☆ Event Log: Snatched, Part Two

[faileas]

Event Log: January, Snatched - Part Two

I. A Great Escape (20th, Evening) It's been a miserable six days for the Mirrorbound and refugees kept locked away in a basement cell block, subject to all kinds of torment and experimentation. They're a resilient sort, though, and their efforts to organize and bolster each other are not in vain. As the time passes with no sign of the City Guard drawing close to their operations, the Rathmore family grows overconfident, and characters can hear them talking to each other about another mass-kidnapping in the works. The best opening comes late on the night of the 20th. A few of the family's numbers are out - notably, Thomas Rathmore, his wife, and his mother are attending an emergency meeting of Parliament, and Constance is making an appearance at the Coven. This leaves the more inexperienced cousins in charge, the lesser known Rathmores with no particular skill outside of cruelty. Changing of the guard begins as usual, a handful of Rathmores delivering some sparse rations and taking their time to choose a few prisoners to remove from their cells, but this time, the Mirrorbound bite back. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Daenerys and Asura, along with the prisoners preparing an organized revolt, a fire started in the torture room provides chaos and cover - and one dead Rathmore cousin, whose body gives up some of the keys to a handful cells. Time to play the cards you've held close to your chest over days of torture, your held-back spells, your tricks, your items that weren't confiscated. A mass escape isn't likely, with so many people still present in the building and so many of the captives injured and tired, but with enough of a distraction in the form of a prison riot, which may be enough to overpower the three Rathmores initially left in the cell block, a handful of scrappy Mirrorbound may make it out to safety before reinforcements arrive. a. The Escape Attempt There is one door out of the cell block, the main, heavy, warded door that the Rathmores enter and exit from every few hours. It's locked down tight - but it's possible to power through it, pick the lock, or charm it open. On the other side of the door, in the greater basement area, they'll find themselves free of the Bond dampening. Witch magic make take some time to return, depending on whether they were drugged or only charmed, but it'll be important to move quickly. The Rathmores' basement area is large - the size of the mansion above and the grounds put together, and they'll find themselves on the lower of two levels. The cellblock turns out to be a room within an even bigger room, with the stairs at the opposite end. The dangers are numerous: magical and mechanical traps set in areas marked off-limits, illusions intended to confuse and turn people around. There is only one completely safe path from the cellblock door to the stairs, unless they take the time to disarm the traps and illusions with their returning magic and abilities. That safe path is faster but more exposed, with two or three Rathmores in pursuit, and also the other people that could occasionally be heard outside the door - young aristocrats in on the kidnapping, who thought the Mirrorbound would be sent home. They're just as surprised to see you as you are them. In fact, it's not difficult to overpower these non-Rathmore kidnappers; they're obviously shocked to see Mirrorbound still here, in such states, and some are quite angry, or scared to learn what they've inadvertently gotten themselves into. A good handful flee instead of fight, but some others follow through on the shouted orders to go after you. Use the chaos your appearance causes to your advantage. Once escapees reach the upper basement level, up the stairs and through a hidden door, a few more traps remain, but up here, it looks more like a normal basement; servants' quarters, empty for some time now, storage rooms full of antiques, and winding hallways connecting them. It's easier to hide in this dusty maze to escape any pursuers, and eventually, they find the servants' exit out onto the back grounds. From there, freedom is just a run and a decorative, wrought-iron fence away. b. The Chaos Back in the cells, everything descends into chaos. The Rathmores are furious; while two or three of the cousins go after the escapees, the rest begin to gather down in the cell block, put out the fire, and the interrogations begin. They don't bother taking prisoners out to torment them now - they can't, with their torture room charred and smokey. Their main focus is forcing prisoners back in, and locking everything down with magic and heavy chains, to ensure no one else gets out. They grow more vicious now, and they begin speaking directly to the captives - they want to know which ones got free, how they managed it, who helped them, where they're going, who they're going to tell. Those who refuse to talk will be gagged or muzzled or simply beaten without finesse, and they'll move on to the next captive. Preying on the Mirrorbound's camaraderie with each other is the tactic they quickly turn to, hurting one to try and make another talk. The talk outside the main door grows louder in these few hours, angrier. Occasionally one of the Rathmore cousins will go out to spin some lies, or simply shout down any protesting. Some of the enchantments were damaged in the riot, though - they can hear you, just as well as you can hear them, muffled but still mostly clear. The more they hear from within, the more the confusion outside grows; all the better for the escaped Mirrorbound. ..."What's going on? Those were Mirrorbound that got out-" "We thought you were sending them home!" "You told us there was no risk, that this would make them leave-" "You don't need to worry about that! Go back upstairs!" "Someone needs to get a message to our Uncle Thomas immediately-"... They're all panicking as their grand plans, flimsy as they may have been, start to crumble around them. It's just a matter of time, now. The OOC post for the escape plotting is here if anyone needs to refer back to it! Eight characters will be escaping first thanks to a joint effort. The rescue will be underway within two hours of their escape, but those two hours are likely to be unpleasant for characters who remain in captivity. Any NPC maimings or proposed deaths need to be reported on the City Tracker; please note that mass murder / killing NPCs will still have consequences and needs mod approval first, but we're happy to work with players however we can.

