all that and more

KIADA

the harpy

She’s never been to Torchline. The furthest she’s gone as of late is spend a fair amount of time in one of the pits of the Fae as well as small voyages to Halo. Torchline in itself is an entirely other spectacle. And who else better to join her on it other than Deimos? Perhaps her anxieties have grown a small amount as of late, the closer they get toward the ever approaching LongNight, how she might have decided to push off her quest another year.

She’s not ready yet, not strong enough anyway. Not physically, unsure if she can endure another failure mentally. So she takes what sunshine days she can, to breathe easy and spend time with someone as close to a father as she has anymore – thankful for that conversation with Harper in the late night of the Monster Hunter’s Guild. And with it, a bit of a release as well.

She doesn’t have to be as strong around him, doesn’t have to wear a mask around Deimos. She can… Be that childish version of herself she had to give up. And that’s what finds them there at the Rainbow Road. She wears little because of the warmth, a tank top of sorts and shorts – scars on display as she inspects the multicolored rockery – iceberg gaze lifting toward Deimos with a wide grin. “It’s almost like the hot springs.” She tells him, crouching down to inspect the colors within, though she doesn’t dare to enter.

all bright things must burn

BASE INSPIRED BY ODD <3

Deimos The rush of the sea, the swell of salty air, continued to spiral its siren song against him, and he adhered to it, following the beckoning lines. Perhaps it was the integral ocean in him, the elements of the Moonlit Tides rising to the forefront, seemingly forgotten once he’d landed within the mountains, had the auroras take over what was left of his nefarious soul. His eyes didn’t leave the horizon, except to regard Kiada, hundreds of inquiries on the tip of his tongue, and none voiced for the moment, partaking in the precious realms of silence, of her presence, instead. Then the Sword wandered forward, gazing into the rainbow hues, the hot, springing geysers, watching as they spouted from the earth, reminders of other worlds, other times, other places he knew and understood, could recite by rote. “Almost,” he smirked in response to the Harpy, advancing, crouching down to the lingering waters, half-tempted, as always, to regard with a series of boldness. He refrained though, merely allowing it for a chance to study, examine, and scrutinize. “Or the lights.” That they used to see against a twilight backdrop, sizzling across the sky, vivid and bright. His features bounded back into a neutral countenance while he stared and peered, calculating efforts hovering over more emotional nuances. “How are you?” No digging, no prying, save for the essence of her being – piercing eyes finally riveting back to her. Out of sight and out of mind Make everything alright So let the sky and sea collide Just not in our lifetime

KIADA

the harpy

He mentions the Aurora, and her grin grows brighter once he crouches beside her. “It does.” She agrees quietly, gaze flickering back to the rainbow hues before them, smiling softly while she considers it – the rainbow in the sky, the warmth and heat of the water below them. But Torchline was unlike the Basin in almost every way aside from this – too warm and sandy, not enough snow and mountains, though the volcano was a nice touch.

Her gaze flickers back toward him with a softer smile to that at the question – meeting his own bright blue gaze. “I’m okay.” She says softly, the smile still lingering. “I’ve just been mostly keeping to myself and the Guild.” Another quiet hum of a comment, smile faltering a small amount as she focuses on him and pulls her dark hair from her face. “How have you been, General?” She teases with a toothy grin that replaces the faltering one.

all bright things must burn

BASE INSPIRED BY ODD <3

Deimos True, the images didn’t so much blur together – unlike and different in so many other ways that the vaguest similarity stuck out. It reminded him much of the kaleidoscope world gods had seemingly conducted and constructed amidst Helovia too, either their lava-endorsed shrines amongst the Veins, or the stone slab of a temple, jutting out between forest and vines. He didn’t proceed any further into its smoldering heat though, content to merely crouch and observe, a scrutinizing, examining figure, eternally calculating and machinating his efforts into something formidable and drawn. He glanced back over his shoulder at though, piercing gaze meeting hers, waiting for more than the I’m okay. Something in the pit of his ribs wondered if they were every truly all right, or if these moments of peace and repose were just interspersed and laden amongst potential for ruin. The last few months had been trying, full of faults, failures, and flaws, reaching and seeking, clawing and rampaging, defying who they thought they were, overwhelming, overcoming, all those strengths they thought they held. Keeping to herself earned another nod, understanding the need for such an alteration, and seemingly incapable of doing it for himself. “Busy,” he granted in return, rising from his crouch, returning his stare amongst the rainbow abyss. “Instructing mostly. Trying to stay out of trouble.” The latter was likely a lie, embedded on a smirk in her direction. Out of sight and out of mind Make everything alright So let the sky and sea collide Just not in our lifetime

