When I'm near the end and I just ain't got the time

[magicalarchaeologist]

WHO: Istredd and some people!
WHAT: Istredd is held with Kyle in the dungeons for a bit and questioned, and then let out.
WHERE: Imprisoned and then back out in Thorne
WHEN: July
WARNINGS: Nothing!





Closed and open starters below!

If you want a specific starter message waftingcurtains on plurk!

Comments

cw: reference to past abuse

[ushiri]

Kahlil has been held in worse conditions before - when he was young and had done something to particularly anger Dayyid, the priest would lock him in a small dark space, warded so that he could not reach the Gray Space to escape and with no sense of when he might be released. There is much more room to move down here, though there had been a chill that ran down his spine when he could no longer sense the grain of the Gray Space in that same way, not just blocked on all sides, but cut off entirely, as though he's suddenly been robbed of a sense like sight or touch.

He focuses on Istredd's presence, sometimes the guards. He's experienced with spending long swaths of time alone, sometimes from behind the veil of the Gray Space. Before, he would not have said he was lonely during that decade spent isolated, but things are different now. He might've struggled more this time.

The approach of footsteps has him standing, though he doesn't approach until it's clear that Wilhelm is the one arriving. His gaze shifts from Istredd to Wilhelm, and he nods to him, then gives a small shrug.

"This is how it goes."

When power shifts. He doesn't know if Istredd had warned Wilhelm that night of the coup. Kahlil had not, and unfortunately he had not yet messaged Wilhelm when they were both taken. He's been struggling to reassure people via messages already.

[ordinar]

Wilhelm flicks a look to the guards stationed on either side of the cell, each a few paces away, sharply aware that he should be mindful of what he says in their earshot. Maybe it would have been smarter to message Kyle and Istredd in turn, but he wanted to see them and make sure they're okay.

Fortunately, they are. It doesn't look like Sidwell had his men rough them up or anything. Listen, his imagination sort of consumed him all last night once he figured out where they'd gone — he couldn't stop thinking about the guards that Sidwell had quietly rounded up and summarily executed in the days after the coup. The sudden absences that populate the castle.

"So...they're going to let you go after you answer all their questions?"

And what if the new regime doesn't like their answers?

[magicalarchaeologist]

The truth is neither of them have any idea what they're in for. If it's only questioning. If more dangerous tactics will be taken against them. Istredd sincerely doubts execution is on the table, Sidwell isn't going to risk them in their position, but they don't know for absolute certain. Istredd is very much getting tired of being held captive in some way. Back home and here.

"Yes, that is what we were told." Istredd glances toward the guards and then he taps his head to the both of them. They can't very well all go into the Horizon together, but it's clear no conversation can be had when they're being watched. A moment later his network handwriting can be seen in front of their eyes.

We don't know for certain, Wilhelm. We were warned to leave shortly before the coup and chose not to, knowing this was possible.

He doesn't know how much Lucifer has told him since this went down, because he's been cut off from him. It might explain to Wilhelm though why the two of them and not anyone else ended up here.

[ushiri]

"We don't want any of you to worry."

He says this while reading Istredd's message, not wanting to leave odd gaps in the conversation for those outside listening. After a second he adds to the floating text.

They aren't mishandling us. There are some guards still left - like Sergeant Ward, who you can try going to if anything changes.

He doesn't exactly expect Ward to be able to do anything, not when he has his own family to look out for, but hopefully a name will soothe some of Wilhelm's concern for the future.

[ordinar]

It's a little confusing to try to listen and read at the same time, to respond verbally so that the guards don't get suspicious of the silence and simultaneously think about his reply to the message. Flustered, Wilhelm stammers for a second before adjusting to the rhythm of their double conversation. He swallows and nods.

"Okay..." He'll try not to worry too much. He'll hold onto Sergeant Ward's name. His eyes move between Kyle and Istredd. "I'll keep up with my training routine. And I'll practice my magic."

Things that he once begrudged, or outright avoided, but now they keep him balanced. They keep him pointed forward. His grip loosens from the bars, fingers falling to the wooden brooch pinned to his tunic, as he adds:

I figured Lucifer knew something was happening. That's why he gave me this right before the coup. He's not going to get in trouble too, is he?

[magicalarchaeologist]

"Good, try to make the others remember to do that too, alright? Good training never really ends." Istredd is partly saying this out loud to seem like the conversation is going on, and also because he means it, because he still is Wilhelm's teacher at the end of the day.

A lot of his teaching has gone by the wayside between them being missing for three weeks, his slow adjustment to returning, and now this. A regular schedule is hard to maintain, it might be he just has to solo tutor for a time, so people's time isn't wasted. A problem for another time.

Istredd knew the wooden brooch on sight obviously, and if he saw what Kell was wearing, he'd recognize that even better. No, he's fine. He had no positive ties to the former regime. He actually gets along well with Mace, our new High Mage.

can wrap this one for individual threads if you guys cool with it

[ushiri]

Trying to kill Ambrose that one time probably worked in his favor.

Kahlil adds nothing else to the verbal component of the conversation this time, seeing as they might be winding down. His gaze settles on the brooch, though, with a curious look as Wille points it out.

ok

[ordinar]

As it's been a while since he had a formal lesson with Istredd, he makes sure to stretch out his magic at least a little bit every day. Idle tricks when he's bored or anxious happen more often than actual concerted practice, but it's better than letting it sit inside him. He has learned the hard way that magic, or at least the kind of magic he possesses, finds a way out on its own if you don't provide the channel for it.

"Sure, I'll keep everyone in line."

A thin smile accompanies the half-joke.

So what you're saying is Lucifer is probably the Summoned with the most power right now. As far as influence goes. His eyebrows lift at the somewhat ironic turn of events, Satan on somebody's good side. That's good, right?

Wilhelm rocks a half-step back from the row of iron bars, eyes flitting between the guards again, before continuing aloud, "Well, I'll be sure to visit you so you don't go crazy down here."

In the Horizon next time, so he can stay longer.

[magicalarchaeologist]

Let's just hope he wields it wisely.

A concern for all of them otherwise, but Istredd has faith in Lucifer. He always has and he always will. He's come a long way from the angry rebel he once was, it's obviously true given that he hasn't already banged open the dungeon in a fury.

"If you could tell Lucifer to bring me my notebook and books, I'd appreciate it. When you check in with him." Implying that it would be good for both of them if Wilhelm did, and it gives him something to do so he feels like he's accomplishing something. Also it gets Istredd what he needs because he sure as hell is not going to read Jack's weird fiction novels.