Fantasy Primacy [Closed]

[Lucyfer]

Tamsin’s kick wasn’t exactly great. Varick had taken his fair share of kicks from all sorts, of course, and was trained. Not to mention, he wasn’t exactly without core muscles. That wasn’t to say it didn’t hurt, but it hurt like having his foot stepped on. Not great. There was some force behind it, and he knew if he wasn’t braced, or aware of it, it might have actually disrupted his balance.

But he was braced.

And he was balanced.

So he didn’t exactly budge, just grunted, nodded, “Most people aren’t going to be prepared for that,” nor were most people going to be a Primal. He didn’t need to add that part. “Don’t know how much you can adjust where you kick,” he did straighten back up, but let go of her hand. Probably wouldn’t be practicing that one again immediately, in either case, “but you want to try to put one heel in here.”

He touched near the center of his chest, what he knew as the solar plexus, but he didn’t bother with the name of it. “This will hurt them the most, and have the best odds of getting them to back off or let you go.”

~***~

The benefit to immediately collapsing to sleep that first time, had been an avoidance of feeling the exhaustion, and the heat. The second benefit, had been avoiding that sinking feeling, as if she could just slip into the earth and fade. Or across the boundaries of this world, and the next, and just be gone. That sense of being barely there was only heightened by how far Drazhan felt, even when he knelt by her.

Perhaps the most important advantage of slipping into that sweet, sweet coma, was the avoidance of the feelings. While everything felt numb and at a distance, there was a pervasive emptiness that could be felt. It had been that emptiness which powered this – that hatred, cold and empty and voided of warmth, which she only had to embrace for seconds.

It had been stewing since the cuffs went on, but exploding it outwards hadn’t gotten rid of it. Really, all that seemed to do was leave her with only that. ‘There’s something to be said for the consequences of magic like this.’ Perhaps it was why others couldn’t do magic like her.

It wasn’t good. It didn’t feel good, when it was over. Like a hangover, but worse. She’d kill for a hangover.

She didn’t really care that she was physically burning up, or that she should probably do something about that. She was too cold inside, and barely noticed the far more real heat when she made her choice to ‘answer’ Drazhan’s stupid, stupid question by glancing up, looking at his face, lifting up a bit on her knees before draping her arms over his shoulder and letting herself collapse against him, head over one shoulder.

She wouldn’t be conscious long after that, the shift in weight evidence enough of that.

 

[cleopat]

Tamsin frowned when her kick did nothing to Varick except for a discouraging grunt. Could she throw off an actual enemy who wanted to cause her harm? She did use as much muscle as she could muster in her lower body, and there wasn’t even a budge.

But she seemed to do good enough for Varick, who only offered advice to her to kick in a different spot. Tamsin hesitantly nodded, “I don’t know how much further up I can aim, but I’ll remember that.” The chest, an area that would chance an attacker at knocking the wind out of them, and better causing them to lose their balance.

Varick didn’t intend for them to try that out now, as he let her go. She already found that she missed that touch and pressure, a stark contrast to how she would normally feel. A contrast to the last time she found herself in a similar position, but with a man she considered far more dangerous than Varick.

Varick wasn’t some heartless monster with money and power.

Tamsin stepped away from the tree. “So, is ground grappling next? It’s not too late to learn more, is it?” It wasn’t that late in the evening, and she found herself not entirely tired enough to sleep just yet. Perhaps learning grappling was even wiring her up, before the inevitable drop happened.

~~~

Drazhan’s frown deepened when Kirsikka didn’t answer him. Instead, she draped her arms over his shoulders and head on one shoulder, before the tell-tale signs of her unconsciousness were made present. “Didn’t expect you to fall for me like that,” he mumbled, bringing one hand up to carefully brush back a strand of her hair.

He wanted to take her to a healer to get her eye looked at, and maybe to see if she could be brought back to full strength quicker than sleeping forever, but he couldn’t quite identify where they even were. The one person that would know, the one that created the portal, was now sleeping on him.

And absolutely burning up.

With a sign, Drazhan set her on the ground before he got up and moved to grab his bedroll off of Bear. He laid the bedroll right beside Kirsikka and moved her onto it. There was nothing more he could do except to keep an eye out for any monsters that may attack them. To feel useful though, he did begin to create a campfire to keep them warm as night approached.

So he sat and waited for any sign of Kirsikka regaining consciousness as he munched a little on the dried meat he had stored away in his rescued bag.

 

[Lucyfer]

Not a surprising answer. A lot would depend on the height of the foe, and no doubt, how stable the wall felt behind her. A tree was still different enough, that he liked to think Tamsin would do better against a real wall as it was. “What you did was fine. Most people aren’t going to be ready for it,” he acknowledged, so she didn’t feel too discouraged.

Few had his strength, too.

When she indicated moving on to ground, he considered reminding her about throat grabs, but decided against it. What she’d learned earlier with the shoulder grabs would help some – well, perhaps not as much, considering someone holding her by the throat really had effectively changed how she could hit them, since their arm was more centrally oriented, rather than to her sides.

But she had the gist of it.

“Mm, we can do that,” he agreed, “That’s more legs anyways. And that move is just as good on the ground as it is against a wall, since most aren’t going to be laying directly on top of you.” They held themselves up a bit by their arms, or their knees, not utilizing the full weight of their body.

If someone was using their full weight, that was probably because they were wanted.

Or had Tamsin bound in some way, but he didn’t need to think of either of those thoughts.

So, naturally, he gestured for Tamsin to find a space while noting, “The only other thing was the throat grab. It’s a little different from the other two. The main point is trying to break the grip, usually at the elbow, or with their fingers – but so long as you remember to use your hands and not flail your feet to lose balance, that’ll be enough for tonight on wall grapples.”

~***~

Kirsikka didn’t wake before Drazhan’s campsite was intruded. It was a quiet intrusion, although the elf boy had little doubt Drazhan knew he had gotten closer. Rather than risk setting off alarms for the Primal, who was in a tense enough situation as it was, the boy from the village stepped out into sight of the Primal, a light, but nervous, smile on his lips.

“Hello, Drazhan. Sorry to butt in – ah, should introduce myself this time. I’m Zinnia. I guess she didn’t get a chance to say much.” The boy’s eyes fell to Kirsikka. Sleeping. Wounded. Well, perhaps not really wounded anymore. That was to be determined – but no longer the same as he’d seen her first. “We manipulated her portal. We manipulate any portal made in the forest. It’s helped.”

It made sure mages who wanted to do them harm, had more difficulties, because they couldn’t travel wherever they pleased with ease. “I was the one making the flower trail. Sorry I wasn’t able to help earlier.”

Moreso now, because the reaction to Kirsikka’s, well, destruction was mixed at best. And that was at best. Most of it was negative. “I’m going to need you to come with me. We’ll have Kirsikka seen by our healers.” She wasn’t marked for death, no matter the anger. Her acts back at the village made sure of that, and a general understanding that she had to escape her situation. Sure, she could have just run through a portal…but she did, effectively, mitigate a threat the elves would have had to face themselves.

They’d already been debating how best to get Drazhan and Kirsikka away.

 

[cleopat]

Tamsin did feel a little better with Varick’s encouragement. She thought she didn’t do well enough, and with his words, she was placated. He wouldn’t just give out those compliments without any meaning to them, would he?

No, he didn’t seem like the type.

So with that acknowledgement, they moved on to the next lesson on the ground.

She nodded when he mentioned the throat grab. “So a swift punch up at their elbow and a kick to the gut should do the trick?” she asked with a grin. Tamsin settled on one clear spot in the grass, not too covered by any leaves or branches that had fallen from the trees covering them. The last thing she wanted to do was pluck out leaves from her hair all night.

She had too much hair to be wanting to deal with that.

“How about right here?” she motioned to the spot she chose and sat down at. She wouldn’t admit it, but Tamsin was a little nervous for the next lesson. On the ground. With Varick on top of her.

She had to remind herself that this was nothing more than a lesson in self-defense for her benefit. Nothing else. Just a lesson.

