Vern from the Infirmary

Vern the Spring Sprite | 3rd Year Pomefiore Current event: Friendly Fen Frenzy

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Hello~

I'm ummm.... Vern, a 3rd year from Pomefiore that does ummmmm.... work-study in the infirmary. I really like plants, both medicinal and ummm.... poisonous

Feel free to ummm.... interact

Ooc// hello! When I talk it’s like this! You can also find me posting art and vignettes here! You can find the masterlists for those below in Navigation!

Basic Rules:

If you're racist, homophobic, etc. DNI. Get the fuck out now

Be kind and be patient. Behind the account is me, a person with irl stuff.

Try keeping asks SFW. Jokes and flirting are fine, but nothing explicit. Victor will flirt and mean none of it

I do my best with tags. If something is missing one, let me know. I'm desensitized to most things. For anything that might be a bit more blood/gore than expected (in case of describing intense injuries), I’ll use: #Infirmary Intensive Care

Magic Anons are always welcome! My inbox is always open!

This is a multi-ship account. Any relationships Vern or Victor are in will not intersect each other. They will be treated as separate timelines.

OCs found here:

Vern (he/him): The student assistant of the infirmary. Is often found working alone for hours on end. He's soft-spoken until upset.

Pam the Plant (they/them): is a carnivorous sentient plant that Vern made around the eclipse. They like being social and can be found helping in the infirmary. Think Little Shop of Horrors

Crocus Crew: a group of about two dozen crocuses. Vern made them to be friends for Pam. They frequently deliver letters and small items to people for Pam and sometimes for Vern

Koa the Elk (he/him): Vern's familiar, he doesn't talk much and makes rare appearances

Shirley (Summer Sprite) (she/her): declared herself Vern's sister. She's bubbly and in a relationship with Folia

Folia (Autumn Sprite): in a relationship witb Shirley. Runs a brewery.

Victor (Winter Sprite)

Stravi the Bard: Vern's best friend. He passed away years ago. Hangs around as a ghost to fulfill a promise

Caligo "Cal" Phantasia: Vern's dad.

LINK to who is talking

Navigation: Infirmary Masterlists

Vignettes, Story Arcs, and AUs Masterlist

Art Masterlist

Lore Links

Vern FAQs and Picrew

Vern's Pet Bunnies

Vern's Timeline

The Seasonal Sprites

The Infirmary Stones! (Regular Patients + tags)

Bennet Fern - #twst oc friend #Vern// Plant Buddies (@/bennet-fern)

Trystia - #Vern// Leaf of my Tree (@/nrcbookclub)

Mystery / anon: 🦊 - #Anon: 🦊

Castor - #Vern// Starlit Night #Starflower (@/castaway-achlys)

Silver - #Vern's husband #Spring Dream (@/aurora-retainer-silver)

Coven - #Midnight Sun (@/diasomnias-flower)

Yuna - (@/night-raven-miscellany)

Dividers by @/thecutestgrotto and @/saradika-graphics

You can find the mod posting behind the scenes and other thoughts over @gremlin-box

[yueka-min-starlight]

Hm? Oh… hello little one… you umm… really shouldn’t be on these shelves, it’s um… quite dangerous…

*Vern gently scoops mouse Yueka up with a soft giggle. He gives the mouse gentle head scritches*

Can I ummm… trust you to stay out of the um… ingredients?

@hello-from-nrc-infirmary

Chu chu ( Senpai it's mee !! . Yueka!! )

Yueka closed her eyes when she got head scratches

Chu chu ( it's so nice ~ .... Yeah I won't go towards the ingredients.....)

CHU ( WHAT AM I DOING )

Mouse Yueka jumps out of vern's hand and runs towards a pile of clothes and drags a magic pen

Chu----* huff * chu----- * huff * ( this is *huff* my magic pen *huff* my name is on it )

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Hm? Oh… can you ummm… slow down, please? My mouse is not the umm… best…

*Vern follows and kneels down to lift the magic pen to examine it*

Are you Yueka’s friend..? Do you umm… know what happened to her?

[yueka-min-starlight]

Yueka paws towards the pile of clothes then at the magic pen then at herself

Chu chu ( I am not my own friend! It's me , I am Yueka )

Yueka tries her best to gesture to things

Chu chu ( I thought they teach animal language in class did you forget? Or is it the mouse language that's giving you trouble? )

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

You…. are Yueka..? I see… that is umm… quite the predicament. Unfortunately, I ummm…. don’t think we have anything to um… change you back until ummm… the next delivery day….

*Vern frowns as he does his best to understand, though his cheeks tint pink as he registers the question on his struggles*

I ummm…. am better at elk, equine, and um… other hoofed animal languages…. mouse domestic animal languages are a bit umm… difficult for me

[yueka-min-starlight]

Yueka runs towards a tablet and opens the notes app with her paws

( I accidentally drank some potion and now I am a mouse )

( I can do some basic magic in this form but I can't use my unique magic .. it takes too much magic reserve )

Yueka taps away on the tablet

( I think I will be mostly okay but you should look down before walking.....)

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Vern watches Yueka tap away, reading as she goes.*

I see… it um… should wear off on its own. If it’s still in effect but the next ummmm…. inventory day, we can mix something up for you?

*He hums and rummages in a drawer for a moment to find a bell. Taking a ribbon out of his satchel, he threads the tiny bell onto the ribbon. He holds it out for Yueka to see*

Would you like to umm.. wear this? So I can hear you um… running around?

[yueka-min-starlight]

Yueka wears the bell

That's a great plan !! Why didn't I think of it !! Now people will know I am near them!!

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

It looks very cute on you! I’m umm… glad you like it

*Vern giggles softly and carefully gives Yueka a few more head scratches*

Remember they umm…. Professor Crewel does not want any um… mice in the ingredients okay? That includes you until you’re back to normal! Would you umm… like me to write a note saying that you will um… be out of class for a bit?

[yueka-min-starlight]

Uncle Crewel knows what I did....he gave the frown of disappointment...

And yes I would like a note

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

The frown of umm… disappointment? You are um… having a bit of a rough day…

*Vern busies himself with writing up a few notes for all the professors*

If it helps…. I think almost umm… everyone has earned the frown of disappointment at least um…. once. Even I umm…. have been given it….

[yueka-min-starlight]

Hm? Oh… hello little one… you umm… really shouldn’t be on these shelves, it’s um… quite dangerous…

*Vern gently scoops mouse Yueka up with a soft giggle. He gives the mouse gentle head scritches*

Can I ummm… trust you to stay out of the um… ingredients?

@hello-from-nrc-infirmary

Chu chu ( Senpai it's mee !! . Yueka!! )

Yueka closed her eyes when she got head scratches

Chu chu ( it's so nice ~ .... Yeah I won't go towards the ingredients.....)

CHU ( WHAT AM I DOING )

Mouse Yueka jumps out of vern's hand and runs towards a pile of clothes and drags a magic pen

Chu----* huff * chu----- * huff * ( this is *huff* my magic pen *huff* my name is on it )

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Hm? Oh… can you ummm… slow down, please? My mouse is not the umm… best…

*Vern follows and kneels down to lift the magic pen to examine it*

Are you Yueka’s friend..? Do you umm… know what happened to her?

[yueka-min-starlight]

Yueka paws towards the pile of clothes then at the magic pen then at herself

Chu chu ( I am not my own friend! It's me , I am Yueka )

Yueka tries her best to gesture to things

Chu chu ( I thought they teach animal language in class did you forget? Or is it the mouse language that's giving you trouble? )

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

You…. are Yueka..? I see… that is umm… quite the predicament. Unfortunately, I ummm…. don’t think we have anything to um… change you back until ummm… the next delivery day….

*Vern frowns as he does his best to understand, though his cheeks tint pink as he registers the question on his struggles*

I ummm…. am better at elk, equine, and um… other hoofed animal languages…. mouse domestic animal languages are a bit umm… difficult for me

[yueka-min-starlight]

Yueka runs towards a tablet and opens the notes app with her paws

( I accidentally drank some potion and now I am a mouse )

( I can do some basic magic in this form but I can't use my unique magic .. it takes too much magic reserve )

Yueka taps away on the tablet

( I think I will be mostly okay but you should look down before walking.....)

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Vern watches Yueka tap away, reading as she goes.*

I see… it um… should wear off on its own. If it’s still in effect but the next ummmm…. inventory day, we can mix something up for you?

*He hums and rummages in a drawer for a moment to find a bell. Taking a ribbon out of his satchel, he threads the tiny bell onto the ribbon. He holds it out for Yueka to see*

Would you like to umm.. wear this? So I can hear you um… running around?

[yueka-min-starlight]

Yueka wears the bell

That's a great plan !! Why didn't I think of it !! Now people will know I am near them!!

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

It looks very cute on you! I’m umm… glad you like it

*Vern giggles softly and carefully gives Yueka a few more head scratches*

Remember they umm…. Professor Crewel does not want any um… mice in the ingredients okay? That includes you until you’re back to normal! Would you umm… like me to write a note saying that you will um… be out of class for a bit?

[nrc-therapist]

WHEN WILL THE PAIN GO.....

×Pain Forever

Mitsuba Ob event

Ends whenever the overblot goes away ig

Anyone can interact

(I dont know what else to put its my first time doing an event ToT)

If you are interacting put

The tag as "forever pain" thats what the event is called

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

…. it seems we umm… have to prep the overblot suite again…

[night-raven-miscellany]

*there’s a commotion in the infirmary. Nothing particularly new, but today is worse than others. Vern’s voice holds venom, his demeanor that of a thorny plant*

Come on, Sweetheart… it’s just dinner…

I had lunch… I will um… be fine until later…

That was nearly 7 hours ago! Did you even finish it all?

Do you take me for a fool? I will never again eat anything you place in front of me!

*Victor winces at that. His chest feels like an icicle pierced it. The winter sprite looks away, his gaze finding the carefully pack lunch box in his hands.*

If you’ll umm… excuse me… I have to fill a potion order…

*Vern whisks himself towards the mixing station. He’s left Victor at the desk. The winter sprite’s mouth opens, only to close again. He can feel the stinging heat in his eyes. Tentatively, he hovers the boxed lunch over the desk. A mental debate of leaving it anyway freezing him in place*

@hello-from-nrc-infirmary (ooc// tee hee hee)

Benny had just been treated by the infirmary, receiving some simple treatment after being thrown from his horse during his extracurriculars. The poor thing had gotten startled by another horse and launched him from her back, and his clubmates had insisted he at least go to make sure he wasn't concussed.

Luckily for him, though, nothing severe had occurred. The worst the young fae got away with was some rough bruising that would take a bit of time to heal and some superficial scratches.

Still, on his way out, he could not help but notice the infirmary lead and the guest that had been trying to interact... ah, a determined love that was not meant to be... at least, not romantic. Such a thing was always sad, in Benny's opinion - love was not easy, after all, and could be quite the cruel mistress at times. To put such care and effort into something only to be so harshly rebuked.

Okay so maybe there was context Benny was missing... but for all he could see, this was pretty sad.

"Ah... rejection is always one of the harshest feelings, especially when you pour your whole heart into something," He mused aloud, shaking his head.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Benny’s musing snaps Victor back to his surroundings. It’s a rarity to catch the winter sprite off guard, especially for those outside of Ramshackle. He glances over to the younger fae with a forced, yet pained curl of his lip. Victor can’t bring himself to fully grin, not even the one he has practiced for years can be summoned to his features*

I…. should have known better… he hasn’t taken kindly to my cooking since… okay, maybe he’s never liked it.

*Victor’s gaze flickers to the lunch box again for just a moment. The pain in his chest makes it hard, yet he finds himself willing to talk. Besides, if he went back to Ramshackle now, Yuna would notice the redness in his eyes and worry. He didn’t want that, not over something that should be insignificant. Even so, it feels like he’s caught in an ice storm*

But… He used to pretend he would eat it… not outright reject it altogether. It’s not like I was asking him on a date…

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny nodded along sympathetically, feeling bad about the plight of the fellow before him. Clearly, this was not the first time something like this had happened for the fellow, whether his gestures of love were meant as a friend or as more... to reject romance was one thing, but to reject gestures of friendship and kindness... well, everyone had their reasons. And while Benny certainly knew a little bit from his eloquently-spoken roommate, he couldn't make a judgment on something he only knew "a little bit" about.

"Love can be a turbulent thing, my friend," He said, taking off his hat and placing it somberly to his chest - like a man offering respect to a companion long gone. "What in the world might have brought things to such a harsh present? The two of you must have some kind of history for one to earn such a disdainful reaction - one so strong that I offer my deepest sympathies to you for..."

One that he offered based on things at a glance, of course, but one he offered nevertheless.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor dips his head in silent gratitude for Benny’s offered sympathies. The winter sprite’s heart is more wounded these days, happy to take the chance to lay down when it’s offered to him*

It’s…. my fault, I think. He was my fiancé…

*was, as in no longer. The fact of them breaking things off is still fresh. A spike that drives itself deeper into his heart, threatening to scar his soul. Victor knows he should keep moving forward, but times like this kindle the fragile flame still in his chest*

Cooking is the one skill I know I have, yet he didn’t like what I would make him. Why he used to eat it anyway is beyond me… maybe he was just being polite all these years..? I just… wish he still cared a little about my feelings enough to feign courtesy

[night-raven-miscellany]

And see? Already, Benny was quickly getting a vastly different image from the one that he'd heard about from Casimir-

Okay, not REALLY. But that wasn't bad. Benny got the feeling that his roommate could acknowledge the solemn, noble air that this fellow had, and knew that the guy wouldn't talk about ANYONE he actively disliked more than only once or twice. And despite not knowing much, Benny did still at least hear about Victor on several occasions.

"Your fiancé? Ah, then that's even more tragic," Benny shook his head, clicking his tongue. "Have you ever received a reason for such hatred? Or- well, have you ever asked what caused such a response?"

It couldn't have just been nothing, right? Benny knew these kinds of things weren't just... poof! Spontaneously resentful. Even in arranged marriages, at least the ones he had researched, had some level of surface-level understanding. Even if things didn't work out in the long term, the civility was there!

"Ah, nevermind. I shouldn't pry into the affairs of a stranger," He said, "but... at the same time, it's clear you hold a heavy weight in your heart... I'm assuming you still hold deep love for Vern, hm?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

It’s…. quite alright. I mean, who wouldn’t still hold their first love close?

*Victor glances towards the back. Just to catch a glimpse of Vern moving around beyond a door left partially opened. If he had his contacts, they would have hidden the longing in his eyes. They hold fragility of late ice cracking under the warmth of early spring*

We’re not… engaged anymore. It’s for the best, I think…. he’s happier with another. Our engagement was forced on him….. all for showing me a little kindness. Though, I’m not sure if it’s just that or everything that happened after

*sighing, the winter sprite softly places the boxed lunch on the desk. Maybe Vern will throw it out, or maybe he won’t. It might be his own injured vanity, but leaving the food makes him feel a little better*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Hm... not only is such love tragically unrequited, but to see the one you love is happy with another - ah... the tragedy of it all. To ruin such happiness would hardly be an act of love, but twould be an act many have fallen to in the past... so to accept such rejection with such grace is rather loving in and of itself...

Didn't make Benny feel any less bad, though.

"Surely it isn't entirely your fault? Unless you went out of your way to ruin things by proclaiming love for another or forcing love when there was no desire or like... I dunno... killing someone for no reason...?"

What? It was the worst thing he could think of other than those other things.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor visibly stiffens at that. Sure, it’s probably just a casual one-off type question, an exaggeration in the mind of the younger fae. Yet guilt drives deep into his soul, the kind that brings one to their knees at an alter, begging forgiveness for such a sin. A shadow veiling his expression forces him to look away*

No… I’m certain it’s all me. Regardless of things done on behalf of another, the blame still comes down to me.

*a sore subject, one that keeps his voice lowered as he glances uneasily towards Vern. Victor hopes the spring sprite isn’t bothering to listen*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny took note of the guilt - heavy and thick, like a blanket of snow blocking a windowsill. Something that he wouldn't quite be able to crack open without a mess. The story here was clearly much deeper than he expected, and he hadn't even been digging quite that long... he probably had no right to push that particular button any further anyways.

"That's a rather sad way to look at it, my friend," He sighed. Not that he really had any place to judge, but he was certainly going to make his thoughts known at the very least. "Love is a two-way street. A conversation. A team effort. It really is hard to put it all entirely on one person without imagining the most egregious circumstances... and you don't seem the egregious type to me. At least not in this context."

He was supposed to be on his way out, but clearly matters of the heart were FAR more important. Even if the ideal thing right now was also to get his senior a change of scenery.

"... perhaps you could regale me with your story? You'd do well to leave, I can see how merely being here weighs on your heart... but if you came with me, maybe we could at least figure out where some of these burdens truly come from?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

My story… is not a happy one, but…

*a fragile smile finds its way to Victor’s features. A small kindness in the form of leaving the infirmary. That is something he can agree to. The winter sprite leaves the food behind, hoping it will warm someone’s belly.*

I believe a change in scenery would be nice… especially for such a dreary tale. No where that is overly hot, though… I might melt

*for some reason, Victor can’t help but follow Benny out of the infirmary. Whether it’s in how the other speaks or his demeanor, is hard to say. That or the winter sprite is growing softer from his days in Ramshackle*

Apologies, I never got your name?

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Love isn't always happy, that much is obvious from looking at history." Benny shrugged, entirely unfazed. Tragedy broke his heart, yes, but it was also a fact of life! Besides, it was already pretty obvious that this was not going to be a story with a good ending, he'd be a fool if he didn't expect that when asking to learn more. "But anyways... everyone just calls me Benny, so you're welcome to do the same."

The sprite certainly held a familiar chill, and that only made Benny sleepy... but finding somewhere comfortable wasn't too much of an issue! The lounge was always cozy, but it had too many prying ears, he had learned. Somewhere good for discussion that would still be relatively comfortable for both of them, on the other hand...

"Hm... well, Diasomnia is certainly on the chillier side, though that could just be the cold blood speaking, aha! If it works, though, I know a few spots around there that are alright?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Well, Benny, I’ll let you lead the way… I think Diasomnia has a few warm corners, if that will help you out..

*Victor doesn’t particularly mind the where, as long as it’s away from others. The sprite has always preferred places where there are less people, upbringing aside. Parties and social events he can unwillingly handle..*

The poets often tell of love in all its warmth or drew coldness of grief it can leave… history can tell us some things, but I worry it only shows me a bleak end for what I have done out of love… if I can even call it that

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny nodded, more than willing to act as a guide (apparently, he was good at that, according to his roommates. Something about the constant sneaking in and out meant he knew places pretty well). There were a few spots he had in mind, but he figured that one in particular would probably best suit both of their needs.

That could be handled when they arrived in Diasomnia, though.

"Only time will tell," Benny offered as he walked, no hints of judgment in his voice, only a faint curiosity that was much larger than he let on. "And... you'd be surprised. Some of the happiest stories have some of the most horrid events and vice versa. It's an odd thing, really... but again, only time can be the real judge of that."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor lets out a half-hearted huff at that. He feels a bit better the further they get from the infirmary. Tension eases from his shoulders, finding comfort in a lack of judgement. The heat of Vern’s venom growing more distant with every step*

Maybe… I wanted him to be happy. Thought I could make him smile for real in that place, but…. I couldn’t keep him safe. My hands have been tied since before we met… and there are still things I have to carry that I hope he never finds..

[night-raven-miscellany]

As the two walk through the halls, Benny's footsteps are light, with an energy that hardly fits the mood of the conversation.

"To be burdened with secrets you can't share with others... it's heavy, but everyone has their reasons," Benny replied, his body practically on autopilot as he routed to the Hall of Mirrors. "But you say you wished to make him happy 'in that place'... where is that place? Was it a shared dwelling?"

Captivity, Benny knew, was an incredibly unromantic and unloving thing... even if people thought they were doing right, it was wrong to force another to stay against their will. Was that a part of what happened here? If so, no wonder there was such high resentment...

No, no, he couldn't jump to conclusions. He'd been given no indications that such a thing could be the case yet, aside from the wording. It'd be foolish to just assume the worst without hearing the full story, anyways.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

We never lived together…. If we had, then he would be worse off than now…

*Victor muses, following Benny with only the briefest hesitation at corners so the other can lead. Still, even without the piercing heat of being under scrutiny, guilt still burrows deeper into him*

Though…. without parents of his own, his fate has been at the whims of the sprite elders of our home. If we had listened to their plan, Vern would be forced to sit and look pretty. A bird in a cage, to the poets. I ended up causing him more pain than most… just from existing… just because he offered me help and smiled when I got better…

*anger at himself simmers in his veins. It threatens to send tears falling down his cheeks, but he tilts his head back to stall them*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny stopped abruptly. If he could (read: of he had actually found it appropriate), he would have whirled around on his heels. But no, he just... stopped. Processing the words that had been delivered to him.

"It sounds to me like those elders are the real force to blame in this story." He said, his usual whimsy quickly dampened by something more somber. It made sense that a force of power was at play... but, perhaps in a way that was more complex than most stories Benny was familiar with. He knew from experience that his fellow fae were fickle beings, with all manner of rules and laws and interactions between the courts that made navigating... really any sort of relationship difficult, not just a romantic one.

"Sorry for interrupting you," He cleared his throat, continuing to walk. "... I'd wager that means he saved you in a time of need, then? And knowing how the rules work..."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor pauses, listening to Benny as the other lets anger slip out for him. The venom that the winter sprite has always swallowed back, spits freely from the other. He wishes he could have that. A fragile grin, one that barely reaches his gaze pulls in place*

It’s… alright. Knowing how rules work… I owed him my life, eventually twice over. The only way to fulfill that, is to swear fealty or offer marriage…

*Victor takes a deep breath, pulling up memories that he holds dear. Ones that suffocate his soul. The sweetness of those treasured moments are left soured by traditions*

Helping me has only made Vern suffer… I just wanted to keep those warm moments close. To be the reason he smiles so gently. Yet, the only thing I can do is watch him hide his tears. I couldn’t even protect him from my step-mother…

[night-raven-miscellany]

"The kindness of others is not a burden you caused, my friend. You're quick to blame yourself, but if you consider it, you were not the one who chose to be saved, right? You couldn't choose who saved you, either." Benny replied, shaking his head as he approached the hall of mirrors, stepping halfway through the portal to his dorm. It was like he said - relationships and love of any kind were a multi-person job. Rarely was one person ever fully to blame for the failures in a relationship.

Sure, he was probably being harsh - or at least sounded as such. He didn't intend to come off as though he was entirely blaming Vern for any of this, not in the least. The true opponent of any healthy relationship was control, and while he still lacked a lot of context, that was a key factor in this... that, and... well, kindness did not inherently equal romantic intrigue... but he wasn't sure just how much of that was at play in this occasion.

But in general, Benny knew how control could kill even the tightest of friendships, sever the closest of siblings, and annihilate even the most star-crossed of lovers.

Then, as he crossed into the dorm, another question came to mind.

"... actually... might i ask how long this resentment has gone on? Was it spurred on by the betrothal, or... perhaps something else? If you know, of course... I could always perhaps ask for the other half of things later if need be."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Well…

*Victor wants to argue against the notion of Vern help ever being the problem. The winter sprite silently berates himself for the number of times he’s fallen short and needed Vern’s help. Once was too much, but several times after? It only serves to remind him of how short his abilities fall.*

*Victor glances away as his eyes adjust to the Diasomnia gloom. Sifting through memories twists his features. Envy driving pain deeper into his soul as he follows Benny*

He… always was polite on our arranged dates… but… I guess it all changed when he met Stravi. For a human, his music skills were on another level… Vern would smile for him, he would move so beautifully with the wind to those songs…… it hurt so badly to see it… then there was a whole scandal around them…….

*his voice trails, eyes glancing around to ensure no other ears can hear his words. Victor knows they’re getting into some sensitive information*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Hm... so not only was there no chemistry, despite the forced proximity that had been placed upon you both, but he was already in love with another as well?" Benny asked, more as a courtesy than anything. He already knew his upperclassman had feelings for another (in fact, someone within his own dorm), but he hadn't known about any further feelings...

He waltzed inside of the dorm, hands feeling along the wall for something in particular. A secret button, hidden amongst the dark stone bricks that made up the interior walls.

"You've no need to continue your tale just yet, though. I should find us somewhere actually quiet to talk, I think. It seems there's... a lot more to this than I could even imagine..."

His hand clicked against the wall, and a small passage opened up. That was. Faster than expected.

"Here. The others sometimes collect things like food or blankets. It's a common hiding space during dinnertime... so please mind any mess that may have been left behind."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Well… he met Stravi several decades into our courtship…

*Victor manages to nod a solemn confirmation, along with the small correction. Stewing in memories has left his own feelings for the spring sprite plastered on his features. Affection is there, the tenderness of first love marred by rejection and consist coldness. He’s grateful to stay silent for a moment, following Benny along the wall.*

*the hidden area gives him pause. He hadn’t expected such a comforting space to be in these dark halls. Relief pulls at his lips as he steps further into the space.*

Well….. if they’ve left it, surely they don’t mind others borrowing things for a little while?

*He doesn’t mind a bit of the mess, finding a comfortable spot on a faux fur blanket. He’s used to real fur, typically Fen’s shed fur turned blanket, but the faux is soft and a decent substitute.*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Of course not. It's practically a haven from the day-to-day chaos that one would expect from a dorm led by people like Housewarden Malleus or Vice Housewarden Lilia..."