KIADA

the harpy

He’s quite while she speaks, shifting a small amount to watch as the water bubbles and spurts out a small stream of steam and a smaller cloud. Her question is answered as he rises from the crouch, following up with it as she does as well. She moves to come stand beside him, shifting a small amount to go and stand beside him, folding her arms across her chest as she listens. Busy is good, busy is not dwelling on things they can’t control – much like she has been lately.

But the mention of instructing and staying out of trouble draw her attention away from the multihued pools before them, shifting to focus on his features with a quiet snort – a shake of her head “How is that going?” She asks, raising her brow to him and wrinkling her nose as if she can’t quite understand the fact that he’s making an attempt.

all bright things must burn

BASE INSPIRED BY ODD <3

Deimos Deimos had long since learned the only thing he could control was himself, despite regards for keeping kingdoms taut and protected, safeguarded and sheltered. It never seemed to matter in the end, because for all his efforts, there was always something or someone infiltrating, defying, or simply not caring, while the rest adhered to the walls they’d put in place. It was perhaps worse here. They scattered to each and every particle they could touch, grasp, get their hands on, minds full of curiosity and boldness for things that were new and promising; only to find danger, treachery, and vehemence on the other side. It was why he proceeded with cautious, why he calculated and schemed rather than raced across impulsive, impetuous venues. But even then, he still managed to follow, straight into the ramparts of persecution, terror, or tragedy. Maybe Kiada had been the smartest of all of them, tending to herself in quiet means, while the rest of them stomped on their own damned hearts. But he’d been busy too, because as a fervent, potent entity, he always needed something to do, action, motion, even in the guiles of repose. “Trainings are going well,” a wry look sent in her direction, a snicker, a smirk, as she came to stand beside him, beholden to the natural hues. The beast knew her inquiry hadn’t been directed towards that particular realm of thought, but continued out of mischief, comfort in the upheaval. “We have several who proved to be excellent with a bow.” Then the General purposefully moved his elbow directly into her arm, teasing. “You should come next time.” That she’d always be welcome was a given, but just to see her more, experiencing and gaining skills all the while. As for the other insinuation, he sighed, a shrug to his shoulders. “After the dragon incident, things have seemed calmer. But we know that does not mean much.” Just another storm brewing and brooding on the horizon; and if it wasn’t LongNight, it’d be something else before then. Out of sight and out of mind Make everything alright So let the sky and sea collide Just not in our lifetime

KIADA

the harpy

He always had a tendency of doing this to her, of taking her question meant for something else and warping it to mean something else entirely. It was amusing, that was for certain, though she couldn’t help but to roll her eyes playfully in his direction – elbow jabbing out in an attempt to dig it into his side. Her gaze flickers up at the mention of prospect with bows, and nods to keep from reaching up and resting a hand along a scar from a fire arrow that Melita had landed last Leafchange.

“Perhaps I will.” She agrees with a small half smile. “Maybe I’ll make some use of that stunning armor you’ve made me?” The Harpy teases, a bright laugh leaving her throat to that – a bit looser than she usually was thanks to Harper and the fact she didn’t need to be so serious all the time. Still, her expression grows a bit more reserved, moving toward a bit more of the stone that Deimos knows all too well. “Just in time for LongNight? I think… I want to wait a year. I haven’t gotten stronger and I’m not sure I can handle another failure.” She looks away from him then to the multihued road before them, sputtering and clouding the area around them with warmth and humidity.