~~~

Drazhan heard their little intruder before he saw the elf-boy.

He tensed his muscles, preparing to fend off another attack with his hand on the hilt of his sword, but he let out a sigh of relief and relaxed when the elf-boy from the village showed himself. A familiar face, fortunately, and not some monster wanting to eat him.

Well, as far as he knew, it could be another shapeshifter hoping to let down Drazhan’s guard, but he gave the elf the benefit of the doubt for the moment.

“Zinnia,” Drazhan greeted with a simple nod. Then the boy began to explain what happened, from the portal manipulation to his little flower trail. While he did wish the elves could have helped them earlier, he wouldn’t hold it against them. “Thank you for the flowers. It did help out up until,” he grimaced, “all that excitement.” The capture. The escape.

And now, hopefully, they could help Kirsikka.

Drazhan carefully picked up Kirsikka, mindful to not jostle her or wake her from her deep slumber, if that was at all possible. He didn’t know what to do about the bedroll left on the forest floor, or about their horses. Bear would follow him, but Kirsikka’s horse…

Perhaps that would have to be an issue to deal with at a later time. “Okay, lead the way.”

 

[Lucyfer]

“Mmm.” Varick hummed agreeably, even if he thought the kick might not be necessary. Or wouldn’t be necessary until she was off the wall and could set her base outside of leaning against the wall at any rate, which disabling the arm should do. So, good enough. They could actually practice another time.

They needed to practice the first things he’d taught her, again, anyways. She had to keep up on it. ‘As if she’ll continue after you leave her side.’ She wouldn’t have anyone to practice against. Well, hopefully she’d remember enough, even in the moments of panic.

As she laid down, Varick had to remind himself as well that this wasn’t anything beyond practice, and he was showing her the threat of being pinned to the ground.

So, he moved over top of her, straddled her hips, and grabbed both of her arms, pinning them above her head, with both of his – rather than with just one. “This is the more common position. Most men aren’t going to start out pinning both of your hands in one hand on the ground. Not usually.” That was probably where they were heading next.

He made a conscious effort not to sink lower.

Not to look at her face, but his hands. Her hands in them. Her wrist, so easily captured….

He cleared his throat. “You’re going to want to bend your knees up, and then lift your hips straight up – heard the term ‘bridge’ tossed around to describe the exact angle of it, if that means anything to you,” Varick noted. “It’ll push the person above you forward, and if you’re quick enough, they’ll knock their head on the ground when they fall forward. Odds are, they won’t.”

People just weren’t that lucky. “But they will let go of your wrists to catch themselves – especially since you’re going to start pulling your hands down as soon as you tilt your hips up. You won’t have the strength to get them there until they let go, but feeling that pressure of their attempt to move is going to throw them off balance – and they’ll let go. So let’s just practice that, then we can get into the rest of it, since you’re not free from it yet.”

~***~

Kirsikka didn’t stir.

Nor did Zephyr follow initially, content to graze where he was, as if nothing exciting was happening at all. It wasn’t until Bear moved that Zephyr reconsidered, noticed everyone else moving away, and let out an irritated huff before beginning to follow as Zinnia led the way further into the forest.

A few words were spoken in his native tongue, and the illusion that protected Elphyne from adventures cleared, showing Drazhan he’d more or less been in the shadow of the elfin kingdom since arrival, with well-walked roads and homes built in and around the trees, as well as businesses. It was more than elves, of course – numerous creatures humans lumped together as ‘fae’ lived in Elphyne now, even long-time enemies had needed to come together for survival’s sake.

“I won’t be able to rapidly translate much,” Zinnia said under his breath, “I’m sorry for that.” It was said as others cleared the way, giving wary looks towards the Primal and the woman he carried. Primals weren’t exactly friends, considering how many had hunted their own down for profit.

A monster was a monster to humans and primals alike, where gold was concerned.

But none got in the way, allowing Zinna to lead to a structure that was more reminiscent of a church than a hospital, although there was evidence of sickbeds and sick people once they got inside, and they were greeted by a centaur, who spoke elfin to Zinnia.

The horses had room enough to stride in. Zephyr did, only to seem quite alert and confused by the centaur.

Zinnia didn’t immediately translate, of course – he spoke, until it seemed there was an understanding, and then he turned back to Drazhan, “Herokletes will show you where you can put Kirsikka. He’ll do what he can for her, but he isn’t making any promises for, well, anything,” Zinnia said with a bit of a shrug, adding, “you can stay here, but you’ll have to leave Herokletes with her for a bit. I can also find you accommodations until he’s done, if you prefer.”

 

[cleopat]

Tamsin made a conscious effort to not fluster or blush any further than she was sure she already had that evening. How could she help it though, with his body on top of hers, his hands pinning her to the ground?

His eyes remind me of honey. Or even that amber I used to collect as a kid.

This time, Tamsin wasn’t sure how much of what Varick said she actually heard. She was definitely too distracted by…several things. Several things she tried desperately to not think about in the moment as her face was already warm enough as it was.

But she did catch what he wanted her to do. “I’m going to…what?” she squeaked out. Oh, now she was certain she was blushing. “Are you certain that will work?” Not that she doubted him in the least. Tamsin was even certain she was just stalling at this point so she would delay trying the move with her hips.

