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Did you see that someone is having a party at the Ember Veil hotsprings? I've heard they have impressive healing properties. If nothing else, it'll help relieve any aches and pains your hips and legs are currently causing you.
[Oh-- he's taken off-guard by the thoughtfulness of this message.]
Hello, Rolan. How kind of you to think of me for this... Yes, I should go, but I am a little nervous.
Hello, Rolan. How kind of you to think of me for this... Yes, I should go, but I am a little nervous.
I confess I had an ulterior motive for thinking of you; while I'm perfectly capable of making friends on my own, I didn't want to go alone. Plus, I thought perhaps if the water is truly as healing as I've heard, I could collect a sample and extract the healing elements to create a salve for your leg. It may not fix it, but removing pain can go a long way towards improving your quality of life. What is it that concerns you?
[Viktor is absolutely flabbergasted by this kindness. It gives him a strange rush, almost makes him a little dizzy, to be shown such care by someone he hasn't known for long.]
Rolan, I... I don't know what to say.
[He would tell Rolan not to do all that for him, but he can tell the man needs a project. Something to dive into and lose himself in. And this would be a magical project, sure to capture the wizard's interest, perhaps even create some passion to get him through this difficult transition. It's the same way Viktor is coping with it all, so he's not going to argue against it.]
You are too kind, truly.
[And he'd really rather not get into the next part, but if they're going to go to the spring together, and if Rolan is going to try to make salve for him, he ought to know. Still, Viktor's not quite sure how to put it.]
There will be many people there... And... My leg and my hand look strange. I did some experimentation to try to fix myself, and the hexcore altered them. They are more like metal than flesh, now, so I am not sure whether a salve would work. However, it could still help with the other parts that are still flesh.
[Gods know his back hurts.]
Rolan, I... I don't know what to say.
[He would tell Rolan not to do all that for him, but he can tell the man needs a project. Something to dive into and lose himself in. And this would be a magical project, sure to capture the wizard's interest, perhaps even create some passion to get him through this difficult transition. It's the same way Viktor is coping with it all, so he's not going to argue against it.]
You are too kind, truly.
[And he'd really rather not get into the next part, but if they're going to go to the spring together, and if Rolan is going to try to make salve for him, he ought to know. Still, Viktor's not quite sure how to put it.]
There will be many people there... And... My leg and my hand look strange. I did some experimentation to try to fix myself, and the hexcore altered them. They are more like metal than flesh, now, so I am not sure whether a salve would work. However, it could still help with the other parts that are still flesh.
[Gods know his back hurts.]
[It's a project, certainly, but more than that, Rolan gets a small rush whenever Viktor reacts to his gestures of care with surprise, and more importantly, delight. His cheeks flush at the the thought of Viktor elsewhere with his own bird, smiling because Rolan thought of him, and he wishes he could see it.]
Think nothing of it. We're partners, are we not? Anything that makes your life better will make mine better as well. When you think about it, I'm being incredibly selfish.
[Which is as close as Rolan gets to admitting any sort of feelings that he might be experiencing.]
I had a feeling it was going to be a body image thing, but I confess, I was not expecting that. Still, you're not the first mage to experiment with arcane prosthetics, and if anyone says anything rude, I'll shove them into the springs. I cannot stop people from staring, but I can promise that I will only stare out of professional curiosity.
Think nothing of it. We're partners, are we not? Anything that makes your life better will make mine better as well. When you think about it, I'm being incredibly selfish.
[Which is as close as Rolan gets to admitting any sort of feelings that he might be experiencing.]
I had a feeling it was going to be a body image thing, but I confess, I was not expecting that. Still, you're not the first mage to experiment with arcane prosthetics, and if anyone says anything rude, I'll shove them into the springs. I cannot stop people from staring, but I can promise that I will only stare out of professional curiosity.
Edited 2025-04-11 00:18 (UTC)
[Partners. Another rush, and then an aftershock of guilt. Has he replaced Jayce so easily? Jayce, who would have done anything to help Viktor, who wanted so badly to save his life?]