all bright things must burn

BASE INSPIRED BY ODD <3

Deimos Twists and turns of wordplay amidst and amongst Kiada’s presence were only for amusements – he was not fond of manipulation of narratives in other venues, like Jigano’s preferred tactics – instigating and inviting the playful refrains. He’d rather meander there then in the harsh, unrelenting melancholy both, and many more, had faced. He glanced down at her as her bony elbow went to dig into his side, muffing a quiet snort, at her actions, and at her first set of words. “Would hate for it to go to waste,” the Sword retorted, the corners of his mouth emerging into a snicker. In truth, he’d made it for the Harpy for whatever battle she was damned and doomed to face, whether it be something amidst these fickle ramparts, or further down the line, the world breathing down their necks. Then came the notions of sentiments, ruminations, and revelations he’d craved to ask, but couldn’t find the right tones, phrases, or notions for. She grew quiet, and he narrowed his eyes, awaiting some trace of preparation for imminent battle, or the downward slide of another year for her to lie in wait. The latter came out eventually, and he wasn’t certain how to feel. Proud, that she understood she wasn’t ready to face the monsters, the certain hell, the debilitating anguish again? Saddened for her, because those doors still couldn’t close, those chapters couldn’t be solidified? He settled for his gaze back upon the blend of hues, the softened palette of soil and earth, head bowed in thought, before bringing it back up, a long, slow inhale and exhale flickering through his form. “Smart. Better to prepare.” Because it was; and maybe by the next LongNight she’d be all the more potent and powerful. Out of sight and out of mind Make everything alright So let the sky and sea collide Just not in our lifetime

KIADA

the harpy

An almost ‘ach’ sound is given to Deimos at the response she gets, a light laugh leaving her throat at that – a bit more open and broad than she was with most people. But it rises a snicker out of the man beside her, and she determines her job to be done in that regard, falling quiet again before she announces her wish to hold off on another attempt over LongNight. Another try and twist to try and get her hands on Ru’in’s soul while too weak. It wouldn’t seem like she didn’t care, or didn’t want to try, would it? She certainly hoped not.

So instead, keeping the conversation light because that’s really what the both of them need right now, she turns her attention back to Deimos with an almost Cheshire smile crossing her face at the idea that sparks in her head next. “Have you met Harper yet?” She asks, wondering if the steel eyed man had made it far enough to venture toward the Militia, to see what it might have to offer for him.

all bright things must burn

BASE INSPIRED BY ODD <3

Deimos He stood immersed in the quiet, in the drifting thoughts, in the parallels of colors blending and blurring together. How and why didn’t seem to matter – the world was mysterious and enigmatic enough, without delving further into the notions of the chemicals intertwining amongst sands. The beast didn’t say whether or not she’d already be capable or strong enough to endure the entanglements of LongNight again; last year’s had been traumatic – the Harpy had made up her mind, and he knew better than to prod and pry any further. Thereafter though, at her inquiry, his features changed entirely. What was a residual smirk shifted into a Cheshire, impish, devilish expanse, a tilt of his head to stare upon her with as much mischief as his soul could embody. She’d walked straight into her own trap and snares, and he regarded it as a welcome opportunity. “I have.” The Sword’s intentions were to set her entirely on edge, amusement in devilry, waiting for something else to set the kindling aloft, incensed, a tease, a taunt. Did she want him judgement? His approval? Some other worth, suggestion, or word? Did it matter, really and truly? Out of sight and out of mind Make everything alright So let the sky and sea collide Just not in our lifetime

KIADA

the harpy

The question leaves her lips, and for a moment she wonders whether or not it was a good idea to bring it up as a distraction. Her gaze flickers along the stone panes of his face, head tilting ever so slightly as the Cheshire grin forms along his face and she looks away with an audible groan leaving her lips. Knowing she’d walked into some sort of trap with him out of sheer juvenile amusement among other things.

