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[ THIS GUY... alisaie levels him with an open frown, but she lets it go FOR NOW, for there are other, more important things to attend to for the moment.
like checking out these walls, clearly. alisaie is too much of a nerd to not appreciate them. ]
They certainly do not look it.
[ recent, she means. ]
I wonder if they were penned by those who carved this cavern. Though, given the subject matter..
[ yeah, they were probably the same...... these are definitely corpses painted on her wall. ]
like checking out these walls, clearly. alisaie is too much of a nerd to not appreciate them. ]
They certainly do not look it.
[ recent, she means. ]
I wonder if they were penned by those who carved this cavern. Though, given the subject matter..
[ yeah, they were probably the same...... these are definitely corpses painted on her wall. ]
[ It's not exactly easy to outrun a flock of eager dragon babies. JJ's doing his best, but he's worried about Percival, who's doing his best to run with Betsy in his arms. The door is close, but the dragons are hot on their trail, and the closer they get, the more aware JJ becomes of what he has to do.
He takes a deep breath. ]
I'll see you on the other side.
[ With a smile, he gives Percy a slight push toward the door, not enough to topple him, before he's spinning around on his heel, arms outstretched in a dramatic sacrifice to present himself as a roadblock.
As it is, the result isn't particularly dramatic, and JJ doesn't actually get stampeded by the baby dragons. Instead, they come to a stop in front of him, sniffing curiously, eager noses pressing against his pant legs and hopeful eyes pinned to his hands. Apparently, aside from Betsy, the rest of the den is considerably better managed. ]
Go to sleep.
[ Well, since this won't be the end of him, he just meets the babies with a shake of his head and a shooing motion, presenting his hands to reveal his lack of treats. The gesture is met with a whine, and an array of disappointed stares that does genuinely make JJ feel bad. But there's nothing he can do for them, so he just starts to edge backwards toward the door, glad when the babies don't seem to show much interest in following him. ]
Percival. [ He's whispering. ] Are you okay?
He takes a deep breath. ]
I'll see you on the other side.
[ With a smile, he gives Percy a slight push toward the door, not enough to topple him, before he's spinning around on his heel, arms outstretched in a dramatic sacrifice to present himself as a roadblock.
As it is, the result isn't particularly dramatic, and JJ doesn't actually get stampeded by the baby dragons. Instead, they come to a stop in front of him, sniffing curiously, eager noses pressing against his pant legs and hopeful eyes pinned to his hands. Apparently, aside from Betsy, the rest of the den is considerably better managed. ]
Go to sleep.
[ Well, since this won't be the end of him, he just meets the babies with a shake of his head and a shooing motion, presenting his hands to reveal his lack of treats. The gesture is met with a whine, and an array of disappointed stares that does genuinely make JJ feel bad. But there's nothing he can do for them, so he just starts to edge backwards toward the door, glad when the babies don't seem to show much interest in following him. ]
Percival. [ He's whispering. ] Are you okay?
[ i can't believe you didn't come up with it first, what weird timeline have we fallen into
Anyway, this guy seems like the Law and Order type, meaning Akira will have to be a little more picky in his choice of words. ]
Borrowing. [ Uh huh. ] They won't be much use to anyone up here.
[ (If the original owners manage to spot him, he doesn't mind giving up the goods... but isn't this a bit of a waste?) He forks over the small satchel of herbs to the stranger as a peace offering, though he's still entirely unsure whether they're for cooking, medicinal, oooorrrrr recreational purposes... ]
These will probably go bad in a week anyway. ...Any idea what they are?
Anyway, this guy seems like the Law and Order type, meaning Akira will have to be a little more picky in his choice of words. ]
Borrowing. [ Uh huh. ] They won't be much use to anyone up here.
[ (If the original owners manage to spot him, he doesn't mind giving up the goods... but isn't this a bit of a waste?) He forks over the small satchel of herbs to the stranger as a peace offering, though he's still entirely unsure whether they're for cooking, medicinal, oooorrrrr recreational purposes... ]
These will probably go bad in a week anyway. ...Any idea what they are?
Fine. Then I'll focus on leading the way back.
