Tf!Pyro RP Blog @tegrith-goodbye - Tumblr Blog

Pyro sits on the floor of his room, sorting methodically through a large pile of books. Occasionally, he’ll open one, referring to its contents before jotting something down in a notebook.

*Mage knocked on his door, followed by very grumpy dragon noices*

Pyro glances up, startled momentarily before moving to the door and opening it

Oh, hey Mage. What’s up?

<You went to a corrupted village with Scott, that prince Cam and someone else right? Did you find any usefull information?> *He fidgits with a letter in her hands*

Not nearly as much as I’d hoped for. The library’s not been much help either but I can tell you what I know. You want to come in?

Pyro opens the door wider, inviting him inside

<Yes, please> *They step in, not minding how warm it is*

Pyro kicks a few books aside, making their way to a table and sitting down. Grabbing one of the notebooks from the floor he gestured for them to come sit as well.

I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is the corruption lies. It hides, manipulates, anything to get under your skin.

You’ve probably seen the fake ritual books, heard of the doblesoul. Maybe even what happened with Tim…

<I know it lies and stuff. I know how an infected person looked. My father was for years I think. I'm encountered the doblesoul twice, once as Jojo and once as Lilly, my bestfriend. I have not seen fake book or heard about Tim. But seeing your hesitation, you don't have to tell me> *While signing, she sat down too*

Yeah, I’m sure you’ll find out eventually. Ask Sausage, I’m sure he’d be willing to drag my name for doing what was necessary…

If your father was infected, how did you know? The eyes, I’m assuming? The lack of light, the purple hue…

<I...I only found out when I came here and I told Lilly about the eyes and the stop of him baking a cake on my birthday. 3/4 of my town was corrupted when I left. It's all gone now> *Tears formed in Mage's eyes*

I’m…sorry that happened.

Pyro extends a hand across the table, patting Mage’s shoulder in an awkward comforting motion

This may not be the time but. You’re sure you aren’t corrupted? After living that close to it, there’s always a possibility.

Pyro sits on the floor of his room, sorting methodically through a large pile of books. Occasionally, he’ll open one, referring to its contents before jotting something down in a notebook.

*Mage knocked on his door, followed by very grumpy dragon noices*

Pyro glances up, startled momentarily before moving to the door and opening it

Oh, hey Mage. What’s up?

<You went to a corrupted village with Scott, that prince Cam and someone else right? Did you find any usefull information?> *He fidgits with a letter in her hands*

Not nearly as much as I’d hoped for. The library’s not been much help either but I can tell you what I know. You want to come in?

Pyro opens the door wider, inviting him inside

<Yes, please> *They step in, not minding how warm it is*

Pyro kicks a few books aside, making their way to a table and sitting down. Grabbing one of the notebooks from the floor he gestured for them to come sit as well.

I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is the corruption lies. It hides, manipulates, anything to get under your skin.

You’ve probably seen the fake ritual books, heard of the doblesoul. Maybe even what happened with Tim…

Yeah, I’m sure you’ll find out eventually. Ask Sausage, I’m sure he’d be willing to drag my name for doing what was necessary…

If your father was infected, how did you know? The eyes, I’m assuming? The lack of light, the purple hue…

Pyro sits on the floor of his room, sorting methodically through a large pile of books. Occasionally, he’ll open one, referring to its contents before jotting something down in a notebook.

*Mage knocked on his door, followed by very grumpy dragon noices*

Pyro glances up, startled momentarily before moving to the door and opening it

Oh, hey Mage. What’s up?

<You went to a corrupted village with Scott, that prince Cam and someone else right? Did you find any usefull information?> *He fidgits with a letter in her hands*

Not nearly as much as I’d hoped for. The library’s not been much help either but I can tell you what I know. You want to come in?

Pyro opens the door wider, inviting him inside

<Yes, please> *They step in, not minding how warm it is*

Pyro kicks a few books aside, making their way to a table and sitting down. Grabbing one of the notebooks from the floor he gestured for them to come sit as well.

I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is the corruption lies. It hides, manipulates, anything to get under your skin.

You’ve probably seen the fake ritual books, heard of the doblesoul. Maybe even what happened with Tim…

Pyro sits on the floor of his room, sorting methodically through a large pile of books. Occasionally, he’ll open one, referring to its contents before jotting something down in a notebook.

