he's a real nowhere man

daelos zahhak of locas the ma%inist

[brygarth]

Pretty Dixie ~~

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[academic-geniality]

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[coltishdaedalian-blog]

DAELOS: *Normally after learning something so shocking, so honestly earth-shattering, Daelos would have needed time to prepare but as soon as he knows she is alive, and knows where she will be, he just starts moving like he's in a trance. And he doesn't stop until he's in front of what is presumably her door. Perhaps it help that it doesn't feel like reality, when he pings it, letting her know there is someone there. If she is indeed on the other side of the door.*

LIFERA:  *It's quiet beyond the door but for a soft caw. It's many moments more before it's finally opened, and the woman on the other side is small, almost smaller than ever, hair a tangled, clipped-together mess and clothes simple and hardly anything like an empress at all. She seems slightly surprised, at first, that the figure isn't one she's expecting, but the vague surprise on her face twists quickly into something much different when she realizes who, exactly, it is that she's looking at, and she's frozen in place, a coldness growing in the pit of her stomach and chilling the blood in her veins. She had thought little could move her after everything that had happened. Of course, she would be wrong.*

DAELOS:  *The mental image he had of her was from so, so long ago that when it collides with the troll looking back at him he can't even bring himself to move across the threshold. He freezes at the same time she does. He hears the little click in the back of his throat from far away, as if it's happening to someone else, someone else's body. He must have looked different to her too. His body has definitely aged, while all her aging has taken place on the inside, and he can feel it filtering out through the way she's looking at him. It still doesn't feel real. It won't until one of them says something, but he doesn't even have the slightest half formed idea of what to say.*

LIFERA: *It doesn't seem to compute that he could actually be here, and she's wondering if this /isn't/ actually all just imagined after all, that maybe she's still back on the Alternian meteor, being poked at and cut up. It's a lot of things to try to piece together at once, and yet, she can't even find the words for that. Only one manages to work its way out.* ... What...?

DAELOS: *As soon as she talks, the glossy film over everything seems to tear and he actually remembers to breathe again. He didn't think about what to say on his way here, he only thought about seeing her again and didn't consider what would happen after, nor any other detail of the situation. It does take him far too long to find his voice and by the time he does, the silence is pressing.

 DAELOS: They told me

DAELOS: They said you were alive and I 

DAELOS: I had to see for myself

LIFERA: *He speaks, and maybe it is real after all. Or, at least, that's what the ache in her chest tells her. How did he know she was here? How did he get here? Why...? Where has he been? She has too many questions and so little room in her mind to free up to ask them. Instead, she just says,* I'm alive.

DAELOS: *There are so many things he would ask her too, but he is overwhelmed. For a second his mind's eye interrupts him with the form of that ghost, ghashing it's teeth and shrieking on the bones of Beforus. Sinking down into the black. His eyes suddenly start to sting. He clenches a huge fist and presses it to his mouth, making absoloutely sure nothing dangerous will come out before he allows himself  to talk again. He will not lose his composure here.* 

LIFERA: *The sight of him here, like this, is so surreal, and even more so to see the strange emotion in him, the kind that burns in her. Not this, too, not now. It comes out before she can help herself.* Daelos...

DAELOS: *He flinches at his hatch name with her voice wrapped around it, but looks up despite himself. He had never found it possible to intentionally begrudge her much of anything.* 

DAELOS: I know *he begins uncertainly*

DAELOS: I know it's strange

LIFERA: *But nevermind all of that. Nevermind everything. Shouldn't he hate her? Shouldn't he? Why was he here, after all of...*

LIFERA: ... I was wrong.

LIFERA: I--

LIFERA: I've always--

LIFERA: I wasn't-- I shouldn't have...

LIFERA: *She doesn't mean to do this now, not now, but seeing him like this, it's clear. The sentence comes out in a croak.* I don't know what I've done.

DAELOS: *She's drawing him in, right back into the mess that he thought he had outgrown. He shouldn't care about this anymore. But it still hurts, and for a moment the pain is just as fresh, as if it hadn't happened sweeps and sweeps ago. Her words make him feel feverish with skin-crawling revulsion. He jerks like he's going to reach, maybe for her hand but he doesn't actually let himself complete the gesture.*

DAELOS: No, Lifera

DAELOS: That is not the case

DAELOS: It was all my doing

DAELOS I ruined everything

LIFERA: No. *It's firmer than her words before, but even still an ache.* )(ow can you say that now? You can't-- *Her throat feels tight, and she has to swallow.* Not now. This was-- me. It was always me, always doing what I thought I should, what I thought would-- and-- *Her words taper off into little more than a squeak, and she can't keep her face turned toward him anymore, not for the tears that roll down her cheeks.*

DAELOS: *Seeing her in tears, especially over *this*....this of all things, after all they've lost...it guts him to the core. He's a notorious coward and he's scared to go near her, but his instincts always win our over his fear. He steps into her space, to slid his gloves hands over hers as she turns away from him and sobs, his voice almost as choked as hers, but gentle.*

DAELOS: You did not force me to carry out those e%periments

DAELOS: I wanted to do it

DAELOS: You did not force me to be careless

DAELOS: I was in a rush to please you

LIFERA: *He touches her, and she wants to draw back; she flinches, but she can't bring herself to. Instead, she shakes her head, still unable to look him in the face. She tries to even out her ragged breathing, to make some sense of anything, but it feels like an uphill battle as anything ever has.* I was-- an idiot to think I could-- ever... Loo-- look at what I've done.

