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@cunninglinguist-69 @bleedingichorhearts @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan @nereidof40k
Meanwhile back at Stoneflame
The door to the appointed Scout Protection Room creaks open with a gentle sound.
Of course all the Scouts therein were already listening with rapt attention to the...disagreement occurring in the halls.
"I mean what I said Zaariel!" One voice declared sharply. "Don't you roll your six or more eyes at me. Tercelle I hear you snickering. Honestly. 9ft tall Children the lot of you!"
"Oooh Momma's maaaad at Ya'll~." Another declares with a hint of mischief and melody. "But seriously Tercy I need to get in there and I need you to Promise." The new voice emphasizes. "That you won't try to kill Zaariel or bull charge the other Apothecaries. We all want to help the Scouts."
"Indeed. I'd have to try and fight you if you did and while I'd Relish the challenge, I'd rather not frighten some poor patient by getting thrown through a wall." A third raspy voice titters with a laugh at the end thats more like a cackle.
Some grumbling can be heard from the other side. Rushal just grins with his heavily scarred mouth, quickly signing to his younger cousin.
'At least you got a show out of all this. How delightful. But don't worry. The help coming now should alleviate even more than I can alone.'
Vorca seems unsure, but...he trusts this older brother. "I believe you."
But back to the door. It creaks open and a smaller body peaks in. Well, small compared to an Astartes at least, they're average for a baseline human.
"Heloo~ Anybody home?" The baseline chirps.
"And is anybody going to cause Problems? No? Good. Let's keep it that way." The dark raspy voice adds as the head its attached to peeks in as well. "Oh hello Alastor! You're looking as gruesomely ghoulish as ever."
Vorca is taken aback by the presence of a Nightlord of all things. AND one that speaks so...Casually?? To his older brother?? But Alastor doesn't even flinch, in fact, he lets out a...
Well its meant to be an amused bark or laugh, and it still mostly is, but the lack of a tongue causes it to be distorted slightly. He slaps his knee and then signs. 'Regular sleep and feed has been doing wonders for my ferocity. I can hardly keep Sevetar and my bonded's hands off me these days! Not that I'm complaining.'
The new Nightlord with his own mouth scar let's out another cackle. It's loud and sets Vorca even more on edge. But...he remains calm. If Alastor trusts these two...he will as well.
The baseline doesn't understand the signing, at least not fully, but they do greet Alastor with a cheerful. "Heeeey big guy! Come 'ere. Mmmm!" And even a hug!
Well maybe accepting his own hug from before wasn't as strange as he first thought. But still a Baseline being so willing and calm about embracing an Astartes as powerful and dangerous as his older brother??
While Vorca's mind is spinning Alastor gladly returns the squeeze with one arm, then makes more signs.
"He says Altani has been doing well with her learning exercises. She can now speak common almost perfectly. She also enjoys the word game you taught her regarding license plate letters. She does it with almost every vehicle she sees."
The baseline's face brightens up. "Really? That's wonderful! I'm so happy she's happy."
Alastor nods in agreement, then continues. The Nightlord translates.
"She also wants to know when you and Khopesh will come over for Dinner next. She wants to play Jenga and Mouse Trap with you again. What say you to this my Lullaby?"
So the Nightlord is Khopesh. And the human is Lullaby.
"Awww! That's so sweet! And yes we absolutely should get together for dinner again soon." You agree. "If you're comfortable...we've got some new roommates...fosters ah technically more but they might enjoy a visit too, especially for a board game night. Only with your permission of course."
Alastor's gaze becomes Very knowing, and smug. 'Drew more bodies into your orbits I see. Not surprising. And I am...not opposed to the idea. I will need to convene with the others in my house of course.'
"Naturally. Oh but onto convening for other reasons." Lullaby turns to Vorca. "How are you feeling hun?"
Vorca feels...suddenly yanked back into the present. "I uh...I..." He looks to Rushal for guidance.
The elder raven nods, gently placing a hand on his younger brother's shoulder.
Vorca takes a deep breath, and he slumps slightly. "It...it still Hurts." He says, honestly, timidly.
Alastor's presence had helped. It had taken his mind off the pain in his heart and soul, easing it.
He locks eyes with this...psycher he supposes.
He doesn't know how that's possible here? But if they're the supposed expert he won't question it.
"Please...make it stop hurting."
Lullaby's eyes and expression are soft, they nod. "I will do what I can."
A small, fragile, baseline hand reaches out. After a moment of hesitation, Vorca gently places his upon it.
Where once there was this...almost cold, biting itch, like thorns sinking into his heart. Instead slowly warmth seeps in, it was slow but inevitable, like the march of spring on winter's frozen grip.
And those sharp, icy, thorns, that acidic cold pain that had wrapped around his soul even before his so called 'Break Up' are gently cut and melted away.
A few more minutes pass, turning his insides from ice to thawing frost to tepid water and finally to something that feels warmed beneath the sun.
"Aaaaaand there. That should be the last of it." Lullaby declares, standing back up straight. The psycher stretches their fingers and rolls their shoulders to work out the kinks. "How are you feeling dear?"
It doesn't suddenly make him happy. It doesn't magically stitch his broken heart back together.
But...instead it just feels like...the feeling of knowing he's no longer alone.
And that...seems like what his heart needs more than anything else right now.
Vorca can actually muster a small smile. Its not wide or grand, but it is true.
"I feel Better." He nods glancing to Rushal who gives him an affirming nod.
The human known as Lullaby grins. "I'm glad for that dear. I am very glad."
The happy moment is suddenly interrupted by Khopesh's custom vox tone.
Ocean Ma-an~ Take me by the Hand~
Lullaby's pulse picks up suddenly. Normally it wouldn't that goofy tone was Hebe's custom tone.
But knowing what they do about where Keme and Hebe are right now...
Khopesh has the same expression they do. Worry but also determination.
