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 Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2024 6:03 pm
“There is a lot of suffering that he causes himself,” Lucien hummed quietly, thoughtfully as he tinkered with the tracker he had for the little bird. “Perhaps he believes it’s penance. Alastor has a long and bloody history, although with Devyn being the Senshi, things have been much more mild. There is no longer a tension that there once was.”
He paused to be quiet for a few moments, clearly deep in thought, but then glanced up to nod politely to the boys for humoring him.
“Forgive me. I tend to reminisce when left to my own devices. Ah, speaking of devices, it appears Devyn is making good time. We should all continue preparing,” he decided, moving closer once more so he could see their progress on the map. Celyn wasn’t sure what Lucien meant by everything he said, but he also knew he was lucky that he didn’t have to deal with things like war like other places did. He felt bad for Dr. Eld, even if he was really intimidating, but didn’t know what he could do for him. Mostly, he wanted to do something so that Marius wouldn’t worry so much. He looked like he was in pain, too, but Celyn didn’t know how to help him. Maybe just being quiet and leaving him alone would be helpful?
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Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2024 6:04 pm
Lucien certainly knew Madison well; what he said fit what Marius assumed. Although, he did somewhat disagree about the tension. Maybe a new one had just replaced the old. There were pockets of peace, and Marius once more felt guilty for upheaving what Devyn had worked so hard to establish.
He just needed more time. He could help fix things. They’d go back to how they were–or, better, ideally.
There was some reassurance in Devyn making good time, but Marius couldn’t help but wonder at what cost he was making that time, or how Lucien was judging it. He wasn’t very easy to read. Even now, Lucien hardly seemed flustered or bothered. He looked like he almost didn’t have a care in the world. It was in stark contrast to Madison. Marius felt himself pulled in many different directions but he was determined to be more useful than not.
When this was all over, he’d have liked to talk to Lucien just as much as Celyn, though he had vastly different topics in mind for each.
“I don’t mind if you reminisce,” Marius said softly. “You have a soothing voice. I bet you tell very good stories.” What other worlds had he been to? Where did he get his technology? Could Marius learn like this? If the people of Villefort had such means–
No. It was nice to have a distraction, but no. Marius wouldn’t allow his thoughts to wander like that. Devyn would be here soon and they needed to have everything prepared.
“Are you going to be okay when you go to Sessrumnir, is there anything you need? A weapon, armor…?”
Would Madison need that? Or anyone else?
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Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2024 6:04 pm
Another little smile tugged at Lucien’s lips. No, this wasn’t any time to be in a good mood. He wasn’t really. But he found that he enjoyed the conversation, regardless of what dire situation they were waiting to resolve.
He knew he was an outsider, but he appreciated the openness to which he was at least tolerated. If it was any other time, he might have chuckled in response to being told he had a soothing voice, and was pleased that he’d be allowed to reminisce and tell stories.
“You have a lot of forethought. That’s very good, especially for someone of your age. You are correct that we will need armor. I am certain there will be plenty to pick from the armory. I didn’t want to get it on so soon and get overheated or uncomfortable, but…”
He paused, glancing over the map once more. He’d hoped there would have been more for him to pick over, but he had a pretty good idea. Celyn had drawn the general directions to the vault, as well as a couple of hidden passageways, should they get separated from Devyn, or need to split up to strategize an attack.
“Mr. Lukas, we would like to get access to the armory. I suppose it’s time to pick out something sharp for Devyn.” And himself and Madison, but Devyn most importantly. Celyn stayed close to Marius, listening with wide eyes as Lucien started talking about an armory. Sure, the guards at Sessrumnir wore armor, but they were rarely actually used. They had regular training, of course, but he would have been surprised if many of them had actual combat experience.
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Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2024 6:14 pm
Lukas’ eyes flashed and his expression turned grim. He understood. This was inevitable.
“Yes, Sir,” he said slowly, and after he sucked in a steadying breath he pulled out a ring of keys. He knew them by heart and selected one, and also a nondescript card with a single symbol embossed on it. “This should grant you entrance, this should be enough for the guards to let you in. If they need extra confirmation, I’ll be here to give it. But it should be enough. They’ll let you have anything you want. Just, um–please try to mark what you take. I’m sorry, it’s protocol. I know it’s an emergency. But they’ll audit, and–”
“Can I borrow a notepad? I’ll take notes, I’ll mark what’s going out,” Marius volunteered. He wasn’t going with them back to Sessrumnir, but if it was paperwork and filing, he could do that.
Lukas still gave them a pitying look but he nodded and pulled out a blank quill and notepad to pass over as well.
Marius took it with a quick word of thanks, but paused when he passed Celyn. “You don’t have to come if you don’t want to. You’ll be okay with Lukas. But I don’t think anyone would stop you if you wanted to come with me, either.”
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 6:09 am
Celyn wanted to stay with Marius, but he didn’t really want to be anywhere near weapons and armor. Just the thought of it made his stomach churn. He knew there was probably nothing to be frightened of in the actual armory, but he didn’t like thinking about what those weapons were going to be used for. He chewed nervously on his lip, but eventually glanced up at Lukas. “Would it be okay if I stayed here with you? I won’t get in the way,” he promised. He was still feeling out of sorts and out of place. He wanted to sit down and cry, but knew he shouldn’t, especially where there was so much going on. And he didn’t want to get in Marius’ way and be a burden to him. “I can keep working on the map,” he suggested, picking up the drawing board so he could bring it with him to hide behind the desk and stay out of the way. “Both fine ideas,” Lucien agreed to both Marius and Celyn’s suggestions. He took the card and key from Lukas and tucked it into a secure pocket inside his overlarge sleeve. He would have to remove those before heading to Sessrumnir, but for now they were not getting in the way.
“Thank you. We shall be back. Should Dr. Eld make his way back here, direct him to join us, please. I do not wish to see him injured.” And nor would Devyn, or a great many others, as frustrating as the doctor could probably be sometimes.
“Come, Marius,” he directed, taking long strides to the designated hall and room.
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 6:20 am
“I will, yes, Sir. I’ll keep an eye out for him.” Although he wasn’t looking forward to communicating that with Dr. Eld, he’d do his best. He turned to Celyn with a warm smile. “Stay here with me, of course,” Lukas insisted, and gestured for him to have a seat with him behind the counter. He smiled and, despite how anxious he was, he seemed genuinely glad to have Celyn there. It was safe behind the counter. “You can tell me more about Sessrumnir, I’d love to hear. I’ve never been.”
He was happy to keep him talking, hopefully about a subject he could be passionate about. And, though Lukas didn’t say it, he’d have liked something to pass the time so he didn’t keep checking his stopwatch.
Marius smiled and waved once more. “Be back soon,” he promised, but as soon as he turned his smile fell and he lost the effort to feign good spirits. He was tired. His head hurt. He was trying not to throw up.
He was so exhausted already, but he could push on for a little longer. He followed in Lucien’s footsteps and did his best to keep up, but he was glad to keep his head down and make himself small as he hurried along.
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