Halloween~! Pt. 2

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Halloween~! Pt. 2

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Helen Jekyll

Helen Jekyll

@dr_helen_jekyll 2 years ago

((Hey everyone! Thought I'd make myself useful and repost this.

Thankfully, it looks like there may be some Halloween fluff this season after all! ^-^ There's been talk of throwing a party to make up for the insanity on the actual day of Halloween [See the Spooky rps for that].))

Makeshift signs had been posted throughout the Society, in the main hall, on the kitchen doors, by the garden, all asking for Lodgers to please participate in a belated Hallow's Eve celebration.

Costumes weren't required but would be appreciated and the less effort put into them, the better, though they'd have to retain some sort of cleverness.

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Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Catt Hatter:

"Mad hatter." She said almost instantly, really not in the mood for putting a lot of effort into anything at the moment.

Helen Jekyll:

"Heh, I like it!"

She laughed slightly as they stepped out of the library.

"Perhaps putting in minimal effort could be the theme for all the costumes... Make it challenging, yet easy."

((Catt Hatter or Jekyll1886))

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Catt Hatter  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Yeah..." Catt mumbled. "Sounds good."

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Helen Jekyll  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

Hela suddenly stopped short, staring at Catt as if she'd come from another planet.

"You really aren't feeling well..."

A frown as she searched the Hatter's expression.

"Are you grumpy because of my costume?"

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Catt Hatter  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Catt stopped too and eyed her suspiciously, her guard visibly going up.

"What costume?"

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Helen Jekyll  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

Hela blinked in surprise, then offered another charming smile, arms held out wide.

“You couldn’t tell? I’m dressed as the doctor!”

She clasped her arms behind her back and laughed softly, the smile shifting to more of a satisfied smirk.

“Guess I’m too good at acting... or that fog scrambled your brain.”

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Catt Hatter  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Shock, then an appraising look.

"Hela." Catt nodded in understanding. "Not the fog, just a wrong conclusion about the reason for your behaviour. I thought Helen had merely had coffee and was feeling energised today.

What do you want? Isn't it her turn since you had yesterday?"

Her words came out more clipped and harsh than she meant, but didn't care enough to try corse-correcting at this time.

Her side twinged painfully and she adjusted her position.

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Helen Jekyll  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

A slight tilt to her head as Catt spoke her name, both in confirmation and thought.

Hela shrugged after a moment.

"Yesterday couldn't have been helped...best just to return back to the usual schedule for today, though it is flipped..."

Leaning her head to the other side, she flashed a grin.

"And do I really have to want anything in particular, other than to have a bit of fun?"

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Catt Hatter  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"The last time you spoke to me of 'fun' from behind that borrowed mask, you shot me." Her expression was hard, but not angry, and there was a resignation behind it as well.

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Helen Jekyll  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

Surprise flicked across her expression.

"Really? Huh... It's been too long, I can hardly remember."

Though her tone remained light, something about her posture had changed.

More skittish, ready to flee or show her belly.

"You're... not still upset about that, are you?"

The question came out rather meek and she winced at the sound of it.

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Catt Hatter  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"I don't know. Right now, I just want to get the 'party' you mentioned over with, since you don't seem interested in killing me again." Catt sighed. Her mood really was foul today.

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Helen Jekyll  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"I..."

This can't be Catt... My Catt doesn't act like this...

Words failed her for a moment as she dropped her hands to her sides.

Then her expression hardened with barely controlled rage and Hela bared her teeth with a snarl.

"Fine then! If you're so eager to get it over with, don't bother coming at all!" She snapped, turning on her heel and storming down the hall.

D*mn the Hatter, who f*cking needs her anyways?

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Catt Hatter  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"That's not what I-" Catt started to call after her friend, but gave up. Clearly she'd gone too far with her comments, and hurt her. She sighed, rubbing her tired eyes with one hand as she turned to go back to the library.

She didn't deserve to go after that.

Who in their right mind would ask for rain at a picnic anyway?

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

Sensing anger in Hela and sadness in Catt, Lewis silently beckoned to Hela from a perpendicular passage as she came to the bend where the two hallways intersected.

((Helen Jekyll ))

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Hela caught sight of Lewis and gritted her teeth, seriously considering heading the opposite way as her step faltered... then she moved towards him with long strides and stopped far too close, chin tipped up to compensate for her shorter height.

"What?" She hissed in a forced whisper, rage animating the doctor's form.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"Care to come smash some things?" he whispered in utter earnest.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

A feral growl rumbled in her throat.

