Harry Dresden, Cole, Zael, Dalinar Kholin, Renarin

Independent multi RP blog: Open to All, nonselective for now Also writing for Cole from Dragon Age, Zael from Last Story, Dalinar Kholin and Renarin Kholin from Stormlight Archives, among others. It's not a fancy set up, but hit me up!

[happifying-things]

here’s your damn fish

[ask-swagger-dagger-trolls]

(Y E E T)

[atlantic-riona]

Harry Dresden whenever a monster tries to mess with him:

[itsawildx2ride]

@primechicagowizard

[anxietyproblem]

[femaleshits]

[cable-knit]

[primechicagowizard]

thighhighsandgoldeneyes

Perhaps if he had been in better shape he would have offered something other than his eyes, but it was too late for that now. It had been too late for that for a very long time now. The magic had done its work on both ends of the deal. He had lived, scarred and bruised but he had lived, and his eyesight had vanished, and though it made him feel useless or helpless at time, he didn’t regret his choice. It was simply the one that he could live best with.

He’d never been quite ordinary, but he also wasn’t a mage and there was little use to either of his powers without a dragon. At least Dagran hadn’t come across any other creature except the Outsider that had the same level of telepathic ability. Reptids were… well, they didn’t count in his book because he had never been able to make much sense of them.

Quietly Dagran snorted. “A Count doesn’t have to take up his sword to protect what he cares about, although it is admirable in a world where they hide like cowards in their castles.” Zael had always been ambitious. Not like him, but in his own way. And mostly when it came to protecting the ones he loved.

“I don’t know if I want another hill…” Dagran admitted with a quiet sigh. “I never realised how hard it was to stop… to give up… until I wanted to…” He scoffed, almost bitterly because it touched on a truth he didn’t like to address. “I hate it… I hate it so much that Zoran was right about that.”

It was difficult for a pair of fumbling men to not cause a stir among the crowd, but with an obvious injury and Dagran’s words carrying to those passing by, there was more than one straying eye in their direction.

Zael turned his head just so, though it may not shield his identity from those looking for it. Some found it difficult to accept that the Count would just simply be wandering out in the open amongst them, injured no less, and wouldn’t even be able to see the obvious flitting directly in front of them. He had that going for him. However.... there were obviously enemies among them, looking for just such an opportunity. Still, Zael tried not to regard the world as such. Reality had greatly dampened much of his original positivity, but he didn’t let it snuff it out completely.

“Not everyone is strong enough to fight. But I get your point.” Sometimes staying caught up in the castle merely dictating orders, removed the leaders from their people in a way where they couldn’t ever relate to the real dilemma’s they struggled with. If they couldn’t relate, then how were they ever to actually resolve the problems that ran wild in the populace? But sometimes problems ran deeper than merely that. Sometimes there was nothing for it but to get directly involved.

Then again, there were many in the castle that disagreed with him. That repeatedly told him he couldn’t keep putting himself needlessly in danger when there were others assigned to the role instead.

“Of course, none of us want these obstacles, nor do we necessarily expect them when we reach them. But they are there nonetheless.” They were left with a choice on whether they would crest the challenge before them, or give up. And was that any option at all?

“Zoran was not right.” Zael grunted. “You’ve stumbled, but so do we all. We aren’t perfect, Dagran.” 

[primechicagowizard]

botanyandbrilliance

The healer blinked a couple of times at that, then stuck her tongue out in distaste. “Well, if you must insist, avoid anything with lye in it. That stuff’ll take your throat out as soon as it will wash you.” Lye was a great cleansing agent, but needed to be used sparingly, as too much of a good thing had a tendency to turn into a bad thing. “Though, I do agree that parents should have to experience what their children do for punishments. That way, they know what they are subjecting their children to.”

Setting things on fire clearly hadn’t been the response she’d been expecting from the other wizard, though exactly why it hadn’t been considering his reputation, was really beyond her. Both eyebrows rose briefly, several emotions passing across her features as she nodded. “Setting things on fire,” she repeated, more as if to affirm it for herself. “I suppose that would be rather within your wheelhouse, wouldn’t it? Dare I ask what sorts of things you set on fire?