DAELOS: *She keeps trying to turn her head away, he keeps trying to catch her eye again. He shouldn't even be in the same room with her and cannot believe his own selfishness, his arrogance...but it doesn't matter right now. After a confused moment, it dawns on him.*

DAELOS:  You mean Beforus

DAELOS: *his mouth closes and forms a hard line.*

LIFERA: *She's quiet for a long moment, the heaviness of it all weighing her down.* Beforus. You. Meenah-- -Everything.

LIFERA: There's nothing I can fix, there's nothing... left to fix.

DAELOS: *He lets go of her hands for a moment, because he simply cannot believe what he is hearing. How is it possible that she blames herself for everything. His pusher is racing and he can't disguise the passion in his tone.*

DAELOS: We...we two made grevious errors

DAELOS: We did not destroy our own home

DAELOS: Lifera, you *loved* Beforus

DAELOS: You were the only one I ever knew who loved it as much as I did

DAELOS: There are beings out there who chose to take our home from us

DAELOS: Aren't you angry with them?

DAELOS: Do you not want to make them pay for what they have done?

LIFERA: *Hearing this, it just burns all the more, and she's glad he let her go, so that she doesn't have to pull her hands back by force.* Don't you think I wanted that?? To make them pay-- For stealing and-- murdering my daughter, for the cancer they spread wherever the fuck they go and-- This is what happens! For trying to fight. For trying.

LIFERA: No...

LIFERA: I can't.

LIFERA: I won't.

LIFERA: They've already won.

LIFERA: Whatever else they could take from me, I can't stop them. They showed me that a long time ago, and I was just too naive to see it.

DAELOS: *He seems to deflate, the brief flash of fierceness dying from his posture and eyes. He feels it leave him, like it's e%tinguishing*.

DAELOS: They left you alive, but hurt you

DAELOS: I have suffered the same

LIFERA: *If there's any more guilt possible to feel, it's the way she sees him wilt, but she's thick enough with it, what else could she do? Even now, she's selfish, and she has no idea how to stop it.*

LIFERA: ... )(ow do I go on like this?

LIFERA: *The question is earnest, the plea of someone completely lost, broken, and right now, he's the only one that understands, come right out of her past and back into her life, and it feels like she needs him.*

DAELOS *He e%hales, glancing around the room for a moment, different points of interests, including the bird, but his gaze didn't linger. He was 100king without really seeing. His frown is thoughtful, troubled*

DAELOS: It is hard to give an e%act answer, as I am only doing my best

DAELOS: If seeking recompense against our enemies is no longer your path, there must be another somewhere

DAELOS: You need not be alone while you 100k, even if you never find it

DAELOS: I would like to be your friend again

DAELOS: If you would have me

DAELOS: Despite....despite everything

DAELOS: I know it is a 100dicrous request to make

DAELOS: I did hate you at one time, I did blame you

DAELOS: I no longer feel this way

LIFERA: *He speaks, and she loses herself in the words, in the way they make things feel numb in a way that's better than the heart-crushing pain, and at his suggestion, it's even more surreal. Enough to reach up for his face and touch it, like she's in a memory, like everything isn't gone. For a moment, she remembers how hopeful she had felt when he had been there. Her lips twitch almost like she's trying to smile.*

LIFERA: You have always been ludicrous. )(aven't you...?

DAELOS: *He flinches from her touch, like he does with any touch, but settles when he feels the soft pads of her fingers graze his face. He doesn't smile with his mouth but his jaw twitches, and in his eyes there is a mi%ture of sadness and warmth.*

DAELOS: So they say

LIFERA: *She doesn't move for a moment that might have been minutes but still doesn't feel long enough before her hand slides away, but she realizes she doesn't want to hold herself up anymore. She doesn't want to be here. She doesn't want to be anywhere. But he sees it -- he sees her, and even if it's not enough, it's something, so she lets herself or maybe she just can't help how she steps close enough to lean into him, not caring that they're still in the doorway, not caring about anything at all.*

DAELOS: *He doesn't fight the silence that falls over them, because this time it feel restful. He's a little taken aback when she lets her weight fall against him, but a minuite or so later, she feels his large hand, covering her upper back as it rests there. He has her and they are safe, at least for a little while.*

[coltishdaedalian-blog]

(Here’s something that ended up in Darkleer’s askbox!)

