboard the Peregrine for the cygnata hunt and trip to Halo!
"That's great! Havin' Sol back an' findin' a Rose an' especially th'stuff with Lena," he confirmed happily for his friend. Mostly he was just glad that someone had optimism left because Tal was finding it in short supply these days.
And sure enough, before he could even properly settle in with being happy for more than a few heartbeats, Zav turned around the asked the question that the courier had been... not exactly avoiding. Not really. But...
He winced and settled back into the water, sinking until his mouth was under the surface and he had to breathe through his nose. Finally a gave a slow nod and pushed himself back up enough that he could theoretically speak. "Y'can ask," he agreed slowly. "But... it's not... easy t'talk about." He needed a chance to brace himself, first. And to keep the posts from getting too timey wimey.
RE: Hot, wet Halovian summer - Zavien - 05-26-2025
Feeling like they were stuck in a blame tug of war, Zavien settled on a soft smile as he dipped a little deeper into the water. [say]"Well, either way, I'm glad we're here now."[/say] Talking and hearing each other like real friends were meant to.
Happy to hear about Alys, he let the guilt and worry fall away, replaced by something bright and holy. He nodded, smiling reverently as he recalled the Vi's presence, the desire to do and be better so he might make him proud. It was nothing like he'd ever felt before, oppressive in its intensity yet heartening in all the ways a father's love lifted. And despite the struggles he'd endured for the quest, Zavien would do it all again.
Still, pain laced the smile that lingered like a beacon at the end of a dark tunnel. [say]"It was originally only supposed to be a week, but then it kept stretching... Every day felt like torture so everything kind of passed in a blur, but before I knew it, almost a month had passed without signs of his return."[/say] His gaze turned to where Sol was nearby, playing in a pool of water away from them, splashing and carefree. Zavien's smile strengthened, the happy ending on his tongue. [say]"Then at the start of Longheat, he finally returned. It felt like I could breathe again, like color had returned, like life had meaning."[/say] There was a breathless laugh that escaped like the reality was too lofty to have weight.
His eyes met Tal again, the green darker as he said, [say]"I don't know how Alys felt without Sascha, but I get the sense that I've gotten as close to understanding as I can ever tolerate."[/say] He couldn't even begin to imagine what she might have gone through, but nothing he'd ever felt before had come close, and he couldn't imagine anything being worse. He'd felt crushed and suffocated and drowned and disembodied and lost in so many ways.
But Sol was back. And he had no intention of letting him leave again anytime soon.
So Zavien let the conversation shift to Tal with the ease of someone who preferred it that way, wanting to be someone people could rely on rather than letting his own problems and struggles dampen the light of life. He softened his tone, aware of every wince and fleeting gaze from his friend. [say]"You don't have to if you don't want to, but if it would help..."[/say] His body turned - not closer, not forward, but present. [say]"I'm here for you."[/say]
RE: Hot, wet Halovian summer - Talyson - 05-27-2025
"Me too," Tal assured his friend, his own rueful smile softening to something warmer. He didn't need the constant reminders that he had friends, not the way he used to, but it was still nice to hear the words. It was good, too, to hear about all the successes in Zavien's life of late, in spite of the anguish caused by Sol's absence. And, sure, a week didn't sound so bad, but Tal winced in sympathy when he heard that things hadn't gone exactly to plan. A week would be hard enough, but a month? He shivered in spite of the hot water, but nodded emphatic understanding to hoe his friend described getting his companion back, hearing some of what he'd watched Alys go through in Zavien's words.
"Yeah... yeah, y'got closer'n anyone should have t'get," he agreed fervently. And even if what Alys had been through was unimaginably worse, Tal couldn't find it in himself to belittle the pain that Zavien had experienced during his separation.
But maybe he hadn't been hiding his own problems as well as he'd thought or at all, and he grimaced as he tilted his head back to look up at the sky above them. "Thanks, Zav. I 'preciate that. It's just... I really fucked up. In the 'no goin' back' kinda way. Over LongNight a monster - somethin' in th'dark - broke th'window in th'house an' was howlin' like a banshee an' I thought--" He drew in a sharp breath, chest constricting at the memory. He stayed silent for a long time before he spoke again, voice low and reluctant. "I had my Dagger with me an' I stabbed through th'hole in th'house. 'Cept it wasn't th'monster I hit." He shrank in on himself, starting to pull his knees up to his chest under the water before catching himself and forcing his limbs to stretch out again even if they were taut and tense. "It was usin' a human shield. Dunno who th'girl was but... I killed 'er, Zav. An' then the monster ate 'er eyes." He stopped there, swallowing hard as he blinked up at the sunset glory of the sky and unable to look to the side to see his friend's expression.
