The Faded

Cambion Legionnaire

[xhakonx]

open to first 3 Location: Just outside of Aventia Notes: Open to other nightingales or legionnaires

The black robe and darkness spell settled around them. The woods were silent in the darkness of the morning, the birds nearly waking, but even they didn't have a song to sing. The Kossith had overtaken the city itself, constant patrols as they decided they would do this their way and control the region as they saw fit. Ships had sailed out of the port, and with the Kossith being just a stone's throw from the border, from the Aetherian's prismatic barrier, Hakon had simply been watching. "The legion only has so much history on the region of Itzcoatal. Most is buried in Amon-Sûl." He was a man of few words, but he had a point to make. "I would assume they have a natural immunity, or resistance, to the Blight. What it did to Iztcoatal remains to be seen. Have you noticed any patterns?"

[legionariejon]

Jon knew better then to let the quite settle him. It was like as soon he stepped out from behind the kitchen of the keep all this training, all his time as a blademaster came flooding back to him. His hand rested on the pommel of a sword that hadn’t been picked up with cause in years. “One would assume they have. It’s difficult for the land to recover from the blight.” Jon knew this because his own presence would stop any growth of his little garden… it was a very barren garden. “Those ships strike me as odd. It’s what you’d use to move troops… and it is leaving.” There was always a difference between civilian and military.

[travelervesper]

Standing in the shadows for so long made the sun hurt. Getting to touch Jon and have the man reaffirm his right to enjoy a simple pleasure was like a foreign heat, one that Vesper wanted to run towards and away from in equal measure. He felt undeserving because he knew he was. If he opened himself up fully and exposed every secret, would Jon still appreciate the honesty, or would he choose to shield his warmth from the long shadows Vesper's sins cast? His eyes closed to hide how admiration, conflict, uncertainty, and fear swirled in them, giving himself over entirely to the kiss. It took his breath away, leading to a sharp gasp as the world beneath his feet disappeared in one swift motion. Vesper opened his eyes to see Jon and only Jon, desire alight in them as he realized how effortlessly the legionnaire had brought him to eye level. When he wrapped his legs around Jon's waist and pressed their foreheads together, the furrow of his brow betrayed how a part of him still wanted to take the easy route and flee. What if Jon rejected the truth he found in Vesper's eyes? But a stronger part of him, the part of him that felt safe despite the vulnerability of letting a man look into his soul, kissed Jon again and again, deepening each time their lips touched. Everything else faded away until Vesper could only feel and taste Jon. Tender touches grew to be more desperate as Vesper clung to the man's head, holding him close as the taste of Jon's lips made Vesper kiss him harder.

[legionariejon]

Jon grew hungry for Vespers touch, lips anything that he could get his hands on. Though something else in him had a suspicious that If he gave in now, gave Vesper everything that he wouldn’t come back. That the other would be to scared and not return. Maybe just maybe if he held off on everything that was more than kissing and cuddling the other might have more of a reason to come back even if it might be for only one thing. Jostling vesper in his hands making sure his grip on the other man was firm enough that he wouldn’t be dropped as he moved to Jon’s bed. Gently he lowered them both upon it not braking their kiss that was now more heated. Their mouths broke apart as Jon hand pushed down of Vespers chest, as he kneed at the foot of the other “No more than this, yes?” Vesper would be able to tell Jon wasn’t say this because of a lack of interest, his excitement would be clear for the other to see. But Jon had a principal, one that had protected him in the past.

[jovethebarbarian]

closed starter for: @legionariejonwhen: progress day where: progress day celebration

Walking along the streets leading to the Progress Day celebrations, and dressed in a way that kept the werewolf modest, Jove still had that unfortunate luck of bumping into others while at a hastened gait. He had heard of an exhibit that allowed guests to pet animals of a miniature size and Jove couldn't pass up the chance to experience it. "My apologies, friend. I wouldn't mean to crash into you like this. I've seemed to have turned myself around in these parts. You wouldn't happen to know where this apparent petting zoo is at, right?"