*Mage knocked on his door, followed by very grumpy dragon noices*

Pyro glances up, startled momentarily before moving to the door and opening it

Oh, hey Mage. What’s up?

<You went to a corrupted village with Scott, that prince Cam and someone else right? Did you find any usefull information?> *He fidgits with a letter in her hands*

Not nearly as much as I’d hoped for. The library’s not been much help either but I can tell you what I know. You want to come in?

Pyro opens the door wider, inviting him inside

Pyro sits on the floor of his room, sorting methodically through a large pile of books. Occasionally, he’ll open one, referring to its contents before jotting something down in a notebook.

*Mage knocked on his door, followed by very grumpy dragon noices*

#wanderingflames #🔥mage #//cool cool lmk if you want this to head in a specific direction

Pyro glances up, startled momentarily before moving to the door and opening it

Oh, hey Mage. What’s up?

Oh…Sausage. I didn’t know you were here.

-🔥 ( @tegrith-goodbye )

☀️-

Oh!! Uhhh hello... hello Pyro.

*Sausage feigned a smile on his face.*

Don’t act so excited to see me. I’m just trying to keeep tabs on who’s around, on who might be impersonated.

☀️-

Ah, I see! You're just doing that, right? Nothing else?

Pyro narrows their eyes at Sausage

What are you implying…?

☀️-

Oh! I'm implying nothing! I was just wondering! No harm in being to safe..

You say that as if I’m the thing that people need protection from when everything I’ve done is to protect my friends and fellow dragon riders.

☀️-

And if they get corrupted?

I’ve made it clear what I want to happen if one of us were corrupted. Send them away to live out their days in peace away from the Academy.

Pyro leans in, voice an angry hiss

Don’t act like you’re better than me when you were too scared to do what I did to protect everyone.

☀️-

*An mechanical whirl sound came from Sausage's copper limbs. Sausage looked angry but the more Pyro spoke the more Sausage's expression changed to.. confliction. Sausage glanced away from Pyro.*

Yeah... right.

I just want to protect our friends.

Pyro says, gentler.

And if that means I have to be the villain, then so be it.

☀️-

Yeah. I understand that.. I would... I would do that too.

*Sausage looked back at Pyro, it looked at them alot more.... kinder.*

But would you really?

Pyro looks at Sausage meaningfully, a slight accusation in their tone

☀️-

*Sausage became more.. quiet. He held his Amethyst Shard close to himself, his copper limbs admit a quiet hum.*

I would. To protect everyone.

Keep that in mind for the others sakes. They need our strength.

Pyro raises a hand, as if to pat Sausage on the shoulder before lowering it again.

I should probably be going…

☀️-

Well.. cya then.

Oh…Sausage. I didn’t know you were here.

-🔥 ( @tegrith-goodbye )

☀️-

Oh!! Uhhh hello... hello Pyro.

*Sausage feigned a smile on his face.*

Don’t act so excited to see me. I’m just trying to keeep tabs on who’s around, on who might be impersonated.

☀️-

Ah, I see! You're just doing that, right? Nothing else?

Pyro narrows their eyes at Sausage

What are you implying…?

☀️-

Oh! I'm implying nothing! I was just wondering! No harm in being to safe..

You say that as if I’m the thing that people need protection from when everything I’ve done is to protect my friends and fellow dragon riders.

☀️-

And if they get corrupted?

I’ve made it clear what I want to happen if one of us were corrupted. Send them away to live out their days in peace away from the Academy.

Pyro leans in, voice an angry hiss

Don’t act like you’re better than me when you were too scared to do what I did to protect everyone.

☀️-

*An mechanical whirl sound came from Sausage's copper limbs. Sausage looked angry but the more Pyro spoke the more Sausage's expression changed to.. confliction. Sausage glanced away from Pyro.*

Yeah... right.

I just want to protect our friends.

Pyro says, gentler.

And if that means I have to be the villain, then so be it.

☀️-

Yeah. I understand that.. I would... I would do that too.

*Sausage looked back at Pyro, it looked at them alot more.... kinder.*

But would you really?