The room was on the chilly side, with only a few small electric lanterns someone had brought to light the room. Benny figured it was perfect for scary stories and sleepovers in particular, but honestly any story would be fine to be told here - and he wasn't one to ignore stories of love unrequited.

He took a seat on a small cushion, wrapping a thick blanket around himself to keep warm in the cool space. His tail poked out from beneath it, swaying in intrigue and curiosity.

"It's also pleasantly out of the way for prying ears. So please do feel free to continue whenever you are ready... It must have been... strange, watching someone you love so dearly I that way falling for another, even if you had been 'together' in a sense for a long time... at least by mortal standards."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

The privacy is nice…

*The winter sprite like more than comfortable despite the chill air. Funnily, a slight fog hovers around him as the room adjusts to him. Victor leans back on a few cushions with a hum. Recalling the memories aches like an old wound.*

Strange is one way to say it. How could I not be demoralized and envious of how easily they got along? Vern selected Stravi at the festivals when it was time for the wind to move. At least, while he could in the summer months…. But…

*Victor sighs, trying to let the tension out. He has to tilt his head back to keep the stinging heat in his eyes at bay*

But then one summer, Vern locked himself away just after midsummer. Stravi was one of the only ones to see him for the season… rumors started flying when he proposed to Vern, only fueled by Vern rejecting that proposal. The two of them moved in together after anyway…

*he shoves a hand in his pocket. Not from the cold, but rather to hide the trembling in it*

I… later found out there was a baby involved between them. It makes sense, really…… the sprite elders would refuse to let him be with another, unless he was with child. Even now it hurts… knowing he would go that far to get rid of me…

*his eyes are watery, tears threatening to escape. It still feels like yesterday. It shouldn’t bother him, yet he should know better. To be reminded of his place as a tool twists his heart *

[night-raven-miscellany]

"I... to think..." Benny hemmed and hawed, not quite sure what to say to the revelation. His tail swayed across the floor, making a soft brushing noise against the aged wood panels. "That's..."

It was... heavy, to say the least. Fae rules were strict, that much he knew. He couldn't be surprised that anyone would be willing to go to such lengths to break free of the chains that held them back, but he could also understand that even if you are not meant to be, seeing the one you love go that far? It was painful, a searing sensation that burned eternal, even if you could eventually move on.

Benny offered a hand out, albeit covered by the blanket. It was an awkward, yet earnest gesture made in attempts to comfort the winter sprite.

"Something like that... it must be painful, carrying that knowledge with you... and yet you continue to try so hard..."

He wished he had more to say, but he really couldn't offer much more than his deepest sympathies, and a slight bit of admiration for the perceived persistence the other held.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor is hesitant at the offered hand. Too many years of false comforts has him shifting like a dog that fears trusting kindness. His hands stay firmly away. A layer of frost slowly feathers out of his pockets.*

I… continue while hoping he forgives me. For causing him to go to such extremes, and for what he doesn’t about me and Stravi… I hope he never has to know, but fear he already does…

*the winter sprite looks down as the memory of the sins he’s committed starts to surface. How can he explain the horrid actions he’s done at the bidding of others?*

Besides…. Vern went through more than enough pain between their child, his sister, and my meddling… he lost everything so quickly, and I’m partially responsible…

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny frowned, pulling his hand back and placing it in his lap. He would not push, not more than he had... at least not physically. Though... he wasn't sure how much he should push Victor, either. He must have been bringing up far more unpleasant memories than he thought. But... there were still many more questions that the crocodile fae had.

"This story- no... You've been through a lot, friend... it seems that Vern has as well. I... it feels improper to ask to continue on or ask any more but... you say something happened between you and this 'Stravi' fellow as well...?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*the tension melts from his shoulders and arms as Benny pulls his hand back. Victor lets out a long, silent exhale as he thinks about the question. About the bittersweet memories dancing around his heart. Still, the winter sprite nods*

It’s alright…. Stravi and I… well, he had chosen to watch over Vern after an incident left him in an extended Deep Sleep. No one knew if Vern would ever wake up again, yet… Stravi remained at his side for two harsh winters. I… had agreed to bring some food to him when I could and we had… something of a friendship before… uh…

*Victor’s cheeks turn rosy. There’s tender warmth filling him, secrets he holds dear. Thoughts of their physical intimacy was something fragile he could find some comfort in. At the very least, it’s something he can comprehend well*

If I say the next part, may I ask you to promise to not speak of it to Vern?

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny nodded quietly, the only sound being that of his tail continuing to swish along the ground. He knew that look of warmth, yet another form that love could take; the pleasant memories and fuzzy nostalgia for a time long gone. Even if such memories were ripped away by force or merely faded with the passage of time. Really, he didn't know how much he could say it, but this story was seeming to be much, MUCH deeper than he thought.

He wondered how much Casimir knew of these things as well, even if his peer sometimes chose to disregard his presence...

"Of course. This is a place where escaped words remain in secrecy. It would be rude of me to start blabbing to another the minute we leave, let alone a key player in events."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Good…. that’s appreciated. I’m well aware of how easy it is for word to travel…

*Victor takes a steadying breath as he shifts. The warmth wavers as his nerves start sparking. Fragile memories as delicate as snowflakes pile up in his mind*

It uh… I guess our friendship started over a birthday cake, a present, and a kiss. Eventually, at an extremely emotional low for both of us, we…. sort of fell into bed. You could call it a winter fling, I guess…. Then my step-mom ordered me to….

*the winter sprite stops himself, not wanting to think about the sin he had been ordered to carry out. A dark shadow crossing his features makes him shiver*

Well… let’s just say I’m to blame for Stravi not being here and I……. I don’t know how I can ever make it up to Vern. I know he doesn’t know that it’s my fault, but I… I just want to get him to smile…

[night-raven-miscellany]

A love triangle and...

...

When Benny said it wasnt like anyone died, HE DIDNT MEAN IT LITERALLY. And yet... such a heinous thing... there was more to it than that. It was not a crime of passion, nor was it done in malice...

"... once again, the one true enemy presents itself, and the rule proves true..." Benny said, his expression grim. For such a whimsical fellow, his more serious looks were... jarring to see, to say the least. His brown eyes seemed to hold a strange frustration to them, and his shoulders tensed in a worry that would be unfamiliar to anyone but himself.

"... Did you do these things of your own volition?"

Why did every relationship seem to crumble under the very same idea? Benny had seen time and again how such... idyllic relationships would fall apart from it... would he and Cinthe even...

No... he couldn't think like that. That would only turn everything into a self-fulfilling prophecy... he would have to write at least two letters later to make up for it, even if he didn't send them.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*the intensity in Benny’s gaze and words has Victor shift his legs closer to himself. Being knocked out of the ease he had permitted himself is now off balance. Uncertainty keeps his senses sharp. A trembling hand finds its way over his left eye, threading his hair to cover it.*

….. have I said anything to make you think I wanted to..?

*Victor’s voice is low, threatening to crack every few syllables. His entire system is waiting for something to happen as his words attempt to appease the other. Worry and regret, his tormentors*

……. I couldn’t disobey….. I wasn’t strong enough to resist her…… I couldn’t help Stravi…. and I’m never enough for Vern…

*perhaps he shouldn’t have followed into such an enclosed space. Having only one way out is making every tiny hair on his neck stand up*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny was quiet, too quiet, for a long time. The silence fell heavy over the room, but... despite his furrowed brow and deep grimace, he wasn't mad. At least, not entirely. Flummoxed was probably a more apt descriptor of his thoughts, the way connections to his own stories and assorted ideas scattered around his brain like roaches being exposed to the light. So many things in his mind, and yet he could grasp at none of them.

Eventually, though, he sighed. A deep, heavy sound that filled the vacuum, primarily confused and tired.

"... no. I... apologize for my brief lapse of judgment. You've given me no reason whatsoever to assume that such a vile action was an act made in clear and level judgment. You are calculated, but... you aren't evil, from what I've ascertained."

He tried to speak as gently as he could, but it came off a bit more uncertain than anything. Even if he DIDN'T think that Victor seemed like a bad person, murder was definitely... not an easy thing to confess to OR hear about.

But... the latter's words only solidified what he already knew.

"... it's sickening, isn't it? How just the mere act of overstepping boundaries, the whims of an overbearing family member, the reach of people beyond your comprehension... all of these things can ruin the love that courses through each and every one of us. Sometimes it's even claimed to be done under the guise of such a beautiful thing..."

His fists clenched beneath the blanket, tightening the fabric covering them.

"All because they 'love' you. And they can't even see how it hurts you and those around you. And it tears you apart, not only from the inside out, but from everyone around you - sometimes even people you don't even realize care!"

Grandfather. His stupid rules. His stupid values. If it wasn't for those, maybe his mother would still...

...

He stopped himself, coughing lightly. He was letting this get to him a bit too much, perhaps. It was rather unbecoming... and really, a bad look.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Yes…. It’s all quite stifling whenever they claim it’s for you… when it’s truly just to benefit them. Sometimes they don’t bother to hide it, others they use your feelings for another as motive…

*he doesn’t mean for it to happen, yet rogue tears finally fall. Having another able to so freely capture the feelings he can hardly voice. Still, each one that falls freezes to his cheeks. Apologies are not what he’s used to*

I…. am still undeserving of affection. I don’t think I will ever be enough to earn even a tiny fraction from Vern… no matter what I do…

*Victor eases a little, taking some comfort as he registers Benny’s frustration is not towards him.*

It’s too much…

[night-raven-miscellany]

"It's cruel... no matter for what reason it happens, it cuts like a knife and bleeds you from the inside..." The freshman sighed, his entire body seeming to wilt in solemnity, frustration, and every other negative emotion that was being dug up the more he got into his own head about things. "Because you love each other. Because you want them to be happy... and it all gets used up for something that ultimately helps no one."

Victor's comment gave Benny some pause.

That was the other thing that made him so irrationally upset about the situation - the resulting feeling afterwards. One that Benny believed no one should have to feel at any point in their lives.

He reached out again, his scaled hand poking out from beneath his blanket.

"... even if it does not come from him, I don't believe that you do not deserve some level of warmth in your life. Everyone deserves to be shown love in some way... whether it's from a friend, a family member, a pet, or a lover."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor’s gaze flicks to Benny’s hand. He doesn’t have the energy to shrink away, not when the words offered are coming from a place that leaves the other seemingly deflated. The winter sprite lets out a shaky exhale. His hand lifts to scratch a few frozen tears off his cheeks, leaving irritated marks behind*

I…. would like a little from him… just one last smile, if that’s not too selfish. I saved my familiar, and he has been at my side since… but I… I couldn’t even court Vern properly. As things are now, I can’t be foolish enough to offer court to another.

*the politics of his life are crushing. Even as the head of his own house, the one he wants at his side would be ridiculed. He has nothing to offer, no way to promise his heart and comfort to another. His house is cold, and he has spent too long as a tool*

I don’t have enough to give in return for affection from another. I can’t even catch the eye of another without criticism….. with Vern’s interest being held by another, I… I’m just an old bachelor. For sprites, my time for marriage is basically over….. tradition says I should have wed Vern a decade ago, but I promised him to wait. To give him a chance to be happy… and now he is…… he can smile, even if it’s not towards me….

*excuses. It’s all excuses to not hurt himself. To avoid the deeply driven pain of how love is something he should earn. A warmth he can only have if another is willing to grant it to him. It’s something he’s desperate to grasp, yet it slips away from him. He doesn’t understand love when it’s so freely given, yet thirsts for it*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny sighed, reaching up to take his hat off as he scratched his head.

"And who says you still can't at least try at this point? Or that you need to give in order to receive love? You mentioned a familiar, yes? He follows you with the utmost loyalty. And I've heard tell you spend much time in the Ramshackle dorm - what of the students there? Do they not accept you wholeheartedly?"

It was a genuine question. Politics or no, Benny believed that there was always a chance for someone to find the love that worked best for them.

"And... fae rules aside, aren't we all known for being lovers of tricks and mischief anyways, even amongst one another? There are always ways around the whims of another, so long as you're willing to look and fight for them."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor is silent as he turns the questions over in his head. Benny makes it all sound so simple, so effortless. Yet, the winter sprite doesn’t understand such comforts. The ease of security is unfamiliar.*

I… do what I can for them. Becoming my familiar was the only way to keep him safe, to stop others from sentencing him to death…. All for defending me. Anyone near me gets hurt eventually.

*he can’t entirely speak for Ramshackle. The comfort he finds there makes him want to do better, to do more. Cooking meals and repairing the building in exchange for the warmth is the least he can do. Part of him is terrified to consider not needing to do anything*

We fae do enjoy our tricks… and yet when I choose to do so, someone gets injured. Besides, how could I possibly try courting another when I still wish for Vern to smile? It hardly seems fair….

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Well I've not been hurt yet. And I'm sure I'd overhear something if you had hurt those that you know in other dorms - word travels quickly, yknow? Plus, I'm sure anyone that resents you for such a thing has already found a way to make that known."

The lighthearted whimsy that Benny much preferred was beginning to return in his attempts to comfort Victor. It was cheerful, but gentle - a playful optimism that was still restrained, just to avoid overwhelming.

(And, honestly to him - one who had a relatively short and sheltered life thus far - it really did seem relatively simple... he had not lived the years that others of his kind had, and so perhaps it was his youth that caused him to be so unabashedly certain of how things worked.)

"Really, love is not fair. She can be kind and encompassing of all her disciples, but she can also be fickle and finicky... you'll never get anywhere by going for someone who has long since sought out another. Part of the problem lies in control of the situation, yes... but it also cannot be denied that a part of YOUR problem is your persistence - an admirable trait for sure, but... I dare say it borders on futile in this situation."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

You… are fortunate..

*Victor’s decades are starting to show. There’s a weariness pressing down on him like a crushing mountain. It’s more than just the decades of failing to court Vern, there’s also the heavy chains of tradition. His failures to live up to expectations.*

….. maybe my efforts are useless, but…. how else can I return the warmth he once gave me? He saved more than just my life that day…

*his chest aches. As he shakes his head at how ridiculous it all must sound. To constantly offer his heart to someone who has made a hearth with another is a horrible notion. One that will end with him hurting more*

All I want is his smile… perhaps less hostility, though I deserve every ounce. How can I even entertain trying to court another…? What do I do if someone I care for happens to be close with him, too? They could have their perspective of me warped by Vern’s ire towards me…

[night-raven-miscellany]

"If they truly love you, they will see you for you. Not what others see in you."

Benny leaned back, swishing his tail behind him and wrapping around a lantern, pulling it closer.

"And, even if they start off with clouded judgment," He blew out the lantern, relighting it in a warmer color. The whitish flame had been replaced by a comforting amber glow. "Anyone worth keeping around will see through their colored lenses. If they fail to see the person behind his opinion, then it is simply their loss. You just can't control what someone will think, though... you've got to give them time... and if I may speak personally, maybe thats what Vern may need, too. Space and time."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor watches the lamp. Its warm amber softens his pale skin, reflecting silently in his gaze. The years of being worn down gives way to defeat.

I…… can’t just ignore him…… but…

*he can’t help but feel discarded. Even knowing it’s his fault, the loneliness of it seeps into his veins. His hazel gaze shifts to a small scar across his palm. It serves as a silent reminder. A memory of the challenge he lost and the threat behind it*

…. maybe you’re right. Lately, I’ve been wondering if I really know him or if fooled myself into thinking I do…….. every time I think he hates me, he does something that says otherwise and it’s… all so confusing…

[night-raven-miscellany]

On the other hand, the soft glow only seemed to emphasize Benny's youth. The quiet optimism in his eyes shone briefly, like a tiny glimmer of light against the darkness in the corners of the room.

"Much like love, resentment can be equally perplexing... especially when the two blend together," Benny said, shifting beneath the blanket slightly. The change made him seem a bit more comfortable in his speech, more confident in his advice. "It's possible that Vern does still hold affection for you... but I doubt it will ever be romantic in nature... perhaps there are some residual feelings, though... makes it hard to entirely dislike you?"

Honestly, it probably wasn't very useful advice coming from him. Benny was content in a relationship and didn't have much personal experience with failed romantic pursuits... his only knowledge of that kind of thing was a much more personal topic.

"But that's beside the point. I'd wager you at LEAST were friends before this whole... thing happened...? Because being friends before being lovers can sometimes be the most important factor in... a lot."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Perhaps… if he does have any feelings, I think it would hurt more…..

*Victor leans back a little more, reflecting the ease Benny now has. He’s not used to such kindness, but the advice is welcome. It helps calm his spiraling thoughts*

In truth…. the first time he saved me was our first meeting. The next time we met, we were sitting before the sprite elders… and they arranged our courtship. It had been another several weeks before our third meeting, which was arranged to be a first date. It happened so quickly, I don’t think he ever had time to process. He was polite enough to grant me a small token, probably out of obligation… but I still carry it…

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

A very rare patch of free time for Yuna meant she had the opportunity to actually sit and... yknow. Catch up with her friends outside of the dorm. Minerva, in particular, was one that she hadn't spent too much time with since the other girl transferred.

It meant she was also afforded the opportunity to have a wonderfully pleasant picnic. With delicate finger sandwiches and pastries and lemonade and whatever else either of them deemed necessary laid about, it was the ideal setup in both of their opinions. Minerva had even dared to exist in public in a human form for once! Not an an animal! Truly, it seemed that, despite the odds, absolutely nothing could ruin such a positive mood on such a lovely day.

...

Nothing except the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps as a mad storm of chaos, fur, and... a distinctly chilly breeze, of course.

But... what were the odds that such chaos would be directly attracted to the two girls? Surely, the shenanigans of NRC could wait to attack Yuna at least until another day, right?

...

Right...?

🦐Yuna and 🥀Minerva ( @night-raven-miscellany )

(✨️figured id throw out both of my girls for the fen event bc its already silly and I also think minnie should see the chaos for herself for once hehehe)

*the excited flurry of a strange beastman with familiar features barrels to a stop at the lovely picnic! He sniffs at the little sandwiches and pastries, even daring to get his face extra close to take a lick at one of the smaller ones and grabs it with his teeth. Sitting back up, his tail thumps happily against the ground as Victor rushes over. The winter sprite is a little out of breath thanks in part to the warm weather. Still, he grabs Fen by his, now loose, Ramshackle collar to try and yank him AWAY from the picnic food*

FEN! Sevens…. I’m so sorry Yuna and uh…. It’s Min, right?

[night-raven-miscellany]

Yuna smiled softly, continuing to offer the pats as long as they were accepted.

"That's a really sweet story... it's nice, y'know, when you find someone that treats you like everyone else... when you're used to being outcast, it's hard. Regardless of if you're seen as better than everyone else or worse than them."

She sighed, thinking about one of her upperclassman friends.

"It's kinda funny... I'm imagining a wolf like... half your size trying to knock you down like everyone else... is there anything else she did that ever stuck out to you?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Yeah… she was like the moon to me…

*Fen settles happily into the pats. Victor slowly remembers to lower his hand back onto his familiar’s shoulder*

I was smaller back then… only a foot taller than her! She said I left myself too open, and made a game out of tackling me… I got better at defense thanks to her

*understanding finally settles into Victor’s features. It was quite a long time ago, then. Fen hadn’t been that size in over a century. He’s still not sure how the wolf hid his relationship so well*

I got scared about asking her to be my mate…. I was worried if I kept growing from Victor’s magic that I would hurt her. Then, she saved me one day, and it all came tumbling out…. She called me a fool and said she already picked me for a mate

*Victor smiles a little. It seems both him and Fen struggle with relationships and talking*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"That's... really sweet," Yuna said, "you two really did love each other a lot, huh?"

It was a cute story... real love. She never talked about it, but she always did enjoy the occasional love story. Even if she knew that the genuine kind like this really never was meant to last. Star-crossed lovers always seemed to fall apart at the last minute...

"Something my mom always told me was that it doesn't matter what you look like or how big you get... someone who truly loves you won't see all that and will see you for your heart instead... it seems like your mate was truly in love with you..."

Yuna paused for a minute. Soft clicking escaped from her as she thought, before she hummed with an idea (though it would definitely need to wait until later).

"... What was her name, by the way? If she had one, that is. I... don't really know how that kind of thing works among animals, so sorry if that's a weird question..."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Very much. Your mother is wise, yes? That is what it felt like with my mate…

*Fen nods, a loving grin warms his features. The old familiar truly cared for his mate, and can still find it in himself to smile about her. Even if his eyes look a little watery*

We have names, but I’m not sure how they translate to human tongue….. the sound is hard, but sometimes others can understand our names. Like how Victor found a way to speak mine

*Victor blinks at that*

Uh… well, it’s hard to explain how I knew yours. It sort of took shape while I spoke…

Try it for my mate! You can feel my thoughts! Let it shape your words!!!

*the winter sprite’s cheeks tint pink as he nods. Fen immediately shifts to press their foreheads together. Victor might not fully understand it all, but magic has a funny way of pulling words from him. If this was anyone else, the winter sprite might have pulled away, but he lets Fen cling tightly to him. Whatever bond they have has its own way of working*

It’s… a bit jumbled…….. does… Ghealach sound right..?

Close… not complete, but a nickname is good!

*Fen shifts back a little and turns to Yuna*

Ghealach… my mate… she was hoping we could…

*Fen shakes his head, shoving a memory back before he could finish it*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"She was pretty smart... most of the time." Yuna replied, "but I'm glad her words struck a chord with you."

Yuna listened intently while Fen and Victor discussed the idea of names. So... animals did have their own names, huh? She wondered how Victor had managed to figure out Fen's name or even what the conventions for animal names were... and from the rough translation she got, she assumed that it definitely was not similar to a series of books she had read as a child.

Ghealach. It was a pretty name, she thought. It reminded her of fantasy heroines and princesses and the like. She supposed it was fitting for someone she was picturing as majestic and strong. Even if she would probably not know what it meant.

"... Guessing that it has to do with a future that didn't happen..." She said softly, pursing her lips. "I'm sorry that all that happened to you..."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Life is full of changes… I always knew I would outlive her… even if it was too soon. Besides, the humans involved had to face me!

*Fen grins at that thought, a glint in his gaze has a bit of malice.*

Ghealach taught me defense. I refused to let them take more than her life from me

…. Is….. that the time you pulled my magic and caused a blizzard…?

*Fen looks away from Victor. He has the guilty look of any dog that’s trying to pretend he did nothing wrong*

So… Yuna…. Have you seen me when I use Victor’s ice to give my fur those defensive spikes? My mate helped me figure that out! Those humans didn’t expect it at all!!

Fen….

[night-raven-miscellany]

"That's... good that you figured that out," Yuna said, although the underlying malice unnerved her. "Defense... that was one of the things that was hard for me to learn by myself. I wish someone was there for me, too..."

Though she... probably wouldn't have gone to seek revenge or anything of the sort. Except in one case, she figured maybe she could go get in a few punches of revenge...

"Oh wait! How did she even help you figure out the magic thing anyways? Like... is that what actually happens when you eat it or was it a whole other thing...?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

I can help you! A little, at least…

*Fen adjusts to be comfy again, using Victor as make-shift bed*

She would sneak up and pounce on me. One day, I used those spikes on accident… it hurt her paw, but she insisted on me trying to control it better. I’m not sure what happens when I eat magic, but the spikes don’t feel like Victor’s magic when I use them? Sort of like it’s mine, but not mine?

But when you decide to summon a blizzard, it drains my magic?

Yeah! Uhhmmm… yes… I’m sorry about the one time…

*Victor sighs and ruffles Fen’s hair.*

It’s fine… I lived…

*Meanwhile…. Vern is waiting for Minerva while Folia simply watches from his phone screen. They’re hyper focused…*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"I won't say no to the help. Even if I can get by sometimes now, I dont really like not knowing the best possible way to keep myself safe in a fight, yknow?"

Yuna sighed, leaning back against the wall, feeling satisfied now that she had gotten to learn a bit more about those that share her dwelling.

-

Minerva had examined a few different sample potions first to ensure the spell was working properly and to gauge how specific things might be described.

"Alrighty... nutrition post overblot... bitter and herbaceous with a nutty aftertaste... let's see the ingredients... mandragora leaves, ground nutmeg... okay yep! Everything here seems to fit the given descriptions too!" Minerva said, standing back up as she set the potion down on the desk. A small, magical monocle hovered over her eye as the spell went on. "I just need the sample of the potion and once we get that profile, we can go from there... I think I've got the hang of how this works now."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

……… I… guess even I can’t always keep you guys safe…

*Victor mumbles, seemingly lost in thought about something, absently petting Fen’s head while the familiar*

—

Oh.. I managed to find this while cleaning. I think it umm… might have splattered on the grass while Fen was um… running?

*Vern takes out a vial of red-tinted liquid to compare to the violet goop*

It um…. appears when it umm… activated it turned into this violet goo?

[night-raven-miscellany]

Yuna huffed softly, resting her head while she waited.

... not quite what she meant, but she would rather wait and ask about it later, anyways.

-

Minerva took the vial in her hands and examined it closely next to the goop.

"Hmmm... it does look like most of the traits align, but the purple one is slightly different. Makes sense, if an ingredient reacted to something outside of the potion - whether it was Fenny's magic, or the weather, or... anything, really. There aren't too many things that just change like that right off the bat, though, so that should narrow it down..." Minerva explained, correcting the monocle to look closer. "Oh! And... I dunno if youre gonna jot this down or you need me to, but the red is smoky, warm, and bitter with a slight sweet undertone, whereas the violet is also smoky and warm, but completely foregoes the bitterness for a sweet taste instead."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Don’t worry, I’m ummm…. making sure we have detailed notes!