"I would rather smash Catt's face in...!"

She exhaled sharply and lowered her voice again.

"But since that's off the table... Fine. Yes. And now."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

He quickly led Hela to the storage room into which she'd led Sophia some five months past.

He held the door open for Hela.

The interior had always contained different odds and ends. Now, there were old boxes and cracked crates and chipped china in addition.

"Have at it," he encouraged.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Hela shot him a look that wasn't entirely devoid of gratefulness then set to work, tearing the room's contents apart.

When the edge on her ire had finally dulled and faded to more of a flickering irritation, she slowly came to a stop.

“Hmp... still would’ve preferred using a knife on flesh.”

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Give me a little notice, and I can get you a pig's carcass next time."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

“Human flesh,” She corrected with a huff, then frowned deeply at Lewis.

“You... wouldn’t actually kill a pig, would you?”

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"I'd simply get one from the butcher."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

“And not prepare it to eat?”

She realized her voice had been steadily rising in pitch and cleared her throat, grunting before she spoke again.

“Isn’t that a bit of a waste?”

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"You buy a pig, they don't ask what you do with it," he said with a shrug. "Besides, we could always butcher the meat after."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

“You... are startlingly casual about this, Weir...”

Her eyes narrowed, she studied him.

“Please don’t ever actually do all that...”

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"As you wish, then."

He paused in thought.

"Think we should get to putting up those signs you mentioned?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Signs?

She blinked, then her brow smoothed after a beat, a twitch of a smile touching her lips.

“Oh yes, the party. I had almost forgotten.

Her spine straightened as she adjusted her posture.

“Yes, the signs are rather important—best to get them out as soon as possible.”

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"Quite so.

"Hm, I suppose I'd better find a costume," he reflected. "Presuming it's a costume party, of course. Any particular theme you have in mind?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

“Clever, but with minimal effort,” She answered with a nod, then gestured to herself, “While mine is admittedly... not all that clever, this took little more than borrowing the doctor’s skin and clothes.”

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Well, it is a bit of a trick. I suppose there's some cleverness in that."

He mulled over potential options a moment.

Then his face brightened. A sly smile spread out upon it.

"Ooo, I've just the thing..." he practically purred.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Her head cocked to one side.

"Well, do share." She encouraged with obvious interest, unable to keep the curiosity from flickering beneath her polite guise.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

He chuckled to himself.

"Mm, I think I'll just put on the costume and surprise you. Go on with the signs. I'll be back in a jiff."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

She huffed and gave him a light shove. "You better be!"

"I hate surprises. People always making you wait for things..."

Her nose wrinkled in slight irritation.

"Fine, go ahead... but you better not be trying to get out of helping me!"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

He laughed at the playful shove.

"Not to worry; won't take five minutes," he assured, then disappeared down the hallway.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Another huff escaped her as she shook her head, pulling out Helen's pocket watch to keep track of the time.

Then she found a table and chair amid the general disorder of the room and began to write in Helen's elegant cursive.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Lewis reappeared shortly.

He wore a blood-red, double-breasted waistcoat, a starched, white shirt and collar, a crimson cravat, a black jacket with tails, black trousers, black shoes and socks, white gloves, and a proper top hat--black with a band to match the cravat.

He stood ramrod straight, a genial expression upon his positively angelic face.

"I do hope you'll pardon the intrusion, miss," he said with perfect politesse...in a familiar voice.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Hela looked up from her paper, blinking blearily at him moment.

“Oh Hell,” She laughed as she registered what she was seeing, rising from her chair, “Isn’t that a bit on the nose, doctor?”

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

He dropped the act, breaking out into a guffaw.

"It ought to be. I did ransack his office..." he said with a self-satisfied grin.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

“You mean you broke into the co-founder’s room and stole his clothes?”

Another hearty laugh, shaking her head in disbelief.

“God Lewis, you’re gonna get yourself booted from the Society!”

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"More 'picked the lock to' and 'borrowed without asking'," he said with a lopsided smile.

"Besides, I know his schedule. He won't be back for ages. And the clothes will be returned to their place as if nothing had happened."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

“You’re an absolutely horrible influence, Dr. Weir,” scolded Hela, barely stifling a grin, “It’s a wonder how anyone could ever find you a respectable gentleman.”

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

He laughed.

"Their fault, if they make that assumption."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

“And to think I once thought the same of you...”