[ As opposed to the babysitting he's assumed he was gonna have to do. Not that it means he'll not be keeping an eye on him, but he doesn't have reason to doubt Elliot yet.
They're finally over that bridge, and he looks back to him. ]
There. Solid ground again.
[ As opposed to the babysitting he's assumed he was gonna have to do. Not that it means he'll not be keeping an eye on him, but he doesn't have reason to doubt Elliot yet.
They're finally over that bridge, and he looks back to him. ]
There. Solid ground again.
This isn't mere altruism. I'm simply following my instructions.
[ they were supposed to help the new arrivals, weren't they? granted, their instructions hadn't been too specific... and he's not even certain whether this person is new here at this point. ]
...I see. [ he quirks an eyebrow at that, before glancing back and pointing in the opposite direction percival had been walking. ]
Wyver is in that direction, though these jungles have a way of getting a person turned around. [ clearly. ]
[ they were supposed to help the new arrivals, weren't they? granted, their instructions hadn't been too specific... and he's not even certain whether this person is new here at this point. ]
...I see. [ he quirks an eyebrow at that, before glancing back and pointing in the opposite direction percival had been walking. ]
Wyver is in that direction, though these jungles have a way of getting a person turned around. [ clearly. ]
Very well.
[ Not that he thinks there's anything wrong with how he's referring to Lance, or that it's likely he'll even remember properly.
If nothing else, Lance seemed to be onto something. In the time that he's stopped yelling so much at him, the ship has steadied somewhat. There's something that deeply bothers him, though. ]
Are you saying I should simply sit here and do nothing? [ Is he even capable of that... ]
There must be something I can take over, otherwise why have two captains? [ Captain, pilot, same thing? ]
[ Not that he thinks there's anything wrong with how he's referring to Lance, or that it's likely he'll even remember properly.
If nothing else, Lance seemed to be onto something. In the time that he's stopped yelling so much at him, the ship has steadied somewhat. There's something that deeply bothers him, though. ]
Are you saying I should simply sit here and do nothing? [ Is he even capable of that... ]
There must be something I can take over, otherwise why have two captains? [ Captain, pilot, same thing? ]
(( continued from here ))
[ Just like that, Percival's inexplicable determination to make this as difficult as possible completely vanishes, replaced with regained composure. Wow, there really isn't any damage to the side of the ship where it hit. ]
That's amazing, actually. Did they truly make these ships indestructible?
[ If that's true, then its pretty reassuring, but they can obviously still get hurt in here. Plus, they have to land eventually. He looks at Yusuke with narrowed eyes, in complete disbelief for a few seconds. ]
What are you talking about? That can't really-- [ But no, it seems to be true, because starting to lose his cool again makes the ship rattle.
This is pretty personal, and uncomfortably so, but after a small sigh, he relents, diverting his gaze. ]
A field of strawberries, towards the end of summer, just before the sun sets. And you?
[ Just like that, Percival's inexplicable determination to make this as difficult as possible completely vanishes, replaced with regained composure. Wow, there really isn't any damage to the side of the ship where it hit. ]
That's amazing, actually. Did they truly make these ships indestructible?
[ If that's true, then its pretty reassuring, but they can obviously still get hurt in here. Plus, they have to land eventually. He looks at Yusuke with narrowed eyes, in complete disbelief for a few seconds. ]
What are you talking about? That can't really-- [ But no, it seems to be true, because starting to lose his cool again makes the ship rattle.
This is pretty personal, and uncomfortably so, but after a small sigh, he relents, diverting his gaze. ]
A field of strawberries, towards the end of summer, just before the sun sets. And you?
What are you talking about? Nothing seems to be out of the ordinary here-- Oh.
[ That realization comes as quickly as he turns around and begins to inspect her wall, which is... notably much more gruesome than the one he was looking over before. ]
This is disturbing. We can look for another shelter further up the river, if this place is too... distasteful.
[ He's not a fan so far, but he doesn't know if Alisaie is the type of girl to get scared at this type of stuff.
Things are looking extra bleak when he hears and feels something crack beneath his boots. Them's bones. ]
[ That realization comes as quickly as he turns around and begins to inspect her wall, which is... notably much more gruesome than the one he was looking over before. ]
This is disturbing. We can look for another shelter further up the river, if this place is too... distasteful.
