no rest for the merciless

affiliated with citta-alveare

[minervakins]

         ❝ Hmm…that is an excellent question Sir Ike, I guess though you would have to go and ask whoever came up with this ‘ holiday ‘. Though mayhaps it gives a chance for those who are more on the timid side? It’s hard to tell why just do such things on a certain day. ❞

[dawningvanguard]

“ I think that’d be going on a personal journey too out of the way even for myself. Having a day consistently be planned like this is a convenience I never understood I suppose. I just merely thought to do what you will with free days and be the end of it. So then, tell me more about this supposed day for your special ones. “

[nemure-deactivated20200812]

There was a subtle spring to her step, muted by the heels of her boots. Regardless of how mature or immature he might see her as, this was one occasion where she appeared to be the teenager she truly was. After being hidden away on that mountain and going through those “games” with the others, this experience felt like an eye-opening gift. It was difficult not to feel energetic when presented with such a beautiful and calm party, of all things.

“Do you have a habit of testing mysterious mushrooms, Ike-san?~” Nemu teased, her fingers lacing together behind her back. “Your past sounds so colorful. You really have to tell me more about it.” Pausing beside one of the tables covered with platters and displays of food, she leaned over to examine the tasty-smelling options.

Yielding to restraint, Nemu straightened up and shifted her gaze back to Ike. “You told me you’re a mercenary when we first met. What did you do where you came from?” She got the feeling that he wasn’t quite the same sort of mercenary as the woman she knew, as he didn’t seem too concerned with the politics of competing companies wrestling for power. Nemu was one lone girl with no story behind her that he knew of, and yet he readily accepted her request.

“Oh, and you’re free to test the food first if you think it’s necessary. I don’t mind waiting.” Who was she to turn down someone willing to sacrifice their health for her?

[dawningvanguard]

“ No. Sometimes one of us just makes a mistakes in what we grab for dinner and we all suffer through it. Although it’s happened enough times to where I don’t even notice it at times. “ He’d say off handedly before looking over at all of the food. Smelled too potentially good to have been poisonous, but he’d still give things one or two bites just to ensure of that. He’d pick up the pieces rather carefully despite his massive stature and take a few bites.

Nope, nothing. He’d look over at Nemu, chewing with a mouth full of food before giving a nod of his head. When asked what he did, he’d stop his eating for a moment as he recollected his thoughts on what he did. It was funny, the whole time he was stopping wars and stopping goddesses he hadn’t done a lot of actual mercenary work. 

“ Well. There’s kind of a story behind that. I guess it started with what I think was probably my most influential benefactor, Princess Elincia. At first I was just to be her personal bodyguard, kind of like what I’m doing with you right now. But I found myself being roped into two different wars and being the unwilling commander of both. “ He’d take a small bite of food. 

“ That’s what most of my life was made up of, sadly. Being involved mostly in wars without the actual benefit of being a true mercenary. In a way, that might have been for the better. Were we not there at that time, who knows what could have happened? Regardless, all the situations themselves now have been properly handled. In a way, I guess you could say I retired for a bit. Then I found myself here and in need of work. “ 

“ What about you? I hardly know a thing about you besides the fact you need a bodyguard. “

[themagehero]

“It didn’t work as well as I’d hoped. For a brief period of time the scientists announced they would be wandering the city. Not physically of course; it was basically images of them that you couldn’t touch. Could probably walk through them too. I wanted some answers about this city so I tried to find one.

We introduced ourselves to each other, but then they immediately vanished into thin air without answering any of my questions. Have to assume many others experiences that. More of a tease than actual information.”

Getting anything concrete was unlikely but it had been worth a shot. That was a long time ago too and now they knew a lot more about the scientists. Both their falling apart world and others looking to interfere.

“Apparently one or two of them were at the beach when we met as well. But I haven’t heard of either actually talking to someone there.”

The mage had been too busy then. Especially with the heat rising to ludicrous levels.

Daylen would shift slightly; Winter’s Breath had started to uncomfortable lean against the wall. Just the price you paid carrying a stave around.

“The weird part is that realizing no matter how much of a mess this city is, there are people here who prefer it to where they come from. Whether for reasons of escaping prejudice, a safer environment or actual people to communicate with.”

Daylen could relate to the former more than he would admit. No Templars or Chantry members here to accuse him of being an abomination.

[dawningvanguard]

“ So it’s really just to acknowledge the fact we still know they exist as people then. “ That’s all it sounded like to him. Just by giving people the general idea that they were around and were still thought to be feared was the only excuse he could think of for them to come up to others to supposedly talk with them.

