prison blues & plot cues [OPEN]

[aquaveiled]

WHO: Himeka & you!
WHAT: Some info sharing from her time in Hayle
WHEN: July 10th, pre-Event #2
WHERE: Dungeons

[ ooc; I default to brackets but I am happy to write in prose! Whatever you feel comfortable with.

Prisoners and welcomed are all encouraged! I put together two different scenarios that may cater to either more easily, but feel free to hit up what makes the most sense. ]

i. cell number one

[ Normally looking at least a little optimistic, Himeka leans against the bars to the cell, forehead pressed between them as her eyes dart back and forth down the hall. She had been returned to her cell after her days in Solitary not more than an hour prior. It felt good to be out, as much as one can consider "out" equating to "behind bars". But for someone who blossoms in the presence of others, being shut off had been a difficult time indeed. The light in her eyes has dimmed and she looks as if sleep has been elusive.

As glad as she is to see one of her younger cellmates hale and whole as one can be given the circumstances, she is missing someone she considers a dear friend. Estinien had also been sentenced to solitary confinement, so it only made sense that he would be released as well. Right?

Whether they walk towards cell one with a purpose--perhaps they had heard of the few prisoners who made an escape between the snow-covered mountains of northern Thorne, only to be recaptured days later--or by pure chance, Himeka immediately perks up at the sight of another. She straightens in place, tail swishing back and forth behind her with a surprising amount of mobility. ]

Hello! Excuse me!

[ She sticks an arm out, waving to try and catch their attention. ]

You haven't seen a man nearly twice my height with light hair and a sour expression nearby, have you? Mayhaps in another cell?

ii. dungeon common areas

[ Time allowed outside of their cells for a little bit of recreation is fleeting. She finds herself anxiously looking forward to the appointed hour more than she has before--not just to stretch her legs, but to search.

Though she does not waste the opportunity to grab something to eat for their sole meal of the day, Himeka makes unusual rounds about the dining hall. Eating sparingly during her discussions, she moves from one table to another, taking a set uninvited with familiar and unfamiliar faces. ]

I hope you don't mind--there was an open seat.

xx. wildcard

[ ooc; If you still want some plot clues or just want to chat and don't find an option that works, feel free to hit me up on the discord server or at doggystyle and we can work something customized out. ]

Comments

ii.

[solmate]

[ It's not exactly clear if what Alina is doing can be construed as eating. It's more like pushing the food around with her fork and taking palliative bites to appease Mal if he happens to look over. It's not that she's snobby or too good for the food (the opposite, actually, this is exactly the quality she's been fed her entire life), she's just... not hungry.

Since her imprisonment, life is dull, every sense is half of what she thinks it should be. Deep dark circles cut underneath her eyes. She's like a plant very slowly wilting without the sun. ]

Hm? Oh, no it's fine.

[ Excuse her, she is just going to make sure the collar of her tunic is adjusted and secure, hiding the particularly gruesome antlers sticking out from her collar bone. And then, after an awkward moment: ]

I don't know if we've met before.

[aquaveiled]

[ Himeka smiles, tired but friendly. Seeing other prisoners exhausted is hardly out of the norm, unfortunately. Though she does pick up the motion she doesn't quite get a glimpse of what the other woman could be hiding, taking it as something standard to straighten oneself in the presence of others. ]

I don't think so, but that's something that's easily remedied, isn't it? Since we're all stuck here together.

[ For longer than she anticipated, it seems.

She holds out her hand, what seems to be a universal greeting in most places than the region she grew up in. ]

My names is Himeka.

[solmate]

Nice to meet you. I'm Alina.

[ She offers a weary smile, reaching out to shake Himeka's hand. ]

Are you holding up okay in here?

[ Alina might look tired, but she has the advantage of being a survivor. She's surprised someone has been able to maintain a sunny disposition in the dungeons. ]

[aquaveiled]

[ She shakes with a now practiced ease, releasing Alina's hand shortly after. ]

I'm doing much better than I have been these last few days.

[ Which isn't difficult considering how hard she took solitary confinement. Seeing people in and of itself is a boon and balm to her psyche, though it doesn't really ebb the worry that's been growing since she returned to her cell earlier that day.

