|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2016 10:33 pm
Day 3Surrendering dignity was inevitable, in the name of function and comfort. The captain didn't know if anyone was watching constantly, and after the first day, didn't care so much. Not moving at all was simply not an option. He'd flopped over onto his side and made use of rolling the small two revolutions back and forth of the small cell to relieve tension and build up in his muscles. He stretched his spine, back, thighs and shoulders by facing his bound legs one way and then moving as though to touch his shoulders to the plane of the floor, whether his arms got in the way or not. He did small repetitions of resistance pulls against the ropes, or of managed movement- blood flowed again in needled, throbbing waves that crashed around his joints and finally kept going to sit at the base of his skull. The ropes are getting looser. Too fast. Not enough water and no food. His skull pounded too much to get more than the same thoughts through for all of the second day. He slept. He knew it must be the third day now, thanks to the regularity of his scheduled life. His body wouldn't let him sleep more, even starting to starve. His mouth felt swollen and sandy. Titan opened his eyes to confirm that he was still on his side, making use of as much of the cool, stone floor against his skull as he could. Small tugs confirmed his ropes were getting looser. Either someone will visit soon to reset them, or they do not know how to handle dehydration. We will all be loosing water weight quickly. Then more. There was a sound, as all sounds had started to become an alternating dull distance of headache, or clarion and piercing beyond what seemed human convention. Not just sound, but the smell of the stone and oil of hair unwashed for three days. Focus His thoughts strayed too easily now. Someone is walking the hall. Slowing. Stopping. It must be outside my door? Is it so?
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 10:14 am
It was unfortunate, really, that he’d not talked to Thyrmr sooner or he would have been in to see the massive captain before three days had gone by; might have kept Titan from experiencing so much discomfort. Then again, perhaps not. Aegir wasn’t exactly in charge..it wasn’t as though he could have fought against Castor, Thraen and the others to allow the captives some freedom. They were dangerous, after all. Still. When the curly-haired senshi opened the cell door and stepped in, he didn’t see a dangerous enemy, he saw a person laying miserable on the floor. A person that just so happened to be a captain of the Negaverse, capable of killing him with bare hands - or worse. He looks awful… Which was kind of the point, wasn’t it? Titan and the others being captives…made to look awful, to feel awful in the hopes of getting information. Aegir toed the heavy door closed behind him, a cloth bag in his arms, and moved forward until he could kneel at the captain’s side, bag landing heavily by his knees. “Titan? Titan, are you okay?” His fingers reached out to smooth back some of the dirty blond hair falling into the man's face, a frown on his face thinking about the idiocy of his words. Stupid. Of course he’s not okay, he’s dehydrated at the least and I’m pretty sure no one has given him anything to eat. He won’t be able to eat or drink tied up like this…do I dare? I remember you, you were honorable at least. “I’ll untie you if you can give me your word you won’t harm me and will let me tie you again when I go.” Thraen would tell him he was an idiot, probably. Aegir didn’t care, he was far more concerned with the state of the prisoner and wondering at the state of the other captives.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 1:30 pm
It only occurred to the captain after the super senshi entered that how he was laying could be interpreted in a number of ways. A prisoner could be petulant, refusing any active agency in order to force inconvenience on a captor, or could be gravely ill from some unknown internal issue like diabetes, faking like a possum to create an opening out of worry and proximity, and still others that didn't get past the throbbing headache. He didn't want to appear petulant, at the least. It would have been more presentable to have gotten back up to the kneel that the binding allowed. More presentable, honorable, but also more dizzy and would not have earned the soft touches shifting his hair. They were pleasant, welcome in the face of the conditions of capture and even further on of his life in general being so isolated. Like the other small noble's touches, the very-not-giant-king. What had his name been? "I am alright. " All things considered, he was really rather well off. It wasn't nearly what he'd expected considering the handling of captives by the aegis of his own Kvaens. "My word was given in my surrender. Unless freed by force, by will of your people, or by ransom, I will obey the terms of this captivity. As much....no one has stated terms, really. But it is plain that I am to be in this room. " "You have my word. I will not raise hand against you, and will submit." It is that senshi....it has been a while. He had a name I could tongue. Ægir. "How are you here? Ægir. " Then more immediate to the state of undoing the ropes, "Should I stay this way, or kneel up?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 3:17 pm