It just seemed so…counterproductive to her. “It feels like that would have the opposite desired effect

~~~

Drazhan followed closely behind Zinnia, taking in as much of the information and the sights as he could. They really had been close to the elfin kingdom, and he was a little amazed by what he saw once the illusion cleared. He hardly believed the stereotypes about the elves, but seeing their own towns on his own was something in itself.

For the most part, Drazhan ignored the looks other elves gave him as he passed them by. It was something he was far too used to, the looks. Primals had their reputation, no matter the species.

Sometimes, he wondered what it would be like to be able to appear like a normal human for one day.

He was led into what apparently was a hospital of sorts, and Drazhan wanted to set Kirsikka down on one of the beds. Not that she was heavy, not with his Primal mutations, but she would be better off resting in a bed rather than in his arms. Though, he would be hard-pressed to say that he didn’t enjoy having her in his arms.

He could imagine the slap Kirsikka would give him for that thought.

A centaur. Don’t think I’ve met one before. A sentiment that the horses seemed to share. He let that thought go unspoken as he nodded at Herokletes in a silent greeting.

“Thank you,” he did say, setting Kirsikka down as he was instructed to the right bed. “A fire injury left one of her eyes blind. I don’t know if it’s fixable, but you’ll have my eternal gratitude if you could look at it.” With a nod to the centaur, he returned to Zinnia. “I think it’s best for me to let him look at her while I go with you for those accommodations.” Standing around, idly fiddling with his fingers, would do no good.

 

[Lucyfer]

Tamsin was bright red, though Varick wouldn’t point it out. Her squeaked concern was adorable in its way. “Causing your opponent to knock their head on the ground and let you go is the opposite of what you want to happen?” He said dryly, then added, “If you’re concerned it won’t work, we can switch positions.”

He even let go of her arms and straightened up, though didn’t actually get up. She probably wouldn’t want him to show it worked. It was obvious with his size it really wouldn’t take much for him to dismount her. Lifting his hips would almost be overkill.

But she might have needed a moment of his face being a bit further away and his hands off of her. He needed a moment of separation before he questioned what it was she wanted if it wasn’t to get him off of her. He could guess the answer. He wasn’t opposed to it, really. His hesitation lay in their traveling together status, and the fact he didn’t want her to get attached.

Perhaps a one and done in Ritherhithe. That seemed…more appropriate. Easier to part ways afterwards, which was going to happen, without breaking her heart by suggesting there was more to all of it.

She wouldn’t want that if she considered it long enough.

And she didn’t deserve that. There were reasons no Primal was ever in a long relationship.

~***~

Zinnia briefly relayed what Drazhan said, since it might be useful to Herokletes to know what was up. Besides the obvious ice-induced fatigue. That, of course, had been their more immediate. With Drazhan willing to leave her, he set across to guide Drazhan to where he could rest, the home of another elf who spoke Drazhan’s tongue – though not as well as Zinnia – and had some extra space. The horses would be taken to a nearby yard where they could roam, and the packs left with Drazhan.

Zinnia would make sure someone also went to tell Drazhan when Kirsikka’s treatment was over, but after that, he would step out of the business for now. He others in the woods to mess with, and plants to tend to, after all.

It would be a couple of days before Kirsikka actually woke. There were a couple of brief, but far from lucid, moments. The fever was forced down, but the eye was covered. Herokletes couldn’t explain to Drazhan, so he explained to Zinnia, who explained it best as a “Magical wound” and not a physical one.

“Kirsikka can heal, but that’s gonna require work from her, not us. We could heal it, but the violation of her own magical channels would probably set her off to kill us all.” That was more or less the best explanation Zinnia could offer.

So Kirsikka woke with an eyepatch over one eye, and all but shivering from the temperature they kept the area she was in, glittering crystals cooling the area around her without impacting other patients. Not that she was really around them. She’d been given a proper room after being treated, mostly because she drew too much attention otherwise.

‘Where the hell am I?’ Naturally, her first reaction was to sit up – far too fast.

Dizziness overwhelmed almost immediately and she lowered her head to her knees with a groan, trying to regroup and remember what was going on. Like why she had on an eyepatch. Nuisance. When her head cleared she immediately lifted a hand to remove it before seeing Drazhan – and the flood of recollections hit.

She lowered her hand back to her lap, sans eye patch. “Are you okay?” She didn’t recall him getting hurt, but she’d been out if it near the end. Had she hurt him? Had Malina? “Where are we?”

 

[cleopat]

Varick misinterpreting what she was trying to say made Tamsin want the ground beneath her to swallow her up whole. Could she be any more mortified? When he let go of her arms, she covered her face with her hands and groaned and allowed herself a few seconds to try and regain control of her heartbeat. And to will away the deep flushing of her face.

“I didn't mean it like that.” She wouldn’t go into further explaining what she was trying to say. It may just make things even worse, and she wanted to learn, dammit. “Let me try it. I can do this.” And she would totally not think too much about lifting her hips into his.

Tamsin would trust that Varick knew what he was talking about. He has been a good teacher so far. She knew he wasn’t trying to take advantage of her in such a precarious situation.

But would she let him if that was what he wanted? She certainly didn’t oppose any potential coital situation with Varick. They would eventually part ways in Ritherhithe, so she couldn’t let her feelings get in the way. Just one evening of pure fun, which she could do. She had before.

Tamsin hadn’t allowed feelings to get involved with anyone since the Roland incident in Camorr.

~~~

Drazhan settled into the extra space the elf had available for him. As he found out the elf could speak his language, though not quite as well as Zinnia, he thanked them profusely for allowing him into their home. Him, a Primal and a complete stranger. The way the elves had treated them thus far would not be something Drazhan forgot anytime soon.

Occasionally he would go to check up on Kirsikka, who was in and out of a state of lucidness for several days. In his time away from her, he mainly stayed out of the way of the elves and busied himself in whatever way he could find, whether it was tending to the horses or honing his skills in some clear area of land.

Drazhan was visiting Kirsikka again when she finally woke up for good. He perked up when she started to move and when she sat up too fast, he was quick to place a hand on her shoulder. “Take it easy, you’ve been out of it for several days.”

He didn't fight her on taking off the eyepatch, though he thought it looked kind of badass. He almost wanted to tease her for asking him if he was okay. Aww, concerned for me? But he resisted. That wasn’t something she needed after waking up from what he could only infer was a magically induced coma.

“I’m fine,” he ultimately answered with a soft smile. “Been hanging around with our elven friends, which is where we are right now. Something about they manipulated the portal right onto their doorsteps, and they took us in and healed you.” He cleared his throat. "I know this will be a ridiculous question, but how exactly are you feeling?"

 

[Lucyfer]

Tamsin regrouped with obvious embarrassment over it all. Not much of a surprise, but Varick would at least leave that alone, and nod as she agreed to try this. He again leaned over her, and pinned her wrists up above her head. She was obviously still bothered by it all, even if she’d taken a few seconds to recover.

Still flush.

Her heart was probably racing faster than before.

“When you’re ready,” he said, keeping the calm edge to his own tone. Hoping by his own calmness, it would help Tamsin collect herself so she could continue.

She did, of course.

Her hips lifted, not fast that first time, clearly testing it as she angled herself and moved her arms. “You do have to be quicker than that,” he noted, not thrown by it due to that slowness. “It’s okay, I can catch myself, that’s what you’re trying to make me do.”

Eventually, Tamsin did get it right, and Varick had to let go of her wrists to move his hands so they could catch him before he did, indeed, knock his head against the ground. What he forgot to anticipate was the sudden closeness it brought to their faces as he caught himself above her still. His eyes widened a touch in recognition of that – but he was quick to straighten up.

Clear his throat.

Try to continue, “That’s the goal,” he said. “May not seem like a good goal, but there’s more to this. The next steps go back to finding a way to wrap, and trap, your opponent….” Realizing it also meant flipping him, he wondered at his own logic in selecting this option, but nonetheless, went on, “You’ll want to immediately wrap your arms around me, and make your next move trapping my arm against yourself, as you then roll your weight into it, to wrap it. It’ll force me to roll as well so my arm doesn’t get broken, and then you’re out of the pin, and your opponent is either on their side or their back,” depending on how she chose to escape from that point.