Pyro looks at Sausage meaningfully, a slight accusation in their tone

☀️-

*Sausage became more.. quiet. He held his Amethyst Shard close to himself, his copper limbs admit a quiet hum.*

I would. To protect everyone.

Keep that in mind for the others sakes. They need our strength.

Pyro raises a hand, as if to pat Sausage on the shoulder before lowering it again.

I should probably be going…

Oh…Sausage. I didn’t know you were here.

-🔥 ( @tegrith-goodbye )

☀️-

Oh!! Uhhh hello... hello Pyro.

*Sausage feigned a smile on his face.*

Don’t act so excited to see me. I’m just trying to keeep tabs on who’s around, on who might be impersonated.

☀️-

Ah, I see! You're just doing that, right? Nothing else?

Pyro narrows their eyes at Sausage

What are you implying…?

☀️-

Oh! I'm implying nothing! I was just wondering! No harm in being to safe..

You say that as if I’m the thing that people need protection from when everything I’ve done is to protect my friends and fellow dragon riders.

☀️-

And if they get corrupted?

I’ve made it clear what I want to happen if one of us were corrupted. Send them away to live out their days in peace away from the Academy.

Pyro leans in, voice an angry hiss

Don’t act like you’re better than me when you were too scared to do what I did to protect everyone.

☀️-

*An mechanical whirl sound came from Sausage's copper limbs. Sausage looked angry but the more Pyro spoke the more Sausage's expression changed to.. confliction. Sausage glanced away from Pyro.*

Yeah... right.

I just want to protect our friends.

Pyro says, gentler.

And if that means I have to be the villain, then so be it.

☀️-

Yeah. I understand that.. I would... I would do that too.

*Sausage looked back at Pyro, it looked at them alot more.... kinder.*

But would you really?

Pyro looks at Sausage meaningfully, a slight accusation in their tone

Oh…Sausage. I didn’t know you were here.

-🔥 ( @tegrith-goodbye )

☀️-

Oh!! Uhhh hello... hello Pyro.

*Sausage feigned a smile on his face.*

Don’t act so excited to see me. I’m just trying to keeep tabs on who’s around, on who might be impersonated.

☀️-

Ah, I see! You're just doing that, right? Nothing else?

Pyro narrows their eyes at Sausage

What are you implying…?

☀️-

Oh! I'm implying nothing! I was just wondering! No harm in being to safe..

You say that as if I’m the thing that people need protection from when everything I’ve done is to protect my friends and fellow dragon riders.

☀️-

And if they get corrupted?

I’ve made it clear what I want to happen if one of us were corrupted. Send them away to live out their days in peace away from the Academy.

Pyro leans in, voice an angry hiss

Don’t act like you’re better than me when you were too scared to do what I did to protect everyone.

☀️-

*An mechanical whirl sound came from Sausage's copper limbs. Sausage looked angry but the more Pyro spoke the more Sausage's expression changed to.. confliction. Sausage glanced away from Pyro.*

Yeah... right.

I just want to protect our friends.

Pyro says, gentler.

And if that means I have to be the villain, then so be it.

Oh…Sausage. I didn’t know you were here.

-🔥 ( @tegrith-goodbye )

☀️-

Oh!! Uhhh hello... hello Pyro.

*Sausage feigned a smile on his face.*

Don’t act so excited to see me. I’m just trying to keeep tabs on who’s around, on who might be impersonated.

☀️-

Ah, I see! You're just doing that, right? Nothing else?

Pyro narrows their eyes at Sausage

What are you implying…?

☀️-

Oh! I'm implying nothing! I was just wondering! No harm in being to safe..

You say that as if I’m the thing that people need protection from when everything I’ve done is to protect my friends and fellow dragon riders.

☀️-

And if they get corrupted?

I’ve made it clear what I want to happen if one of us were corrupted. Send them away to live out their days in peace away from the Academy.

Pyro leans in, voice an angry hiss

Don’t act like you’re better than me when you were too scared to do what I did to protect everyone.

Oh…Sausage. I didn’t know you were here.

-🔥 ( @tegrith-goodbye )

☀️-

Oh!! Uhhh hello... hello Pyro.

*Sausage feigned a smile on his face.*

Don’t act so excited to see me. I’m just trying to keeep tabs on who’s around, on who might be impersonated.