[ He's not a fan so far, but he doesn't know if Alisaie is the type of girl to get scared at this type of stuff.
Things are looking extra bleak when he hears and feels something crack beneath his boots. Them's bones. ]
[ He can't really answer much on the ship's construction—were they lucky, or is this whole exercise structured to push their limits without putting them in life-threatening danger? Hard to say. Not something he wants to test, especially.
Percival seems to be of the same mind, even if he doesn't seem super keen on sharing right away. For what it's worth, Yusuke takes it seriously, not once thinking to start a round of ribbing or to disrupt their shakily found balance. Sincerity and sharing doesn't make him uncomfortable. ]
For me... peace is a painting in the corner of a quiet cafe.
[ Neither of which exists anymore, but it's still soothing. To continue painting these mental pictures— ]
Who would be there with you?
Percival seems to be of the same mind, even if he doesn't seem super keen on sharing right away. For what it's worth, Yusuke takes it seriously, not once thinking to start a round of ribbing or to disrupt their shakily found balance. Sincerity and sharing doesn't make him uncomfortable. ]
For me... peace is a painting in the corner of a quiet cafe.
[ Neither of which exists anymore, but it's still soothing. To continue painting these mental pictures— ]
Who would be there with you?
You're an artist?
[ He doesn't know why that's surprising, it's not like Yusuke ever gave an impression of not being an artist.
Yusuke's next question makes him hesitate for a long while, because while this particular mental image is peaceful, it is also, at times, painful. Right now, he tries to concentrate on how happy he felt at those particular moments. ]
It's... a memory from my childhood, to be more precise. Of my brothers, Aglovale and Lamorak, and our mother.
[ He doesn't know why that's surprising, it's not like Yusuke ever gave an impression of not being an artist.
Yusuke's next question makes him hesitate for a long while, because while this particular mental image is peaceful, it is also, at times, painful. Right now, he tries to concentrate on how happy he felt at those particular moments. ]
It's... a memory from my childhood, to be more precise. Of my brothers, Aglovale and Lamorak, and our mother.
[ He nods rather than delving into it. His identity as a painter was, of course, the crux of who he is—but he can just show Percival his work later, if he's interested. More effective than crowing about it here.
Instead, he lets him speak without interruption as he taps a few buttons on the control console, engines finally starting to stabilize. ]
For that to spring to mind so quickly... you must be very fond of them.
[ It was a spontaneous enough answer that he doubts it's a lie or anything. Besides, the state of the ship speaks for itself. Thinking about it does seem to be calming him—and Yusuke, in a vicarious sort of way—down. ]
Instead, he lets him speak without interruption as he taps a few buttons on the control console, engines finally starting to stabilize. ]
For that to spring to mind so quickly... you must be very fond of them.
[ It was a spontaneous enough answer that he doubts it's a lie or anything. Besides, the state of the ship speaks for itself. Thinking about it does seem to be calming him—and Yusuke, in a vicarious sort of way—down. ]
Yes, I miss them greatly.
[ In an indirect way, Yusuke reminds Percival that his brothers, his mother, and even his father were people he'd run across while making his way through the stasis units. It was a hopeful thought he carried, that they might one day awaken.
Especially his mother.
Percival follows after Yusuke's lead and, now much more calm, steers the directional control slightly to the right, to avoid another collision. ]
What are your favorite subjects to paint?
[ In an indirect way, Yusuke reminds Percival that his brothers, his mother, and even his father were people he'd run across while making his way through the stasis units. It was a hopeful thought he carried, that they might one day awaken.
Especially his mother.
Percival follows after Yusuke's lead and, now much more calm, steers the directional control slightly to the right, to avoid another collision. ]
What are your favorite subjects to paint?
[ Considering she has no grasp of the depths—ergo consequences—of space, the threat is rather lost on her. She's already floating in unfathomable nothingness, what's one more level on top of that? But before she can express as much, he's screaming his own brand of blasphemy and the ship is lunging forward. She may not be able to see, but she can feel the tilt, sense him reaffirming his hold on her prison ever tighter. ]
[ Look Perc, if you don't want a ghost in your lap maybe leave what it's trapped in alone?? ]
Perhaps you would be able to steer if you had left yourself the use of both hands! Pull up!
