[Oh, good, Luca's here. Zahliya attempts, keyword attempts, to look less like he's going to fall over. It... probably doesn't go over well, all things considered. There are scrapes on his cheeks that'll heal in time, not to mention various other wounds elsewhere — gashes over his legs and midsection — but all he wants to do is flop over somewhere and let the corruption get burnt out of his system, rather literally. Wounds like this can't kill him. They're an inconvenience at most; it's all the black gunk he absorbed that hurts the most.]
A place to lie down would be lovely. [He shakes his head, though, forcing a smile.] I was killing monsters in the forest, and as my fire cycles through all of it, it causes strain for me. I'll be fine. I'm only tired.
[He used to be able to spend longer in there. Either his stamina has dropped, or the corruption has worsened, or both.]
Sorry about the floors. [You know, with the various blood droplets all over them.]
[Luca barely passes a glance to the floors, mostly to see what the hell Zahliya is talking about. His hands retract from Zahliya for the time being as he gives a shake of the head. He steps around the gargoyle, making his way to the door. It's locked behind the two of them, before Luca makes his way to the winding stairway off to the side.]
Upstairs, follow me.
[He leads Zahliya up past the second floor loft and then higher still. He doesn't keep the door to the second stairway locked, merely closed. Said door is opened to allow Zahliya through, up to the third floor "bedroom.
It's relatively sparse up here, little more than two beds pilfered from the inn and stacked high with both pillows and blankets. Like. Good god, there is an unreasonable amount of both on his bed. What the hell, Luca.]
Get comfortable. [He gestures with his head toward the bed. For now, he leaves Zahliya to it, making his way into the bathroom in order to prep a few cleaning rags.]
[Funny news, the gargoyle does not know the definition of the word "rest". Luca tells him to get comfortable, and Zahliya doesn't want to get a mess all over the blankets, so he sits his ass down on the floor and starts trying to wipe the variously-coloured blood splatters off of his blades with a rag he normally keeps in his pocket. Said rag catches in the notches in the metal; he's going to need to get new ones forged.
Sigh.
Whenever Luca comes back, that's what Zahliya is doing. You know. Sitting down, which is comfortable enough for him, and working.
[Luca comes out with a handful of rags and can... only stare at the gargoyle, now hard at work. His tongue clicks, but there isn't nearly the kind of malice or irritation that one might have expected. He simply sits beside Zahliya and snatches at one of his hands. Blade in hand or no, Luca focuses on dabbing at whatever excess blood, mud, or grime still lingers on his skin.]
This isn't the 'lie down' I expected. [His tone is dry, but each dab is light and wary as he begins to work his way up the span of Zahliya's arm.] I would think a stray mess on your blades could wait, but what do I know.
[He reaches his shoulders and shifts his form to the other side. If left undisturbed, the motions will continue in reverse, back down to the fingers on the opposite side.]
[There's that instinct to jerk back, some momentary amount of panic... but his shoulders slump, and the fight very swiftly leaves his eyes. It's just Luca. This is how Luca worries.
Zahliya's tail thumps over the floorboards. Thumpthumpthump. His swords are down, at least, set aside while he gets cleaned up.]
The metal is already destroyed. I may as well see if I can preserve what I have left.
[Those swords aren't salvageable. He's going to be at the merchant siblings' door in a day or two to see what can be done.]
Besides, I didn't want to get gunk all over your pile of blankets.
[Luca isn't sure if he imagines that brief moment of tension or not, but he doesn't let it dissuade him either way. He finishes off Zahliya's opposite arm, then shifts forward. He lifts the rag up to the Gargoyle's face, but stops short. This much he'll wait for permission for.]
You're smaller than I am. I can find something for you to wear. [Is his smile on the shy side? Maybe.] And if not, I know how to wash my bedding. And where to steal more from, if it cannot be salvaged.
[He looks to the swords with something akin to pity all the same.]
