abraxaslogs | [semi-open] Early Feb catch all

[The park is done. Two whole city blocks of greenery. A central sculpture meant to provide perspective and memory.

And here, now, on a bench just beyond the grove of fruit trees that have been planted, it feels like an impossible thing that came together in an all too rapid time frame. A month or so ago, he and Jaskier had been debating details, bouncing thoughts off of each other and--

--and it's real. Done. There's a few children yelling off in the distance. Someone's dog barks. Alucard feels a faint smile on his lips.

He built something.

Content on the bench, Alucard lets out a soft, satisfied sigh.]

[Viktor is generally glad for the portal to Libertas, but during his recovery, especially so. Once he's feeling well enough to go, it affords him not only an easy change of scenery but some fresh air, as well. He knows that he's missed a great deal, first by focusing so single-mindedly on his own cure, and then by sleeping through the aftermath. He does know, however, that Alucard has finished his project in Libertas, so he asks to see it as soon as he's able.

Even with the convenience of near-instantaneous travel, the trip is slightly involved, as Viktor isn't far enough into his recovery to be out of a wheelchair, yet. Still, he seems to be in good spirits as they make their way to the memorial. He looks out over the park and offers Alucard a smile.]

It's beautiful. [He means that. Viktor has a particular appreciation for greenery, and it's fulfilling, after spending so long in the ruins of Libertas. ] You must be very proud.

--Thank you.

[Alucard doesn't turn when Viktor arrives. Only when addressed, because it feels more correct. They're both here to look at the park, not each other.]

Credit goes to Jaskier for the greenery, of course. How much have you seen thus far?

Of course.

[He’s recently learned that Jaskier can make plants, so it makes sense that he’d be in charge of cultivating this garden. How else would they grow something this quickly, if not with magic?]

I came straight here. [He’s not predisposed to going very far on good days, much less when he’s still recovering from his procedure. Viktor had wanted to see this sooner rather than later, of course, so he’d made the effort.] I don’t suppose you could give me a tour?

Well, my creative partner will insist that I only do half of this well, so you'll want to bother him for a proper version.

[Alucard rises to his feet, eyes going to Viktor's chair.]

May I?

[It seems only proper to ask to steer him.]

Please.

[He seems relieved by the offer, mostly because Viktor is still regaining his strength, and even the short distance to the portal was an exertion. Nothing wrong with a guided tour, after all.]

I'd much rather hear it all from you. Jaskier can be...overly-talkative.

[That sounds like a nice way to put it.]

You're so circumspect.

[Alucard knows exactly what his creative partner is like. It is why they get along. Jaskier does the talking and planning and people-ing in addition to his own skills, and Alucard does the quiet work. It is an ideal partnership.

The dhampir takes both handles of the chair and starts to walk, moving under the trees.]

These are all fruit trees. Once they begin to produce, anyone who needs to take is welcome to them. Beyond them on either side are wild flower meadows, in order to help with pollination. I don't know if we'll engage bee keepers in the future, but it is a possibility.

[His pace is unhurried, letting silence fall in every so often. Part of this place's goal is to encourage reflection, and that doesn't happen with constant talking. So they move along the tree lined path, until Alucard takes a gentle left.

Running parallel to them is a stream, dotted with lily pads and with fish moving right along as they see fit.]

There's four of these, at the cardinal directions. They all lead to the park's center.

[Which is their natural destination. Alucard is proud of what's in the park's center. It was his idea. Jaskier helped fine tune it, but it came mostly from him and it felt right the moment the concept came into his head.

So they keep moving, past the cactus garden, through a field, until looming debris makes itself known. There's water babbling from a fountain ahead, centered between thw wreckage.]

It came from some of the buildings that were destroyed.

[Alucard's voice is softer as they approach. As if the reason wasn't apparent enough, it becomes all the more clear as they draw closer. Attached to the debris is a mosaic of items - hair pins, small charms, drawings of loved ones - all arranged in swoops and swirls. There's no one present besides the two of them at the moment, and Alucard says nothing. He sits himself down on the edge of the circular fountain that gurgles gently, letting Viktor process the rest.]

Cautious in my dealings with Jaskier, maybe.

[Inherently risk-taking in practically every other avenue. But this is all said as a joke, anyway—in fact, now that he isn’t worried about dying, Viktor has picked up his audio recording project to make Jaskier even more ubiquitous, so he’s not one to talk.

With that settled, Viktor resolves to enjoy the tour, which he does. He’s attentive, directing his attention where Alucard tells him to, nodding appreciatively as each aspect of the memorial unfolds as they walk through it. The layout is pleasant, the plants enhancing every aspect of the walk, and he finds himself imagining what it will look like, when everything is in full bloom.

The centerpiece, of course, is what’s most impressive, and upon taking in all the details—the contributions from the residents and the way that the light catches the mosaic, Viktor finds himself moved.

The idea, of course. Clearly it’s all been very successful.]

This is beautiful, Alucard. You should be proud.

He grows on you. Can't be helped.

[Alucard's words are warm and confident with a basic statement of fact. That's how the bard is, end of story.

Viktor's compliment is genuine. No doubt about it, although the form of address is a reminder of perhaps...well. Alucard sighs, soft and fond.]

I think you have the right to call me Adrian now. [Or Al, but that's mostly Gideon.] Thank you. We'll be working to maintain it, but a lot of what has been put in place should look after itself.

I know what you mean.

[It's nice, to hear Alucard speak so fondly of someone, and Viktor of course understands it, in a way. Jayce himself can be somewhat overwhelming to a more taciturn personality, but he has a similar way of endearing himself to people.

The significance of this is not lost on him, and Viktor offers a smile.]

I'll call you whatever you prefer. [But he does understand that permission to use Alucard's first name is something of importance.] Is there anything I can do to assist?

Well, only Gideon calls me Al. [Except Hilda seems to be doing it too. Alucard's decided not to overthink that little element.]

Not for this project, no. Keep visiting, I suppose. I've a theater in mind next though, and I imagine I'll need some thoughts about mechanical elements and other things that may be more your wheelhouse than mine.

Duly noted.

[He’s graduated to Adrian, but probably not Al—-not that Viktor would ever use a mode of address so informal, anyway. The more interesting subject of discussion, is of, course, the next project. It’s not hard to imagine that Viktor is probably chomping at the bit to get back to work.]

I’d be happy to help you. Anything you need, always.

[semi-open] Early Feb catch all

[open] Libertas; Willow Park

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