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Date: 2025-03-15 03:36 am (UTC)He stops, however, just short. What Clive describes is nothing short of a miracle. He feels something painfully hopeful shoot through him, but he knows not what to make of it. His heart thunks heavily within his chest, alternating between joy and fear.]
Clive - [His voice shakes as he takes the bracelet into his hand. He moves it back and forth between his palm, feeling power and comfort within it. He almost worries it might burn him. Part of him even thinks to hand it back.
He can feel the Phoenix's indignation in the back of his mind. It makes dread coil all the tighter within his gut.]
I - don't know what to say.
no subject
Date: 2025-03-15 03:47 am (UTC)Then don't say anything. You needn't even wear it, if you don't desire it. But it is an option I can give you, until I can end it permanently.
[ Oh yes, he hasn't forgotten what his initial promise was. He'll figure out a way to take the Phoenix out of Luca entirely, either by breaking the connection or figuring out how to let Ifrit consume foreign Aether.
He finally shifts his hand up to reach up to curl his fingers against Luca's jaw, tilting his chin upwards, leaning in to place a soft kiss down against the corner of his mouth, his voice soft. ]
It's a start, but it's only a start when you feel comfortable taking it. All right?
no subject
Date: 2025-03-15 03:57 am (UTC)He moves at Clive's urging, staring up at him with a sheen of tears in his eyes. He opens his mouth, but finds that he can't quite manage the words. Instead, he pitches forward, head thunking against the center of Clive's chest.]
You are - [His voice wobbles.] You - kept your word.
[Of course he would. Clive Rosfield never once gave the slightest indication of not being a man of his word.]
I don't know if - if I'm ready to activate it. I fear what the Phoenix may do if I shut it out, only to ask for its power later. But... [He shifts backward, and instead holds his hand out. He presents the bracelet once more, offering a hesitant smile.]
Will you help me put it on?
no subject
Date: 2025-03-15 04:36 am (UTC)I try.
[ And he nods, understanding that hesitation. But it will offer Luca the ability to shut the Phoenix out if it begins to hurt him. A warning that he won't put up with the creatures claws anymore. He lets him lean back, glancing down to the bracelet as it's presented, then back up to the smile.
Which gets his own out of him and he nods, carefully picking the not-so-delicate piece of jewelry up. ]
Together?
[ Because he can't use his right hand, so he carefully hooks his thumb into the latch and waits for Luca to grip the other end, so they can hook it around his wrist together. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-03-15 04:52 pm (UTC)For a long time, he has not been a man of prayer. Not when his deity has been as scornful as it is. Nevertheless, Luca finds himself uttering a silent thank you. Not to his Beast, who already bristles as Luca's audacity, but to the gods and guardians of this world. For so long, he had distrusted them. This kindness marked a shift from that.
With his silent utterance out of the way, Luca turns his attention back to Clive. In the height of his emotions, he had forgotten of Clive's limitations. No matter. It feels far more poetic to work together. He takes the other end as instructed and gives a nod.]
Together.
[He loops it around his wrist, touch still boarding on reverent. He waits for Clive to latch it into place, then holds it out into the small space beneath them. Something moves through him, creeping up his arm and down the span of his body. It feels powerful, protective even. More than anything, it feels loving. He'll have to ask what all went into the process, but he doubts it was easy or without its share of emotion.
The Phoenix, naturally, continues to balk. Luca pays it no mind.]
What do you think? Does it suit me?
no subject
Date: 2025-03-17 12:56 am (UTC)It does but it doesn't nearly have the same lustre.
[ He admires the stone only briefly, he's seen it enough, and turns his attention to Luca instead, tilting his head a little and smiling at him. ]
Don't think I've forgotten my promise. [ Threat, to the Phoenix. Behave, or else. ] But this is the least I can do for now.
[ Maybe if they ever figure out ways to go home, he'll make good on his promise. Until then, all they can do is shut the door on the Phoenix's beak. A beat or two as he thinks, his brow furrowing a little. If the Phoenix decides not to give Luca it's aid in turn, out of spite... well, he doesn't know if he can give Blessings with the other Eikons, they're not his, not really.
But Ifrit is... ]
And I'll be there by your side for any other moments that might arise.
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Date: 2025-03-17 01:22 am (UTC)You are doing terrible things to my stoic persona, I hope you know.
