abraxaslogs | [ CLOSED ] into an ocean

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[ CLOSED ] into an ocean

Who: Claude and various
When: January
Where: Cadens, Aquila, TBA
What: Catch all
Warnings: Threads for the Tier 1 and Tier 2 quests related to the island have been marked accordingly

( closed starters below. find me at

indech, by PM, or on discord to plot something! )

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[ Claude just gives a hum to the mention of it being a given, since - that's a pleased sort of feeling to know that much. Something to hold onto amidst everything else, and something he's reminded to hope for in the future when they return home: that leaving might not have to mean any kind of end, but rather a chance for something new in whatever form it takes. It's difficult to resist the temptation to take that and run with it, to start thinking of where all those visits could go if only they had the chance to take them first.

Though - there's a valid question which goes with that and as they keep walking, Claude takes a few moments to consider it before answering. ]

Well, probably, though I think it'll be some time before any coronation happens and the real responsibility begins. There'll be plenty for me to catch up on after having been gone for so long and perhaps a bit more time to do what I'd like in the meantime.

[ Assuming things work out the way he plans for them to, that is, but that's a topic for another time when they aren't headed to a beach for the rest of their day. It does, however, open the door to more to be talked about. ]

Almyra's a kingdom but it's not one run entirely by the monarchy like Faerghus was once. The capital's sprawling and diverse, just like the rest of the land around with lots of generals and nobility to match the different cultures. All the more reason to make trips wherever since that'll be helpful from the royalty standpoint, too. [ And that gets a bit of a grin and most definitely a wink to go with it as he looks back at her and adds, ] Don't think I'm above scheduling a vacation for multiple reasons to go along with the relaxing.

[ It's hard for Hilda not to get swept up in imagining futures that haven't yet come to pass just like it's equally difficult for her not to get excited about the prospect of a coronation. Being a democratic alliance, it should come as no surprise that she had never seen something like that before. And while it would probably be pomp and ceremony, there was always some kind of celebration after the fact. ]

You'll invite everyone else along, right? The other Deer I mean. I'm sure that they'd all love to be able to celebrate you. Even Lorenz if he'll put up a fuss about it.

[ They both knew that man way too well now. He cared for his friends - and any excuse to dress up wasn't about to go ignored by Lorenz Hellman Gloucester. Dreaming about a land she'd never been to is only furthered by Claude's description of it as they make their way further away from the crowds and the bustle. The path ahead turns lush with blessed shade as the trees stretch over the path that will lead them towards the beach.

The thought of Claude making a royal tour into something more akin to a vacation is exactly the sort of thing she'd expect from him. Luckily she's able to ]

Does that mean that Almyra has different territories similar to Fodlan that are ruled by various heads? [ She gasps, lips twitching in amusement. ] Don't tell me you're going to have to deal with an Almyran version of Count Gloucester.

[ If Nader was a version of Holst then it wouldn't be that much of a stretch to assume that right? ]

Maybe.

[ That's the best answer he can give her, for once not meant to be evasive but a truth. Maybe hinges upon many things neither one of them have lived yet. He follows that up with an apologetic smile since there's no need to guess whether it'll be a satisfactory answer. Perhaps it would've been better to attach a 'someday' to that even if it feels like stating the same thing.

Rather than getting lost in a long description of how it'd absolutely be worth not saying a word to anyone for the sheer of joy of watching Lorenz sputter at some future diplomatic meeting, Claude turns his consideration towards her next question though not without a groan meant for her entertainment first. ]

Please, as if anyone anywhere could ever hope to be more of something than Erwin Fritz Gloucester. [ The man in question's name is absolutely said in a faithful impression (mockery) of how that full name was frequently announced - a habit, Claude had realized quickly, passed on to Lorenz where both were deserving of many an eye roll. ] There'll be plenty of other nobles like him waiting for their chance to be just as irritating, I'm sure.

But I think the best comparison for how Almyra's organized would be to think of somewhere like Fodlan minus the borders and where each area has its own history, beliefs, possibly even a language and anything else which adds to Almyra itself overall with room for all of those things to exist as they should. Western Almyra even speaks the same language as Fodlan. My father knew it from growing up, but Nader had to learn it before they went on their great adventures of sneaking into the Alliance repeatedly.

[ Stories which had shaped his own penchant for mischief as he'd grown up hearing them, certainly, and now there's a grin on Claude's face as if to say he knows as much with the bridge to the beach approaching. ]

[ Maybe in different circumstances she'd have pouted and protested, demanding an answer as to why he's being so specifically vague about inviting their friends. But as it stands, she understands. There's no guarantee that they're from the same timeline. That just because the Deer hadn't been amongst the list of dead accounted for in his ledgers didn't mean that they'd be there in hers.