I would offer to take a look, but it's been years since I have been behind a forge. [Just former almost-knight things.] Nor do I think this village is properly equipped for all of that.
[There's a short fifteen seconds of silence while Zahliya considers this, and it almost looks like a "no" for a second... and then he nods.]
I'm sure there are scratches there. Be gentle.
[As if Luca hasn't been this entire time, he reminds himself.]
And very well. I would only borrow your clothes until my own can be fixed, but I do hope that doesn't bother you. They are still functional. It isn't like they're falling off my body. [Haha...] And no, they were just swords. I've gone through many over the centuries. I just hate it every time.
[Thankfully, Luca doesn't seem bothered by the request. Yes, he's been gentle, but that doesn't mean the reminder puts him on edge. With as many wounds as Zahliya has gathered, he can hardly be faulted for his hesitation.]
I will. I promise.
[The soiled rag is set aside for now, and replaced with something newer and cleaner. With a thumb and forefinger placed feather light against Zahliya's chin, Luca begins to delicately tilt his head this way and that as he dabs at the wounds. His brows are furrowed, concern written into his features even in spite of his best efforts.]
It doesn't bother me. You should be comfortable while you rest. Once we're done here, I'll fetch something.
[Since there's now hands moving in front of his face, his eyes fall shut, and he stays still as best he can.]
You are kind to do so, Luca. I shouldn't have to rely on help, but...
[Were his head not being lovingly cradled, he'd shake it.]
I do these things, normally. I go into the forest and take out threats getting too close to the fog wall. If I come back injured, it's negligible. I simply go onto the roof and rest. ...to be honest, I do not know why I came here. I simply wanted to say "hello" to you after a few days.
[His voice is almost soft. Bordering on the tender, even. Something wells within his chest that he doesn't care to place, and yet that doesn't keep him from speaking it aloud into the air between them.]
One might think you missed me.
[He... doesn't mind that thought. It's a problem, but one he'll find time to deal with later. Thankfully, he manages to swallow down any of the other words that might try to come out. Someone has to save him from making a fool of himself, right?]
In any case, it's good that you came to me. It isn't the first time I have had to clean a few bloodied wounds. Usually they're just on me.
[One might think. Yeah, that's probably it. Missed him, huh... Zahliya can say with confidence he misses a lot of people. There are people that were here once that never came back. People that were here that came back before disappearing again. Stone remembers the hand which carved it as much as it remembers the various faces that passed it by throughout its lifetime.
This, though, feels like a different sort of "missing". Like maybe he's less superglued to the past and that the haze in his brain is starting to clear somehow... ah, he's bad with emotions, so he can't really understand it either way. Maybe all the yelling Irene used to do is getting through to him belatedly.]
I would normally go to Add for medical treatments. [Which begs the question: Why not go there now?] Of course, he is a bit pokey with his needles, and I do not like his sleep-drugs he uses. ...I prefer this.
GUESS WHO POSTED THIS AS A NEW TOP LEVEL INSTEAD OF A REPLY.
[Why not go there indeed. Luca might have thought to question this much, but Zahliya's comment regarding those needles and drugs promptly silences him. It was only natural for the gargoyle to shy away toward something gentler.
(Luca tries not to think about the fact that Zahliya had no idea how gentle Luca would be. Or if he would offer care at all.]
There's no need for sedation in this case, at least. [Especially with the way Zahliya's body seems to be burning away everything else. It only takes a few more dabs to thoroughly cleanse his face, too. Certainly not worth the fuss Add might have kicked up.]
There. If you want to use the washroom to strip down, go ahead. I can grab some clothes while you're at it.
I will do this, though I do not understand the human need for privacy, as I don't have anything you don't.
[Z...Zahliya you can't just make that claim, you definitely do not have normal anatomy can we help you
Anyway, he stands and stretches and ow that was a mistake, some of the worse cuts on his side are protesting that motion, but he'll be fine. That internal furnace of his will fix him within the next day or two, theoretically.]