[legionariejon]

Jon had been hoping to come across Vesper while in eterna but it seemed that the other was embarrassed or that’s what he got the impression of when he had received a ticket for a stall in the mail then rather in person. Was it that he was a legionary or a Cambion that had made the other embarrassed to be seen with him? He was trying to enjoy progress day while trying to keep an eye out for the Olympian, it was why the collision was unavoidable. Jon’s hand went out right away to stabilise the other man. The legionary clad in his signature black armour smiled softly “don’t worry about it.” Even if Jon wasn’t used to feeling the force of another bumping into him. “I wasn’t aware there was one but I could help you find it.”

[legionariejon]

[strigoisak]

"It does, blood is blood, it's a matter of taste and preference." His shoulders raise in a shrug and it is actually quite funny that he doesn't think he's ever really talked about such a thing with anyone before. Granted, he figures it's something most people don't want to talk about. It's an interesting thing really, almost as if it's considered something impolite to ask, like an elephant in the room. Because yes he is part of the Legion and therefore loyal and devoted to the cause, but he also does indeed have to drink blood to survive and he imagines that is a touchy subject for some people. Jon is interesting. "Both of my options would be....Interesting to have here." Aurelien might throw himself into researching the Blight, Asael would train and honestly joining the Legion eventually wouldn't be a bad thing for the witch. But he also knows that those not of the Legion weren't quite privy to Caer Glass and he understood why. "I bring things back with me from Eterna, I go hunt out in the Silverlands. I'm not hurting for sustenance, no need to worry." Deer, bear, whatever other creatures he could get his hands on if he didn't feel like ripping into a bag he'd brought from the office.

[legionariejon]

“Do you have a preference?” Jon wanted to make Isak feel just as important as the other legionnaires and while he couldn’t do anything special to make that so perhaps he could do something small to make the others feel more connected. If he could find Isak a reliable blood source that he didn’t hate then maybe that would stop the other being out in the cold when he could be with everyone else.

“I can try and take care of that for you… unless you like the hunting, which is perfectly fine no judgement, i just don’t like that i can’t cook for you like i do the rest.” It was Jons love language, how he did his part in the legion.

[legionariejon]

[legionariejon]

[strigoisak]

Isak actually chuckled and nodded towards the book in his hand because yes, he did think he needed it. However part of the problem was that with some patient's he lacked just that, patience. At least rule number one seemed to be remaining calm, he had that part down pretty well. The next sentiment Jon offers takes him off guard just as the blanket had and he actually blinks not once, but twice. Because not only now had he tried to warm a corpse, but he was asking if a vampire was feeding well. "It's different out here." He muses, thoughtful for a moment. "I manage, I figure keeping a thrall out here would probably be something I should be considering."

[legionariejon]

Did no one ever ask Isak that question? Surely it would be prudent to do, he was a legionary just like the rest of them. Isak’s health was as important as everyone else’s. “As long as it is ethical I don’t see why that would be a bad idea.” By ethical Jon meant that the thrall wouldn’t be doing this against their will, had known prior to becoming a thrall. As ethical as that could be. Isak hadn’t judged him for being a Cambion and in turn Jon wouldn’t do the same, he would only judge Isak by his actions and from what he’d seen so far he was a subdued man who kept his distance. “Would animal blood do anything for you? How fresh does it have to be?”

[alrikhart]

"Then I look forward to meeting them firsthand." There were few things that motivated Alrik more than the promise of a good, badgering fight. He didn't begrudge saying that he liked the rush and that it fed the inherent shadow that coiled about in his gut. If the Dark One truly was waking, if those whispers had brought ceaseless brutality into his life then Alrik was surely going to repay it in kind and make good use of it. Anything less was a waste, what use was suffering if he couldn't say that he was stronger for it. Broken bones healed twice as strong, and his were very strong. "Not much I like more than a good story." The Iskaran commented, he'd twist it a bit later as he always did with whatever history or tale he came across. Fiction was always more interesting after Alrik had pumped some of his own charisma into it.

