middaeg | [Open] February Catch-All

Entry tags:

[Open] February Catch-All | Pegasus Moon

Who: Lorenz Hellman Gloucester + Open (with potential closed starters as needed)
When: Full Moon and after
Where: Throughout Aefenglom
What: Lorenz finds himself facing the consequences of not having his priorities straight.
Warnings: Possible body horror. Will update as needed.

A

[It was a miscalculation.

That was what he would tell himself later, after the dust had settled. It was a miscalculation of a variety of factors that he had neither predicted nor given the appropriate weight in his planning. The first was finding others from his land with yet a different set of memories than the ones he had already encountered, and navigating the particular frustration of not being able to determine who among them was friend or foe. The second, Lapis Lazuli. The ferocity of the rage that boiled within her was far more intense than he had realized, and it was a disruption in the plans he was trying to pursue with her. As much as he wanted to trust her as an equal, for the moment that was impossible. The third...

Marianne.

In an ideal setting, they would have been of similar age and had met with the same trials. She would have faced the darkness inside her heart and made peace with it, and they could have moved forward. But she had arrived in this realm as she was five years prior-- seemingly fragile, certainly untempered, and as liable to shy away as she was to explode in her fear. That alone would have been enough to still Lorenz's own plans, but then she had been taken. Taken, and forced to endure an untold number of disrespects that she was still reluctant to speak of. She, among all of those in this realm from Fodlan, had faced the most trauma in Aefenglom.

And yet, she was the least able to accept the final verdict delivered by the judge.

Knowing all of this in his heart, Lorenz was faced with a singular certainty that she needed his protection. But, that certainty was coupled with the fact that he felt he could not interfere.

He itched to write something-- a poem. Anything. 'Amid time’s flow I mourn bonds I’m not sure I can ever rend...' It left an unsettled feeling in his fingers that crept up his arms and firmly clenched his swiftly beating heart in it's fist, binding him to it's will.

At least he had the foresight to lock the bedroom door. Stocked in his personal quarters were sundry items that he suspected he would need until dawn--

But, it wasn't enough.

The wave of pain that met his body as he caught a glimpse of the full moon slowly dawning over the horizon had him biting his tongue in shock. Hands clenched tightly upon the rails of his bed in a white knucked bid for support as his knees buckled beneath him, changing configuration into something wholly unfamiliar. His ears burned, his vision blurred--

Amid the disjointed thoughts that rolled in a tangle in his mind was one recurring thread: Marianne. He couldn't let Marianne see him like this.

He knew he shouldn't be alone. Yet, unbonded as he was, he had no choice.

Finding his footing, Lorenz took the only course he could think of: Flee. Throwing the window to his bedroom wide open, Lorenz leapt for the freedom of the night. The late winter chill of the wind helped him have a grip on his intention, kept his awareness sharp.

Thus, with an inhuman stillness he crept through the shadows of the city, intent on making it to his destination unimpeded: The Harbor.

The salty air at the docks, the frigid bite of the sea, would surely help.]

B

[It was a miscalculation, yet here he was.

Lorenz sat on the edge of the dock, wrapped in a blanket he had procured from parts unknown while his unfamiliar feet dangled in the empty space wrought by low tide. His silken hair hung in his face and clung to the ears that now twitched in the cold breeze, tangled with muck and dirt that Lorenz was too hesitant to attempt to define. Uncomfortable and exhausted, Lorenz squinted out over the crisp horizon while he attempted to ignore the hollow feeling in his chest and the distinct knowledge that he was certain his flight from Haven had not been as clean as he had wished.

People had seen him. They had to. If they hadn't, they surely would in the near future.

Huffing irritably, Lorenz idly picked at the delicate swatches of velvet that were now hanging from his antlers.]

This must make quite a sight,

[He mused darkly, bitterly. After spending so much time keeping his appearances in a perfectly coiffed illusion of grandeur, Lorenz knew there was no coming back from this.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[They were two Fauns, and two fools.]

As I said, they're blind.

[Lorenz huffed at the question though, not even knowing where to begin. Eventually, he lifted a hand as if he were making a grandious announcement.]

Bonds. What else can send a man so thoroughly beyond his comfort in this realm?