At dusk, awoke the simulacrum One step that shook loose history Escaped from perverse martydom Stories, freed of stone and sophistry Your story has not been told to me I perceive it where your seam must be Molded mid-kick, a rapacious charger A fortune I should ever greet, such elegance, so obsolete And readily I must repent, my hubris and my discontent Cursed to cowardly appraise Where hands should be in place of gaze While eyes delight and words still wind A mane, with fingers intertwined Is rich indeed while chat is cheap There are some manes and there are thee’s Even marble may appear so soft Is this your breast, with I aloft?

(Here the poem is abandoned due to intense sweatiness and shame. He also forgot it was a sonnet about ¾ths of the way through because he got too excited.)

[technetronictactician]

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[coltishdaedalian-blog]

[05:55] -- academicGeniality [AG] began pestering coltishDaedalian [CD] at 17:55 --

[05:55] -- academicGeniality [AG] changed their mood to PLEASANT --

[05:56] AG: Hello Daelos!

[06:00] CD: Aranea

[06:00] CD: } --> Hello

[06:01] AG: Do you have a moment? 8ecause I have something I would like to ask you.

[06:01] AG: It's... a favor, actually.

[06:03] CD: } --> I would be a poor friend and romantic companion if I did not have a small moment to spare

[06:03] CD: } --> As always I am at your service

[06:11] AG: ::::)

[06:11] AG: Well... The other day as I was wandering a8out the 8ase, I was confronted 8y Roxy Lalonde. Her 8ehavior was very strange, mind you. Very unlike her. For one, I know I'm not exactly her... favorite person! 8ut furthermore, even when confronting those she doesn't see eye to eye with, she's a very lively individual, wouldn't you agree?

[06:11] AG: She had a proposition for me, that was presented in the most serious manner I swear she was someone entirely different. I suppose that after everything that has occured in recent weeks, a suddenly change in demeanor could happen to anyone!

[06:11] AG: Anyway, she told me that she wanted to run some experiments on a troll with mental a8ilities such as my own... To 8etter understand them and therefore 8etter com8at them should they 8e weaponized against us again in the future. She asked if I would volunteer for the experiment.

[06:11] AG: Of course I agreed, 8ut given her attitude and our past disagreements... I'm admittedly a little afraid of what might happen during this meeting... I'm just nervous in general, if I'm 8eing perfectly honest!

[06:11] AG: Luckily, she said that I could 8ring along someone who would 8e willing to 8e the su8ject of my powers in action. So... What I was hoping was that... You would 8e that person?

[06:14] CD: } --> I will be that person

[06:14] CD: } --> It will be me

[06:14] CD: } --> In fact, I shall have to insist

[06:15] CD: } --> Given my past e%periences in subjects on this vein, my ability to negate psychic abilities, and finally my affection for you and interest in your well being, I am the only candidate

[06:15] CD: } --> I share your apprhension and will approach this with a critical eye

[06:17] AG: Thank you so much, Daelos. That's such a relief!

[06:22] CD: } --> However

[06:22] CD: } --> I think it would be better if you refused to do the e%periments in question instead

[06:22] AG: Oh, no. I can't do that.

[06:23] CD: } --> For what reason

[06:30] AG: I want to help, of course!

[06:32] CD: } --> I know you wish to help

[06:32] CD: } --> And win favor with individuals who you are currently on unfavorable terms with

[06:32] CD: } --> However, it may not be worth the risk it poses to your safety

[06:34] CD: } --> If Ro%y is acting out of character, it suggests her objectivity might be compromised and she may make rash decisions while you are vulnerable and in her care

[06:41] AG: I suppose so... 8ut that's where you come in, isn't it?

[06:41] AG: I know she respects you. Even if she isn't thinking str8, I dou8t she would do anything too out of turn with you there.

[06:41] AG: Still... Even if things did go south... I suppose it's just a risk I'm willing to take.

[06:43] CD: } --> I e%pected you would say as much

[06:43] CD: } --> I only ask that you give me veto power

[06:44] CD: } --> If I judge things to be going badly

[06:44] CD: } --> As I have said, I have experience with this specific field of e%perimentation

[06:52] AG: And I would expect you to say as much!

[06:52] AG: That's fine, of course. Ideally, I would prefer not to 8e harmed in any way. ::::P

[06:52] AG: If we worked together for optimal results, then that would 8e the 8est outcome, in my opinion.

[06:56] CD: } --> I suppose that is

[06:56] CD: } --> Basically acceptable then

[07:01] AG: Gr8! I'm glad we can agree.

[07:04] CD: } --> Hmm

[07:05] AG: Hmm?