The roughened voice was reassuring, as were the captain’s words. “Okay then. We’ll get you sorted.” How was he there? Or why? Information, certainly, but torture wasn’t really his thing…as for the how of it, well. Throne and Castor, mostly. He was really not suited for such things, being a much more peaceable person. Titan had asked a question that only served to make the senshi question further why he was participating in this. “I…wanted to try and see if talking would work. I know not everyone that’s part of the Negaverse is bad...and some might be willing to purify.” “Stay like you are for now, it’ll be easier.” Aegir busied himself with untying Titan’s hands and arms first, then nudged the bag at Titan before going after the ropes binding his legs and ankles. “There’s a gallon of water and some protein bars. Thyrmr said you were one of the captives, so I came prepared.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 4:15 pm
Was that pain or pleasure, as the ropes on his arms were not only untied but the last coils wrapping fell away, that bloomed out from every nerve in his torso and arms? Titan settled on not solving the question and just accepted that it was both. Both was good. He drew his arms forward by increments, still only level with his sides as the last coils around his legs were finally freed and pulled away. "That is a lot more water than a cup. You know the little noble? He was kind when he came here. " A whole gallon of water. It sounded like an ocean. It sounded like kisses, chocolate, sunsets and pillows propped against the base of a couch in front of a fire all in one. Only his own lips felt cracked and tasted like metal and concrete. He'd been patient that long, though, so he continued to be patient and didn't ask his body to thrust arm and hand out to just start chugging water. Titan just slowly started unbending his legs as well. "He said there are more here. This cannot all be for me?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 5:26 pm
"Thyrmr? Yes, I know him...he's a good friend. Part of my team." Aegir smiled, thinking of his gentle friend and of his much loved comrades. Titan moved slowly, carefully - and no wonder! He'd been tied for so long, poor fellow - while the senshi coiled the ropes that had bound his large friend. "He told me you were here...so I brought plenty." "There are, but I have more for them. This is actually all for you." He reached out for one of Titan's hands to rub at the reddened marks, help the circulation improve if he could. He's admitted he'll behave, I could leave him unbound when I go...I might. He's a gentle soul...none of them deserve to be tied like that. "Let me know if I'm hurting you, or if you'd like me to stop."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 6:14 pm
'Part of my team'
I learn more from talking to them in captivity then many did when we had them in rope. These two are very free with themselves. Too free. Why? What could they hope for in it? Maybe they do not know, or have never spoken with Lady Hvergelmir, Kairatos, or Babylon. Maybe they have never heard of me. That is not all bad. I am still known as wearing black as much inside as out, however the name of the Fjord echoes in my ears. Admitting that everything hurt, whether or not it also felt simultaneously good, just seemed like it would be complaining. He didn't want to complain. Too kind for how we parted last. Mostly my words. When that was? Months ago? His legs were finally straight, reaching his boots near the door to the small cell. 6 by 8 feet ? It looked something like that. Like if he turned himself the other way his legs would have to bunch up, or he'd have to sit up with his back against the wall. The frame for what used to be the bed, at least, was turned up vertical and against the wall, so that it didn't make the space even smaller. It was already bordering intimate by forced proximity. The muscles of the rubbed hand twitched in rapid fire under the drawn skin, like he'd been starving more of potassium than just generally. It was worth it for the touch. He didn't show any inclination to reclaiming the limb from the senshi's ministration. "Is it to convince us to purify? The captives? Will someone cruel come in next?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 12:09 pm
Aegir was too good-natured, too trusting, for his own good - really he was. Titan might be honorable and willing to not sink a hand into his chest to remove his starseed on his word, but not all of their captives would feel the same way. "No..I'm fairly sure this whole thing happened to get information. At least, that's what I got from it. If some of you did purify, that'd be fantastic." The second part of Titan's question stilled gloved hands and put a frown to his face. "Not if I can help it, but I'll admit I can't speak for some of the others." Castor and Penthe, in particular, seemed to take to violence more readily. The senshi released Titan's hand and rested his in his lap, shifting position a bit; it was uncomfortable on the concrete but he wasn't going to complain. Not when the very large captain had been left to it for days, that would have been beyond poor taste. "Last time we met you readily served Metallia...are you still so sure that's your place? I've heard you were..kind. To a civilian." To me. And you took my costume jacket...why? I've never heard of officers taking trophies like that..."That really...doesn't seem like something the Negaverse would want you to do, and it makes me think maybe you're better suited away from it."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 1:22 pm