I'll be back, then.
[To the washroom he goes, though, to strip down and await further clothing. Do not let the garg walk around naked.]
[Is that a bitter laugh on Luca's part? It must be, considering the wry smile that he offers the gargoyle.]
Let's not make assumptions, yes?
[He waits for Zahliya to retreat behind closed doors, before digging out an extra shirt and a pair of trousers. Once he's better acclimated, he might take the time to ask Heimr for some better clothes that actually came from home, but that was something that could be dealt with later. For now, he was content with the basic, loose fitting clothing he had dug up.
(And if he just so happens to pick up the nice, burgundy one that looks near to his hair, well... surely that was just coincidence.)
Satisfied with his selections knocks on the door. The clothing his held off to the side, while Luca glances the other way. He's a very polite young man, thank you.]
[Yes, surely it's just a coincidence :) Anyway, Luca does not get to see Zahliya's various battle scars in that case, but a little purple hand does snatch the clothing before the door shuts and he changes. They're comfortable, if almost imperceptibly too large on him. Zahliya is very petite.
When the door opens, he's decent, so Luca won't have to turn away and Zahliya can theoretically shut his mouth and not make things super awkward. Probably. In either case, his hair is down, and he's brushing out the waves with his fingers.]
[The way those words twist at his chest. Unfamiliar as genuine kindness and friendship have become, their warmth nearly burns him from the inside out. He glances to the side after Zahliya speaks, unsure, at first, if he should say anything at all. It would surely be better for them both if Luca only nodded and let things be.
Instead, he opens his stupid mouth, letting all those halting and stammering words spill out at will.]
I am glad you are here as well. If only because it means you are not being poked and prodded elsewhere. [He really, really doesn't want to deal with this Add guy, he's realizing.
He moves past Zahliya, heading toward the bed. He peels away one single blanket and a pillow for himself, then moves to set up a little nest for himself on the floor.]
The bed is all yours. I have slept far worse places than the floor.
Not if you're going to make a big deal out of it!! [what] I thought it may be nice for neither of us to have to sleep on the floor! Have you never hugged someone in your life?
[ZAHLIYA, YOU'RE TERRIFIED OF TOUCH. WHAT???]
I just— perhaps I enjoy having you around and missed you for two days! [what are we fucking arguing about]
[What is he supposed to say to that! Nothing, apparently. He just plops down onto his pseudo nest on the floor, arms crossed over his chest and chin tipped toward the sky. A muscle within his jaw works, the tension evident in his frame even as he tries to work through it.]
I was never... around people like that back home. [His words come out slow, almost through gritted teeth.] And over the last few years, companionship has been far less... compassionate.
[His arms finally loosen, falling down into his lap.]
But. I suppose I can admit it was... quiet without you around.
[Well, Zahliya, you stab anything that wanders out of the fog, so...]
...sorry, Lu. [Oh, we have a nickname now.] I don't mean to yell or assume. But I do think it would be nice if you were to be up here with me. ...that's all. You don't have to, of course.
[Zahliya only sang to him once, but he finds himself humming the melody without thinking when he works.]
I'm sorry too. [And as if to prove it, he picks up his little nest and... pitter-patters over to the bed. The blankets are set down, before he promptly - turns his back to Zahliya.]
[Zahliya decides "look away" means "roll over and face the opposite direction". He doesn't want Luca to think he's peeking through his fingers, therefore, he flips over. There's a hiss when he lays on an injury, but beyond that...]
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A place to lie down would be lovely. [He shakes his head, though, forcing a smile.] I was killing monsters in the forest, and as my fire cycles through all of it, it causes strain for me. I'll be fine. I'm only tired.
[He used to be able to spend longer in there. Either his stamina has dropped, or the corruption has worsened, or both.]
Sorry about the floors. [You know, with the various blood droplets all over them.]
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Upstairs, follow me.