[ Truth be told, she has no idea what pull up entails, but it is probably the most frequently cried expression whenever the flying wagon started to pitch like this. She's hardly affected by the force of the maneuver, but where she floats, she does inevitably bump shoulders with the man more than once as he steadies the vessel. And by bump, of course, I mean phase uncomfortably through. ]
[ Look Perc, if you don't want a ghost in your lap maybe leave what it's trapped in alone?? ]
Perhaps you would be able to steer if you had left yourself the use of both hands! Pull up!
[ Truth be told, she has no idea what pull up entails, but it is probably the most frequently cried expression whenever the flying wagon started to pitch like this. She's hardly affected by the force of the maneuver, but where she floats, she does inevitably bump shoulders with the man more than once as he steadies the vessel. And by bump, of course, I mean phase uncomfortably through. ]
Hmph. If you're certain. I'll steer it in your direction, then!
[ This beast is too large to reliably bait in any direction, but at least with it wounded, it moves slower.
And it moves predictably enough, that the next time it resurfaces, Percival can maneuver himself to stand just a little in front of Shura. He ducks down immediately, leaving its belly exposed and ready for the taking by a good shot from her. ]
[ This beast is too large to reliably bait in any direction, but at least with it wounded, it moves slower.
And it moves predictably enough, that the next time it resurfaces, Percival can maneuver himself to stand just a little in front of Shura. He ducks down immediately, leaving its belly exposed and ready for the taking by a good shot from her. ]
[ Though he may not ever understand exactly what Percival's feeling, he can approximate; if not for family, then friends, or lovers or rivals or whoever else. All of them are waiting on a hopeful reunion with somebody, someday.
It's easy to ride the wave of nostalgia once it starts, and at this point his spirits are smoothed over enough that he can smile a little. ]
Everything. [ A beat. ] That sounds trite... But I wish to depict all facets of the world— [ He barely stops his thoughts to veer away from another meteor, though they seem to be taking it a notch slower now. ] its ugliness and its radiance both. I want to capture emotion.
[ Rambling on about art seems enough to cheer him up anyway; if he even remembers their rocky start, it doesn't show in the slightest. ]
So I'm grateful that you'd share the landscapes in your heart, Percival. [ And the people, of course. ]
It's easy to ride the wave of nostalgia once it starts, and at this point his spirits are smoothed over enough that he can smile a little. ]
Everything. [ A beat. ] That sounds trite... But I wish to depict all facets of the world— [ He barely stops his thoughts to veer away from another meteor, though they seem to be taking it a notch slower now. ] its ugliness and its radiance both. I want to capture emotion.
[ Rambling on about art seems enough to cheer him up anyway; if he even remembers their rocky start, it doesn't show in the slightest. ]
So I'm grateful that you'd share the landscapes in your heart, Percival. [ And the people, of course. ]
[ That is... surprisingly insightful for someone as young and as... well, Percival had presumed, foolish. Even if there's no guarantee that Yusuke is an artist with any sort of talent, Percival can at least appreciate his dedication and his ability to see worth and beauty in apparently everything. It reminds him, coincidentally, of his mother.
He isn't sure he agrees, but that is a worthy personal conviction. And the fact that he didn't hesitate to answer speaks volumes. ]
You... seem very dedicated to your passion. I should like to see some of your works sometime. To see if you are able to capture such emotion for myself.
[ A moment of thought. ]
Perhaps you're not as foolish as I thought.
[ For having such a way with words, as well as proposing an idea that actually worked.
They continue their slow descent. ]
He isn't sure he agrees, but that is a worthy personal conviction. And the fact that he didn't hesitate to answer speaks volumes. ]
You... seem very dedicated to your passion. I should like to see some of your works sometime. To see if you are able to capture such emotion for myself.
[ A moment of thought. ]
Perhaps you're not as foolish as I thought.
[ For having such a way with words, as well as proposing an idea that actually worked.