☀️-

Ah, I see! You're just doing that, right? Nothing else?

Pyro narrows their eyes at Sausage

What are you implying…?

☀️-

Oh! I'm implying nothing! I was just wondering! No harm in being to safe..

You say that as if I’m the thing that people need protection from when everything I’ve done is to protect my friends and fellow dragon riders.

Oh…Sausage. I didn’t know you were here.

-🔥 ( @tegrith-goodbye )

☀️-

Oh!! Uhhh hello... hello Pyro.

*Sausage feigned a smile on his face.*

Don’t act so excited to see me. I’m just trying to keeep tabs on who’s around, on who might be impersonated.

☀️-

Ah, I see! You're just doing that, right? Nothing else?

Pyro narrows their eyes at Sausage

What are you implying…?

Oh…Sausage. I didn’t know you were here.

-🔥 ( @tegrith-goodbye )

☀️-

Oh!! Uhhh hello... hello Pyro.

*Sausage feigned a smile on his face.*

Don’t act so excited to see me. I’m just trying to keeep tabs on who’s around, on who might be impersonated.

Pyro sits on the floor of his room, sorting methodically through a large pile of books. Occasionally, he’ll open one, referring to its contents before jotting something down in a notebook.

#wanderingflames #🔥pyro

Pyro wanders down a hallway, tossing a small flame between their fingers as they go. Catching a glimpse of the stranger, they smile, walking over

Hey there, another latecomer I suppose?

*The student startles slightly.*

Oh… Yeah, sorry… Who’re you?

Pyro, resident fire mage at your service

He bows deeply, grinning jokingly

Nice to meet you. *He awkwardly bows back, unsure if it’s a custom.*

Um. I go by a lot of names… you can call me whatever, it’s fine. But this is Grimsnatch!

*He nods to the black dragon in his backpack, who tilts his head at Pyro curiously.*

Ah, of course! And this is my own dragon, Cindermeare

Pyro grabs Cindy from his own backpack, holding them as if they were a trophy.

As for you, I’m sure I’ll come up with a fitting title.

Aw, they’re very cute! May I pet them? *He smiles widely at the dragon.*

Sure, watch the mouth though. She’s a bit of a fiery one, in every sense of the word

As if emphasizing Pyro’s point, Cindy huffs, smoke puffing from her nostrils

Okay!

*He lets Cindy sniff his fingers, then gently scritches behind her ears. Grimsnatch chirps jealously and he laughs quietly, petting him with his other hand.*

Thanks, Pyro.

Oh, what dorm are you in?

No problem. House Lupi, and you? Most of the latecomers are Tigris, though I’d hate to assume.

Yeah, Tigris. It’s… nice? There’s a lot of people… a lot of ghosts, to though…

Ghosts?

Pyro leans forward, clearly interested by the muttered words

Y-yeah… It’s nothing, they’re not real anyways… it’s just that ghosts bother me sometimes…

More often the less I sleep, I think…

Ah, well I can understand the effects of sleep deprivation. Pyro comforted, clearly speaking from experience, though they still looked a bit worried

I’d excercise caution though, the corruption can take many forms.

*His eyes go wide.*

Corruption? Do you really think they could be from it‽

…Oh no, they’ve been around for so long… And I’ve been around Grim, and around so many people… Do you think I could’ve be spreading it‽

I… No, no…

Hey, hey hold on a second, I don’t mean to scare you. I’m just theorizing, after the doblesoul incidents, but I haven’t heard of it making people see ghosts before. How- how long have you been seeing them, if you don’t mind answering?

Pyro does his best to reassure the siren, holding out their hands placating, though they take a small step back

O-oh… A long time, as long as I can remember… And I don’t see them as much as I hear them…

They get quieter sometimes. If I sleep a bit… but I always have nightmares, and those are worse, so it’s better to just deal with the ghosts…

…So it’s probably not corruption? That’s… good…

Yeah, I’m always for less corruption. But…not sleeping, that isn’t good for you. I mean, I’m sure you know that but isn’t there some way you could chase away the nightmares?

They lean in, whispering as if they were sharing some great secret

I find mana exhaustion does wonders to chase away the dreams

I- I guess I could ask if anyone has that kind of magic…

Isn’t mana exhaustion also bad? I mean, I could try…

…My magics just siren singing, so I could probably go and sing by the river…

…Wait, do you also get nightmares?