[He leads Zahliya up past the second floor loft and then higher still. He doesn't keep the door to the second stairway locked, merely closed. Said door is opened to allow Zahliya through, up to the third floor "bedroom.
It's relatively sparse up here, little more than two beds pilfered from the inn and stacked high with both pillows and blankets. Like. Good god, there is an unreasonable amount of both on his bed. What the hell, Luca.]
Get comfortable. [He gestures with his head toward the bed. For now, he leaves Zahliya to it, making his way into the bathroom in order to prep a few cleaning rags.]
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Sigh.
Whenever Luca comes back, that's what Zahliya is doing. You know. Sitting down, which is comfortable enough for him, and working.
Very good job 10/10 following instructions.]
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This isn't the 'lie down' I expected. [His tone is dry, but each dab is light and wary as he begins to work his way up the span of Zahliya's arm.] I would think a stray mess on your blades could wait, but what do I know.
[He reaches his shoulders and shifts his form to the other side. If left undisturbed, the motions will continue in reverse, back down to the fingers on the opposite side.]
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Zahliya's tail thumps over the floorboards. Thumpthumpthump. His swords are down, at least, set aside while he gets cleaned up.]
The metal is already destroyed. I may as well see if I can preserve what I have left.
[Those swords aren't salvageable. He's going to be at the merchant siblings' door in a day or two to see what can be done.]
Besides, I didn't want to get gunk all over your pile of blankets.
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You're smaller than I am. I can find something for you to wear. [Is his smile on the shy side? Maybe.] And if not, I know how to wash my bedding. And where to steal more from, if it cannot be salvaged.
[He looks to the swords with something akin to pity all the same.]
I would offer to take a look, but it's been years since I have been behind a forge. [Just former almost-knight things.] Nor do I think this village is properly equipped for all of that.
Were they important to you?
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I'm sure there are scratches there. Be gentle.
[As if Luca hasn't been this entire time, he reminds himself.]
And very well. I would only borrow your clothes until my own can be fixed, but I do hope that doesn't bother you. They are still functional. It isn't like they're falling off my body. [Haha...] And no, they were just swords. I've gone through many over the centuries. I just hate it every time.
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I will. I promise.
[The soiled rag is set aside for now, and replaced with something newer and cleaner. With a thumb and forefinger placed feather light against Zahliya's chin, Luca begins to delicately tilt his head this way and that as he dabs at the wounds. His brows are furrowed, concern written into his features even in spite of his best efforts.]
It doesn't bother me. You should be comfortable while you rest. Once we're done here, I'll fetch something.
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You are kind to do so, Luca. I shouldn't have to rely on help, but...
[Were his head not being lovingly cradled, he'd shake it.]
I do these things, normally. I go into the forest and take out threats getting too close to the fog wall. If I come back injured, it's negligible. I simply go onto the roof and rest. ...to be honest, I do not know why I came here. I simply wanted to say "hello" to you after a few days.
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[His voice is almost soft. Bordering on the tender, even. Something wells within his chest that he doesn't care to place, and yet that doesn't keep him from speaking it aloud into the air between them.]
One might think you missed me.
[He... doesn't mind that thought. It's a problem, but one he'll find time to deal with later. Thankfully, he manages to swallow down any of the other words that might try to come out. Someone has to save him from making a fool of himself, right?]
In any case, it's good that you came to me. It isn't the first time I have had to clean a few bloodied wounds. Usually they're just on me.
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This, though, feels like a different sort of "missing". Like maybe he's less superglued to the past and that the haze in his brain is starting to clear somehow... ah, he's bad with emotions, so he can't really understand it either way. Maybe all the yelling Irene used to do is getting through to him belatedly.]
I would normally go to Add for medical treatments. [Which begs the question: Why not go there now?] Of course, he is a bit pokey with his needles, and I do not like his sleep-drugs he uses. ...I prefer this.
GUESS WHO POSTED THIS AS A NEW TOP LEVEL INSTEAD OF A REPLY.