[07:29] CD: } --> It is basically acceptable

[07:29] CD: } --> Yet

[07:29] CD: } --> I am not pleased with the prospect

[07:38] AG: I don't expect you to 8e! I am gr8teful that you're willing to accept the decision despite that. I do know how stu88orn you can 8e. :::;)

[07:49] CD: } --> If it must be attempted than I would prefer to have a modicum of control over the situation

[07:50] CD: } --> Although I am not sure what will happen when I submit to your control, so to speak

[08:10] AG: There's nothing to worry a8out. My powers have a wide variety of ca8ilities, the very worst of which would result in a lapse of memory. I've 8een a8le to remove memories in trolls, as well.

[08:10] AG: Not that I make a ha8it of that, 8ut... I can!

[08:10] AG: I will likely pro8e at your thoughts for the experiment. I've 8een told it feels something like an intrusive thought, 8ut of course I wouldn't 8e invading your mind with anything unpleasant.

[08:11] CD: } --> Oh

[08:11] CD: } --> Yes, of course

[08:17] AG: Will that 8e alright?

[08:17] CD: } --> I think you will be a welcome guest after the.... clowns

[08:18] CD: } --> I admire some aspe% of Alternian culture but others are very

[08:18] CD: } --> Unpalatable

[08:34] AG: Oh, agreed.

[08:34] AG: I fail to understand why they have to 8ehave in such an undignified manner. At least most other Alternian su8cultures have some class! Ugh.

[08:53] CD: } --> Undignifed hardly covers it

[08:54] CD: } --> I quite enjoyed doling out justice with you

[08:54] CD: } --> Yet it irks me that many of them escaped

[08:54] CD: } --> Including Ocelot

[09:20] AG: Yes... That is one of the things that concerns me most... Knowing that he's still out there.

[09:21] CD: } --> If we % paths again, he will not survive the encounter

[09:21] CD: } --> Our personal quarrels aside, he compromised my base

[09:21] CD: } --> Years of hard work, wasted in one f001 attempt

[09:22] CD: } --> You cannot uncompromise a secret base

[09:35] AG: I know... I'm so sorry this happened.

[09:35] AG: We may not 8e a8le to undo it, 8ut I know you're taking measures to keep it safe again. You are so very good at what you do, you know.

[09:35] AG: And not to mention... we always have the hope that we can get our revenge!

[09:45] CD: } --> Your vote of confidence is e%tremely appreciated, my dear

[09:46] CD: } --> As is the prospect of future revenge

[09:46] CD: } --> Now

[09:46] CD: } --> What are your lunch plans

[09:47] AG: Hmm! It would seem that my lunch hour is completely cleared.

[09:48] CD: } --> What a serendipitous occurence

[09:48] CD: } --> Could I then join you

[09:49] AG: That would 8e wonderful! ::::)

[09:52] CD: } --> I will be there post haste

[09:52] AG: See you soon!

[09:52] -- academicGeniality [AG] ceased pestering coltishDaedalian [CD] at 21:52 --

[academic-geniality]

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[gainfulgumption-blog]

Eternity Served Cold Part Two

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[gainfulgumption-blog]

Eternity Served Cold Part One

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[coltishdaedalian-blog]

ARANEA:  *the news of 8eforus' destruction had left aranea feeling 8eside herself with helplessness. so many of those she cared a8out, and who cared a8out her, had just lost their home, and she felt completely unequipped to 8e there for any of them. 8ut what was more alarming, was the fact that she couldn't get ahold of daelos. it could 8e presumed he had returned to his own personal space here on locas, so she did a 8it of digging to find him (takoda was a8le to provide most of the information she needed. he was like an open 8ook!) and focused all her concentration on that task, rather then... what she might say when she finds him. eventually she's fidgeting nervously at the entrance of his workshop, hoping and praying to receive an answer.*

DAELOS: *daelos's workshop is built into one of the actual caves and quite far underground. it's an absolutely enormous hall, dark for quite some time until one reached the part with the sterile white lighting and the door just as big and heavy as the troll who built it. of course he sees her on some of the security cameras he has installed. his reactions to most things at the moment are dulled in comparison to the strong internal emotions he's feeling, but there is a sharp tug of surprise. why is she down here? it has been a long time since they have spoken regardless of what they both promised.*

DAELOS: *he figures she probably wants to talk about the planet, and that almost discourages him from answering at all. but daelos, even now, can't just let aranea stand there in a dark cave. he presses a button and the door hisses, and opens.*

ARANEA: *she is very visa8ly surprised when the door opens, enough to keep her still for a moment, until she manages to quickly gather herself and scram8le inside. she peers around, her voice soft when she calls out to him.*

ARANEA: Daelos?

DAELOS: *her voice echoes a lot, but there's no need for him to hear that because he's waiting very near the door. he has his full mask on and doesn't make any kind of move to take it off.*

DAELOS: } --> Aranea

DAELOS: } --> Why are you down here?