Instead she quietly leaves it there, but not before giving him a gentle nudge in the side. Thankfully there's no time for sobering thoughts to pull them under. His spot-on (read: over the top, exaggerated) impression immediately has her snorting.

As naive as it sounds, the thought of a country without borders has her surprised. After all, it's not as if she had grown up in that kind of place and fate hadn't even been kind enough to whisk her away to a place that wasn't similar to Fodlan in the division of its country's borders. She's only momentarily distracted by the idea of Claude's father (a king, she absently reminds herself) and Nader sneaking off to cause trouble for someone, namely her father. ]

I can see where you got your mischievousness from. And why you're so determined to see Fodlan take after Almyra.

[ She can see the bridge off in the distance along with the distinct sound of the rushing water beneath it but it doesn't occur to her to be worried. After all, flying on the back of a wyvern had seen her take to higher heights before. What was a little bridge? Or rather a long little bridge. Thankfully her attentions are turned elsewhere. Rather, her attentions sweep back up towards him, something soft and admiring in her expression. ]

You know, I never would have thought something like that would have been possible before I met you. But the fact that I know that's possible now and that you're the one spearheading it...I think it could really happen, Claude. If someone like you can't do it then I'm not sure who can.

[ Her grip around him tightens. ]

I hope I'll be there to see it.

It's possible, if only people believe it could be.

[ A change not limited to Fodlan, either. The same drive to make it happen in Almyra waits at home after those letters he'd written but never sent on parchment grown brittle in the Horizon like they know something he doesn't about being destined to never be sent. That over time and overthinking, what had once seemed like the best idea does no longer even as maybe hangs over everything.

Including what Hilda says about that dream he's always kept his eyes on with every move made in pursuit of it to be one step closer, though it's tempered surprise which has Claude looking down at her at the last words out of her mouth. Something he's considered also though guessing whether her hopes are pinned on that same thing or not is something he'll have to tease out, he thinks, when he wants to believe that no matter the differences they've heard of from others brought from Fodlan - maybe this will be the constant. Maybe. ]

And I hope you are, too.

[ And while here: that's the best they can ask for, isn't it? Claude finds it hard to linger on doubts about what the future might bring when they're here. They're together, and that's enough for him to believe as he leans down to press a lingering kiss to her forehead that will have to say the rest. All those wishes, all those hopes, all the everything they've not yet said but he believes and can wait for.

Because - ]

Now, did I tell you about this bridge? [ He knows he didn't. Speaking of mischievousness as he whirls the conversation another direction for now: the quick grin he flashes her will say as much, which really makes this plan even better. (To him.) ] It's known for its scenic views of the bay and the landscape behind it. Including beneath it since it's a suspended bridge.

[ If Hilda guesses this might be the part he's most excited about besides the beach awaiting them - she'd be right. ]

[ Tempered or not she recognizes that look of surprise. She blinks back in mild curiosity, wondering if she had said something strange or odd. They had, after all, just been talking (okay, maybe joking was a better word) about a coronation. She'd have to assume that it would be in his lifetime; he was far too determined for that not to happen. There's little time to linger or ask because he silences her question with a kiss that she leans into.

Just like any time he kisses her, she savors the warmth of it, never wanting to take them for granted after already nearly losing him several times now. Her eyes flutter briefly shut as she makes a quiet wish of her own. If there was anything she could do with her meager abilities, it's that her optimism and belief in him would see Claude achieving what he wanted through to a new dawn no matter where their paths took them.

The moment comes and goes and tenderness turns to suspicion the moment she sees mischief in his grin. Her eyes narrow as they trek on. ]

May I remind you that you said telling me anything about this trip would ruin the point of a surprise?

[ So no. He definitely didn't tell her about the bridge. ]

Please tell me this bridge is stable.

[ Her eyes narrowing only adds to his glee in a reaction he knew was coming and just as the grin widening on his face suggests. That was a good plan by his past self - not that he'd really doubted that decision for when it came for everything even if it also risked a little bit of anxiety in choosing well when it comes to the plans for the vacation, but still. Better to keep Hilda from getting too suspicious before this one even takes place by putting on a show of supposed surprise. ]

Of course it's stable! I wouldn't bring you somewhere unsafe. Just think of this as added scenery since now we get the full view of everything around while going over it and the far more scenic part awaiting us with the sea on the other side.

[ Which is absolutely selling it, right? Right. But Claude does actually mean it about the scenery since that was a big part of choosing to come to this specific beach aside from being away from the far more crowded parts of the city for not quite privacy but close to it; there being a chance for mischief to go with it is really just a bonus.