~***~

Kirsikka began to readjust the eyepatch as Drazhan answered. Given she proved to herself she still couldn’t see out of that eye (or, well, she could, but everything was blurry), it was better to put it back on so she didn’t keep the eye open and mess up her better vision with confusing additions of blurry figures. Depth-perception wasn’t that important, right.

“Yeah, not much of a surprise. I was out for a while the first time,” Kirsikka sighed, realized the elves probably weren’t happy about what she did. She still didn’t care much, but she knew tedious questions were in her future, and some explanation that got around an apology she probably couldn’t muster with sincerity.

Of course he was going to ask how she was.

“I’m present.” Cold, hollowed out, wanting to go right back to sleep—but present.

That seemed the best answer that wasn’t a lie. She couldn’t yet be certain of much else as she settled into sitting for the time being. “Malina didn’t die, did she?” disappointing. Next time, then. If only Malina had picked any other element to end up focusing on! Nothing protected from ice quite like fire did.

Bitch.

“How upset are the elves?” Obviously not upset enough to leave her to her fate, also not happy enough to heal her eye. No, they probably couldn’t do that. No doubt, too much time away from medical attention. The fact she saw anything was a miracle. Perhaps in time it would recover fully. She’d have to speak to whoever treated her.

 

[cleopat]

Tamsin collected herself to the best that she could before they ultimately continued on. On the first try of lifting her hips, it felt too awkward. She didn’t do it fast enough, her mind thinking other thoughts in the moment, not for the reason Varick said. She tried it a few more times, until finally he moved his hands to catch himself before his head hit the floor.

The closeness of their faces did not escape Tamsin’s notice. Not after being hyper-aware of how close their bodies have been the entire night.

But she didn’t say anything and willed away any flushness that tried to creep up her neck. She didn’t need another round of embarrassment after finally calming down from earlier.

She furrowed her brows as he explained the next little bit of the move. “Okay, I think I get it. Wrap and roll with your arms against me?” Tamsin did just as he said, wrapped her arms around him, trapping his arm against herself, and then rolled her weight on it. Somehow, she managed to wrap her short arms around his large torso.

She was not naive to how large he was.

~~~

Drazhan didn’t expect any other answer coming from Kirsikka. He could surmise what her words really meant, based on how he felt whenever he answers the very same question with a similar answer. Not wanting to be present, not feeling a damn thing.

Just simply not wanting to exist for a time.

With the question regarding Malina, he sighed and shook his head. “Unfortunately, no. It looks like she managed to protect herself before you could hit her.” With her wall of fire, versus a blast of ice. Obviously, fire was going to win.

Damn fire. Damn fire magic.

“I don’t think the elves are too upset. They’re letting us live here for now, and none of them have spat at me or attacked me.” Drazhan shrugged. “I think they understand some of the situation, and what was at stake.” That’s what he hoped, based on what Zinnia told him several days ago.

They did still fed him, housed him, and healed Kirsikka to the best of their ability. They couldn’t be too upset.

 

[Lucyfer]

The benefit of moves such as these, were absolutely the fact that it involved the whole body weight, rather than just a limited portion. Varick was strong. Perhaps he could have even braced better to handle Tamsin rolling his arm that way, but he wanted her to see it worked – and honestly, he didn’t need to risk breaking his arm in defiance to show her it didn’t always work. She wasn’t going to be facing down other Primals.

Just regular humans.

So he moved to lessen the pain on his arm, rolling off of her and onto his back, a move that naturally put Tamsin in the position atop him. ‘Not a bad view.’ Varick pushed the thought out of his mind, though his grin still held a bit of those thoughts, as did his gaze, before he spoke those few words of praise, “Good. Not too difficult. Just not intuitive. But you’re learning quick.” He was pleased about that.

It meant a lot less irritation in trying to teach her, of course.

It also meant she’d be safer.

“Now from there, you’re probably going to do something like break their nose, poke their eyes, or do something quick and efficient before running. Because if you’re too slow, they still have one other hand,” which he reminded her of by grazing the fingers of that hand up over her side – perhaps starting a bit lower than technically needed, though he never broke eye contact, “and the pressure isn’t on their arm anymore.”

He could easily move and manipulate his own arm now. Her grip wasn’t strong enough to hold it down, but he wouldn’t prove that right then.

~***~

Perhaps it was a stupid question. The elves wouldn’t be leaving her free, without lethen on her wrists, if they were too angry. Or allow Drazhan to visit freely, and give him food and board. Kirsikka wasn’t sure how to feel about it, though. The guilt still nagged at her, both for dragging Drazhan into this, and for the elves taking such care.

The way the Ordo Sors had at the end, before spiriting her away. ‘To what end? For what purpose?’ Of course, she knew to what end, to what purpose – to bring an end to the reign of the Council of Light. To survive, long enough, to restart the Ordo Sors. Where books were burned, memories were long.

And they were dead.

Would the elves be dead? Did Malina know the elves had changed her portal, was it obvious – something Kirsikka missed out of exhaustion? She didn’t have these answers, and she loathed that. Drazhan wouldn’t have them, either. “I should have gone alone,” Kirsikka muttered, dropping her head into a hand, “I’ve gotten too many people killed for this, and now you’re marked, and the elves—”

“Well,” the guilt was interrupted not by Drazhan, but a centaur she didn’t know. She jolted at the sound of Herokletes’s voice, “at least I see the ice hasn’t fully taken hold of you if you’re still capable of guilt.” He trotted in easily, speaking Elfish. How he knew there was guilt, was perhaps easy enough to surmise from tone and posturing, “You seem lucid this time.” Kirsikka bristled, hand fallen away, but she didn’t glare. The look wasn’t nice but it wasn’t a glare. “I’m Herokletes. I’ve been in charge of your care.”

No point in her introducing herself. “The ice has nothing to do with my personality defects.”

Perhaps it was the use of defects that caused Herokletes to snort a laugh, “I’ve no doubt the majority are your own doing.” He agreed with a ready smile. “But I also think I know a thing or two more about your peculiar situation, since that blindness,” he gestured out at her, “isn’t something physical. You’re a conduit, after all.”

Conduit wasn’t a term Kirsikka knew, but she was smart enough to hazard a guess, “Your fancy word for humans who use magic without a tool?”

“Our fancy word for anyone who uses all magic without a tool. Even among us,” he said, “that’s not common. We get a channel or two, but the full spectrum? No, no. Comes with its costs, just as it does to us, if we inadvertently block our channels.”

 

[cleopat]

Tamsin was aware she was straddling Varick now. Tamsin was aware of every ounce of his body that touched hers. Tamsin was aware of how those few words of minor praise made her feel much better. “Thank you, I have a good teacher.”

Her breath hitched when his fingers grazed her side. An unexpected, but not unwelcomed, touch. His hand left far too soon, and Tamsin found that she wanted the hand to venture further than she dare say. Her head leaned down, temporarily giving in to her thoughts, but before she could venture too far down, her mind came back to its senses.

She cleared her throat and sat up before swinging one leg over Varick, and sat on the ground next to him. “Got it. Do something quick to hurt them before I make a run for it.” Sounded easy enough.

Her heart was still pounding. Damn, stupid traitor of a heart. “Is there anything else to go over?” Maybe distracting herself with potentially even more close moves would do the trick. Smart, Tamsin.

But oh how close she was to kissing Varick only a few seconds ago.

