abraxaslogs | I don't trust, but I see right in front of me

"Got our permission slip from the teacher," Lucifer says from the doorway.

There is no permission slip and there is no teacher, but they've got the okay/acknowledgement for their trip. For someone that prefers to operate from the shadows, he makes it a point to be open with Thorne about his comings-and-goings. It gives him a springboard for when he might have to change that.

And anyway, he's awfully certain Thorne just tracks them with spells. Why give them a reason to catch him in a lie?

"You finish up with your upgraded enchantments so we can go?"

Edited 2023-05-06 21:20 (UTC)

"I'm assuming that is a common phrase in your sphere." At this point Istredd can always tell when something has to be a colloquialism as it makes little sense to him, but also doesn't make sense for Lucifer either. As if he would wait for a permission slip from anyone let alone a teacher, in the rare time he was out of the Cage.

Istredd is doing his level best to seem absolutely calm externally, but he is still inwardly battling his fear of leaving the castle. He has come a long way since returning, less afraid of every shadow, going into town (with company), and the nightmares were mostly spared due to his sleeping arrangement. Hayle he made certain someone was with him at almost all times.

And Lucifer will be with him during all of this. He just needs ... to let go. Istredd has a bag with the log in it, the higher level enchantments having settled into place, and also storing the money they pieced together. He kisses Lucifer on the cheek in the doorway before passing by him.

"This may go poorly, you realize."

"I donno," he says. "It's--" He waves his hands. It's just a thing, cobbled together in his weird Earth Knowledge box that honestly is likely filled with more razors than value, but then, that's how he feels about (Earth's) humanity, so.

Sometimes he does throw these things out towards Istredd just for the fun of it so he can't really be surprised when Istredd questions it and then he doesn't have a real answer.

The kiss does nothing to alleviate Lucifer's dullest look to Istredd. "'This may go poorly' may as well be my catchphrase, Istredd," he groans, but he peels on out of the room, matching Istredd's steps and heading off towards where Nott's portal is stashed.

He's still not sold himself about bringing Istredd to Nott of all places, so close to the trading route that in theory the Summoned were brought to after they'd been knocked out. Nott, for it's... riffraff, honestly. But they can handle a scuffle. General thugs. Honestly, Lucifer despises Nott, but it's the only port in their storm.

He needs to know more about Hayle before that becomes any option. Borrel sure has nice weather for his cold-hearted existence, but he does not need to deal with Thorne's military stooges.

"I didn't ask," he starts, with a bit realization there that he should have before now, "have you been to Nott, ever?" Lucifer really only went with Kyle before the kidnapped Summoned to kill some undead, but that didn't exactly seem up Istredd's alley.

"Mostly because the family will be emotional no doubt, and you're not particularly good at that. Just try to be repentant."

He doubts they will attack him or anything, it wouldn't seem very smart although who knows what state they're in. But their loved one did die fairly horribly. Istredd is only slightly better with emotions. He's getting better at them, becoming a more empathic person by the day, which is why he sees his place here as the more emotive of the two.

Lucifer asked him to come in the first place because he didn't want him out of his sight, and Istredd felt the same way. Neither of them is past their fears of separation and violence. He knows it's good for him, that he should get out, that he should see more of Thorne. Nott isn't safe though, he knows that about it. Thugs they can handle.

"Yes, technically, after they were attacked as retaliation for the attack on Free Cities. Urianger and Thancred came with me. We didn't explore any of Nott outside of those locations though." So it was barely a visit. They teleported them directly to the places that needed help and they handled it. It didn't give him a real view of it.

"I know its reputation." High crime. High dislike of the throne.

"I can fake it when the cost-benefit analysis weighs in my favor," he argues. Which is to say that most of the time it doesn't. He puts a hand to Istredd's shoulder to stop him, looking for a moment genuinely mournful as he says, "'I'm very sorry for your loss. It was never our intention for there to be any casualties. Your husband was doing us a service and he paid the ultimate cost.'" And then he breaks away with a scrunched up, annoyed expression, like the words themselves left him with a bad taste.

It's real nice that false sympathy isn't typically worth it these days, here. What a bore.