*Vern quickly scribbles the information down*

I umm…. wonder if it reacted poorly to um…. Fen’s ability to devour magic? The two potions might have umm…. been in the middle of combining and had it disrupted?

*Fen is only half-listening as he settles against Victor. The familiar looks a bit sleepy, especially with the way Victor is scratching his head*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Mmmm maybe? If we can figure out what specifically the reactive component was, we can totes pinpoint what the change was actually caused by."

Minerva hummed as she looked closer. The vial wasn't labeled with anything, of course, so she had to run a mental checklist of red potions to start with - not to mention one with such a specific flavor profile and ingredient.

"Hmm... wait- did unicorn dust ever returned to the market as a catalyst for alchemical reactions? Thinking about our earlier conversation had me thinking about potential leads in our recipe... but I remember- er... I believe it was banned a couple centuries back"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Vern hums, tilting his head as he thinks. He had been distracted by thinking it was simply the potions reacting together or to Fen… and yet..*

Unicorn dust is umm…. incredibly difficult to get, but there was a um… push to gather it humanely half a century ago by domesticating some unicorns. Buying it is um.. expensive and restricted. We have to fill out extensive paperwork to ummm…. use it. However…

*he scans the shelves of ingredients before grabbing one down. Bringing it over he holds it out to Minerva*

The school keeps unicorn hair as a substitute… it’s umm… not as strong, but it’s easier to get a hold of…

[night-raven-miscellany]

Minerva hemmed and hawed, observing the container of hairs.

"I... usually prefer to do my glamours myself, of course but this kinda thing is usually included in glamour and transformation potions due to its unique properties... Sevens now I wish I wrote those old recipes down...

I recall the dust is very finicky when used in potionmaking - if the consistency is off or you do the wrong step too soon or... anything, really, it can totally change the properties of whatever you're making. Think it'd be a stretch to say that maybe the substituted hair had a similar effect in this potion? Cause uh... clearly it is a transformative concoction of some variety..."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

I think it umm… would be likely…. Professor Crewel will on, rare occasions, use potions with unicorn hair as a ummm…. ingredient for tests. Usually with the umm… upperclassmen, but… oh!

*Vern quickly goes to the desk and shifts through some papers, scanning them quickly as he brings two over*

Here, these are the umm… potion ingredients used for the last 3rd year and 3rd year advanced potionology tests… the advanced class was um… using unicorn hair to ummm… transform mushrooms into flowers

[night-raven-miscellany]

Minerva's face lit up at the records, skimming them over as she read through the ingredients. The list... wound up earning her a small smirk at the irony of it all.

"Unicorn hair, a dash of phoenix ash, and... get this, wolfsbane. Poisonous in excess, but it was once used as folk medicine by ancient civilizations. One myth also suggests a powerful witch used it to turn someone into a spiderat some point so... makes sense that it could have been used here."

...

Okay so that second part was. Totally Minerva's bad, but she wasn't going to admit that out loud - and not just because there were a bunch of people in the room.

"My guess is someone skewed the ratios of one of the ingredients, probably the ashes if thats the case (since our furry friend is A-Okay aside from being bipedal now) OR someone fumbled an important step, and either way the hair reacted, which is why it had the particular effect it did... least that's my guess."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

I will umm… have to go over that myth again. It’s been some time since I’ve heard it but… I think it’s likely as you um… say. The wolfsbane….. perhaps that weakened or neutralized Fen’s ability to consume magic..?

*Vern muses as he examines the remnants of the potion in question, then turns to the ingredients*

Too many ashes would um… also explain how it became a goo when reacting to the ummm… unicorn hair. If someone umm… mixed up the amount of ashes and the amount of hair, then it could have reacted to the wolfsbane neutralizing Fen’s ability?

[night-raven-miscellany]

Minerva's smile thinned as she pursed her lips, but she continued working nonchalantly. The myths probably weren't too detailed, anyways... plus, a girl as young and gorgeous as her was totally in the clear, mhm, yep! But she still didn't really wanna air out too much of her... past business.

"Maybe. The magic could have prevented any major effects of toxicity... but that couldve come at the cost of neutralizing Fenny's magic, too."

She dipped a finger into the concoction, putting it up to her face to examine closer.

"Mmmmm yeah. An already unstable collection of ingredients mixed with an off ratio? You're asking for something to happen at that point, ANYWAYS. And if the wolfsbane neutralized the magic absorption, it would make sense that such a transformation potion actually WOULD affect him. Unstable, poorly mixed, and poorly... everything else, really." She added, wiping her finger off with a small cloth. "And of course... the instability means that it could last a few more minutes or a few months! Gotta love screwing up a recipe..."

All hope was not lost, though, as Minerva perked right back up and turned to Fen and the others.

"Luckily for you guys, however, I'll just need to gather a few specific things to make up an antidote. As long as you want this fixed, of course. It might have the potential to last a while, but the fun thing about potions, curses, and everything else in this world is that nothing is completely impermanent."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Fen perks up as Minerva addresses him. He’s a bit sleepy, but his tail gradually starts to wag. Victor gently massages the familiar’s ear as he speaks*

I think…. It’d be good to fix things sooner than later… right?

If that makes Victor happy!

It does, but doesn’t it make you happy, too?

Mmm…. I’m happy being with you, don’t care how

*Victor blinks slowly, processing the response. A rosiness blooms on his cheeks as he glances away. The embarrassment of it all has his gaze dropping to his bracelets*

Right… uh… so how long until you get the ingredients?

*Vern watches the two, a flicker of warmth appearing in his gaze. Perhaps, the spring sprite does have an occasional soft spot for the winter sprite.*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Aww, how cute," Minerva giggled, clasping her hands together in front of her. "But yeah - I can do sooner. It'll be at least an hour, maybe two to make sure I've got all the stuff I need, but it really won't be too too long."

What... she'd just need a sample of unicorn hair herself... a butterfly wing or two... hmm...? Okay, yeah, that could be gotten easily... yep

"Id suggest you guys find... somewhere to get cozy in the meantime. You could always stay here, but I can also totes stop by somewhere else - I'm not against same day delivery, straight to your door on potions, after all."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

An hour or two… shouldn’t take too long. Though… Yuna, would we be okay moving Fen to Ramshackle? I don’t want to cause trouble in the infirmary… but making it to Ramshackle might be… interesting…

*Fen’s ears flick to lay flat at that. He looks up at Victor with what should be puppy dog eyes, his tail stills as it tucks close*

I’ll be good….

I know… you’ve been very been so far! I just…. thought you’d be hungry is all! You ran off when you smelled food earlier!

…… still hungry….

*Vern frowns, holding his tongue at how this whole event was made from Fen being bad. Still, he doesn’t want to speak it. The spring sprite carefully turns so the familiar can’t see the sour expression on his face*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Minerva cocked an eyebrow as she glimpsed Vern's expression, pairing it with an amused scoff.

"You better be," Yuna huffed, sitting back up so she could cross her arms. "Good, that is... but honestly, I doubt we'll have too many troubles. As long as you can keep to the paths and not get too distracted."

"Plus, if all else fails, I could probably add a second potion to the mix - but careful! I only do one free trial <3 anything past the first taste will totes cost you."

Yuna rolled her eyes at that. She knew full well that this couldve been solved easily if Minerva wanted to... but she also knew that the witch was quite fond of her... "learning experiences" so...

Also- wouldn't the spell from earlier have been the free trial!? Yuna wanted to ask, but judging from how the other girl playfully winked, holding up a finger to her lips, Yuna decided she would be better off just ignoring it for now...

"... 's Folia still there? We should probably say bye to her before we dip, yknow."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

I already owe you for ruining your picnic so… I don’t mind bartering over potion prices as long as it’s reasonable…. Besides, it involves Fen, so I don’t mind

*Victor grins, but only for a moment before Fen topples him over to give his face light kisses. Unfortunately for the winter sprite, his familiar is alternating between pecks and his usual licks*

*Folia sits back down to be in frame on the camera.*

Apologies, I muted my end for a moment for a private matter. Is everything set to start making the remedy?

[night-raven-miscellany]

Minerva smiled, shaking her head.

"Not right now, I still need to grab a few things. Won't be but a thing, though. I'll just need a little bit of time to do all that, if either of you wanna help me a bit more.

Oh, and Viccy? I'm just teasing you about the charge - I'm not that cruel. Little Fenny didn't ask to go through all this, so everything I'm doing is completely free of charge. Just so you don't have to worry your pretty little head about it while you wait."

She shooed the residents of Ramshackle to the door, with Yuna giving a yelp of protest as the group was moved along.

"Wait- hey- i didnt even get to-"

"Cmooon already! A girl needs her space to work!"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Uh- wait! Are you sure?! I don’t mind!

*Folia can be heard softly chuckling. Victor looks ready to protest on multiple fronts, but Fen happily hops up and stumbles while trying to follow them. If anything, the familiar helps usher Victor and Yuna out of the infirmary*

Time to go? We can eat soon! Thirsty too…..

*Vern barely contains his own giggling at the scene. He’s busied himself with setting out supplies and equipment. Currently, the crocuses are helping him with a small pot of dirt*

I don’t mind umm… helping you out a little longer

Agreed, I can hopefully lend a hand. I have a few older texts that may be of some assistance… especially regarding Fen’s unique familiar abilities

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Wonderful, wonderful!" Minerva clapped her hands together giddily. "This should go swimmingly with you two around! Alright. Let's begin!"

A song, old and nostalgic, came from her lips as she seemingly began to glide around the room. Her footsteps were light as she bounced from shelf to shelf, collecting the few things she could get in here - she'd still have to sneak into the alchemy storage for one or two other things, but the professor probably wouldn't mind, if he even noticed the missing ingredients!

"Do you guys like stories while you work? Ooh- but hearing those older texts could be fun too-"

-

Yuna sighed on the other side of the infirmary door after having been ushered out by the others.

"Well... the good part is I can feel comfortable that the others know what they're doing, at least..."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

How about a umm… mix of both? The texts might help us ummm…. figure out the best way to mix the potion. Oh, and do tell me if umm.. there’s a specific plant we need

*Folia hums a note from the screen. She’s making notes while turning a yellowing page from a book. Whatever she’s looking into appears to require some translation. Which proves to be somewhat easy for the autumn sprite.*

The information I’ve find is mostly sourced from an ancient legend from the time of the gods… perhaps it may influence some decisions on ingredients? I would like to hear a few stories while everything is brewing, though

—

Yeah…

*Victor sighs as the door is shut behind them. He has to grab Fen’s collar to stop him from trying to get too far away from them. It looks almost comical, given their height difference*

Between the three of them, it should be fine. I’m not too familiar with Minerva, but I hear she knows her way around these things?

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Perfect, perfect!" Minerva said, locating a hot plate and a small pot. She began levitating the items with her magic, floating them back over to the work table. "I'd love to hear more about the gods... but as for my own stories... let's see... I have one about a prince who had no kindness in his heart... ooh- or a woman who was turned to stone for her greed... oh! And one where someone got too big for her britches and got turned into an ant..."

She hummed. Ugh, those were all soooo lame... totally painted her in a bad light because of how people misunderstood the meaning of her "curses"...

"But actually... why dont I start with a story about a transformation curse being broken with kindness and love?"

-

Yuna nodded, but her lips were pursed thin.

"Yeah. She's... pretty good with spells and potions and stuff. Honestly a lot better than I think people know... she doesn't like talking about the things she's capable of, though... at least, not in a way that makes it obvious that it was her behind whatever happened..."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

I’m umm… surprised there’s a legend that could relate from ummm… so long ago..

Unfortunately, there’s not many details. I’m currently trying to see if there’s any other mentions of a legendary wolf that was the child of a god…. It’s said the wolf would swallow the world, should he ever escape his binds…

That’s… um…

Grasping at straws? Yes, I’m currently trying to find more information on it. Minerva, if your don’t mind, I would like to hear about that transformation curse… I’m sure there’s quite an important lesson in it

*Folia speaks while skimming through some ancient texts. Vern Kris himself busy with making sure the supplies and ingredients are ready *

—

*Fen tilts his head as he things for only a few moments before he gets partially dragged down the hall by Victor*

I take it Minerva is older than she appears….. I don’t suppose you know any of her stories? I’m curious on why she would wish to hide her accomplishments..

[night-raven-miscellany]

"When it comes to this kinda thing, there's ALWAYS a story," Minerva giggled. "And, of course, a lesson - EVERY story has a lesson!"

Like Pompeii. Don't live close to an active volcano.

Every one of HER stories in particular came with a strict lesson... or so Minerva thought. A little... nugget of wisdom to make someone learn something important! Sure, it only served to make a ton of people fear and hate her but like... theyd come to understand someday. Preferably before they died...

A lot of them were dead before they understood her.

"Well... anyways, this story takes place loooooong before you guys were probably born even... it all started with a girl in a village and a man with no love in his heart."

-

"She is... I think, at least." Yuna sighed, shaking her head. "Minerva didn't really tell me... a lot of things about herself, honestly. All I'd ever known before was she lived with 'her gramps' who probably wasnt even her grandpa and that she was too pretty to be hanging out with someone like me."

The second part was not something Minerva had said, but rather things Yuna had overheard other peers discussing constantly.

"As for why she hides stuff... she told me once I learned that she had been lying to me for our entire lives that it was because it made her seem 'totally mean for no reason'. I asked her to explain more but she seemed to want to change the topic. Apparently she did have a pretty bad reputation in the past before I ever met her..."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Even as Folia’s pen continues to move, she manages to listen. Not an easy skill, but one she has learned over the years.*

A man with no love in his heart…? An interesting start indeed…

Perhaps we um… should have let Victor stay….. he could have learned something…

That’s harsh, even for you. You might find something to note from this story as well

*for the usually gentle spring sprite, Folia is right. Vern does hold a surprising grudge against the winter sprite. One that masks the pain in his features with bold annoyance*

—

I…. suppose that makes sense…

*Victor loosens his grip as they get outside, letting Fen fumble around ahead of them. The familiar is staying close, but smelling flowers and watching butterflies are a higher priority for him*

There are many things even I hope to keep hidden. She might only want you to see the good in her, or maybe she wants to leave the past where it is. Whether that’s because she’s trying to change, doesn’t want you to be afraid, or some other reason. Either way…

*okay, maybe he’s projecting a little bit. It feels close to what he knows, even if it’s not exactly the same. Though… there is one thing bothering him. It has the winter sprite eyeing Yuna carefully. His words are picked with care as he snaps his fingers. An icy spell sends a swirl of snowflakes around Yuna, fluffy her hair*

You shouldn’t sell yourself short. Flowers need the warmth of sunlight, the respite of rain, and the stability of the soil they call home

[night-raven-miscellany]

*there’s a commotion in the infirmary. Nothing particularly new, but today is worse than others. Vern’s voice holds venom, his demeanor that of a thorny plant*

Come on, Sweetheart… it’s just dinner…

I had lunch… I will um… be fine until later…

That was nearly 7 hours ago! Did you even finish it all?

Do you take me for a fool? I will never again eat anything you place in front of me!

*Victor winces at that. His chest feels like an icicle pierced it. The winter sprite looks away, his gaze finding the carefully pack lunch box in his hands.*

If you’ll umm… excuse me… I have to fill a potion order…

*Vern whisks himself towards the mixing station. He’s left Victor at the desk. The winter sprite’s mouth opens, only to close again. He can feel the stinging heat in his eyes. Tentatively, he hovers the boxed lunch over the desk. A mental debate of leaving it anyway freezing him in place*

@hello-from-nrc-infirmary (ooc// tee hee hee)

Benny had just been treated by the infirmary, receiving some simple treatment after being thrown from his horse during his extracurriculars. The poor thing had gotten startled by another horse and launched him from her back, and his clubmates had insisted he at least go to make sure he wasn't concussed.

Luckily for him, though, nothing severe had occurred. The worst the young fae got away with was some rough bruising that would take a bit of time to heal and some superficial scratches.

Still, on his way out, he could not help but notice the infirmary lead and the guest that had been trying to interact... ah, a determined love that was not meant to be... at least, not romantic. Such a thing was always sad, in Benny's opinion - love was not easy, after all, and could be quite the cruel mistress at times. To put such care and effort into something only to be so harshly rebuked.

Okay so maybe there was context Benny was missing... but for all he could see, this was pretty sad.

"Ah... rejection is always one of the harshest feelings, especially when you pour your whole heart into something," He mused aloud, shaking his head.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Benny’s musing snaps Victor back to his surroundings. It’s a rarity to catch the winter sprite off guard, especially for those outside of Ramshackle. He glances over to the younger fae with a forced, yet pained curl of his lip. Victor can’t bring himself to fully grin, not even the one he has practiced for years can be summoned to his features*

I…. should have known better… he hasn’t taken kindly to my cooking since… okay, maybe he’s never liked it.

*Victor’s gaze flickers to the lunch box again for just a moment. The pain in his chest makes it hard, yet he finds himself willing to talk. Besides, if he went back to Ramshackle now, Yuna would notice the redness in his eyes and worry. He didn’t want that, not over something that should be insignificant. Even so, it feels like he’s caught in an ice storm*

But… He used to pretend he would eat it… not outright reject it altogether. It’s not like I was asking him on a date…

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny nodded along sympathetically, feeling bad about the plight of the fellow before him. Clearly, this was not the first time something like this had happened for the fellow, whether his gestures of love were meant as a friend or as more... to reject romance was one thing, but to reject gestures of friendship and kindness... well, everyone had their reasons. And while Benny certainly knew a little bit from his eloquently-spoken roommate, he couldn't make a judgment on something he only knew "a little bit" about.

"Love can be a turbulent thing, my friend," He said, taking off his hat and placing it somberly to his chest - like a man offering respect to a companion long gone. "What in the world might have brought things to such a harsh present? The two of you must have some kind of history for one to earn such a disdainful reaction - one so strong that I offer my deepest sympathies to you for..."

One that he offered based on things at a glance, of course, but one he offered nevertheless.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor dips his head in silent gratitude for Benny’s offered sympathies. The winter sprite’s heart is more wounded these days, happy to take the chance to lay down when it’s offered to him*

It’s…. my fault, I think. He was my fiancé…

*was, as in no longer. The fact of them breaking things off is still fresh. A spike that drives itself deeper into his heart, threatening to scar his soul. Victor knows he should keep moving forward, but times like this kindle the fragile flame still in his chest*

Cooking is the one skill I know I have, yet he didn’t like what I would make him. Why he used to eat it anyway is beyond me… maybe he was just being polite all these years..? I just… wish he still cared a little about my feelings enough to feign courtesy

[night-raven-miscellany]

And see? Already, Benny was quickly getting a vastly different image from the one that he'd heard about from Casimir-

Okay, not REALLY. But that wasn't bad. Benny got the feeling that his roommate could acknowledge the solemn, noble air that this fellow had, and knew that the guy wouldn't talk about ANYONE he actively disliked more than only once or twice. And despite not knowing much, Benny did still at least hear about Victor on several occasions.

"Your fiancé? Ah, then that's even more tragic," Benny shook his head, clicking his tongue. "Have you ever received a reason for such hatred? Or- well, have you ever asked what caused such a response?"

It couldn't have just been nothing, right? Benny knew these kinds of things weren't just... poof! Spontaneously resentful. Even in arranged marriages, at least the ones he had researched, had some level of surface-level understanding. Even if things didn't work out in the long term, the civility was there!

"Ah, nevermind. I shouldn't pry into the affairs of a stranger," He said, "but... at the same time, it's clear you hold a heavy weight in your heart... I'm assuming you still hold deep love for Vern, hm?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

It’s…. quite alright. I mean, who wouldn’t still hold their first love close?

*Victor glances towards the back. Just to catch a glimpse of Vern moving around beyond a door left partially opened. If he had his contacts, they would have hidden the longing in his eyes. They hold fragility of late ice cracking under the warmth of early spring*

We’re not… engaged anymore. It’s for the best, I think…. he’s happier with another. Our engagement was forced on him….. all for showing me a little kindness. Though, I’m not sure if it’s just that or everything that happened after

*sighing, the winter sprite softly places the boxed lunch on the desk. Maybe Vern will throw it out, or maybe he won’t. It might be his own injured vanity, but leaving the food makes him feel a little better*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Hm... not only is such love tragically unrequited, but to see the one you love is happy with another - ah... the tragedy of it all. To ruin such happiness would hardly be an act of love, but twould be an act many have fallen to in the past... so to accept such rejection with such grace is rather loving in and of itself...

Didn't make Benny feel any less bad, though.

"Surely it isn't entirely your fault? Unless you went out of your way to ruin things by proclaiming love for another or forcing love when there was no desire or like... I dunno... killing someone for no reason...?"

What? It was the worst thing he could think of other than those other things.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor visibly stiffens at that. Sure, it’s probably just a casual one-off type question, an exaggeration in the mind of the younger fae. Yet guilt drives deep into his soul, the kind that brings one to their knees at an alter, begging forgiveness for such a sin. A shadow veiling his expression forces him to look away*

No… I’m certain it’s all me. Regardless of things done on behalf of another, the blame still comes down to me.

*a sore subject, one that keeps his voice lowered as he glances uneasily towards Vern. Victor hopes the spring sprite isn’t bothering to listen*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny took note of the guilt - heavy and thick, like a blanket of snow blocking a windowsill. Something that he wouldn't quite be able to crack open without a mess. The story here was clearly much deeper than he expected, and he hadn't even been digging quite that long... he probably had no right to push that particular button any further anyways.

"That's a rather sad way to look at it, my friend," He sighed. Not that he really had any place to judge, but he was certainly going to make his thoughts known at the very least. "Love is a two-way street. A conversation. A team effort. It really is hard to put it all entirely on one person without imagining the most egregious circumstances... and you don't seem the egregious type to me. At least not in this context."

He was supposed to be on his way out, but clearly matters of the heart were FAR more important. Even if the ideal thing right now was also to get his senior a change of scenery.

"... perhaps you could regale me with your story? You'd do well to leave, I can see how merely being here weighs on your heart... but if you came with me, maybe we could at least figure out where some of these burdens truly come from?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

My story… is not a happy one, but…

*a fragile smile finds its way to Victor’s features. A small kindness in the form of leaving the infirmary. That is something he can agree to. The winter sprite leaves the food behind, hoping it will warm someone’s belly.*

I believe a change in scenery would be nice… especially for such a dreary tale. No where that is overly hot, though… I might melt

*for some reason, Victor can’t help but follow Benny out of the infirmary. Whether it’s in how the other speaks or his demeanor, is hard to say. That or the winter sprite is growing softer from his days in Ramshackle*

Apologies, I never got your name?

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Love isn't always happy, that much is obvious from looking at history." Benny shrugged, entirely unfazed. Tragedy broke his heart, yes, but it was also a fact of life! Besides, it was already pretty obvious that this was not going to be a story with a good ending, he'd be a fool if he didn't expect that when asking to learn more. "But anyways... everyone just calls me Benny, so you're welcome to do the same."

The sprite certainly held a familiar chill, and that only made Benny sleepy... but finding somewhere comfortable wasn't too much of an issue! The lounge was always cozy, but it had too many prying ears, he had learned. Somewhere good for discussion that would still be relatively comfortable for both of them, on the other hand...

"Hm... well, Diasomnia is certainly on the chillier side, though that could just be the cold blood speaking, aha! If it works, though, I know a few spots around there that are alright?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Well, Benny, I’ll let you lead the way… I think Diasomnia has a few warm corners, if that will help you out..

*Victor doesn’t particularly mind the where, as long as it’s away from others. The sprite has always preferred places where there are less people, upbringing aside. Parties and social events he can unwillingly handle..*

The poets often tell of love in all its warmth or drew coldness of grief it can leave… history can tell us some things, but I worry it only shows me a bleak end for what I have done out of love… if I can even call it that

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny nodded, more than willing to act as a guide (apparently, he was good at that, according to his roommates. Something about the constant sneaking in and out meant he knew places pretty well). There were a few spots he had in mind, but he figured that one in particular would probably best suit both of their needs.

That could be handled when they arrived in Diasomnia, though.

"Only time will tell," Benny offered as he walked, no hints of judgment in his voice, only a faint curiosity that was much larger than he let on. "And... you'd be surprised. Some of the happiest stories have some of the most horrid events and vice versa. It's an odd thing, really... but again, only time can be the real judge of that."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor lets out a half-hearted huff at that. He feels a bit better the further they get from the infirmary. Tension eases from his shoulders, finding comfort in a lack of judgement. The heat of Vern’s venom growing more distant with every step*

Maybe… I wanted him to be happy. Thought I could make him smile for real in that place, but…. I couldn’t keep him safe. My hands have been tied since before we met… and there are still things I have to carry that I hope he never finds..

[night-raven-miscellany]

As the two walk through the halls, Benny's footsteps are light, with an energy that hardly fits the mood of the conversation.

"To be burdened with secrets you can't share with others... it's heavy, but everyone has their reasons," Benny replied, his body practically on autopilot as he routed to the Hall of Mirrors. "But you say you wished to make him happy 'in that place'... where is that place? Was it a shared dwelling?"

Captivity, Benny knew, was an incredibly unromantic and unloving thing... even if people thought they were doing right, it was wrong to force another to stay against their will. Was that a part of what happened here? If so, no wonder there was such high resentment...