~~~

Drazhan wanted to put one hand on Kirsikka’s shoulder and tell it was okay. He didn’t mind being marked, which was a silent lie. She probably would be dead already if she went alone, a thought that would no doubt get him slapped.

But the Rakshasa alone would have killed her, if he weren’t there, like it almost did even when he was there to kill the monster.

Before Drazhan could say anything, Herokletes came back, and immediately they began speaking in the elven language he couldn’t understand one bit. While he wished he could be in on the conversation, just so he wouldn’t feel as left out as he has been over the past couple of days due to language barriers, he didn’t say anything. Just sat back and watched them, coming up with his own internal dialogue of what they may be saying.

Of course reality wouldn’t be as great as his imagination.

 

[Lucyfer]

Varick sat up as Tamsin got off of him. There were plenty of other things they could go over. Several popped into his head, but his head already felt a bit, well, not in the right mindset as he considered them and so in response he shook his head, “We went over plenty this evening. I think that’s enough for now.” He noted, rising to go closer to the campfire.

It wouldn’t cool him off any, but for now it gave him some distance to settle down. “We can always pick up others along the way. Not like there aren’t hundreds of variations.” ‘Hundreds of positions.’

He would not update his phrasing with that as he dug out some food and went to take his new seat.

“For now, you should eat. Get some rest. Prepare for tomorrow’s journey.” That was the easy way to get back on track, right? Of course it was. He’d stay up a little longer; he usually did. Tamsin already knew that, though. Sleeping outside didn’t come easily for him on a normal day, but sleeping with someone to protect? That made it harder.

And he still needed to protect Tamsin, no matter what he was teaching her.

The things that attacked them out here, weren’t things he was teaching her protection from.

~***~

That Drazhan didn’t understand, slipped Kirsikka’s mind. Of course, she didn’t even realize she’d switched tongues. The centaur did, of course. It was why he spoke more readily about her condition; otherwise, he might have asked Drazhan to leave.

Kirsikka’s scoff at his suggestion wasn’t entirely unexpected. “Believe me, or don’t,” he said, “it isn’t like I deal with this on a semi-daily basis when we get our own channels blocked.”

“Then why didn’t you fix it?”

“One, any fix I did, would be temporary,” he noted, holding up a finger, before adding a second, “two, it tends to cause more problems. Three, you have to fix it for it to be permanent.”

“And how, praytell, do I do that? I don’t feel blocked.”

“Of course you don’t,” Herokletes sighed, “that’s a part of what makes ice dangerous. You don’t feel, until you can’t feel, and then it’s broken off. Lost. Like a frozen limb you can just break off.”

Kirsikka wanted to argue that wasn’t how magic worked. She had years of experience that suggested it wasn’t how it worked. Then again, she had years of experience of using tools despite not needing them. Years of experience of not going back to the same type of magic, over, and over, and over again.

But it was so easy. And it felt easier each time. “Ice isn’t forbidden. Not like necromancy. But you don’t hear of many practitioners, do you?”

Kirsikka shook her head. “No. Fire—”

“Hot-heads, temperamental, passionate – they get the names for a reason. Just like ice and its associations. You want to open the channels again, you’re going to have to remember to feel again, and not just dive into the cold when it gets too hot.”

Kirsikka hated Herokletes. Immediately. Because she knew that exact sensation, it was apparent he did, too. Either from others telling him, or because he knew it himself. She remembered the way the fire sparked, and the way it died, put out by that gust of cold wind. “I’ll keep it in consideration.” She would not. She had more important things to do than feel, and she was already committed to losing an eye if it got her what she wanted. “Are Drazhan and myself free to go?”

Herokletes snorted. No doubt, sensing her stubbornness and dismissal. Well, her loss. “Yes, after tomorrow. You do have an audience with our leaders before we let you leave.”

“Of course,” sarcasm. “I’ll look forward to it.”

Herokletes nodded, and with that, turned to leave.

 

[cleopat]

Tamsin nodded, happy with Varick’s answer. Not that she didn’t like learning what he was willing to teach, but her body needed to cool down. It needed to calm down. Her heart was still pounding in her chest, and she was sure her face was still flushed.

All of which she just knew Varick had to know as well.

“That sounds good,” she said with a nod. Learning more later was always ideal, after a night of rest, relaxation, some food, and a chance to put her mind straight. A chance to remind herself that Varick is in no way interested in her. He was just helping her learn how to protect herself. Nothing more.

Food. Yes. Food sounded good. Tamsin dug out some food from earlier that she didn’t finish and began to eat it. “Thank you, by the way, for teaching me. I really do appreciate it.” Now she may just have a chance to protect herself if some drunk idiot got too handsy, or if another Roland happened. “You didn’t have to do this, and yet you did it anyway, and I will forever remember that.”

Maybe even memorialize him into a song. Of how a humble bard, graced a ride along with Varick the Primal.

~~~

It was clear Herokletes told Kirsikka something unpleasant. Something that seemed to put her into an even more dismal and pissy mood. Drazhan gave a polite nod at the centaur as he left, and as soon as they were alone once more, he turned back to Kirsikka.

“So, are you going to share what just happened between you two?” He wouldn’t outright demand it, but Drazhan wouldn’t be terribly happy if he was left in the dark, even if it wasn’t something that concerned him in the least.

For all he knew, the conversation was completely about Kirsikka’s health, an expanded version of what Zinnia told him but couldn’t fully translate. Damn language barrier.

“Of course you don’t have to tell me,” he held his hands up and leaned back in his chair. “Just curious is all.”

 

[Lucyfer]

Tamsin offered her gratitude, and though Varick shook his head to dismiss the gratitude as necessary, he did still appreciate it. He knew, of course, he didn’t have to do anything. Other Primals probably would have charged for it, and he wouldn’t have blamed them in the least. Meeting people that were nice like Tamsin was rare.

Believing it, difficult.

But Varick hadn’t completely lost himself to cynicism. Just almost.

“I hope you remember. Otherwise my teaching is for nothing,” he pointed out, with just the hint of a smile. Teaching was always for nothing if it wasn’t remembered, or heeded. “Besides, you got me a room, and food. You can consider us even. There’s no debt to pay for any of this.” Not that he was charging her in the first place, but if she was the sort who felt easily indebted, she could wipe it from her conscious.

She’d done enough to earn the teachings, and he imagined she’d do a bit more along the way to Ritherhithe. Gods only knew what lay ahead, and what would occur in Ritherhithe itself. It was always possible he might need the word of a bard to get him out of trouble, or at the very least, into a bed, and not stables.

Stables sucked.

~***~

Of course, Kirsikka had to tell Drazhan something. He was now involved. ‘Unless….’ There was probably a way she could change how he looked, more permanently. Maybe not the eyes, but he wasn’t the only Primal alive. And maybe she could change the eyes. She hadn’t really tried permanent changes on anyone, but she knew they were possible.

She just never wanted to change herself. And no one else had wanted it forever, either.

Just enough to escape whatever trouble they were in.

“Just details about my health, and apparently a meeting tomorrow. Nothing I didn’t expect with the health,” despite the fact she probably should have stayed in the bed, she swung her legs over the side and stood, stretching up. She’d been laying down too long, that much was obvious by how good just stretching felt. And her clothes….

These weren’t her clothes.

This was a stupid white sheathe dress. Probably good, her clothes weren’t exactly pristine, Malina hadn’t cared much about that. Still, she was annoyed to think at some point she’d been changed. Probably not Drazhan, probably very professional people, but still. Irksome. “I don’t want to stay in here. Why don’t you show me around?”

 

[cleopat]

Tamsin smiled, and nodded. Already she had been going over what she learned from him in her mind, to try and remember the steps to take for each position he put her in. Some of it seemed rather reasonable and obvious after she went over it. Some of them required more thought and remembrance to not immediately kick out and lose her balance.

That would lead to terrible things.

“Then it is settled. We are even,” she agreed. She probably would have thought about repaying him for his kindness down the road, but Varick brought up the point that she helped him out as well to get free room and food. That seemed equal to her. Maybe if she had thought about it before they parted ways, she would have tossed a coin or two his way for his troubles.

But now she felt better about it.

Tamsin finished her food, and after which, she laid down on her bedroll, her cloak covering her body and protecting herself from the chill in the air. And the…activity from earlier still kept her blood pumping enough to warm her up some as well. “Goodnight, Varick. I’ll see you in the morning.”