II. The Cavalry (21st, Very Early Morning) The City Guard is closer than the Rathmores think. Thanks to Mirrorbound investigative help, not always strictly legal but still appreciated nonetheless, they've all followed the clues back and determined a possible address. By the evening of the 20th, several members of the Guard and Witches from the Coven, along with any Mirrorbound who followed the trail, are camped out at a manse nearby, the home of a wealthy widow eager to see her nasty neighbors knocked down a peg. Without solid evidence, the Guard can't get a warrant cleared to search the property owned by a Mr. Barclay, assistant to Thomas Rathmore, but solid evidence comes as soon as eight Mirrorbound manage to fight their way out of captivity, returning to friends and Bonded. They are the last piece of the puzzle, and now legal action can be taken. Theodore Rosethorne, leading a small group from the Coven, sends out a magical message to just the Mirrorbound - they've been found. Anyone who wishes to help bring their missing fellows home, anyone who can help with much-needed healing, or anyone who wishes to bring their captors to justice needs to show up now, because time is of the essence. The Guard can't mobilize more men quickly enough in the middle of the night to be useful and they need all the hands they can get, without a floor plan of the mansion or solid ideas of the captors' numbers. They can barely wait an hour for more hands to arrive before it begins. a. The Rescue Sowilo, Theodore's Bonded Fae and a skilled hand at illusions (and seeing through such), leads the rescue efforts, along with some of Theodore's Witches from the Coven. With information from the escapees, they plan to go through the back, take the servants' exit, and make their way down to the basement levels, while Theodore's assault team will go through the front doors, making as much noise as possible. Sowilo's illusions will keep their presence masked at least until they get into the house. The aim is to get through as quietly as possible, find the cellblock, and secure a safe route to take the prisoners out without them getting hurt any worse than they are. It's easier said than done. Magical and mechanical traps of various types litter both basement floors, and heavy illusion work has been placed to obscure the way. Splitting into smaller groups to disarm the traps and deal with the illusions will be necessary, as the entire group will make its way down to the cellblock as quickly as possible. Sowilo hopes they face little to no resistance, with Theodore's group doing their job, but a few, Rathmores and otherwise, are bound to try and stop them; in that case, they will have to fight. "Make sure you can argue a case for self-defense, if you have to hurt them," Sowilo will tell the rescuers and later the freed prisoners on the way out, wings fluttering agitatedly. "Let them be arrested and publicly humiliated in court - ruin their whole family line for generations to come." He's not happy about it either, and will overlook some of the captors getting a taste of what they deserve, but deaths are not permitted on his or the Witches' watch: anyone who takes things too far will find that the person they're attacking has simply vanished - a convincing illusion - before they're handily knocked out with a spell. They face less resistance than the assault team, but less is not none; a few of the Rathmores are determined to salvage their efforts, and some of their unwitting aristocratic cronies have sided with them. Once they reach the cellblock, dismantling the enchantments that keep the prisoners restrained and addled is the first order of business for some. Others can start unlocking cells and helping people out of their restraints. Protection for the escapees on their way out will also be necessary, as well as medical attention back at the temporary base camp. The main focus has to be on those lost friends and loved ones, bringing them back out to freedom and making sure they're tended to - not on revenge. b. The Assault Theodore Rosethorne, along with some members of the City Guard and some Witches from the Coven, leads the assault. While the rescue team goes around the back, they plan to go through the front door, as loudly and conspicuously as possible. The mansion is large and needs to be swept from top to bottom for perpetrators and evidence that can be used in court. Those joining up with this team are warned that it needs to remain legal - the Mirrorbound and the refugees, all of them, have a very shaky, uncertain legal status within the city, and a mass murder could severely harm what good will they have from the locals as well as their status here. After all, many are still neutral to positive on the Mirrorbound, but that could change in an instant. The Coven will take as much responsibility as they can, but they cannot accept the blame for a senseless slaughter. Splitting into smaller groups will be necessary in order to cover more ground quickly. The aim is to locate, subdue, and arrest as many of the culprits inside as they can. The Guard provides magic-suppressing cuffs, and the Coven a basic knock-out spell, but since many will not go so willingly, some degree of force may be unavoidable. If there's one thing the rich fear, it's a legal black mark on their family name and reputation - the Rathmores will fight back harder than their underlings, but they're also the ones they need alive to face the justice system. Those outside the family, those who only knew about the kidnapping portion, are a mixed bag - some might fight back, siding with the Rathmores, but some might give themselves up once the realization of what happened in that basement sinks in. Once they make their entrance, things move quickly. Several wealthy aristocrats either flee or fight, but their attention is thankfully pulled away from the basement and toward the upper levels. There are dozens of rooms to search, and many are cluttered with an old hoarding family's antiques, furniture piled against doors and windows blocking access to some areas, hundreds of nooks and crannies among the sheer amount of stuff provide cover for culprits to hide in. It's going to be work to ferret them all out and bring them in. Worse still, the Rathmores have collected dozens of cursed or enchanted objects that may be used as weapons against the forces of justice. Some degree of force is expected, but still if anyone tries to take things too far, they might find themselves slapped into cuffs or knocked out with a spell themselves. Any NPC maimings or proposed deaths need to be reported on the City Tracker; please note that mass murder / killing NPCs will still have consequences and needs mod approval first, but we're happy to work with players however we can.