I’m not sure if anybody has sleep magic…if you ask around and find someone let me know please? I’m sure the mana exhaustion isn’t the best for any of us. But, if you don’t have any other way…

Pyro pauses for a moment, a faraway look in his eyes

I suppose you have to choose whichever evil you find lesser. Nightmares or the effects of drained mana. Until you can find another solution that is. I don’t think my alternative would work for you.

Okay, sure!

…Drained mana isn’t bad in the long run, is it? I might try that if the ghosts start to get loud again.

And… that means you do have nightmares? …Can I ask what about? I’ll tell you about mine…

I’m sure it’s not good for us. Sometimes I feel as if it’s eating away at me. Um, yeah. I can tell you about my nightmares, though maybe we could talk…not in the hallway?

Right! Sorry, sorry. You said you’re in Lupi? That might be closer than Tigris, do you want to go to your room?

Yeah, that sounds good. Follow me, this way.

Pyro turns, leading him down the hallway. As they walk, they once again summon a fireball, tossing it between their hands as they walk.

I should warn you, my rooms a bit barren still. Not much in the way of decorations.

*He starts to follow, then yelps in surprise and sudden fear at the sight of fire. He stumbles and stops, grabbing the wall so as not to fall down. Air seems to deny him breath and his legs threaten to fail him.*

Pyro immediately pauses, hurrying back to the siren and supporting him gently,

Woah, woah, easy there. What’s wrong?

I- I’m, I’m sorry- I-

Fire… I- Sorry, I really don’t like fire…

I’m… *He whimpers quietly. His legs shake and threaten to buckle as his breath comes in quick, flighty gasps.*

Gods, I’m so sorry. Here, just sit down for a moment. Take some deep breaths, it’s alright. I won’t do that again, not around you.

Pyro assures him, pushing the siren to the floor gently and kneeling as well.

*He forces air into and out of his lungs shakily.*

It- it’s not… not your fault…

‘M sorry, ‘m so sorry, I-

I should make such a bit deal of it…

We all have our struggles. Just calm down for a moment, you’ll be alright.

*He slumps forward against Pyro.*

I-I’m trying…

S-sorry, I didn’t mean to… *He starts to push himself back away, but hesitantly, life he desperately wants the comfort.* ‘S my fault…

Stop saying that. You’re fine, scales.

Pyro poses the command gently, wrapping his arms around him comfortingly, but loose enough to break away if he so desires

Th-thanks…

*He hugs Pyro back.*

…I feel a bit better now…

Good. Do you want to go to your room? We could still talk if you want, mines just rather…smoky.

Pyro stands, holding out a hand to help the other to his feet as well

*Scales hesitates.* I… Do you mean there’s fires there? …Then yeah…

If it’s just smoke, though, it’s fine… My room hardly has anything yet…

Neither does mine. Let’s go to yours, just to be safe?

Okay…

*He stands, testing whether his legs are ready to hold him again, and starts towards the Tigris dorm.*

*He keeps his arm wound around Pryo’s and their hands clasped together (platonic handholding my beloved <3)*

As soon as they reach the room, Pyro guides Scales to sit down, before sprawling on the floor themself

So…nightmares? Mana draining? What is it you wanted me to complain about?

You don’t have to take the floor…

Um, but yeah, nightmares… you said you had those?

…I can hardly imagine anything scaring you…

floor’s nice. Cools me off.

I wish…I wish nothing scared me. If you thought nothing did, I suppose I’m a damn good liar.

Do you…have anybody you regret leaving behind? To come here, or before that. Wouldn’t you want to make it up to them…

I guess the point I’m trying to get at is I’m scared of not being forgiven. Of letting them down again.

So, you have nightmares about… leaving people behind?

…I don’t really remember my past. That’s okay, though. I mean… there were some people… they were nice, and gave me a place to sleep for the night in exchange for work…

Sometimes they gave me a meal, too… I wonder what would’ve happened if I had just stayed with them.

About leaving them? No. I did that of my own free will. More…returning home. I’ve heard there’s corruption near my village, that they thought I’d just abandoned them to face the winter alone. And I did.