Ah, only looking out for yourself, yes, I see.
[But imagining Rolan shoving someone in the pool tugs his lips into a small smile again. Rolan's strong and sassy personality protecting Viktor, sticking up for him. Yes, that's what he needs to feel able to do this.]
Your readiness to soak others on my behalf is oddly comforting. You have my permission to stare with professional curiosity.
I suppose it is body image as well, among other things... But I am sure they will have robes or something.
Ah, only looking out for yourself, yes, I see.
[But imagining Rolan shoving someone in the pool tugs his lips into a small smile again. Rolan's strong and sassy personality protecting Viktor, sticking up for him. Yes, that's what he needs to feel able to do this.]
Your readiness to soak others on my behalf is oddly comforting. You have my permission to stare with professional curiosity.
I suppose it is body image as well, among other things... But I am sure they will have robes or something.
[It's not like I care about you or anything, b-baka.]
I hope it will not be necessary, but nevertheless, it pays to be prepared. A soaking is the least anyone deserves for such rudeness in my humble opinion.
I'll meet you there. Perhaps we can borrow some of Melinoe's bath salts as well.
I hope it will not be necessary, but nevertheless, it pays to be prepared. A soaking is the least anyone deserves for such rudeness in my humble opinion.
I'll meet you there. Perhaps we can borrow some of Melinoe's bath salts as well.
I agree.
[He can't help but wish he had someone like Jayce or Rolan when he was little, when kids had said cruel things that stuck with him forever.]
Those could be helpful. I will see you there.
[He can't help but wish he had someone like Jayce or Rolan when he was little, when kids had said cruel things that stuck with him forever.]
Those could be helpful. I will see you there.
Viktor? I ah... I have something of yours. Well, I might've gone looking for it, after the fact.
[Skan sounds sheepish, bordering on embarrassed; both are wholly unnatural emotions.]
How are you?
[Skan sounds sheepish, bordering on embarrassed; both are wholly unnatural emotions.]
How are you?
Skan... You found my crutch?
[A beat. Sorry, scolding first:]
You should not have gone back there! It's dangerous!
I am quite tired, but otherwise doing much better now. I have been well taken care of at the Inn.
[Finnick has been Fretting over him to an almost uncomfortable degree.]
[A beat. Sorry, scolding first:]
You should not have gone back there! It's dangerous!
I am quite tired, but otherwise doing much better now. I have been well taken care of at the Inn.
[Finnick has been Fretting over him to an almost uncomfortable degree.]
Well, I like that! I had a whole career in facing danger before we met, I'll have you know! I was a soldier in Urtho's army, I ran dozens of stealth missions behind enemy lines!
Granted, I had my magic, then, but let's not quibble...
...
....Good! Good, you deserve a bit of pampering, honestly. You don't take nearly enough care with yourself.
Granted, I had my magic, then, but let's not quibble...
...
....Good! Good, you deserve a bit of pampering, honestly. You don't take nearly enough care with yourself.
Alright, well... You weren't hurt, were you?
[Still concerned.]
So I've been told. I have been taking it easy.
...
Thank you, Skandranon, for getting it back for me. That crutch means more to me than you know. I could build a new one easily, but... It's, eh... Sentimental.
[Still concerned.]
So I've been told. I have been taking it easy.
...
Thank you, Skandranon, for getting it back for me. That crutch means more to me than you know. I could build a new one easily, but... It's, eh... Sentimental.
I understand entirely. But now, that sounds like a story. Shall I come and deliver this to your sickbed, and you tell me the tale?
Ah, well, it isn't a very long or interesting story, but yes. I would be pleased to see you.
[And he does need that crutch sooner rather than later.]
[And he does need that crutch sooner rather than later.]
That and you can hardly creep out from under the Healer's tender ministrations without it, eh? I know the feeling.
[He remembers his own convalescence periods well, and how badly he itched to be up out of bed and doing something. Doing anything!]
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't already on my way, my friend.