III. The After (21st On) Activity continues all through the night and late into the morning at the former Rathmore estate. All the Rathmores and a couple dozen other wealthy aristocrats are brought out in cuffs over the course of several hours, while all the prisoners are liberated to receive medical attention and reunite with their loved ones. The Guard take statements from everyone who will give one - what they witnessed, what happened to them, what they know - and all who were affected are told they will be invited to testify at trial. A gathering crowd forms at the end of the street, wealthy neighbors aghast at the horrors they're learning had occurred right in their District. Most are disgusted with the once-prominent family. On the steps of the Parliament building, Thomas Rathmore, his wife, and his mother, all sitting members of Parliament themselves, are publicly arrested in front of colleagues and on-lookers early in the morning. Constance Rathmore is taken out of the Coven roughly in magic-suppressing cuffs, surrounded by a small group of furious Witches, students of the Coven who spent the week trying to find the missing Mirrorbound and refugees with Divination. They escort her to the prison themselves. All who are arrested are transported to holding cells of their own within the City Guard - all except those requiring urgent medical attention, who will remain cuffed to their hospital beds until trial. Nessie and Mhairi make an appearance at one point to give the Mirrorbound their sincerest apologies for what happened, and Mhairi delivers the news that they're pushing for an expedited trial in Parliament, in order to keep Thomas Rathmore from bribing any contacts. They, along with Theodore and Sowilo, and the Guard, are all open and forthright with what will happen next: public trial and a certain conviction, followed by sentencing. They don't expect that the Rathmores will get away lightly; what they did is too public and too horrific for even the anti-Mirrorbound wealthy to stomach. Those others who were involved, who weren't aware of what was going on behind that metal door, they'll still face justice themselves, no doubt. In the meanwhile, those kept hostage will need all the help they can get to reach something resembling normal again. Hug your loved ones, nourish your Bonds with each other, and begin trying to heal together.

Welcome to Part Two of January's event log, Snatched! An aftermath summary of the trial and sentencing will go up on Feb. 4, the day after the City Tracker deadline, so get your submissions in if you have them! More politically-oriented characters may find an opening in the near future to enact change within Parliament and provide their own representation within the city...

And as a general reminder, please make sure to use content warnings where necessary in your headers!

Comments

[futhark]

[ Right... Right for now. As he goes through the infirmary (on a quest for toilet no less) and sees the filled rooms, filled beds, he feels a growing need to— to run away, really. To everyday business instead of healing. Logically, he knows it's not the best idea, but the uneasiness raises and is almost choking.