Not that that really mattered in the long run. He’d kept up his habits, to the benefit of the people that he happened to be around aiding, so she couldn’t exactly fault him for wanting to perfect his skills at an early age. Skipping school, though… that was something else entirely. “I don’t really know many people that truly enjoyed school.” She was pretty sure she was one the few that did, because she could focus on learning and ignore much of the other shenanigans that were going on. Once the time had come to go to university, she had been more than prepared for it. “It seems as though you’ve more than made up for what you might have missed out on along the way. I’m sure you’ve only heard it a few times, but you’re a rather clever bloke you know.”

Clever enough that the Council had opted to place him on their shit list. In all fairness, she and her Mum had likely missed that list out of sheer luck and the need for their skills. “I still think they’re wrong. Sometimes, I’m fairly certain the members of the Senior Council don’t know their arse ends from holes in the ground as they seem to make some really stupid decisions. I rather hope they come to their senses where you’re concerned, as you seem to have the right ideas about things.” If anything they could benefit from a voice of logic.”

Liv looked at him. Really looked at him as he once again requested stimulants from her. He was going to be angry. As badly as she didn’t want to be on his bad side, she also didn’t want to do anything that would compromise his well being, either physically or emotionally. Keeping himself awake would seem to work for a bit, but when he became too exhausted, things would start to blend together, in the way that things trapped between waking and sleeping did. He might do something he very much regretted while in that state, and she would be in part responsible for that as she would have been the one to enable him.

“I can’t.” Her voice was soft and sounded full of regret, but was quite firm. “I really can’t. You need to sleep Harry. Even if it’s not right now, you will need to do so, and denying yourself that time to rest is detrimental to your state of mind. Before right now, when was the last time you ate? How long has it been since you’ve really had a good sleep? The urges are going to be with you, if that’s a part of the new role you’ve taken on. Trying to cover them up and hide from them will only hinder your ability to work with them.” She hesitated, her eyes begging with him to understand. “I want to help you, truly I do. But this isn’t the way.”

“Noted.” Though he would think that every soap felt like it burned all the protective layers away in the throat, he knew enough about lye to know that it actually WOULD. It pretty much scrubbed the hands away when it was once used as soap, prompting people to not wash as frequently as they should because of the experience. Ol Typhoid Mary would deny that was one of the components behind her own dilemma, but the proof was in the pudding, wasn’t it.

“I think it would be a shorter list to name the things I haven’t set on fire in my lifetime.” He nodded matter of factly. His ventures into flame had been more than simply flicking a match like it was for most kids back in the day. His soul belonged to the flame. Which made it pretty shitty that he was now encased in ice. Didn’t really put much of a damper on that hot soul of his, but still. 

“Am I? I guess people have been telling me that my whole life. Only they say it differently. ‘Smart ass.’” He grinned. An education was important to become well rounded and all that jazz, but for some, there were opportunities that directed them elsewhere. Into their own business, for example, taking care of and sating the supernatural elements of the world.

“Every group is flawed.” Because they were composed of people. And no one out there was perfect, regardless of the power they had to wield at their fingertips. That’s why fail safe’s needed to be in place. Just in case said people lost their way. Or perhaps got so caught up in the way they traditionally did things that they could see no other avenue directing the course forward. The unconventional became a poison to them.

And to others it seemed.

Harry stared at her once her official statement was shared, though there was nothing on his expression that might betray what he was thinking himself. It wouldn’t really take a rocket scientist to imagine. He’d come there for an explicit reason and not getting what he requested was a giant pain in the ass.

“Yeah, I need a lot of things. Sometimes you don’t get what you want.” It was a childish sentiment, he knew, but it was still true on some cursory level. “This isn’t something you can work with Liv. I know it’s not something advisable under normal circumstances, but this is hardly THAT.”

[maggiekarp2]

[primechicagowizard]

thighhighsandgoldeneyes

Unfortunately Dagran’s appearance at the bar wouldn’t make for a good, bloody fight unless Syrenne was out for it with him. Which could change at any given moment when she had one of her outbursts of rage, and though Dagran preferred not to be on the receiving end of them she didn’t scare him so much as that she invoked a healthy amount of respect in him.. The kind that made you consider the best course of action to stay alive, but nonetheless respect.

