we fight for brighter, stronger skies

DEIMOS And in your darkest hour, I hold secrets flame Finalizing the last lines of several letters that had volleyed back and forth throughout the week, Deimos sighed, very close to simply putting his head down on the desk and staying very still for multitudes of time. The pressure and stress mounted and weighed, layered across his shoulders again like some kind of noose, but – there was Erebos, giggling and drawing wayward lines on a piece of paper, and no amount of opportunities to savor the moments again. Taking a deep breath instead of wallowing or shutting down, he gazed upon his son’s spectacle. “That is quite something. Do we want to save it for later? We need to go meet someone.” Erebos, ever agreeable because he hadn’t yet reached discordant days, gave a pleasant “Okay!” before Deimos hastened him back into snowsuits and hats and gloves, and they began to shuffle off down the lane towards the Citadel’s shrine. The Sword wasn’t without his own machinations tucked away into his pockets, intending to pass information along to the Tidebreaker. So upon their slower approach, due to the youth’s strides, when Deimos spotted the Torchline King nearby, he offered his residual low, rumbling tones. “Hadama,” at which point Erebos granted a jubilant and cheerful wave. “Hi!” master of nothing place; of recoil and grace

He had not often prayed at the Citadel shrine, even after receiving the boon of legs upon demand. It was something to rectify, he decided as he knelt before its altar. The shrine had a clean, complex beauty to it, covered in candles as it was and lovingly tended by many pious hands. There was gilding and ornamentation not found in the wild shrines, and numerous offerings already in place by the time he set his own amongst them. A seed from Torchline and a geckoloth's skull were placed with reverence, but it was the small, polished silver sculpture of the moon with all its craters and landmarks visible through a spyglass that he had labored the hardest over, and he found a place near the center for it before he bowed his head in a prayer of gratitude for those who had survived the season so far.

And a prayer of peace for those souls lost in Stormbreak, and all the others who had fallen victim to the Void.

He was straightening from his ablutions when his name was called - and a much younger voice offered greeting. His expression softened from its solemnity as he turned, bowing low to offer Erebos a smile and a slow wink. "Hello, Erebos," he rumbled warmly before he straightened to greet the father. "Deimos. Thank you for seeing me today." He tilted his head in inquiry at his fellow leader, more solemn with Erebos's father but still relaxed as he moved directly to the reason for his visit. "Will there be others joining us in the garden this time?"

DEIMOS And in your darkest hour, I hold secrets flame Deimos hadn’t even had the time, nor the wherewithal, to address the Stormbreak debacle. Given that Halo wasn’t often a chosen location for multitudes, he figured not many of the incoming refugees would be docking amidst the wintry climate, but they could make do should any of them arrive, regardless. His ongoing crisis was spread between protecting his region, the ongoing Starfall machinations, and then the upcoming pool party, which seemed like make or break moments fumbling around the seams. He allowed another long breath before Hadama addressed them, eyes flickering downwards to watch how Erebos received the greeting. The youth giggled and waved, then opted to settle by the Sword’s leg, practicing his own winks. At the question, Deimos permitted a snort; which was perhaps better than the alternative range of emotions fumbling through his bones. “I had tried for other options this time, if they were willing,” as he produced the recent letter from Ronin out of his pockets, extending it to Hadama so that he might read it. “Back to square one.” Which could’ve meant it’d be them, likely Sunjata, and someone else amidst the small collection of options. Thereafter too, he snagged at other parchments. “And I was told you were aware of this,” parsing amidst Flora’s multitude of letters, before he found the one marking some plans. master of nothing place; of recoil and grace

What softness had lingered in Hadama's expression for the youngest Ignatius faded as he accepted the letter and scanned it. He read it a second time more slowly, taking a deep breath at the end. Then he folded it with careful, gentle fingers, returning it to its original creases as he gave himself time to think before handing it back. "That is... unfortunate news," he said, stating the obvious as he met the Sword's eyes with grim understanding. He trusted that Deimos knew Sah better than he did, and as for Noah... "Noah will help if we ask, I think. But like Ronin his magics are... not well-suited to pest control." He tilted his head in thought. "I would ask Flora, but I do not like the idea of both of Torchline's rulers being absent." Or endangered at the same time. So. "Perhaps Sunjata will have a suggestion."

For the moment he did not have anything better.

Instead he took the second set of letters, brow furrowing faintly as he read through the notes in succession. He did not wince at the favor that had been asked - his face was too controlled for that - but there was a pulse of quiet apology through the Attuned bond. Nor did he snort when he reached the end, but he closed his eyes and took two more deep breaths before handing the letters back. "...Yes. Though I did not expect her plan to rely so heavily upon your relic." He glanced back at one of the more recent letters and then gave a slight shake of his head, almost rueful. "Did she send you the ring I had loaned to her for the task? It has a core of Tumsea shell."