[legionariejon]

Maybe Jon should have had the same zeal Alrik seemed to have but after years of fighting, after everything he did to become a baldemaster, after becoming a legionnaire he hope the need to fight was little as possible. It was very unlikely that it was going to be that way, that he would have to use his sword once more and step out of the kitchen of the legion. He was the legions cambion, their demonic fly even if he tried to present that he was all virtuous. With what looked like enough firewood Jon lead Alrik back to the campsite so they could share stories over the fire. Jon wasn’t the best at stories or reciting all the facts in the proper order but in the end he’d get there eventually.

[legionariejon]

[riandur]

Riandur's head was never really a mess, nor was it ever off of what he was supposed to be doing. But he supposed everyone had those kind of days, he was just less likely. It was easy when he could just go outside, raise the dead, continue to raise more and more and more – until he exhausted himself enough to sleep. He figured he should consider himself lucky that he had friends to watch his back. "I can't believe you miss that place. It was falling apart as we slept. Your pots and pans melted and cracked quicker than you could get new ones," a hint of smile tugged at his mouth, and he gave Jon a bump on the shoulder, "Unfortunately we'll need Amon Sûl's help."

[legionariejon]

Of course he missed it, it was this first place where him being a Cambion didn’t change how he was treated, a place where he was allowed to atone for the misgivings of his birth. “You telling me you didn’t like the extra seasoning it gave?” Jon knew what they eat wasn’t anything special and left a lot to be desired but their belly weren’t empty and that was something. “What’s the news with them? Are they sending more legionnaires to help with Aventia? I always wondered what it is like in Amon Sul.” What’s the legionnaires were like there because even in Nornwatch they had quite an odd group.

[strigoisak]

"....How often?" He's sitting there trying to think about it and that was often the case. However a lot of what he did had a purpose and that was saving someone's life and then they had the gall to thank The One God. Cocking his head to the side, a small smile pulled at the corners of Isak's lips. "I wish I could do it to more people, honestly. You'd be surprised how people act against their best interests even while they're dying." And he'd do it to any one of them if they tried to find their calling before their time, he wasn't losing another ragtag band of misfits.

[legionariejon]

Jon looked quickly concerned as he heard the words how often “you’re joking right?” He had to be joking surely, he’d never really heard Isak come out with a joke yet but that would be what he assumed it would look like, dry and dark. “Well i definitely think you need that book now.” Jon was trying to be light hearted about what Isak said but he could also believe that some were absolutely pains in the ass to deal with. He was thankful his infernal condition kept him pretty clear of Isak’s practices. “I don’t see you in the kitchen for obvious reasons but I hope you are keeping well feed.” Even if catering for Isak wasn’t in his remit Jon wanted to make sure he wasn’t being neglected.

[travelervesper]

Safe? For one reason or another, Vesper was never safe. His life was like a house of cards; one bit of pressure in the wrong spot and it'd all come tumbling down. Still, he'd like to believe it. When was the last time he was held or felt the sincere touch of another? Jon was strong, his body firm, yet his touch was tender, and his words were gently sincere. Vesper didn't believe in 'safe' but maybe, if he let go, he could believe in Jon. "I think I'd like that," he says, his tone adopting an uncharacteristic vulnerability. Vesper rolls his head to the side, releasing a breath of tension as Jon's lips press on his neck. He sighed, reaching up to grasp the nape of his neck, a silent indication that Jon should not pull away. Vesper's other hand glides along Jon's forearm and the back of the legionnaire's hand until he's interlocking their fingers. He pulls it up to his face so he can press an equally affectionate kiss to Jon's palm. "You make it all sound so easy. I don't even know what to say except … yes. I'll stay and be honest with you every second that I'm here." Vesper turns slightly in the hold, just enough so that he can place a hesitant palm on Jon's bare chest and look up at him. Whatever guarded gaze he had earlier in the day is gone. His eyes have nothing to hide, shimmering with genuine emotion for the first time in a long time. Vesper waited a few more beats before stretching up to see if it felt as good to be kissed on the mouth as it did his neck.