No, no, he couldn't jump to conclusions. He'd been given no indications that such a thing could be the case yet, aside from the wording. It'd be foolish to just assume the worst without hearing the full story, anyways.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

We never lived together…. If we had, then he would be worse off than now…

*Victor muses, following Benny with only the briefest hesitation at corners so the other can lead. Still, even without the piercing heat of being under scrutiny, guilt still burrows deeper into him*

Though…. without parents of his own, his fate has been at the whims of the sprite elders of our home. If we had listened to their plan, Vern would be forced to sit and look pretty. A bird in a cage, to the poets. I ended up causing him more pain than most… just from existing… just because he offered me help and smiled when I got better…

*anger at himself simmers in his veins. It threatens to send tears falling down his cheeks, but he tilts his head back to stall them*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny stopped abruptly. If he could (read: of he had actually found it appropriate), he would have whirled around on his heels. But no, he just... stopped. Processing the words that had been delivered to him.

"It sounds to me like those elders are the real force to blame in this story." He said, his usual whimsy quickly dampened by something more somber. It made sense that a force of power was at play... but, perhaps in a way that was more complex than most stories Benny was familiar with. He knew from experience that his fellow fae were fickle beings, with all manner of rules and laws and interactions between the courts that made navigating... really any sort of relationship difficult, not just a romantic one.

"Sorry for interrupting you," He cleared his throat, continuing to walk. "... I'd wager that means he saved you in a time of need, then? And knowing how the rules work..."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor pauses, listening to Benny as the other lets anger slip out for him. The venom that the winter sprite has always swallowed back, spits freely from the other. He wishes he could have that. A fragile grin, one that barely reaches his gaze pulls in place*

It’s… alright. Knowing how rules work… I owed him my life, eventually twice over. The only way to fulfill that, is to swear fealty or offer marriage…

*Victor takes a deep breath, pulling up memories that he holds dear. Ones that suffocate his soul. The sweetness of those treasured moments are left soured by traditions*

Helping me has only made Vern suffer… I just wanted to keep those warm moments close. To be the reason he smiles so gently. Yet, the only thing I can do is watch him hide his tears. I couldn’t even protect him from my step-mother…

[night-raven-miscellany]

"The kindness of others is not a burden you caused, my friend. You're quick to blame yourself, but if you consider it, you were not the one who chose to be saved, right? You couldn't choose who saved you, either." Benny replied, shaking his head as he approached the hall of mirrors, stepping halfway through the portal to his dorm. It was like he said - relationships and love of any kind were a multi-person job. Rarely was one person ever fully to blame for the failures in a relationship.

Sure, he was probably being harsh - or at least sounded as such. He didn't intend to come off as though he was entirely blaming Vern for any of this, not in the least. The true opponent of any healthy relationship was control, and while he still lacked a lot of context, that was a key factor in this... that, and... well, kindness did not inherently equal romantic intrigue... but he wasn't sure just how much of that was at play in this occasion.

But in general, Benny knew how control could kill even the tightest of friendships, sever the closest of siblings, and annihilate even the most star-crossed of lovers.

Then, as he crossed into the dorm, another question came to mind.

"... actually... might i ask how long this resentment has gone on? Was it spurred on by the betrothal, or... perhaps something else? If you know, of course... I could always perhaps ask for the other half of things later if need be."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Well…

*Victor wants to argue against the notion of Vern help ever being the problem. The winter sprite silently berates himself for the number of times he’s fallen short and needed Vern’s help. Once was too much, but several times after? It only serves to remind him of how short his abilities fall.*

*Victor glances away as his eyes adjust to the Diasomnia gloom. Sifting through memories twists his features. Envy driving pain deeper into his soul as he follows Benny*

He… always was polite on our arranged dates… but… I guess it all changed when he met Stravi. For a human, his music skills were on another level… Vern would smile for him, he would move so beautifully with the wind to those songs…… it hurt so badly to see it… then there was a whole scandal around them…….

*his voice trails, eyes glancing around to ensure no other ears can hear his words. Victor knows they’re getting into some sensitive information*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Hm... so not only was there no chemistry, despite the forced proximity that had been placed upon you both, but he was already in love with another as well?" Benny asked, more as a courtesy than anything. He already knew his upperclassman had feelings for another (in fact, someone within his own dorm), but he hadn't known about any further feelings...

He waltzed inside of the dorm, hands feeling along the wall for something in particular. A secret button, hidden amongst the dark stone bricks that made up the interior walls.

"You've no need to continue your tale just yet, though. I should find us somewhere actually quiet to talk, I think. It seems there's... a lot more to this than I could even imagine..."

His hand clicked against the wall, and a small passage opened up. That was. Faster than expected.

"Here. The others sometimes collect things like food or blankets. It's a common hiding space during dinnertime... so please mind any mess that may have been left behind."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Well… he met Stravi several decades into our courtship…

*Victor manages to nod a solemn confirmation, along with the small correction. Stewing in memories has left his own feelings for the spring sprite plastered on his features. Affection is there, the tenderness of first love marred by rejection and consist coldness. He’s grateful to stay silent for a moment, following Benny along the wall.*

*the hidden area gives him pause. He hadn’t expected such a comforting space to be in these dark halls. Relief pulls at his lips as he steps further into the space.*

Well….. if they’ve left it, surely they don’t mind others borrowing things for a little while?

*He doesn’t mind a bit of the mess, finding a comfortable spot on a faux fur blanket. He’s used to real fur, typically Fen’s shed fur turned blanket, but the faux is soft and a decent substitute.*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Of course not. It's practically a haven from the day-to-day chaos that one would expect from a dorm led by people like Housewarden Malleus or Vice Housewarden Lilia..."

The room was on the chilly side, with only a few small electric lanterns someone had brought to light the room. Benny figured it was perfect for scary stories and sleepovers in particular, but honestly any story would be fine to be told here - and he wasn't one to ignore stories of love unrequited.

He took a seat on a small cushion, wrapping a thick blanket around himself to keep warm in the cool space. His tail poked out from beneath it, swaying in intrigue and curiosity.

"It's also pleasantly out of the way for prying ears. So please do feel free to continue whenever you are ready... It must have been... strange, watching someone you love so dearly I that way falling for another, even if you had been 'together' in a sense for a long time... at least by mortal standards."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

The privacy is nice…

*The winter sprite like more than comfortable despite the chill air. Funnily, a slight fog hovers around him as the room adjusts to him. Victor leans back on a few cushions with a hum. Recalling the memories aches like an old wound.*

Strange is one way to say it. How could I not be demoralized and envious of how easily they got along? Vern selected Stravi at the festivals when it was time for the wind to move. At least, while he could in the summer months…. But…

*Victor sighs, trying to let the tension out. He has to tilt his head back to keep the stinging heat in his eyes at bay*

But then one summer, Vern locked himself away just after midsummer. Stravi was one of the only ones to see him for the season… rumors started flying when he proposed to Vern, only fueled by Vern rejecting that proposal. The two of them moved in together after anyway…

*he shoves a hand in his pocket. Not from the cold, but rather to hide the trembling in it*

I… later found out there was a baby involved between them. It makes sense, really…… the sprite elders would refuse to let him be with another, unless he was with child. Even now it hurts… knowing he would go that far to get rid of me…

*his eyes are watery, tears threatening to escape. It still feels like yesterday. It shouldn’t bother him, yet he should know better. To be reminded of his place as a tool twists his heart *

[night-raven-miscellany]

"I... to think..." Benny hemmed and hawed, not quite sure what to say to the revelation. His tail swayed across the floor, making a soft brushing noise against the aged wood panels. "That's..."

It was... heavy, to say the least. Fae rules were strict, that much he knew. He couldn't be surprised that anyone would be willing to go to such lengths to break free of the chains that held them back, but he could also understand that even if you are not meant to be, seeing the one you love go that far? It was painful, a searing sensation that burned eternal, even if you could eventually move on.

Benny offered a hand out, albeit covered by the blanket. It was an awkward, yet earnest gesture made in attempts to comfort the winter sprite.

"Something like that... it must be painful, carrying that knowledge with you... and yet you continue to try so hard..."

He wished he had more to say, but he really couldn't offer much more than his deepest sympathies, and a slight bit of admiration for the perceived persistence the other held.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor is hesitant at the offered hand. Too many years of false comforts has him shifting like a dog that fears trusting kindness. His hands stay firmly away. A layer of frost slowly feathers out of his pockets.*

I… continue while hoping he forgives me. For causing him to go to such extremes, and for what he doesn’t about me and Stravi… I hope he never has to know, but fear he already does…

*the winter sprite looks down as the memory of the sins he’s committed starts to surface. How can he explain the horrid actions he’s done at the bidding of others?*

Besides…. Vern went through more than enough pain between their child, his sister, and my meddling… he lost everything so quickly, and I’m partially responsible…

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny frowned, pulling his hand back and placing it in his lap. He would not push, not more than he had... at least not physically. Though... he wasn't sure how much he should push Victor, either. He must have been bringing up far more unpleasant memories than he thought. But... there were still many more questions that the crocodile fae had.

"This story- no... You've been through a lot, friend... it seems that Vern has as well. I... it feels improper to ask to continue on or ask any more but... you say something happened between you and this 'Stravi' fellow as well...?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*the tension melts from his shoulders and arms as Benny pulls his hand back. Victor lets out a long, silent exhale as he thinks about the question. About the bittersweet memories dancing around his heart. Still, the winter sprite nods*

It’s alright…. Stravi and I… well, he had chosen to watch over Vern after an incident left him in an extended Deep Sleep. No one knew if Vern would ever wake up again, yet… Stravi remained at his side for two harsh winters. I… had agreed to bring some food to him when I could and we had… something of a friendship before… uh…

*Victor’s cheeks turn rosy. There’s tender warmth filling him, secrets he holds dear. Thoughts of their physical intimacy was something fragile he could find some comfort in. At the very least, it’s something he can comprehend well*

If I say the next part, may I ask you to promise to not speak of it to Vern?

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny nodded quietly, the only sound being that of his tail continuing to swish along the ground. He knew that look of warmth, yet another form that love could take; the pleasant memories and fuzzy nostalgia for a time long gone. Even if such memories were ripped away by force or merely faded with the passage of time. Really, he didn't know how much he could say it, but this story was seeming to be much, MUCH deeper than he thought.

He wondered how much Casimir knew of these things as well, even if his peer sometimes chose to disregard his presence...

"Of course. This is a place where escaped words remain in secrecy. It would be rude of me to start blabbing to another the minute we leave, let alone a key player in events."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Good…. that’s appreciated. I’m well aware of how easy it is for word to travel…

*Victor takes a steadying breath as he shifts. The warmth wavers as his nerves start sparking. Fragile memories as delicate as snowflakes pile up in his mind*

It uh… I guess our friendship started over a birthday cake, a present, and a kiss. Eventually, at an extremely emotional low for both of us, we…. sort of fell into bed. You could call it a winter fling, I guess…. Then my step-mom ordered me to….

*the winter sprite stops himself, not wanting to think about the sin he had been ordered to carry out. A dark shadow crossing his features makes him shiver*

Well… let’s just say I’m to blame for Stravi not being here and I……. I don’t know how I can ever make it up to Vern. I know he doesn’t know that it’s my fault, but I… I just want to get him to smile…

[night-raven-miscellany]

A love triangle and...

...

When Benny said it wasnt like anyone died, HE DIDNT MEAN IT LITERALLY. And yet... such a heinous thing... there was more to it than that. It was not a crime of passion, nor was it done in malice...

"... once again, the one true enemy presents itself, and the rule proves true..." Benny said, his expression grim. For such a whimsical fellow, his more serious looks were... jarring to see, to say the least. His brown eyes seemed to hold a strange frustration to them, and his shoulders tensed in a worry that would be unfamiliar to anyone but himself.

"... Did you do these things of your own volition?"

Why did every relationship seem to crumble under the very same idea? Benny had seen time and again how such... idyllic relationships would fall apart from it... would he and Cinthe even...

No... he couldn't think like that. That would only turn everything into a self-fulfilling prophecy... he would have to write at least two letters later to make up for it, even if he didn't send them.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*the intensity in Benny’s gaze and words has Victor shift his legs closer to himself. Being knocked out of the ease he had permitted himself is now off balance. Uncertainty keeps his senses sharp. A trembling hand finds its way over his left eye, threading his hair to cover it.*

….. have I said anything to make you think I wanted to..?

*Victor’s voice is low, threatening to crack every few syllables. His entire system is waiting for something to happen as his words attempt to appease the other. Worry and regret, his tormentors*

……. I couldn’t disobey….. I wasn’t strong enough to resist her…… I couldn’t help Stravi…. and I’m never enough for Vern…

*perhaps he shouldn’t have followed into such an enclosed space. Having only one way out is making every tiny hair on his neck stand up*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny was quiet, too quiet, for a long time. The silence fell heavy over the room, but... despite his furrowed brow and deep grimace, he wasn't mad. At least, not entirely. Flummoxed was probably a more apt descriptor of his thoughts, the way connections to his own stories and assorted ideas scattered around his brain like roaches being exposed to the light. So many things in his mind, and yet he could grasp at none of them.

Eventually, though, he sighed. A deep, heavy sound that filled the vacuum, primarily confused and tired.

"... no. I... apologize for my brief lapse of judgment. You've given me no reason whatsoever to assume that such a vile action was an act made in clear and level judgment. You are calculated, but... you aren't evil, from what I've ascertained."

He tried to speak as gently as he could, but it came off a bit more uncertain than anything. Even if he DIDN'T think that Victor seemed like a bad person, murder was definitely... not an easy thing to confess to OR hear about.

But... the latter's words only solidified what he already knew.

"... it's sickening, isn't it? How just the mere act of overstepping boundaries, the whims of an overbearing family member, the reach of people beyond your comprehension... all of these things can ruin the love that courses through each and every one of us. Sometimes it's even claimed to be done under the guise of such a beautiful thing..."

His fists clenched beneath the blanket, tightening the fabric covering them.

"All because they 'love' you. And they can't even see how it hurts you and those around you. And it tears you apart, not only from the inside out, but from everyone around you - sometimes even people you don't even realize care!"

Grandfather. His stupid rules. His stupid values. If it wasn't for those, maybe his mother would still...

...

He stopped himself, coughing lightly. He was letting this get to him a bit too much, perhaps. It was rather unbecoming... and really, a bad look.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Yes…. It’s all quite stifling whenever they claim it’s for you… when it’s truly just to benefit them. Sometimes they don’t bother to hide it, others they use your feelings for another as motive…

*he doesn’t mean for it to happen, yet rogue tears finally fall. Having another able to so freely capture the feelings he can hardly voice. Still, each one that falls freezes to his cheeks. Apologies are not what he’s used to*

I…. am still undeserving of affection. I don’t think I will ever be enough to earn even a tiny fraction from Vern… no matter what I do…

*Victor eases a little, taking some comfort as he registers Benny’s frustration is not towards him.*

It’s too much…

[night-raven-miscellany]

"It's cruel... no matter for what reason it happens, it cuts like a knife and bleeds you from the inside..." The freshman sighed, his entire body seeming to wilt in solemnity, frustration, and every other negative emotion that was being dug up the more he got into his own head about things. "Because you love each other. Because you want them to be happy... and it all gets used up for something that ultimately helps no one."

Victor's comment gave Benny some pause.

That was the other thing that made him so irrationally upset about the situation - the resulting feeling afterwards. One that Benny believed no one should have to feel at any point in their lives.

He reached out again, his scaled hand poking out from beneath his blanket.

"... even if it does not come from him, I don't believe that you do not deserve some level of warmth in your life. Everyone deserves to be shown love in some way... whether it's from a friend, a family member, a pet, or a lover."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor’s gaze flicks to Benny’s hand. He doesn’t have the energy to shrink away, not when the words offered are coming from a place that leaves the other seemingly deflated. The winter sprite lets out a shaky exhale. His hand lifts to scratch a few frozen tears off his cheeks, leaving irritated marks behind*

I…. would like a little from him… just one last smile, if that’s not too selfish. I saved my familiar, and he has been at my side since… but I… I couldn’t even court Vern properly. As things are now, I can’t be foolish enough to offer court to another.

*the politics of his life are crushing. Even as the head of his own house, the one he wants at his side would be ridiculed. He has nothing to offer, no way to promise his heart and comfort to another. His house is cold, and he has spent too long as a tool*

I don’t have enough to give in return for affection from another. I can’t even catch the eye of another without criticism….. with Vern’s interest being held by another, I… I’m just an old bachelor. For sprites, my time for marriage is basically over….. tradition says I should have wed Vern a decade ago, but I promised him to wait. To give him a chance to be happy… and now he is…… he can smile, even if it’s not towards me….

*excuses. It’s all excuses to not hurt himself. To avoid the deeply driven pain of how love is something he should earn. A warmth he can only have if another is willing to grant it to him. It’s something he’s desperate to grasp, yet it slips away from him. He doesn’t understand love when it’s so freely given, yet thirsts for it*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny sighed, reaching up to take his hat off as he scratched his head.

"And who says you still can't at least try at this point? Or that you need to give in order to receive love? You mentioned a familiar, yes? He follows you with the utmost loyalty. And I've heard tell you spend much time in the Ramshackle dorm - what of the students there? Do they not accept you wholeheartedly?"

It was a genuine question. Politics or no, Benny believed that there was always a chance for someone to find the love that worked best for them.

"And... fae rules aside, aren't we all known for being lovers of tricks and mischief anyways, even amongst one another? There are always ways around the whims of another, so long as you're willing to look and fight for them."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor is silent as he turns the questions over in his head. Benny makes it all sound so simple, so effortless. Yet, the winter sprite doesn’t understand such comforts. The ease of security is unfamiliar.*

I… do what I can for them. Becoming my familiar was the only way to keep him safe, to stop others from sentencing him to death…. All for defending me. Anyone near me gets hurt eventually.

*he can’t entirely speak for Ramshackle. The comfort he finds there makes him want to do better, to do more. Cooking meals and repairing the building in exchange for the warmth is the least he can do. Part of him is terrified to consider not needing to do anything*

We fae do enjoy our tricks… and yet when I choose to do so, someone gets injured. Besides, how could I possibly try courting another when I still wish for Vern to smile? It hardly seems fair….

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Well I've not been hurt yet. And I'm sure I'd overhear something if you had hurt those that you know in other dorms - word travels quickly, yknow? Plus, I'm sure anyone that resents you for such a thing has already found a way to make that known."

The lighthearted whimsy that Benny much preferred was beginning to return in his attempts to comfort Victor. It was cheerful, but gentle - a playful optimism that was still restrained, just to avoid overwhelming.

(And, honestly to him - one who had a relatively short and sheltered life thus far - it really did seem relatively simple... he had not lived the years that others of his kind had, and so perhaps it was his youth that caused him to be so unabashedly certain of how things worked.)

"Really, love is not fair. She can be kind and encompassing of all her disciples, but she can also be fickle and finicky... you'll never get anywhere by going for someone who has long since sought out another. Part of the problem lies in control of the situation, yes... but it also cannot be denied that a part of YOUR problem is your persistence - an admirable trait for sure, but... I dare say it borders on futile in this situation."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

You… are fortunate..

*Victor’s decades are starting to show. There’s a weariness pressing down on him like a crushing mountain. It’s more than just the decades of failing to court Vern, there’s also the heavy chains of tradition. His failures to live up to expectations.*

….. maybe my efforts are useless, but…. how else can I return the warmth he once gave me? He saved more than just my life that day…

*his chest aches. As he shakes his head at how ridiculous it all must sound. To constantly offer his heart to someone who has made a hearth with another is a horrible notion. One that will end with him hurting more*

All I want is his smile… perhaps less hostility, though I deserve every ounce. How can I even entertain trying to court another…? What do I do if someone I care for happens to be close with him, too? They could have their perspective of me warped by Vern’s ire towards me…

[night-raven-miscellany]

"If they truly love you, they will see you for you. Not what others see in you."

Benny leaned back, swishing his tail behind him and wrapping around a lantern, pulling it closer.

"And, even if they start off with clouded judgment," He blew out the lantern, relighting it in a warmer color. The whitish flame had been replaced by a comforting amber glow. "Anyone worth keeping around will see through their colored lenses. If they fail to see the person behind his opinion, then it is simply their loss. You just can't control what someone will think, though... you've got to give them time... and if I may speak personally, maybe thats what Vern may need, too. Space and time."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor watches the lamp. Its warm amber softens his pale skin, reflecting silently in his gaze. The years of being worn down gives way to defeat.

I…… can’t just ignore him…… but…

*he can’t help but feel discarded. Even knowing it’s his fault, the loneliness of it seeps into his veins. His hazel gaze shifts to a small scar across his palm. It serves as a silent reminder. A memory of the challenge he lost and the threat behind it*

…. maybe you’re right. Lately, I’ve been wondering if I really know him or if fooled myself into thinking I do…….. every time I think he hates me, he does something that says otherwise and it’s… all so confusing…

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

A very rare patch of free time for Yuna meant she had the opportunity to actually sit and... yknow. Catch up with her friends outside of the dorm. Minerva, in particular, was one that she hadn't spent too much time with since the other girl transferred.

It meant she was also afforded the opportunity to have a wonderfully pleasant picnic. With delicate finger sandwiches and pastries and lemonade and whatever else either of them deemed necessary laid about, it was the ideal setup in both of their opinions. Minerva had even dared to exist in public in a human form for once! Not an an animal! Truly, it seemed that, despite the odds, absolutely nothing could ruin such a positive mood on such a lovely day.

...

Nothing except the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps as a mad storm of chaos, fur, and... a distinctly chilly breeze, of course.

But... what were the odds that such chaos would be directly attracted to the two girls? Surely, the shenanigans of NRC could wait to attack Yuna at least until another day, right?

...

Right...?

🦐Yuna and 🥀Minerva ( @night-raven-miscellany )

(✨️figured id throw out both of my girls for the fen event bc its already silly and I also think minnie should see the chaos for herself for once hehehe)

*the excited flurry of a strange beastman with familiar features barrels to a stop at the lovely picnic! He sniffs at the little sandwiches and pastries, even daring to get his face extra close to take a lick at one of the smaller ones and grabs it with his teeth. Sitting back up, his tail thumps happily against the ground as Victor rushes over. The winter sprite is a little out of breath thanks in part to the warm weather. Still, he grabs Fen by his, now loose, Ramshackle collar to try and yank him AWAY from the picnic food*

FEN! Sevens…. I’m so sorry Yuna and uh…. It’s Min, right?

[night-raven-miscellany]

Yuna smiled softly, continuing to offer the pats as long as they were accepted.

"That's a really sweet story... it's nice, y'know, when you find someone that treats you like everyone else... when you're used to being outcast, it's hard. Regardless of if you're seen as better than everyone else or worse than them."

She sighed, thinking about one of her upperclassman friends.

"It's kinda funny... I'm imagining a wolf like... half your size trying to knock you down like everyone else... is there anything else she did that ever stuck out to you?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Yeah… she was like the moon to me…

*Fen settles happily into the pats. Victor slowly remembers to lower his hand back onto his familiar’s shoulder*

I was smaller back then… only a foot taller than her! She said I left myself too open, and made a game out of tackling me… I got better at defense thanks to her

*understanding finally settles into Victor’s features. It was quite a long time ago, then. Fen hadn’t been that size in over a century. He’s still not sure how the wolf hid his relationship so well*

I got scared about asking her to be my mate…. I was worried if I kept growing from Victor’s magic that I would hurt her. Then, she saved me one day, and it all came tumbling out…. She called me a fool and said she already picked me for a mate

*Victor smiles a little. It seems both him and Fen struggle with relationships and talking*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"That's... really sweet," Yuna said, "you two really did love each other a lot, huh?"

It was a cute story... real love. She never talked about it, but she always did enjoy the occasional love story. Even if she knew that the genuine kind like this really never was meant to last. Star-crossed lovers always seemed to fall apart at the last minute...

"Something my mom always told me was that it doesn't matter what you look like or how big you get... someone who truly loves you won't see all that and will see you for your heart instead... it seems like your mate was truly in love with you..."

Yuna paused for a minute. Soft clicking escaped from her as she thought, before she hummed with an idea (though it would definitely need to wait until later).

"... What was her name, by the way? If she had one, that is. I... don't really know how that kind of thing works among animals, so sorry if that's a weird question..."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Very much. Your mother is wise, yes? That is what it felt like with my mate…

*Fen nods, a loving grin warms his features. The old familiar truly cared for his mate, and can still find it in himself to smile about her. Even if his eyes look a little watery*

We have names, but I’m not sure how they translate to human tongue….. the sound is hard, but sometimes others can understand our names. Like how Victor found a way to speak mine

*Victor blinks at that*

Uh… well, it’s hard to explain how I knew yours. It sort of took shape while I spoke…

Try it for my mate! You can feel my thoughts! Let it shape your words!!!

*the winter sprite’s cheeks tint pink as he nods. Fen immediately shifts to press their foreheads together. Victor might not fully understand it all, but magic has a funny way of pulling words from him. If this was anyone else, the winter sprite might have pulled away, but he lets Fen cling tightly to him. Whatever bond they have has its own way of working*

It’s… a bit jumbled…….. does… Ghealach sound right..?

Close… not complete, but a nickname is good!

*Fen shifts back a little and turns to Yuna*

Ghealach… my mate… she was hoping we could…

*Fen shakes his head, shoving a memory back before he could finish it*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"She was pretty smart... most of the time." Yuna replied, "but I'm glad her words struck a chord with you."

Yuna listened intently while Fen and Victor discussed the idea of names. So... animals did have their own names, huh? She wondered how Victor had managed to figure out Fen's name or even what the conventions for animal names were... and from the rough translation she got, she assumed that it definitely was not similar to a series of books she had read as a child.