I guess what I’m afraid of is…what I’ll eventually return to. If there’ll even be anybody left to forgive me. To carry my story.

I get it, that does sound a bit daunting…

…I’m sure they’re alright, though. If it’s any solace. One person won’t affect whether or not the winter is harsh on them, right?

Not in most places. But where I lived, Tegrith, the snow is harsh enough to bury someone in hours. I was…one of two people my age. The other being Scott, another dragon rider here.

Pyro wipes a few tears from his eyes, staring at the ceiling.

I left without even saying goodbye, early in the fall. They needed me.

Oh…

I’m sorry…

*After a moment, Scales moves to sit next to Pyro on the floor.*

’s not your fault. It’s nobody’s but my own. Didn’t mean to get so into the details of it, sorry.

Pyro murmurs, crossing his arms as if he were hugging himself

did you want to talk about your…ghosts? Nightmares?

It’s okay… You don’t have to apologize…

Um, sure… there’s not a ton to it, just that I see and hear ghosts sometimes, and that…

…The nightmares…

…They’re almost always about fire… At first, I can run, but it’s all around, like a maze, and I can’t get out, and then its creeping in, trapping me, crawling closer- *Scales shudders with a quiet whine and scoots closer to Pyro.*

…I really don’t like them.

So that’s why you got so scared earlier…And you don’t know why you dream of fire? There’s no past to be remedied, no way to try and stop them?

Pyro sits up, holding out their arms in invitation for another hug

*Scales shakes his head firmly, then gratefully leans into Pryo’s arms.*

No… It’s just always been scary to me…

There are other nightmares, just not so common… mostly similar things, being trapped with nowhere to run from something bad…

Some things lack reason. People especially. I wish I had more to say than that, some wisdom for your nightmares, but I don’t. You just have to face them, I suppose.

Mmmph… I guess…

Maybe- Sorry… Maybe I could sleep by you sometimes? And- And if I have a nightmare, you could wake me up?

…Sorry, I don’t want to make it your problem… I can deal with it…

That’s alright, I’m sure we could both use a bit more sleep. I’m with Scott many nights but if not, you’re welcome to come over.

Okay! Thank you… *He smiles and trills quietly.*

Who’s Scott?

Oh! He’s, ah, my boyfriend. We grew up together…met here after I left. It was rocky for awhile but. We figured it out.

Pyro blushes slightly, smiling.

*Scales giggles.* …You’re blushing~

…What’s it like, though? Having a boyfriend?

Or even just a partner in general, but kind of specifically… um, never mind.

Just… out of curiosity… how do you flirt with a boy? And see if he likes you?

It’s nice. There was a lot of stuff we needed to work through here, but the feelings were there, and that’s what matters. We kind of skipped the flirting stage, it’s…complicated to explain, and not fully my story.

But, if you like someone…I guess you just need to show them you care. That you want them to be happy, hopefully with you.

Oh, okay. Thanks.

I don’t know if I like someone specifically yet… but I think I want to, if that makes sense?

It doesn’t really matter.

No, no, I get it. I may not be the best advice giver, but if you need it, I’m happy to oblige.

Pyro reassured Scales, patting their shoulder encouragingly

Thank you… *Scales chirps gratefully.*

Hm. Are you hungry? I kind of want a snack…

Ooh, do you like baking? We could bake something… I don’t know if it’s sunny out, though…

#wanderingflames #🔥firesong duo #🔥siren song

Hmmm…maybe tomorrow? I need to take Cindermeare out or he’ll get antsy.

Pyro stands, stretching for a moment.

It was nice to meet you, though. I’m glad to have more people I can consider allies here.

Pyro wanders down a hallway, tossing a small flame between their fingers as they go. Catching a glimpse of the stranger, they smile, walking over

Hey there, another latecomer I suppose?

*The student startles slightly.*

Oh… Yeah, sorry… Who’re you?

Pyro, resident fire mage at your service

He bows deeply, grinning jokingly

Nice to meet you. *He awkwardly bows back, unsure if it’s a custom.*

Um. I go by a lot of names… you can call me whatever, it’s fine. But this is Grimsnatch!