Although if they had no intention on answering questions and just really only giving light speeches or the like, it felt like having any kind of interaction with them was pointless. After all, many people probably had questions here to ask and they weren’t providing them, why? It was probably just another game for them to play with people. 

Well, at least he knew he wouldn’t try with his breath to make any word with them. There’d be better ways to spend his time. He’d curiously look over at Daylen talk about how some others felt about this city, given how it seemed to have been an escape for some. It was a hopeful thought but at the same time, it felt.. ultimately wrong at the same time.

Why should people be happy to be captured like this to escape from their situation? If they were in such a bad one prior, wouldn’t that just be the same thing? Having their freedom taken away yet again? The principle matter was the same, it was just handled differently and still left a bad taste in his mouth. Even for him whom he had done nothing but travel.. not having a choice in the matter was.. troublesome. 

“ It still feels wrong, don’t you think? We’re still all taken in by force. If it were me I would rather fight my way with my own power out of a helpless situation than just be taken by force once more to somewhere else. If you ask me, it doesn’t change your situation if you’re simply being taken away. Having your freedom taken from you in your own world feels a lot like the same kind of prospect in this world, doesn’t it? “ 

[theformerace-archived]

“Fine.” It was fine, right? He did indicate that he’d back away from the topic at hand. Well, it should have been, anyway. But Suruga was still incredibly miffed over his expression of concern. Even if he seemingly meant well, she couldn’t help but to think that he had ill intentions toward her. Really, there was no reason for her to feel such rage brewing within her, especially when he’d shifted his focus toward that basketball.

Still scowling, she turned her head away from him, only answering him after a silence that seemed to hang between them forever.

“…It’s a basketball. It’s fairly rigid so it can bounce from the court. If you want me to use it as a weapon, forget it. I’m not demonstrating it on you.”

[dawningvanguard]

Nope, he definitely hit a nerve. The way she turned her head at him could tell him everything. He himself wasn’t consciously aware of what he said to miff her. If it was about her arm, then it was a lost cause given he had no idea why such a thing seemed to be such an issue to her. Everyone got hurt, and if she could still move her arm like that then there wasn’t too much of a problem. He’d pretend to not let it get to him, although he still felt rather curious as to the whole issue in regards to it. 

“ No thanks. I’m not a fan of having balls thrown at my head. I was just curious why it was so hard and dense like this for people to actually play with. “ Giving it an idle toss in the air, he’d look back at her. 

“ It just feels like the toys of this era are meant more for practical exercising than casual play. Not that I have a problem with it. I honestly prefer it like that. “ 

[shouichitsugami]

[ Ω ]—— Shouichi nods in agreement, not feeling that he should add anything to the discussion. Whatever else he could ask will be done in front of some delicious food, in the warmth of his apartment. He smiles, taking the other’s statement as a challenge to pull out the best of his skills to convert this man into a vegetable lover. His hands are itching with the desire to cook already, and he wounds up walking a bit faster, reaching destination sooner than he had planned.

      “Look at that. We have arrived!” Shouichi announces cheerily as they enter the apartment complex. “You have no idea how excited I am to cook right now! I love cooking more than fighting, if I have to be honest!” After proceeding a few floors up, they finally stop in front of the apartment door that marks ‘z-1′ on its tag. He fishes for the keys and swings the door open, ushering Ike inside before slamming it shut and already darting towards the kitchen.

      “Make yourself at home while I start gathering stuff!”

[dawningvanguard]

“ It sounds like it. “ Ike sounded a bit more full of life at hearing that. Knowing about another’s passions was kind of an interesting experience, given that he could hear and experience just how far he was into his love of cooking. That and getting a free meal out of it was nice as well. He was honest to goodness pretty pumped to try some of his signature food.

Taking what he said to him he’d find an open seat and promptly sit down, looking rather relaxed with a bit of a hunched look to him as he looked all around his apartment. It was pretty well kept, which didn’t seem too surprising given his type of character. If anything, if it were’t like this he’d definitely be a lot more worried. 

“ So how long have you been cooking for anyways? I mean, to love it this much. It sounds like you’ve been doing it your whole life. “ 

[aquatempestate-blog]

“Nowhere in particular, actually. I’m looking around for a job, truth be told, but haven’t had much luck. On the other hand, I’m also familiarizing myself with the other sectors, so that I don’t end up actually being lost when I least need it. An ounce of prevention, and all that.”