He tries to smother it down, put it aside. Is he finally getting any closer to shutting off his Bonded of his own turmoil? ]

Couldn't find any cigarettes, can you believe it? [ He tries to give his voice a teasing lilt, but it comes off mostly blank. Getting back on the bed is arguably more of a challenge than getting out of it. With Archer's dragon's form, he's not sure where it's okay to touch and climb through, and he doesn't want to accidentally hurt. Finally, he manages the task, and curls himself around his dragon's head. ]

[boneofsword]

[Dragon!Archer helps him by gently nudging with his head, letting him know it doesn't hurt. He sighs and settles down when Cú is finally on the bed and let's him cuddle however he wants. His scales radiate warmth, and there's a hint of scent reminiscing of a forge - well, he is a fire dragon.

When both of them are comfortably settled, dragon carefully strokes his Bonded's shoulder with the tip of his tail, his touch light and tender. He attempts to communicate that if his treasure wants to talk he's here and ready to listen, and if he prefers to just nap comfortably it's perfectly fine. After all he's here and can be a hug pillow.

Underneath the warmth and care on their link there's a hint of worry, though, getting stronger for a moment. Asking how Cú is. Dragon scrunches his nose slightly at the herbal scent at first.

Around them are sounds of hushed voices, many visitors talking with their Bonded and friends, patients visiting each other, sometimes sharing beds too. The noise reminds of the better things in life, of safety and care.]

[futhark]

[ Manipulating the intensity of what gets shared on their Bond is a curious way of communicating. Cú gets it, understands the question, but doesn't know what the answer could be. The fact that Archer is in this state at all... That is his fault. He left his Bonded behind to escape, to bring help, yes.

But he still left Emiya behind, and on his own wish at that. He resents him a little for that— for what? For self-sacrifice, or for denying him doing the same stunt? ]

Don't worry about me. Focus on getting better, okay? [ They must have gotten you hard. Never before had Caster seen a full dragon form. Never before he saw this man unable to speak. If this is what he needs to heal, so be it, but— still, he worries.

It's bad. ]

[boneofsword]

[Dragon snorts again and rolls his eyes. It's frustrating, so he focuses and—

'—dammit, Cú.'

It's faint and exasperated, and suddenly one thing becomes obvious - with jaw not suited for human speech Archer has to learn another way of communicating. His 'voice' isn't steady, clearly untried as for now he wasn't in the mood for talking.

Yes, he is bruised and battered, his scales here and there are swathed in bandages, but he's alive and it matters.

'—get better together.'

Eventually he'll get the hang of it.]

[futhark]

[ It's not clear telepathy, but they're close, and closely linked so the impression of the message gets through. ]

I know. [ And that he could end there but— he's tired. He's tired of everything. Where there should be relief and happiness over everything being over there is just a familiar acceptance of the fact. The brief joy, a temporary high of seeing the dragon around and realizing who he is, that not all have been lost— that slowly flickered away. ]

I thought— [ I was afraid ] —I'll never see you again. [ You, and so many others. It's strange to talk into the silence as his fingers idly stroke the scales. —a memory of the scaled skin being cut off flashes and Cú nearly curls into himself. ] That they will kill all of you to hide the evidence.

[ He still doesn't know if everyone made it out alive ]

[boneofsword]

[Tail wraps around Caster's shoulder in resemblance of a hug, and then there's sudden wave of warmth and thankfulness.]

They had no chance. [talking like that gets easier the more Archer tries, but it will still take time. Everything will take time. Just the tip of his tail moves to stroke Cú's cheek soothingly as he holds his precious Bonded close. He wants to touch and ensure that Cú knows he's not alone.] You made it in time.

[futhark]

[ Between massive bandages covering so much of his skin, he doesn't get to feel the full contact of that tail— but he knows it's there, and he understands the gesture. The comfort is appreciated, really, but— he can't help but feel hollow.

He knew that it was the correct choice, but knowing he left his Bonded and his friends behind he cannot see it as a victory. ]

No point wondering what would happen if I didn't, no? [ He knows it's true, he knows and yet, he can't stop his thoughts from going there. To the darkest possibilities. To what is his responsibility. ] Why are you staying like this?

[ He tries to make the question sound casual, but... ]

[boneofsword]

[Dragon sighs. Caster's state worries him more than anything. Using their Bond to torture, shifting the blame and manipulating them - their kidnappers didn't waste efforts to fuck them up.]