Dagran had a feeling that it wasn’t the wisest course of action to point out that he knew that Syrenne needed to vent, and that he knew that it was important to let her do exactly that, not just because he wanted her to listen. So he forfeited his chance of explaining and pointing out that she was already doing what she complained about.

Instead he quietly submitted to her anger and waited until she sat at the bar before even considering to open his mouth in the first place. There wasn’t anything he could have said anyway.

“Comin’ right up,” Ariela announce promptly from the kitchen upon Syrenne’s order. Knowing her she was likely already at it.

Dagran took his seat next to Syrenne at the bar. “Do you need another minute?” he asked, folding his hands on the bar. “If not – as long as you are willing to listen I am willing to answer some questions.” Emphasis on some, but he wasn’t sure if she had noticed. “I know I should have come to you sooner, I’m sorry I didn’t.” That it had outside of his control was secondary here because the truth was that if Zael hadn’t found him Dagran could have gone another month or two without seeing any of them.

It didn’t take long after he’d spoken for Ariela to show up with Syrenne’s breakfast, on which to some extend the peace of the bar hinged right now.

Whether Dagran added anything further to the conversation was no skin off HER teeth, she’d already written him off as irrelevant, turning instead toward the potential for her morning ‘breakfast.’ Now THAT was far more pleasing a concept!

She stared deeper into the bar when motion at her side indicated a slithering visitor taking the vacant seat next to her. Most in the morning crowd knew to give her space, at the very least, until she was able to fill her empty stomach! One COULD say her morning rage was indicative of low blood sugar, but nah, she always had an eye on the prize, and sometimes that meant facing people who needed to be taken down a notch. Man, there were a lot of those. Some might claim SHE was one of them, but she’d just scoff, laugh and probably punch those ‘someones’ against the nose too!

As ruffled as she felt, her attitude did improve upon seeing the delivery of her requested breakfast, eyes widening and hands rubbing together. The wafting aroma was enough to get the belly grumbling! “Aaaah, you broke out the good stuff today!” She tucked in, barely grabbing the utensil to use to scoop the concoctions in. Totally ignoring Dagran for the most part.

“Uhh, who do you think I am?” She finally spoke, once she’d gotten a good head start on her breakfast. “I ain’t no debater. I ain’t got no questions.” What was she, a press herald or something??

[primechicagowizard]

winterladymolly

“I think I’ve already joined the Dark Side. And unlike all the posters tease, they didn’t actually have cookies. Though, I’m pretty sure I’ve seen capes.” She smiled at that, trying to make a joke out a situation that was decidedly un-funny. Winter hadn’t been a choice for her as much as she’d been in the right place at the right time, and had the right training for the Mantle to set itself in. Harry might have had more of a choice than she had, depending on who the other candidates for the Knighthood were.

With an overly heavy sigh, Molly rolled her head to look at him, her expression something that could only be described as tolerantly amused. Even if the “tolerant” part of that was all for show. “Fine. No harassing the local deities. We’ll just… enjoy what there is! I’m sure they have to have some wonderful beaches that don’t come complete with the temptation to steal sand and piss off a goddess.” Besides, why go looking for trouble when it was bound to find them? She was pretty sure there wasn’t a pace Harry Dresden went where some sort of mishap didn’t follow close behind.

Stealing sand. Who needed to steal sand when a certain wizard was in the vicinity?

Essentials. She could definitely find a bag to hold some essentials. “Toothbrush, paste and a couple of pairs of clean underwear? I mean, you’re planning on taking a few things with you, too, right? I don’t want to be the only one with baggage.” She was pretty sure there was more than enough of that in an entirely different format that went everywhere with her as it was.

Still, it was impossible to shake the feeling that maybe somewhere tropical wasn’t quite what he was looking for. Not that Harry had outright objected to Hawaii, but neither had he seemed overly excited. “Okay, so trouble waits. Mmmm…. what about New Zealand?” she asked as she got to her feet, extending a hand towards him to help him up. Not that he needed it, it just seemed like the thing to do.

“I mean, New Zealand has everything from amazing mountains, to probably some good beaches. And if we’re really lucky, we won’t run into either Sauron or Smaug. Sauron’s eye is a little too much, and I really don’t think I want him watching me, and while a dragon would be neat, I don’t think Smaug would be nearly as interesting as Ferrovax.”

