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abraxaslogs2021-08-28 09:45 pm
abraxasmods) wrote in abraxaslogs2021-08-28 09:45 pm
WELCOME TO SOLVUNN!
WELCOME TO SOLVUNN!
Welcome to Solvunn! Bright suns and merriest of welcomes to you! The portal opens in a vast field on the western side of town surrounded by cattle, with a distant view of the bustling marketplace. The first impression of the settlement is one of idylic, country charm. There are no looming structures or crowded streets. Instead, there are cozier houses on wide streets and community buildings made of stone and wood. A gentle breeze rolls across the field and the sun is high in the sky.
There's not as much magic here as in other locations, but it's there. No one will be stopped from entering Solvunn, though suspicion will be cast upon new arrivals. Citizens will be friendly and welcoming, but curious about their new visitors. It isn't often that they welcome new folks- especially not so many at once!
With tensions between the other communities, Solvunn will not be keen on ratting out those who fled Thorne, but with the knowledge that sanctuary will not be given for free. Everyone does their part, whatever that part may be.
Asking questions will result in being told to find Rowan March, one of the council members, somewhere in the marketplace.
There's not as much magic here as in other locations, but it's there. No one will be stopped from entering Solvunn, though suspicion will be cast upon new arrivals. Citizens will be friendly and welcoming, but curious about their new visitors. It isn't often that they welcome new folks- especially not so many at once!
With tensions between the other communities, Solvunn will not be keen on ratting out those who fled Thorne, but with the knowledge that sanctuary will not be given for free. Everyone does their part, whatever that part may be.
Asking questions will result in being told to find Rowan March, one of the council members, somewhere in the marketplace.
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[ Did anyone tell Nero specifically that they wanted them killed? No. Did anyone insinuate it? Not really. They're a nuisance but some of those that couldn't make it in Solvunn joined said pirates' ranks; there may be some hard feelings but not hard enough to be happy about them being hunted for sport like the elf is doing.
To his credit, Nero's also aware he can only do so much stalking and killing before he has to stop -- which is a crying shame, but at least he'll get his jollies off for a bit. ]
Well, isn't that nice? Did you have fun with your hunt?
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[ She says like that should be obvious, even...to the contrary that most are. Spending in a time with loosely lawful pirates had changed her opinions just a tad. True neutral pirates. And some chaotic good pirates. ]
Most would consider a striking dummy or wooden target good enough for practice.
[ Is this that sort of moral ambiguity that everyone turns a blind eye to it if you're offing the right people? She can't exactly admonish anyone for that, even if that does seem like the right thing to do. Himeka doesn't fancy herself a total hypocrite and it wasn't all that long ago that she was forced to reconcile her own actions over the past several years.
Still...
She shakes her head. ]
Oh, I didn't do the hunting, just the butchering. Though I am looking forward to fishing as I hear there is something of a challenge of it out on the Tertiary Settlement.
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I'm afraid that I'm not most people, sweetie.
[ The tone that he uses surprisingly is not condescending. It's more teasing and filled with cheerful mirth, like the two of them are carrying on some friendly banter rather than dealing with Nero's general disregard for all life around him. ]
Shame. [ The elf adds, when she says she didn't do the hunting. But he supposes that he should have guessed. It isn't like a person can hunt chickens. ] Ah, so that means that you're not living out there in the sticks? Here I was hoping that we were gonna be neighbors, cutie.
But yeah, there's a lot of fishing that you can do out there. It's quiet and peaceful... and pretty much so much of it is falling apart. [ Is it? Not really. It's more like the homes and land need a little more TLC than the other areas. However, he doesn't feel like putting in the time and effort with it. So his mangy little home is going to remain mangy. ]
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And what is her responsibility, now that she knows? Pirates will be pirates no matter their position on the lawfulness scale and she isn't under the sort of delusion that she can nor should resolve their conflicts, no matter those she has made friends and allies of. They have their own code and can certainly defend themselves, though this Elezen man is showing his confidence in his nonchalance, isn't he? ]
No, I suppose not.
[ Himeka sizes him up, from the toes of his shoes all the way to the pointy tips of his ears. She raises a single brow. ]
We'll have to see if that's good or not. But then again, neither am I.
[ There's a swish of her tail at that. ]
I'd heard it wasn't as...put together as the town here. But falling apart?
