[Closed] April Catchall

[finesseblade]

Who: Felix + Various
When: Throughout April
Where: Throughout Aefenglom, and a little Dorchacht too
What: Quests, Events, and Shenanigans!
Warnings: Maybe a little blood, a little body horror, all kinds of fun stuff

If you'd like to plot something for this month please pm me or contact me at ruddyowls

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[finesseblade]

Somehow, I doubt it. This place has a mind and agenda of its own—seems like it does whatever the hell it wants.

[ Luck has rarely been on Felix's side either since coming here, and he doesn't expect it to somehow miraculously improve in the next few minutes, if the way he keeps turning into corridors he knows aren't there in the real palace in Fhirdiad is any indication.

They round another corner, impossibly, into the lower levels of the castle and his younger self hanging in the shadows outside of a lit doorway, listening to the conversation inside.

—just brought back his armor—

—that any wonder? The knights said what was left could barely be called a body—

Hissing between his teeth, Felix turns back around to Lorenz, putting his back firmly to the scene behind him. ]

Just... keep what you see to yourself. [ He hesitates, barely even knowing how to admit even this much, but presses on: ] I believe I can trust you to do that, at least.

[ This realm doesn't respect personal matters, no, but at least someone here does. ]

[bergamotrose]

[Catching the barest of glimpses, Lorenz quickly averted his gaze out of respect. Luck was never on his side, especially in trivial matters, and he didn't expect that to change because they were within the confines of a dream.

Inhaling, Lorenz firmly nodded.]

You have my word.

...But, Felix. [He added, quieter.] I'm aware that you're not the first born in your family. While I can't say I fully understand, as I have no older siblings...

If you need an ear that will listen, you can borrow mine. Sometimes talking hardships through can help.

[finesseblade]

[ The flash of a pale face darting past them, back the direction they came, signals his younger self's retreat. Felix, in his older form, is equally as pale, his expression tight as his eyes dart in the direction of the movement.

For a moment he can only stand there, his mouth working as though to respond, but no sound emerging. Finally he sighs. ]

Talking is not... what I do. I never saw the point. Or had the chance.

[ Not with Dimitri estranged, and Ingrid too caught up in turning the whole ordeal into a starry-eyed fairy tale. And Sylvain...

Felix has always been more worried about keeping Sylvain alive than sharing his own, irrelevant problems. That Lorenz even asks is a brand-new and strange experience. ]

But I will consider it. For now, I need time.

[ Eventually, perhaps, but not fresh off the memory. Not until he's had time to settle his thoughts. ]

Thank you, Lorenz.

[bergamotrose]

[Lorenz smiled, in many ways reminded of the halting and awkward progress that was communication among the Golden Deer and others within the Liecester Alliance. Talking came too easily for some of them-- over matters that were wholly unimportant. Discussing the greater matters was near taboo.

Which was why it took so long to get anything accomplished.]

You're welcome, Felix.

[He said with an understanding nod.]

...I meant what I said before, [he added.] I want to get to know you as you are, which means both the good and the bad.

Take your time. We have it for the first time in a very long time... and, while I am here, I will certainly stand by your side.

[finesseblade]

[ His eyes find their way back to Lorenz with a halting uncertainty, still reluctant to look him in the eyes right now. But a ghost of a smile plays briefly across his face, and his shoulders slump with a slow exhale. Lorenz is nothing if not predictable, which is more than he can say for this dreamscape. ]

You've made that perfectly clear. Seems like I can barely manage to get rid of you these days.

[ As the dreamscape shifts, Felix's gaze shifts past Lorenz, and—ah, there it is. A door opening up where it wasn't before that reminds him vaguely of the door to the courtyard.

Felix steps past Lorenz, but not without lifting a hesitant hand first—and, after a moment's consideration, clapping it down on his shoulder. ]

...Just don't expect me to be watching your back all the time. I've got enough of my own problems.

[ In Felix-speak, that's as good as a promise to do the same. ]

[bergamotrose]

I expected no less.

[Said with a smile, and a note of jest despite the unfortunate situation Felix was no doubt having difficulty enduring. Anything that kept affairs running smoothly while they were in Aefenglom was worthwhile in Lorenz's mind.

The shoulder-clap had been unexpected. As off the cuff as affairs within the Alliance could be even among the nobility, Lorenz had always maintained a certain distance between himself and others. While a more distant associate would have had the hand brushed off briskly, Felix earned a look. Eyebrows were raised in surprise, but of the pleasant variety, and for a moment Lorenz felt something which he missed.

Camaraderie.]

It's the same for me. We are busy people, after all...

But, [he said teasingly, the smile growing in warmth beyond that of the fussy politeness that Lorenz worked hard to cultivate. He reached out, clapping a hand lightly on Felix's shoulder as well.]

I believe I can make exceptions for a talented sparring partner.

[finesseblade]

[ Nevermind he's already got a hand on Lorenz's shoulder, because Felix still tenses, ears flicking backwards in surprise. He doesn't take to casual affection well from most people. Doesn't usually accept it.

But, hell, they're having a moment. He'll allow it. Felix exhales sharply through his nose, not quite laughing. ]

That a challenge? If you're not scared, come see me when you wake up and have a moment of time. I'd be interested to see if you've improved.

[ ...Only for a moment, though. He's reached his limit in casual affection for now, so he shrugs out of Lorenz's grip and heads for the door. This will be the way out, he knows it. ]

Come on. I don't feel like sticking around to see what else this place wants to throw at us, do you?