DEIMOS And in your darkest hour, I hold secrets flame While Erebos pulled out the toy Koa had given him, lovingly gnawing on the portions that were safe for his teething woes, Deimos eyed the boy, then the Tidebreaker, waiting for the inevitable. Unfortunate appeared to be the baseline for most things nowadays, and while the Sword didn’t give voice to his disappointment, his shoulders just seemed to weigh far more – knowing that the actions were ultimately back across the same individuals once more. The mention of Noah had him nodding, yet to ask the demigod without consulting the others first. “Was he helpful in the last venture?” A milder inquiry perhaps, over all the others roaming in his mind. He didn’t dare ask Sah – not when he’d just returned and seemed more absent than before. Nor did the Warden find particular nuances for asking Flora – given everything else surrounding her actions and Dahlia. The second set was the source of much apprehension lately. The confirmation of Hadama’s knowledge was perhaps the only ease, and even then it set his jaw into another clench, before he extended another long breath and glanced back at the shrine. “I had no intention of giving it away without having all the information,” and even then he murmured through the bond, shaking his head. Too valuable to risk – which then meant snagging at blood had become his responsibility – and the looming regard for limited chances and sunken opportunities. Starfall felt more routine than pool party disasters. He wouldn’t run through the trepidation with Hadama though. “Yes.” Nodding, his eyes flickered down to Erebos, who had now started giggling as he made the object fly around the air in his little grasp. “Just wanted to make sure some were aware, in case things did not go well.” So people could be safe. master of nothing place; of recoil and grace

The presence of Erebos - his innocence, his playfulness - was a surprising balm for the otherwise heavy conversation. He was a tangible reminder of what they were fighting for and the future they were all trying to build in spite of what dangers came their way, and Hadama looked down occasionally to let the weight and the promise of it maintain both his calm and his determination.

The question about Noah was not unexpected, but Hadama did not answer it at first. Which was, perhaps, answer in itself as he considered his words carefully. "He was able to provide some healing," he said slowly at last. "His stag was able to harm the spider normally. And he was able to distract it so that Sah and I could act freely." A fourth target, in essence, to spread out the enemy attacks so that they could all fight longer. Tactical thinking rather than that of a friend, but that was what was needed now.

And discussion of 'gardening' plans should have been enough for one day. But the upcoming pool party loomed in their future like an iceberg at night, deceptively dangerous and hiding secrets they could not yet guess at. He inclined his head in understanding of Deimos's protectiveness of his relic, for all that he believed in Flora's courage and skill. But there was no denying the Sword's experience or his strength, and to risk the gloves as the rapier had been risked... And even then, he agreed.

Hearing that his ring had changed hands again he simply nodded and followed the gaze down to Erebos, warmth flickering briefly back into emerald eyes. "I appreciate it. And if Sunjata will be joining us again, we should ask Captain Barclay for another... loan." He hesitated, then dipped his head in apology for adding more weight to Deimos's overburdened shoulders. "The Captain joined us on the last expedition. He did not agree with my choice to try and eradicate the worm infestation before planting, and left... abruptly. I am uncertain if he will take a request from me well right now." In time Hadama suspected things would smooth over, but Captain Barclay was not a man to be pushed before he was ready.

DEIMOS And in your darkest hour, I hold secrets flame Eventually, Erebos ensured the toy crash landed into the snow, giggling all the while, innocent and unaware of the brewing political machinations and maneuvers they would all have to face in the coming days, weeks, and seasons. Deimos would always argue it was worth it – for the sake of his family, his loved ones, his region, but sometimes the weight was far more than just immense. The answer to his inquiry about Noah had him sighing – because while healing was beneficial, Deimos needed assistance in either the elemental fixtures, as he could only do so much at once, or some unfurling damage to whatever lurked down there. And sometimes the Forsaken was a liability against his own allies – which the Sword had seen on several occasions. “He did mention getting some other creatures as bait.” For the wyrm – another thing on his long list. With the agreement over the relic, he didn't press any further. The Tidebreaker would be at the party, aware of the upcoming feats and follies. Though, his mind hadn’t drifted to Jack, in all the other conflagrations, and he didn’t sigh this time, merely arching his brow at the segmented news, making a mental note about inquiries towards the Captain, but then lobbing another as his thoughts spun. “Was he effective in your group?” master of nothing place; of recoil and grace

Hearing that Noah was willing to help them collect bait was welcome news, and Hadama nodded once in acknowledgment. It rose to attack when we killed the rock serpent. On their first venture together. I thought that Void Vipers would be easiest to transport. Large enough and perhaps similar enough to the Wyrm to hold its interest - though the spider had not required any such connection to bring it to the surface. More importantly, the sinuous creatures could be contorted and carried in comparatively small boxes to leave hands and weapons free.

Depending on what kind of water they were walking into - whether true water or merely some kind of poisoned mist - Sunjata's safety from the Void remained of concern. The stone they had borrowed had seemed to work well last time, though Jack's participation... "He would have been," Hadama confirmed, his tone neutral. "If he had been able to land a hit with his air magic." The Captain's aim, unfortunately, was rather worse than his bark. "His courage is not in question. But we differed on when the work was done. Perhaps he would be more inclined to follow your decisions." The Tidebreaker could only offer a slight shrug. "Though he did not show any affinity for... shifting earth." Captain Barclay was a man of storm and sea, not stone. And it was a master of earth who was needed in order to free Deimos's magic for attack.