[ Does this mean they're in need of...crafters? Now if only she had actually learned something other than cooking, she would be golden. ]
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[ With the locals, Nero plays nice with them. He smiles an empty smile and plays completely by their rules; the killing of pirates is just a treat for him until he can't do it anymore. But why do the bare minimum to get along? Because it'll fuck up the chances the other summoned have to live in Solvunn.
It isn't out of kindness or camaraderie. It isn't out of sympathy or empathy. It is because he simply sees no reason in doing so. If there's no reason, he won't do it.
Which is about the same reason why he cuts through the bullshit and simply tells her that he is not a good person. What's the point in hiding it? What gain is there for him? He hates the idea of people hiding behind ignorance. When some shit hits the fan later because of him, he wants to look them in the eyes and tell them, "You knew what kind of person I was," and they didn't kill him when they had the chance.
So, when she looks at him -- she'll see his easy smile and the confident manner in which he stands. His head cants to the side as he looks her over; his eyes pausing to stare at her chest longer than necessary before returning to her pretty face. His lips curl into a wide, pleased smile at the swish of her tail.
Think the two of us are talking different when it comes to the sort of people we are, but who knows? ]
Anyway, yeah... the area hasn't been given the tender love-making that it needs to make sure that it stands erect and proper. At the moment, it's a bit of a limp dick that's pushing rope. Doing the job but not satisfying anyone.
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It is, admittedly, curious. Himeka isn't known for being the best judge of character--too ready to trust and assume the best in everyone, despite the bits of skepticism she's learned over the past few years. She could chalk it up to a secluded childhood, but the reality is her village is often far too skeptic of the outside world. Mayhaps that's why she never needed to be.
So it should be refreshing that someone is putting it plainly that they shouldn't be trusted, shouldn't it? ]
You're rather personable if that's the truth.
[ But she isn't saying she doesn't believe him, either. She'll just need to keep it in mind, should she run into him again and end up on the wrong end of his blade. Or if she hears about some sort of great piracy massacre on the high seas nearby. (Are there any seas nearby? She's fairly certain they are a travel away...)
Would Estinien be interested at all to hear from one of his estranged kin? Supposedly there a few around.
Of course the way he describes the Tertiary Settlement is...well, hard to ignore, even for someone who had completely missed every innuendo Haurchefant had thrown her way. (How was she suppose to know that he wasn't talking about mounting actual chocobos? She looks nothing like one, thank you.) ]
Ah, is that so? What a shame. But I do happen to know a remedy for that.
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[ This much is kind of true. Nero generally doesn't see the reason to dislike anyone; he doesn't see the need for revenge or hate. A person could royally fuck him over and he won't carry much anger in his heart about it.
Yet again, it's another why should he? In his mind, everyone's wishes and hopes will amount to nothing. Everyone has the capacity and willingness to ruin someone else's life if it means that their justice and beliefs are realized. People will trample all over each other but what of it? That's just how people are and he loves that about them.
He likes people, but he only cares about maybe one person.
Nero continues to smile, easy and pleased. ]
That so, sweetie? Well, if you come to fix things up, I'll take care of you proper. [ The elf laughs. ] It's only the right thing to do since you've helped me out.
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Well, she can't really say she has a differing opinion on it. There are some situations where there is no peaceful outcome and to pretend otherwise would be foolish. Most people don't call upon the Warrior of Light if they're anticipating a peaceful solution, even if it isn't always advertised that way.
Still, it's curious, to say the least. Few are so frank with what would otherwise seem to be conflicting viewpoints. She should be cautious. ]
I suppose we do have that in common.
[ Which...she's never been good at. ]
Of course! I've hammered a few nails and sawed off a few logs in my day. I would hate to leave a fellow escapee hanging.
[ She smiles back. ]
What did you say your name was? Or did I completely forget to ask?
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[ Nero says this without any irony in his voice. He honestly doesn't see any reason why people shouldn't like them. ]
I appreciate the assist. I'm sure that others living out there will like it, too.
[ His tone shifts, like the wind. It's no longer filled with dark promises and wishes for blood. Instead, it sounds almost bright and cheerful. The talk becomes something friendlier and sounding like how people actually talk to one another. ]
It's Nero. What's yours? [ He narrows his eyes; his gaze sets on the horns on her head. Wait, doesn't he actually know her from somewhere other than just escaping through the portal? ]
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Oohhhhhhhhh...
[ Of course. Of course! ]
So you're Nero--
[ Now is the time she should introduce herself as well since that is the polite thing to do. But she is not being polite despite her earlier offering to help. (She did mean it, not in the metaphorical way he implied, of course. She is want to offer what services she can.) ]
--the depraved Elezen who upset Estinien back in Thorne.