"No one has asked me for any information. Only you and the little noble have come. Maybe it is plain I have nothing." Slowly, carefully, he flatted palm to the floor, shifted his second arm to bear weight on his elbow. Then pulled up his legs to take weight on his hip and pushed up, turned, shifted and made use of the wall as a back rest. Titan drew up his knees and rested his arms loose in the bend of lap that was created. He faced the strange super senshi that had brought food and water. Kind to one civilian ? Which one? And was it really kind, whatever he'd done? There had been no arguments about his reasons for choosing the biker bar for his energy quota. "My place as a servant to the Earth is sure. I mean to serve and protect the Earth and all it's people. Sometimes there is sacrifice, but it shouldn't be slaughter. " It was true, though, that in the time since he'd come to some realizations about Metallia, the creature that 'sat' that throne of Earth. It was all slaughter meant to some puzzling end. A slow arm finally reached and brought the sack near to extract out the water and bars. I wonder what brand they'll be. He tossed one in a not very accurate lob towards the senshi, offering what he could manage of a smile. "At least join for company on the feast you bring, while you are here? "
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 6:19 pm
"Or maybe they're intimidated. You're really big." Aegir smiled again, peeking at Titan from thick lashes, watching as the captain shifted carefully and drew himself into a more upright position. "And not everyone will know - or believe - that you're an honorable person." But he did, for several reasons...including the gut feeling that he could - and should - trust him. Titan's words brought a nod from the curly haired senshi; all of this made sense with what he knew - felt he knew - about the captain. "The Earth is definitely worth protecting." They'd discussed this before, the last time Aegir and Titan had faced off. It was good that some things didn't change. As for the bars, they were mostly SimplyProtein, GoMacro, and Clifbar brands in various flavors. "Thanks." He caught the bar and peeled the wrapper back and offered it back to Titan without commenting that it was highly likely the big man would have a hard time navigating the heat-sealed packaging in his current state, "Toss me another, handsome."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 7:41 pm
Handsome? It cannot be right after this many days. Titan had expected to just tear his own open using teeth, rather than trying to test fine motor skills against low blood sugar and dehydration shakes. A nod of thanks accompanied accepting back the bar, and he lobbed another to the senshi before reading his own- chocolate peanut butter. Which was as much to say, like so much else he consumed in any day for protein, that it was going to taste like peanut butter and Yoohoo. Because all soy chocolate protein had so far in his years of training and consuming the stuff. The hunger from his excursion in the Rift taught that it was still going to taste like ambrosia. The bar was set down on his lap first, though, in favor of pulling over the water and bag. There was the added bonus to be found of a plastic cup still in the bag, which he steadied with left hand while pouring from his right. "Size cannot still be so much when roped down? " "You believe it though? Will they believe you?" He offered out the cup carefully, "We can share the vessel like old friends and old days, if that is alright? "
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 8:12 pm
Perhaps he was not at his best after three days of captivity, but he was still handsome, grime could only mask so much...and Aegir was kind when he could be. Again Aegir caught the colorfully wrapped bar and deftly opened it. Flavors were often chocolate and peanut butter...or they were mint and dark chocolate and tasted much the same regardless of which company made them. Aegir wasn't really hungry but he was willing to eat with the huge officer anyway. The blond was well versed and took a small bite, chewing thoughtfully as he watched the captain - who must have been starving - put the bar down to offer water. Strange to use the cup, to pour. He's really disciplined, it's impressive."You're a big guy, I'm sure even powered down you'd be formidable. Magically enhanced is a whole 'nother story." A small shrug, "You're the only person I've seen yet tied more than hand and foot." Probably because Titan was goddamned terrifying when you weren't trained for war, as most of their number were not...Aegir included. And yet I do believe him...even though he basically said he'd feed me to Metallia. He really was kind to me in the theater...even if he didn't know it was me."I do." As to whether or not he'd be believed...well, that was the question, wasn't it? "Some will, some won't. Some...may not care, I'm sorry to say. But I will do my best.." He took the proffered cup with another smile; sharing wasn't a problem though they were not old friends and the days were decidedly new. "You're a very strange man, Titan. I think I'd like you very much as a friend." Were circumstances different... Water sipped, he offered the cup back to Titan, "I'd much rather have you as a friend." Much better that way than having him as an enemy...or a captive as he currently did.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2016 6:17 pm