[dawningvanguard]

“ Not a bad idea, actually. That’s pretty sound of you. In that case, I could help you out. Nothing much else going on with me today so I can help out a stranger. Name’s Ike. Anything you’re looking for specifically outside of work so far? “ 

[minervakins]

         ❝ Correct, it’s quite charming. Ah…yes I suppose that is the slight strange part isn’t it? Still, even if it strikes odd it isn’t so bad to have fun on the day right? It isn’t as if you can only celebrate with your lover or friends on that specific day. I’m sure it’ll be enjoyable nonetheless. ❞

[dawningvanguard]

“ If anything else I’m more than free to celebrate the times of enjoyment with my friends whenever I’d want to. I guess knowing and having a day for it is convenient but.. at the same time, what pray tell is stopping us from simply going out and doing something now as opposed to then? “ 

[minervakins]

         ❝ It’s about love this time, apparently there’s a day to celebrate it. Be a lover or friend, you celebrate it together apparently and buy presents for each other. It’s rather cute, I quite like the idea especially if you can have fun with your friends. ❞

[dawningvanguard]

“ So appreciation for one’s comrades? I can get behind that I suppose. But something about the idea bothers me. Why only take into account how you feel about them on a specific day instead of appreciating their company as often as possible? Having a specific day to remind yourself seems silly. “ 

[minervakins]

         ❝ Oh my, don’t tell me Sir Ike, do you not like such festivities? They’re quite cute if you really think about it. ❞

[dawningvanguard]

“ I can’t dislike it if I don’t know about it. What’s the commotion running amok this time around? “ 

[minervakins]

         ❝ A day for love? My, how adorable. I hope everyone enjoys the flowers they receive then. ❞

[dawningvanguard]

“ Enlighten me. “

[grade9fixer]

“Well Ike san….believe it or not i’m kind of a bit on the dead side so i don’t really know how your feeling right now. I’m what called a living spirit. Someone who bought back from the dead had have their soul tied to a certain thing. I’m sorry but i don’t feel anything. Maybe due to the fact i’m not as sensitive as i use to be..”

Will he even believe her? Sound crazy enough for most people as Natsume voice somehow sound a bit apologetic.

“Say your outfit something i never seen before. Just where did you come from anyway?”

[dawningvanguard]

... Dead? That.. sounded flat out impossible. This person was.. supposedly dead they were telling him. And that they had tied their spirit to an item? That.. sounded a bit out of the world. Literally. He found himself staring and blinking in complete shock for a moment, looking at them for a few moments before speaking up.

“ You’re serious. “ It was honestly hard to believe such a thing to have been real. But could it have even been provable? Like.. could he phase through her if she was a spirit or.. 

“ ... I hail from Tellius but.. about you’re whole being.. a living spirit. “ 

[shouichitsugami]

[ Ω ]—— Shouichi drives his gaze to where Ike is pointing. “I see, how noble of you! Soooo I take it you have no date, hm?” He grins, laughing at the other mention.

      “I’m pretty sure they’d kick me out for meddling in their organization! If I knew there was room available for me to help, I would have jumped in right away!” Not that the sweets aren’t delicious– they are– but he would have liked to see more variety. 

      Next time he hears of a party being organized, he’ll make sure to jump the call and make the place a paradise for all vegans out there.

[dawningvanguard]

“ Nope. “ Ike shook his head. He didn’t really have anyone to take to an event like this so really, he was just here to make sure his benefactor was alright. They seemed to have been having fun for the time being so consider his job going well so far. 

“ Well, you’re a good enough guy. I don’t think they’d really mind if you wanted to help out or something. A good thought, though. “ 

“ So what were you planning on doing here, then? Some dancing as well or you here to just watch? “ 

[cagedtactician-deactivated20160]

He looked quite perplexed. She paused for a moment and realized how staggering she may have been. The only thing he might of known about her was a name and the face of her son. Never assume what the other party may or may not know. Robin chastised herself for being so rude. What if she had given away information he wasn’t supposed to know yet? That could of had terrible consequences events yet to pass. She made a mental note to keep her enthusiasm in check.

Robin took half a step back and laughed nervously. “Yikes. I was too forward.” In her mind, she compared herself to that of a raving lunatic. The likes of whom would fawn over some huge figure. Such as the young exalt’s creepy following. Gods, that imagery embarrassed her beyond words. She folded her arms behind her back and reconsidered how she should approach the current situation. 

The red in her face began to fade when she heard his response. She may have made a fool of herself, but at least no damage was done to the timeline… or she hoped. “Yes. Thank you so much.” His heart was big as it was kind. “I read tale that your late father was the previous leader of the Greil Mercenaries. Did you always wish to follow in his footsteps or was the position thrust upon you without choice in the matter?” The concept reminded her much of Chrom’s ascension to the throne. The memory of a death she replayed in her head time and time again. A mission she failed and still regretted to this day. If only she prepped for this instead of that. Was it the same for him?