Ghealach. It was a pretty name, she thought. It reminded her of fantasy heroines and princesses and the like. She supposed it was fitting for someone she was picturing as majestic and strong. Even if she would probably not know what it meant.

"... Guessing that it has to do with a future that didn't happen..." She said softly, pursing her lips. "I'm sorry that all that happened to you..."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Life is full of changes… I always knew I would outlive her… even if it was too soon. Besides, the humans involved had to face me!

*Fen grins at that thought, a glint in his gaze has a bit of malice.*

Ghealach taught me defense. I refused to let them take more than her life from me

…. Is….. that the time you pulled my magic and caused a blizzard…?

*Fen looks away from Victor. He has the guilty look of any dog that’s trying to pretend he did nothing wrong*

So… Yuna…. Have you seen me when I use Victor’s ice to give my fur those defensive spikes? My mate helped me figure that out! Those humans didn’t expect it at all!!

Fen….

[night-raven-miscellany]

"That's... good that you figured that out," Yuna said, although the underlying malice unnerved her. "Defense... that was one of the things that was hard for me to learn by myself. I wish someone was there for me, too..."

Though she... probably wouldn't have gone to seek revenge or anything of the sort. Except in one case, she figured maybe she could go get in a few punches of revenge...

"Oh wait! How did she even help you figure out the magic thing anyways? Like... is that what actually happens when you eat it or was it a whole other thing...?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

I can help you! A little, at least…

*Fen adjusts to be comfy again, using Victor as make-shift bed*

She would sneak up and pounce on me. One day, I used those spikes on accident… it hurt her paw, but she insisted on me trying to control it better. I’m not sure what happens when I eat magic, but the spikes don’t feel like Victor’s magic when I use them? Sort of like it’s mine, but not mine?

But when you decide to summon a blizzard, it drains my magic?

Yeah! Uhhmmm… yes… I’m sorry about the one time…

*Victor sighs and ruffles Fen’s hair.*

It’s fine… I lived…

*Meanwhile…. Vern is waiting for Minerva while Folia simply watches from his phone screen. They’re hyper focused…*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"I won't say no to the help. Even if I can get by sometimes now, I dont really like not knowing the best possible way to keep myself safe in a fight, yknow?"

Yuna sighed, leaning back against the wall, feeling satisfied now that she had gotten to learn a bit more about those that share her dwelling.

-

Minerva had examined a few different sample potions first to ensure the spell was working properly and to gauge how specific things might be described.

"Alrighty... nutrition post overblot... bitter and herbaceous with a nutty aftertaste... let's see the ingredients... mandragora leaves, ground nutmeg... okay yep! Everything here seems to fit the given descriptions too!" Minerva said, standing back up as she set the potion down on the desk. A small, magical monocle hovered over her eye as the spell went on. "I just need the sample of the potion and once we get that profile, we can go from there... I think I've got the hang of how this works now."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

……… I… guess even I can’t always keep you guys safe…

*Victor mumbles, seemingly lost in thought about something, absently petting Fen’s head while the familiar*

—

Oh.. I managed to find this while cleaning. I think it umm… might have splattered on the grass while Fen was um… running?

*Vern takes out a vial of red-tinted liquid to compare to the violet goop*

It um…. appears when it umm… activated it turned into this violet goo?

[night-raven-miscellany]

Yuna huffed softly, resting her head while she waited.

... not quite what she meant, but she would rather wait and ask about it later, anyways.

-

Minerva took the vial in her hands and examined it closely next to the goop.

"Hmmm... it does look like most of the traits align, but the purple one is slightly different. Makes sense, if an ingredient reacted to something outside of the potion - whether it was Fenny's magic, or the weather, or... anything, really. There aren't too many things that just change like that right off the bat, though, so that should narrow it down..." Minerva explained, correcting the monocle to look closer. "Oh! And... I dunno if youre gonna jot this down or you need me to, but the red is smoky, warm, and bitter with a slight sweet undertone, whereas the violet is also smoky and warm, but completely foregoes the bitterness for a sweet taste instead."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Don’t worry, I’m ummm…. making sure we have detailed notes!

*Vern quickly scribbles the information down*

I umm…. wonder if it reacted poorly to um…. Fen’s ability to devour magic? The two potions might have umm…. been in the middle of combining and had it disrupted?

*Fen is only half-listening as he settles against Victor. The familiar looks a bit sleepy, especially with the way Victor is scratching his head*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Mmmm maybe? If we can figure out what specifically the reactive component was, we can totes pinpoint what the change was actually caused by."

Minerva hummed as she looked closer. The vial wasn't labeled with anything, of course, so she had to run a mental checklist of red potions to start with - not to mention one with such a specific flavor profile and ingredient.

"Hmm... wait- did unicorn dust ever returned to the market as a catalyst for alchemical reactions? Thinking about our earlier conversation had me thinking about potential leads in our recipe... but I remember- er... I believe it was banned a couple centuries back"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Vern hums, tilting his head as he thinks. He had been distracted by thinking it was simply the potions reacting together or to Fen… and yet..*

Unicorn dust is umm…. incredibly difficult to get, but there was a um… push to gather it humanely half a century ago by domesticating some unicorns. Buying it is um.. expensive and restricted. We have to fill out extensive paperwork to ummm…. use it. However…

*he scans the shelves of ingredients before grabbing one down. Bringing it over he holds it out to Minerva*

The school keeps unicorn hair as a substitute… it’s umm… not as strong, but it’s easier to get a hold of…

[night-raven-miscellany]

Minerva hemmed and hawed, observing the container of hairs.

"I... usually prefer to do my glamours myself, of course but this kinda thing is usually included in glamour and transformation potions due to its unique properties... Sevens now I wish I wrote those old recipes down...

I recall the dust is very finicky when used in potionmaking - if the consistency is off or you do the wrong step too soon or... anything, really, it can totally change the properties of whatever you're making. Think it'd be a stretch to say that maybe the substituted hair had a similar effect in this potion? Cause uh... clearly it is a transformative concoction of some variety..."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

I think it umm… would be likely…. Professor Crewel will on, rare occasions, use potions with unicorn hair as a ummm…. ingredient for tests. Usually with the umm… upperclassmen, but… oh!

*Vern quickly goes to the desk and shifts through some papers, scanning them quickly as he brings two over*

Here, these are the umm… potion ingredients used for the last 3rd year and 3rd year advanced potionology tests… the advanced class was um… using unicorn hair to ummm… transform mushrooms into flowers

[night-raven-miscellany]

Minerva's face lit up at the records, skimming them over as she read through the ingredients. The list... wound up earning her a small smirk at the irony of it all.

"Unicorn hair, a dash of phoenix ash, and... get this, wolfsbane. Poisonous in excess, but it was once used as folk medicine by ancient civilizations. One myth also suggests a powerful witch used it to turn someone into a spiderat some point so... makes sense that it could have been used here."

...

Okay so that second part was. Totally Minerva's bad, but she wasn't going to admit that out loud - and not just because there were a bunch of people in the room.

"My guess is someone skewed the ratios of one of the ingredients, probably the ashes if thats the case (since our furry friend is A-Okay aside from being bipedal now) OR someone fumbled an important step, and either way the hair reacted, which is why it had the particular effect it did... least that's my guess."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

I will umm… have to go over that myth again. It’s been some time since I’ve heard it but… I think it’s likely as you um… say. The wolfsbane….. perhaps that weakened or neutralized Fen’s ability to consume magic..?

*Vern muses as he examines the remnants of the potion in question, then turns to the ingredients*

Too many ashes would um… also explain how it became a goo when reacting to the ummm… unicorn hair. If someone umm… mixed up the amount of ashes and the amount of hair, then it could have reacted to the wolfsbane neutralizing Fen’s ability?

[night-raven-miscellany]

Minerva's smile thinned as she pursed her lips, but she continued working nonchalantly. The myths probably weren't too detailed, anyways... plus, a girl as young and gorgeous as her was totally in the clear, mhm, yep! But she still didn't really wanna air out too much of her... past business.

"Maybe. The magic could have prevented any major effects of toxicity... but that couldve come at the cost of neutralizing Fenny's magic, too."

She dipped a finger into the concoction, putting it up to her face to examine closer.

"Mmmmm yeah. An already unstable collection of ingredients mixed with an off ratio? You're asking for something to happen at that point, ANYWAYS. And if the wolfsbane neutralized the magic absorption, it would make sense that such a transformation potion actually WOULD affect him. Unstable, poorly mixed, and poorly... everything else, really." She added, wiping her finger off with a small cloth. "And of course... the instability means that it could last a few more minutes or a few months! Gotta love screwing up a recipe..."

All hope was not lost, though, as Minerva perked right back up and turned to Fen and the others.

"Luckily for you guys, however, I'll just need to gather a few specific things to make up an antidote. As long as you want this fixed, of course. It might have the potential to last a while, but the fun thing about potions, curses, and everything else in this world is that nothing is completely impermanent."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Fen perks up as Minerva addresses him. He’s a bit sleepy, but his tail gradually starts to wag. Victor gently massages the familiar’s ear as he speaks*

I think…. It’d be good to fix things sooner than later… right?

If that makes Victor happy!

It does, but doesn’t it make you happy, too?

Mmm…. I’m happy being with you, don’t care how

*Victor blinks slowly, processing the response. A rosiness blooms on his cheeks as he glances away. The embarrassment of it all has his gaze dropping to his bracelets*

Right… uh… so how long until you get the ingredients?

*Vern watches the two, a flicker of warmth appearing in his gaze. Perhaps, the spring sprite does have an occasional soft spot for the winter sprite.*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Aww, how cute," Minerva giggled, clasping her hands together in front of her. "But yeah - I can do sooner. It'll be at least an hour, maybe two to make sure I've got all the stuff I need, but it really won't be too too long."

What... she'd just need a sample of unicorn hair herself... a butterfly wing or two... hmm...? Okay, yeah, that could be gotten easily... yep

"Id suggest you guys find... somewhere to get cozy in the meantime. You could always stay here, but I can also totes stop by somewhere else - I'm not against same day delivery, straight to your door on potions, after all."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

An hour or two… shouldn’t take too long. Though… Yuna, would we be okay moving Fen to Ramshackle? I don’t want to cause trouble in the infirmary… but making it to Ramshackle might be… interesting…

*Fen’s ears flick to lay flat at that. He looks up at Victor with what should be puppy dog eyes, his tail stills as it tucks close*

I’ll be good….

I know… you’ve been very been so far! I just…. thought you’d be hungry is all! You ran off when you smelled food earlier!

…… still hungry….

*Vern frowns, holding his tongue at how this whole event was made from Fen being bad. Still, he doesn’t want to speak it. The spring sprite carefully turns so the familiar can’t see the sour expression on his face*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Minerva cocked an eyebrow as she glimpsed Vern's expression, pairing it with an amused scoff.

"You better be," Yuna huffed, sitting back up so she could cross her arms. "Good, that is... but honestly, I doubt we'll have too many troubles. As long as you can keep to the paths and not get too distracted."

"Plus, if all else fails, I could probably add a second potion to the mix - but careful! I only do one free trial <3 anything past the first taste will totes cost you."

Yuna rolled her eyes at that. She knew full well that this couldve been solved easily if Minerva wanted to... but she also knew that the witch was quite fond of her... "learning experiences" so...

Also- wouldn't the spell from earlier have been the free trial!? Yuna wanted to ask, but judging from how the other girl playfully winked, holding up a finger to her lips, Yuna decided she would be better off just ignoring it for now...

"... 's Folia still there? We should probably say bye to her before we dip, yknow."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

I already owe you for ruining your picnic so… I don’t mind bartering over potion prices as long as it’s reasonable…. Besides, it involves Fen, so I don’t mind

*Victor grins, but only for a moment before Fen topples him over to give his face light kisses. Unfortunately for the winter sprite, his familiar is alternating between pecks and his usual licks*

*Folia sits back down to be in frame on the camera.*

Apologies, I muted my end for a moment for a private matter. Is everything set to start making the remedy?

[night-raven-miscellany]

Minerva smiled, shaking her head.

"Not right now, I still need to grab a few things. Won't be but a thing, though. I'll just need a little bit of time to do all that, if either of you wanna help me a bit more.

Oh, and Viccy? I'm just teasing you about the charge - I'm not that cruel. Little Fenny didn't ask to go through all this, so everything I'm doing is completely free of charge. Just so you don't have to worry your pretty little head about it while you wait."

She shooed the residents of Ramshackle to the door, with Yuna giving a yelp of protest as the group was moved along.

"Wait- hey- i didnt even get to-"

"Cmooon already! A girl needs her space to work!"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Uh- wait! Are you sure?! I don’t mind!

*Folia can be heard softly chuckling. Victor looks ready to protest on multiple fronts, but Fen happily hops up and stumbles while trying to follow them. If anything, the familiar helps usher Victor and Yuna out of the infirmary*

Time to go? We can eat soon! Thirsty too…..

*Vern barely contains his own giggling at the scene. He’s busied himself with setting out supplies and equipment. Currently, the crocuses are helping him with a small pot of dirt*

I don’t mind umm… helping you out a little longer

Agreed, I can hopefully lend a hand. I have a few older texts that may be of some assistance… especially regarding Fen’s unique familiar abilities

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Wonderful, wonderful!" Minerva clapped her hands together giddily. "This should go swimmingly with you two around! Alright. Let's begin!"

A song, old and nostalgic, came from her lips as she seemingly began to glide around the room. Her footsteps were light as she bounced from shelf to shelf, collecting the few things she could get in here - she'd still have to sneak into the alchemy storage for one or two other things, but the professor probably wouldn't mind, if he even noticed the missing ingredients!

"Do you guys like stories while you work? Ooh- but hearing those older texts could be fun too-"

-

Yuna sighed on the other side of the infirmary door after having been ushered out by the others.

"Well... the good part is I can feel comfortable that the others know what they're doing, at least..."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

How about a umm… mix of both? The texts might help us ummm…. figure out the best way to mix the potion. Oh, and do tell me if umm.. there’s a specific plant we need

*Folia hums a note from the screen. She’s making notes while turning a yellowing page from a book. Whatever she’s looking into appears to require some translation. Which proves to be somewhat easy for the autumn sprite.*

The information I’ve find is mostly sourced from an ancient legend from the time of the gods… perhaps it may influence some decisions on ingredients? I would like to hear a few stories while everything is brewing, though

—

Yeah…

*Victor sighs as the door is shut behind them. He has to grab Fen’s collar to stop him from trying to get too far away from them. It looks almost comical, given their height difference*

Between the three of them, it should be fine. I’m not too familiar with Minerva, but I hear she knows her way around these things?

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Perfect, perfect!" Minerva said, locating a hot plate and a small pot. She began levitating the items with her magic, floating them back over to the work table. "I'd love to hear more about the gods... but as for my own stories... let's see... I have one about a prince who had no kindness in his heart... ooh- or a woman who was turned to stone for her greed... oh! And one where someone got too big for her britches and got turned into an ant..."

She hummed. Ugh, those were all soooo lame... totally painted her in a bad light because of how people misunderstood the meaning of her "curses"...

"But actually... why dont I start with a story about a transformation curse being broken with kindness and love?"

-

Yuna nodded, but her lips were pursed thin.

"Yeah. She's... pretty good with spells and potions and stuff. Honestly a lot better than I think people know... she doesn't like talking about the things she's capable of, though... at least, not in a way that makes it obvious that it was her behind whatever happened..."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

I’m umm… surprised there’s a legend that could relate from ummm… so long ago..

Unfortunately, there’s not many details. I’m currently trying to see if there’s any other mentions of a legendary wolf that was the child of a god…. It’s said the wolf would swallow the world, should he ever escape his binds…

That’s… um…

Grasping at straws? Yes, I’m currently trying to find more information on it. Minerva, if your don’t mind, I would like to hear about that transformation curse… I’m sure there’s quite an important lesson in it

*Folia speaks while skimming through some ancient texts. Vern Kris himself busy with making sure the supplies and ingredients are ready *

—

*Fen tilts his head as he things for only a few moments before he gets partially dragged down the hall by Victor*

I take it Minerva is older than she appears….. I don’t suppose you know any of her stories? I’m curious on why she would wish to hide her accomplishments..

[night-raven-miscellany]

*there’s a commotion in the infirmary. Nothing particularly new, but today is worse than others. Vern’s voice holds venom, his demeanor that of a thorny plant*

Come on, Sweetheart… it’s just dinner…

I had lunch… I will um… be fine until later…

That was nearly 7 hours ago! Did you even finish it all?

Do you take me for a fool? I will never again eat anything you place in front of me!

*Victor winces at that. His chest feels like an icicle pierced it. The winter sprite looks away, his gaze finding the carefully pack lunch box in his hands.*

If you’ll umm… excuse me… I have to fill a potion order…

*Vern whisks himself towards the mixing station. He’s left Victor at the desk. The winter sprite’s mouth opens, only to close again. He can feel the stinging heat in his eyes. Tentatively, he hovers the boxed lunch over the desk. A mental debate of leaving it anyway freezing him in place*

@hello-from-nrc-infirmary (ooc// tee hee hee)

Benny had just been treated by the infirmary, receiving some simple treatment after being thrown from his horse during his extracurriculars. The poor thing had gotten startled by another horse and launched him from her back, and his clubmates had insisted he at least go to make sure he wasn't concussed.

Luckily for him, though, nothing severe had occurred. The worst the young fae got away with was some rough bruising that would take a bit of time to heal and some superficial scratches.

Still, on his way out, he could not help but notice the infirmary lead and the guest that had been trying to interact... ah, a determined love that was not meant to be... at least, not romantic. Such a thing was always sad, in Benny's opinion - love was not easy, after all, and could be quite the cruel mistress at times. To put such care and effort into something only to be so harshly rebuked.

Okay so maybe there was context Benny was missing... but for all he could see, this was pretty sad.

"Ah... rejection is always one of the harshest feelings, especially when you pour your whole heart into something," He mused aloud, shaking his head.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Benny’s musing snaps Victor back to his surroundings. It’s a rarity to catch the winter sprite off guard, especially for those outside of Ramshackle. He glances over to the younger fae with a forced, yet pained curl of his lip. Victor can’t bring himself to fully grin, not even the one he has practiced for years can be summoned to his features*

I…. should have known better… he hasn’t taken kindly to my cooking since… okay, maybe he’s never liked it.

*Victor’s gaze flickers to the lunch box again for just a moment. The pain in his chest makes it hard, yet he finds himself willing to talk. Besides, if he went back to Ramshackle now, Yuna would notice the redness in his eyes and worry. He didn’t want that, not over something that should be insignificant. Even so, it feels like he’s caught in an ice storm*

But… He used to pretend he would eat it… not outright reject it altogether. It’s not like I was asking him on a date…

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny nodded along sympathetically, feeling bad about the plight of the fellow before him. Clearly, this was not the first time something like this had happened for the fellow, whether his gestures of love were meant as a friend or as more... to reject romance was one thing, but to reject gestures of friendship and kindness... well, everyone had their reasons. And while Benny certainly knew a little bit from his eloquently-spoken roommate, he couldn't make a judgment on something he only knew "a little bit" about.

"Love can be a turbulent thing, my friend," He said, taking off his hat and placing it somberly to his chest - like a man offering respect to a companion long gone. "What in the world might have brought things to such a harsh present? The two of you must have some kind of history for one to earn such a disdainful reaction - one so strong that I offer my deepest sympathies to you for..."

One that he offered based on things at a glance, of course, but one he offered nevertheless.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor dips his head in silent gratitude for Benny’s offered sympathies. The winter sprite’s heart is more wounded these days, happy to take the chance to lay down when it’s offered to him*

It’s…. my fault, I think. He was my fiancé…

*was, as in no longer. The fact of them breaking things off is still fresh. A spike that drives itself deeper into his heart, threatening to scar his soul. Victor knows he should keep moving forward, but times like this kindle the fragile flame still in his chest*

Cooking is the one skill I know I have, yet he didn’t like what I would make him. Why he used to eat it anyway is beyond me… maybe he was just being polite all these years..? I just… wish he still cared a little about my feelings enough to feign courtesy

[night-raven-miscellany]

And see? Already, Benny was quickly getting a vastly different image from the one that he'd heard about from Casimir-

Okay, not REALLY. But that wasn't bad. Benny got the feeling that his roommate could acknowledge the solemn, noble air that this fellow had, and knew that the guy wouldn't talk about ANYONE he actively disliked more than only once or twice. And despite not knowing much, Benny did still at least hear about Victor on several occasions.

"Your fiancé? Ah, then that's even more tragic," Benny shook his head, clicking his tongue. "Have you ever received a reason for such hatred? Or- well, have you ever asked what caused such a response?"

It couldn't have just been nothing, right? Benny knew these kinds of things weren't just... poof! Spontaneously resentful. Even in arranged marriages, at least the ones he had researched, had some level of surface-level understanding. Even if things didn't work out in the long term, the civility was there!

"Ah, nevermind. I shouldn't pry into the affairs of a stranger," He said, "but... at the same time, it's clear you hold a heavy weight in your heart... I'm assuming you still hold deep love for Vern, hm?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

It’s…. quite alright. I mean, who wouldn’t still hold their first love close?

*Victor glances towards the back. Just to catch a glimpse of Vern moving around beyond a door left partially opened. If he had his contacts, they would have hidden the longing in his eyes. They hold fragility of late ice cracking under the warmth of early spring*

We’re not… engaged anymore. It’s for the best, I think…. he’s happier with another. Our engagement was forced on him….. all for showing me a little kindness. Though, I’m not sure if it’s just that or everything that happened after

*sighing, the winter sprite softly places the boxed lunch on the desk. Maybe Vern will throw it out, or maybe he won’t. It might be his own injured vanity, but leaving the food makes him feel a little better*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Hm... not only is such love tragically unrequited, but to see the one you love is happy with another - ah... the tragedy of it all. To ruin such happiness would hardly be an act of love, but twould be an act many have fallen to in the past... so to accept such rejection with such grace is rather loving in and of itself...

Didn't make Benny feel any less bad, though.

"Surely it isn't entirely your fault? Unless you went out of your way to ruin things by proclaiming love for another or forcing love when there was no desire or like... I dunno... killing someone for no reason...?"

What? It was the worst thing he could think of other than those other things.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor visibly stiffens at that. Sure, it’s probably just a casual one-off type question, an exaggeration in the mind of the younger fae. Yet guilt drives deep into his soul, the kind that brings one to their knees at an alter, begging forgiveness for such a sin. A shadow veiling his expression forces him to look away*

No… I’m certain it’s all me. Regardless of things done on behalf of another, the blame still comes down to me.

*a sore subject, one that keeps his voice lowered as he glances uneasily towards Vern. Victor hopes the spring sprite isn’t bothering to listen*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny took note of the guilt - heavy and thick, like a blanket of snow blocking a windowsill. Something that he wouldn't quite be able to crack open without a mess. The story here was clearly much deeper than he expected, and he hadn't even been digging quite that long... he probably had no right to push that particular button any further anyways.

"That's a rather sad way to look at it, my friend," He sighed. Not that he really had any place to judge, but he was certainly going to make his thoughts known at the very least. "Love is a two-way street. A conversation. A team effort. It really is hard to put it all entirely on one person without imagining the most egregious circumstances... and you don't seem the egregious type to me. At least not in this context."

He was supposed to be on his way out, but clearly matters of the heart were FAR more important. Even if the ideal thing right now was also to get his senior a change of scenery.

"... perhaps you could regale me with your story? You'd do well to leave, I can see how merely being here weighs on your heart... but if you came with me, maybe we could at least figure out where some of these burdens truly come from?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

My story… is not a happy one, but…

*a fragile smile finds its way to Victor’s features. A small kindness in the form of leaving the infirmary. That is something he can agree to. The winter sprite leaves the food behind, hoping it will warm someone’s belly.*

I believe a change in scenery would be nice… especially for such a dreary tale. No where that is overly hot, though… I might melt

*for some reason, Victor can’t help but follow Benny out of the infirmary. Whether it’s in how the other speaks or his demeanor, is hard to say. That or the winter sprite is growing softer from his days in Ramshackle*

Apologies, I never got your name?

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Love isn't always happy, that much is obvious from looking at history." Benny shrugged, entirely unfazed. Tragedy broke his heart, yes, but it was also a fact of life! Besides, it was already pretty obvious that this was not going to be a story with a good ending, he'd be a fool if he didn't expect that when asking to learn more. "But anyways... everyone just calls me Benny, so you're welcome to do the same."

The sprite certainly held a familiar chill, and that only made Benny sleepy... but finding somewhere comfortable wasn't too much of an issue! The lounge was always cozy, but it had too many prying ears, he had learned. Somewhere good for discussion that would still be relatively comfortable for both of them, on the other hand...

"Hm... well, Diasomnia is certainly on the chillier side, though that could just be the cold blood speaking, aha! If it works, though, I know a few spots around there that are alright?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Well, Benny, I’ll let you lead the way… I think Diasomnia has a few warm corners, if that will help you out..

*Victor doesn’t particularly mind the where, as long as it’s away from others. The sprite has always preferred places where there are less people, upbringing aside. Parties and social events he can unwillingly handle..*

The poets often tell of love in all its warmth or drew coldness of grief it can leave… history can tell us some things, but I worry it only shows me a bleak end for what I have done out of love… if I can even call it that

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny nodded, more than willing to act as a guide (apparently, he was good at that, according to his roommates. Something about the constant sneaking in and out meant he knew places pretty well). There were a few spots he had in mind, but he figured that one in particular would probably best suit both of their needs.