[He remembers his own convalescence periods well, and how badly he itched to be up out of bed and doing something. Doing anything!]
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't already on my way, my friend.
Yes, I am even less mobile without it. Thank you, Skan, see you soon.
[When Skan arrives, Viktor is indeed sitting on his bed, looking a lot better than Skan left him a few days ago.]
[When Skan arrives, Viktor is indeed sitting on his bed, looking a lot better than Skan left him a few days ago.]
[Skan backwings to land directly in front of the inn, in a way that is as convenient as it is rude. Or, it would be rude, in White Gryphon; he's been away from proper society for long enough to make poor habits. But he greets the reception desk on his way in, and bows his way through the doors, pushing them aside with Viktor's crutch awkwardly held in his beak.
No hands, you see, when walking.]
Fhere you arf. [he offers the crutch to Viktor with his head tilted to make it an easier angle to grasp... and sighs with relief when it's taken.] Not much the worse for wear, I think.
No hands, you see, when walking.]
Fhere you arf. [he offers the crutch to Viktor with his head tilted to make it an easier angle to grasp... and sighs with relief when it's taken.] Not much the worse for wear, I think.
[Viktor reaches up to grab the crtuch from Skan's beak, then holds it lovingly in his hands with a relieved gasp, looking it over, smoothing his hands over it. A couple of scuffs, but it's still very much sturdy and in-tact. No bending.]
Thank you so much, Skan, this is a big relief.
[Viktor isn't very touchy-feely, but he does have an urge to stand and hug the bird. He's never been that bold, though. Instead, he'll tell the story, as promised.]
My lab partner Jayce and I designed my leg brace and crutch, and built them together. He is like a brother to me, the best friend I've ever had... And this is all I have of him right now. It is irreplaceable.
Thank you so much, Skan, this is a big relief.
[Viktor isn't very touchy-feely, but he does have an urge to stand and hug the bird. He's never been that bold, though. Instead, he'll tell the story, as promised.]
My lab partner Jayce and I designed my leg brace and crutch, and built them together. He is like a brother to me, the best friend I've ever had... And this is all I have of him right now. It is irreplaceable.
I know exactly how you feel. There's a man named Amberdrake, back home. He's as close as blood to me, and a true brother to my heart [Skan says it in a voice wistful with memory. Oh, it'd been so long ago that they'd met. And how unlikely the chance of their friendship! For all the horror the mage-war wrought, it was not without some small good that could only have come about under that terrible pressure] I have nothing from home to remember him by. Every day I worry that I'll start to forget his face, or his voice. But nothing can erase the memory of kindness in the dark.
[Comfortingly, Skan spreads one wing over Viktor's bed, just as he'd have comforted another gryphon, as he'd comforted Keeth, Tan, and Zhaneel, many times over. Warm weight, shield against all who might see, or judge, or harm: he leaves it there, just so, like a second, somewhat dusty, blanket overtop the rest.]
You'll see him again, Viktor. I'm sure of it. Until then, we'll just have to keep better track of your things, hm?
[Comfortingly, Skan spreads one wing over Viktor's bed, just as he'd have comforted another gryphon, as he'd comforted Keeth, Tan, and Zhaneel, many times over. Warm weight, shield against all who might see, or judge, or harm: he leaves it there, just so, like a second, somewhat dusty, blanket overtop the rest.]
You'll see him again, Viktor. I'm sure of it. Until then, we'll just have to keep better track of your things, hm?
Edited (gdit format) 2025-05-04 07:11 (UTC)
[Viktor frowns up at him, sympathetically, his eyes so big that it looks almost like a pout.]
Yes. Kindness in the dark. I saved his life, and he saved mine.
[For whatever that was worth, given how little time he had left.
The wing is comforting. Warmth tends to relieve his pain, if just a little. And it's strange, but he's grown to like the smell, sort of like an old beloved book, mixed with the musk of a creature, and outdoor air. Perhaps even a hint of sunshine.
He will see Jayce again, most likely. He'll either show up here, or Viktor will go home at some point to say goodbye to him.]