With one last squeeze to her side as they approach the narrow bridge only wide enough for one person to go through at a time, it's maybe ever so slightly alarming in a general sense of wariness that the footpath is made of planks with small gaps between them. The ropes holding it all together and suspending in the air look study enough if not also a little aged by being near the sea as everything in Derdriu once did. Something familiar and which he knows means they're durable even if the first glance isn't quite so reassuring, which is why he lets go of her to ready for crossing where the first part of the path is obscured by trees until it opens up later - both for the view and the sea below. ]

Now, do you want to go first or do you want me to? Remember we've got relaxation waiting on the other side.

[ Her completely flat look is indicative of just how much she believes all the words coming out of his mouth are complete and utter nonsense. Which is to say, not at all. ]

Just because you wouldn't bring me somewhere unsafe doesn't mean you wouldn't bring me somewhere with a side of risk involved.

[ The risk and the gamble was part of the fun of it all for him - she's spent enough time around him to know that. But in all of those times that they've faced risk and danger together her faith in him has never wavered. ...Although it might very well be tested thanks to the state of these planks.

Casting a glance towards the planks before back to him she noisily sighs - ]

Yes, but at what cost? Are you sure there's no other way across?

[ Unfortunately she knows the answer to that question and after a moment she surges ahead, taking one tentative tap and step at a time. The moment they're both on the bridge however it immediately begins to wobble and sway resulting in a tight, white-knuckled grip on the ropes beside her. The muttering under her breath isn't quiet enough that it can't be heard over the rushing waters below. ]

I'm going to kill you.

Oh, c'mon. Just think of the beach waiting on the other side since that'll be more than worth it, right? This is all part of the adventure!

[ Or something like that, since that's his excuse and he's sticking to it. Joking aside - or open laughter aside because Claude absolutely laughs when Hilda bemoans crossing the bridge even as he's just a couple of planks behind her making the same crossing, it really is a nice view. It might not be an entirely safe one unlike the view from their balcony, but: the water, the landscape, the promise of what's ahead all adds up together to be rather nice in his opinion.

It's certainly something besides what they'd seen before on that initial trip to the beach with the rest of the Summoned (and the other memories with it he'd rather write over with brand new ones on this trip) and not something to forget. Unfortunately for Hilda and even if he's downplaying it, the risk really is also part of the appeal.

Which is why after he balances the bag sliding down his shoulder and looping a couple fingers back around the ropes to steady himself now that they're out more in the middle section of the bridge, an idea strikes him. Naturally. ]

This reminds me a little of some of the bridges we used to have to cross when we were out on missions, except that this one looks like it's in a much better state even being a little seaworn. Or maybe more like the footpaths in Derdriu, which...

[ The specific ones Hilda would know from her visits, of course, and for one of his favorite pastimes on them: wobbling the whole thing. It's with a lean to one side and thanks to the extra weight from what he's carrying that Claude manages to sway it that direction even as the guidewires do their best to prevent it from happening. ]

Does part of the adventure include falling to my death in a cute sundress on my birthday week? Because that's not really my idea of an "adventure".

[ Which should go without saying. While she certainly didn't mind a little bit of risk in her life to keep things interesting, it was usually at the expense of others.

The bite in her voice isn't quite as scathing considering how much she's concentrating on the placement of her feet. About halfway across she pauses to consider the view thinking that if she's going to die then she might as well see a nice view before it happens. Begrudging as it is to admit, it is a nice view, showing a vastly different side of Aquila than she hadn't had the chance to see before.

Most of the time spent here was flitting between shops and merchants, getting her business established with Jesper by making formal acquittances of the places she enjoyed shopping in. Before she can say so however Claude has taken matters into his own hands once again. Before he's even begun to trail off she knows where this is going. A sharp gasp precedes her protest as she whirls around on him, eyes wide, teeth bared. ]

Claude don't you -

[ "Dare" is swallowed up by a squeal. Her grip tightens on the ropes as she feels the already unsteady ground beneath her rock even harder. ]

What is your issue! [ But of course in her annoyance she only does what makes the most sense here in the moment: sway the bridge right back. With the timed synchronization of their distributed weight the bridge swings even further from side to side ] Are you trying to get us killed?!

[ Knowing each other for this long means he knows exactly what her reaction is going to be - and not just because anyone rational who perhaps doesn't want to risk plunging to the ground below would have the same one. Hilda's immediate protest gets laughter from him in what's very helpfully not taking it seriously. Or mostly not taking it seriously when it comes to the bridge's potential for collapse, considering her distress is too real for what he'd meant as a silly little prank. ]

Don't make it move even more! But really, this bridge isn't going anywhere. This isn't so secluded that they're not maintaining it, [ with a point to some new metal fasteners on the ropes that he couldn't begin to name without a diagram to reference but seem important and shiny enough to have been a recent addition, ] but here.