That could be handled when they arrived in Diasomnia, though.

"Only time will tell," Benny offered as he walked, no hints of judgment in his voice, only a faint curiosity that was much larger than he let on. "And... you'd be surprised. Some of the happiest stories have some of the most horrid events and vice versa. It's an odd thing, really... but again, only time can be the real judge of that."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor lets out a half-hearted huff at that. He feels a bit better the further they get from the infirmary. Tension eases from his shoulders, finding comfort in a lack of judgement. The heat of Vern’s venom growing more distant with every step*

Maybe… I wanted him to be happy. Thought I could make him smile for real in that place, but…. I couldn’t keep him safe. My hands have been tied since before we met… and there are still things I have to carry that I hope he never finds..

[night-raven-miscellany]

As the two walk through the halls, Benny's footsteps are light, with an energy that hardly fits the mood of the conversation.

"To be burdened with secrets you can't share with others... it's heavy, but everyone has their reasons," Benny replied, his body practically on autopilot as he routed to the Hall of Mirrors. "But you say you wished to make him happy 'in that place'... where is that place? Was it a shared dwelling?"

Captivity, Benny knew, was an incredibly unromantic and unloving thing... even if people thought they were doing right, it was wrong to force another to stay against their will. Was that a part of what happened here? If so, no wonder there was such high resentment...

No, no, he couldn't jump to conclusions. He'd been given no indications that such a thing could be the case yet, aside from the wording. It'd be foolish to just assume the worst without hearing the full story, anyways.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

We never lived together…. If we had, then he would be worse off than now…

*Victor muses, following Benny with only the briefest hesitation at corners so the other can lead. Still, even without the piercing heat of being under scrutiny, guilt still burrows deeper into him*

Though…. without parents of his own, his fate has been at the whims of the sprite elders of our home. If we had listened to their plan, Vern would be forced to sit and look pretty. A bird in a cage, to the poets. I ended up causing him more pain than most… just from existing… just because he offered me help and smiled when I got better…

*anger at himself simmers in his veins. It threatens to send tears falling down his cheeks, but he tilts his head back to stall them*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny stopped abruptly. If he could (read: of he had actually found it appropriate), he would have whirled around on his heels. But no, he just... stopped. Processing the words that had been delivered to him.

"It sounds to me like those elders are the real force to blame in this story." He said, his usual whimsy quickly dampened by something more somber. It made sense that a force of power was at play... but, perhaps in a way that was more complex than most stories Benny was familiar with. He knew from experience that his fellow fae were fickle beings, with all manner of rules and laws and interactions between the courts that made navigating... really any sort of relationship difficult, not just a romantic one.

"Sorry for interrupting you," He cleared his throat, continuing to walk. "... I'd wager that means he saved you in a time of need, then? And knowing how the rules work..."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor pauses, listening to Benny as the other lets anger slip out for him. The venom that the winter sprite has always swallowed back, spits freely from the other. He wishes he could have that. A fragile grin, one that barely reaches his gaze pulls in place*

It’s… alright. Knowing how rules work… I owed him my life, eventually twice over. The only way to fulfill that, is to swear fealty or offer marriage…

*Victor takes a deep breath, pulling up memories that he holds dear. Ones that suffocate his soul. The sweetness of those treasured moments are left soured by traditions*

Helping me has only made Vern suffer… I just wanted to keep those warm moments close. To be the reason he smiles so gently. Yet, the only thing I can do is watch him hide his tears. I couldn’t even protect him from my step-mother…

[night-raven-miscellany]

"The kindness of others is not a burden you caused, my friend. You're quick to blame yourself, but if you consider it, you were not the one who chose to be saved, right? You couldn't choose who saved you, either." Benny replied, shaking his head as he approached the hall of mirrors, stepping halfway through the portal to his dorm. It was like he said - relationships and love of any kind were a multi-person job. Rarely was one person ever fully to blame for the failures in a relationship.

Sure, he was probably being harsh - or at least sounded as such. He didn't intend to come off as though he was entirely blaming Vern for any of this, not in the least. The true opponent of any healthy relationship was control, and while he still lacked a lot of context, that was a key factor in this... that, and... well, kindness did not inherently equal romantic intrigue... but he wasn't sure just how much of that was at play in this occasion.

But in general, Benny knew how control could kill even the tightest of friendships, sever the closest of siblings, and annihilate even the most star-crossed of lovers.

Then, as he crossed into the dorm, another question came to mind.

"... actually... might i ask how long this resentment has gone on? Was it spurred on by the betrothal, or... perhaps something else? If you know, of course... I could always perhaps ask for the other half of things later if need be."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Well…

*Victor wants to argue against the notion of Vern help ever being the problem. The winter sprite silently berates himself for the number of times he’s fallen short and needed Vern’s help. Once was too much, but several times after? It only serves to remind him of how short his abilities fall.*

*Victor glances away as his eyes adjust to the Diasomnia gloom. Sifting through memories twists his features. Envy driving pain deeper into his soul as he follows Benny*

He… always was polite on our arranged dates… but… I guess it all changed when he met Stravi. For a human, his music skills were on another level… Vern would smile for him, he would move so beautifully with the wind to those songs…… it hurt so badly to see it… then there was a whole scandal around them…….

*his voice trails, eyes glancing around to ensure no other ears can hear his words. Victor knows they’re getting into some sensitive information*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Hm... so not only was there no chemistry, despite the forced proximity that had been placed upon you both, but he was already in love with another as well?" Benny asked, more as a courtesy than anything. He already knew his upperclassman had feelings for another (in fact, someone within his own dorm), but he hadn't known about any further feelings...

He waltzed inside of the dorm, hands feeling along the wall for something in particular. A secret button, hidden amongst the dark stone bricks that made up the interior walls.

"You've no need to continue your tale just yet, though. I should find us somewhere actually quiet to talk, I think. It seems there's... a lot more to this than I could even imagine..."

His hand clicked against the wall, and a small passage opened up. That was. Faster than expected.

"Here. The others sometimes collect things like food or blankets. It's a common hiding space during dinnertime... so please mind any mess that may have been left behind."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Well… he met Stravi several decades into our courtship…

*Victor manages to nod a solemn confirmation, along with the small correction. Stewing in memories has left his own feelings for the spring sprite plastered on his features. Affection is there, the tenderness of first love marred by rejection and consist coldness. He’s grateful to stay silent for a moment, following Benny along the wall.*

*the hidden area gives him pause. He hadn’t expected such a comforting space to be in these dark halls. Relief pulls at his lips as he steps further into the space.*

Well….. if they’ve left it, surely they don’t mind others borrowing things for a little while?

*He doesn’t mind a bit of the mess, finding a comfortable spot on a faux fur blanket. He’s used to real fur, typically Fen’s shed fur turned blanket, but the faux is soft and a decent substitute.*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Of course not. It's practically a haven from the day-to-day chaos that one would expect from a dorm led by people like Housewarden Malleus or Vice Housewarden Lilia..."

The room was on the chilly side, with only a few small electric lanterns someone had brought to light the room. Benny figured it was perfect for scary stories and sleepovers in particular, but honestly any story would be fine to be told here - and he wasn't one to ignore stories of love unrequited.

He took a seat on a small cushion, wrapping a thick blanket around himself to keep warm in the cool space. His tail poked out from beneath it, swaying in intrigue and curiosity.

"It's also pleasantly out of the way for prying ears. So please do feel free to continue whenever you are ready... It must have been... strange, watching someone you love so dearly I that way falling for another, even if you had been 'together' in a sense for a long time... at least by mortal standards."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

The privacy is nice…

*The winter sprite like more than comfortable despite the chill air. Funnily, a slight fog hovers around him as the room adjusts to him. Victor leans back on a few cushions with a hum. Recalling the memories aches like an old wound.*

Strange is one way to say it. How could I not be demoralized and envious of how easily they got along? Vern selected Stravi at the festivals when it was time for the wind to move. At least, while he could in the summer months…. But…

*Victor sighs, trying to let the tension out. He has to tilt his head back to keep the stinging heat in his eyes at bay*

But then one summer, Vern locked himself away just after midsummer. Stravi was one of the only ones to see him for the season… rumors started flying when he proposed to Vern, only fueled by Vern rejecting that proposal. The two of them moved in together after anyway…

*he shoves a hand in his pocket. Not from the cold, but rather to hide the trembling in it*

I… later found out there was a baby involved between them. It makes sense, really…… the sprite elders would refuse to let him be with another, unless he was with child. Even now it hurts… knowing he would go that far to get rid of me…

*his eyes are watery, tears threatening to escape. It still feels like yesterday. It shouldn’t bother him, yet he should know better. To be reminded of his place as a tool twists his heart *

[night-raven-miscellany]

"I... to think..." Benny hemmed and hawed, not quite sure what to say to the revelation. His tail swayed across the floor, making a soft brushing noise against the aged wood panels. "That's..."

It was... heavy, to say the least. Fae rules were strict, that much he knew. He couldn't be surprised that anyone would be willing to go to such lengths to break free of the chains that held them back, but he could also understand that even if you are not meant to be, seeing the one you love go that far? It was painful, a searing sensation that burned eternal, even if you could eventually move on.

Benny offered a hand out, albeit covered by the blanket. It was an awkward, yet earnest gesture made in attempts to comfort the winter sprite.

"Something like that... it must be painful, carrying that knowledge with you... and yet you continue to try so hard..."

He wished he had more to say, but he really couldn't offer much more than his deepest sympathies, and a slight bit of admiration for the perceived persistence the other held.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor is hesitant at the offered hand. Too many years of false comforts has him shifting like a dog that fears trusting kindness. His hands stay firmly away. A layer of frost slowly feathers out of his pockets.*

I… continue while hoping he forgives me. For causing him to go to such extremes, and for what he doesn’t about me and Stravi… I hope he never has to know, but fear he already does…

*the winter sprite looks down as the memory of the sins he’s committed starts to surface. How can he explain the horrid actions he’s done at the bidding of others?*

Besides…. Vern went through more than enough pain between their child, his sister, and my meddling… he lost everything so quickly, and I’m partially responsible…

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny frowned, pulling his hand back and placing it in his lap. He would not push, not more than he had... at least not physically. Though... he wasn't sure how much he should push Victor, either. He must have been bringing up far more unpleasant memories than he thought. But... there were still many more questions that the crocodile fae had.

"This story- no... You've been through a lot, friend... it seems that Vern has as well. I... it feels improper to ask to continue on or ask any more but... you say something happened between you and this 'Stravi' fellow as well...?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*the tension melts from his shoulders and arms as Benny pulls his hand back. Victor lets out a long, silent exhale as he thinks about the question. About the bittersweet memories dancing around his heart. Still, the winter sprite nods*

It’s alright…. Stravi and I… well, he had chosen to watch over Vern after an incident left him in an extended Deep Sleep. No one knew if Vern would ever wake up again, yet… Stravi remained at his side for two harsh winters. I… had agreed to bring some food to him when I could and we had… something of a friendship before… uh…

*Victor’s cheeks turn rosy. There’s tender warmth filling him, secrets he holds dear. Thoughts of their physical intimacy was something fragile he could find some comfort in. At the very least, it’s something he can comprehend well*

If I say the next part, may I ask you to promise to not speak of it to Vern?

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny nodded quietly, the only sound being that of his tail continuing to swish along the ground. He knew that look of warmth, yet another form that love could take; the pleasant memories and fuzzy nostalgia for a time long gone. Even if such memories were ripped away by force or merely faded with the passage of time. Really, he didn't know how much he could say it, but this story was seeming to be much, MUCH deeper than he thought.

He wondered how much Casimir knew of these things as well, even if his peer sometimes chose to disregard his presence...

"Of course. This is a place where escaped words remain in secrecy. It would be rude of me to start blabbing to another the minute we leave, let alone a key player in events."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Good…. that’s appreciated. I’m well aware of how easy it is for word to travel…

*Victor takes a steadying breath as he shifts. The warmth wavers as his nerves start sparking. Fragile memories as delicate as snowflakes pile up in his mind*

It uh… I guess our friendship started over a birthday cake, a present, and a kiss. Eventually, at an extremely emotional low for both of us, we…. sort of fell into bed. You could call it a winter fling, I guess…. Then my step-mom ordered me to….

*the winter sprite stops himself, not wanting to think about the sin he had been ordered to carry out. A dark shadow crossing his features makes him shiver*

Well… let’s just say I’m to blame for Stravi not being here and I……. I don’t know how I can ever make it up to Vern. I know he doesn’t know that it’s my fault, but I… I just want to get him to smile…

[night-raven-miscellany]

A love triangle and...

...

When Benny said it wasnt like anyone died, HE DIDNT MEAN IT LITERALLY. And yet... such a heinous thing... there was more to it than that. It was not a crime of passion, nor was it done in malice...

"... once again, the one true enemy presents itself, and the rule proves true..." Benny said, his expression grim. For such a whimsical fellow, his more serious looks were... jarring to see, to say the least. His brown eyes seemed to hold a strange frustration to them, and his shoulders tensed in a worry that would be unfamiliar to anyone but himself.

"... Did you do these things of your own volition?"

Why did every relationship seem to crumble under the very same idea? Benny had seen time and again how such... idyllic relationships would fall apart from it... would he and Cinthe even...

No... he couldn't think like that. That would only turn everything into a self-fulfilling prophecy... he would have to write at least two letters later to make up for it, even if he didn't send them.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*the intensity in Benny’s gaze and words has Victor shift his legs closer to himself. Being knocked out of the ease he had permitted himself is now off balance. Uncertainty keeps his senses sharp. A trembling hand finds its way over his left eye, threading his hair to cover it.*

….. have I said anything to make you think I wanted to..?

*Victor’s voice is low, threatening to crack every few syllables. His entire system is waiting for something to happen as his words attempt to appease the other. Worry and regret, his tormentors*

……. I couldn’t disobey….. I wasn’t strong enough to resist her…… I couldn’t help Stravi…. and I’m never enough for Vern…

*perhaps he shouldn’t have followed into such an enclosed space. Having only one way out is making every tiny hair on his neck stand up*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny was quiet, too quiet, for a long time. The silence fell heavy over the room, but... despite his furrowed brow and deep grimace, he wasn't mad. At least, not entirely. Flummoxed was probably a more apt descriptor of his thoughts, the way connections to his own stories and assorted ideas scattered around his brain like roaches being exposed to the light. So many things in his mind, and yet he could grasp at none of them.

Eventually, though, he sighed. A deep, heavy sound that filled the vacuum, primarily confused and tired.

"... no. I... apologize for my brief lapse of judgment. You've given me no reason whatsoever to assume that such a vile action was an act made in clear and level judgment. You are calculated, but... you aren't evil, from what I've ascertained."

He tried to speak as gently as he could, but it came off a bit more uncertain than anything. Even if he DIDN'T think that Victor seemed like a bad person, murder was definitely... not an easy thing to confess to OR hear about.

But... the latter's words only solidified what he already knew.

"... it's sickening, isn't it? How just the mere act of overstepping boundaries, the whims of an overbearing family member, the reach of people beyond your comprehension... all of these things can ruin the love that courses through each and every one of us. Sometimes it's even claimed to be done under the guise of such a beautiful thing..."

His fists clenched beneath the blanket, tightening the fabric covering them.

"All because they 'love' you. And they can't even see how it hurts you and those around you. And it tears you apart, not only from the inside out, but from everyone around you - sometimes even people you don't even realize care!"

Grandfather. His stupid rules. His stupid values. If it wasn't for those, maybe his mother would still...

...

He stopped himself, coughing lightly. He was letting this get to him a bit too much, perhaps. It was rather unbecoming... and really, a bad look.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Yes…. It’s all quite stifling whenever they claim it’s for you… when it’s truly just to benefit them. Sometimes they don’t bother to hide it, others they use your feelings for another as motive…

*he doesn’t mean for it to happen, yet rogue tears finally fall. Having another able to so freely capture the feelings he can hardly voice. Still, each one that falls freezes to his cheeks. Apologies are not what he’s used to*

I…. am still undeserving of affection. I don’t think I will ever be enough to earn even a tiny fraction from Vern… no matter what I do…

*Victor eases a little, taking some comfort as he registers Benny’s frustration is not towards him.*

It’s too much…

[night-raven-miscellany]

"It's cruel... no matter for what reason it happens, it cuts like a knife and bleeds you from the inside..." The freshman sighed, his entire body seeming to wilt in solemnity, frustration, and every other negative emotion that was being dug up the more he got into his own head about things. "Because you love each other. Because you want them to be happy... and it all gets used up for something that ultimately helps no one."

Victor's comment gave Benny some pause.

That was the other thing that made him so irrationally upset about the situation - the resulting feeling afterwards. One that Benny believed no one should have to feel at any point in their lives.

He reached out again, his scaled hand poking out from beneath his blanket.

"... even if it does not come from him, I don't believe that you do not deserve some level of warmth in your life. Everyone deserves to be shown love in some way... whether it's from a friend, a family member, a pet, or a lover."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor’s gaze flicks to Benny’s hand. He doesn’t have the energy to shrink away, not when the words offered are coming from a place that leaves the other seemingly deflated. The winter sprite lets out a shaky exhale. His hand lifts to scratch a few frozen tears off his cheeks, leaving irritated marks behind*

I…. would like a little from him… just one last smile, if that’s not too selfish. I saved my familiar, and he has been at my side since… but I… I couldn’t even court Vern properly. As things are now, I can’t be foolish enough to offer court to another.

*the politics of his life are crushing. Even as the head of his own house, the one he wants at his side would be ridiculed. He has nothing to offer, no way to promise his heart and comfort to another. His house is cold, and he has spent too long as a tool*

I don’t have enough to give in return for affection from another. I can’t even catch the eye of another without criticism….. with Vern’s interest being held by another, I… I’m just an old bachelor. For sprites, my time for marriage is basically over….. tradition says I should have wed Vern a decade ago, but I promised him to wait. To give him a chance to be happy… and now he is…… he can smile, even if it’s not towards me….

*excuses. It’s all excuses to not hurt himself. To avoid the deeply driven pain of how love is something he should earn. A warmth he can only have if another is willing to grant it to him. It’s something he’s desperate to grasp, yet it slips away from him. He doesn’t understand love when it’s so freely given, yet thirsts for it*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny sighed, reaching up to take his hat off as he scratched his head.

"And who says you still can't at least try at this point? Or that you need to give in order to receive love? You mentioned a familiar, yes? He follows you with the utmost loyalty. And I've heard tell you spend much time in the Ramshackle dorm - what of the students there? Do they not accept you wholeheartedly?"

It was a genuine question. Politics or no, Benny believed that there was always a chance for someone to find the love that worked best for them.

"And... fae rules aside, aren't we all known for being lovers of tricks and mischief anyways, even amongst one another? There are always ways around the whims of another, so long as you're willing to look and fight for them."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor is silent as he turns the questions over in his head. Benny makes it all sound so simple, so effortless. Yet, the winter sprite doesn’t understand such comforts. The ease of security is unfamiliar.*

I… do what I can for them. Becoming my familiar was the only way to keep him safe, to stop others from sentencing him to death…. All for defending me. Anyone near me gets hurt eventually.

*he can’t entirely speak for Ramshackle. The comfort he finds there makes him want to do better, to do more. Cooking meals and repairing the building in exchange for the warmth is the least he can do. Part of him is terrified to consider not needing to do anything*

We fae do enjoy our tricks… and yet when I choose to do so, someone gets injured. Besides, how could I possibly try courting another when I still wish for Vern to smile? It hardly seems fair….

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Well I've not been hurt yet. And I'm sure I'd overhear something if you had hurt those that you know in other dorms - word travels quickly, yknow? Plus, I'm sure anyone that resents you for such a thing has already found a way to make that known."

The lighthearted whimsy that Benny much preferred was beginning to return in his attempts to comfort Victor. It was cheerful, but gentle - a playful optimism that was still restrained, just to avoid overwhelming.

(And, honestly to him - one who had a relatively short and sheltered life thus far - it really did seem relatively simple... he had not lived the years that others of his kind had, and so perhaps it was his youth that caused him to be so unabashedly certain of how things worked.)

"Really, love is not fair. She can be kind and encompassing of all her disciples, but she can also be fickle and finicky... you'll never get anywhere by going for someone who has long since sought out another. Part of the problem lies in control of the situation, yes... but it also cannot be denied that a part of YOUR problem is your persistence - an admirable trait for sure, but... I dare say it borders on futile in this situation."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

You… are fortunate..

*Victor’s decades are starting to show. There’s a weariness pressing down on him like a crushing mountain. It’s more than just the decades of failing to court Vern, there’s also the heavy chains of tradition. His failures to live up to expectations.*

….. maybe my efforts are useless, but…. how else can I return the warmth he once gave me? He saved more than just my life that day…

*his chest aches. As he shakes his head at how ridiculous it all must sound. To constantly offer his heart to someone who has made a hearth with another is a horrible notion. One that will end with him hurting more*

All I want is his smile… perhaps less hostility, though I deserve every ounce. How can I even entertain trying to court another…? What do I do if someone I care for happens to be close with him, too? They could have their perspective of me warped by Vern’s ire towards me…

[yueka-min-starlight]

Hm? Oh… hello little one… you umm… really shouldn’t be on these shelves, it’s um… quite dangerous…

*Vern gently scoops mouse Yueka up with a soft giggle. He gives the mouse gentle head scritches*

Can I ummm… trust you to stay out of the um… ingredients?

@hello-from-nrc-infirmary

Chu chu ( Senpai it's mee !! . Yueka!! )

Yueka closed her eyes when she got head scratches

Chu chu ( it's so nice ~ .... Yeah I won't go towards the ingredients.....)

CHU ( WHAT AM I DOING )

Mouse Yueka jumps out of vern's hand and runs towards a pile of clothes and drags a magic pen

Chu----* huff * chu----- * huff * ( this is *huff* my magic pen *huff* my name is on it )

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Hm? Oh… can you ummm… slow down, please? My mouse is not the umm… best…

*Vern follows and kneels down to lift the magic pen to examine it*

Are you Yueka’s friend..? Do you umm… know what happened to her?

[yueka-min-starlight]

Yueka paws towards the pile of clothes then at the magic pen then at herself

Chu chu ( I am not my own friend! It's me , I am Yueka )

Yueka tries her best to gesture to things

Chu chu ( I thought they teach animal language in class did you forget? Or is it the mouse language that's giving you trouble? )

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

You…. are Yueka..? I see… that is umm… quite the predicament. Unfortunately, I ummm…. don’t think we have anything to um… change you back until ummm… the next delivery day….

*Vern frowns as he does his best to understand, though his cheeks tint pink as he registers the question on his struggles*

I ummm…. am better at elk, equine, and um… other hoofed animal languages…. mouse domestic animal languages are a bit umm… difficult for me

[yueka-min-starlight]

Yueka runs towards a tablet and opens the notes app with her paws

( I accidentally drank some potion and now I am a mouse )

( I can do some basic magic in this form but I can't use my unique magic .. it takes too much magic reserve )

Yueka taps away on the tablet

( I think I will be mostly okay but you should look down before walking.....)

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Vern watches Yueka tap away, reading as she goes.*

I see… it um… should wear off on its own. If it’s still in effect but the next ummmm…. inventory day, we can mix something up for you?

*He hums and rummages in a drawer for a moment to find a bell. Taking a ribbon out of his satchel, he threads the tiny bell onto the ribbon. He holds it out for Yueka to see*

Would you like to umm.. wear this? So I can hear you um… running around?

[patito-tech]

Journal Entry #1⊹ ࣪ ˖ ໒꒱

I saw a cute lil duck on the park today...

ISN'T SHE CUTE???<33

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

U-um… that is a umm… northern goose, but she is quite cute. Do be careful, geese ummm…. can bite…

[patito-tech]

Goose??? Never heard of that but I wanna keep her!!!

Although, she hasn't bitten me so far...soooo is this a sign she likes me!?

OMG

I need a whole new resume for this goose-y.....

What ya think, Vern??? Do you think my team and Boss won't mind?

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Please umm… get the bites treated…

The only um… non-domestic animals allowed in the dorms are ummm… familiars. Even then, they’re typically to be um… kept outdoors

[patito-tech]

But I am not in—ohhhhh….You don’t know it my bad hahah-

YES, SIR! I WILL HAVE HER AS MY FAMILIAR SINCE SHE HASN’T BITTEN ME!!

🫡🫡🫡

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Treat her well, and umm… remember to never feed her bread. Starch is bad for her stomach and has no nutritional value, bird seed will umm… be good for her

[patito-tech]

Journal Entry #1⊹ ࣪ ˖ ໒꒱

I saw a cute lil duck on the park today...

ISN'T SHE CUTE???<33

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

U-um… that is a umm… northern goose, but she is quite cute. Do be careful, geese ummm…. can bite…

[patito-tech]

Goose??? Never heard of that but I wanna keep her!!!

Although, she hasn't bitten me so far...soooo is this a sign she likes me!?

OMG

I need a whole new resume for this goose-y.....

What ya think, Vern??? Do you think my team and Boss won't mind?

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Please umm… get the bites treated…

The only um… non-domestic animals allowed in the dorms are ummm… familiars. Even then, they’re typically to be um… kept outdoors

[patito-tech]

Journal Entry #1⊹ ࣪ ˖ ໒꒱

I saw a cute lil duck on the park today...