(Luca tries not to think about the fact that Zahliya had no idea how gentle Luca would be. Or if he would offer care at all.]
There's no need for sedation in this case, at least. [Especially with the way Zahliya's body seems to be burning away everything else. It only takes a few more dabs to thoroughly cleanse his face, too. Certainly not worth the fuss Add might have kicked up.]
There. If you want to use the washroom to strip down, go ahead. I can grab some clothes while you're at it.
SCREAMS LAUGHING I SEE
[Z...Zahliya you can't just make that claim, you definitely do not have normal anatomy can we help you
Anyway, he stands and stretches and ow that was a mistake, some of the worse cuts on his side are protesting that motion, but he'll be fine. That internal furnace of his will fix him within the next day or two, theoretically.]
I'll be back, then.
[To the washroom he goes, though, to strip down and await further clothing. Do not let the garg walk around naked.]
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Let's not make assumptions, yes?
[He waits for Zahliya to retreat behind closed doors, before digging out an extra shirt and a pair of trousers. Once he's better acclimated, he might take the time to ask Heimr for some better clothes that actually came from home, but that was something that could be dealt with later. For now, he was content with the basic, loose fitting clothing he had dug up.
(And if he just so happens to pick up the nice, burgundy one that looks near to his hair, well... surely that was just coincidence.)
Satisfied with his selections knocks on the door. The clothing his held off to the side, while Luca glances the other way. He's a very polite young man, thank you.]
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When the door opens, he's decent, so Luca won't have to turn away and Zahliya can theoretically shut his mouth and not make things super awkward. Probably. In either case, his hair is down, and he's brushing out the waves with his fingers.]
These will do. Thank you, Luca.
[Tail swish.]
I'm glad I came here.
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Instead, he opens his stupid mouth, letting all those halting and stammering words spill out at will.]
I am glad you are here as well. If only because it means you are not being poked and prodded elsewhere. [He really, really doesn't want to deal with this Add guy, he's realizing.
He moves past Zahliya, heading toward the bed. He peels away one single blanket and a pillow for himself, then moves to set up a little nest for himself on the floor.]
The bed is all yours. I have slept far worse places than the floor.
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Why are you sleeping on the floor? [explain to him your strange human habits.] You do realise I sleep on a roof every night, yes?
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[Petulant and matter of fact as can be.]
Get comfortable. I will not be arguing this.
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[......and then he just. Gets into the bed. Gets under the mass of blankets. Rolls around... scoots over... looks at Luca.]
There is room for you. See?
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[Hang on, what -]
You... want me to... Sleep with you?
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Not if you're going to make a big deal out of it!! [what] I thought it may be nice for neither of us to have to sleep on the floor! Have you never hugged someone in your life?
[ZAHLIYA, YOU'RE TERRIFIED OF TOUCH. WHAT???]
I just— perhaps I enjoy having you around and missed you for two days! [what are we fucking arguing about]
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[What is he supposed to say to that! Nothing, apparently. He just plops down onto his pseudo nest on the floor, arms crossed over his chest and chin tipped toward the sky. A muscle within his jaw works, the tension evident in his frame even as he tries to work through it.]
I was never... around people like that back home. [His words come out slow, almost through gritted teeth.] And over the last few years, companionship has been far less... compassionate.
[His arms finally loosen, falling down into his lap.]
But. I suppose I can admit it was... quiet without you around.
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[Well, Zahliya, you stab anything that wanders out of the fog, so...]
...sorry, Lu. [Oh, we have a nickname now.] I don't mean to yell or assume. But I do think it would be nice if you were to be up here with me. ...that's all. You don't have to, of course.
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[Zahliya only sang to him once, but he finds himself humming the melody without thinking when he works.]
I'm sorry too. [And as if to prove it, he picks up his little nest and... pitter-patters over to the bed. The blankets are set down, before he promptly - turns his back to Zahliya.]
Look away. Just for a moment.
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Okay. I'm looking away.
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