[ CLOSED ] the dawn is opening

[godshattering]

Who: Claude and various
When: September, October, November
Where: Cadens, Libertas, the Horizon
What: Catch all
Warnings: None currently, will add/mark as needed


( Closed starters below. Find me at indech, on Discord, or by PM at any time to plot something! )

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[theidlemaiden]

[ There's no way that she thinks they've convinced him otherwise especially with that response. Hilda could be optimistic, but she was under no disillusion that this matter was sorted and settled. These beliefs of his, this perception of his himself, had been ingrained in him over time. They had only just begun to understand it. She was no expert caregiver or healer, but she knew enough. That, like any wound, it would take time and the right care and even then, the phantom pains might never subside.

But this was a start. At least she hopes it is. Just like she hopes that she'll be able to help remind him in some way. Hopefully it would start the two of them on enough of a path where, eventually, didn't need to be here for those conversations and that healing to happen. Because really what had she added in the grand scheme of things?

So while she does roll her eyes at Sylvain's response to their barrage of compliments, there's no malice or annoyance in the gesture. If anything there's a touch of endearment in her gaze. ]

Did you just forget everything we just spoke about? We were worried about you after the Featherhive, you big dummy. The compliments might not have been planned but that doesn't make them any less true. If you won't remind yourself that you have a good heart and you're more than some silly Crest, we will.

[ Her hand reaches for his, giving it a squeeze, her skipping towards Claude knowing she isn't speaking out of turn when she speaks for the both of them. ]

We care about you.

[godshattering]

[ It takes considerable restraint for Claude's expression to not flatten out into something unamused as Sylvain seems to still be puzzled over what the meaning of all of this is. And sure, Claude could grant that they've not - at least the two of them - teamed up to make this happen before, but that solidifies that it was absolutely needed in his mind.

Though his face doesn't betray what he's thinking behind the same genial enough face he'd put on with fully meaning it at that point, another question clicks into place. This is far from the first time Sylvain's protested any of what was said, but it feels like the first time he's done so with the point of refuting it rather than it being just bashfulness. It's not difficult to make the leap to that face pulled at one statement in particular - you're a good man - and narrow it down to that being the cause of the rest.

Which is curious, kind of, though more in a way which makes Claude feel particularly bitter about what's happened in Sylvain's past, all those things they know now, causing him to not believe something he and Hilda can so plainly see. The bitterness comes from a place of protection, however, even if he has nowhere to direct it when it certainly shouldn't be pointed anywhere near Sylvain.

But that's a knot which will take so much more time to untangle than tonight alone, and so Claude easily shifts into a bigger smile when Hilda's gaze catches his and he's quick to wipe away any of that intent peering he'd been doing mere seconds before for only lightness. ]

That's right. And the reason for all of this, even if you're also trying to be a little oblivious as our word of the day. [ Just saying. ] Fortunately for you, we're persistent and we're sticking to your Crest being the absolutely least interesting part about you. Now if you're done gardening here, what do the two of you say to going to try a new tea blend I found? It won't hold a candle to Sylvain's creations, I'm sure, but it's supposed to be good iced.

[ And with a glance back over his shoulder at the frozen over loft exterior, he turns back to them with a grin and adds, ] And fortunately, I've got a way to make that happen quickly.

[philancer]

[ He's touched by their efforts, even if he doesn't really believe them. Maybe he's a better person here, but that doesn't change any of what he'd done before. Who he'd always been. He's still not convinced that that's not who he'd truly become, and that this version wasn't the temporary mask he could wear in a softer setting. But he's not sure that would matter to them either.

So he just lifts Hilda's hand so he can brush his lips against her knuckles in a soft kiss. ]

Fine, we'll go try your tea. Even if having it iced still feels like an abomination. [ Tea Snob, it him. But he rolls his eyes at Claude's grin and waves at the frosted over windows. ] I still say that was going overboard.

[theidlemaiden]

[ None of them could change who they had been before this. But if they hadn't been who they were before this, then they might never be the people they are now - including her. Then again, it's always easier to be kinder to others than themselves. Sylvain was a testament to that. Even if he was reluctant to believe that right now. 

But she believed in her heart that this is who he could be if given room to breathe. To care and be cared for as he deserved. Softness fills her gaze as she watches Sylvain lift her hand to brush it with a gentle kiss that lingers for a beat before her smile turns a tinge goofy. ]

Mm, I don't think so. I consider it the icing on the cake. 

[ Her gaze skips to Claude as she takes a hold of his hand, threading their fingers together too as she tugs them towards the door. ] 

We had to plan for every possible route escape route. 

[godshattering]

Overboard? Please. This is nothing compared to what the two of us used to get up to.

[ That's mostly true in the sense that he and Hilda had some grand plans back in the day, but it's really for demonstration considering now Sylvain's seen what they can get up to. Or some of it; there's still room for more and this could've gone further. It might yet again on another day.

For today, however, it worked to make sure Sylvain couldn't flee from these truths: that he's cared for, that what was said was honesty with every word meant for how they feel, and that no matter what responses he might have it won't change how they feel.

Claude has a feeling repetition will be the key there. Today it's enough to squeeze Hilda's hand with a smile when familiar fingers slip between his and he follows them both while looking at the veritable wall of ice he'd created. ]

Here I thought you'd appreciate this tea iced what with all that talk of it being too hot in Cadens just about all the time. [ He leans over purely for nudging Sylvain in the side with his elbow before flashing a wink to Hilda. ] But now seems like as good of a time as any to mention we'll need your flashy fire skills to get back into the loft, so time to dazzle us once more in yet another way. You know, for our benefit.

[ Sorry, Sylvain! At least tea awaits inside. ]

[philancer]

[ Sylvain just shoots them both a Very Unimpressed Look before rolling his eyes heavenward again and turning to start for the currently-frozen set of doors. ]

I think your tactical skills are slipping, Claude. Especially since I’m the only one with fire spells to get you back inside. So I’m the one person on this roof your ice wouldn’t have actually trapped.

[ Still, there’s wry amusement lurking underneath his tone as he calls on his fire to start melting the impromptu barricade. Which he’s pretty sure wouldn’t have lasted long in the desert anyway ]

I’m learning a levitation spell next so I can just leave you two stuck here if you try this again.

[ No he’s not. But it’s fun to threaten them with it anyway. ]