ISN'T SHE CUTE???<33

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

U-um… that is a umm… northern goose, but she is quite cute. Do be careful, geese ummm…. can bite…

[yueka-min-starlight]

Hm? Oh… hello little one… you umm… really shouldn’t be on these shelves, it’s um… quite dangerous…

*Vern gently scoops mouse Yueka up with a soft giggle. He gives the mouse gentle head scritches*

Can I ummm… trust you to stay out of the um… ingredients?

@hello-from-nrc-infirmary

Chu chu ( Senpai it's mee !! . Yueka!! )

Yueka closed her eyes when she got head scratches

Chu chu ( it's so nice ~ .... Yeah I won't go towards the ingredients.....)

CHU ( WHAT AM I DOING )

Mouse Yueka jumps out of vern's hand and runs towards a pile of clothes and drags a magic pen

Chu----* huff * chu----- * huff * ( this is *huff* my magic pen *huff* my name is on it )

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Hm? Oh… can you ummm… slow down, please? My mouse is not the umm… best…

*Vern follows and kneels down to lift the magic pen to examine it*

Are you Yueka’s friend..? Do you umm… know what happened to her?

[yueka-min-starlight]

Yueka paws towards the pile of clothes then at the magic pen then at herself

Chu chu ( I am not my own friend! It's me , I am Yueka )

Yueka tries her best to gesture to things

Chu chu ( I thought they teach animal language in class did you forget? Or is it the mouse language that's giving you trouble? )

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

You…. are Yueka..? I see… that is umm… quite the predicament. Unfortunately, I ummm…. don’t think we have anything to um… change you back until ummm… the next delivery day….

*Vern frowns as he does his best to understand, though his cheeks tint pink as he registers the question on his struggles*

I ummm…. am better at elk, equine, and um… other hoofed animal languages…. mouse domestic animal languages are a bit umm… difficult for me

[yueka-min-starlight]

Hm? Oh… hello little one… you umm… really shouldn’t be on these shelves, it’s um… quite dangerous…

*Vern gently scoops mouse Yueka up with a soft giggle. He gives the mouse gentle head scritches*

Can I ummm… trust you to stay out of the um… ingredients?

@hello-from-nrc-infirmary

Chu chu ( Senpai it's mee !! . Yueka!! )

Yueka closed her eyes when she got head scratches

Chu chu ( it's so nice ~ .... Yeah I won't go towards the ingredients.....)

CHU ( WHAT AM I DOING )

Mouse Yueka jumps out of vern's hand and runs towards a pile of clothes and drags a magic pen

Chu----* huff * chu----- * huff * ( this is *huff* my magic pen *huff* my name is on it )

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Hm? Oh… can you ummm… slow down, please? My mouse is not the umm… best…

*Vern follows and kneels down to lift the magic pen to examine it*

Are you Yueka’s friend..? Do you umm… know what happened to her?

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

A very rare patch of free time for Yuna meant she had the opportunity to actually sit and... yknow. Catch up with her friends outside of the dorm. Minerva, in particular, was one that she hadn't spent too much time with since the other girl transferred.

It meant she was also afforded the opportunity to have a wonderfully pleasant picnic. With delicate finger sandwiches and pastries and lemonade and whatever else either of them deemed necessary laid about, it was the ideal setup in both of their opinions. Minerva had even dared to exist in public in a human form for once! Not an an animal! Truly, it seemed that, despite the odds, absolutely nothing could ruin such a positive mood on such a lovely day.

...

Nothing except the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps as a mad storm of chaos, fur, and... a distinctly chilly breeze, of course.

But... what were the odds that such chaos would be directly attracted to the two girls? Surely, the shenanigans of NRC could wait to attack Yuna at least until another day, right?

...

Right...?

🦐Yuna and 🥀Minerva ( @night-raven-miscellany )

(✨️figured id throw out both of my girls for the fen event bc its already silly and I also think minnie should see the chaos for herself for once hehehe)

*the excited flurry of a strange beastman with familiar features barrels to a stop at the lovely picnic! He sniffs at the little sandwiches and pastries, even daring to get his face extra close to take a lick at one of the smaller ones and grabs it with his teeth. Sitting back up, his tail thumps happily against the ground as Victor rushes over. The winter sprite is a little out of breath thanks in part to the warm weather. Still, he grabs Fen by his, now loose, Ramshackle collar to try and yank him AWAY from the picnic food*

FEN! Sevens…. I’m so sorry Yuna and uh…. It’s Min, right?

[night-raven-miscellany]

Yuna smiled softly, continuing to offer the pats as long as they were accepted.

"That's a really sweet story... it's nice, y'know, when you find someone that treats you like everyone else... when you're used to being outcast, it's hard. Regardless of if you're seen as better than everyone else or worse than them."

She sighed, thinking about one of her upperclassman friends.

"It's kinda funny... I'm imagining a wolf like... half your size trying to knock you down like everyone else... is there anything else she did that ever stuck out to you?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Yeah… she was like the moon to me…

*Fen settles happily into the pats. Victor slowly remembers to lower his hand back onto his familiar’s shoulder*

I was smaller back then… only a foot taller than her! She said I left myself too open, and made a game out of tackling me… I got better at defense thanks to her

*understanding finally settles into Victor’s features. It was quite a long time ago, then. Fen hadn’t been that size in over a century. He’s still not sure how the wolf hid his relationship so well*

I got scared about asking her to be my mate…. I was worried if I kept growing from Victor’s magic that I would hurt her. Then, she saved me one day, and it all came tumbling out…. She called me a fool and said she already picked me for a mate

*Victor smiles a little. It seems both him and Fen struggle with relationships and talking*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"That's... really sweet," Yuna said, "you two really did love each other a lot, huh?"

It was a cute story... real love. She never talked about it, but she always did enjoy the occasional love story. Even if she knew that the genuine kind like this really never was meant to last. Star-crossed lovers always seemed to fall apart at the last minute...

"Something my mom always told me was that it doesn't matter what you look like or how big you get... someone who truly loves you won't see all that and will see you for your heart instead... it seems like your mate was truly in love with you..."

Yuna paused for a minute. Soft clicking escaped from her as she thought, before she hummed with an idea (though it would definitely need to wait until later).

"... What was her name, by the way? If she had one, that is. I... don't really know how that kind of thing works among animals, so sorry if that's a weird question..."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Very much. Your mother is wise, yes? That is what it felt like with my mate…

*Fen nods, a loving grin warms his features. The old familiar truly cared for his mate, and can still find it in himself to smile about her. Even if his eyes look a little watery*

We have names, but I’m not sure how they translate to human tongue….. the sound is hard, but sometimes others can understand our names. Like how Victor found a way to speak mine

*Victor blinks at that*

Uh… well, it’s hard to explain how I knew yours. It sort of took shape while I spoke…

Try it for my mate! You can feel my thoughts! Let it shape your words!!!

*the winter sprite’s cheeks tint pink as he nods. Fen immediately shifts to press their foreheads together. Victor might not fully understand it all, but magic has a funny way of pulling words from him. If this was anyone else, the winter sprite might have pulled away, but he lets Fen cling tightly to him. Whatever bond they have has its own way of working*

It’s… a bit jumbled…….. does… Ghealach sound right..?

Close… not complete, but a nickname is good!

*Fen shifts back a little and turns to Yuna*

Ghealach… my mate… she was hoping we could…

*Fen shakes his head, shoving a memory back before he could finish it*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"She was pretty smart... most of the time." Yuna replied, "but I'm glad her words struck a chord with you."

Yuna listened intently while Fen and Victor discussed the idea of names. So... animals did have their own names, huh? She wondered how Victor had managed to figure out Fen's name or even what the conventions for animal names were... and from the rough translation she got, she assumed that it definitely was not similar to a series of books she had read as a child.

Ghealach. It was a pretty name, she thought. It reminded her of fantasy heroines and princesses and the like. She supposed it was fitting for someone she was picturing as majestic and strong. Even if she would probably not know what it meant.

"... Guessing that it has to do with a future that didn't happen..." She said softly, pursing her lips. "I'm sorry that all that happened to you..."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Life is full of changes… I always knew I would outlive her… even if it was too soon. Besides, the humans involved had to face me!

*Fen grins at that thought, a glint in his gaze has a bit of malice.*

Ghealach taught me defense. I refused to let them take more than her life from me

…. Is….. that the time you pulled my magic and caused a blizzard…?

*Fen looks away from Victor. He has the guilty look of any dog that’s trying to pretend he did nothing wrong*

So… Yuna…. Have you seen me when I use Victor’s ice to give my fur those defensive spikes? My mate helped me figure that out! Those humans didn’t expect it at all!!

Fen….

[night-raven-miscellany]

"That's... good that you figured that out," Yuna said, although the underlying malice unnerved her. "Defense... that was one of the things that was hard for me to learn by myself. I wish someone was there for me, too..."

Though she... probably wouldn't have gone to seek revenge or anything of the sort. Except in one case, she figured maybe she could go get in a few punches of revenge...

"Oh wait! How did she even help you figure out the magic thing anyways? Like... is that what actually happens when you eat it or was it a whole other thing...?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

I can help you! A little, at least…

*Fen adjusts to be comfy again, using Victor as make-shift bed*

She would sneak up and pounce on me. One day, I used those spikes on accident… it hurt her paw, but she insisted on me trying to control it better. I’m not sure what happens when I eat magic, but the spikes don’t feel like Victor’s magic when I use them? Sort of like it’s mine, but not mine?

But when you decide to summon a blizzard, it drains my magic?

Yeah! Uhhmmm… yes… I’m sorry about the one time…

*Victor sighs and ruffles Fen’s hair.*

It’s fine… I lived…

*Meanwhile…. Vern is waiting for Minerva while Folia simply watches from his phone screen. They’re hyper focused…*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"I won't say no to the help. Even if I can get by sometimes now, I dont really like not knowing the best possible way to keep myself safe in a fight, yknow?"

Yuna sighed, leaning back against the wall, feeling satisfied now that she had gotten to learn a bit more about those that share her dwelling.

-

Minerva had examined a few different sample potions first to ensure the spell was working properly and to gauge how specific things might be described.

"Alrighty... nutrition post overblot... bitter and herbaceous with a nutty aftertaste... let's see the ingredients... mandragora leaves, ground nutmeg... okay yep! Everything here seems to fit the given descriptions too!" Minerva said, standing back up as she set the potion down on the desk. A small, magical monocle hovered over her eye as the spell went on. "I just need the sample of the potion and once we get that profile, we can go from there... I think I've got the hang of how this works now."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

……… I… guess even I can’t always keep you guys safe…

*Victor mumbles, seemingly lost in thought about something, absently petting Fen’s head while the familiar*

—

Oh.. I managed to find this while cleaning. I think it umm… might have splattered on the grass while Fen was um… running?

*Vern takes out a vial of red-tinted liquid to compare to the violet goop*

It um…. appears when it umm… activated it turned into this violet goo?

[night-raven-miscellany]

Yuna huffed softly, resting her head while she waited.

... not quite what she meant, but she would rather wait and ask about it later, anyways.

-

Minerva took the vial in her hands and examined it closely next to the goop.

"Hmmm... it does look like most of the traits align, but the purple one is slightly different. Makes sense, if an ingredient reacted to something outside of the potion - whether it was Fenny's magic, or the weather, or... anything, really. There aren't too many things that just change like that right off the bat, though, so that should narrow it down..." Minerva explained, correcting the monocle to look closer. "Oh! And... I dunno if youre gonna jot this down or you need me to, but the red is smoky, warm, and bitter with a slight sweet undertone, whereas the violet is also smoky and warm, but completely foregoes the bitterness for a sweet taste instead."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Don’t worry, I’m ummm…. making sure we have detailed notes!

*Vern quickly scribbles the information down*

I umm…. wonder if it reacted poorly to um…. Fen’s ability to devour magic? The two potions might have umm…. been in the middle of combining and had it disrupted?

*Fen is only half-listening as he settles against Victor. The familiar looks a bit sleepy, especially with the way Victor is scratching his head*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Mmmm maybe? If we can figure out what specifically the reactive component was, we can totes pinpoint what the change was actually caused by."

Minerva hummed as she looked closer. The vial wasn't labeled with anything, of course, so she had to run a mental checklist of red potions to start with - not to mention one with such a specific flavor profile and ingredient.

"Hmm... wait- did unicorn dust ever returned to the market as a catalyst for alchemical reactions? Thinking about our earlier conversation had me thinking about potential leads in our recipe... but I remember- er... I believe it was banned a couple centuries back"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Vern hums, tilting his head as he thinks. He had been distracted by thinking it was simply the potions reacting together or to Fen… and yet..*

Unicorn dust is umm…. incredibly difficult to get, but there was a um… push to gather it humanely half a century ago by domesticating some unicorns. Buying it is um.. expensive and restricted. We have to fill out extensive paperwork to ummm…. use it. However…

*he scans the shelves of ingredients before grabbing one down. Bringing it over he holds it out to Minerva*

The school keeps unicorn hair as a substitute… it’s umm… not as strong, but it’s easier to get a hold of…

[night-raven-miscellany]

Minerva hemmed and hawed, observing the container of hairs.

"I... usually prefer to do my glamours myself, of course but this kinda thing is usually included in glamour and transformation potions due to its unique properties... Sevens now I wish I wrote those old recipes down...

I recall the dust is very finicky when used in potionmaking - if the consistency is off or you do the wrong step too soon or... anything, really, it can totally change the properties of whatever you're making. Think it'd be a stretch to say that maybe the substituted hair had a similar effect in this potion? Cause uh... clearly it is a transformative concoction of some variety..."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

I think it umm… would be likely…. Professor Crewel will on, rare occasions, use potions with unicorn hair as a ummm…. ingredient for tests. Usually with the umm… upperclassmen, but… oh!

*Vern quickly goes to the desk and shifts through some papers, scanning them quickly as he brings two over*

Here, these are the umm… potion ingredients used for the last 3rd year and 3rd year advanced potionology tests… the advanced class was um… using unicorn hair to ummm… transform mushrooms into flowers

[night-raven-miscellany]

Minerva's face lit up at the records, skimming them over as she read through the ingredients. The list... wound up earning her a small smirk at the irony of it all.

"Unicorn hair, a dash of phoenix ash, and... get this, wolfsbane. Poisonous in excess, but it was once used as folk medicine by ancient civilizations. One myth also suggests a powerful witch used it to turn someone into a spiderat some point so... makes sense that it could have been used here."

...

Okay so that second part was. Totally Minerva's bad, but she wasn't going to admit that out loud - and not just because there were a bunch of people in the room.

"My guess is someone skewed the ratios of one of the ingredients, probably the ashes if thats the case (since our furry friend is A-Okay aside from being bipedal now) OR someone fumbled an important step, and either way the hair reacted, which is why it had the particular effect it did... least that's my guess."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

I will umm… have to go over that myth again. It’s been some time since I’ve heard it but… I think it’s likely as you um… say. The wolfsbane….. perhaps that weakened or neutralized Fen’s ability to consume magic..?

*Vern muses as he examines the remnants of the potion in question, then turns to the ingredients*

Too many ashes would um… also explain how it became a goo when reacting to the ummm… unicorn hair. If someone umm… mixed up the amount of ashes and the amount of hair, then it could have reacted to the wolfsbane neutralizing Fen’s ability?

[night-raven-miscellany]

Minerva's smile thinned as she pursed her lips, but she continued working nonchalantly. The myths probably weren't too detailed, anyways... plus, a girl as young and gorgeous as her was totally in the clear, mhm, yep! But she still didn't really wanna air out too much of her... past business.

"Maybe. The magic could have prevented any major effects of toxicity... but that couldve come at the cost of neutralizing Fenny's magic, too."

She dipped a finger into the concoction, putting it up to her face to examine closer.

"Mmmmm yeah. An already unstable collection of ingredients mixed with an off ratio? You're asking for something to happen at that point, ANYWAYS. And if the wolfsbane neutralized the magic absorption, it would make sense that such a transformation potion actually WOULD affect him. Unstable, poorly mixed, and poorly... everything else, really." She added, wiping her finger off with a small cloth. "And of course... the instability means that it could last a few more minutes or a few months! Gotta love screwing up a recipe..."

All hope was not lost, though, as Minerva perked right back up and turned to Fen and the others.

"Luckily for you guys, however, I'll just need to gather a few specific things to make up an antidote. As long as you want this fixed, of course. It might have the potential to last a while, but the fun thing about potions, curses, and everything else in this world is that nothing is completely impermanent."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Fen perks up as Minerva addresses him. He’s a bit sleepy, but his tail gradually starts to wag. Victor gently massages the familiar’s ear as he speaks*

I think…. It’d be good to fix things sooner than later… right?

If that makes Victor happy!

It does, but doesn’t it make you happy, too?

Mmm…. I’m happy being with you, don’t care how

*Victor blinks slowly, processing the response. A rosiness blooms on his cheeks as he glances away. The embarrassment of it all has his gaze dropping to his bracelets*

Right… uh… so how long until you get the ingredients?

*Vern watches the two, a flicker of warmth appearing in his gaze. Perhaps, the spring sprite does have an occasional soft spot for the winter sprite.*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Aww, how cute," Minerva giggled, clasping her hands together in front of her. "But yeah - I can do sooner. It'll be at least an hour, maybe two to make sure I've got all the stuff I need, but it really won't be too too long."

What... she'd just need a sample of unicorn hair herself... a butterfly wing or two... hmm...? Okay, yeah, that could be gotten easily... yep

"Id suggest you guys find... somewhere to get cozy in the meantime. You could always stay here, but I can also totes stop by somewhere else - I'm not against same day delivery, straight to your door on potions, after all."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

An hour or two… shouldn’t take too long. Though… Yuna, would we be okay moving Fen to Ramshackle? I don’t want to cause trouble in the infirmary… but making it to Ramshackle might be… interesting…

*Fen’s ears flick to lay flat at that. He looks up at Victor with what should be puppy dog eyes, his tail stills as it tucks close*

I’ll be good….

I know… you’ve been very been so far! I just…. thought you’d be hungry is all! You ran off when you smelled food earlier!

…… still hungry….

*Vern frowns, holding his tongue at how this whole event was made from Fen being bad. Still, he doesn’t want to speak it. The spring sprite carefully turns so the familiar can’t see the sour expression on his face*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Minerva cocked an eyebrow as she glimpsed Vern's expression, pairing it with an amused scoff.

"You better be," Yuna huffed, sitting back up so she could cross her arms. "Good, that is... but honestly, I doubt we'll have too many troubles. As long as you can keep to the paths and not get too distracted."

"Plus, if all else fails, I could probably add a second potion to the mix - but careful! I only do one free trial <3 anything past the first taste will totes cost you."

Yuna rolled her eyes at that. She knew full well that this couldve been solved easily if Minerva wanted to... but she also knew that the witch was quite fond of her... "learning experiences" so...

Also- wouldn't the spell from earlier have been the free trial!? Yuna wanted to ask, but judging from how the other girl playfully winked, holding up a finger to her lips, Yuna decided she would be better off just ignoring it for now...

"... 's Folia still there? We should probably say bye to her before we dip, yknow."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

I already owe you for ruining your picnic so… I don’t mind bartering over potion prices as long as it’s reasonable…. Besides, it involves Fen, so I don’t mind

*Victor grins, but only for a moment before Fen topples him over to give his face light kisses. Unfortunately for the winter sprite, his familiar is alternating between pecks and his usual licks*

*Folia sits back down to be in frame on the camera.*

Apologies, I muted my end for a moment for a private matter. Is everything set to start making the remedy?

[night-raven-miscellany]

Minerva smiled, shaking her head.

"Not right now, I still need to grab a few things. Won't be but a thing, though. I'll just need a little bit of time to do all that, if either of you wanna help me a bit more.

Oh, and Viccy? I'm just teasing you about the charge - I'm not that cruel. Little Fenny didn't ask to go through all this, so everything I'm doing is completely free of charge. Just so you don't have to worry your pretty little head about it while you wait."

She shooed the residents of Ramshackle to the door, with Yuna giving a yelp of protest as the group was moved along.

"Wait- hey- i didnt even get to-"

"Cmooon already! A girl needs her space to work!"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Uh- wait! Are you sure?! I don’t mind!

*Folia can be heard softly chuckling. Victor looks ready to protest on multiple fronts, but Fen happily hops up and stumbles while trying to follow them. If anything, the familiar helps usher Victor and Yuna out of the infirmary*

Time to go? We can eat soon! Thirsty too…..

*Vern barely contains his own giggling at the scene. He’s busied himself with setting out supplies and equipment. Currently, the crocuses are helping him with a small pot of dirt*

I don’t mind umm… helping you out a little longer

Agreed, I can hopefully lend a hand. I have a few older texts that may be of some assistance… especially regarding Fen’s unique familiar abilities

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Wonderful, wonderful!" Minerva clapped her hands together giddily. "This should go swimmingly with you two around! Alright. Let's begin!"

A song, old and nostalgic, came from her lips as she seemingly began to glide around the room. Her footsteps were light as she bounced from shelf to shelf, collecting the few things she could get in here - she'd still have to sneak into the alchemy storage for one or two other things, but the professor probably wouldn't mind, if he even noticed the missing ingredients!

"Do you guys like stories while you work? Ooh- but hearing those older texts could be fun too-"

-

Yuna sighed on the other side of the infirmary door after having been ushered out by the others.

"Well... the good part is I can feel comfortable that the others know what they're doing, at least..."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

How about a umm… mix of both? The texts might help us ummm…. figure out the best way to mix the potion. Oh, and do tell me if umm.. there’s a specific plant we need

*Folia hums a note from the screen. She’s making notes while turning a yellowing page from a book. Whatever she’s looking into appears to require some translation. Which proves to be somewhat easy for the autumn sprite.*

The information I’ve find is mostly sourced from an ancient legend from the time of the gods… perhaps it may influence some decisions on ingredients? I would like to hear a few stories while everything is brewing, though

—

Yeah…

*Victor sighs as the door is shut behind them. He has to grab Fen’s collar to stop him from trying to get too far away from them. It looks almost comical, given their height difference*

Between the three of them, it should be fine. I’m not too familiar with Minerva, but I hear she knows her way around these things?

[night-raven-miscellany]

*there’s a commotion in the infirmary. Nothing particularly new, but today is worse than others. Vern’s voice holds venom, his demeanor that of a thorny plant*

Come on, Sweetheart… it’s just dinner…

I had lunch… I will um… be fine until later…

That was nearly 7 hours ago! Did you even finish it all?

Do you take me for a fool? I will never again eat anything you place in front of me!

*Victor winces at that. His chest feels like an icicle pierced it. The winter sprite looks away, his gaze finding the carefully pack lunch box in his hands.*

If you’ll umm… excuse me… I have to fill a potion order…

*Vern whisks himself towards the mixing station. He’s left Victor at the desk. The winter sprite’s mouth opens, only to close again. He can feel the stinging heat in his eyes. Tentatively, he hovers the boxed lunch over the desk. A mental debate of leaving it anyway freezing him in place*

@hello-from-nrc-infirmary (ooc// tee hee hee)

Benny had just been treated by the infirmary, receiving some simple treatment after being thrown from his horse during his extracurriculars. The poor thing had gotten startled by another horse and launched him from her back, and his clubmates had insisted he at least go to make sure he wasn't concussed.

Luckily for him, though, nothing severe had occurred. The worst the young fae got away with was some rough bruising that would take a bit of time to heal and some superficial scratches.

Still, on his way out, he could not help but notice the infirmary lead and the guest that had been trying to interact... ah, a determined love that was not meant to be... at least, not romantic. Such a thing was always sad, in Benny's opinion - love was not easy, after all, and could be quite the cruel mistress at times. To put such care and effort into something only to be so harshly rebuked.

Okay so maybe there was context Benny was missing... but for all he could see, this was pretty sad.

"Ah... rejection is always one of the harshest feelings, especially when you pour your whole heart into something," He mused aloud, shaking his head.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Benny’s musing snaps Victor back to his surroundings. It’s a rarity to catch the winter sprite off guard, especially for those outside of Ramshackle. He glances over to the younger fae with a forced, yet pained curl of his lip. Victor can’t bring himself to fully grin, not even the one he has practiced for years can be summoned to his features*

I…. should have known better… he hasn’t taken kindly to my cooking since… okay, maybe he’s never liked it.

*Victor’s gaze flickers to the lunch box again for just a moment. The pain in his chest makes it hard, yet he finds himself willing to talk. Besides, if he went back to Ramshackle now, Yuna would notice the redness in his eyes and worry. He didn’t want that, not over something that should be insignificant. Even so, it feels like he’s caught in an ice storm*

But… He used to pretend he would eat it… not outright reject it altogether. It’s not like I was asking him on a date…

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny nodded along sympathetically, feeling bad about the plight of the fellow before him. Clearly, this was not the first time something like this had happened for the fellow, whether his gestures of love were meant as a friend or as more... to reject romance was one thing, but to reject gestures of friendship and kindness... well, everyone had their reasons. And while Benny certainly knew a little bit from his eloquently-spoken roommate, he couldn't make a judgment on something he only knew "a little bit" about.

"Love can be a turbulent thing, my friend," He said, taking off his hat and placing it somberly to his chest - like a man offering respect to a companion long gone. "What in the world might have brought things to such a harsh present? The two of you must have some kind of history for one to earn such a disdainful reaction - one so strong that I offer my deepest sympathies to you for..."