I'm not sure how to turn back.

[He's going to figure it out, so don't worry. It's temporary. Just try to enjoy the huge winged serpent, okay? Speaking of wings Archer carefully stretches out one (problem with being a huge dragon is how little space is there) and covers his Bonded.] Healers say bones will set better if I don't turn.

[futhark]

[ "Don't know how to turn back?" What does it mean? That he is now to stay a beast? —no, Cú knows better. That means the damage is so great that shifting risks undoing all healing has been done. ]

Listen to them then and don't try now. You will figure it in time. [ Caster ensures him, trying to not make it obvious he's talking through his gritted teeth. He holds the dragon head tighter. Of course, they knew— they knew about the Bond, and if he was the one to escape, Archer was once again there to paid the price. Why bonds formed are always tainted by cruelty of others?

It's a different scenario, but it is his responsibility to bear nonetheless. ] You survived, you always do, don't you?

[ If the curse of Gáe Bolg was not enough to stop your heart, those people stand no chance ]

[boneofsword]

[Dragon growls. It's a low, threatening sound that makes everyone around fall silent and look nervously towards the source. Caster, thanks to the closeness, gets to hear the full scope. Archer flicks his forehead with just the tip of his tail lightly.]

Cú Chulainn, you're the most aggravating person that I have ever met!

[There's some fondness hiding under the irrtation, for sure. Grey eye narrows dangerously.]

I knew the risk before the riot started, so don't you dare to give me that. [huff] You'd do the same.

[He can see (and feel) the signs of guilt and misplaced responsibility, something he knows from personal experience. They are similar in such regard, being too used to protect the others while taking the front position. Paying in sweat and blood for safety of their own. Being denied and having one of his own hurt— it's hard to get over the guilt.]

[futhark]

[ Cú doesn't get to just hear it, he gets to feel the rumble that accompanies the growl as he rests curled around dragon's head. Wow, excuse u, he's going through hard-time can't you feel the angsty brackets? Being sighed at by large Dragon is so—

—annoying, he wants to think annoying, but it feels more just "familiar" in a fond way. It's coming from genuine care, and genuine worry, all while sounding like the usual jab. He's "the most aggravating person" when he returns home late at night, shedding clothing before a quick wash, and then leaving water trails to bed. He's the most aggravating when he enchants broomstick with petty spell to spread the dust, not deal with it, or allows the garden warfare to run too far. He's the most aggravating person when he drags them through dirt and mire and fights just for the fun of it, instead of avoiding all that with a clever shortcut.

That's when he earns the "most aggravating person" title. Adding their current sorry state and the shitshow that's barely over to the list of the above daily annoyances... makes it feel like it's just a passing wind, another page easily moved past. We nearly died, haha! That's such a Red Branch way of dealing with it (or not dealing, really, depends who you ask) he's almost impressed.

And he's grateful for that, for that reminder. So he responds and gives back in turn, by grabbing Archer's nostrils and pulling it up and back as much as he can with his hands. ]

Well fuck you, you bet I would— [ Pull, pull, ] With far more style and valor! You don't say "leave me behind, that's the only way", you gotta say "Go! I will catch up soon"

[ For once, the latter is more hopeful, less finite and grim than the first one. Sure one could say it's about the latter being cooler, but that's not about it. His past life wasn't better, marred by the gruesome ends to his family and friends (often by his own hands) and betrayal— yet it was still life to take pride in.

It doesn't mean he wants to be the death to his close ones again. ]

[boneofsword]

[It sounds so much like Cú from before— before the kidnapping, before the neverending nights in dank cells and keeping one eye open, that Archer has to close his eyes and swallow.

Nose pulling demands retribution. He can't really use hands, and his tail is wrapped around the aggravating Witch, so he has to use what he can. Meaning smacking his tongue - thinner and longer than usual but not snake-like - over Caster's hand, and keeping it there. Acting very adult-like.]

I told you that I'll be waiting. [he's been acting on instincts and adrenaline then, pulling Cú for a kiss and promising to be there when he's back.] I knew I'd be able to still witstand them— and I promised you to live, in Dorchacht.

[It's a promise that Archer treats very seriously.]

[futhark]

[ Caster pauses, at the implication, he wasn't treating Archer's promise seriously— and thus he wonders. Archer's a person from different times, appearing without honour— but no, his integrity is just different from his own.