So she sighs, folding her arms across her chest, though she can’t help the quiet laugh that leaves her when he simply replies yes. Because yes wasn’t good enough, and her icy gaze softens when she looks over at Deimos with a completely unamused look. “And…?” She trails off, lips threatening to curve into a smile. “What do you think?” She asks, to elaborate so he simply can’t say ‘I met him’ and let it be the end of that.

all bright things must burn

BASE INSPIRED BY ODD <3

Deimos The teasing and taunting remained, looming with the Cheshire grin upon his face, laughing at her groan, at the inevitable goading – juvenile, infantile, and impish, fanning the flames. He arched a brow and rendered back into silence, waiting for something. Her lack of amusement only seemed to fuel his, the wicked conjectures of his mouth continuing to twist into an irreverent snicker. That his opinion seemed to matter was intriguing, but he had a hunch, a notion, that regardless of what he uttered or said, she’d form her own opinions – fair and justifiable. Kiada was intelligent enough to know what she wanted, or who she wanted to associate herself with; Deimos was capable of trusting her in that regard. It was just fun to antagonize and provoke. So he folded his arms over his chest, gained a stature to signify deep thoughts, his gaze wandering away from her, staring out over the mystifying hues and colors, the streamlined factions of blended arrays. “Seemed capable.” Not even remotely enough; merely to irritate, pausing briefly so the words sunk in. It was hard to preserve or wage any further judgment after one meeting – there’d been many individuals he thought fully able, talented, with many merits, only to be disappointed by their actions. “He informed me of his strengths in acrobatics,” which earned another arched brow, “and then assassination and vigilantism.” The General snorted, a joke ambling through, aware the latter was more up their alley. “Perhaps we should send him after Zariah.” Out of sight and out of mind Make everything alright So let the sky and sea collide Just not in our lifetime

KIADA

the harpy

He absolutely could keep her question and simply respond with nothing of interest – but her icy gaze watches the panes of his face, waiting for something else to show within the lines. Something of a flicker of acknowledgement, of debate – but she should know better by now. Knowing the Reaper turned Sword as she did, that his face was often as unreadable as a mask of any sort. She just simply knew the ways to get beneath them at times.

Luckily for her, he looks out over the expanse of rainbow hued rocks and waters, her own gaze following his own as she listens, arms folded across her chest in thought. ’Seemed capable’ is not much to go off of, but she nods nonetheless. The mention of acrobatics, assassination, vigilantism, all things Harper had told her about that night in the Guildhall. But when he mentions to send him after Zariah, Kiada can’t help the vibrant laugh that leaves her lips to that. “No, I think I like him more than to subject him to that kind of torture.” She says softly, a roll of her eyes. “I was thinking more like… Body guard.” She teases, nose wrinkling in her own amusement.

all bright things must burn

BASE INSPIRED BY ODD <3

Deimos If he wished to remain unattainable, unreachable, it would’ve been an easy task. He’d practiced for far too long in the art of frozen pretenses, on the plains of apathy and disinterest, on pretending as if nothing around him mattered – while he plotted, while he schemed, while he mused, while he scaled chilling ramparts and diminished his enemies, his adversaries, one by one. But Kiada was none of the latter, and so while he could remain in jocular, impish formation, he’d give her far more than many other individuals. But his ministrations and machinations here instigated a laugh – not lethality, not fatality, not irreverence, and his eyes riveted back to her, a fixture of strength and amusement for the moment. “Fair enough. I am not certain anyone deserves such abuse.” The mountain could think of past opponents and foes who might’ve warranted the notion, but none of them existed here. Out of some bitter amusement, he thought of Jigano, and sending him off to lecture the Merciless to death. But that also lent to far deeper ruins, so he left the sentiments and ruminations aside. Besides, she’d uttered something that piqued his intrigue. Bodyguard? His brow arched once more, given a multitude of exercise along these venues, slightly confused by the statement. Did she mean for herself – because he’d always ascertained the Harpy didn’t want protection, didn’t want Shields or Swords hovering over her, didn’t want their overbearing countenances striving to guard her from anything and everything. That she was strong, enduring, and capable enough on her own. “For who?” resounded and reverberated instead. Out of sight and out of mind Make everything alright So let the sky and sea collide Just not in our lifetime