ARANEA: *she jumps, the sight of him dressed like that, after venturing through scary caves, feels very much like a horror movie scenario, for a split second, 8ut she's quick to settle 8ack to her previous level of anxiety.*

ARANEA: I wanted to see you.

DAELOS: *it takes him a while to process*

DAELOS: } --> I apologize for startling you

ARANEA: *shakes her head, hugging herself a little.* Think nothing of it. Just a8out anything might spook me under these conditions.

ARANEA:  *the caves may remind her a 8it of her few encounters with her lusus, which are hardly pleasant memories.*

DAELOS:  *he notices her shivering.*

DAELOS: } --> It is cold down here

DAELOS: *he pauses because he's considering telling her to leave.*

ARANEA: *8ut how can he if she's looking up at him with 8ig spidery eyes?*

ARANEA: It's fine!

DAELOS: *he removes the lower part of his mask and e%hales*

DAELOS: } --> You should come in

DAELOS: } --> I have a forge in there, it actually makes it rather warm

DAELOS: *he gets out of the way of the door.*

DAELOS: *it all still feels very detatched and surreal to him. he can't really bring himself to feel anything about it.*

ARANEA: *she perks up at the invitation and scuttles inside, getting a good look of everything she can while peering around*

DAELOS: *if you're 100king for a comparison, see The Batcave, e%cept a lot more horse themed.*

ARANEA: *ah yes... the horse cave.*

DAELOS: *towards the front, it's still quite cold and that's where all the high powered computers and electrical devices are, towards the back it becomes simpler work stations with equipment for metallurgy and the like, and just as he said, there is a forge, dramatically increasing the temperature in the room.*

ARANEA: This is all very impressive. *gravitates towards the heat a little, 8ut she will 8e nosy along the way*

DAELOS: *Once they get to the warmest and brightest part of the hall, he finds a st001 for her and for himself, but all in silence.*

ARANEA: *parks herself on the stool, letting the warmth settle over her. now, if only she could find her words. how awful it was that she always seemed to lose them when she needed them most. the silence is uncomforta8le and she looks to him with concern. she supposes her 8est 8et is to 8e direct.*

ARANEA: ... Are you alright?

DAELOS: *She just gets the impassive goggles in response. He's talking in a monotone, and if there's anything specific about it, it's that he's kind of dazed.*

DAELOS: } --> I do not

DAELOS: } --> I do not think I can effectively answer that

ARANEA: *she looks away, to the floor* ... I know it must 8e difficult to process. Even if you can't find the words, or the emotions themselves, I don't think you should 8e alone right now.

DAELOS: *folds her hands in her lap* ... You have my support, should you ever need it.

DAELOS: } --> I appreciate it, Aranea

DAELOS: } --> Perhaps my lack of emotion is fortunate in some ways

DAELOS: } --> Things have become clear to me

DAELOS: } --> I should never have left this planet

ARANEA: *eyes widen as she looks to him again* Why... Why do you say that?

DAELOS:  } --> Everything I have ever done, I have done because I loved Beforus

DAELOS: } --> E%cept getting on the ship

DAELOS: } --> I did that because I made a deal with....the dweller of this planet when I first came here

ARANEA: ... What kind of deal?

DAELOS: } --> It is almost incomprehensible, but the general gist was

DAELOS: } --> I would ...benefit, but I would not be able to remain here in e%change

DAELOS: } --> However, I did nothing signifigant with my time on the ship

DAELOS: } --> And now

DAELOS: } --> Nothing matters at all

ARANEA: *her heart aches seeing him like this, and she hates how it only makes her wish she could hold him.*

ARANEA: ... Perhaps you didn't 8enefit from your time with us,

ARANEA:: 8ut meeting you had an indescri8a8ly signficant impact on me.

DAELOS: *Ouch. He tilts his head towards her.*

DAELOS: } --> Yet I fear not a positive one

DAELOS: } --> Even in this area, I failed

DAELOS } --> I am still

[DAELOS: } --> Very sorry Aranea

DAELOS: } --> For the way I have made you feel

DAELOS: } --> For the way I handled the situation

ARANEA: *shakes her head, turning in her seat to face him more fully* Daelos, that doesn't matter to me.

ARANEA: I understand that you can't. Though I must admit, I still wish that weren't the case...

ARANEA: It doesn't change the understanding we've shared. I know things have 8een a little awkward as of l8, 8ut that pales in comparison to the good your influence has had on me.

DAELOS: } --> *He bows his head, too overwhelmed to speak. suddenly he is feeling things again and it sort of scares him. he doesn't want to turn into a monster in front of her, so he focuses on grounding himself.*

ARANEA: *when he doesn't respond, she wilts, afraid that she's crossing a line again, 8ut how can she keep the truth from him of all people? despite the uncertainty, she still feels more comforta8le here than anywhere else.*

ARANEA: ... You're important to me

DAELOS: *His usual iron defenses are e%tremely depleted at the moment. The emotions are just far too intense and they seem to be spilling out everywhere in the most shameful of manners. He can't stop himself before he blurts a response that he never meant to give.*

DAELOS:  } --> You don't know how difficult it has been

DAELOS: } --> Acting as if....under the presumption that I....