Allowing herself to grin now, her gaze flickered back to the posters she had been working on.

“How’s your handwriting, doc?”

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

That brought a chuckle.

"I left you a note in Glasgow. You tell me."

He sat down beside her to begin working on the signs.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

“Oh, well, that note was rather sloppy...”

Her grin softened as he sat down and she picked up her pen once more, shifting a bit closer to him.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Couldn't be helped," he said nonchalantly. "Barely had time to write it."

He looked at some of the signs she'd made.

"These, on the other hand..."

He proceeded to take his time, ink flowing with an easy grace, each stroke made with a surgeon's precision.

The sign completed, he set it aside to dry and started on another.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

“Must’ve been pretty urgent business...”

She paused in her writing to watch him, then looked back to her own paper, attempting to mimic his movements with a crease in her brow.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Ay," he said, after finishing a stroke. "'Twas."

He considered a moment.

"I could probably tell you about it, were we in a more private setting."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

A shrug. “Another time, maybe... no sense in moving all this elsewhere.”

She stopped writing and blew gently on the ink, attempting to dry it faster.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Very true."

A little while later, the signs were done and dried.

"So...where shall we put these? And, is there anyone else you'd like to invite personally?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

“Anywhere they’ll be seen; the dining room, the kitchen, the main hall...”

“And as for invitations,” She picked up several signs to tuck under her arm, the task conveniently allowing her to avoid eye contact, “There isn’t anyone else I want to bother with.”

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Take it she doesn't want to talk about what happened with Catt, then...

He decided to leave the subject alone for the time being.

If she wanted to bring it up, she would.

"Let's get going, then," he said with a nod as he picked up the remaining signs.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

“I’m following you, Henry,” She chuckled, a smirk dancing on her lips as she stood waiting.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Very well."

He chuckled as they exited the room.

"Think if I act the part, anyone'll tell the difference?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

“With how little we see of the co-founder, they just might not notice.”

She clasped her hands behind her back, walking at his side.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Damn," he chortled. "That could be useful." A mischievous smile.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

She gave him a curious glance, chuckling softly.

“You’re going to, ah... ‘borrow’ his clothes and impersonate him in front of the Lodgers, all in one day?”

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"I might. We'll see."

Arriving at the kitchen, he placed the first of the signs.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

After the kitchen had been taken care of, they moved onto other often frequented locations, hopefully ensuring that any Lodger who left their room would know of the occasion.

Hela surveyed their handiwork with a rather wicked grin.

“That ought to bring them in, don’t you think?”

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Hell, most them would show up just for food or tea," said Lewis with a smile.

A thought occurred.

"One moment."

He returned shortly with a newly-crafted fire extinguisher he and Sinnett had collaborated on.

He set it in the corner--out of the way, but handy if the need arose.

"There we are," he said with a nod of satisfaction.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

“You do know I’m not going to set my own party on fire, don’t you?” She asked, giving the extinguisher a look both amused and puzzled.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Maybe not, but you can't speak for the other lodgers. And I'm taking no chances."

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MadderJanobii  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Brent rounded the corner in the direction of the party. Griffin had left him in a somewhat sour mood but he wouldn't let it ruin his night. He straightened out his jacket again, still not quite used to wearing one this size, and continued on when he spotted Lewis and Hela.

"Ah! Good day to both of you. Busy... putting out fires?" Brent asked as he approached.

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Helen Jekyll  MadderJanobii • 2 years ago • edited

“Oh, hello there, Mr. Hughes,” greeted Hela with a positively sparkling smile, giving a slight bow, “Welcome to the party!”

“There haven’t actually been any fires yet...” She glanced heavenward. “...but I’ve found it always pays to be prepared.”

Muted amusement flickered in her eyes.

“Can you believe that some maniac once went and set the Valentine's ball ablaze?”

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"And foolishly thought she wouldn't get caught," added Lewis.

"But that's neither here nor there," he said with a smile.

"Care for a drink, Mr. Hughes?" he asked pleasantly.

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MadderJanobii  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Brent chuckled a little at the comment until he noticed something a bit

off about who he thought was Helen. "Er, well, these things can happen, right?"

At Lewis's response, Brent realized he was missing something here but decided to let it go. "Well, what are you offering tonight, Lewis?"

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Helen Jekyll  MadderJanobii • 2 years ago

Her smile twitched a bit at the edges and she shifted her weight, resisting the urge to elbow Lewis in the gut.