"'Technically.' You could've just said no. It's okay just to say no." He's purposefully giving him a hard time as though it might be distraction enough for their venture.

Istredd makes the exact same scrunched up face in response to that, like it also left a bad taste for him. "I'll give you this, it was very convincing. But those are the best lies, aren't they? Mixed with the truth." It's true that they didn't intend any casualties. The fisherman was doing them a service and paid the cost. The words are all correct. Istredd's never been good at lying so at least one of them is.

"The answer is technically yes." He is purposely being difficult right back at him because bickering is something they do well, and he could really use the distraction. Istredd knows it is illogical for him to be so nervous about this. He has all of his magic back. Lucifer is with him. Even if they get in trouble with bandits or criminals, the two of them are more than formidable enough for that situation.

So why does he feel like his heart is beating too fast? It is deeply frustrating and he's getting annoyed more at himself than anything else now. With anyone else, they'd have no idea how he feels, because Istredd appears as calm and composed as ever. "I suppose we should take a very good look at everything while we're there." Meaning, in case they ever have to flee there.

The best lies are the truth, he corrects. Omission, obfuscation. Not telling someone everything, telling them the truth--but specifically the parts they'd want to hear, or give them something to obscure what you're really trying to hide. He said a shortened version to Wilhelm about this at one point. His Speedrun, Ted Talk on How to Lie.

He still basically told the kid to throw him under the bus as the Worst Case Scenario and he's still shocked it didn't happen. Instead Wilhelm got put in timeout when they did finally pull him in.

(See. Just like Lucifer.)

But Lucifer didn't try to use magic (untrained) on Thorne guards.

So. Y'know.

"I'll give you the sightseeing tour," he agrees. The best spots to duck away. "The sea creature should be dead now at least. That thing was wild, and that says a lot coming from me." God was more one the 'lots of teeth' side for the Leviathans, not strange insectoid-octopus like monstrosity.

It is not at all concerning how good my romantic partner is at lying. Istredd says extremely dryly, but one corner of his mouth curls up and Lucifer can feel the amusement to know he's not being serious. Omission is absolutely his best form of lying and he does that frequently. There are a lot of things he doesn't mention to people and talks around when necessary.

For example, he knows that Geralt is Lucifer's go-between with the Winchesters, and he hasn't said anything because of a few reasons. He's still working out his own relationship with Geralt and he doesn't want to throw a wrench in what seems to be a peaceful co-existence. Also it's a little funny. It's also strange how their two spheres seem to be intertwined together.

"It wasn't meant to be here, so yes, probably." Wherever it was from, it was not meant to be in that cold lake. Everyone was shocked by it, from what Istredd has gathered. He doubts Lucifer would have gone there if he thought a sea monster would eat someone, someone like him.

He's getting tenser the closer they get to going and in typical Istredd form starts fiddling with his hands, this time adjusting his new backpack, which is unnecessary. "If they actually have a bookshop I'd be interested in seeing it."

It's really trustworthy, then, that I'm instructing you on how to lie, he says. In another time he could say it's a sign that Istredd should get better at lying, but then Istredd managed to hide (for months) from Lucifer (the person he was mentally connected to) that he was in love with him.

Not bad, Istredd.

"Some tiny, hole-in-the-wall thing, maybe?" Look if he knew he'd be taking Istredd to Nott really ever he'd have paid attention to Oks, but hey, here they are, Lucifer without the true book knowledge for his partner. It's fine. Istredd must likely have some kind of magnet-sense to bookshops; if there's a will, there's a way, yada yada.

He's being careful not to mentally prod at Istredd. Mostly just let the man stew under the radar. He will jab at him with a stray thought if the man gets too bad and if Istredd jumps at all while they're in Nott, Lucifer will hook an arm around his in an odd gesture to smooth over any nerves or shame he could feel at being jumpy.

Though if it's for a legit reason, someone's getting a wing punch for even trying to screw with them.

"We'll have to go to the docks first," he explains, "I don't know where the family lives, so we'll have to ask around."