[legionariejon]

Jon knew that safety was hard won and when you felt the safest that you were the most vulnerable. The world would never be a safe place for him, for the children of demons despite if they accept or reject their nature. It was why it was so important for others to feel safe in his presence because Jon knew what it was like to be at the mercy of fate. Was it wrong that Jon liked the attention vesper gave him? That feeling of the others hands on his body was intoxicating and it was only just a kiss on the palm of his hand, it was a small gesture that he adored. Jon made it sound easy because it was easy for him, he never hide away from who he was even the parts that had made his life difficult, he wore his vulnerabilities like armour. Looking into vespers eye Jon found what he found attractive most honesty, a rawness that was clear to see. He could see the invitation in vespers body language, as the other stretched to reach him, Jon craned his neck to meet him half way. In that moment it felt like they had all the time in the world as he didn’t rush as his lips moved against the others. It took seconds for Jon to find the position uncomfortable enough that he left the need to brake the kiss so he could pick this man up and bring him closer to his lips.

[mrssylargray]

[legionariejon]

[travelervesper]

Vesper opened his mouth, but no words came out. He was, for the first time in a long time, at a loss for words. Or rather, admitting the truth felt akin to exposing a weakness and Vesper believed himself to be a man who refused to be leveraged. He didn't know what to say, but he kept his eyes on Jon because deep down, beneath all the waffling and lip service, his reasons were basic: Vesper wanted to know the legionnaire.   "In the end you're right. Good and bad are subjective. But you are a better man than me. Trust me," he responded, the irony of the contradiction not lost on him. He didn't believe in anything besides the money in his pocket. Justice and righteousness were cons and the world had a way of crushing those who bought into that nonsense. Vesper learned this over the years, but that didn't change that his younger self would look upon his current self with disdain. That's why he knew his interest in Jon may have been dangerous for the legionnaire. Vesper couldn't discern if his interest came from a good or a bad place. It certainly was easier to lie, he was so good at it he'd nearly dissociated from his own truth. He tensed when Jon touched his wrist and remained just as tense when the larger man folded himself around Vesper's smaller frame, but he didn't fight it even though his instinct was to run. If he wanted to, he could vanish and return home instantly. "Cutting vegetables at your side was probably the most peaceful thing I've done in a while," he confessed, his body relaxing as if finally releasing some invisible weight. "I thought kindness was a weakness, but I'd never think of you as weak. If I got to choose, I'd rather be kind to you as well." There was an uncharacteristic waver to Vesper's voice, a sign that Jon's voice in his ear was stirring in a way. The man felt firm and secure, and Vesper felt undeserving. But was it so out of line to press back into him? To welcome the embrace and maybe, just maybe, abandon The Game while he was here? "I came back to feel close to you again. Now that I'm here, I don't want to leave this room."

[legionariejon]

How was Jon meant to react when he found out that cutting vegetables was the most peaceful thing Vesper can recall. It was a sad thought and made Jon more thankful he has such a job that the mind could get lost in. It was mundane work but the repetition of it all made it perfect. For a moment Jon thought he had overstepped that his touch was unwelcome, that was until the other relaxed in his arms. Jon loved the feeling of Vesper in his arms, he may be small in statue but not in presence. “You don’t need to think about it, just be that man you hide from the world because he’s safe here, you are safe with me.” Jon didn’t want what vesper showed the rest of the world, he wanted to see what he protected, what he held dear. “No one said you have to leave. Stay here with me until morning comes.” And just in case he needed extra convincing to stay Jon left a small prominent kiss on his neck.

[spiralailani]

As they watch the little girl be reunited with her family, Lailani relishes the swell of joy coming from the group, underlined with the trembling newborn hope that comes from finding something thought lost. The family has a long way to go, but at the very least, now they can confront that family together. 

“Neither did you, but here we are, are we not?” She points out with an easy smile and a shrug. “On times, we need to help each other, and I am more than happy to do so.”

[legionariejon]

Jon knew more than a few people who wouldn’t have helped at all seeing it as not their problem to deal with in the first palace. But this wasn't a problem, all it took was time but not enough people saw it that way. He was thankful that the elven did though. “Well I am happy to make your acquaintance in that case. I can shake your hand now.” Jon extended his hand making good on the gesture he was unable to return earlier on. “Sadly I can not linger as I am needed elsewhere. But I hope to see you again in better circumstances.”