Can’t have fun for half a godd*mn second...

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Well, Helen's the one who organized this affair, but we've water, juice, ale, and also cider of the hard or soft variety, as you like it," said Weir, showing Brent over to a refreshment table.

"What can I get you, Helen?" he asked, looking back at her.

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MadderJanobii  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I might have some ale, if you don't mind. Haven't had some good ale in quite a while. But since this is a party might as well enjoy myself a little, yes?" Brent replied, smiling a little.

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Helen Jekyll  MadderJanobii • 2 years ago • edited

She blinked once in barely stifled surprise.

Is Lewis... lying?

"Water, please," requested Hela after a beat, before addressing Brent once more.

“You're absolutely right! It wouldn't be much of a party at all, if you didn't have a bit of fun." She nodded her approval. "Drink as much of whatever you want as you'd like."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Indeed," said Lewis.

He poured ale for Brent, water for Hela, and hard cider for himself.

"To a proper celebration!" he toasted after everyone had their drinks.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

((MadderJanobii))

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MadderJanobii  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Brent took the ale and toasted. "To a proper celebration!" he cheered before taking a drink from his ale. "Ah that's the good stuff!" Brent glanced between the two before asking, "So what might your costumes be? Helen, you don't look like you're dressed up at all, unless I'm missing the joke which is entirely possible."

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Helen Jekyll  MadderJanobii • 2 years ago • edited

"Oh yes, you're completely missing it," She agreed with a snicker, sipping her drink to hide the grin creeping across her expression, "But, that's no fault of your own..."

Looking him up and down, Hela asked, "What're you supposed to be? You haven’t seemed to have changed much either.”

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MadderJanobii  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Brent furrowed his eyebrows at Hela's response but decided not to pursue it further. He took another drink from his ale before grinning at Hela's question. "I'm so glad you asked!" he replied.

Setting down his drink, Brent dramatically opened up his jacket, revealing a bunch of cards hanging on the inside. "Pick a card, any card. Then maybe we can strike a deal or two."

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Jekyll1886  MadderJanobii • 2 years ago

Lewis laughed, a sudden and undignified snort.

"Clever!"

He sipped his cider, not giving away the joke, and surreptitiously glanced at Hela to see her reaction.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Hela tilted her head, a slight frown tugging on her lips as she watched him, puzzled.

He has cards on the inside of his jacket...?

...

'Then maybe we can strike a deal--'

Understanding hit full force and she let out an animalistic hiss, the sound equal parts discomfort and irritation as her expression contorted.

D*mnit, d*mnit, d*mnit!

Bowing her head, she gritted her teeth and fought against the dizziness that threatened to bring her down, her breath coming in sharp, ragged gasps.

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MadderJanobii  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Brent took a step back, dropping the sides of his jacket in surprise. "H-Helen?" He knelt down in front of Helen and asked, "are you alright?" Brent looked at Lewis for help, unsure what was going on or how to react. Was it something he had said?

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Jekyll1886  MadderJanobii • 2 years ago

Seems she figured out he's a card "dealer", thought Lewis.

He hovered his arm behind her in case she needed the support, but was careful not to actually touch her.

"She has a...bad history with puns, I'm afraid," he explained quietly.

"I dare say she just got yours."

High time we addressed this in her sessions, he resolved.

"It'll pass. Just...give it time."

He shook his head. It was her own doing, asking for minimal but clever costumes.

"Drink some water," he suggested to Hela. "It may help."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

“F*ck you,” Hela breathed at Lewis, the response strained despite all its venom.

She tipped her head back and drained her cup with a grimace, eyes squeezed shut and hand trembling.

A wince and she set the emptied glass aside.

“Something stronger would be better...”

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MadderJanobii  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Brent stood back up and rubbed the back of his head. "I see. My apologies. I wasn't aware. I just saw the invite to be simple yet clever and took the opportunity where I saw it. It was either this or just losing my hat and calling myself a butler. I thought it was the more creative of the two options."

Brent reached over and picked his cup of ale back up. "Shall we continue the party unhindered then? Pretend the question never came up?" he offered before taking another gulp of ale.

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Jekyll1886  MadderJanobii • 2 years ago • edited

"Find me the right man," Lewis whispered in Hela's ear.

He immediately got out of her range and poured her a glass of hard cider.

"Yes, let's," he said with a smile to Brent as he handed Hela the drink.

"Oh, you mentioned earlier you weren't certain about my costume," he recalled.