I'm a very good liar by omission. This just isn't an omission situation. Putting a pin on what they both know. Because he did hide something that major from someone with a close telempathic bond. Istredd is good at closing off parts of himself, he's had many decades to learn. But he will be helpful in this situation because he at least means it. It's unfortunate this man died because Lucifer was desperate to find them.

"It would be strange if they didn't." That would give him something to focus on. He probably will sniff out the bookstore almost immediately. He might have a sixth sense for it. I wonder if they'll have any texts they shouldn't. Now that's a thought. Since they may be more inclined toward being critical of the throne. It's not as if they'd show the books to Summoned though.

Istredd leans closer to Lucifer as if subconsciously feeling safer that way. He did hide under his bed when he felt unsafe after all. As much as he likes to grump that he's a powerful mage in his own right, he's not so foolish as to think it's a comparison to an archangel.

At least he's not putting a defensive bubble around them like he did when he first anxiously went into town and Kyle joined him. It would require him to put all his attention on maintaining that. Hayle was easier with so many people. "Alright. Do you remember his name?"

It's omitting how much I don't care, he sings. It's a very bad joke, but look, he's working with what he has here that isn't just kissing Istredd blatantly in the middle of the halls and then bodily dragging him through the portal.

There isn't any hullabaloo for their using the portal. There wouldn't really be either way, but Lucifer still made sure to clear his "reason for travel" beforehand just in case. He's in mixed standing with Thorne mostly at all times, and Istredd is... well, actually a mage and provides a bit more natural value to Thorne. More value to Ambrose, certainly, if he's already done one Super Secret mission for Ambrose.

The transition to Nott is smooth, and spits them out in some vaguely familiar--to Lucifer--part of Old Nott. The slightly less of the seedier parts of Nott. Which means it's still terrible. "Moro--" Nope. That's not right. "Moran? I think it was Moran." I mean asking around for the guy that got eviscerated's family isn't going to be difficult. But not in those exact words.

Istredd glances over at him with a soft smile and warm eyes. He knows what he's doing and it is appreciated. He bumps Lucifer's shoulder with his as the lightest of PDA in gratitude. He will make it through this because of him. He would have sent Lucifer alone if they didn't both hate that idea with all of their heart. He'll ease into it.

Becoming valuable to Ambrose was intentional. Istredd doesn't plan on pushing it much more, he doesn't like attention, but it helps a little bit. It isn't a surprise that Lucifer's relationship is more contentious. Hating authority figures? Kind of a type.

Istredd is used to teleporting everywhere so it feels very natural. They're there now. They didn't get attacked, so far so good. They know that Nott is not fond of the royalty or Summoned. Outsiders right away. True, and that we are here to make amends. Istredd wants to see the book store but he can't buy anything. All his funds went to this.

Who went with you on this trip again? Lucifer was very busy!

Specifically hating incompetent authority figures, which so far is All of Them.

Mmmmm. No, that's not entirely correct. Though most would argue, he would call what the Queen is doing competent, but she's going to run into a wall at some point. Maybe if the Singularity and their spite with Free Cities wasn't in the immediate picture, she could continue to rule with fear and a side of... whatever her citizens see.

Two people that aren't here anymore, he says. Kol, who Lucifer got a weird enough sense from that he wasn't human, and some female version of Wilhelm. Did he ever learn her name? Eh, yes, but he deemed it unimportant. She had spunk, he'll give her that. She was very determined to 'help' and hunted me down after Wilhelm accidentally kinda-sorta called out to me publicly. Good times.

Istredd also doesn't like incompetent leaders, and he has already stated privately that he thinks they're all essentially incompetent because they had no idea what they were playing with. Bringing the Summoned here was foolish. He's glad they are there now, but it was a dangerous risk to the world and the fabric of reality with spells through a multiverse.

Still, the High Mage is useful in terms of Thorne so he is polite. He does remind him of Stregobor sometimes, so he's not surprised he did something so stupid on the quest for power.

Ah, yes, I heard about Kol when he gave my sun ring to Lenore. I plan on making one for Louis as well. Other vampires may have to ask, I'm not inclined to let Ikorr know about them for now. It is possible Ikorr has their own version, so there is no reason to assume otherwise. But Istredd is hesitant to be the person to make anything no one else strictly has. Perhaps it is a diplomatic card he can play another day.