DAELOS: } --> As if you were not as important to me

DAELOS: *His heart is beating out of his chest. he has to stop talking. he is  making things worse*

ARANEA: *taken a8ack when he's suddenly speaking again, 8ut the words themselves are much more startling.* Wh...?

ARANEA: *expression softens, though the skip of her heart is so rapid it almost hurts.* Daelos...

ARANEA *swallows* I wish I could understand all the ways you feel you have to hold yourself 8ack.

DAELOS: } --> *he's flinching*

DAELOS: } --> I wish

DAELOS: } --> I wish a lot of things

ARANEA: *she's at a loss, caught 8etween uncertainty and the desire to reach out to him more. no matter what, she's left with nothing else to say, and dares to reach out, placing a hand delicately on his*

DAELOS: *He feels her touch very keenly as if the small gesture had sent an electric shock straight through his gloves. Every part of him is screaming to stop this. E%cept that persistent little part that survived the blast he saw on screen.*

DAELOS: } --> *Delicately, he places his hand over her own, much smaller one-and watches it disappear under it. It's like it's happening to someone else.*

ARANEA: *her chest feels tight at the slightest hint of reciprocation, 8ut once the feeling passes, she glances up to meet his gaze, una8le to hide the small smile on her face. she then rests her other hand over his, clasping it 8etween her palms the 8est she can with such tiny hands in comparison*

DAELOS: *Breathing isn't coming easily to him either. Between the sorrow crushing him and the completely different emotion choking up the back of his throat, at first all he can do is sit there and try to come to terms with how small and pretty her hands are, and how they perch like little birds, and he can feel how rapid her heart beat is. But then he reaches up to take his mask off.*

DAELOS: } --> *It would have been far easier to keep it on course, but he has to make things difficult for himself. The 100k he gives her just then betrays everything his words already didn't. *

ARANEA: *perhaps she wasn't the 8est at reading cues, or responding to them with proper judgement, 8ut when she sees his expression so clearly, it's almost involuntary when she slips out of her stool to draw in closer to him. her arms come around him then, again as far as she could reach, and she rests her cheek against him, in an em8race that makes her heart feel as if it might 8urst.*

DAELOS: *It's an incredible relief when she does what he was too much of a coward to do himself. It's an incredible relief to feel her clinging like that. Given how absolutely insane everything else is, for the moment he is comfortable e%isting only here. It isn't long before he's gathering her up in his arms, in such a specific and gentle way he must have imagined doing so a hundred times prior.*

[coltishdaedalian-blog]

-- coltishDaedalian [CD] began trolling nemeanCatapult [NC] at 22:01 --

[10:02] CD: } --> *whether nyalah's cat senses are tingling or whether she just happens to be that lucky, she will arrive in the middle of daelos raising holy hell in their block. for a guy who can't move around as much, he is still capable of dizzying levels of wanton destruction and he doesn't seem to care what gets in the way of his fists and claws right now. most of their furniture is in broken heaps. he has worked himself into a frenzy. it is very fortunate that he has shut himself up in here*

[10:05] NC: *she slinks into the quarters from the vent, silent as the night. She heard what had happened and right now, the news was incomprehensible. Not real until she could take a look at the footage herself. But Daelos had seen it, Nyalah was sure. The air stank of sweat, fear, and sorrow. She rises to stand on her feet and enters his space of destruction fearlessly, eyes narrowed grimly.*

[10:08] CD: } --> *he’s so consumed that it takes him a bit to notice her, but when he does he has no choice but to stop when she gets too near, because he knows she will not be cautious. at the moment however, it infuriates him and he feels their rela%ation platform disintegrate, the boards snap as he slows his blows and simply crushes it. he can't speak to her*

[10:10] NC: *She seizes her chance. When he lumbers to destroy the platform, Nyalah leaps, sinking claws into his back. Not to scratch but to cling. She's poised on top of his back and before he knows it, arms are coiling around his head. Secure but firm. Shh.*

[10:13] CD: } --> *As he sinks down on the crumbling rubble, he feels her claws sink into him and very slowly, he just lets himself go to his knees, keeping his head bowed and his mouth shut tight because all he wants to do is make the unholy noise that's happening in his heart physical*

[10:17] NC: *still holding his head firm but growling. Making him remember she's there and that the bleeding of his heart wasn't all there was right now. She sinks claws into his scalp too, grounding him harshly.* shhh *rasps, unaffected by the thunderous shaking of his body*

[10:18] CD: } --> *usually at this point his surivval instinct kicks in and he starts to shut down, but it takes longer this time. he can barely feel her claws this time. he just keeps seeing that planet e%plode over and over, and feeling the nauseating lurch of it. but eventually it does seek in, and he goes limp, as a sign of his submission to her*