[ A pause as she looks him up and down once more. ]
...You're much shorter than I imagined.
[ Says the woman who doesn't even come up to his shoulders, but still. ]
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If he's honest, he was much more interested in the beautiful woman that winked as she walked through the portals. He wondered what her voice sounded like, and he meant that in both general and filthy ways.
Things click for him, too, when she calls him an "Elezen." ]
Depraved, huh?
[ His eyebrows raise when she calls him short. ]
And you're my tall cousin's little side-piece.
[ He lifts his hands to gesture to his own chest, squeezing his hands slowly in the air. ]
You're about how I imagined.
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She narrows her eyes, nearly mimicking his motions as she places her free hand on her own chest. ]
"Side-piece"?
[ No squeezing, though. She saves that for the fresh fruit test. ]
What's that supposed to mean?
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It means you two are intimate with each other.
[ Nero is vulgar in his euphemisms and comments, but he really only swears around a few people. He really only gets his worse around only chosen sort. It's how a person knows that he is either absolutely on their side no matter what, or he truly and completely hates their very existence and is dreaming of their agonizingly slow deaths. ]
Don't have that phrase where you come from, eh?
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But she did. ]
Intimate?
[ Yes, that's what he said. ]
With Estinien?
[ And then she just starts laughing, hand now falling to hold her stomach as she throws her head back. ]
No, we don't! But--hahaha!--where in the seven hells did you get that idea?
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Nero has a moment of sympathy for Estinien. It lasts only a few seconds before it is over, but he has just enough sympathy to feel sorry about a pretty girl laughing at the idea of fucking him.
Poor man. Guess that funny way of talking really is sex repellent. His head bows. Rest in peace, dragon dick. You will never get to bury your head in a soft, deep cavern.
He finally answers: ]
Not sure what else you can do to pass the time in the dungeon and he seemed particularly concerned about you.
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And she knows that he would, likewise, be appropriately appalled if not embarrassed by the assumption. Imagining the look on his face is almost enough to send her into another peal of laughter. Almost. ]
Really?
[ She huffs. ]
Of course, he's like family to me. Like a brother.
[ Himeka places her free hand on her hip. ]
Did you just imagine the dungeons were some giant, ever-present orgy? I'm fairly confident there are other places for that, maybe even in Thorne.
cw: incest mentioning
[ The sound filters out his mouth. Nero didn't see anything particularly wrong with someone wanting to fuck a family member, honestly. This has some to do with his own degenerate nature, but more to do with his nihilistic beliefs.
But it seems like Estinien and the little missy Himeka are both people who do care about those sort of things. Still, neither one of them are actually family, or actually blood anyway.
In short, he gives her a bemused expression that says, "Okay, so?" ]
I imagined that it was just one big misery pit where you all weren't sure if tomorrow was gonna be your next day alive or not. And really, what else is there to do? Sit around and commiserate with one another, or give up for a few hours to ignore everything even if people are watching.
[ His shoulders give a shrug. He can only imagine how bored and anxious everyone was if they didn't even take time to diddle themselves to pass the time a little faster. ]
But I guess you all could just take it out on each other other ways. [ Violent ways. That is what happened with Eponine, anyway, isn't it?
He wonders how she's doing. ]
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Despite the numerous persons who would have liked to be the one to finally put her into chains, Himeka had never really been incarcerated before. A combination of luck and knowing the right people has kept her free as she can be, instead being the one to oft liberate others from their prisons. In some ways she had found it just a tad amusing that her luck would finally run out, at least at the start, but the novelty of the situation wore off the longer they stayed behind bars, the more her own hope that they may be miraculously ported away to their next great adventure dwindling.
Himeka purses her lips slightly and allows her gaze to drop, staring at no definite point to Nero's side. ]
Well...you're not entirely wrong about that.
[ She's never too proud to admit that. ]
Not all of us are suited for for spending hours upon hours idly away restless beneath steel and stone.
[ Though she may appear otherwise, she and Estinien have that much in common--both creatures of action, needing only a heading and direction be pointed in. ]
But it wasn't insomuch the boredom...and, truly, even out here this day may be our last, can't it?
[ She looks up at Nero once again. ]
After all, you could decide that pirates make poor target practice and draw your sword against me right here and now should you decide to.