*He nods to the black dragon in his backpack, who tilts his head at Pyro curiously.*

Ah, of course! And this is my own dragon, Cindermeare

Pyro grabs Cindy from his own backpack, holding them as if they were a trophy.

As for you, I’m sure I’ll come up with a fitting title.

Aw, they’re very cute! May I pet them? *He smiles widely at the dragon.*

Sure, watch the mouth though. She’s a bit of a fiery one, in every sense of the word

As if emphasizing Pyro’s point, Cindy huffs, smoke puffing from her nostrils

Okay!

*He lets Cindy sniff his fingers, then gently scritches behind her ears. Grimsnatch chirps jealously and he laughs quietly, petting him with his other hand.*

Thanks, Pyro.

Oh, what dorm are you in?

No problem. House Lupi, and you? Most of the latecomers are Tigris, though I’d hate to assume.

Yeah, Tigris. It’s… nice? There’s a lot of people… a lot of ghosts, to though…

Ghosts?

Pyro leans forward, clearly interested by the muttered words

Y-yeah… It’s nothing, they’re not real anyways… it’s just that ghosts bother me sometimes…

More often the less I sleep, I think…

Ah, well I can understand the effects of sleep deprivation. Pyro comforted, clearly speaking from experience, though they still looked a bit worried

I’d excercise caution though, the corruption can take many forms.

*His eyes go wide.*

Corruption? Do you really think they could be from it‽

…Oh no, they’ve been around for so long… And I’ve been around Grim, and around so many people… Do you think I could’ve be spreading it‽

I… No, no…

Pyro does his best to reassure the siren, holding out their hands placating, though they take a small step back

O-oh… A long time, as long as I can remember… And I don’t see them as much as I hear them…

They get quieter sometimes. If I sleep a bit… but I always have nightmares, and those are worse, so it’s better to just deal with the ghosts…

…So it’s probably not corruption? That’s… good…

Yeah, I’m always for less corruption. But…not sleeping, that isn’t good for you. I mean, I’m sure you know that but isn’t there some way you could chase away the nightmares?

They lean in, whispering as if they were sharing some great secret

I find mana exhaustion does wonders to chase away the dreams

I- I guess I could ask if anyone has that kind of magic…

Isn’t mana exhaustion also bad? I mean, I could try…

…My magics just siren singing, so I could probably go and sing by the river…

…Wait, do you also get nightmares?

Pyro pauses for a moment, a faraway look in his eyes

I suppose you have to choose whichever evil you find lesser. Nightmares or the effects of drained mana. Until you can find another solution that is. I don’t think my alternative would work for you.

Okay, sure!

…Drained mana isn’t bad in the long run, is it? I might try that if the ghosts start to get loud again.

And… that means you do have nightmares? …Can I ask what about? I’ll tell you about mine…

I’m sure it’s not good for us. Sometimes I feel as if it’s eating away at me. Um, yeah. I can tell you about my nightmares, though maybe we could talk…not in the hallway?

Right! Sorry, sorry. You said you’re in Lupi? That might be closer than Tigris, do you want to go to your room?

Yeah, that sounds good. Follow me, this way.

Pyro turns, leading him down the hallway. As they walk, they once again summon a fireball, tossing it between their hands as they walk.

I should warn you, my rooms a bit barren still. Not much in the way of decorations.

Pyro immediately pauses, hurrying back to the siren and supporting him gently,

Woah, woah, easy there. What’s wrong?

I- I’m, I’m sorry- I-

Fire… I- Sorry, I really don’t like fire…

I’m… *He whimpers quietly. His legs shake and threaten to buckle as his breath comes in quick, flighty gasps.*

Gods, I’m so sorry. Here, just sit down for a moment. Take some deep breaths, it’s alright. I won’t do that again, not around you.

Pyro assures him, pushing the siren to the floor gently and kneeling as well.

*He forces air into and out of his lungs shakily.*

It- it’s not… not your fault…

‘M sorry, ‘m so sorry, I-

I should make such a bit deal of it…

We all have our struggles. Just calm down for a moment, you’ll be alright.

*He slumps forward against Pyro.*

I-I’m trying…

S-sorry, I didn’t mean to… *He starts to push himself back away, but hesitantly, life he desperately wants the comfort.* ‘S my fault…

Stop saying that. You’re fine, scales.