[10:20] NC: *her purrs are aggressive, her claws retracting. She rests her head onto his hair, her whole body rumbling with anxious chirrs and purrs. She's here Daelos. She's here.*

[10:28] CD: } --> *as he stops being so rigid, he feels the claws digging in start to retract, and he feels her purrs vibrating against him. it all feels so surreal and far away, he's not actually there with her, he's gala%ies away* or in another lifetime entirely*

[10:30] NC: *All she can do is pepper smooches on his temple, his horns, his cheek and lips and hopes that she can reach him somehow. Eventually. Even if the signal is faint.*

[10:32] CD: } --> *as she heaps stimulus at him, eventually his brow knits and a very rusty, raggedy purr starts in his own throat, drowning out the sound of her own. it's only for a few moments, but it's the best answer for her he can manage. after that he just goes quiet and shivers.*

[12:19] NC: *It's enough to comfort her for the moment. She focuses on curling herself along his shoulder, buzzing into his ear for the next few hours to come.*

-- nemeanCatapult [NC] gave up trolling coltishDaedalian [CD] at 00:19 --

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[12:36] -- coltishDaedalian [CD] began trolling practicalFamiliar [PF] at 00:36 --

[12:36] CD: } --> E%cuse [12:37] CD: } --> Me [12:42] PF: SALUTATIONS, STRANGER. I DO NOT BELIEVE I RECOGNIZE THE ADDRESS OF THIS DESIGNATED HANDLE. [12:43] PF: INTRODUCE YOURSELF, IF YOU WOULD PLEASE. [12:43] CD: } --> Right [12:43] CD: } --> I was going to do that [12:43] CD: } --> I was merely testing the waters first to see if you were still awake [12:43] CD: } --> Now that I have confirmed you awake I will presently follow with my introduction [12:44] CD: } --> Official title, Ma%inist, engineering consultant [12:44] CD: } --> Daelos Zahhak if you prefer to be familiar [12:47] PF: FAMILIARITY IS A NOUN PRESENT IN MY OWN HANDLE. HOWEVER, I WILL CHOOSE TO REMAIN CURT AND PROFESSIONAL REGARDLESS. [12:47] PF: YOU HAVE CONTACTED THE LINE OF JAMES EGBERT. SERVICEMAN ABOARD THE UU. [12:47] PF: HOW DO YOU DO THIS EVENING, MISTER ZAHHAK? [12:47] PF: DID YOU REQUIRE SOMETHING OF ME? [12:47] CD: } --> Yes [12:47] CD: } --> Pancakes [12:47] CD: } --> Actually I was wondering if you were still on duty [12:52] PF: MY SHIFT OF DUTY IS NOT DUE TO START FOR ANOTHER TWO HOURS, UNFORTUNATELY. [12:52] PF: HOWEVER, THERE IS NOTHING PREVENTING FROM PROVIDING A REQUEST FOR A WHOLESOME BREAKFAST ON MY PART. [12:52] CD: } --> Wait [12:52] PF: IF YOU WOULD BE SO KIND SO AS TO PROVIDE DIRECTIONS TO YOUR QUARTERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF A DELIVERY. [12:52] CD: } --> One moment [12:52] CD: } --> I apologize [12:53] CD: } --> I did not realize what time it was [12:53] CD: } --> Oh dear [12:55] PF: IF IT IS ALL THE SAME, I DO NOT FIND MYSELF DETERRED BY THE HOUR, SIR. [12:57] CD: } --> I cannot ask you to sacriice your free time to prepare breakfast for me [12:57] CD: } --> Normally I would have no qualms with such a thing [12:57] CD: } --> However [12:57] CD: } --> I do not deserve these e%tra pancakes [12:59] PF: AS THE CHEF EXPENDING HIS VALUABLE TIME AND RESOURCES, I PROPOSE THAT YOU ARE IN NO POSITION TO PROTEST ONES' WORTHINESS OVER MORNING DELICACIES. [12:59] PF: IS THERE A SPECIFIC MANNER YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR DISH COOKED? [01:01] CD: } --> Why are you so insistent [01:01] CD: } --> And not asleep [01:01] PF: FOR THE SIMPLE REASONING THAT DUTY CALLS, MY GOOD SIR. [01:01] PF: I SHALL ARRIVE POST-HASTE. [01:02] CD: } --> I [01:02] CD: } --> Ok [01:02] CD: } --> Wait [01:03] CD: } --> I have not given you directions to my quarters yet [01:03] PF: IF YOU WOULD PLEASE. [01:04] CD: } --> *And he does. This is so surreal. For the most part he assumes it is a dream brought on by his inebriation* [01:06] PF: *In about 25 minutes, Daelos will hear a stern knock at the door. Outside will stand a tall, professionally dressed man of human Korean descent, holding a large wrapped dish in his arms. It still smells hot and full of buttermilky goodness.