One that he offered based on things at a glance, of course, but one he offered nevertheless.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor dips his head in silent gratitude for Benny’s offered sympathies. The winter sprite’s heart is more wounded these days, happy to take the chance to lay down when it’s offered to him*

It’s…. my fault, I think. He was my fiancé…

*was, as in no longer. The fact of them breaking things off is still fresh. A spike that drives itself deeper into his heart, threatening to scar his soul. Victor knows he should keep moving forward, but times like this kindle the fragile flame still in his chest*

Cooking is the one skill I know I have, yet he didn’t like what I would make him. Why he used to eat it anyway is beyond me… maybe he was just being polite all these years..? I just… wish he still cared a little about my feelings enough to feign courtesy

[night-raven-miscellany]

And see? Already, Benny was quickly getting a vastly different image from the one that he'd heard about from Casimir-

Okay, not REALLY. But that wasn't bad. Benny got the feeling that his roommate could acknowledge the solemn, noble air that this fellow had, and knew that the guy wouldn't talk about ANYONE he actively disliked more than only once or twice. And despite not knowing much, Benny did still at least hear about Victor on several occasions.

"Your fiancé? Ah, then that's even more tragic," Benny shook his head, clicking his tongue. "Have you ever received a reason for such hatred? Or- well, have you ever asked what caused such a response?"

It couldn't have just been nothing, right? Benny knew these kinds of things weren't just... poof! Spontaneously resentful. Even in arranged marriages, at least the ones he had researched, had some level of surface-level understanding. Even if things didn't work out in the long term, the civility was there!

"Ah, nevermind. I shouldn't pry into the affairs of a stranger," He said, "but... at the same time, it's clear you hold a heavy weight in your heart... I'm assuming you still hold deep love for Vern, hm?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

It’s…. quite alright. I mean, who wouldn’t still hold their first love close?

*Victor glances towards the back. Just to catch a glimpse of Vern moving around beyond a door left partially opened. If he had his contacts, they would have hidden the longing in his eyes. They hold fragility of late ice cracking under the warmth of early spring*

We’re not… engaged anymore. It’s for the best, I think…. he’s happier with another. Our engagement was forced on him….. all for showing me a little kindness. Though, I’m not sure if it’s just that or everything that happened after

*sighing, the winter sprite softly places the boxed lunch on the desk. Maybe Vern will throw it out, or maybe he won’t. It might be his own injured vanity, but leaving the food makes him feel a little better*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Hm... not only is such love tragically unrequited, but to see the one you love is happy with another - ah... the tragedy of it all. To ruin such happiness would hardly be an act of love, but twould be an act many have fallen to in the past... so to accept such rejection with such grace is rather loving in and of itself...

Didn't make Benny feel any less bad, though.

"Surely it isn't entirely your fault? Unless you went out of your way to ruin things by proclaiming love for another or forcing love when there was no desire or like... I dunno... killing someone for no reason...?"

What? It was the worst thing he could think of other than those other things.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor visibly stiffens at that. Sure, it’s probably just a casual one-off type question, an exaggeration in the mind of the younger fae. Yet guilt drives deep into his soul, the kind that brings one to their knees at an alter, begging forgiveness for such a sin. A shadow veiling his expression forces him to look away*

No… I’m certain it’s all me. Regardless of things done on behalf of another, the blame still comes down to me.

*a sore subject, one that keeps his voice lowered as he glances uneasily towards Vern. Victor hopes the spring sprite isn’t bothering to listen*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny took note of the guilt - heavy and thick, like a blanket of snow blocking a windowsill. Something that he wouldn't quite be able to crack open without a mess. The story here was clearly much deeper than he expected, and he hadn't even been digging quite that long... he probably had no right to push that particular button any further anyways.

"That's a rather sad way to look at it, my friend," He sighed. Not that he really had any place to judge, but he was certainly going to make his thoughts known at the very least. "Love is a two-way street. A conversation. A team effort. It really is hard to put it all entirely on one person without imagining the most egregious circumstances... and you don't seem the egregious type to me. At least not in this context."

He was supposed to be on his way out, but clearly matters of the heart were FAR more important. Even if the ideal thing right now was also to get his senior a change of scenery.

"... perhaps you could regale me with your story? You'd do well to leave, I can see how merely being here weighs on your heart... but if you came with me, maybe we could at least figure out where some of these burdens truly come from?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

My story… is not a happy one, but…

*a fragile smile finds its way to Victor’s features. A small kindness in the form of leaving the infirmary. That is something he can agree to. The winter sprite leaves the food behind, hoping it will warm someone’s belly.*

I believe a change in scenery would be nice… especially for such a dreary tale. No where that is overly hot, though… I might melt

*for some reason, Victor can’t help but follow Benny out of the infirmary. Whether it’s in how the other speaks or his demeanor, is hard to say. That or the winter sprite is growing softer from his days in Ramshackle*

Apologies, I never got your name?

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Love isn't always happy, that much is obvious from looking at history." Benny shrugged, entirely unfazed. Tragedy broke his heart, yes, but it was also a fact of life! Besides, it was already pretty obvious that this was not going to be a story with a good ending, he'd be a fool if he didn't expect that when asking to learn more. "But anyways... everyone just calls me Benny, so you're welcome to do the same."

The sprite certainly held a familiar chill, and that only made Benny sleepy... but finding somewhere comfortable wasn't too much of an issue! The lounge was always cozy, but it had too many prying ears, he had learned. Somewhere good for discussion that would still be relatively comfortable for both of them, on the other hand...

"Hm... well, Diasomnia is certainly on the chillier side, though that could just be the cold blood speaking, aha! If it works, though, I know a few spots around there that are alright?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Well, Benny, I’ll let you lead the way… I think Diasomnia has a few warm corners, if that will help you out..

*Victor doesn’t particularly mind the where, as long as it’s away from others. The sprite has always preferred places where there are less people, upbringing aside. Parties and social events he can unwillingly handle..*

The poets often tell of love in all its warmth or drew coldness of grief it can leave… history can tell us some things, but I worry it only shows me a bleak end for what I have done out of love… if I can even call it that

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny nodded, more than willing to act as a guide (apparently, he was good at that, according to his roommates. Something about the constant sneaking in and out meant he knew places pretty well). There were a few spots he had in mind, but he figured that one in particular would probably best suit both of their needs.

That could be handled when they arrived in Diasomnia, though.

"Only time will tell," Benny offered as he walked, no hints of judgment in his voice, only a faint curiosity that was much larger than he let on. "And... you'd be surprised. Some of the happiest stories have some of the most horrid events and vice versa. It's an odd thing, really... but again, only time can be the real judge of that."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor lets out a half-hearted huff at that. He feels a bit better the further they get from the infirmary. Tension eases from his shoulders, finding comfort in a lack of judgement. The heat of Vern’s venom growing more distant with every step*

Maybe… I wanted him to be happy. Thought I could make him smile for real in that place, but…. I couldn’t keep him safe. My hands have been tied since before we met… and there are still things I have to carry that I hope he never finds..

[night-raven-miscellany]

As the two walk through the halls, Benny's footsteps are light, with an energy that hardly fits the mood of the conversation.

"To be burdened with secrets you can't share with others... it's heavy, but everyone has their reasons," Benny replied, his body practically on autopilot as he routed to the Hall of Mirrors. "But you say you wished to make him happy 'in that place'... where is that place? Was it a shared dwelling?"

Captivity, Benny knew, was an incredibly unromantic and unloving thing... even if people thought they were doing right, it was wrong to force another to stay against their will. Was that a part of what happened here? If so, no wonder there was such high resentment...

No, no, he couldn't jump to conclusions. He'd been given no indications that such a thing could be the case yet, aside from the wording. It'd be foolish to just assume the worst without hearing the full story, anyways.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

We never lived together…. If we had, then he would be worse off than now…

*Victor muses, following Benny with only the briefest hesitation at corners so the other can lead. Still, even without the piercing heat of being under scrutiny, guilt still burrows deeper into him*

Though…. without parents of his own, his fate has been at the whims of the sprite elders of our home. If we had listened to their plan, Vern would be forced to sit and look pretty. A bird in a cage, to the poets. I ended up causing him more pain than most… just from existing… just because he offered me help and smiled when I got better…

*anger at himself simmers in his veins. It threatens to send tears falling down his cheeks, but he tilts his head back to stall them*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny stopped abruptly. If he could (read: of he had actually found it appropriate), he would have whirled around on his heels. But no, he just... stopped. Processing the words that had been delivered to him.

"It sounds to me like those elders are the real force to blame in this story." He said, his usual whimsy quickly dampened by something more somber. It made sense that a force of power was at play... but, perhaps in a way that was more complex than most stories Benny was familiar with. He knew from experience that his fellow fae were fickle beings, with all manner of rules and laws and interactions between the courts that made navigating... really any sort of relationship difficult, not just a romantic one.

"Sorry for interrupting you," He cleared his throat, continuing to walk. "... I'd wager that means he saved you in a time of need, then? And knowing how the rules work..."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor pauses, listening to Benny as the other lets anger slip out for him. The venom that the winter sprite has always swallowed back, spits freely from the other. He wishes he could have that. A fragile grin, one that barely reaches his gaze pulls in place*

It’s… alright. Knowing how rules work… I owed him my life, eventually twice over. The only way to fulfill that, is to swear fealty or offer marriage…

*Victor takes a deep breath, pulling up memories that he holds dear. Ones that suffocate his soul. The sweetness of those treasured moments are left soured by traditions*

Helping me has only made Vern suffer… I just wanted to keep those warm moments close. To be the reason he smiles so gently. Yet, the only thing I can do is watch him hide his tears. I couldn’t even protect him from my step-mother…

[night-raven-miscellany]

"The kindness of others is not a burden you caused, my friend. You're quick to blame yourself, but if you consider it, you were not the one who chose to be saved, right? You couldn't choose who saved you, either." Benny replied, shaking his head as he approached the hall of mirrors, stepping halfway through the portal to his dorm. It was like he said - relationships and love of any kind were a multi-person job. Rarely was one person ever fully to blame for the failures in a relationship.

Sure, he was probably being harsh - or at least sounded as such. He didn't intend to come off as though he was entirely blaming Vern for any of this, not in the least. The true opponent of any healthy relationship was control, and while he still lacked a lot of context, that was a key factor in this... that, and... well, kindness did not inherently equal romantic intrigue... but he wasn't sure just how much of that was at play in this occasion.

But in general, Benny knew how control could kill even the tightest of friendships, sever the closest of siblings, and annihilate even the most star-crossed of lovers.

Then, as he crossed into the dorm, another question came to mind.

"... actually... might i ask how long this resentment has gone on? Was it spurred on by the betrothal, or... perhaps something else? If you know, of course... I could always perhaps ask for the other half of things later if need be."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Well…

*Victor wants to argue against the notion of Vern help ever being the problem. The winter sprite silently berates himself for the number of times he’s fallen short and needed Vern’s help. Once was too much, but several times after? It only serves to remind him of how short his abilities fall.*

*Victor glances away as his eyes adjust to the Diasomnia gloom. Sifting through memories twists his features. Envy driving pain deeper into his soul as he follows Benny*

He… always was polite on our arranged dates… but… I guess it all changed when he met Stravi. For a human, his music skills were on another level… Vern would smile for him, he would move so beautifully with the wind to those songs…… it hurt so badly to see it… then there was a whole scandal around them…….

*his voice trails, eyes glancing around to ensure no other ears can hear his words. Victor knows they’re getting into some sensitive information*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Hm... so not only was there no chemistry, despite the forced proximity that had been placed upon you both, but he was already in love with another as well?" Benny asked, more as a courtesy than anything. He already knew his upperclassman had feelings for another (in fact, someone within his own dorm), but he hadn't known about any further feelings...

He waltzed inside of the dorm, hands feeling along the wall for something in particular. A secret button, hidden amongst the dark stone bricks that made up the interior walls.

"You've no need to continue your tale just yet, though. I should find us somewhere actually quiet to talk, I think. It seems there's... a lot more to this than I could even imagine..."

His hand clicked against the wall, and a small passage opened up. That was. Faster than expected.

"Here. The others sometimes collect things like food or blankets. It's a common hiding space during dinnertime... so please mind any mess that may have been left behind."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Well… he met Stravi several decades into our courtship…

*Victor manages to nod a solemn confirmation, along with the small correction. Stewing in memories has left his own feelings for the spring sprite plastered on his features. Affection is there, the tenderness of first love marred by rejection and consist coldness. He’s grateful to stay silent for a moment, following Benny along the wall.*

*the hidden area gives him pause. He hadn’t expected such a comforting space to be in these dark halls. Relief pulls at his lips as he steps further into the space.*

Well….. if they’ve left it, surely they don’t mind others borrowing things for a little while?

*He doesn’t mind a bit of the mess, finding a comfortable spot on a faux fur blanket. He’s used to real fur, typically Fen’s shed fur turned blanket, but the faux is soft and a decent substitute.*

[night-raven-miscellany]

"Of course not. It's practically a haven from the day-to-day chaos that one would expect from a dorm led by people like Housewarden Malleus or Vice Housewarden Lilia..."

The room was on the chilly side, with only a few small electric lanterns someone had brought to light the room. Benny figured it was perfect for scary stories and sleepovers in particular, but honestly any story would be fine to be told here - and he wasn't one to ignore stories of love unrequited.

He took a seat on a small cushion, wrapping a thick blanket around himself to keep warm in the cool space. His tail poked out from beneath it, swaying in intrigue and curiosity.

"It's also pleasantly out of the way for prying ears. So please do feel free to continue whenever you are ready... It must have been... strange, watching someone you love so dearly I that way falling for another, even if you had been 'together' in a sense for a long time... at least by mortal standards."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

The privacy is nice…

*The winter sprite like more than comfortable despite the chill air. Funnily, a slight fog hovers around him as the room adjusts to him. Victor leans back on a few cushions with a hum. Recalling the memories aches like an old wound.*

Strange is one way to say it. How could I not be demoralized and envious of how easily they got along? Vern selected Stravi at the festivals when it was time for the wind to move. At least, while he could in the summer months…. But…

*Victor sighs, trying to let the tension out. He has to tilt his head back to keep the stinging heat in his eyes at bay*

But then one summer, Vern locked himself away just after midsummer. Stravi was one of the only ones to see him for the season… rumors started flying when he proposed to Vern, only fueled by Vern rejecting that proposal. The two of them moved in together after anyway…

*he shoves a hand in his pocket. Not from the cold, but rather to hide the trembling in it*

I… later found out there was a baby involved between them. It makes sense, really…… the sprite elders would refuse to let him be with another, unless he was with child. Even now it hurts… knowing he would go that far to get rid of me…

*his eyes are watery, tears threatening to escape. It still feels like yesterday. It shouldn’t bother him, yet he should know better. To be reminded of his place as a tool twists his heart *

[night-raven-miscellany]

"I... to think..." Benny hemmed and hawed, not quite sure what to say to the revelation. His tail swayed across the floor, making a soft brushing noise against the aged wood panels. "That's..."

It was... heavy, to say the least. Fae rules were strict, that much he knew. He couldn't be surprised that anyone would be willing to go to such lengths to break free of the chains that held them back, but he could also understand that even if you are not meant to be, seeing the one you love go that far? It was painful, a searing sensation that burned eternal, even if you could eventually move on.

Benny offered a hand out, albeit covered by the blanket. It was an awkward, yet earnest gesture made in attempts to comfort the winter sprite.

"Something like that... it must be painful, carrying that knowledge with you... and yet you continue to try so hard..."

He wished he had more to say, but he really couldn't offer much more than his deepest sympathies, and a slight bit of admiration for the perceived persistence the other held.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor is hesitant at the offered hand. Too many years of false comforts has him shifting like a dog that fears trusting kindness. His hands stay firmly away. A layer of frost slowly feathers out of his pockets.*

I… continue while hoping he forgives me. For causing him to go to such extremes, and for what he doesn’t about me and Stravi… I hope he never has to know, but fear he already does…

*the winter sprite looks down as the memory of the sins he’s committed starts to surface. How can he explain the horrid actions he’s done at the bidding of others?*

Besides…. Vern went through more than enough pain between their child, his sister, and my meddling… he lost everything so quickly, and I’m partially responsible…

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny frowned, pulling his hand back and placing it in his lap. He would not push, not more than he had... at least not physically. Though... he wasn't sure how much he should push Victor, either. He must have been bringing up far more unpleasant memories than he thought. But... there were still many more questions that the crocodile fae had.

"This story- no... You've been through a lot, friend... it seems that Vern has as well. I... it feels improper to ask to continue on or ask any more but... you say something happened between you and this 'Stravi' fellow as well...?"

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*the tension melts from his shoulders and arms as Benny pulls his hand back. Victor lets out a long, silent exhale as he thinks about the question. About the bittersweet memories dancing around his heart. Still, the winter sprite nods*

It’s alright…. Stravi and I… well, he had chosen to watch over Vern after an incident left him in an extended Deep Sleep. No one knew if Vern would ever wake up again, yet… Stravi remained at his side for two harsh winters. I… had agreed to bring some food to him when I could and we had… something of a friendship before… uh…

*Victor’s cheeks turn rosy. There’s tender warmth filling him, secrets he holds dear. Thoughts of their physical intimacy was something fragile he could find some comfort in. At the very least, it’s something he can comprehend well*

If I say the next part, may I ask you to promise to not speak of it to Vern?

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny nodded quietly, the only sound being that of his tail continuing to swish along the ground. He knew that look of warmth, yet another form that love could take; the pleasant memories and fuzzy nostalgia for a time long gone. Even if such memories were ripped away by force or merely faded with the passage of time. Really, he didn't know how much he could say it, but this story was seeming to be much, MUCH deeper than he thought.

He wondered how much Casimir knew of these things as well, even if his peer sometimes chose to disregard his presence...

"Of course. This is a place where escaped words remain in secrecy. It would be rude of me to start blabbing to another the minute we leave, let alone a key player in events."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Good…. that’s appreciated. I’m well aware of how easy it is for word to travel…

*Victor takes a steadying breath as he shifts. The warmth wavers as his nerves start sparking. Fragile memories as delicate as snowflakes pile up in his mind*

It uh… I guess our friendship started over a birthday cake, a present, and a kiss. Eventually, at an extremely emotional low for both of us, we…. sort of fell into bed. You could call it a winter fling, I guess…. Then my step-mom ordered me to….

*the winter sprite stops himself, not wanting to think about the sin he had been ordered to carry out. A dark shadow crossing his features makes him shiver*

Well… let’s just say I’m to blame for Stravi not being here and I……. I don’t know how I can ever make it up to Vern. I know he doesn’t know that it’s my fault, but I… I just want to get him to smile…

[night-raven-miscellany]

A love triangle and...

...

When Benny said it wasnt like anyone died, HE DIDNT MEAN IT LITERALLY. And yet... such a heinous thing... there was more to it than that. It was not a crime of passion, nor was it done in malice...

"... once again, the one true enemy presents itself, and the rule proves true..." Benny said, his expression grim. For such a whimsical fellow, his more serious looks were... jarring to see, to say the least. His brown eyes seemed to hold a strange frustration to them, and his shoulders tensed in a worry that would be unfamiliar to anyone but himself.

"... Did you do these things of your own volition?"

Why did every relationship seem to crumble under the very same idea? Benny had seen time and again how such... idyllic relationships would fall apart from it... would he and Cinthe even...

No... he couldn't think like that. That would only turn everything into a self-fulfilling prophecy... he would have to write at least two letters later to make up for it, even if he didn't send them.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*the intensity in Benny’s gaze and words has Victor shift his legs closer to himself. Being knocked out of the ease he had permitted himself is now off balance. Uncertainty keeps his senses sharp. A trembling hand finds its way over his left eye, threading his hair to cover it.*

….. have I said anything to make you think I wanted to..?

*Victor’s voice is low, threatening to crack every few syllables. His entire system is waiting for something to happen as his words attempt to appease the other. Worry and regret, his tormentors*

……. I couldn’t disobey….. I wasn’t strong enough to resist her…… I couldn’t help Stravi…. and I’m never enough for Vern…

*perhaps he shouldn’t have followed into such an enclosed space. Having only one way out is making every tiny hair on his neck stand up*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny was quiet, too quiet, for a long time. The silence fell heavy over the room, but... despite his furrowed brow and deep grimace, he wasn't mad. At least, not entirely. Flummoxed was probably a more apt descriptor of his thoughts, the way connections to his own stories and assorted ideas scattered around his brain like roaches being exposed to the light. So many things in his mind, and yet he could grasp at none of them.

Eventually, though, he sighed. A deep, heavy sound that filled the vacuum, primarily confused and tired.

"... no. I... apologize for my brief lapse of judgment. You've given me no reason whatsoever to assume that such a vile action was an act made in clear and level judgment. You are calculated, but... you aren't evil, from what I've ascertained."

He tried to speak as gently as he could, but it came off a bit more uncertain than anything. Even if he DIDN'T think that Victor seemed like a bad person, murder was definitely... not an easy thing to confess to OR hear about.

But... the latter's words only solidified what he already knew.

"... it's sickening, isn't it? How just the mere act of overstepping boundaries, the whims of an overbearing family member, the reach of people beyond your comprehension... all of these things can ruin the love that courses through each and every one of us. Sometimes it's even claimed to be done under the guise of such a beautiful thing..."

His fists clenched beneath the blanket, tightening the fabric covering them.

"All because they 'love' you. And they can't even see how it hurts you and those around you. And it tears you apart, not only from the inside out, but from everyone around you - sometimes even people you don't even realize care!"

Grandfather. His stupid rules. His stupid values. If it wasn't for those, maybe his mother would still...

...

He stopped himself, coughing lightly. He was letting this get to him a bit too much, perhaps. It was rather unbecoming... and really, a bad look.

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

Yes…. It’s all quite stifling whenever they claim it’s for you… when it’s truly just to benefit them. Sometimes they don’t bother to hide it, others they use your feelings for another as motive…

*he doesn’t mean for it to happen, yet rogue tears finally fall. Having another able to so freely capture the feelings he can hardly voice. Still, each one that falls freezes to his cheeks. Apologies are not what he’s used to*

I…. am still undeserving of affection. I don’t think I will ever be enough to earn even a tiny fraction from Vern… no matter what I do…

*Victor eases a little, taking some comfort as he registers Benny’s frustration is not towards him.*

It’s too much…

[night-raven-miscellany]

"It's cruel... no matter for what reason it happens, it cuts like a knife and bleeds you from the inside..." The freshman sighed, his entire body seeming to wilt in solemnity, frustration, and every other negative emotion that was being dug up the more he got into his own head about things. "Because you love each other. Because you want them to be happy... and it all gets used up for something that ultimately helps no one."

Victor's comment gave Benny some pause.

That was the other thing that made him so irrationally upset about the situation - the resulting feeling afterwards. One that Benny believed no one should have to feel at any point in their lives.

He reached out again, his scaled hand poking out from beneath his blanket.

"... even if it does not come from him, I don't believe that you do not deserve some level of warmth in your life. Everyone deserves to be shown love in some way... whether it's from a friend, a family member, a pet, or a lover."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor’s gaze flicks to Benny’s hand. He doesn’t have the energy to shrink away, not when the words offered are coming from a place that leaves the other seemingly deflated. The winter sprite lets out a shaky exhale. His hand lifts to scratch a few frozen tears off his cheeks, leaving irritated marks behind*

I…. would like a little from him… just one last smile, if that’s not too selfish. I saved my familiar, and he has been at my side since… but I… I couldn’t even court Vern properly. As things are now, I can’t be foolish enough to offer court to another.

*the politics of his life are crushing. Even as the head of his own house, the one he wants at his side would be ridiculed. He has nothing to offer, no way to promise his heart and comfort to another. His house is cold, and he has spent too long as a tool*

I don’t have enough to give in return for affection from another. I can’t even catch the eye of another without criticism….. with Vern’s interest being held by another, I… I’m just an old bachelor. For sprites, my time for marriage is basically over….. tradition says I should have wed Vern a decade ago, but I promised him to wait. To give him a chance to be happy… and now he is…… he can smile, even if it’s not towards me….

*excuses. It’s all excuses to not hurt himself. To avoid the deeply driven pain of how love is something he should earn. A warmth he can only have if another is willing to grant it to him. It’s something he’s desperate to grasp, yet it slips away from him. He doesn’t understand love when it’s so freely given, yet thirsts for it*

[night-raven-miscellany]

Benny sighed, reaching up to take his hat off as he scratched his head.

"And who says you still can't at least try at this point? Or that you need to give in order to receive love? You mentioned a familiar, yes? He follows you with the utmost loyalty. And I've heard tell you spend much time in the Ramshackle dorm - what of the students there? Do they not accept you wholeheartedly?"

It was a genuine question. Politics or no, Benny believed that there was always a chance for someone to find the love that worked best for them.

"And... fae rules aside, aren't we all known for being lovers of tricks and mischief anyways, even amongst one another? There are always ways around the whims of another, so long as you're willing to look and fight for them."

[hello-from-nrc-infirmary]

*Victor is silent as he turns the questions over in his head. Benny makes it all sound so simple, so effortless. Yet, the winter sprite doesn’t understand such comforts. The ease of security is unfamiliar.*

I… do what I can for them. Becoming my familiar was the only way to keep him safe, to stop others from sentencing him to death…. All for defending me. Anyone near me gets hurt eventually.

*he can’t entirely speak for Ramshackle. The comfort he finds there makes him want to do better, to do more. Cooking meals and repairing the building in exchange for the warmth is the least he can do. Part of him is terrified to consider not needing to do anything*

We fae do enjoy our tricks… and yet when I choose to do so, someone gets injured. Besides, how could I possibly try courting another when I still wish for Vern to smile? It hardly seems fair….