Sparing a glance around the mess hall at large, Himeka leans in slightly towards the other woman. ]

Have you seen anyone disappear from this place recently? I'm trying to track down a friend...well. Two people, actually.

[solmate]

[ Alina isn't the sneakiest person (it's not really a skill you gain when most people are content to ignore you), but she manages at least a little subtly here, lowering the volume of her voice in turn. She does a quick glance around with her eyes to make sure no one looks like they are listening in. ]

There's been some changes. I think some people got out... but I know at least one person got put in here. Solitary first, but he's in a regular cell now.

[ Despite embodying the sun, optimism doesn't come super naturally to Alina. So, while she tries to keep a steady expression indicating that there's a perfectly reasonable explanation of why she might not see someone from before, it's hard for her to convince herself of that. She doesn't think it's working to comfort this other woman either. ]

Do you think they might have gotten out?

[ Or... you know. Got put in solitary, but Alina doesn't think she needs to ask that out loud. ]

[aquaveiled]

[ It rings only too true to exactly what she is trying to find out--solitary first, and then into their regular cell. Her eyes widen then she frowns as she thinks.
But...Estinien's regular cell is her regular cell. They are let out for food at the same time. Surely she would have seen him if he were only released a little while after her? ]

We did get out.

[ She emphasizes with a small wave of her hands, trying to contain the way they want to shake--it is frustrating to know how close they were. She's spent weeks dwelling on it. ]

We made it all the way to Hayle, even. I was only just released from solitary this morning...

[solmate]

[ Alina's eyes grow wide as Himeka explains. She can't quite believe it. If they had chosen a different tunnel, if they had left a touch sooner or later... would she and Mal have made it out for good? ]

We didn't make it out of the tunnels. We ran into... trouble.

[ Named Aleksander Kirigan, but Himeka doesn't need to know that.

She dips her head, trying to obscure her words, pushing her food around with her utensil to at least try to keep up the appearance of eating. Her eyes flick up just briefly. ]

Did anyone visit you in solitary?

[the_archive]

[The new prisoner is eating carefully, still cautious about one side of his jaw. His gaze is distant and oddly content, but whatever Jon's thoughts are, they're interrupted by her arriving. He glances over, one eye still surrounded by a rainbow of healing bruise.]

Not at all. Please.

[aquaveiled]

[ She gives a nod of thanks as she picks up her bread roll, though her gaze stays pointedly on him. Her intention--aside from just meeting people, as always--is to try and find any signs of her wayward friend, but the noticeable bruises seem pertinent as well. In the least because they seem none too old. ]

Does it bother you overmuch?

[ She asks, nodding again, but this time pointedly looking at the bruise. ]

[the_archive]

[It still takes him a second - then he touches just below the bruise, realizing what she means. The scars, most people are too polite to mention.]

Getting better. I didn't give the guards any reason to do any real damage.

[aquaveiled]

[ She takes a bite out of the roll as she listens, chewing thoughtfully but not fully swallowing before she follows up with another, unsurprising, question-- ]

What did you do? [ A pause. ] If you don't mind me asking. I suppose it isn't as if all of them are not in the habit of causing trouble unprovoked.

[the_archive]

"Bothered Ambrose for some answers about everything here." He gestures a little with his bread, meaning not just the dungeon but the entire situation.

[aquaveiled]

Himeka's brows raise immediately at that. It isn't as if Ambrose takes casual strolls through the basement to be hassled for answers by the prisoners, to be sure. Himeka herself and only seen him recently when the guards from Hayle had handed her and her merry crew back over for imprisonment.

"You spoke with the High Mage?" she lowers her hand, but doesn't let go of the roll. "How did you manage that?"

xx. welcome back!

[sanc]

[ Relena is incredibly relieved to see Himeka hauled towards their cell. For all she knew, she and Estinien were dead as doornails and she'd been disheartened and angry in here by herself, waiting to hear some conclusive news about it all.