* [01:12] CD: } --> *It takes Daelos a little while to answer the door. He has a fairly high tolerance for the stuff he has been smoking but he has been smoking vigorously over a period of many hours. Walking is not e%actly his greatest talent at the best of times either. When he answers the door it is very obvious that he does not remember who this is. Until the  pancake smell hits him. Then he remembers* [01:12] CD: } --> Oh [01:12] CD: } --> Thank [01:12] CD: } --> Come [01:12] CD: } --> Come in [01:12] CD: } --> *Steps aside, mystified* [01:16] PF: *Many troll folk have a number of strange quirks about them and James is in no position to judge any of them. He simply raises the tray to balance it under one palm before tipping the fedora balanced above his head towards the large blueblooded troll.* GOOD EVENING, SIR. [01:16] PF: JAMES EGBERT, PRESENT AND PUNCTUAL. [01:16] PF: IT IS AN HONOR TO BE ALLOWED ENTRYWAY INTO YOUR PLACE OF LIVING. *and takes the tray, only to step smartly right past the door* [01:26] CD: } --> *This fellow is remarkably put together. As soon as he begins, Daelos realizes it was a mistake to let this human into his block. His block is very untidy. There are unfinished projects, bits of scrap metal and towels everywhere. Nyalah's side is worse if possible. Normally he would have his servants clean up after him, but he sent them away as their presence was grating on him.* [01:27] CD: } --> *He at least has the decency to block the view of the pile he has bene lazing around in as he speaks* [01:27] CD: } --> Your determination to complete my order is baffling [01:28] CD: } --> But appreciated [01:28] CD: } --> Feel free to sit if.....yes there is a st001 here [01:31] PF: *Nods sternly. This man is nothing but business.* YOUR HOSPITALITY IS APPRECIATED, MISTER ZAHHAK. [01:31] PF: IF YOU WOULD DIRECT AN AREA TO REST THE TRAY UPON. [01:39] CD: } --> Ah [01:39] CD: } --> Um [01:39] CD: } --> *sweeps some stuff off his desk onto the f100r* [01:39] CD: } --> That will suffice [02:06] PF: *James can't exactly say he approves of just tossing things to the ground. It really looks very messy. He attempts to suppress the urge to offer to pick up after the troll, even after he sets the pancake tray down.* [02:06] PF: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU REQUIRE OF ME? [02:07] CD: } --> These pancakes [02:07] CD: } --> Smell lovely [02:07] CD: } --> Yet no, I have already taken up [02:07] CD: } --> Time [02:08] CD: } --> *precariously wobbles over to paw at the container* [02:14] PF: THANK YOU. IT IS AN OLD FAMILY BRAND RECIPE. *hands tucked neatly behind himself as he observes Daelos shuffling over. James decides to make a mental note to check on this poor fellow soon. He appears to be a mess in more than one way.* [02:14] PF: ...SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE, FEEL FREE TO FORWARD ANOTHER SUCH MESSAGE IN MY DIRECTION. [02:14] PF: I WOULD BE MOST OBLIGED. [02:17] CD: } --> I cannot imagine why you feel that way [02:17] CD: } --> Literally if [02:18] CD: } --> Someone asked me to make pancakes for them when it was not my job to do so there would be a frightening [02:18] CD: } --> Keruffle [02:18] CD: } --> About it [02:18] CD: } --> *rambles* [02:18] CD: } --> Yet once again [02:18] CD: } --> Appreciated [02:18] CD: } --> And smelling nice [02:18] CD: } --> Nice-smelling [02:21] PF: *simply blinks at this rather well-articulated, rambly fellow. James is beginning to wonder whether he was inebriated in any way. Impossible to tell for the goggles obscuring his eyes.* [02:22] PF: ONCE AGAIN, I MAY ONLY STAND TO THANK YOU. [02:22] PF: IF PERHAPS, I COULD BE GRANTED PERMISSION FOR A RETURNING MESSAGE. [02:28] CD: } --> *Just squints at him,. He doesn't understand what was just said and doesn't want to sound like a completel nincompoop. Thank God for the goggles.* [02:28] CD: } --> Um [02:28] CD: } --> Yes [02:28] CD: } --> *Whatever it was, yes should do the trick.* [02:29] PF: VERY WELL. *appears satisfied with this answer and dips his head, beginning his retreat* THEN I SHALL LEAVE YOU TO ENJOY YOUR MEAL. [02:29] PF: UNTIL NEXT TIME. ADEIU, MISTER ZAHHAK. [02:33] CD: } --> Yes [02:33] CD: } --> *What was his name again* [02:33] CD: } --> Oh [02:33] CD: } --> Goodbye James [02:36] PF: *And he's gone.* [02:36] -- practicalFamiliar [PF] gave up trolling coltishDaedalian [CD] at 02:36 --

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