“Beach is fine. Whichever one you want.” He grinned. “It’s definitely not my preference, but who knows? It’s been years since I’ve indulged. Maybe I’ll feel differently this round.” ‘Years’ honestly being the understatement of the century. It was pretty easy when someone was in his position to let work run away from them, to let it consume every day in its entirety. That wasn’t to say he was in a mess every hour and every day, every year, but there was always something that needed tended to. Beaches and getaways simply weren’t big enough priorities to ditch all of that.

Besides that, there was more to the beach than simply SAND. Sure, sand was a pretty inevitable part of it, but it wasn’t like he had to frolic through it the whole time they were there.

“Of course I have a bag packed! I am always prepared for eventualities.” Never knew when one would need an extra pair of socks or something! Though by ‘bag’ he meant a backpack of stuff. Nothing too outlandish. He wasn’t really of the mindset that he’d eventually need to scurry off to buy extra stuff, but he didn’t have a whole lot he needed.  He might have had specific funds now that would help him purchase whatever he needed, but old habits died hard. He didn’t frivolously go out to gather the biggest and baddest things there were.

“Can’t always prevent the unexpected, but the plan is to avoid encounters of any kind.” That might be difficult with their.... positions. It was hard to stave off the aura that the two of them naturally gave now, but still. He had his eyes ready to level anyone who challenged their current mindset. They were on vacation. Any request contrary to that could be directed to the appropriate party to be addressed whenever they friggen felt like it.

[primechicagowizard]

jienkora

  Her pain was swallowed back, a low growl and smoke rolling from the corners of her mouth. Mocking in looks as a cold breath leaving her in short exhale, her eyes glanced back up to the island Warden at his question. “I called for McCoy…”   It suddenly became obvious what her conscience called for hadn’t been the direct man she thought it would be. Could it be? A short laugh left her as she leaned against the nearest tree wrapping an arm around her torso. Eyes left them without worry of danger or where she stood on such dangerous ground. Looking up into the light of day, clouds passing in the wind, she let herself get the bearings. How long could it have been and was now really the time she needed to be awake? The tension in the lines, the fey, glisening magics of old swirling with a new age about to be born through such drastic means; perhaps it is time.

  “Please tell me it’s been at least 50 years and he isn’t dead,” Her eyes closed with a soft laugh. Her tongue ran across her bottom lip and fingers came up to take what appeared to be hair from it. Sipping onto the ground, she shook her hand. Her saliva made the ground boil like hot water. “He’ll owe me 50 jades,” Head slipping back against the bark of the tree, it slowly rolled until eyes fell onto the two before her. “Hm, is there any clothes I could borrow on that boat of yours? Until my aura adjusts to the time, it’s rather cold out.”

  Pushing to balance herself on her own two feet, she took her time stepping towards Harry and Thomas. One hand, nailed black as onyx and sharp as razors craddled her left rib cage, short strain limps from her right side, and the obvious signs of muscles awakening showed she wouldn’t be much of a threat…yet. Whatever deep sleep she had been put under had been given to her with conditions in her wakening. And for good reason.

Harry blinked in surprise, falling silent for once. McCoy? It probably wasn’t in good order to stand and stare like they were, but was it any wonder that they did? As they stood, witnessing a legend creep from the depths of the island to unveil herself. Or itself. How the hell was he to know a proper way of address? Standing there witness to what he was, he was again reminded of all the many secrets his grandfather possessed. Adding only one more to the top of the growing list didn’t seem to make much difference but it did add another salty feeling well up in Harry’s gut. 

“I don’t know how long it’s been for you.” He offered. It was true. Whatever brief vision he’d been granted, it wasn’t telling enough to communicate even an approximate length of time. At least, not in his current whirlwind of confusion. “But McCoy is alive. Just... not here. So you get the next best thing.” Him.

He turned to pay a glance toward Thomas, giving a short nod to send him back toward the boat to retrieve said garments. There wasn’t anything even remotely appropriate for her there, but it was clothing and that was better than the nothing she was wearing currently. Maybe. Or maybe she’d take offense to having to wear whatever Thomas managed to scrounge up.  It wasn’t like they had plans for a stowaway.