She resists an urge to bark at the guards when they deliver Himeka unkindly into the cell with her. She decides to focus on Himeka instead, nearly tearing up. ]

Himeka! Are you alright? I thought we'd lost you.

[aquaveiled]

[ There is a sense of relief at seeing the younger woman there.

Relena had been one of the people she felt guilty about leaving behind. Of course the overall intent would be to free everyone who had been so unfairly imprisoned in Thorne, but sharing a cell and seeing the same people day in and day out makes getting to know one another inevitable.

Tired and haggard as she is, Himeka does manage a smile as she stumbles forward, hearing the guards close the door to the cell behind her. Another person--another friendly face is exactly what she needs now--what she's needed for days. ]

I've had worse?

[ She supposes nearly exploding in a flurry of light would be the worst outcome. ]

But it's good to see you, Relena. Really, really good.

[sanc]

[ Relena looks her over with care, trying to see if she's been hurt and how much. She's suddenly very aware that first aid would be beneficial to learn going forward. She needs more practical skills if she's going to be of any use to anyone. ]

I've heard something like that before at home. It's not encouraging, you know?

[ The kind of dismissive words Duo would say, she thinks. She places a hand on Himeka's arm as if offering to steady her. ]

It's good to see you too, Himeka... truly. Here, you should sit down.

[ She tries to coax her towards the beds to sit, trying to be mindful of how tired she seems. ]

[aquaveiled]

[ She can take the mild scolding, seeing it for what it is. She does take a seat on one of the cots at Relena's behest, though she feels the need to run around more than anything else. Not that there is that much to do inside these cells than chat with your cellmates.

Speaking of...

As she looks around, she frowns slightly. Estinien...must be right behind her, right? But-- ]

Where is Kay?

[ There is one yet unaccounted for. ]

Did she make it back...?

[sanc]

[ Relena thinks for a moment. She doesn't have all of the details, but... ]

Kay's not here, but it seems she's freed for now, as far as I'm aware. I think she's safe.

[aquaveiled]

[ Himeka blinks, brows raising high on her forehead. This is good news! It should absolutely be good news, but she is still surprised. ]

Freed? They are letting people leave?

i.

[cointosser]

[It's certainly not the first time he's been down in the dungeons, but since his most recent visit with Geralt, he's been trying to take in the others in their cells. Memorizing faces, as well as he can, to find a pattern between the guests and the less than honored.

So far, he can only imagine it's something... intrinsic. Something he can't see. Not for nothing, but some of the prisoners are rather lovely, and a few definitely more suited to being dragged into an inter-sphere war than himself.

Not that Jaskier should ever sell himself short, yet --

He blinks, pausing by a cell before he walks past. It would've been hard not to notice her face before, considering he's rather sure she has scales. And. Oh. Horns. A tail.

That's... normal. After a moment of staring, nearly forgotten she's called out to him in the first place, he shakes himself, clearing his throat.]

A sour expression? [What, is Geralt making even more friends? Jaskier's eyebrows rise behind his bangs.] Well, that certainly describes Geralt quite well, though I wouldn't say twice your height. Perhaps an extra hand-length or two on you?

[Because normal people are, of course, not ten feet tall.

Nor do they have horns and tails. Wait! Borch hadn't sprouted the same details, but... could she be...?]

i love him

[aquaveiled]

[ A bit of staring isn't enough to put her off as she stares back, looking concerned and hopeful at the same time. The more time passes since she has been returned, the longer she fears for her wayward friend. What if Estinien had received a separate punishment for being labeled as the ring leader of their attempt? Though Himeka had tried to assert herself as equally culpable, the initial accusation may have already done too much damage.

When he seems to recognize the description, she feels her hopes raise to new heights-- ]

--Gerolt?

[ Wait. What? It's her turn to blink and look a little incredulous. He is substantially shorter than Estinien and...bald, besides. ]

When in the seven hells Gerolt end up here?

[ Is Thorne now in need of a legendary blacksmith?? ]

[cointosser]

[If only there was a equivalent to some sort of ???? emote.

Jaskier stares at her, tipping his head as he tries to process that.] Er, what do you mean? Aren't you looking for him? And -- wait, how do you know Geralt? He's clearly not in your cell!