Pyro poses the command gently, wrapping his arms around him comfortingly, but loose enough to break away if he so desires

Th-thanks…

*He hugs Pyro back.*

…I feel a bit better now…

Good. Do you want to go to your room? We could still talk if you want, mines just rather…smoky.

Pyro stands, holding out a hand to help the other to his feet as well

*Scales hesitates.* I… Do you mean there’s fires there? …Then yeah…

If it’s just smoke, though, it’s fine… My room hardly has anything yet…

Neither does mine. Let’s go to yours, just to be safe?

Okay…

*He stands, testing whether his legs are ready to hold him again, and starts towards the Tigris dorm.*

*He keeps his arm wound around Pryo’s and their hands clasped together (platonic handholding my beloved <3)*

As soon as they reach the room, Pyro guides Scales to sit down, before sprawling on the floor themself

So…nightmares? Mana draining? What is it you wanted me to complain about?

You don’t have to take the floor…

Um, but yeah, nightmares… you said you had those?

…I can hardly imagine anything scaring you…

floor’s nice. Cools me off.

I wish…I wish nothing scared me. If you thought nothing did, I suppose I’m a damn good liar.

Do you…have anybody you regret leaving behind? To come here, or before that. Wouldn’t you want to make it up to them…

I guess the point I’m trying to get at is I’m scared of not being forgiven. Of letting them down again.

So, you have nightmares about… leaving people behind?

…I don’t really remember my past. That’s okay, though. I mean… there were some people… they were nice, and gave me a place to sleep for the night in exchange for work…

Sometimes they gave me a meal, too… I wonder what would’ve happened if I had just stayed with them.

I guess what I’m afraid of is…what I’ll eventually return to. If there’ll even be anybody left to forgive me. To carry my story.

I get it, that does sound a bit daunting…

…I’m sure they’re alright, though. If it’s any solace. One person won’t affect whether or not the winter is harsh on them, right?

Not in most places. But where I lived, Tegrith, the snow is harsh enough to bury someone in hours. I was…one of two people my age. The other being Scott, another dragon rider here.

Pyro wipes a few tears from his eyes, staring at the ceiling.

I left without even saying goodbye, early in the fall. They needed me.

Oh…

I’m sorry…

*After a moment, Scales moves to sit next to Pyro on the floor.*

’s not your fault. It’s nobody’s but my own. Didn’t mean to get so into the details of it, sorry.

Pyro murmurs, crossing his arms as if he were hugging himself

did you want to talk about your…ghosts? Nightmares?

It’s okay… You don’t have to apologize…

Um, sure… there’s not a ton to it, just that I see and hear ghosts sometimes, and that…

…The nightmares…

…I really don’t like them.

So that’s why you got so scared earlier…And you don’t know why you dream of fire? There’s no past to be remedied, no way to try and stop them?

Pyro sits up, holding out their arms in invitation for another hug

*Scales shakes his head firmly, then gratefully leans into Pryo’s arms.*

No… It’s just always been scary to me…

There are other nightmares, just not so common… mostly similar things, being trapped with nowhere to run from something bad…

Some things lack reason. People especially. I wish I had more to say than that, some wisdom for your nightmares, but I don’t. You just have to face them, I suppose.

Mmmph… I guess…

Maybe- Sorry… Maybe I could sleep by you sometimes? And- And if I have a nightmare, you could wake me up?

…Sorry, I don’t want to make it your problem… I can deal with it…

That’s alright, I’m sure we could both use a bit more sleep. I’m with Scott many nights but if not, you’re welcome to come over.

Okay! Thank you… *He smiles and trills quietly.*

Who’s Scott?

Oh! He’s, ah, my boyfriend. We grew up together…met here after I left. It was rocky for awhile but. We figured it out.

Pyro blushes slightly, smiling.

*Scales giggles.* …You’re blushing~

…What’s it like, though? Having a boyfriend?

Or even just a partner in general, but kind of specifically… um, never mind.

Just… out of curiosity… how do you flirt with a boy? And see if he likes you?

But, if you like someone…I guess you just need to show them you care. That you want them to be happy, hopefully with you.

Oh, okay. Thanks.

I don’t know if I like someone specifically yet… but I think I want to, if that makes sense?

It doesn’t really matter.