~~~

“A meeting?” Drazhen mused, one brow raised at the information. That was news to him, as Zinnia failed to mention anything about a meeting. He doubted it was only for Kirsikka, so why wasn’t it mentioned to him as well? Maybe it just slipped the elf’s mind. Maybe it was nothing to be worried about, so no one thought to tell him.

As Kirsikka moved, he sat up and prepared himself to help her if she needed any additional help. If she suddenly collapsed under her own weight, given she was asleep for several days. But she seemed to move fine on her own, and Drazhan stood up with her, still hovering close by in case of any fall.

But fortunately, it seemed Kirsikka maintained her strength rather well.

“Are you sure you’re up for walking around?” He just knew what kind of response he would get, and Drazhan cleared his throat and shook his head. “Nevermind, but do tell me if you need to rest for a few minutes.” Just maybe Kirsikka would be too stubborn to admit that she needed a little rest during their tour.

He certainly wouldn’t put it past her.

“We can start with the lovely little abode I’ve been sharing with an elf who can understand me to an extent.”

 

[Lucyfer]

The journey the rest of the way was thankfully uneventful, though there were a few additional stops to teach Tamsin a bit more about self-defense, before Ritherhithe came into view. Varick was both relieved, and concerned, to see it. Naturally, it didn’t look like anything had gone wrong. The streets were still bustling, the buildings were all standing, everything seemed normal, but Varick knew the abnormal would make itself known.

First he had to announce himself, and find someone to hire him.

He wasn’t hunting this down for free, but that was business to arrange later. Not with Tamsin. Which, speaking of Tamsin, it seemed this was likely where they were to part. Varick would be lying if he suggested he wasn’t sad about that. There was a part of him that had enjoyed her company along the way.

This was how it always was, though.

Hopefully, she was better for it.

“I’ll see you to your inn,” Varick promised, after he’d dismounted Marzipan to walk through the city, “Not sure I’ll be staying at the same one. Need to go chase down the rumors about what’s going on and find an employer for it,” he noted, “that’ll determine a few things.” Always did, but he’d see where that took him.

Ideally, he’d get in the employ of the local governor or whatever official ran this town. Then he wouldn’t have to bother with an inn at all. Or if he did, it’d be on their coin.

~***~

Kirsikka had no intention of actively needing help, though she could feel that heaviness paired oddly with light-headedness. She didn’t slip, or sway, but she felt it all the same and did her best to appear focused and straight up, as Drazhan hovered, prepared for the worst. It was irritating; she had been in bed for days, she ought to be able to move about.

She never got used to recovery. She was a terrible patient.

“I will,” she probably wouldn’t. At least not verbally, at any rate. She might pause to admire the scenery a bit more, of course, as she followed Drazhan out to see the elf who had been watching over him. At least she had reason to pause, and stare. This was new territory for her. She hadn’t been here before.

Her ventures took her to many places, but mage or not, she was human. She had seen some homes of the fae, but likely not anywhere close to all. And those were back in her early days at the Ordo Sors, before she was, well…this.

They hadn’t called her a Conduit then.

“What is this elf’s name?” Kirsikka asked Drazhan, more just to keep conversation flowing easily about anything else, and shake off the feel of the Healing House. She never liked those places either. ‘Wait do I get to stay there?’ She probably had to go back to the Healing House, didn’t she?

Damn it.

 

[cleopat]

While Varick may have been concerned to see Ritherhithe, Tamsin was a little disappointed. Disappointed that their journey together was coming to an end, and they would soon part ways, most likely to never see each other again, unless the gods granted her a miracle, and their paths did eventually cross once more in the future.

She didn’t count on that though. The continent was a huge place, nevermind all of the exotic locations across the treacherous seas. Did Varick ever go across the ocean? It was something Tamsin wanted to do one day. Something she planned on doing before she died.

Tamsin dismounted Luna and walked beside Varick as she guided her horse through the city. “I won’t lie, I’m sad that our path together will end here.” She may as well say it, since she was strongly thinking it. “I already plan to immortalize you in one of my songs,” she said with a smirk.

Besides, the name Varick was too good of a name to not use in one of her songs.

“But I do wish you the best of luck. With the monster chasing, the rumor chasing, and whatever else comes with your profession.” She wouldn’t worry too much about him. Varick was nearly a two hundred year old Primal. He knew what he was doing. It was the people’s reactions to him she did hold a little apprehension for.