Lucifer knows now what type of inhuman Kol was. He had to tell Istredd the truth in order to ask for the ring and explained what it was. Louis he offered because they are friends now. Blue eyes dart around as he sizes up anyone who walks by. No threats. He misses when he barely noticed, although that in general wasn't good either.

There is no way Nott would be able to protect us from the crown. They're barely making it. This is an observation. He knows Lucifer is hopeful about that, but it has no obvious defenses against the type of power that can wipe out a city.

They have permanent darkness, I don't see them needing a ring anytime soon unless somehow their spell gets boned. Which maybe their Feywild neighbors would do, who knows. They never have any--or enough--knowledge about the Feywilds.

Lucifer's keeping a casual gait, eyes straight ahead. Purposeful, though not over-the-top. It's mostly for Istredd's benefit. If he were by himself he'd just be easy-breezy through the streets.

He knows Nott is next-to-useless. He'd questioned and tried to pick apart Thancred proposing Lyle's offer when they had their secret Horizon meeting. I'm still of the mind that Lyle wants the Summoned as a benefit to him. Taking advantage that we might need this place. But it could only ever be a stepping stone for us, nothing more. If enough of them run, the Queen might just decimate this place off the map in her irateness.

With them in it.

You never know. Although I'd be surprised if they don't have something equivalent. I can't possibly be the only one with the idea. Since the vampires live in their eternal darkness there's no way of knowing. Istredd knows that he is ultimately a very paranoid person. They both are. It wouldn't be difficult for him to simply explain how he does it if there ever was a need.

I'd hate to live in eternal darkness. There would never be enough light to read comfortably. Yes he knows they have bright lights but nothing is better than actual sunlight. And yes Istredd is that much of a nerd that his first argument against eternal night would be to read books better.

Istredd knows Lucifer is very aware of him and he is glad he's not making it obvious. He's frustrated enough at his inability to logic away an illogical feeling of dread. It's putting him on edge more than the fear, his anger at himself. He is keeping it from bubbling over to Lucifer as best as possible.

I don't blame him. They've clearly had no power for a very long. What hope do they have of excelling at this point? The relationship between Nott and the crown only gets worse. But they don't have the money or the ability to become thriving in this situation. It's a no-win situation. Thorne isn't going to be the answer. Eternal night might be the only one.

It could be worth selling the enchantment anyway. Get a patent. Ha! I doubt that exists here. Or in your world, for that matter. He tries to convey the legalese over their link but even Lucifer gets a little lost in the difference between patents and trademarks and copyright and whatever other nonsense.

He's not a crossroads' demon, thanks.

But it would mean Istredd could get something for it and not have to be directly involved. Make other people do the work, rake in some funds over time, still get to blend into the background as he'd prefer.

Because really unless this family decides to just throw their offering back in their face, they're both about to be broke again. Some income would be nice, though Lucifer knows if he's in a pinch he could just ask Kell, but the guy's already agreed to fund Lucifer's not-yet functioning spy network, so...

Asking for more just seems trite.

(Funny, Lucifer's argument against eternal darkness is the similarity to the complete gaping void into the abyss of Limbo where his Cage hung, but y'know, being able to properly read is a good argument, too.)

Istredd gets an odd amount of silence as they walk, weaving through the crowds, keeping aware of anyone that may try and pickpocket them, but he's getting a growing feeling that no one is in a particular rush to approach them.

I'd stay in Thorne before I lived in Nocwich, he says, eventually.

Which. Hurts a bit to admit, actually.

Istredd vaguely understands what he's saying when he attempts to explain. Owning a concept or a spell. Interesting. They'd just take the money from me, no doubt. Although if it was useful, having vampire friends couldn't hurt. And he's not talking about the Summoned vampires. Thorne would likely see that as a bad thing though. Thorne isn't going to let them be independently wealthy or find a way to leave.

He glances over considering the amount of silence he's getting, eyebrows furrowing slightly. It doesn't take him long to come to the conclusion since he saw the Cage himself. Istredd saw it and he's been angry about it since, on his lover's behalf. He may be very in his head at the moment, but not so much that he doesn't consider Lucifer's feelings first.