[He... doesn't hate it. He's long lamented the loss of the boy he used to be. He's not the only one, either. Kiera still seems to hold fast to that young man. It would be easier for all of them, he thinks, to be a little more like that.
But he can turn that thought over more later. Clive is here and now at the moment, happy with Luca as he is. He reaches up, cupping the man's cheek and gingerly thumbing over the scar there. He waits only a second before leaning up to steal a kiss, one that he hopes conveys the endless gratitude he feels.]
If you could only ever do this, it would be enough. It's more than anyone has been able to accomplish thus far.
[He shifts just enough to lay his forehead against Clive's shoulder.]
I know you will. Perhaps it's too early to say but... you have yet to let me down once.
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Date: 2025-03-17 07:02 am (UTC)You? Stoic?
[ The cup to his cheek makes him close his eyes and lean in to it, relaxing into it like a touch starved animal, his hand coming up in turn to cover over Luca's. The soft touch to his mouth makes him smile and lean in to return it, a brief warm brush.
As Luca leans in to him, he shifts his arms to cradle the other, just letting him rest against him and making sure he's secure so he can just relax. They did just get done pushing each other to the limits after all, Luca deserves to relax. ]
I vow it. I will not fail you.
[ He turns his head to press his mouth into Luca's head, letting it linger there for a moment. ]
Do you need help returning to the Watchtower?
no subject
Date: 2025-03-18 12:42 am (UTC)Which, speaking of, yes he's melting as Clive leans his head into the touch. He can at least be pleased by the fact that for all the comfort the other man gives him, Luca seems to give the same right back.]
I trust you, Clive Rosfield.
[A smirk crosses his lips after a moment, He glances toward the Watchtower, then back at Clive.]
I suppose if you're offering to carry me up the stairs and start a hot bath, I will not complain. It's only fair, after the work you made me put in.
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Date: 2025-03-19 12:17 pm (UTC)[ His voice is musing but he's smiling as he says it, finally opening his eyes so Luca can see the sparkle in them. He doesn't say anything else as he shifts his other arm under Luca's legs to easily gather him up off the ground and into his arms proper. Then stands with him. ]
I did challenge you, it's only fair.
[ He pauses only to kneel so Luca can grab his Rapier and Clives sword for him, before straightening again and carrying him into the Watchtower proper. He will carry him up stairs, people watching be damned, and he WILL draw him a bath, see if he won't. ]
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Date: 2025-03-19 12:55 pm (UTC)Never mind the fact that you rendered me so emotional.
[There is, of course, no real complaint to those words. It's a very precious gift that he's been given, and he'll be grateful to Clive for as long as he draws breath.
For, now, though, he twists his body in order to properly sheathe his rapier. It's a bit more effort to get Clive's sword tucked away, but he does it with the same care as his own weapon. Eventually he settles once more, opting to glare daggers at anyone who dares to cast them a sideways glance.
Once they're out of earshot, Luca sighs. There's a faint laugh in his voice.]
Oh, the gossip we've once again inspired.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-20 03:28 pm (UTC)Luca,
I believe the last letter I wrote to you was addressed "Ser Aurelius," quite some time ago. It feels almost ridiculous to communicate this way now, but I am pleased to note that even as I write, I am not overwhelmed with a sense of dread as I was in person. My hope is that this affliction is over with sooner rather than later. It pains me to leave you alone at this difficult time, so I suppose I will have to bother you sufficiently in this manner in the meantime. I pray that my meandering thoughts are, at present, a comfort rather than an annoyance to you.
Thanks to a generous (and entirely voluntary, I can assure you) donation from a new arrival, I needn't worry about feeding for some time. Even like this, it being physically necessary and all, I found the taste repulsive, which is a great relief. Nonetheless, I am doing my best to avoid anyone still in human form. I have taken to occupying my time with reading. There is an abundance of books in the school library and hardly any visitors at this time. I suspect that even if I had started at one end when we first arrived and read nonstop since, I would have hardly covered but a few shelves. My favorites thus far have been concerning subjects such as crop rotation, selective breeding of fancy pigeons, and farriering and hoof injury and disease, though I'm sure none of these come as surprises.
What did shock me is the existence of fiction romanticizing vampires. In this particular book, the human protagonist lusts after one and dreams of "being turned" by him. Can you imagine? As you might expect, disgust soon won out over my curiosity, and so that novel will forever remain unfinished by me or anyone in the Grove.