“Do you think you’ll be able to see me perform this evening? Or at least swing by and visit beforehand?” Tamsin told herself she wouldn’t be upset if his answer was negative, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t be a little sad to see him go.

~~~

Drazhan was pleased to see that Kirsikka didn’t collapse after standing up for a few moments. He still hovered nearby, but not so close that she may get irritated with him. Just close enough that he could easily swoop in and sweep her off her feet if her body suddenly betrayed her.

Oh how she would love that.

He began to lead her outside, no doubt the fresh air would do her some good in her recovery. “Her name is Elisen. She’s pretty friendly, though I do think she might not totally like me because of what happened to the forest.” Even though it wasn’t his fault.

Oh well. He was used to most not liking him just for what he was. If she hadn't disliked him because of the forest incident, maybe she wouldn’t have liked him because he was a Primal.

It was cynical to think of, but it was also his reality.

Drazhan took the tour slowly at first, allowing Kirsikka to take in their surroundings. “Is this your first time in elven land? I only ask because you seem to speak their language quite well.” It was natural for him to wonder about where she picked up the language over the course of three hundred years.

 

[Lucyfer]

Varick cringed at the thought of being in a song, only because he could hardly imagine what sort of song was supposed to come from this. All he’d shown her was killing a couple of snakes. There was nothing epic about that. What was the rest to be about? A random stranger teaching her how to protect herself and getting evil looks in an inn?

“You don’t have to do that. Really.”

If he ever heard the song he’d have to pretend he was not, in fact, who it was about.

He could at least snort with some amusement at the rest – the good luck, anyways, and nod appreciatively for it. He didn’t think he’d need much luck, but one never knew. He still wasn’t quite sure what he was dealing with, after all. “Thanks.”

As for visiting, well, “That’s going to depend,” but probably not that night, he imagined much of his day was going to be a headache of meetings and trying to get the truth out of some people, before he figured a place to stay. “But probably sometime while I’m in Ritherhithe, assuming you stay a while.”

Which it had sounded like she planned to do, given the odds of earning quite a bit more gold here than other, smaller cities.

~***~

The fresh air was nice to take in. The way the wind felt. The scents in the air. It was all far better than the Healing House, and likely more encouraging towards health. Or at least, that’s what Kirsikka would tell herself and anyone who asked why she was out, if those questions ever came. As it was, no one seemed keen to approach.

Fine by her.

Likely, fine by Drazhan.

His own host didn’t seem to have great love of him. ‘Or you’re a Primal.’ But Drazhan knew that. It was likely better to think of something else. Something which, while he couldn’t control, wasn’t…just being a Primal. Then he had a hope of overcoming their distaste. She hummed to acknowledge she heard him, but then fell silent for a beat.

He filled it.

“My first time here,” she said, “there are…or there were,” she wasn’t sure anymore, “other lands. I was taught by fae at the academy. No one really knew how to teach me,” there was a fond smile, that faded. “My magic was always chaotic.” Until, of course, it wasn’t. Even then…well, no one could call the ice not chaotic.

Even she’d admit, her control was questionable. She could give it a direction, but after that, she felt as if she was fighting it, and she lost. Frequently. It’s why it drained her so much. She just let it, rather than reign it in. “Relationships with mages have always been…complicated for the fae. We’re human, so we’re part of the conquering race. We’ve also butchered, abused, destroyed, and capitalized, on much that they have done. Especially magic.”

So much so that some mages believed the human inability to naturally channel magic was an old elven curse.

True or not, Kirsikka didn’t know. “But there were some of us who wanted to learn alongside them, and there were some fae who were able to see individuals and hope a future could be created alongside us, rather than opposed. It didn’t work out.” Nothing worked out.

 

[cleopat]

Tamsin just merely shrugged at Varick’s insistence that she didn’t have to write a song. As if such a thing was ever a chore for her, especially songs concerning brave, bold men who courageously fought beasts no one else would dare get close to.

“But maybe I want to do that.” She would win. He couldn’t stop her from penning her next masterpiece, but she didn’t have to mention him by name. Just allude to his character, if he was so shy about being the subject of an epic.

She beamed at him as Varick did seem agreeable to eventually find her again and watch her perform - even if it wouldn’t be that night. Tamsin would take it. “I probably will stay here a while. Take some time to rest from traveling and earn some gold so I don’t have to worry about that for a while when I’m back on the road.”

Having extra coin meant she could travel without worrying for food or shelter for a while, which was always the best way to travel. It offered more freedom than normal. “I look forward to when you can see me perform.”

~~~

Drazhan caught the fond smile on Kirsikka, and even as it faded, he instantly wanted to see her smile again. Had that been the first time he saw her smile? He certainly couldn’t think of another time.

He liked it.

Drazhan listened intently as Kirsikka proceeded to tell him of her history with the elves, back from the days of the academy. He had assumed all magic was always chaotic, and one just learned to control it better, but the way Kirsikka spoke, he got the impression it differed greatly from mage to mage.

Finding out how magic worked sounded like a conversation for another time.

He hummed as she finished her story. “So you did your best to bridge that gap between human and fae, didn’t you?” But nothing ever worked out as planned, and now the elves were in hiding.

They approached the home Drazhan was staying at. Elisen was outside, tending to a small garden she had in the front. The elf looked over at the sound of approaching feet, and she gave a small wave. “Elisen, this is Kirsikka, the woman the healers have been working on.”

 

[Lucyfer]

Varick could only sigh as Tamsin seemed to insist on the song. “I’d rather you not,” he mumbled, but not too loudly as conversation shifted to her shows in Ritherhithe and likely stay. Which did remind him, “When I find out more about what’s going on, I’ll be sure to let you know so you can stay out of trouble.”

He’d already said a bit of what he’d heard, but he still needed to verify all of that. “If nothing else, that’ll bring me to one of your performances.” Not that he didn’t want to see her perform. He did. He had enjoyed the last, and he was certain he’d enjoy the next one.

“Well, Tamsin! Is that you?”

It was a male’s voice that called, and then laughed, “It is!” he sounded false-friendly, and as Varick laid eyes on the stranger in the foppish purple attire, he thought the expression was definitely displeased, even if he was smiling. “Oh, with a Primal. Good day,” well, at least he wasn’t immediately cruel.

Erik cocked his head a bit, “Whatever are you doing in Ritherhithe for, Tamsin? Weren’t you informed they’re hardly in need of any more bards? Or are you taking a career change? Didn’t think of you as a fighter, but I suppose it could still be an improvement.”

~***~

‘I probably could have done better.’ But her many departures and returns to the Academy colored things. That she didn’t have the best relationship with the Ordo Sors was certainly indicative of other relationships. The Ordo Sors changed through the years. Focus changed. Kirsikka didn’t always like it.

A focus on money always led to exploitation.

She had gone to save it because of Dravon, and that hadn’t been enough.

“Relationships were already bad three hundred years ago. None of us ever stood a chance. We weren’t the ones in power.” That was still human kings and queens. Monarchs and others who didn’t like fae, and didn’t respect their land, because of their own selfish entitlements.

But yes. She had tried.

And so when she was brought to Elisen, she did nod, and greeted her, briefly, in Elfish. “Hello. Thank you for taking care of him. I won’t leave him out of the conversation but I do understand this tongue if you need help communicating.”

Elisen nodded, and spoke in the more familiar tongue, “It’s good to meet you at last, Kirsikka. How are you?”

“As expected,” it was a true enough answer. She really had settled with the loss of sight on the journey with Malina.

 

[cleopat]

Tamsin was about to insist that she would stay out of trouble. She may be curious by nature, but she certainly wouldn’t intentionally put herself in harm’s way, if she could help it. Anything to help her stay far away from whatever it was that plagued Ritherhithe? She would do so.

But an unfortunate, all too familiar voice announced himself. Tamsin sighed softly before turning with a smile just as fake as Erik’s. “Erik, how lovely to see you here.” There was no warmth in her voice as she spoke.

She was most definitely not pleased to see him there.