[dawningvanguard]

Well.. that was probably for the best she acknowledged she was too forward. Better that she admitted it herself than he bring it up. At the very least, she seemed to have calmed down and seemed to be more coherent in her speech pattern, asking about his past some more. Although she brought up a bit of a sore spot with his father considering how it seemed kind of in bad taste to suddenly ask about that. It might not have been something she realized immediately but he’d let it slide for now. 

“ Yes, that’s right. Well, I never really intended to take up the Greil Mercenaries.. or at least I didn’t think of doing so given how old I was. It was suddenly thrust onto me as you’ve said when my father passed away.. but based on our success I like to at least think I did well. “ He’d say with a nod of his head. 

“ Mind if I ask you something? I wasn’t aware that these events were recorded in history for people like you to see. Because all of this.. only happened about a few years ago. At least from where I am from. How exactly have you read up all about this? “ 

[aquatempestate-blog]

“That might be so, but I’m not entirely lost. I may not know where I am, but I certainly know how to get back to where I came from.”

[dawningvanguard]

“ That’s.. half lost I suppose. So just where exactly are you trying to go, anyways? “ 

[minervakins]

      She had obtain new scratches, and perhaps a couple of new shiny bruises under that armor of her’s, but all was well. There was nothing more better than dealing with ruffians and having them pay for their misdeeds. At least that is pretty much what ended up happening after she offered to help someone who had been done wrong. The ending was happy enough for them and that alone was enough to satisfy the wyvern lord to leave it at that.

      Being a knight that she was, she would always offer help still even if she was in a foreign place. If her actions had consequences to them then so be it.

      Fuchsia eyes would look to her partner with a smile on her face. Soon though her face would change to that of her being surprised seeing her friend suddenly fly off her shoulder. ❝ Minerva? ❞ Truly an interesting creature she was at times. Yet of course the wyvern lord would chase after her wyvern only see her black friend go onto the shoulder of a familiar blue haired man.

      ❝ It would appear she has finally gotten used to you Sir Ike, ❞ her running would have came to a small trot, but soon to a halt as she stood in front of him with a smile on her face of course. ❝ Maybe the two of you can finally become good friends together. ❞ A chuckle would soon come after she spoke, but truly it would be a good thing she would think. Minerva already was snippy with new people, it would be nice if she would get used to others besides herself. Mainly so she would stop biting at others randomly.

@dawningvanguard

[dawningvanguard]

“ Minerva? “ Staring at the wyvern hatchling land on his shoulder, it seemed kind of odd for Ike to have been able to recognize her off the bat. Perhaps he was so used to seeing her next to Cherche at almost all times he must’ve not realized how much of her he recognized. Although even more so curious as to why she was on his shoulder of all places, considering she and Cherche were practically an irreplaceable team. 

Speak of the devil as the pink haired rider approached the two of them, Ike looking back between both her and Minerva for a moment, still blinking in surprise at this revelation. “ I guess she has? Kind of not expecting that but.. sure, I’ll take it. “ An amused, albeit small smile formed on his face as he found himself sticking a finger underneath Minerva’s neck. He wasn’t quite sure what this would accomplish but he saw people do it with birds so.. maybe it was the same aspect. 

“ That’d be nice. I haven’t really made friends with many.. wyvern. Could be something unique. “ Taking a cursory glance over to Cherche, a few of the scratches on her cheeks would have already faded after some time but they were still noticable enough. Tapping his own cheek as he looked at her, he’d make a bit of a motion as well. 

“ Got something here. Got into a scuffle? “ 

[minervakins]

      ❝ Is that so? ❞ A small laugh would escape from her as she wasn’t all too surprised. Well she could only hope he was having fun currently and feeling comfortable enough. Events like these she knew could be slightly intimidating, but once you get distracted enough you eventually would shift to feeling more comfortable. The only problem was just finding said distractions to help you feel more comfortable.

      When she was a vassal for her noble house she could remember such things clearly as ever. A time that she would hope would come again to her country, but it was bad to dwell on thoughts of the past. It was useless and not needed, it was best to focus on the future and the present. Though reminiscing still wasn’t too bad once in a while. Especially when you remember very amusing moments during events such as a dance and someone did something silly. Yes she did miss this sort of atmosphere very much so.

