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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.
no subject
[ 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? ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
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"?
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
They all need more information before they can take a formal stance on the matter, don't they? ]
Why did you come here, then?
[ Did he also think the greatest threat was elsewhere? Or was he looking for it with the sort of person he is?
For as open-minded as she is on most subjects, she does have a few odd ideas that are unshakable. At least until she's presented with evidence to the contrary. Rebuilding a settlement is arguably more important anyway. ]
You have a little cousin here?
[ Now it's time for Himeka to make a jump in logic and assume there is some sad Elezen child living in squalor in the Tertiary Settlement. If that isn't reason enough to help out, then nothing will be. With her free hand, she taps her sternum twice in a "leave it to me" sort of gesture. ]
Of course. It's not always easy to find your place in a new town, but everyone should have the basics. It wouldn't be the first restoration project I've been a part of either.
[ And arguably one without the backing of, you know, a city-state, friends in high places, proper supplies, etc...
But she's going to try. Hopefully it won't be a disaster. ]
no subject
[ Nero shoves his hands back into his pockets as he takes a few steps away from Himeka. He drags his gaze around the scenery that presently assaults him. ]
If I knew it was like this, I might not have come at all.
[ Solvunn leaves a bad taste in his mouth, but they might prove to be interesting yet. Their stance is very much like the elves of his world, but they might end up being more proactive than his own race. He brings his hand out of his pocket, tucking his thumb underneath the bandana on his head, and rubbing his fingernail against his forehead -- against the brand on his skin that he hides. ]
I do, yeah. [ Dropping his hand down, he adjusts his bandana to make sure that it's sitting properly on his forehead. ] He lives in the tertiary settlement and seems to be getting along all right. I guess it's because he's used to living with nothing.
[ Nero doesn't sound sympathetic to Link's plight or situation; he only sounds mildly amused about it. ]
I'm not used to living in a house, so... [ But his tone still comes off as dismissive. ] It'll be appreciated whatever you do. [ He offers a shrug. Whether it's a shithole or not, Nero doesn't sound too bothered if she can't fix up where he's living.
In short, he's saying that there's no stakes at all for her. Link wouldn't really know better; Nero doesn't care enough to want better. ]
no subject
Of course, she takes it less on the stance of the locals and more of the fact that country life may not be suited for everyone--which she assumes is where Nero is going. ]
Not a fan of goats?
[ Even so, there are those who are much more without than here in town. She is of mind to venture out to the Tertiary Settlement anyway when she heard it was the best place to do a little fishing, one of her favorite pastimes. ]
Then I'll be sure to pay him a visit.
[ If he doesn't need much then maybe there isn't much for her to do, but she would be remiss not to offer if she has the capacity to help. But she won't force herself on someone that doesn't want it, either. ]
Well...I'm not sure if I should say "best of luck with your pirate hunt", but I figure I may hear about it anyway.
no subject
[ His arm drops as he fixes his gaze on a few of the buildings around them. He tilts his head as he seems to try to see through the walls, before returning his gaze back to her. ]
He'll appreciate making new friends, I'm sure. [ Nero gives a small shrug of his shoulders. ] Kid's been a little sheltered. [ He lifts his hands, wiggling his fingers, at the word 'sheltered'.
'Course, what he means by sheltered is believing that the Goddess isn't psychotic and has a loving plan in store, and the world isn't a steaming pile of shit, versus not being a feral elfling that will eat rocks if left alone. ]
I appreciate the warm regards all the same. I'm sure the pirates don't, but -- [ Nero shrugs his shoulders. Fuck 'em. ]
no subject
[ After all, not much had happened in her quiet little hometown...until it became apparent years later that the Ruby Princess had been overcome with a monster and cloistered herself away in the palace. A part of her wonders if she hadn't abandoned her town and her position she may have been able to stop that, but there's no sense in worrying about that now.
At the mention of his cousin as a "kid", Himeka unknowingly makes the same mistake Nero had with Relena, now expecting a young Elezen, much like the twins that she had come to care for back in her home world. She doesn't have a particular penchant for children in general, but she does miss those two something terribly. She's resolved to seek this child out now. ]
I'll do what I can, then. You have my word.
[ For whatever weight that actually holds.
Himeka adjusts her parcel and takes a step away, knowing she should get back to her own errands all the same. ]
I won't keep you from your hunt any longer, then. I hope you find what you're looking for, Nero.
[ Though that may not be something he should hope for. What a strange man. ]
no subject
[ His shoulders lift and lower in a quick little shrug. ]
I appreciate it! [ Nero decides to throw out that he'll also be appreciative if Himeka can do something for Link. His smile widens considerably -- looking less manic and more just pleased. ] Good deeds should be rewarded, so if you think of anything let me know.
[ It's always hard to tell if he's being serious or not with his offerings. There's always a feeling like agreeing to his help is like accepting the help from some devil. Nero enjoys basking in that feeling, however. But sometimes, he honestly has no bad intentions towards anyone; it'd be exhausting to do it all the time, after all. ]
Probably best I don't, but hey... [ The elf trails off as he shuffles away to return to his hunt. ]