In the absence of the gentle giant (or rather, his inability to fit through the doors of the school) I have been looking after the greenhouse plants here. By the grace of some heretofore unknown benevolent god, indoor piping and tap water do not unnerve me as the river does. It is nice to bask in the presence of living things that do not cower from me on instinct. Do tell me how my beloved Pinto Grigio is faring, if you would be so kind. I miss her terribly.
I suppose I ought not push my luck, getting too long-winded about this. You needn't feel obligated to match my length, as I'm aware you're a man of fewer words than the boy in the barracks was. Even so, I must admit, it would comfort me to be privvy to your thoughts of late. Please do not feel guilt on my behalf should you be unable, however.
Your sister always,
Ser Kiera Canorus
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Date: 2025-05-21 02:17 am (UTC)Ser Aurelius,
Do not think I missed your faux pas there. Do you think that your current condition strikes you from the family line? I cannot imagine Father would feel that way. He would, does love you unconditionally, just as I do.
I am glad you have been able to achieve some level of comfort. I cannot imagine it was easy to accept, voluntary or no. I am glad, though, that you are caring for yourself. Just as we both know how you would regret it had you not.
Trust that I wish I could be with you in this time as well. I know you are struggling deeply, and if we were both not keenly aware of how difficult my presence would prove to be, I would be there in but a moment.
Dearest sister, I do hope you know that a romance could be made out of anything. Might I regale you with the one about the Cataegan Emissary and the heir to the Phoenix? Something tells me you would truly hate that. Still, I am glad you have found enjoyment within other pages. Will you tell me your favorite so far?
Pinto fares well, as to all the chicks. They remain obscenely plump, thanks to a kind benefactor who learned from your ways. You are quite welcome.
As for my own thoughts, I fear they verge on the romantic. There is something I neglected to tell you before trouble struck. Truly I felt... ashamed to talk about it, and also didn't want to trouble you with things I know you feel distaste for. But... Zahliya and I separated in the wake of Clive's absence. I said some rather untoward things to him, and though I have apologized, he has requested time and space.
It... has made things difficult. I suspect that is why my powers have been manifesting as they have. An influx of emotions combined with additional power has been... difficult.
In any case, I do so miss you. I eagerly await the moment in which this new curse releases you.
Your faithful brother,
Luca Aurelius
PS: Rip another piece of paper from a book and I will rip a chunk of hair from your head. Use paper like the civilized harlot I know you to be.
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Date: 2025-05-21 02:46 am (UTC)Luca,
I must admit that I was uncertain whether you truly meant it. I know we have had many disagreements since Father's passing, and likewise have made efforts to mend our relationship, but deeply ingrained habits die hard. I have lived so long in self-imposed exile that sometimes I struggle to even comprehend that you might still care for me. Before you go blaming yourself, know I have always had such doubts. They are as much a part of who I am as my very bones. I will do my best to take your gesture of goodwill to heart, however.
As far as novels go, I have greatly enjoyed a tale about a lowly servant-groom who raises a stallion from its birth. The pair bond for life and endure many trials together, but it is a glad story in the end.
I regret teasing you about romance so frequently. As much as I don't welcome such things for myself, it isn't my intention to frighten you away from sharing important aspects of your life with me. Still, I fear I was neglectful. I should have realized something was amiss. For not noticing your pain, Luca, I am truly sorry. Knowing this only makes me wish all the more that I could reassure you in some way. Once I am freed from these invisible shackles, I would be most glad to help in any way you deem appropriate. I could join you in fishing at the river, or even sit through a game of chess sober.
Thank you for humoring me with these letters. True, it is not the same as spending time with you, but it is a way to speak nonetheless, and I think that is helping me to remain sane.
Hesitantly,
Ser Kiera Aurelius
P.S. I believe it will take me some time to grow accustomed to seeing it written once more.
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Date: 2025-05-21 03:25 am (UTC)Kiera,
I can only imagine how difficult it is. Your upbringing, the "purpose" you were given has haunted you for far too long. I only wish you had been able to hear it from him that he did not hold it against you. All of my words will never compare.
It sounds like a lovely book. Perhaps once you have recovered, I can pay a visit to the library and read it myself. I should like to know what you have enjoyed so much.