I'm sorry, Skan. You will see your Amberdrake again, as well. Perhaps you could ask the leaders for a picture of him, if your world has that sort of thing? I plan to ask for a couple of things from home.
Yes. Kindness in the dark. I saved his life, and he saved mine.
[For whatever that was worth, given how little time he had left.
The wing is comforting. Warmth tends to relieve his pain, if just a little. And it's strange, but he's grown to like the smell, sort of like an old beloved book, mixed with the musk of a creature, and outdoor air. Perhaps even a hint of sunshine.
He will see Jayce again, most likely. He'll either show up here, or Viktor will go home at some point to say goodbye to him.]
I'm sorry, Skan. You will see your Amberdrake again, as well. Perhaps you could ask the leaders for a picture of him, if your world has that sort of thing? I plan to ask for a couple of things from home.
A painting of Amberdrake. Well, he's pretty enough, I don't doubt one exists— or so I'm told. I'm really not much judge of human beauty.
[But Amberdrake was famously attractive, that was true, and his profession tended towards prettiness, in any case. You didn't need beauty to be a kestra'chern, to be sure, but sure it helped... And here he's gone and made himself sad, again. Ah, White Gryphon! He misses home. Skan sighs and leans forward more comfortably, so that he can both rest his shoulders and loll his head sideways against the comfortable cushion of Viktor's bedding. It's an awkward enough pose, to look at, but not uncomfortable: he wants to rest.]
Why don't I settle in to stay for a while, and you can tell me all about it.
[But Amberdrake was famously attractive, that was true, and his profession tended towards prettiness, in any case. You didn't need beauty to be a kestra'chern, to be sure, but sure it helped... And here he's gone and made himself sad, again. Ah, White Gryphon! He misses home. Skan sighs and leans forward more comfortably, so that he can both rest his shoulders and loll his head sideways against the comfortable cushion of Viktor's bedding. It's an awkward enough pose, to look at, but not uncomfortable: he wants to rest.]
Why don't I settle in to stay for a while, and you can tell me all about it.
I am sure one exists, and if it exists in your world, I don't see why the leaders wouldn't let you have it. They have asked much of us, snatching us here and having us do these dangerous quests. The least they could offer in return is a keepsake.
[Hell, Viktor would get it for Skan himself, but after getting Rolan a horse, if he keeps that up he's never going to have his own magic, or his own keepsakes.
Viktor scooches aside in the bed a little to make more room for Skan, and to lie down again to rest. He lifts one arm to lay atop Skan's wing, and his other hand strokes the feathers on the gryphon's head and neck.]
I would like that.
[Viktor looks softly at Skandranon. He's unsure how he ended up so comfortable with someone so quickly, recluse that he is. But the bond feels safe, comforting, warm. He feels cared for.
He speaks very softly as he tells the story, almost as if telling it to himself, like it doesn't matter if anyone else hears it.]
Jayce and I met... Ehh, almost a decade ago? His lab was broken into by some kids, who caused an explosion with the volatile materials in there. At that time, experimenting with magic was forbidden in our city, and Jayce was trying to combine science with magic to create something new he called Hextech. I was the Dean's assistant, helping with the investigation into the explosion, and upon reading his notes, I took a strong interest in his research. However, he was expelled from the academy for research that went against the city's ethos, and he saw it as the end of his road. Nosy as I was, I snuck back into his ruined lab one night, to find him about to jump out of it and end his life. I told him I wanted to pursue his research further with him, that I thought he was truly onto something.
And he was. We invented the Hexgates, teleporters that could instantly transport goods and people into and out of the city. The economy boomed as a result, and for years we worked on several other inventions that we thought could improve lives of regular citizens. But I became ill, and the politics became complicated, and we lost our dream.
Shortly before coming to Caldera, I was standing at a ledge about to jump, and he interrupted me. He was determined to cure my illness, to save my life. We hoped Hextech would be the answer, but it wasn't. Still, I am grateful to have the time I did with Jayce. I am sad we didn't accomplish more, but proud of what we did together. He... He cares so much for me. I worry about what will happen to him once I'm truly gone.