“Who are you?”

It only took a moment for Thomas to return with the clothing, just a simple t-shirt and pair of jeans belonging to him. He tossed them at the creatures feet.

[toastsamurai]

MOTHER FUCKING BLACK THORN AGAIN will I finish this? I have no idea. I just love mah boi B. T.

UPDATE: colour revamp/ finish

[toastsamurai]

“What did she tell you?” he said, voice ragged, “What did your mother say about me?” “The only honest officer in the army,” Renarin said, “The honourable soldier. Noble, like the Heralds themselves. Our father. The greatest man in Alethkar,” What stupid words. Yet Dalinar found himself weeping. Renarin let go, but Dalinar grabbed him, pulling him close. Oh Almighty. Oh God. Oh God, Please… I’ve started to hate my sons. Why hadn’t they learnt to hate him back? They should hate him. He deserved to be hated. Please. Anything. I don’t know how to get free of this. Help me. Help me… Dalinar wept and clung to that youth, that child, as if he were the only real thing left in a world of shadows. — I drew some cute Father-son bonding from Otherbringer for you all

[primechicagowizard]

thighhighsandgoldeneyes

People. Dagran didn’t quite know how to elaborate on it himself without reiterating already said points in their conversation. He only nodded when Zael said that life wasn’t all black and white. As true as that was, sometimes he found it hard to see the grey, but he didn’t want to argue with Zael. They could discuss the purpose of knights all day but Dagran had a feeling they wouldn’t find common ground, because sometimes a guide was useless too.

Zael had astutely ascertained the core of his reply however and for now that was enough for him. Perhaps it was wiser to return to that discussion when they were older, although it was unlikely that they would wait so long.

He finished the rest of his soup and the last few bites of fish. He had promised Zael training, hadn’t he? But for that to work they would need something to substitute for the swords and shields. Whether it was a good thing that Zael was excited he hadn’t decided yet, but for now it should be helpful. “Let’s take care of the dishes first,” Dagran decided as he stood up. “Then we can look for something we can train with.”

He doubted that they would have wooden swords, but surely they could find a pair of sticks of appropriate strength for their purpose. Once the dishes were washed and set out to dry again, Dagran found a couple wooden lids that could double as shields – at least in training – sword substitutes however were harder to find. Wooden spoons weren’t exactly the best substitute, and most of the sticks he found didn’t make for good pretend sword fighting.

When they were finally properly equipped for the circumstances they were already in the backyard so Dagran simply decided to stay there. “What’s your dominant hand?” He asked while making sure that Zael held his shield in his left and his sword in his right and adjusting the grip with which he held it. “How you’re going to hold it depends on the sword you want to fight with, sticks don’t have much weight nor a grip but both depend on how you have to grip it.”

Dagran moved away to grab his own make-believe sword. “Like this,” he said to demonstrate Zael what he meant. “You don’t want to strain your wrist just from holding your sword.” When he satisfied with Zael’s effort he nodded. “Swing it,” he said, stepping away to watch Zael’s efforts for a while before stopping him again. The first thing Dagran did was to adjust his stance before taking up his own stick again. “When you swing again, try and let it come from the elbow, not from the shoulder.” It wouldn’t make much difference with a stick but if Zael ever got to hold an actual sword he would appreciate the advice.

“The dishes will still be here when we return!” Or they wouldn’t be. Either way, it was out of their control. Wasn’t it better not to needlessly exert their energy washing them when they might be swiped by the next wanderer the next moment?? Yes, it was an excuse not to do common chores. And yes, he was sticking with it! It seemed logical enough for him. “They need to soak.” He demonstrated, by plucking his dish into the wash water, effectively ‘soaking’ it. That way, when they returned, they merely had to rinse them off and put them away! Good thing since they would likely not feel much like stupid chores when they returned.

Equipment, well.... equipment was going to be a problem. He knew it was something quite different to learn in a controlled environment in comparison to actually being out on the field of battle, but they had to start somewhere. Even if it was with just.... wood or something they broke off of the building they were squatting in. Sure, it wasn’t ideal, but.... well, he wondered if anyone was working with the ideal those days.