I do not think you were neglectful. Truthfully I was... reluctant to talk about it for more than one reason. Zahliya is an incredibly important figure in this world. Strong and capable at that. The last thing I want is for anyone to think ill of him. Or to share his business when he is already going through enough. And... honestly, perhaps I was ashamed to admit the depth of my malice in that moment.
The truth is that I accused both him and you of never caring to do enough about the Phoenix. I wanted to convince myself that neither of you cared enough, so that it was far easier to shove the two of you away. It wasn't fair, and I suppose it is only right that I suffer these consequences.
I - think fishing would be best avoided, though. Callan shares remarkable similarities to Emissary Alazon. It's been a bit... difficult to reconcile. Chess would be nice, though.
I feel the same about our current method of communicating. If I am truly honest, it has been far easier to speak my feelings. It's too easy to become self-conscious with how much I feel, especially hvae I have tried so hard for so long not to feel at all.
... Thank you, by the way. For being so patient with all of that.
Gratefully,
Luca Aurelius
P.S. I have missed it so dearly, though.
P.P.S. After everything was said and done back home, I began to consider joining the guard again. Even in a reserve capacity. Do you think you would loathe working with me again?
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Date: 2025-05-21 05:16 am (UTC)Truth be told, I have known in my heart since then that he would have accepted me. There was always the fear of rejection, but he was not that sort of man, nor that sort of parent. My greatest regret is that I simply lacked the bravery to be honest with him, to give him the chance to prove his virtue, before it was too late. Perhaps, like you with Zahliya, I believed that I deserved to live in that pain.
Hah. It is pitiful how alike we still are, even after so much has changed.
I feel I should give you as much honesty as you have offered me. Last year, when we were trapped beneath the ocean, the Phoenix spoke to me through your body. I made a deal with the Beast that when we returned home, I would volunteer myself as its new host so that it would leave you be. I don't know if such a thing is even possible, but it agreed, and so I believed I was helping. Underhanded, yes. Behind your back, yes. I was afraid to tell you, because I know you would never approve of such self-destructive methods, and I did not know how else to ease your pain.
I swear to you, Luca, if I had known that it was possible to kill a Beast, I would have fought the wretch to my last breath. I would have made more blatant efforts had I been aware of any other recourse. I don't fault you your resentment of me, but still I beg your forgiveness.
You are everything to me. I will never give up on you, no matter the pain it brings me or the time I spend waiting on you.
If you will still have me, despite all of this, I would ask for nothing more than the chance to remain at your side.
Kiera
cw: references to suicide
Date: 2025-05-21 05:33 am (UTC)Truly, we must be related or something.
... Terrible as it is, though, it does bring me some comfort. I have made no secret of how broken and unfixable I feel at times. Knowing that someone else shares these struggles and burdens keeps me from feeling less isolated. And maybe it gives me hope that we can both put ourselves right.
[Kiera would have no way of knowing, but Luca takes a long pause here. The words she'd written are troubling ones. His past self fumes at her for making that promise. The man he is now understands her actions, at the very least.
A few ink blobs rest on the paper, where he tapped his pen a few times before continuing. Kiera might even notice a few burn marks at the corner of the page. Understanding or no, the wash of emotions that her confession evokes is a bit much to swallow.]
You did all that you thought you could.
I won't lie, some part of me is angry. The Phoenix was... not a burden I would wish on anyone. Had you gone through with it, I might have tried to kill you myself for signing yourself up for that fate. But I won't pretend I don't also understand why.
I would do the same, if the Butterfly ever interceded in your life so severely.
All that is to say. Do not apologize for doing what I would do, were the roles reversed. If anything, I should apologize for not trusting in you. For doubting what you would do for me. You are an Aurelius, through and through. Your devotion to your family is proof of that.
But you don't need to worry. Since extinguishing the Phoenix and absorbing its flame, things have become easier. No, no. That isn't quite true. I learned how to cope when I was home. You never gave up on me there, either. And I suppose between both aspects, it has made me feel... less opposed to my life. My fate.
I don't know that immortality appeals to me, now being the Beast proper, but I can deal with that down the line. I have no intentions of extinguishing that flame preemptively. Of that, you have my word.
As for your place with me, you need not ask. You have always belonged here with me, Kiera Aurelius. You are my sister. And you always will be.