[ Well, it really can't be helped, with the height of the full moon having just finished. If it weren't for the other circumstances going on, Judar would be going fully into the flattery and see where it could go. ]

You can't be saying that you're having trouble getting one. What's wrong, too many choices for whatever connection the Bond stuff is supposed to do to you?

[ Just because he can stop himself from fully going into it doesn't mean that he could stop acting like a faun. ]

Somewhat.

[He sighed.]

I need a partner to stand as equal with. Not someone to coddle or to be coddled by. Not someone who desires me as a tool or for me to use them as a tool.

[Maybe he's Too Picky, but if he wanted any partner he would have just taken someone off the street.]

And what, all the people around you fall into those choices? That sucks.

[ Especially if all Lorenz is thinking about is being tools to one another. Then again... Judar couldn't really say anything, either. ]

Unless you're just spinning things into a corner, just seeing it as that no matter what. Some people really just overthink it all.

[Growing up in a vindictive political environment, even if you weren't one of the ruling individuals, had a way of warping perceptions of basic concepts like trust.]

Perhaps you're right. This is far too easy to overthink.

[ Man, Judar sure knows how all of that goes. You end up being very savvy towards the politics, but everything else... ]

You've probably got a few people that you'd want to bond with, if you took all that overthinking out of it all.

...Enough to count on one hand.

[Lorenz said numbly, holding out a shaking hand as if to display that.]

Most of them Monsters. Two certainly unwilling to move forward with a Bond at this juncture.

Mm...

[ While it's harder with monster-monster bonds, it was supposed to help stabilize things. ]

Certainly, huh? Because they told you, or because that's what you've observed?

[ Overthinking again? Not that Judar's really judging. He's got no place to judge. ]

[A Look.]

The Witch in question said so in no uncertain terms. We hail from the same realm, but have no true reason to trust each other. The other is a Monster, and already has three Bonds.

[ Look, it's something that's worth asking. It's what they were just talking about! ]

I see... Yet they were counted as a potential choice anyway.

[ He'll shrug and lay back onto the dock. You got him sitting already, so what's going further down? Plus his antlers were ripped off, after being forced to regrow at the Rathmores. He doesn't have to worry about the gross 'fun' of them shedding for a long time. ]

Not like I'm going to tell you what you should do, anyway. It's not like I've been getting any bonds either. Got the hospital berating me about how dangerous that is, and how I could already be 'showing signs of going feral.' Like they know anything...

[He's unbonded and moody with the full moons.

Lorenz watched him drop down further onto the dock and found himself sorely tempted to join. Stretching out might... help.

Relenting, Lorenz did join him.]

I hail from the same world as those two. Though we're from different countries, we've crossed paths many times... and we arrived the same day.

[Politeness was what had stayed his tongue from asking during those initial days. Then, seeing his opportunity lost, he didn't think to ask again until more recently.]

We must be a pair of fools in their eyes. Perhaps a hungry merrow isn't a bad fate.

Edited 2020-02-13 03:01 (UTC)

[ Judar's well familiar with the moodiness. It's why the hospital was berating him somewhat about the bondless acts. When you combine it with reasonable trauma, like the Rathmore kidnapping, they could only expect the attitude and volatile wariness that an unbonded monster could have. Add onto the other natural frustrations that've been building up for almost a month...

But see, isn't it nice being stretched out like this? After a little adjusting for the tail, it's downright relaxing. ]

How'd I get lumped into being a fool like you? You're going on about options and people you've got an actual world in common with... You're definitely a bigger fool. I just don't get along with people well enough for that usually.

[ A great face and ass for socializing, but something like that? A bond? Psh. Most people know better than to stick around for more than that. Well, most... ]

If you really want a merrow to pull you down, though, I've probably got a contact or two.

I'd wager you must be awfully comfortable there, gentlemen.

[Iskandar is standing on the edge of the dock looking down. He mercifully got off his horse. Not much of a difference, he still towers over most.

Of all the places Judar could have gone harbor was the last on Iskandar's mind. So, of course, it was the first place he had to check. He understands that fauns need to move. He wouldn't be able to keep Judar in one place if he tried. Not this month. Full moons were already a tough time before. This month... eh, there's not even a word for it.

None of this meant Iskandar doesn't want to know what is happening with him or where Judar's restlessness is going to lead him. It would be nice though if it could lead him to places a bit safer for one injured faun who has to walk with crutches.]