They continue their slow descent. ]
Edited 2017-12-16 05:45 (UTC)
[ For a brief moment, Percival stares up at Cain with wide, searching eyes. He doesn't look as sure or as confident as he ordinarily would. As dangerous as the situation might be, he usually keeps his composure fairly intact during grave moments. But this isn't as easy to approach as any old battle. ]
This seems effortless for you. I'm envious.
[ And perhaps being able to admit that is why, after a small sigh, he leans forward and rests his forehead against the curve of Cain's shoulder. He can't deny that he finds the other man a comfort like this. He is the only familiar, almost nostalgic feeling in this whole damn ship. ]
Take over the controls. I will join you in just a moment.
This seems effortless for you. I'm envious.
[ And perhaps being able to admit that is why, after a small sigh, he leans forward and rests his forehead against the curve of Cain's shoulder. He can't deny that he finds the other man a comfort like this. He is the only familiar, almost nostalgic feeling in this whole damn ship. ]
Take over the controls. I will join you in just a moment.
[ The goal is now to simply swim as fast as he possibly could, to outrun the rest of the serpents or perhaps avoid even drawing their attention. That chance looks more and more grim as the seconds pass, however, given that the surrounding creatures are catching the strong scent of blood.
And good lord, that sure is a painful kick to the face. He sputters and jerks around angrily, in confusion, and now... he's the one that needs help. :(
The hit is enough to stun him for a split second, but a split second is all he needs for another beast to coil and constrict around his foot, entrapping him. ]
And good lord, that sure is a painful kick to the face. He sputters and jerks around angrily, in confusion, and now... he's the one that needs help. :(
The hit is enough to stun him for a split second, but a split second is all he needs for another beast to coil and constrict around his foot, entrapping him. ]
I've had a lot of practice, it's nothing to be envious of.
[ A dry response, a little rueful — he doesn't want to think about why he's so good at keeping his cool, not when the memories are sure, no matter his outward appearance, to rile his emotions. That's the last thing either of them need when he's serving as a touchstone.
For the moment, he concentrates instead on the warmth of Percival against him, the gentle pressure of Percival's head against his shoulder. He strokes a hand through Percival's hair, focusing on the softness, the faint, pleasant wood-smoke smell tickling his nose. ]
Take whatever time you need. I've got you.
[ Luckily, he doesn't need to move to pilot the ship, a benefit of a ship that runs on emotions. He can let Percival rest against him and gather himself, and Cain means what he's said. As long as Percival needs. ]
[ A dry response, a little rueful — he doesn't want to think about why he's so good at keeping his cool, not when the memories are sure, no matter his outward appearance, to rile his emotions. That's the last thing either of them need when he's serving as a touchstone.
For the moment, he concentrates instead on the warmth of Percival against him, the gentle pressure of Percival's head against his shoulder. He strokes a hand through Percival's hair, focusing on the softness, the faint, pleasant wood-smoke smell tickling his nose. ]
Take whatever time you need. I've got you.
[ Luckily, he doesn't need to move to pilot the ship, a benefit of a ship that runs on emotions. He can let Percival rest against him and gather himself, and Cain means what he's said. As long as Percival needs. ]
What on earth are you doing?!
[ JJ is mad if he thinks he's going to survive an attack by so many beasts. Little does he know that he doesn't give them enough credit, and that they're not actually vicious when faced with lack of treats. They're still nice obedient babies.
But Percival doesn't know that, so once he's outside, he bangs on the door, frantic and worried. Even Betsy looks worried enough by the suddenly upset man that she continues obediently drinking her milk in his arms. ]
You fool! Open the door! You-- You're alright?
[ He didn't get eaten alive... ]
[ JJ is mad if he thinks he's going to survive an attack by so many beasts. Little does he know that he doesn't give them enough credit, and that they're not actually vicious when faced with lack of treats. They're still nice obedient babies.
But Percival doesn't know that, so once he's outside, he bangs on the door, frantic and worried. Even Betsy looks worried enough by the suddenly upset man that she continues obediently drinking her milk in his arms. ]
You fool! Open the door! You-- You're alright?
[ He didn't get eaten alive... ]
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