Istredd is so close to Lucifer while walking that it's not hard for him to briefly take his hand. He tenderly runs his thumb along his knuckles, a small comforting caress, before letting it go. It's off the list then. As simple as that. They're not going anywhere Lucifer would feel like that again.

I still think we could go to one of the other cities in Free Cities. The farthest one away from where the Winchesters are. It's a large place. That beach town Aquila is right under the Feywilds. Istredd's memorized the map, obviously. Maybe the Fey will show up one of these days and give them another option.

Edited 2023-05-10 01:54 (UTC)

An army of vampires backing them.

Lucifer doesn't know which his Father would hate more: Lucifer taking a knee before the Old Gods, or him leading an army of monsters.

Well.

Frankly, they'd be a step above demons.

Not that they'd have any reason to listen to Lucifer. But he's petty enough that it's enjoyable for him to think of these kinds of things.

Nocwich still might have to be a consideration one day; the Summoned are always lacking choices, after all. It wouldn't be so surprising. But Lucifer only goes to Nocwich when it opens to throw himself into the Hunting Grounds and keep his prowess up to snuff. He tries not to think about it for much else. Those brief snatches are all he needs from it.

But--it's nice. It isn't that he expected Istredd to rebuff him; even before their relationship Istredd wouldn't have. He's just not always used to being heard without having to shout that he forgets that he... doesn't have to.

Oh yes, because you loved Borrel's beaches. I think salt water air is supposed to be bad for books.

Edited (I googled rando stuff about it and then I forgot to change it) 2023-05-10 03:16 (UTC)

Istredd leaves the grandeur dreams and imaginings to his partner. The idea of leading any army is laughable, he can barely lead a group of Summoned or mages. The vampires do seem interesting here though. Very distant compared to the werewolves, he's not sure entirely why yet, but he does hope they can learn more.

His interest in Nocwich is fleeting. He likes that it's different and he can search for books and learn more about the rest of the world, but he doesn't like staying for full weekends. It's not a bad chance to see his rare cross-faction 'friends' either. Istredd may pop his head in for one afternoon every weekend, if it seems worth it, but he probably won't again any time soon. Nocwich currently reminds him too much of the aftermath, of everyone on stretchers, of pain and infection. And rescue, yes, but he doesn't feel safe anywhere right now.

Except with an archangel between him and the door. Or him and everything else.

And here I thought the fact that it is warm would convince you alone. He bumps him with an elbow on purpose, smiling faintly. I am not going for the beaches. We could make money there. Build a life with the kids. It's not the worst option, is all I'm saying.

It's not the best option for him, since magic isn't as popular there, but he can live with it. Istredd trusts that Castiel would be willing to parley. Keep his people away from Lucifer.

Lucifer trusts his brother as far as he can throw him which at the current levels of his grace isn't very far. But it would put him closer towards Jack; no one could really keep the kid pinned down if he actually wanted to see his ~~old man~~ uncle and whatever built life he'd have and--

Nope. A stretch too far. The thought of having a concrete future and a stable life that wasn't fleeting and filled with disaster because even if Lucifer's been in Abraxas for nearing a year it hasn't been stable, it's been an honest-to-God wreck from start to finish and there's no end in sight of that, the Singularity the center of all the problems for them and the factions and maybe a smattering of deities and--

"I'm fine," he says aloud, because his head might as well be filled with marbles and nails that someone decided to shake up and cause a bit of a racket that Lucifer only just barely managed to muffle slightly as to not suddenly jar Istredd's own mental unease. Definitely fine, with his shoulders just barely hunched. "Let's just--not. Right now." With that.

Edited 2023-05-10 04:06 (UTC)

Istredd's used to Lucifer's occasional instability and the way he thinks is so unique that he's grown accustomed to feeling the 'marbles and nails' rather than specific emotions. It's a way in which no other minds truly work. His concern is obvious, for the first time distracted from his anxiety to focus on Lucifer.

His response is the mental version of soothing, smoothing over it with that burst of warmth and love to cover him that Lucifer's getting fed frequently these days. If they were alone in the room he might press a little harder at what set him off, but they are in public in Nott on a mission. Not the time.