The cup offered back, Titan slowly drew on the remaining contents until his mouth was full. He didn't swallow, but lowered the cup and held the liquid in his mouth while he attended to the feeling of wetness seeping into what felt to be cracks. Like the dry bed of a stream submerged again at last, where the curled and cracked surface of clay would settle once laden into unbroken singularity. He held the mouthful at least thirty seconds. Closed his eyes. Swallowed. Repeated. Paused to refill the cup and set it aside in reach of them both. It was as disconcerting this time as the last to physically feel the liquid sloshing in his stomach. That region of his body panged in defiance and complaint of it's demands being so long ignored. Just brought into some vague compliance, the gurgle felt echoing. Titan finally took an edge of his own bar into his mouth and set to chewing it a deliberate thirty times before risking swallowing. "Legends have friends stand on two sides of bridges sometimes. But they remain a friend. Maybe it is more brave to disagree, sometimes. Most brave to reconcile after." " Who will you talk to about it? There is someone in charge? "
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2016 8:07 pm
He couldn’t help watching the massive captain curiously, instead of gulping the water down he drew it slowly and seemed more interested in wetting his insides than filling himself with the whole lot. It was curious and also the smart thing to do. Titan’s manner was just as careful when he bit into the protein bar: unhurried and seeming to savor each in turn, water and bar alike. “Perhaps someday we’ll be part of one of those legends.” Or maybe the captain wouldn’t make it out of this cell, or if he did he’d be horribly mangled. The thought of any of the captives being maimed didn’t sit well with Aegir and he almost missed Titan’s question as he contemplated such things - and his part in them. “Mm, well..we’re more like a lot of independent contractors, but there are some with more sway than others.” It was on the tip of his tongue to name Castor and Thraen, but he didn’t. “I’ve been held by some of your comrades, abused. Had the starseeds of people I cared about used to bring me to my knees, a whole laundry list of wrongs.” The blond head dipped a moment as he thought about Rhys, Monty, Thyrmr..about Moonstone, Umber, and Schörl. He looked back up with jaw set and hand clenched around the rune carved into his palm. “Even so, I don’t like this. It’s not how we should be acting.” Would he feel the same if they’d caught Moonstone or Umber? Schörl? What about the Nega that threw laundry soap in his face? None of the officers were innocents, he knew that. He also knew a great many senshi were innocents, before they were ‘awoken’ into this war. Ganymede was taken and tortured, so many others too. I can’t say this isn’t deserved on some level, but we really should be giving them a choice, not just beating or depriving them until they’ll do whatever we want just for a little relief. A kindness that would not have been extended to him, had he been captured by the Negaverse. Truthfully, he wasn’t certain why he’d survived his meeting with the horrifying general. “What would you do, if our situations were reversed? I have a feeling I already know, since you threatened to give me to Metallia last time. But tell me anyway.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2016 9:43 pm
"Our situations wouldn't reverse well- I am no power in the Negaverse. Only the Kvaen makes law, or her Hands, the Sovereigns. " He took another mouth of water, and another small corner before wantureing on. Words were a decent excuse to letting things settle in between. "If it were the same? If I were a Lord with authority and you were my captive I would ransom you. Lives are lost on the battlefield. But an enemy alive is goods, money, and treaties to ending a war. If an enemy pays enough, they can't pay their soldiers. They can't make war. And unless I wanted your fealty, and control of your lands, it is better to give you back to them. At a gain to me and mine." At least that was how it seemed to work in stories about the raids on the Welsh and Irish coasts, or AngloSaxon England in all the viking stories he'd read growing up. Or had read to him. "So I would meet with your friends under a open palm and discuss a ransom. Then once it was paid, I'd let you go back to them." "I don't think any of us here are worth a ransom to ours. I don't think they make war that way. " He took another drink, and another bite. "It doesn't seem the senshi or knights do. Does it. " Titan looked at the floor, dark and pocked concrete, that was between them. "Is that what you expected?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