Tamsin clenched her jaw at the insults, but she would not let him get to her. “Well, I think one more bard wouldn’t hurt, since I’m the only one I can see right now. And should I alert the guards that there’s a peacock roaming the streets? I don’t think they’ll want that.”

~~~

It was always the one in power who ruined everything, wasn’t it?

Though, in Drazhan’s experience, it was also the common, everyday folks who did just as great of a job fucking things up.

“I’m just showing her around now that she’s awake,” Drazhan told Elisen.

“Yes, a little fresh air always does wonders for healing,” she agreed with a nod. “I’ll see you later.”

Elisen turned back to her little garden, and Drazhan led Kirsikka onward. “I’m not sure what all to show you, to be quite honest. Due to the language barrier, I mostly stayed to myself, with the exception of her and Zinnia.” After a brief pause, he continued, “Zinnia was that child elf we saved back in the village. After we came through the portal and you passed out, he came and guided me here and took you to the healers.” Well, he carried her there, but he wouldn’t mention that part unless she asked.

 

[Lucyfer]

Erik laughed outright at Tamsin’s attempt at an insult, “You would be surprised how much the people here will pay for peacock,” he winked, taking it in stride. It was hardly an insult, “Pleased to know you think I’m stunningly pretty, though,” sure, that probably wasn’t what she meant by it, but if she wanted to insult him, she could have picked something ugly.

Her view obviously shone through in her word choice there. “Still, I did warn you. You’ll have to forgive me if you end up going hungry in Ritherhithe while I’m here – but if it gets really bad, I’m sure could spare a few coins,” he said, and glanced to the Primal, “I take it you are actually here for some business. Anything I ought to know?”

Varick considered denying it. What was it to him if the insulting bard got into trouble? However, he sighed, and didn’t lie, “Just steer clear of the sewers. I don’t know much else yet.”

Erik nodded, “Right, thank you, then. I’ll be on my way for now. So good to see you, Tamsin!” and with that, he did head off. Varick arched a brow at his departure.

“I take it you’re not friends with him,” Varick noted, then added, “If it helps…I’ve never heard of him,” though that wasn’t saying much, and he knew that might not help much at all. What else could he really say?

~***~

Drazhan led away, and Kirsikka hardly protested. She had no reason to linger there. Or anywhere. She wanted to leave, but understood what that would mean. The elves would just bring her right back here. She hummed as he explained who Zinnia was, connecting it back easily to that child.

Well, at least that had ended up helping in the end.

Somewhat.

“I just wanted out of the healing house,” Kirsikka noted, “I don’t really mind where you show me,” there wasn’t anything she was looking for, although as her senses started to return, she supposed she could have probably done with some food.

Some water.

‘Sleep.’ As if she hadn’t just woken up from a lot of sleep. She really did hate recovery periods. “We should be able to leave after tomorrow,” she noted, “I’m not sure if the elves will be able to send us back into Pomachion, but I intend to ask.” She had no plans to go backwards now.

 

[cleopat]

Tamsin glowered at how easily Erik bounced her insults right back at her. It was true, she wasn’t the greatest at coming up with insults. She was just too damn nice, so the worst thing her mind could think up was that Erik looked like a flouncing peacock in his foppish attire

Truly, it was hideous.

Crossing her arms over her chest, she glared at Erik’s back as he left. “No, we’re not friends in the least.” Upon Varick’s attempt at making her feel better, she sighed. “It does help a little. Erik thinks he’s the most talented bard out there, and the worst part is that he’s actually talented.” Tamsin could recognize talent when she saw it, even if it was in the form of an archnemesis.

“Come on, let’s get to that inn. I’m sure you have a very busy day ahead of you.” A reminder which only served to make Tamsin feel a little more sad, for it meant Varick would be leaving her, and she would be alone again.

At least there was the chance that he would come see her perform one more time before they parted ways permanently.

~~~

Drazhan nodded, understanding Kirsikka. He always hated those long periods of rest between a serious injury that forced him in bed until it was deemed safe for him to move his body again. There was never anything to do, and he just always felt so restless.

He wasn’t going to drag Kirsikka back to the healing house unless he felt like she was about to pass out.

“Alright, no discernable destination. Got it.” And Drazhan proceeded to show her around what he found over the last several days. Several different communal buildings, such as the schoolhouse, another cluster of homes built into the trees, and a place he gathered was their equivalent of a town hall. Maybe that’s where they’re meeting the elves the next day?

“I really don’t want to start over in those woods again. Once was enough.” And if they ever had to leave Pomachion, they would need to go through those woods again, unless Kirsikka had the energy to teleport them somewhere else.

Drazhan still had half a mind to ask for more gold for the trip.

 

[Lucyfer]

‘No, you’re really not good with insults.’ Varick thought when Tamsin still complimented Erik’s skill. It was somewhat endearing that she could recognize and accept talent in foes, of a sort. He wondered if Erik went out of his way to insult Tamsin because he was actually worried over her skill. He couldn’t deny some curiosity about Erik’s talents now, to see if they measured up or not.

It didn’t mean much that he didn’t know Erik and he knew that. He barely knew of even the famous bards despite all his traveling. He just didn’t pay much attention. “Mm. I’m following you,” Varick noted as they got back to walking through the town.

Thankfully, it really didn’t look as if it were having, though as they approached the inn Varick assumed Tamsin intended to stay at, he realized how stupid a hope that was. “Primal!” Ah yes, the famous cry for help, that mixture of relief and trepidation. When Varick looked over at the man, the man paused, noticing he appeared to be with someone. “Oh. I—you must be helping her with something, but if you have a moment—”

“I’m not on a job,” Varick sighed out, “let’s hear it.”

“Well, I’d rather discuss this away—”

“Is it a personal crisis?”

“No—”

“Is it about the sewers?”

“Oh, so you’re already here about it.”

“Yeah,” he shifted his weight, “but I need a lot more details, and to know who’s willing to employ me.”

His brows furrowed. “I thought Primals fought monsters?”

“We do. For gold. If there’s no one paying, there are other problems I can go handle first.” Why did everyone think he would do it out of the kindness of his heart, “For all I know, your town brought it on itself. Doesn’t seem to be spreading outside your borders. What’d happen, destroy some nix’s home?”

“No—no—I—really can we take this elsewhere?”

“Nah,” Varick was now enjoying it, “You’re paying?”

“I’m an aide to the governor, I cannot authorize such, but I can…provide details and bring your terms to the governor.”

~***~

Kirsikka listened as Drazhan droned on about the location. Years before, she actually would have cared. She would have been interested in it all. She would have been going out to talk to them, but now, ‘You don’t care.’ She couldn’t will herself to care. She didn’t even want to care. The curiosity she’d met life with before, was gone.

‘Frozen.’

Soon to break off like a limb.

If she wanted to believe the elves, of course. What reason did they have to lie? Probably a few. Kirsikka tended to think that about everyone. Even Drazhan, as he openly complained about going through the forest again.

Well, she still cared about that. There were embers of empathy for him, if nothing else. ‘How long until those go out?’ Likely not long. And when that happened, when she inevitably stopped caring, when she paid that price, would it be in his blood?

“If you want out, just say the word, Drazhan. There’s magic yet that can change you so you’re unrecognizable to anyone who would seek you. Not a mere potion,” she was just too vain to change. ‘And one day you won’t be. One day….’ She pushed those nagging thoughts back. It was…terribly easy to do so. “I might even be able to change your eyes if that’s what you want. I was always good with illusions. I could make something hold.”

‘You’re always trying to get rid of him.’

He probably noticed the trend.

Maybe one day he’d get tired of being asked and just go. It was for the best, that thought hadn’t changed. Caring was…exhausting. It'd be better to lose that.