In those long months he never ever gave him a reason to doubt him. To be annoyed or angry at him, oh yes? But as an ally, as a partner as a Bonded, he could always be trusted.

——You're not trying to die for a cause bigger than you, aren't you?
———No. I've done it one time too many, and it's not worth dying. Besides I have someone worth living for. ]

You made me promise to live. All you said was that you had someone to live for. [ Semantics, yes, but those are not the same. Having someone to live for means having someone to die for should the need arise. ]

[boneofsword]

Having someone to live for means surviving for them.

[Archer is suddenly aware that his words back then could be taken differently. His intent has never been to force a promise without keeping his own as well. Their link echoes with realization that he didn't make his intent clear, and with fierce protectiveness. It's not his wish to hurt his Bonded by throwing his life away.]

Asking yoo to live without reciprocating isn't what I meant back then. [huff] You treat promises seriously, and I do the same.

[futhark]

I know. [ Cu declares with determination as he tries to free his arm off the tongue hold. That's the point where he gives up on the nostril tugging and just lies face-first above Archer's forehead, into the mane. ]

It's just— fresh. Raw. Feels like grieving, but if no one died, what is there to grieve?

[ But this isn't how victory feels like. This isn't how accomplishment feels like. Wounds treated, the pain dulled, but they're out. They're out and free and yet— there is no peace in it.

Archer is a grounding presence, but he can't allow himself to use it to balance himself. Too much of a burden put on the other man. Especially with that protective instinct. ]

[boneofsword]

[Now that he made the point dragon withdraws his tongue. He rewraps end of his tail around Caster's shoulder lightly, careful of all the wounds. Tip of it strokes blue hair soothingly. Trying to offer reassurance and safety in some way. They may be out of the cells and in relative safety, yes, but still need to find their footing in what not so long ago has been ordinary.]

There's more to grieve than wounds and time lost. [he speaks slowly, one eye opening to focus on Cú buried in his hair.] After staying too long in darkness we need to get used to the light again.

[Learning that touch doesn't bring pain, letting go of guilt and nightmares. Trying to act casual with injuries still raw may not work well.

Archer is worried for his Bonded, now more than ever. He's used to bitter disappointment, to hollow feeling of victory and human beings at their worst. Cú Chulainn is not— his life has been short and full of pain but spared the wickedness and cruelty that Archer is too familiar with.]

[futhark]

[ The Bond seems more tangible than ever, with Archer communicating in this strange way, he is read easier. Or maybe after so long of having it dampened it just feels so clear. ]

Are you speaking from experience, a chuisle? [ There is despair and grieving, deaths and loss. But these levels of cruelty and evil experienced here— he wants to believe it not to be common. Archer makes it sound otherwise.

Gently he brushes the mane, avoiding the area near the horns. He remembers bruises being there ] You make it sound like you do. Is this why you're quicker to worry about others over yourself?

[ Not like he's the one to talk, but they're different in how they approach this. There was always been something that feels...burned out, about Emiya. ]

[boneofsword]

[It's that endearment again, and the soft caress that surprises him. Dragon makes a sound resembling a purr, low but quiet. His ear swivels out of the way.

His experience— is not something he particularly wants to share, but right now Caster deserves to know. Archer sighs heavily. The touch, weight of another body resting on him is grounding. The lilt of endearment in Cu's voice, the tenderness of his touch— is one of the reasons he stayed behind. To protect what's most important to him, the flame too close to being extinguished.]

I have seen the worst of humanity for a long time. Aberrant timelines that I erase are caused by humans like them. [he admits quietly with a bit of hesitation.]

[futhark]

[ Counter guardians are called protectors of balance, an idea that any druid would be familiar with. But to keep the balance means cutting off the extremes, both good and bad.

He really should have known earlier, but it does indeed explains bits and pieces about Archer's confusing stances ]

The road to achieving balance isn't an easy one, but it is what leads to healing. [ That's echoing old knowledge, but for the guardians, it's the world they're healing, not themselves. They're just— necessary medicine. ] You walk a harsh and noble path.

[ A cursed one, nonetheless, but isn't that a theme? ]

[boneofsword]

[Even here they're evenly matched. A cursed noble path chosen willingly. In the end Cú has been able to keep his pride while he couldn't. Sacrificing himself again and again until there's been nothing but broken shards.]