[ But she doesn't sound particularly perturbed by that idea, even if he has seemingly no reason to do so given his (perceived) intentions are clearing out some rabble causing trouble, even if he has painted himself as someone not to be trusted. She's still drawing her own conclusions on that front. ]
It's that out here we have gained some semblance of...control. Of ourselves. Losing that was much worse than boredom and fucking could hardly alleviate that.
[ Ignoring the fact that it has been a few years, hasn't it? Maybe she is taking this whole "Warrior of Light" business more seriously of late. ]
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[ The smile that he gives her is not one of superiority, but one that says that he knows that is a very, very cold comfort for anyone to know. ]
And, 'course, it could be.
[ His smile doesn't change; his shoulders lift and lower in ease. ]
The same thing could be said for the honored guests. We, too, never really escaped the executioner's block. [ A beat. ] Though, I guess it's more appropriate to say that we were always in the hangman's noose, given the manner which they wanted to kill Jonny-boy.
[ And such a betrayal would not have surprised or upset him, but be considered as acceptable and understandable in his eyes.
So what if they did everything that was asked of them? So what if they obeyed every law and rule? So what if they pledged themselves to Thorne? Did Thorne say that would mean they wouldn't be sacrificed? Did Thorne say that means it would cherish them?
Even if the castle, the city, said that it would -- Nero knows better. And yet, there is no bitterness in his heart about it. ]
Wait, huh? [ Nero pauses to look downright surprised by Himeka's comment that he might decide to kill them. ] It never crossed my mind.
[ His head shakes a little, dismissing her idea that he might hunt any of those summoned like himself. ] I'm a little hurt. [ His hand presses against hsi chest, as his eyes close like he is accepting a painful blow. ]
I'll only kill you if one of two people say you should die. [ His smile is a horrid one; it twists across his entire face and warps it to something less friendly, less civil. She could probably see it in his eyes; he would go to war for those two people -- he would kill whomever and however many that they would want dead; he would fight a losing battle for them and let his body be ground to blood and bone just because they asked for him to do it. ]
I will say, though, you never even tried having sex in the dungeons. So, you don't know what would have alleviated your feelings. You're just saying that because you don't want to think you fell low enough to need it to be able to feel less lost.
[ But the tone isn't accusatory but more accepting her as she is. He is, as always, a creature that pokes at the morality of others, but save one thing, he doesn't care what they do or don't do. ]
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So she acquiesces that much, nodding slowly. ]
You're right, though I admit I hadn't thought of it much that way at the time.
[ Preoccupied with the literal chains she had been bound in, of course. Failed escape attempts and disappearances of the people she cared about were plenty.
Himeka hadn't intended to test anything of Nero's reaction to her comparison--mayhaps making light of her own potential demise too easily--but it nonetheless reveals something of him. There is a promise in that smile that she picks up on, even if she isn't sure how much of it is directed to her. ]
One of two people?
[ She cocks her head to the side, lips ajar as her brows push together in a questioning expression. ]
Are those...people from your home?
[ Or are they people here?
Not that she's particularly worried about it--this is all hypothetical and in jest, right? (At least that is mostly how she intends it, for good or for ill.) After the several attempts on her own life throughout the years on and off of the battlefield, she tends to take such implications in stride, much to the dismay of some of her friends. It does just come with the territory.
Himeka huffs through her nose. ]
I haven't tried having sex in the dungeons, but it has never been something that I use to fill a void. That sounds like it wouldn't be much fun for all parties involved.
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[ His shoulders give a little shrug when she admits that she hadn't thought of how the welcomed guests were doing. He isn't even sure if the welcomed guests really felt that way, either. It's just a little thought exercise, anyway. ]
No harm done and it's already over.
[ He flashes her a smile.
The madness drains out of his face. His expression returns to a wide, clownish smile; no hint of the bloodshed that was on it seconds before. ]
One of two.
[ He repeats her words back. ]
One of them is.
[ The implication, of course, that the other one is actually in the world where they are. ]
They'd only employ me if they had good reason. So, don't worry about it -- or do!
[ Nero chuckles to himself; the sound is filled with merriment and joy. He doesn't think that Martin would use him that much differently than One would.
One would never use him for evil. He would use him to prove a point, to terrorize, to exact some vengeance. He uses him for righteous reasons; he tells himself that the death that follows is necessary to save others, to save the world.
Martin seems like he would do something similar. So, the man has been give temporary ordering privileges. Nero looks forward to letting him know about it -- Martin is going to hate it.
He ducks his head down to laugh, again.