         ❝ Oh, what a shame! I’m very certain you’d make a fantastic dancing star. ❞

      Her small jokes would only be trying to make the mood lighter and more relaxed as she kept smiling and chuckling. The small jokes she made weren’t the best, but she would hope it’d be enough to at least get a small chuckle out of someone. At least she wasn’t teasing, but she only saved her teasing for certain people such as her son. An odd thought to her still, nonetheless it was still fun to tease him.

      ❝ Well I’m glad I was able to teach you properly, that was my main concern more than anything, ❞ truly she was happy about that. ❝ But thank you Sir Ike. ❞ It was a nice moment of strengthening a bond of friendship it would seem. Well if he ever wanted to learn more dancing tips, she would hope he would feel more than welcome to come ask her about some. Even though her teaching ability could only go so far it would still be somewhat useful and not a waste.

      She would give a small swift nod though as she smiled happily. ❝ Ah yes – I used to do this quite often! Even though I only did maid work, I attended to events like these quite often with my lord before I became a knight. ❞ Unfortunately there was always little time to attend such grand events if she wanted to. In a way, this was the most pleasant event she could ask for it made her feel right at home.

         ❝ I am assuming that you don’t really partake in such events such as these though, correct? If so, I must say you certainly still dress for the part very well Sir Ike, you fit right on in. ❞

[dawningvanguard]

That was definitely a joke. Ike was no dancer and he knew it. Growing up, he didn’t really do things like that. His childhood was filled with mostly training and dreams of aiming to be one of his father’s mercenaries and that future ended up changing for the dramatic after a series of events. He didn’t really have a lot of time for fun like this. His entire life had been one giant continuous string of events that lead into another in the worst possible ways, and only recently did he get the chance to do what he wanted. 

Only for that to be taken away again.

But for one of the first times in his life he was experiencing fun. At least, what other people thought of it. He still saw little appeal but part of him hoped and thought that if he worked on something like this it would become something he might legitimately enjoy. Although why did that thought make his skin crawl? Maybe he just couldn’t see himself to be a dancer. That was probably just that. 

“ No, you’re doing fine. I’ve never been really that much of a student if it didn’t involve swords. It was kind of a sudden thing also, so don’t worry too much about it. “ He’d make mention as he diverted his focus back to moving his feet. It was becoming kind of second nature in that he could move and speak at the same time but he’d stop momentarily from time to time to speak to Cherche before moving once more to the rhythm of the music. 

He’d give her acknowledged nods of his head as he listened to her speak, focusing a bit more on the dancing but still managing to keep up with her movements, a bit surprised to hear her do maid work. Wasn’t she a warrior? He’d find himself jerking his head upwards all of a sudden at hearing that. 

“ A maid? That’s kind of a dramatic change of things, isn’t it? From cleaning vases to cleaning the battlefield I suppose. “ .. Was that a joke? It might have been, actually. Maybe he was just that surprised to hear how far she had come, but it was endearing in a way. For her to move her way up in the ranks like that to finding herself being a rather impressive knight, albeit with a less than impressive wyvern for the time being.. curious as he was to how that transition went. 

“ This isn’t really my coat. By benefactor bought it for me and I feel a tad bit silly wearing it. I’ve been to formal events like this but participating in events like these are a whole new story. Typically there’s food and then talking and then back to the fields after. All of this is really just kind of learning something new for me. 

And believe me, I’m sure I stick out. “ He was tall, after all. 

[theformerace-archived]

Everything had been going well for her. Heck, he was willing to return the ball to her, though truthfully (and she didn’t say it) it was something she’d borrowed from someone else at the time. But all of her good feelings about the encounter, and the positive impression she had toward him, had no sooner vanished. How many times would she have to politely explain herself to strangers? It was honestly growing rather tiresome for her, so much that she was well beyond the limits of her patience.

Instantly, she scowled and drew her arms close toward her.

“I know it won’t. It’s not.. it’s not what you think it is, and I don’t want to talk about it.”

“But I appreciate that you brought the ball back…. and I suppose I can appreciate your concern, as well.”

[dawningvanguard]

Well that was an out of the blue reaction towards that. Raising an eyebrow as she grew defensive over what looked like a basic arm wound was kind of.. odd for her. At first, Ike had merely thought of it as nothing more than something that could be fixed over time but there might have been something else beyond what it was. She didn’t want to talk about it and that was fine but.. at the same time, how much trouble did it really cause her? 

“ Then I wont pressure you on the matter I suppose. Just call it my own personal experience that doing anything with bandages on always leads badly. Anyways, what is that ball anyways? It’s heavier and thicker than most others children play with. Almost seems more like a weapon. “