RE: Hot, wet Halovian summer - Zavien - 05-27-2025
Suffering wasn't a competitive game Zavien liked to play. He was better at it than he cared to admit when he'd much rather focus on the positives. But he appreciated Tal's validation of his experience, and he let the recognition of his struggles settle like a hug against the memory, soft and gentle.
It made it all the easier to support his friend, his attentions fixated on the story that was spun. He couldn't turn away, could barely breathe as he heard of the cruelties Tal had experienced, the dark stain on his heart that had bloomed from something so sinister. His stomach felt sour, a burning acidity coiling tight, born only of his horror for the situation. Zavien held no blame or disgust for the courier's actions, unable to cast stones when the situation had been unavoidable - when he'd been protecting his home to the best of his knowledge - but he saw the way it weighed on his friend, heavy and suffocating in its intensity.
[say]"Tal..."[/say] The name was soft as sunlight on an overcast day, a brush of warmth that promised that nothing had changed despite the clouds that obscured their light. He reached out a hand, gentle and stabilizing in the emotions that must be threatening to sweep his friend far away from him. [say]"You couldn't have known, and I don't think -"[/say] he paused, the truth sticking in his throat. Zavien swallowed the discomfort as he looked to Tal, knowing he needed to hear it. [say]"I doubt the monster would have let her live regardless."[/say]
Squeezing his hand to brace the man, he added quietly, [say]"As hard as it is to imagine... you probably saved her from a far worse fate."[/say] If Tal hadn't killed her, she might have been alive when the monster went to eat her eyes. The creature might have chosen to drag and torture the poor girl for days, prolonging her suffering until her body mercifully gave out. He hated that his friend had to be the one to bear the weight of her death, but he hoped the man might find a reason to forgive himself, to justify what he'd had to do.
RE: Hot, wet Halovian summer - Talyson - 05-28-2025
It had been long enough that the shame and horror weren't quite as fresh, at least, and speaking to Mort and Sah had helped. And Alys... Alys had been a lighthouse in his darkest hours, in the days following the murder and all the months since. But that didn't mean he could just pretend that everything was fine, or that murdering an innocent person - even on accident - was something he could just move past.
Still, Zavien's gentle forgiveness and support still mattered. Maybe he'd heard it all before, but every time it came from someone else it got a little easier to believe.
It took an effort of will, but just knowing that his friend wasn't rejecting him for what he'd done gave him the strength to force some of his tense muscles to relax a little. To unclench his hands beneath the water and draw in a breath that didn't hitch with guilt. He nodded obediently as the Dragoon did his best to comfort him, though he ended up grimacing at the end, hitching one shoulder up in a shrug. "Dunno about that. Th'poison on my Dagger... it's pretty awful stuff. If I'd used somethin' else... anythin' else... she might not've died from it. But... I get what you're tryin' t'say. Even Mort..." He swallowed hard and then forced himself to take another deep breath. "Well. Yeah. I just... thanks, Zav. For understandin'." Finally he was able to make himself turn his head to look at his friend, trying to summon a weak and watery ghost of a smile. "You're a good friend."
RE: Hot, wet Halovian summer - Zavien - 05-29-2025
The muscle under his hand loosened enough to tell him that Tal understood his support even before he said as much. Zavien knew he wasn't the best speaker or the most qualified to give advice, but he was certain in his loyalty to his friends, and it would take more than an unfortunate loss of life to push him away.
He couldn't deny that death by poison wasn't high on his list of preferred deaths (although claws hadn't been either), but he still would have argued that it was higher than torture by a monster. Patting Tal's shoulder, he looked sincere in his steadfast opinion of his man. [say]"And if you'd known, you would have done a thousand things differently because you're a good person who would never want others to suffer."[/say] Zavien smiled softly, gently, hoping to instill confidence in the man's actions. [say]"But you can't be blamed for acting with the little information you had."[/say]
His hand remained for another moment, letting Tal soak in his words as he accepted the compliment with a gracious smile before settling his arm on the edge where it was easily in reach to support. However, he didn't immediately drop the topic, feeling that there was another important aspect that the man hadn't disclosed - something that might linger and haunt. [say]"Do you know who she was?"[/say] The question was slow and quiet, open for rejection should Tal choose. He didn't know if it would be better or worse to know, whether she was a lost soul no one would miss or a loved one people were still looking for. Either way, she had been someone and she deserved to be remembered.