Once upon a time, Yennefer accused him of seeing the world as a romantic adventure. He envisioned an exciting life for them full of possibility, as soon as they left the Brotherhood behind. They almost chose that life again in Cintra, but it wasn't to be. Maybe he does hold hope within his heart, always, of a life worth holding onto. But that isn't in sight for any of them.

"Not right now," he agrees. I love you. Take a breath. You're fine.

It's easier to focus on Lucifer than himself.

Edited 2023-05-10 04:21 (UTC)

At least his mood shift had some advantage. All things considered, Lucifer would accept that trade-off, even if Istredd's distracted may be brief.

It's a couple things that set him off, all built unsafely atop each other that it came down in a construction failure of a mess. Lucifer's been just as fine outwardly as Istredd has. No one would ever know these instances of his without being wired in to that mess.

He does take a breath. Winning.

He can feel the wind from the lakefront starting to wrap its way through the streets anyway, leading them on towards the harbor. They had to charter a boat. The three Summoned and their now likely-traumatized Thorne babysitter. There's enough bustle of activity the closer they get and with that creature dead they'll have less fear of going further out on the waters and better luck with their catches. "Any of the other captains should have an answer." I don't think, given our intentions, we'll need to push around some coin to get answers.

For all they know they already went by the family home. Or Istredd's bookshop, but that seems most unlikely.

You didn't get queasy on the docks back in Luna, did you? Just the boat itself?

The mess of Lucifer's mind would probably be difficult or frustrating for someone else, but Istredd's pieced it together since the first time Lucifer allowed him into his mind. It's as familiar as his own mind by now. It'll never be simple, this bond, but it is the only thing keeping him sane at times. Like now.

The distraction is temporary because as soon as they keep moving and more people appear, Istredd's anxiety spikes again. He keeps close to Lucifer again, bumping arms with him, eyes darting back and forth. These are all fishermen, he shouldn't be concerned about them. (But what were the zealots, before? Farmers?) He remembers to breathe himself.

"I'm not going to get sick on a dock." Probably. Istredd actually does not know that for certain. He did adjust to the ship eventually and he was fine by the time they left. People notice when he speaks and he clenches a hand into the handle of his backpack. His frustration turns to determination. Istredd pushes past Lucifer onto the docks and searches for a captain who looks old enough to have been at this for a time.

Not that long ago, Istredd worked with people. Many of them helped him with his digs and research into the monoliths. They used to talk to him, share their hearts. He is better with regular folk than he is with anyone in the castle. His blue eyes are sincere, his manner casual. "Excuse me. We are looking for the family of a brave fisherman who was lost to a sea creature while trying to help others. Perhaps of the name of Moran. We are seeking to give them recompense."

If the first one doesn't work, he is likely to keep asking.

For the first time that he's ever done it by choice, Lucifer casts out a use of Bless on Istredd. Istredd's already felt it once before, that warm, unexpected feeling on the ship when Lucifer has stumbling into the spell, so it won't be a surprise. Well. Mostly not a surprise.

Just a minute. An extra push to guide Istredd's burst of determination.

Lucifer's keeping an eye out, much the same way he'd threatened in the Horizon. That shadow at Istredd's back, ever vengeful if someone steps out of line wrong. Lucifer is not the forgiving sort.

He'll keep his hood down on the chance that someone recognizes him and approaches him instead of Istredd, but that wariness he sensed in the streets still follows them here. And it is them both, not just Lucifer.

Nott always had a different vibe than Thorne, sure. But this? It's changed just from the last time he was on these docks.

He closes the distance to Istredd again, keeping at his back but with several feet between them. The mage has moved on already to another ~~target~~ source, and Lucifer already knows it's a winner by the way the man's gaze shifts from Istredd, to Lucifer. "You're back."

"Hi," Lucifer says, holding up a hand, not recognizing the fisherman in the slightest.

The man focuses right back to Istredd, dismissing Lucifer. "Morain. Recompense you say?"

Istredd / Nott / first week of May

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

me making up portal logistics

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject