cold steel coffin | open

[extirpator]

Who: Nier and you!
When: February
Where: Aefenglom + the outer city
What: Open log + catchall, closed prompts go here
Warnings: Animal death in one of the prompts under the cut


a.

[ there are folks here, weathered and worn by horrors he hadn’t witnessed — some semblance of justice had been served with the execution that had taken place days prior, but none of this had taken precedence in his mind. he was a dead man from a ghost of a world, and everything about this one had been foreign to him.

still.

it wasn’t right.

there are others, too. struggling newcomers no different from himself.

it’s why if he sees you struggling, be it from a slowness, a skittishness, injuries of any kind, he helps without question. it could be a box of dropped goods, a blatant lack of food, some form of patent anxiety. either way, he extends a hand, either to help you lift your goods or offer you a warm loaf of bread — or maybe it’s an opaque, white flower. regardless... ]

Are you alright?

b. (cw: animal death)

[ once he gets over this whole “night” thing existing in this realm, he realizes it’s optimal hunting hours for a vampire. the air is still — near perfectly still. it’s on the fringes of the city, teasing the divide between the border and the wilderness that stretches beyond the walls.

his greatsword is stained with something black; it’s almost tar-like in its appearance. but even more remarkable is the crude splatter of crimson blooming across his chest. it’s marks his face as well – and lo and behold, the half eaten cadaver of an animal dangling from the palm of his hand seems to explain just about everything.

also, he isn’t wearing a shirt?? whoops.

this is awkward.

anyways. ]

...Hey.

[ um. sorry?? ]

Comments

[extirpator]

[ the scrape of her nails against his back doesn't go unnoticed. his eyes dart back to catch a vague glimpse of the presence stalking them; he could have taken it himself as she had not interfered. but they'd both been exposed, both distracted by whatever pretentious nonsense she'd been spewing at the time.

nier shrinks into the shadows with her still in tow — he sets her down, only to hook his arm around her shoulder and pull her close. the palm of his hand clasps over her mouth.

when he looks at her, he brings a finger to his lips — it's a "shh" motion, and his features have softened.

...and then his sword is drawn out, only centimeters away from her cheek. white eyes pierce through the darkness and in turn nier's breathing is labored, if only because there's adrenaline coursing through his body. it's fueled by bloodlust, one of a somewhat different variety for once. ]

[lucubrates]

[ She's plodded down into the dirt, underbrush cutting into her clothes. A twig scrapes the skin of her leg; she might bleed from it soon, but the pain is dulled by her senses working in high speed. The sweat that's gathering on her forehead is cold, somehow, perhaps because her body is warm with fear.

To top it off, the mysterious man forcibly silences her, pressing a hand over her mouth. She hadn't intention to speak. Even so, she looks from his arm, to him, bloodied and covered in moonlight, bare chested for some ungodly reason she still can't figure out, and then she looks towards the thing that's been hunting her— them?— and her breath catches.

She nods, a silent agreement to not speak. He draws a blade that is absurdly sharp, still slightly stained with black blood and animal blood, and she does nothing. For someon who had insisted she can take care of herself moments before, she is all too eager to allow him to do as he needs.

As she watches the blade catch light, the blood mingling, Zelda realizes she feels the sticky cold of something wet on her: The animal blood that had been splattered across his chest lightly coats her clothing now. Dirt, mud and blood cake her royal clothing. She really has gotten up to no good since arriving.

But she knows this area, at least a little. There's a small lake up ahead, to the left; Zelda points to it with the hand furthest from him. However, she's not sure if she catches his attention. It would be easy to lure it there, and topple one of the trees over it. It'd drown, then, probably. Maybe.

Her plan is probably not as quickly executed as whatever he wants to do. ]

[extirpator]

[ it is definitely not as quick as whatever it is what he wants to do. nier notices the way she shifts against him, and his gaze roves on towards the lake; he had some awareness of his surroundings as it was, and his eyes grew sharp with scrutiny.

the question was what to do with her. he could leave her here, but that may have left to become someone else's prey while he was caught unawares. bringing her would slow his movements however, and leave them both vulnerable.

even more distracting is the way her blood boils against him. he's frigid to the touch, and the warmth is a keen reminder of the blood flowing through her veins. it seems like it'd be sweet, too, from the predation instincts she lacked.

regardless, nier doesn't respond. he's made up his mind, and grips her by the thighs, hosting her onto his back. his hands are occupied by sword once again, so he leaves her to grapple onto him with her own strength. when they draw closer towards the lake, the cwyld roams around the water, patiently waiting for them to arrive.

nier meets its blindingly white eyes. zelda's set behind some of the shrubbery. and then he leaps up towards the tree, his foot anchoring onto one of the crooks. the cwyld stalks up after him.

*this is when the curb your enthusiasm theme plays*

there isn't quite any telling what happened. but there's a dying screech, and the tree begins to visibly grey and wittle. but nier vaults back down, and both crudely and without question, she's thrown back over his shoulder like a burlap sack. ]

Where do you live?