Edited (too many edits :() 2020-02-14 01:25 (UTC)

[Lorenz blinked blearily at the newcomer, uncertain if this was reality or the equivalent of a fever dream. The quip he had for Judar died on his tongue as he found his gaze lifting up-- and up.

He had never before seen a man this tall in his life, and he had encountered men who towered over war horses in height. This gentleman seemed a good deal taller.

Painfully stretching his new, unbalanced faun legs, Lorenz pushed himself back upright amid a wave of dizziness.]

Comfort is relative, sir.

[He said dryly, not even certain what levels of manner and politeness this situation entailed-- if any were necessary at all.

Somehow, in his muddied and disheveled state, he knew he was well beyond the boundaries of decorum.]

[ The voice also gets Judar's attention immediately, tilting his head further back to see the head of red hair and everything else. Leaving him the only one laying down on the docks for the moment. ]

Sometimes it's good to stretch out.

[ Ah, but now he's realized the change in his companion's position. Well, so much for that. Pushing himself back up with a lot more ease than Lorenz, while Judar's legs were still something to work on, he's got enough control to at least pull them back up while turning a bit. At least the pain is mostly gone... Though the season can make it hard to get up and moving to begin with. ]

Besides, am I just gonna leave him that alone and pathetic? He insisted I sit with him.

[ It seemed like a good distraction at the time. Now they all have new distractions. Don't worry Lorenz, he's not just going to say things to tease you. He can share the love. ]

I thought you'd be busy with the pup longer, big guy.

[Iskandar's laughter carries far over the water. Whatever was creeping in from the depths surely must have fled from the sheer volume of it. Still, he makes no effort to extricate the two fauns from their miserable position.]

It is indeed. Though I would pick a safer neighborhood for my stroll if I were you.

[Two can play this game. Iskandar laughs again. Don't think he'll let you have all the fun for yourself, Judar.]

Oh, how generous of you to do that. Truly, you are an upstanding citizen, Judar. A beacon for the masses.

[He winks as he says it. A mock bow he makes is a performance in itself. But his expression turns more serious when the subject changes to Waver.]

I still am. And don't call him that, he hates it. [Iskandar does not delude himself thinking that saying anything would make Judar stop. But Judar shouldn't expect him to go silent about it either.]

All that doesn't mean I won't come looking for you. You won't get rid of me that easily.

[That last sentence is delivered with a wide grin. A fond one at that. He likes you. Deal with it.]

We're all having a nice chat here but I must say it's quite chilly. What would you say if we moved this conversation to the Sly Seadog? It's not the finest of establishments but it's warm. And they have booze. I could buy you a drink, and a meal. [Iskandar pauses for a more dramatic effect.] And your philosopher friend can come to.

Edited 2020-02-14 12:51 (UTC)

[The man's laughter broke the deafening stillness that threatened to consume the night so completely that Lorenz was almost certain he felt it warming his blood and reverberating in his bones. His jests and jovial yet inarguable manner had changed the very tone of the evening something more familiar to Lorenz's particular skillset that had been honed by years of navigating politics and court manners under the guidance of his father. It was a conversation with a stranger of a powerful presence; like that of an orator, or a maverick general.

--Or, perhaps, a king from times that were yet forgotten even in his own history.]

The decision to be here was mine, sir. I am no philosopher, but there's an odd comfort in the vastness of the sea.

[It was a novelty he didn't have in his homeland, not without several days travel by horse across treacherous terrain. Such trips were rarely taken for the mere pleasure of it.

Turning his attention to Judar, he added another quip:]

Did you not just say moments ago that there was nobody who would look for you? This seems.... quite a bit much, for nobody.

It's not that dangerous, when you know what it's like...

[ The harbor had the slums right near it, so he knew how places could be. However he didn't dress or treat any of them like aristocrats, and used to come play music. Y'know, before the whole thing that kept him playing music at all.

But man, it seemed like a good time to get his crutches together to get ready to get himself up. Not that he's gotten anywhere near as recovered to pull this off yet, but Judar still tries. Mostly because he needs to see how much closer he is to successful, and because it serves as a good distraction from insistent people. Yes, he heard that too, Lorenz. Thanks. ]

There's a territorial turnskin at home, and after the past month, I figured he'd be keeping the big guy busy for a lot longer.