[He looks down at Skan's wing, where his hand pets it absently. Oh, his heart aches.]
[Hell, Viktor would get it for Skan himself, but after getting Rolan a horse, if he keeps that up he's never going to have his own magic, or his own keepsakes.
Viktor scooches aside in the bed a little to make more room for Skan, and to lie down again to rest. He lifts one arm to lay atop Skan's wing, and his other hand strokes the feathers on the gryphon's head and neck.]
I would like that.
[Viktor looks softly at Skandranon. He's unsure how he ended up so comfortable with someone so quickly, recluse that he is. But the bond feels safe, comforting, warm. He feels cared for.
He speaks very softly as he tells the story, almost as if telling it to himself, like it doesn't matter if anyone else hears it.]
Jayce and I met... Ehh, almost a decade ago? His lab was broken into by some kids, who caused an explosion with the volatile materials in there. At that time, experimenting with magic was forbidden in our city, and Jayce was trying to combine science with magic to create something new he called Hextech. I was the Dean's assistant, helping with the investigation into the explosion, and upon reading his notes, I took a strong interest in his research. However, he was expelled from the academy for research that went against the city's ethos, and he saw it as the end of his road. Nosy as I was, I snuck back into his ruined lab one night, to find him about to jump out of it and end his life. I told him I wanted to pursue his research further with him, that I thought he was truly onto something.
And he was. We invented the Hexgates, teleporters that could instantly transport goods and people into and out of the city. The economy boomed as a result, and for years we worked on several other inventions that we thought could improve lives of regular citizens. But I became ill, and the politics became complicated, and we lost our dream.
Shortly before coming to Caldera, I was standing at a ledge about to jump, and he interrupted me. He was determined to cure my illness, to save my life. We hoped Hextech would be the answer, but it wasn't. Still, I am grateful to have the time I did with Jayce. I am sad we didn't accomplish more, but proud of what we did together. He... He cares so much for me. I worry about what will happen to him once I'm truly gone.
[He looks down at Skan's wing, where his hand pets it absently. Oh, his heart aches.]
[Skan listens quietly, and it's a terrible, harrowing tale. The nearness with which death haunts Viktor's life, and those of his friends, is as familiar as it is unwelcome, and his eyes grow all the sharper, wide-spread pupils, and carefully-kept glare as the danger ebbs closer, and then is deferred, like watching someone edge towards arson only for the spark to be stamped out at the last possible moment.
But his head comes up at the mention of the Gates. Was he hearing that right? That Viktor, and of course his friend who had surely contributed a great deal, had invented Gates for his world!? How... how was that possible? It brought the man's fierce, gracious intelligence into sharp contrast, it reevaluated everything he'd ever said.
Viktor had not a drop of mage-gift, and nothing he'd said of his world indicated that he knew of anyone else who had any, either. And yet, with mere mechanical skill and the application of genius, he had replicated a feat that only an Adept-ranked mage could reproduce! If such a thing had ever come into human hands during the war, it would have... it would have...
...He can barely grasp the concept, to begin with. It would have changed everything. And all for a merest mention along side what truly matters: friendship, love, and the loss of either. Skan puts his head back down, mind whirling.]
You are truly a most remarkable man, my friend. I had no idea. But keep faith; you might yet find your friend arriving here, some fine day. Certainly, if I ever hear of this Jayce showing up, you'll be the first to know.
But his head comes up at the mention of the Gates. Was he hearing that right? That Viktor, and of course his friend who had surely contributed a great deal, had invented Gates for his world!? How... how was that possible? It brought the man's fierce, gracious intelligence into sharp contrast, it reevaluated everything he'd ever said.
Viktor had not a drop of mage-gift, and nothing he'd said of his world indicated that he knew of anyone else who had any, either. And yet, with mere mechanical skill and the application of genius, he had replicated a feat that only an Adept-ranked mage could reproduce! If such a thing had ever come into human hands during the war, it would have... it would have...
