The Spectral Arrow

Not a day goes by that I don't feel this burn. There's a point we pass from which we can't return. Justiciar Arveldis Avcaina Ind. 4E Skyrim OC | Mod is 18+ | NSFW |No AU/Xover

[theoldjusticiar]

So you continue to insist. I doubt the trouble that finds me is disproportionate to that of anyone else in our line of work.

[thespectralarrow]

Try telling that to my ribcage. 

[theoldjusticiar]

Unfair.

[thespectralarrow]

Is it? You have always classified me as a trouble maker, and I suppose in the past that has been overwhelmingly true, but you are the one trouble loves. 

[theoldjusticiar]

I don’t expect I’ll vanish, this time, if that consoles you any. I have little interest in hunting raiders.

[thespectralarrow]

Trouble doesn't simply follow you, Lhaeben, it rides on your back. 

[theoldjusticiar]

I’ve sent in a request. There’s no need to allow ourselves to be vulnerable when we have the numbers and the equipment. Sadly, that does nothing for my headache.

[thespectralarrow]

Nor mine! To think I've got to start worrying about you again. 

[theoldjusticiar]

Well, then. My patrols have become more… interesting.

[thespectralarrow]

Perhaps you should patrol in larger numbers. 

[thespectralarrow]

Arveldis Voice Claim: Peter Serafinowicz

[evangelineduval]

Reunion [Velly + Eva]

[evangelineduval]

[She squeals, softly, and leans forward to kiss Arveldis on both cheeks.]  That’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time.  You’re going to be happier for it,  [She promises.]  You can finally do something you’re really passionate about.

If that’s not too presumptuous of me to say.

[thespectralarrow]

[He laughs.] Perhaps a bit. 

[evangelineduval]

Reunion [Velly + Eva]

[evangelineduval]

Retirement? [Her face brightens, and a smile spreads across her face.]  You’re serious?

[thespectralarrow]

He asked me if I thought it was time. I answered in the affirmative, and he warned me not to get excited. [He rolls his eyes.] We're not signing any resignation papers yet, but his consideration of it is certainly a step in the right direction. I'm doing my best to make the idea as appealing to him as possible.

[evangelineduval]

Reunion [Velly + Eva]

[evangelineduval]

Alright.  You know him best.  [She squeezes his hand again.]  I was being selfish, I didn’t ask.  Are you and he—?  Are you doing alright?

[thespectralarrow]

Mercifully, yes. Since Camille Allard's ceremony, he and I have been quite close. Things have been calm enough that, it seems, he's begun to think of his future outside of the Thalmor. Of our retirement. 

[evangelineduval]

Reunion [Velly + Eva]

[evangelineduval]

Would it be better if I surprised him?  I don’t want to give him time to think of an excuse not to come.

[thespectralarrow]

Not right now. 

[evangelineduval]

Reunion [Velly + Eva]

[evangelineduval]

It’s ridiculous.  [She sighs sharply.]  And it’s not fair.  He just..  [She searches for the words, but all she can manage to do is stab her fork into her potato.]

He tried to make me hate him, first.  He wanted me to be the one to say it was over, I think.  That hurt me almost as much as the fact that he wanted me gone.  

[thespectralarrow]

I understand. I'm sorry that you're hurting. 

Would you like me to let him know that you're here? I'll insist that he come speak with you. 

[evangelineduval]

Reunion [Velly + Eva]

[evangelineduval]

He doesn’t think he has it in himself to be a good person, that he’s not worthy of.. Anything.  Anything good, anyway.  [She turns to look at Arveldis, frustrated.]  

I defended him whenever Varlaeus would pick at him.  He was there when my baby was born.  He was at my wedding.  All of that has to mean something.  [She stares at him, desperate for some affirmation.]  I know he’s made my life better.  I just want to give that back to him.   Help me.  [She squeezes his hand.]

If you’ve done this before, with him, then help me make it right.

[thespectralarrow]

I'm not sure that's exactly right, though he does have some self-flagellating tendencies.

I'm telling you that you have made a difference in his life. Funny enough, I know that because you mean enough to him to push you away when he feels overwhelmed. 

This isn't my friendship to mend, Evangeline. You don't need my help. 

[evangelineduval]

Reunion [Velly + Eva]

[evangelineduval]

[She hesitates, and glances sidelong at him]

..Lhaeben means a lot to me, you know? He sort of.. [She pushes her food around her plate.]  I trusted him.  I do trust him.  He always gave me advice, even when I didn’t want it.  It was always sound.  He was always honest.  He reminded me of my father.  Or— Rater, who I wished m father would have been.  [She frowns, pensive, and sets her fork down.  She makes a show of digging through her bag, so Arveldis can’t see her face.]

He made it clear he doesn’t want me around anymore.  I can’t accept that.  I’m going to change his mind.

[thespectralarrow]

Ah. That old chestnut. 

Lhaeben can only handle so much significant emotional connection before it overwhelms him, and he pushes back on it. I've been given that treatment a handful of times over the years. I think you're on the right path, here; don't be afraid to call him on it. 

It will forever be a battle to convince Lhaeben that he is worthy and capable of meaningful relationships. Being his friend oftentimes means giving more than you receive, and the reward comes when you realize that his life is better because you are in it. 

And, Evangeline, [he lays his hand over hers,] his life is better because you are in it. 

[evangelineduval]

Reunion [Velly + Eva]

[evangelineduval]

No, that’s.. That’s aright.  Our last meeting didn’t go well. [Her face falls slightly.]  He said— [She’s distracted by the arrival of her food.  It seems a good place to break off, and she promptly digs in without another word.]

[thespectralarrow]

I can confidently assure you that there is not a thing you could tell me about Lhaeben that would surprise me.

[evangelineduval]

Reunion [Velly + Eva]

[evangelineduval]

I’m sorry to have pulled you away.  Is there anything I can help with?

[thespectralarrow]

You're already helping. Being able to look forward to your visit has helped considerably. 

I hope you don't mind that I didn't tell Lhaeben you were here. 

[evangelineduval]

Reunion [Velly + Eva]

[evangelineduval]

[She orders her usual fare;  Venison with potatoes.  With her order put in, she returns her attention to Arveldis.]  Thank you for meeting me here, by the way.  I know you must be busy, but I appreciate it.  [She smiles.]  I missed you.

[thespectralarrow]

And I, you. It has been a bit difficult; Lhaeben and I are leaving on a patrol in a few days. We're headed to Markarth. 

I am not looking forward to it, and I have so much to get done before we depart. 

[evangelineduval]

Reunion [Velly + Eva]

[evangelineduval]

If you want to.  [She doesn’t argue, and grins at the mention of Ana.]

She’s growing like a weed.  She can pull herself up to stand, now.  Sontaire—That’s who’s watching her right now— Thinks she might be able to walk within a few months.  She scoots herself around everywhere.  It’s hard to keep an eye on her.    Exhausting, even.

I miss her, but.. [She grins.]  it’s good to have a break. 

[thespectralarrow]

[He chuckles a little.] I'll bet she's a delight. I remember my son's first steps. If you think it's difficult to keep an eye on her now, just wait. 

[He waves one of the staff over so that Eva can ask for her meal.]