RE: Hot, wet Halovian summer - Talyson - 05-31-2025
It wasn't that Tal didn't appreciate the contact - he did, usually - but when he was so wrapped up in himself it almost didn't register. But Zavien's stout defense of him, his pure-hearted belief that Tal was good, caught at something in the courier's chest, tugging at a scab that was still fragile. He swallowed hard and reached up to cover the Dragoon's hand briefly, managing a nod that might have been agreement, or at least acknowledgment that the words were heard. "I mean, I can," he pointed out, voice gruff with emotion. He sniffed to clear his sinuses - all the damned steam had him starting to run like a faucet - and released Zavien so the other man could have his hand back. "An' I have been. But I'm... I'm workin' on it." For Alys's sake even more than his own, truth be told. But maybe just getting started was enough.
And then Zavien hit him with the question that haunted his nightmares and Tal froze, swallowing hard. The Compass was only a grab away and then he could teleport out of this conversation and back to the safety of the Peregrine--
Zavien deserved better than that, though. And as much as Tal didn't want to let his friend down, well... He couldn't lie to him, either. He'd already told him that he hadn't known who she was, but maybe part of his penance was confronting that hard truth over and over again. "..no," he whispered, muscles tensing anew as he stared down at his distorted reflection in the rippling water, letting the other man - a genuinely good man - down. "No one in King's End recognized 'er description, at least."
RE: Hot, wet Halovian summer - Zavien - 05-31-2025
He still wanted to disagree that Tal had any reason to feel blamed for the events, but he got the sense that he'd turn blue in the face before the man let go of the emotion, so he let it lie with a slow nod of his head. [say]"Nobody's perfect, but I'd say you're doing a lot better than most people."[/say] His smile was warm and full of offered strength for the man and his 'allergies,' knowing that someone who was vile and heartless wouldn't show such emotion for someone a stranger.
The tension returned to Tal in full force, all the previous efforts evaporating with the steam. He could tell that it was a sore topic, not that he cast any judgement for something the man couldn't control. Zavien just dipped his head in a moment of respect for the unknown woman. [say]"I see..."[/say] Reaching out his hand again, he returned to the role of reassuring friend, earnest and sincere. [say]"At least you tried to find out. That's all you can do."[/say] Although, as the words left his mouth, another idea came to mind and Zavien offered a hopeful smile. [say]"Let's make a lantern for her during the next Festival of Lights. That way she can find peace in knowing that there are those who mourn her loss."[/say] Whether they knew her name or not, they could still honor her memory.
RE: Hot, wet Halovian summer - Talyson - 06-01-2025
His lips twitched in an approximation of a smile, appreciating Zavien's steadfast refusal to abandon him even as he continued to wallow in his self-blame like a pig in muck. He was even starting to come out of it a little, right before all the good that had been done snapped like a twig and the whole house of cards came crashing down around his ears.
The hand that returned to his shoulder offered some aspect of grounding, though not much in the way of solace as dark emotions writhed fresh and sharp beneath Tal's ribs.
But in the face of Zavien's earnest goodness Tal had never felt so small or so undeserving of a friend's loyalty. The words tried to find out echoed painfully in his ears and slithered down to coil around his heart, squeezing fresh guilt into him. But just like with Alys, he could tell that his own pain was only making things harder for the Dragoon and he swallowed hard, trying to cram the tangled mess of his emotions down deep into the dark corner where they belonged. Far from the light of day or anyone else having to see what a mess he was.
"Y-yeah, Zav. That... it sounds good. Thanks." He reached up to dash at his eyes - splashing more water from the spring onto his face in the process, but at least it masked any water that might have been there before - and forced himself to stretch out into a normal sitting position in the water again. "Maybe things'll be better in Leaf--ulp!" His word were cut off by a wave of water that splashed over him - and Zavien too, sorry friend - from a thick, scaled tail. Boreal chortled, quite pleased with herself as her human sputtered and coughed and glared at her, trying to get his breath back so he could yowl at the unrepentant dragon.
RE: Hot, wet Halovian summer - Zavien - 06-02-2025
He could tell that Tal was still upset, that his words hadn't really fixed anything. Zavien knew he wasn't the best speaker, or the most motivational person, but he'd hoped to give some semblance of reassurance, and he prayed that he'd accomplished at least that much. The only other thing he could offer was time and support, being a willing ear whenever the courier decided he wanted one. So, he kept his hand present, nodding his encouragement with a gentle smile.
Until they were promptly doused in warm water.
Boreal's sweeping tail attack certainly took him by surprise, and he had to blink away the water falling into his eyes. Having been learning from the older dragon, Sol wasn't too far behind, although he slapped down in a belly flop with his wings extending to make a SLAP sound that had Zavien flinching. Water sprayed everywhere, dashing away any hopes of resuming the conversation. Shrugging his shoulders at Tal, he gave into the game with a huff and an exasperated smile, splashing the dragons back with a swing of his arm.
[FIN]