—thank you. [it's a small comfort, appreciation without pity. It's precious and given willingly. Archer wishes he could cup Caster's face and kiss him, telling without words how thankful he is. Instead he strokes Cú's cheek with the tip of his tail, warming his Witch as fire dragon can. His wing covers most of his Bonded providing warmth and safety without constraining his moves. Its resting softly on him, so light it's barely noticeable but warm and solid.]

[It's Caster, his presence, his weight atop of him that is grounding. Tangible presence of their Bond, being connected so closely that keeps him mostly sane. He's offering the same back, sharing what he can and reaching out.]

[futhark]

[ It's like a small haven. Cut-off from the world, cut-off from the eyes of others. It's almost— it's almost safe. And as much as he would just sink in, into the warmth, into the Bond and the comfort they could provide each other, there's something dark and painful that seeps into it.

He can't stop noticing the torn out scales that had been covered with the same bandages and same healing leaves and poultices. The smell of herbs is different, dragons probably need something else for their unprotected skin. The cuts, the punctures, everything is hidden but still in plain sight. ]

No need to thank me. I say how it is. [ Counter Guardian deal never sounded like a "fun" deal to make. But that's how it is with duty. It can lead to many unfun places. But in the end, failing that duty is worse—

—he only had one duty here, one true allegiance, one real grounding. And that was to those who he Bonded with. They both have been taken, and he couldn't do anything about it. This kind and soft comfort? He's not the one who needs it the most. ]

So how do you do that? Get used to light? [ An inquiry about Archer's words. Maybe he can find something in those words, a hint of what he could do for his dragon now. Because he should be strong, he should be the one comforting. ]

[boneofsword]

[It resonates over their link, yet Archer can't quite tell what the feeling is. Perhaps it's what his Bonded needs right now to put their ordeal aside. Still he wishes Cú would lean on him and share his thoughts, those he rarely admits to.]

Like one gets used to fire after surviving it— slowly getting used to its presence. Only then you can start noticing that its heat warms without burning.

[Right now Cú feels too frail, swathed in bandages and way too light for a man of his posture. Archer keeps his touch light as he keeps stroking blue, matted hair. His only wish is that he'd be able to help more than just being a company and personal warmer. At least the room is warm enough for a fire dragon. Some of the healers even offered him more warming stones when he refused to move from his spot.]

[futhark]

[ That's what he hates the most! This ... this protectiveness. As if he was something broken (he is). Because that protectiveness means Archer is once again putting himself away in favor of someone else. They—

—they both have the same damn problem. Caster wants nothing else but to be strong if for everyone, to forget everything that happened and everything that was his fault. But he listens to the advice and while the comparison at first doesn't make sense, it clicks. ]

Fire in this metaphor means pain. [ They were given a lot of pain. Enough to break a man. Enough to want to hide in fear of feeling pain again, to flinch at the touch or at the sound that reminds of it. ] Too much of it, and you want to hide from the world at the mere thought of it. But on its own, pain is not a bad thing, it signals and warns that something is wrong.

[ His grip on the main tightens. Once again noting how under these wings, it feels like it's just two of them and their Bond. ]

You sure shielding us then is a good idea?

[boneofsword]

[There's protectiveness and understanding that his partner is a warrior and they are on equal ground here. It's not always easy to stop himself from jumping in, but so far he manages without too many mistakes. Now that he's much bigger than a human it's too easy to shift into overprotective mode.]

Until our bodies stop associating pain with simplest touch. [Archer doesn't say that his body is so used to pain to the point he can tune it off. It doesn't matter if pain comes from his own injuries or from the sight of bandages covering Caster's wounds. This isn't important right now.] Until we can stand the touch without expecting it.

[futhark]

[ Is it really about the pain, tho? Is it really? It feels like it makes sense, but also simplifies things. It's the weakness that's associated with being unable to do anything, to help anyone— to just making it worse on others, really. What that brought though in the end was a pain.

So is it simplifying things, or is he making it overly complicated by making it out to be something else? It's fucking him up, and makes his head spin so for now— he chooses the simple version.

Giving it to Archer like a victory on a plate, because that's what this man needs too. It's the least he could do for someone who'd shared so openly with him ]

You're a comfortable spot to sleep, that I will give you. [ A hint of humour again, and of hope. In the end, they survived. Things have changed, something was lost but they're all still here and Archer is right in that— as long as you live you will heal. ]