[lucubrates]

[ The ordeal is over before she has the ability to process what she sees. He's quick with a blade, efficiently brutal, and eager. Part of her wonders if this is how he's always been, of if the moon's sway is beginning to affect now. She imagines she will not know the answer to that question for some time. His name is a mystery to her, and he's already saved her life.

She hardly has it in her to protest when he hoists her up unceremoniously. Snow and dirt falls from her body, the coat that she had offered him now around her shoulders for the ease of travel. ]

If you put me down, I could easily lead you to it, if you must insist on being so curious.

[ The dejection in her voice makes it slow. ] ...Half a mile west. A mountain that looks like a bird's beak overlooks it.

[ It's just a run down, old cabin that's clearly been abandoned for ages, Even the door seems to be an ill fit for it. All the same, it's near a pond, there's fireflies, and the crickets are loud. ...Peaceful. Kitschy, even. ]

[extirpator]

[ “set you down so you’ll get yourself nearly killed again? no thanks.”

the words are swallowed back down. no need to let the moon endow him with more honesty than he cared to brandish. he continues down the path leading into the city, and then comes to a halt for a minute— ]

There are nothing but abandoned cabins over there.

[ a beat. ]

Why would you be over there?

[lucubrates]

Would you kindly set me down?

[ She waits. Okay. Guess not.

Sighing, Zelda balances her chin in one of her palms, resting the elbow on his shoulder. ]

I enjoy the quiet, and it's peaceful. There's lot of greenery, and the scenery is lovely in the morning. [ Of course, this is only part of it. She doesn't like being reminded she's going to be responsible for someone else; thus, cabin in the woods. ]

[extirpator]

It’s peaceful.

[ he shows no signs of turning around. nope. none at all. the inner city towers over them as the lampposts erect into view, flickering faintly. ]

Until something kills you because you didn’t keep a weapon on you.

[lucubrates]

I can handle myself!

[ All the more motivation to work on barrier magic, isn't it? It's like training at the springs.

... So, miserable, but. ]

Where are you taking me? Let me go.

[extirpator]

My house.

[ wait a second. ]

Apartment, I mean. That’s the word for it. I think.

[ anyhow, he’s begun to hike up the stairwell. she’s still dangling over his back. oops. ]

[lucubrates]

[ As he ascends the stairs, the warning bells go off in her head. He's... taking her to his place? All manner of terrible things could happen there; she just watched him eat an animal and then kill another without batting an eye.

Needless to say, she starts flailing and trying to push herself off him. ]

Unhand me at once, I, as the person you are lugging around without permission, am perfectly capable of living where I please! If you do not let me go at once, I ... I shall scream even louder!!

[extirpator]

Hey...! [ unfortunately for her, she’d been outpowered before the vampire buffs settled in. with them in tact, her flailing is likened to a few forceful taps on the wrist. maybe a shove at best. ] You’re going to wake my roommate up. I’m not going to hurt you, alright?

[ and then his fingers wind around the door knob, and with a push, the door opens. the apartment itself is remarkably quaint. there’s greenery in every corner, accompanied by hand woven carpets and perfectly polished wood; not a single speck of dust is visible.

he still hasn’t let her down, of course. he rushes to his room (although fortunately, Cloud was as nocturnal as he was) and lets the door shut behind him.

and then he unhands her. ]

Wear my clothes for the night. I need to wash yours. I’m going to take the couch, so make yourself comfortable.

[lucubrates]

[ He plops her down in his room. Her boots touch the floor and she thinks of her ancestor, who had idly mentioned she was welcome to remove her shoes to discourage the spreading of snow slush through out the flooring. In contrast, this apartment has all the quaintness of a home, without looking... lived in? It's hard to articulate, and she wonders if her own mood is souring her impression of it.

He had mentioned a roommate and on instinct, Zelda had shut her mouth. Now, she wonders if she shouldn't have. ]

...You cannot hide me. [ She asserts, despite the fact she is... essentially, stuck. ] I won't wear anything of your's. I barely know you, and you've kidnapped me.

[ Hands on her hips, she looks away from him, brow twitching. ] This is hardly a pleasant first impression.

[extirpator]

You might catch something if you sleep in clothes that dirty.

[ he frowns at that — not because he’s affronted, but because concern is brewing within him. nier’s brows knit, and he tosses a particularly large shirt and sweatpants in her direction. ]

I didn’t want him to wake up is all. But it looks like he isn’t around, so you’ll see him tomorrow morning. He’s nice.

[ it’s as though practically everything she says floats on over his head. he takes a step outside of the door, head barely peeking in. ]

Let me know when you’re done changing.

[lucubrates]

[ Horrifyingly, he's either stupid or an airhead. The two are not mutually exclusive, of course. ]

This is quite unlawful, I will have you know.

[ "Quite" as if there is a measure of unlawfulness in this situation. Folding her arms over her chest, Zelda makes no move to change, after leaving the clothes he had given her on the bed. ]

Do you not have a name to give me, at least?