DEIMOS And in your darkest hour, I hold secrets flame Alas, no, Noah hadn’t volunteered himself for the hunting job. That had been entirely placed on Deimos’ shoulders once again, unless he could find someone else willing to go on the mild sojourn with him. We can try it. Better off than traversing about with larger creatures, making a mental note about the vipers, something to glance over and peruse through his monster hunter’s journals. Erebos giggled with more glee, then lost interest in the toy, placating his efforts by clinging to his father’s leg and using the pants to draw himself up and value some balancing act on Deimos’ thicker boots. Drawing his focus downwards, snorting, he lifted the youth up into his arms while Hadama continued, sighing a little at the neutral confirmation that while Jack’s item was useful, his aim might not have been. “Right. Somehow this is becoming much more difficult every time we go.” Just then, a courier came by – glancing around until he seemed to spot the Sword. Package for you, Warden before he drifted off again, leaving Deimos to sigh and hope it wasn’t another inclination towards more scandals and omens, but when Sah’s name was scrawled across the top, he snorted. “Give me a moment and you can have your mask as well.” master of nothing place; of recoil and grace

Hunting could be arranged. A sojourn to King's End for the snakes would not take long, and teleportation made the travel the matter of an afternoon rather than an undertaking of several weeks by skyship. Hadama made a note to his own growing list but he welcomed the distraction that Erebos provided as the little one engaged in his own balancing act - at least until he was lifted up to the level of the adults.

"Yes." The agreement of the difficulty did not come out on a sigh, but Hadama allowed something of an echo of one slip through the Attuned bond. Finding those willing to go, strong enough to survive, and skilled enough to be useful was growing more difficult. Each had their reasons to refrain, but whether those reasons would matter if the Void was allowed to spread unchecked...

Hadama's attention turned inwards in pensive contemplation as the courier arrived. He was drawn back to the present and tilted his head in curiosity at Deimos's offer before realizing what the box must hold. Nodding his head in gratitude, Hadama dragged his thoughts to the present and the near future rather than the purple shadows of what-might-be further down the line. "Indeed. Should we meet with Sunjata before our next... venture?"

DEIMOS And in your darkest hour, I hold secrets flame Hadama’s agreement didn’t spur any additional confidence – just the overwhelming feeling funneling through and further upon his spine. So instead of miring back into those quandaries, he tilted his head, opening the box with one hand while Erebos peered in from his arms, making squealing noises, a little too intrigued by the proceedings. “Probably. After the pool party?” Yet unaware of another letter making its way to their area – which would incline another upcoming meeting over other matters, it would seem they’d have their multitudes and shares of gatherings for lifetimes. Peeling the gas masks out one by one, a gilded glow began to form between his hands over each, so while Erebos hovered on his arm, the Sword prevailed and persisted, ensuing and ensuring every protective covering received the same enhancement, glimpsing over the goggles until they could be conformed to a higher, upgraded standard of spread faculties and dominions. Something in the midst of impending circumstances. Then he handed one over to Hadama, permitting for inspection and perusal. -- Deimos has upgraded: Type: Light | Style: Defensive | Level: Upgraded Mask your Enthusiasm: A gas mask with goggles that can see through environmental effects up to 10 feet. (Made by Sah) Type: Light | Style: Defensive | Level: Upgraded Mask your Sass: A gas mask with goggles that can see through environmental effects up to 10 feet. (Made by Sah) Type: Grey | Style: Other | Level: Upgraded Gas You Can See | A gas mask with goggles that can see through environmental effects up to 10 feet. (Made by Deimos) (1) Type: Grey | Style: Other | Level: Upgraded Gas You Can See | A gas mask with goggles that can see through environmental effects up to 10 feet. (Made by Deimos) (2) master of nothing place; of recoil and grace

"Indeed. And whatever fallout ensues." Given the potential for things to go horribly wrong there was little point in planning too far beyond that event. They would just have to take it as it came and adapt accordingly. When the alternative was that or perish, well.

Hadama watched the application of creation magic with curiosity he did not bother to hide. The Mer had no such talents and he understood that it was rare even among human Abandoned, given the strength required. It was an education in itself and he appreciated the opportunity to witness it in action.

When the work was done he took the offered mask to look over more closely, paying particular attention to the eyepieces. "Thank you. This should help a great deal." Though the wyrm had not used its gas attack on their last trip, the poisoned mist ahead of them worried the Tidebreaker. He took care to tuck the item carefully into a net bag at his side before he offered solemn nods to the Warden and his son. "I will see you soon. Best of luck to you, Deimos."

Once he was certain there was nothing further that he could do for the Resurrected Sword, Hadama stepped into moonlight and away.

---

Hadama has received:

Type: Grey | Style: Other | Level: Upgraded
Gas You Can See | A gas mask with goggles that can see through environmental effects up to 10 feet. (Made by Deimos) (1)

~Fin