Love,
Luc
no subject
Date: 2025-05-21 03:58 pm (UTC)Luc,
I would that you never knew such despair. I will admit, when I first came to Renova, I felt both terrible jealousy and disdain for you. As far as I allowed myself to believe, you had never known hardship, you were impossibly naïve, and the entire world had been handed to you on a silver platter. But unlike those I had spent my earliest years surrounded by, you were glad to share in your wealth of both status and spirit, and I came to realize what a fool I was to resent your good fortune.
I wish that I could have kept you from this pain forever. I feel that I failed you. I am aware that there is nothing I could have done at the time to prevent the Beast from scorning you, or to dissuade Augustus from allowing his blackened heart to rule his judgment. I am aware that Castilla's and Cataega's agents will never stop seeking to harm us until we put them down.
To that end, I do not know why I am telling you this. My intent is not to add more guilt to that which already weighs upon you. Perhaps I feel I do not deserve your forgiveness, nor your acceptance. Maybe I would feel differently, had I the same memories of home that you do. From my perspective, I have done next to nothing to aid you, and it feels horrid to take credit for efforts I do not recall making.
Still, I am moved by your sentiment, even if the last thing I would ever want is for you to fall victim to the Monster of my birthplace. Though I should like to think that with your power being what it is now, that scenario is entirely impossible.
I would be glad to help, when the time comes. Far be it from me to wish death upon you, but I think it would be crueler still to suggest that you do not deserve rest after all is said and done. That said, I will under no circumstances allow you to expire before the age of one hundred, and in that I feel I am being quite generous.
We will have many, many years ahead of terrorizing our fellow Guardsmen once more, Ser Aurelius.
Also with love,
Ki
no subject
Date: 2025-05-23 09:04 pm (UTC)Ki,
It's not an incorrect judgement. I had never known despair. Not only was I granted privilege the likes of which many will never see, but I also was kept from many of the trials that my predecessors had suffered. Father knew how one could suffer beneath a name and title, especially when not afforded the power it should normally bring. Perhaps that's yet another reason why he grew so attached to you. Whether he knew it or not, both of you were familiar with the savagery that one's own blood could bring.
Even if not, you know how Father was. He wanted us to do good. To not be complacent. It's one of the many reasons I have grappled with my path for so long. What I did felt right in the moment, blazing through Castilla and Cataega as I had. And yet I wonder if he would have been disappointed, to see me act as my ancestors.
Likewise, I do not know why I am telling you all of this, or what point I seek to make. I hope you can find some sort of wisdom in my words, though.
In any case, I do not feel that you have failed me. You are still here, trying despite any insistence to the contrary. You have ensured that I know joy and comfort, even going as far as paining yourself to offer an explanation to your distance.
And if it is any consolation, I would sooner burn the Butterfly for attempting to pull you in, rather than allow it to ensnare either of us. But this way felt more poetic.
I think one hundred years would be acceptable. Perhaps not here, but back home. There is much that I have missed out on and would like to make up for. Would you like to assist me? That does include terrorizing the guards, of course.
Love,
Luc
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Date: 2025-05-24 11:30 pm (UTC)Luc,
I have long wondered, myself, what he would think of the person I've become. I am under no impression that my long years of wasting away under the influence of the very thing that enabled him to give me a good life would allow him to rest soundly. Many days, the mere thought of breaking his heart thusly only makes me that much more desperate to muddle my mind with deeper drink.
It seems we are both trapped in pits of our own creation. As you said, it makes me feel less alone, but I regret that you know the feeling whatsoever. At least we have one another to prevent ourselves from backsliding too far.
There will be plenty of time to relearn all that was pleasant in Renova. Gods, the city alone will keep us occupied for years. I will have to show you the up and coming eateries and businesses. In fact, I can recommend a baker you would be tempted to hire on full time for your own personal consumption.
I ought to ask -- when you next send sweet Polaris, by chance could it be in the evening hours? I do so miss flying with her, and the interior of the school does not lend itself very well to aerial acrobatics.
Kiera
no subject
Date: 2025-05-26 05:11 am (UTC)Ki,
While he might not be happy about it, he wouldn't condemn you for it, either. I've heard rumors of the man he was before my birth. He struggled, just as we did. It was his primary reason for trying so hard to cater to us, I believe.
That we do. Honestly... it is difficult to see my own progress sometimes. But I know I see yours. I also trust your judgement implicitly. So if you feel I have begun my redemption, I have to believe it, do I not?