[ What reason was there to seek him out the day after the full moons?! It's something the faun never thought would be coming about. Then again, he never thought he'd have to unhook one leg from the other because of how he pushed himself up and twisted earlier. ]

Get the one with the new legs first. It's not like places always have to be the finest, anyway. While I'm banned from drinking contests, their place does well enough for what they do.

New legs, huh? You must be in a lot of pain.

[Iskandar whistles. His horse trots obediently to his side, bows than kneels on his front legs. Iskandar grins.]

I saw camels do it in Egypt so naturally, I had to teach Bucephalus to do the same. This lady is a clever horse. She learned it in no time.

[Iskandar pats the horse on her wide neck. This lady is a real monster. Suitable for a man of his posture but most likely rather formidable for anyone else.]

Since we'll be drinking together I believe proper introductions are in place. I am Iskandar, King of Conquerors. I have many other titles but they are irrelevant here.

[He offers his hand to Lorentz to help his get up but he's as willing to simply lift the faun from the ground and deposit him on the horse.]

Alright, not philosopher friend, let's get you on a horse first. Then I can think about what can be done with those legs of yours.

[There was pain, but the surprise meeting with the magnetic energy of the King of Conquerors had Lorenz's already reeling mind too off balance to pay much attention to it for the moment. Iskandar's grin was beyond dazzling; Lorenz, despite himself, had to stare.]

I-I've never seen a horse do such things.

[He babbled, gratefully accepting the sturdy assist back up upon his unsteady legs. Despite shaking knees, Lorenz looked between both man and horse with awe in his eyes.]

I am Lorenz Hellman Gloucester, Your Highness. [Just. Not even questioning the title.] And, I must say, your darling horse is as majestic as her rider.

[ The horse really is as much lady as she is monster, not just for the size, but she's shown to be really smart. When you can understand animals as well... Well, Lorenz will someday come across that ability. At least he doesn't need it to get on the good side of both horse and Rider. ]

Already smitten, Lore?

[ Congrats, that's your nickname now. Maybe he'll use Lori sometimes, if this isn't immediately nipped in the bud.

Look, it's a nice distraction while trying to get up. He'll be fine once standing, but his hand strength still isn't quite good enough for this. Which... He should've known. ]

It's a pleasure, Lorenz.

[Bucephalus neighs and shakes her head. Iskandar just laughs. He told you she's a smart horse.]

Oh-o? I think she likes you.

[Having dealt with the more urgent case Iskandar turns to Judar. If the faun thought Iskandar won't notice his attempts at standing up, he should have known better. He just reaches down and lifts Judar to his feet.]

Weren't you supposed to go easy on your hands,hm?

Smitten?

[Lorenz ignored the nickname, stunned by such an... accusation. He held fast to Bucephalus as he watched Iskandar haul Judar upright, looking discreetly away both in respect and in his own shame. Numbly, he ran his fingers through the horse's mane-- and tried to ignore the embarrassed flush that graced his cheeks.]

...That would be my fault. It was exhausting watching him stand like that, but I didn't think further ahead.

[ It's not like he'd judge or blame you for being smitten, Lorenz. Iskander's a really impressive guy, even without him announcing his 'King of Conquerors' title. He's just got that presence.

And uuuugh he hates having to get hauled up. It's necessary, but he still hates it. (But thanks for taking responsibility for their found circumstances, Lorenz.) At least he can still walk, and didn't need to be put onto the horse as well. ]

Yeah, yeah. It's probably a good idea to see how strong they've gotten once in a while. I need to work on the strength as much as I do the dexterity.

[ He's just been working on both daily, for as much as he can get away with. ]

[Don't take this against him but Iskandar finds Lorenz's blush impossibly adorable. His praise is completely genuine even if not exactly altruistic. Must be his lucky day meeting so many cute boys. Yes, Judar, that means you too.]

That's very kind of you.

[While, in the same time, he's actively ignoring any protests from Judar. At least he didn't haul him on a horse too. So that's a win, isn't it?]

It would take longer if you strained the muscles before they properly heal. That's why doctors told you to pace yourself. Have some patience.

[Said by the man with literally no patience. Yes, yes, he's aware of the irony.]

But enough of that idle chat! Let's go. Fortunately, it's not far.

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