[extirpator]

Nier.

[ his face is no longer in view. but there is a wave of the hand, as if beckoning her to get a move on already. ]

You can leave tomorrow morning. But I can’t just leave you as you are.

[lucubrates]

And why is that?

[ Does she look that weak? Is she that much of a burden? Her voice is small, and dejected, as if told she had disappointed someone greatly. ]

[extirpator]

Because there are a lot of things you don’t know yet. I can tell.

[ his voice is gentle when he speaks, rather than disparaging. ]

You‘re trying to learn, but it’ll take time. That’s why you live all the way over there, right?

[ there’s a silence. ]

It’s hard. It’s not something you should be doing alone.

[lucubrates]

[ There it is. At least he's honest. ]

...As we agreed... it's peaceful out there.

[ But he's not wrong, either. The peace comes from the fact she has no one to disappoint out in the wild. ]

You should wash up as well, ... Nier. [ There's soft rustling, as she moves to disrobe and pull his clothes onto her. ]

...And my name. It's Zelda.

[extirpator]

It’s nice to meet you, Zelda.

[ in spite of the circumstances, the sentiment is genuine. he pops his head back into the room to reach a hand out for her dirtied clothing. ]

Oh...I must smell pretty bad. [ a little more bashfully— ] Sorry. Before I leave, can you tell me what you like to eat for breakfast?

[lucubrates]

[ She only hands off her clothing once she's dressed. His clothing is far too large on her, but it is comfortable. Opening the door, she holds her neatly folded laundry out for him to take. ]

You needn't worry. I shall take my leave at dawn, Nier, and leave you to your business. ...My behavior was embarrassing. I apologize. Thank you... for saving my life.

[extirpator]

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, though.

[ oh well. he’ll write that off as “pancakes”. ]

It’s fine. I didn’t do much. You should get some sleep now — you’ve had a long day.

[lucubrates]

[ Zelda squints up at him for a moment, her face contorted into something one might call "royal thoughtfulness" before nodding. ]

You needn't worry yourself over my meals.

[ SHE SAW HIM EATING AN ANIMAL IN THE WOODS SHE'S NOT SURE WHAT HE'LL GIVE HER TO EAT? ]

Goodnight, Nier.

[ She's locking the door from the inside, you know. For safety reasons. ]

[extirpator]

[ the following morning, whenever she rouses from her sleep, she’ll find

1) her clothing, spotless and folded neatly. they’ve been placed onto the couch and are marked with chick themed stationary that reads “For Zelda :)” in neat handwriting.

2) a plate’s worth of pancakes, scrambled eggs and cooked ham.

nier himself isn’t in plain sight. he’s likely in the bathroom, meticulously manscaping or something. who knows.

either way, he emerges, properly clothed this time. ]

There’s food for you on the table. I don’t know what you like, so I went with the basics. Sorry.

[lucubrates]

[ In the morning, she has to admit that she kind of liked sleeping on an actual bed. The cabin had... an old, rickety thing, and it wasn't too comfortable, but it was livable and quaint in it's own way. After a night of actually sleeping, for the first time in a week, Zelda can cast a cursory glance about his room.

It is, disgustingly, kind of adorable. She thinks there's more to this man than there seems. It's unfortunately that she finds herself intrigued. Leaving the room, she had initially thought to sneak out before anyone else, but... he's beaten her. Curious. Does he sleep at all? Her clothing is fresh, so she wonders.

She thinks to take her clothes before she sits to the meal, but her stomach beats her to that thought by groaning with hunger. Perhaps it's sleeping in his bed, or maybe it's the fact she's had time to see a bit more of him through his cottage-like bedroom... but she's willing to eat his cooking.

She sits. ]

I am not a picky person. [ She admits this much, looking contemplative. ] ...My favorite foods are not breakfast foods, in any case. This is plenty, Nier, and exceedingly kind of you. Thank you.

[extirpator]

It was nothing. [ it’d been done on reflex more than anything, a mechanical procedure at its core. but cooking was still a labor of love, even if it had been done instinctually at this point.

he crosses the pathway to the kitchen, settling across from her — he’s still standing, but suddenly he draws out a notebook from behind his back and promptly slaps it down in front of her. the handwriting is neat, but the notes themselves are a tad frenzied.

CWYLD (SHADE)

AROUND THE OUTER WALL - CAN THEY GET INSIDE?

INFECT EVERY LIVING THING THEY TOUCH

DO NOT INTERACT ._.

THE TOUCH WILL KILL YOU !!!!!!

USE METAL WEAPONRY. THE STURDIER THE BETTER

KEEP DISTANCE 🤚

NO DAGGERS OR KNIVES 🗡 WILL EXPOSE YOU

CLOSE QUARTERS COMBAT = BAD IDEA !!!!

TRAVEL INDIVIDUALLY

WEIRD EYES. CAN SEE IN THE DARK. ._. ]

I told you to keep a weapon on you. The further out you are, the more of them there’ll be. And you can’t touch them, no matter what happens. Do you understand?