[And he hadn't mentioned any pretty women, prisoners or not, which Jaskier considers gravely severe oversight.]

Are you some sort of -- of dragon friend of his? Has he not mentioned me to you? Or mentioned you to me! That ass, he would. I'm never giving him an apple again.

[He knows the only regret Jaskier has in life is not seeing that bloody dragon! Wait, could she know Borch? (Did all dragons know each other? Does Thorne know there's a dragon skulking about??)] Why are you looking for him? Has he snatched one of your childhood dreams and crushed it in his giant, stupid, meaty hands as well?

[Sorry, Himeka. He's typically not helpful for this kind of thing.]

[aquaveiled]

[ She pulls back, a slight wrinkling at her nose at the thought. No--no, she has sought out Gerolt on a number of occasions, but certainly not this one. Then again, if he is also here then it should fall to herself and Estinien to make sure that he also returns to the Source, doesn't it? ]

If he were in my cell I wouldn't be looking for him?

[ Wait, where is this confusion coming from? ]

--But I'm not looking for Gerolt, though maybe now I am...

[ Shite. ]

Where is he? No--I need to know where Estinien is first! He came in with me but I haven't seen him since they brought me back from solitary.

[ She takes hold of the bars, one in either hand and puts on her best pleading face. ]

We know plenty of dragons, but none of them are here. If you didn't notice there was no "Great Wyrm" in the mountains. And I can assure you that the only dreams crushed here--in hands meaty or otherwise--are those of a quiet escape.

[ Though... ]

--Wait, did Gerolt escape with dragons!?

[cointosser]

[He blinks.] I dare say, I don't think you can look for someone who you weren't looking for. [Ooh, philosophy. He hasn't really expected to get here from a prisoner waving at him, but it's certainly --]

Geralt's -- what's an Estinien?

[Wait, wasn't she looking for Geralt? Estinien must be someone else, but how did he even enter the conversation?

He's honestly perplexed. Perhaps he needs more sleep.

Jaskier squats down next to her so she doesn't get a crick looking up at him and, maybe, he wants a better look at her -- her scales. Which she does not appear to be bothered by. Or by being a dragon. Well, he's not bothered by being a human, it all sort of makes sense.] Rather fortunate for your lot, it sounds like. [There's a heavy degree of sympathy there, though. After all, his friend had been among them. Wait, wouldn't she have seen Geralt there...?]

Wait, wait. Geralt hasn't escaped. And he better not be making friends with dragons without me! [He's already gone off and fought with one!!] So you're looking for... Estinien. And Geralt? My apologies, but I haven't met an Estinien. Another prisoner, was he?

[A few moments too late, he suddenly realizes.] Wait a moment! You weren't -- [He leans in closer, a little quieter,] One of those escapees? They're very much not happy with you, as I'm sure you know. [But that was not the important part.] How the fuck did you get out there?

[aquaveiled]

[ She's found plenty of things she hasn't been looking for before, doesn't that count? (No, because she wasn't looking for them, but that's neither here nor there.) ]

What do you mean? [ She frowns. ] Estinien is a tall man with white hair and a sour expression.

[ Hadn't she been clear from the beginning? Though she doesn't really understand how they got from an long-haired elezen to a stocky bald hyur, she isn't questioning it. Himeka has learned to just nod and go along with a lot of things in life.

She holds that frown lightly as he squats. Well, while she would like for someone else to have successfully escaped--with or without dragons, though with is definitely preferable in almost every conceivable scenario--she's not terribly surprised that it hasn't happened yet, at least to their knowledge. Their own attempt was relatively short-lived in the end.

To his question, she nods, frown disappearing as she just looks disappointed. ]

I'm well-aware.

[ And aware enough that she's better off keeping her voice down. Her hands slide down the bars, but she presses her face between them. ]

Estinien found a few well-concealed enclaves when we were up in the mountains. We really just...waited it out until the group left us for dead. Given warning we received prior to beginning the excavation, it really wasn't that unlikely that some wouldn't make it back.

[ She sighs. ]

We made it all the way to Hayle before we were discovered.