[ One quick hop forward thanks to holding onto the ropes serving as railings to propel himself forward to close the couple planks' worth of gap between them so he's right behind her instead. Claude leans down to brush a kiss to her neck, fully accepting of his potential fate of getting swatted, prodded, or whatever else for it even as he reaches forward to loop his arms beneath hers with hands outstretched and palms up for her to take. ]

Hold onto me and we'll make it the rest of the way. Or we'll fall to our deaths together which I hear is something romance novels would approve of even if it's not in my plans for today or, well, ever. Just a few more steps and then it's nothing but sunshine and the sea from here on out.

[ Honestly, in spite of the earlier outrage, the ridiculous nature of this entire situation is enough to make her start laughing. She knows that this is a prank and that any trip with Claude is bound to have at least one or two baked in. And, not that she'd be willing to admit it to him right away, but the bridge swinging is sort of fun in the daredevil may care way that she knows he intended.

Even with the bright spark of joy in her eyes she playfully swats his face away from her before threading her fingers through his as the bridge's wild swinging begins to slow. ]

I've never read a romance novel where they fall to their death together.

[ Stories about dying together though? Sure. But they're in agreement there. She has no desire to die alongside her love. Bringing his knuckles to hers she gives him a fond kiss before she buckles a little, leaning her weight into him. ]

At this rate you owe me a piggy back the rest of the way once we're off the bridge. I don't think my legs survived that.

Maybe we could pitch it to the authors as a metaphor for some tragic love story. That always sells, right?

[ It does if the markets in Derdriu were anything to go by; he's browsed through crates of many a romance novel before. Even one he wishes didn't exist purely because of the too personal connection in it, but that's a topic for another time.

Focusing on Hilda leaning back into his partial embrace is better, especially since it's yet another opportunity to tease her. ]

What, is carrying all of our worldly vacation belongings not enough already? I think I have most of your suitcase here in this bag, you know.

[ Like it's all very painful and not at all something he's completely used to by now, given that this is far from their first trip. Or even beyond that, it's far from their first trip to and from a market where he'd learned long ago about Hilda's love of shopping rivaling his own thanks to their unlimited coin purses. Claude hums in thought as a preface to yet another familiar round of bargaining. ]

What if I promise you a massage instead for your legs? One that absolutely isn't just so I have yet another reason to put my hands on them, of course.

I could be convinced. As long as you do all the writing. I can be there for emotional and creative support.

[ Once upon a time she had offered to help Setheth with his creative pursuits and she would do the same here with Claude if that's what he really wanted. That offer extends beyond this hypothetical. There were few things that she wouldn't support him in. There were few places she wouldn't follow him whether that was to war or across a dubious looking bridge.

His gentle teasing of her earns him a little pinch to the side in protest. It was a long shot, and even she knows that. ]

You'll be singing my praises when I'm prepared for whatever hare-brained scheme you come up with next.

[ Because isn't that how it went? Their dynamic of give and take, push and pull, a funny little dance that they'd entered into unwittingly and never stopped. She lets out a snort of joyful laughter as they finally step off the bridge and make their way back into the blissful green shade awaiting them on the other side. ]

You could easily put your hands on my legs if you gave me a piggyback. [ Her gaze sweeps up towards him before placing a kiss to his chest. ] But I guess a massage will have to do. Just try not to get too distracted by the swimsuit I've got on underneath. I'll need your full attention on the massage in lieu of not getting a piggyback.

[ There is, of course, a noise like he's been deeply wounded at that pinch complete with swatting in the vague direction of her hand with no real intent behind the action. Less so wounded from the pinch itself, and - ]

I think all of my schemes are top notch, thank you very much. Nothing short of brilliance each and every time, if you ask me. [ And, before that trails too much into complimenting himself alone, ] And the same can be said for your creativity. Whatever illustrations you add to our winning novel are sure to make everyone weep. From the tragedy of it all, that is.

[ A plan he could go on about forever, really, and not merely to entertain them both. There's a part of this that's starting to sound like a genuinely good idea the more he thinks about it - not the tragedy part, but the writing of... something. Any number of topics come to mind as he thinks about some of the more popular novels around Derdriu, and Claude might've just kept pondering that aloud if it wasn't for the kiss to his chest and a far more topic for consideration as they reach the edge of the beach after a few more trees. ]

Oh, I'm counting on the swimsuit being part of it. Less fabric to get in the way since it'd be distracting with more of it to let my imagination run wild. [ The grin he flashes her is absolutely shameless as he reaches to take her nearest hand in his with a light tug following, this time for a different sort of eagerness as their destination beckons. ] C'mon, your choice of where the best spot to set everything out will be.

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[ CLOSED ] into an ocean

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