And he pauses at her huff. ]
Good on you, then. But... if it doesn't sound like it would be fun, I can't say you know how sex works, sweetie. [ A beat. ] But whatever. It is just another thought exercise. Are you enjoying thinking about it?
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But one of these two people is. He plays it off as if it's not a threat but would there be any other reason to share it? ]
For "good reason"?
[ She tilts her head to the opposite side. Himeka really isn't sure what to make of this man. ]
We should both hope that we don't have reason to "cross blades", in that case.
[ She is far from the type to toot her own horn, but she also doesn't want to paint herself as an...easier target than she probably already has. (Really, given her proclivity to talk to anyone and offer assistance with little in return, she should be trying harder at that than anything else. Ah well. She's trying, that's what matters, right?)
Himeka places her free hand at her hip, shifting her weight to that side. ]
Not really. It sounds like the sex you've been having has been awful. Is that why you're having trouble "raising your house"?
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[ His chin drops as he starts to laugh to himself. The elf doesn't consider himself to be insane; he considers himself to be more aware of the world than most other people. ]
And you can hope that, honey. [ He offers another lazy smile. ] You'd just be wasting time.
[ Nero gestures in the air, indicating the time she'd be wasting.
This is quite the conversation he has found himself in, but he decides to be frank. Since if he keeps messing around, it's going to get Martin in trouble. And he hasn't even had the chance to tell Martin the terrible news! ]
Anyway, you were mildly concerned that I'd get bored hunting pirates and come after you and the others, right? I'm telling you it won't happen without a good reason from someone else.
[ He opens his hands, fingers spread, further illustrating his point that he has no wish to kill anyone in Solvunn.
And he drops his hands back down to his sides. ]
I don't think the girlies felt that way. [ His smile only widens. ] I can't explain to you why sex is fun that way since you haven't tried it, sweetie. So, it sounds awful 'cause you got morals that says not to do it, right?
[ He gives her a little shrug before a mildly confused look settles over his face. ] Raising my house? Are you asking me if I have problems getting hard, sweetie? If you like to see, I've got some free time.
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[ The crazy one, that is. But for some reason she feels like discussing the ethics of Zenos--or lack thereof--would either be weirdly enlightening or extremely disturbing from Nero's point of view. She can't really say she isn't curious.
Even so...though they have some clear disagreements on outlook, she does nod and agree when he has a point. ]
Less concerned and more drawing my own comparisons on worrying about where the next potential threat is coming from, but I understand what you're saying. I'll keep that in mind.
[ To his question, she shakes her head, frowning just slightly. ]
That's got nothing to do with morals. The place and mood just sounds depressing, that's all.
[ And the last thing she wants to be when she's otherwise engaged is to be down or worrying about existential or imminent dread. She'd rather just not think about anything else. ]
Well, your vivid description of your current predicament did seem at least slightly embellished with your sexual plight. I assumed the two were one and the same.
[ She is, of course, still assuming he's having trouble keeping it up or getting laid. Which is really his problem. ]
But if that's not the case, then I would be willing to lend a hand.
[ A beat. ]
With your housing problems.
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[ Nero turns his head to dismiss people who just kill for no reason whatsoever. His expression actually becomes a sour one rather than the goofy, wide smile that he has been wearing for most of the conversation. ]
Good, good. If you really want to worry about the next potential threat, it would probably be ... Solvunn, the Free Cities, or Thorne.
[ As he names the countries, he points in various directions to indicate each one. He doesn't sound like he is making jest either, but being serious with her that those are the ones to be worried about, if she really wants to worry about anything. ]
... and, I honestly cannot follow you at all, sweetie. But I'm sure it makes sense to you so I'll let you have that one. [ Honestly, he feels her reasoning is so incredibly circular that he cannot comprehend it. If he started to try to break it down at all, he'd just be running around in circles with her and decides to just let it go. ]
Current predicament is -- nothing for you to worry about, honestly.
[ Nero gives her a nasty smile before it settles back down to his usual easy-going one. It isn't so much that he feels like she is faint of heart, but he doesn't think that she's going to understand it. If she doesn't understand why a person would have sex while miserable and feeling hopeless, she definitely won't understand what he's trying to do. ]
My housing problems?
[ Again, his eyebrow raises. ]
You mean help with fixing things up in the tertiary settlement, right? [ He scratches the side of his head. ] Sure, I appreciate it if you're willing to fix that place up.
I'm sure my little cousin would appreciate the hand in fixing things up, too. [ Could Nero fix up his own house? Probably. Will he? No. ]
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