So they weren’t working with the ideal, it didn’t numb Zael’s drive to learn to the best of his ability. At the very least, the standard form he would need to know if they were ever able to graduate to something more substantial to use. No, WHEN they were able to move up in the ranks. Zael had already made up his mind that they would make right the wrong that had been done to them. Not in the way of revenge in the traditional sense. He still didn’t know enough to formulate that sort of deep hatred toward those responsible. In his mind, he didn’t believe what his eyes saw play out in front of him. Those couldn’t be soldiers, they couldn’t have been Knights betraying their order!

There had to be something more than first appeared to the naked eye. 

In all honesty, that was the only thing that got Zael through.

Zael stood looking from one hand to the other. Once attention was called to it, he tried to consider it. “Um. I’m not sure? I guess I favor my right hand. When I’m doing work, that is.” Would it be the same with a weapon? He would suppose so. Whatever felt natural.

He swung as instructed, carefully not to snap his joints forward. It wasn’t about wearing out his own body, it was about effective movements! Of course, the motion itself seemed to come naturally to him. But it mimicked some of the neighborhood games he played with the children in his village. Fighting was something infinitely different, he knew. He tried to visualize an enemy standing before him, one of flesh of blood. Could he truly stand up against someone like that? Yes, yes if it came down to it, he could. He could do what was necessary to protect the people he cared about. 

He repeated the gesture several more times, as though it were a drill and he a true soldier making the count.

[primechicagowizard]

thighhighsandgoldeneyes

As best as he could he offered Zael his arm when the other tapped his leg, so that he could grab it and Dagran could help him up. It was something he still wasn’t entirely used to, other people leaning on him, but he trusted Zael. It made it hard if not impossible to steer with the help of a cane because he had to focus on keeping Zael upright. A brisk laugh escaped his throat when Zael gave him directions. “You’ve got no idea how hard that’s become,” Dagran muttered. “Just keep me on track.” He naturally gravitated towards the left when he didn’t know where he was, and with Zael’s weight against his shoulder it hadn’t become easier.

Dagran only hummed in reply. He knew that Zael was trying his best, but there wasn’t anything he had to say to it right now. All he was focused on was getting Zael to where he needed to be so that someone could help with the bleeding. He knew what busy streets sounded like and this wasn’t it, but that didn’t mean there weren’t as few obstacles as suggested.

Instead of answering Dagran walked Zael in the directed that he was pretty sure was straight forward, at least Zael hadn’t corrected his course so far so he seemed to doing well.

“That’s something you will have to let heal on its own, it wasn’t yours to begin with and there is virtually nothing to replace it – I don’t recommend trying to do that with people…” Dagran pressed his lips together, he didn’t like to admit it but he spoke from experience and it had only hurt them both in the end. “Reality can never be more than it already is.” It was a bleak truth, one that Dagran didn’t particularly like himself, but it was the truth nonetheless. “You will have to make your peace with it.”

“I can imagine.” Not understand fully, of course, but he could guess how difficult it was. It was easy to take for granted what they had, mostly because it was a natural thing. No  one ever dreamed that they would be without one of their vital senses someday in the future. Eyesight was imperative for their survival once. Without it would have meant their certain death. They had a bit more wiggle room to spare those days, thanks to his connection to the palace, but it wasn’t much to go on. They still wandered freely out in the open, where all manner of various dangers awaited them. Hence Zael’s current situation. 

Was it possible to wield the kind of power that they had - however briefly - without losing something along the way? Zael suspected he had suffered some physical loss outside of the obvious weakness he felt without it. That sort of reaction was expected. After all, ordinary people simply didn’t have the abilities that the Outsider had promised. Well, a majority of them. Those like Yurick were the exception, but even he had gained the brunt of his powers from artificial means. That didn’t take away the work he had done to refine it, but still...

They were quite different situations.

“I have come to terms.” He promised. “I didn’t want the power, nor am I disappointed that it’s gone. I suppose, only in that I don’t have it now to protect those I most care for, that’s all, but I know I have to make up for the deficiencies it’s left me with. It’s so strange. Almost like I’ve regressed in my training.” It was like being able to run with the wind, now suddenly handicapped by weights that were too heavy to keep up the normal momentum.

“We’ve faced obstacles like this before.” He smiled. Maybe not that extreme, but it was unfair to compare their experiences. They were all unique in their own way. “We will crest this challenging hill again.” They only needed to get creative in the way they faced it, as they always did. 