...He can barely grasp the concept, to begin with. It would have changed everything. And all for a merest mention along side what truly matters: friendship, love, and the loss of either. Skan puts his head back down, mind whirling.]
You are truly a most remarkable man, my friend. I had no idea. But keep faith; you might yet find your friend arriving here, some fine day. Certainly, if I ever hear of this Jayce showing up, you'll be the first to know.
[Skan seems very engrossed in his tale, which he wasn't expecting. Nor is he anticipating the compliment the gryphon pays him. He tilts his head, looking thoughtfully at his friend.]
Remarkable? What do you mean?
[Faced with his own death, Viktor has been feeling crushing defeat. All that looms in his mind is how much he hasn't yet accomplished. The dreams he will not be able to fulfill, the people from the Undercity he will never be able to help in more meaningful ways. It is hard to remember that he has done great things already, that he is extremely bright and hard-working as it is. Ever-ambitious and ever-perfectionistic, it's as though Viktor can't see himself for what he truly is, only what he's failed to become.]
But thank you. You will be the first to know if I find your Amberdrake. Perhaps you could give me a description? Jayce is very tall and broad, with short dark hair and a tanned complexion. He usually wears a white jacket, sometimes carries a giant hammer. I think many would call him handsome.
[Because, well, he is. No getting around it. But that's neither here nor there.]
Remarkable? What do you mean?
[Faced with his own death, Viktor has been feeling crushing defeat. All that looms in his mind is how much he hasn't yet accomplished. The dreams he will not be able to fulfill, the people from the Undercity he will never be able to help in more meaningful ways. It is hard to remember that he has done great things already, that he is extremely bright and hard-working as it is. Ever-ambitious and ever-perfectionistic, it's as though Viktor can't see himself for what he truly is, only what he's failed to become.]
But thank you. You will be the first to know if I find your Amberdrake. Perhaps you could give me a description? Jayce is very tall and broad, with short dark hair and a tanned complexion. He usually wears a white jacket, sometimes carries a giant hammer. I think many would call him handsome.
[Because, well, he is. No getting around it. But that's neither here nor there.]
Edited 2025-05-09 00:49 (UTC)
I'm damned proud to be your friend, let's just leave it at that.
[So there: enough of that. But Skan nods carefully at each quality, trying to imagine the face of such a man, and commit it to memory. Except handsome, he doesn't think he could pick that out by sight, at least not necessarily. It's subjective, isn't it?]
Amberdrake is tall, and tan, and quite lean. He'll be wearing feathers in his hair, almost certainly some of mine, which is very long and very dark. I can't imagine what else he'll be wearing, he's such a clotheshorse, but he does dress nicely, no matter where he goes, so they'll be very fine clothes. He's got a hawkish sort of a nose, that's the Kaled'a'in blood showing, though I don't expect you'll know the look, and...
[Skan hesitates, and then sighs, and drops his chin back onto the blankets.]
He's gentle. Brave, and stubborn, and he can be direct. But he's gentle. He'll speak to you like he already knows everything about you, and likes you all the better for it. That's how you'll know best, that it's Amberdrake.
[So there: enough of that. But Skan nods carefully at each quality, trying to imagine the face of such a man, and commit it to memory. Except handsome, he doesn't think he could pick that out by sight, at least not necessarily. It's subjective, isn't it?]
Amberdrake is tall, and tan, and quite lean. He'll be wearing feathers in his hair, almost certainly some of mine, which is very long and very dark. I can't imagine what else he'll be wearing, he's such a clotheshorse, but he does dress nicely, no matter where he goes, so they'll be very fine clothes. He's got a hawkish sort of a nose, that's the Kaled'a'in blood showing, though I don't expect you'll know the look, and...
[Skan hesitates, and then sighs, and drops his chin back onto the blankets.]
He's gentle. Brave, and stubborn, and he can be direct. But he's gentle. He'll speak to you like he already knows everything about you, and likes you all the better for it. That's how you'll know best, that it's Amberdrake.
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