A baker? Do tell me more. Do they prefer breads? Or have they dabbled in pies? I long for an apple pie from home. I do my best, and it is passable, but it never is quite the same.
I think you will find her arrival time to be adequate. Do tell me how your flight goes.
Luc
[True to his word, Polaris's next arrival comes at sunset. It gives Polaris a bit of time to rest and Kiera to write before they take off.]
no subject
Date: 2025-05-27 04:07 am (UTC)Luca,
I understand your reasoning. I suppose I feel that you have made greater strides than I of late, and I confess there is a part of me that has no desire to improve myself. It is quite uncomfortable, physically and mentally, the idea of finding complicated, exhausting alternatives to what is at present quite a simple and easy bandage on the wound.
Their pies are, in fact, what reminded me so vividly of you. Their ratio of spice to apple is superb, the filling delectably moist and the crust still so impossibly flaky. Hahah! I did not realize how awfully I, too, have missed the comforts of Aerea. I believe I will take that flight now, and finish writing once I have had the chance to spread my wings.
It was quite a lovely evening, in truth. We chased one another through the canopy before taking to soar on a pleasant breeze. I was careful not to exhaust Polaris, though I doubt I could come close. I would still prefer she has plenty of energy, should you have a need for her aid. She is both as feisty and as affectionate as ever; she must find it terribly funny to hover just above me and delicately pluck a single feather from my crown. I swear that bird can and does laugh.
With regards to my condition: Joshua has said that his form changed once more after a subsequent exposure to the spores that rendered me vampiric. While I cannot, at the moment, imagine a creature more wretched to be, I am hesitant to tempt fate and return to the fungi. At the risk of placing too much on your shoulders, what do you think I should do? I do not ask so that I may place blame on you should things go wrong, but because I value your insight. You may refuse advising me on the matter, if it makes you more comfortable.
Gratefully either way,
Kiera
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Date: 2025-05-27 05:13 am (UTC)You say that, but you have made strides of your own. You have accepted your name and place with our family again. You have opened up to people, and you are no longer hiding who you are. These are all good things. That said, I will not pretend I would not be better at ease should you put down the bottle, but I also understand that it is a difficult ask.
An apple pie is nothing without its cinnamon, never mind the fact that a sour apple makes it all the better. Few people seem to understand this, anymore. I have done my best to educate the people in this world, but Renova is another story.
I am glad you two enjoyed yourselves. Polaris seemed in particularly high spirits when she returned. I suspect you could have gone longer and she still would have had plenty to spare, but I appreciate your consideration all the same.
And yes, she absolutely does laugh.
It's... difficult. I would not wish for you to suffer additionally. And though you say you will not blame me, I can certainly blame myself. That said... I think it is worth the attempt. If it could even lessen your suffering, I would appreciate it.
And really, I do miss your embrace. Is that too selfish?
Wishing you the best,
Luca
sometime in late may
Date: 2025-06-01 03:39 pm (UTC)But the reality of his situation eventually settles in on him, and one evening, the silence of being alone in a house meant for many is too much to bear. So, out he goes.
He's different than the last time he'd stepped into the bar. A werefox now, rather than a vampire, so the click of low leather heels is replaced by the silence of paw pads. Despite the orange fur and the fox snout that have changed his face, his hair is rather unmistakable, though his ears are limp and folded back rather than perked and alert and his tail hangs motionless behind him.
The first thing he does is find Luca. Because Founder, does he need the company of someone he knows. But also-- ]
... might I have a bowl of stew? Please.
[ --he hasn't eaten in Founder knows when, and he's feeling it. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-06-03 12:40 am (UTC)The changes Joshua displays are different, but not too alarming, considering Luca's had a month to get used to these strange transformations. If anything, he feels guilty for how easy it is to read Joshua's mood.
But he doesn't say anything right away. He gives a nod to Joshua before heading to the pot. He ladles out a decent helping — not too large and overwhelming, but not too small, either — all while making sure no carrots make it through. It's slid across the bar to the other man, and quickly joined by a glass of water.]
You don't have to ask. [Luca chews on his cheek for a few seconds, contemplating asking after him. He's pretty sure he knows the answers to whatever questions he may ask, though, which leaves him instead settling for:]
I'm glad you're here.