[morbidfantasy21]

Zombie by Anna Blood (exquisitecorpse on artstation)

[primechicagowizard]

winterladymolly

“No, I really can’t fault you for that. I wish I knew what was going on the majority of the time. It’s not like I’m let in on everything that happens. Sure, I get the Cliff’s Notes sometimes, and enough to really do the job when it’s needed, but other than that?” She half smiled, the expression sardonic, “I think I’m as in the dark as you are.”

Harry was thinking about it. He was actually really thinking about a cruise and the possibility that they could take one. It seemed, though that he came the same conclusion she had, and that it would probably be best for all involved if they weren’t on a Caribbean Carnival Cruise. That would likely be a quick way for the ship to go completely off course for a re-enactment of the Titanic. Only in their case, the cold wouldn’t bother them and the door could be shared. The damned thing had had more than enough space for an extra person as cuddling shouldn’t have been an issue.

There was a slightly tingly feeling in her skin that moved down her arms to settle in her stomach. What she wanted to do. Molly was pretty sure this was the first time that her former mentor was giving her the option of where they should go in what little free time they had. A slow smile came to her lips, a smile that once fully formed was brilliant and lit her features in a way they hadn’t been lit in some time. “Okay, so no cruise.” She wouldn’t really have subjected him to that anyway. “And with the Ways, we can really go anywhere we want. I have to admit… after all those pirate movies, I’d love to find one of those beaches in Jamaica or Fiji or something and just… enjoy it. Oh!” Her eyes widened a bit as she patted his arm lightly but insistently. “We could go to Hawaii! There’s supposedly a volcano goddess who gets mad and curses you if you steal the black sand! We, uhm, wouldn’t be stealing the sand.”

So many people made such a big deal out of Hawaii. She sort of wanted to see if what she’d heard made the island state overrated or not.

“You can? So… we’ll go to Hawaii and see if we can find the volcano goddess? I’m still saying no stealing the sand, especially if we find her. That will only give her names and faces to attach to the thieves, and I think we’ve both had more than our share of crappy luck and misfortunes.”

All he had to do was say yes. Something that sounded so easy, and still managed to get people into trouble they weren’t sure how to get out of. Standing, she laughed lightly as she continued to look out at the city, turning to face him and extending a hand. “You know what? Screw it. I’m sure wherever we go, there will be a drugstore for a toothbrush, and somewhere to buy whatever we need along the way. If I go to pack we’l get stuck. Something will come up, and you’ll need to go deal with whatever happens. Let’s just go. What’s the worst that can happen?”

“Welcome to the dark side.” It wasn’t nearly as fun or super special all-powerful that so many implied it was!! He didn’t really have minions or anything to do his bidding unquestioning! Apparently ‘being in the know’ was overrated!

Dark side excluded, opening the world as an option for Molly to choose might not have been the cleverest of things to do judging by that slightly mischievous grin plastered on her face. Then again, if they didn’t cast caution to the wayside with pleasurable activities like they did with the not so pleasurable, were they really living? Maybe it was okay to spontaneously close the eyes, raise the index finger and tap the globe to see where it landed. They didn’t really need a plan, and for the moment, money wasn’t really an option. So.... why not? It was difficult to tell when they would have another chance to fling themselves into the cosmos. 

And even then, their plans could be disrupted at any time. So... might as well take a running leap and see where it led them.

“Maybe we’ll just enjoy the sights without bothering the local deities, eh?” He thought maybe that filtered in with the ‘stay out of trouble’ category of things! Being that he claimed that he was capable, he thought it would be a great time to demonstrate! That was a wonderful first step!

“Why don’t you just pack some essentials?  I’m all for supporting the economy, but it’ll take time away from whatever else we’d get up to!” Hawaii was an interesting choice. He wasn’t a terribly big fan of the beaches, but it seemed pretty shitty to say as such when he shrugged off cruises too! He could find fault with pretty much everything and he didn’t want to come across as a scrooge when he’d been the one to suggest a trip in the first place. So he’d go along! He’d find something there more appealing than sand.

“I’m on my union break.” He spread his hands. “Trouble will have to wait.”