"Perhaps it would help if I were a little more...'in character'."

He cleared his throat, straightened his posture, and, with a sweeping gesture, took off his hat, giving a stately bow.

"Welcome to the Society for Arcane Sciences," he said in a spot-on impression of the co-founder's voice, beaming with a smile at once beatific and ingratiating.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

His response sent a rippling shudder through her and she choked on a surge of rage, half-turning to strike him but Lewis has already moved out of reach.

A muted growl came from behind her clenched jaw as she accepted the glass, knocking back the cider to try and quell her rapidly rising ire.

She gripped the emptied glass far too tightly and avoided looking at either of them.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

((MadderJanobii ))

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MadderJanobii  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Brent didn't notice Hela's response to everything, focusing on Lewis as he presented his costume. A grin split across his face and Brent began to laugh at the perfect imitation of the man that had brought him here.

"Well, well, Henry, I didn't recognize you there. I see you so little that I didn't realize it was you," Brent teased. "Great costume."

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Jekyll1886  MadderJanobii • 2 years ago

"Why thank you ever so much," Lewis replied, then dropped the act as he broke into a merry laugh.

"Drat, seems we're falling behind," he remarked playfully, noticing Hela's glass was empty.

He refilled it, presuming she might well need another round.

Then he drained his own, and poured himself another.

((Helen Jekyll ))

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Tairais • 2 years ago • edited

It was funny how he both desperately missed having a body and was vehemently thankful that he no longer had one. Either way, at the very least he was grateful that his thoughts were no longer scattered to the four corners of this Earth and the next.

It made his... job, need, want? To check in on everyone once the fog had gone down and they'd all returned to.. relative normality.

Richard was his first stop.

He knocked on the kid's door and listened to the clunking sound of Richard setting his latest project down, the predictable pause where he wiped his hands on his battered leather apron, then the sound of almost imperceptible footsteps daintily crossing the room, and finally...

The door clicked open softly, and each took in the other's appearance with the same kind of quick, practiced glance. Richard wasn't wearing his scarf, eyepatch, or gloves, his sleeves rolled up and out of the way. Charricthran hadn't bothered with his coat either, leaving just his waistcoat over his shirt.

Masks and armor left behind for the sake of mutual honesty.

Richard smiled, jagged canines just breaking through the line. "'Tis good to see you, Charricthran. Do come in?"

"'Course, kiddo. How ya holdin' up after.." He paused, considering.

They hadn't properly talked since Artemis' passing. The one conversation he'd tried to have beyond the occasional passing comment had ended in too-cold-fingers too-much-frost, and he'd not tried to talk to Richard since. The thought caused something distinctly unpleasant to twist and turn in his stomach like a snake.

Guilt. That's what it was.

"... After.. everythin' really."

Richard regarded him with an considering expression, torn between fond amusement, weary guilt and grief, and quiet contentedness.

Eventually, he tilted his head in a half-nod. "I am myself, for once- hopefully, for good. I daresay that is the best I have been in quite some time, no? Even... Even with my lingering... grief and misery, it is from external sources, no longer internal." He smiled, and it was a truly joyful thing, even with sadness clinging to the corners.

Charricthran flashed a grin that was nearly identical, though his sadness wasn't due to Artemis' death; The kid really didn't know how much of his grief and misery, even when internal, was externally caused.

"Cruelty, this time your name's ignorance."

"Good ta hear, kid. Daresay 's about time you shrugged off that dead weight of your old selves."

They turned the conversation to more casual pursuits after that, talking for perhaps only fifteen minutes, but covering far more in that time than most could perhaps even hope to, two minds closely mirroring thought and opinion.

Eventually, the conversation reached a lull following a discussion about the virtues of designing a clockwork system for the gardens in order to increase efficiency. An interesting thought, that, and Charricthran said as such. Richard beamed, pleased as punch.

Charricthran thought he could've done with seeing those sorts of expressions from his friends and family more often, and sooner, for that matter.

In time, the two parted with friendly jabs and promises to talk more often once things truly started to settle down, hopefully for good (and gods above, below, and sideways, he hoped he hadn't jinxed the lot of them by thinking and saying that).

On to find the next Lodger or group of Lodgers, then. He let himself wander, trusting thought and Whispers to guide him where he was needed. Occasionally, he could be a calmer sort of change, and this was one of those times.

(( If anyone's characters need a friendly, calming chat after the chaos that went down during Halloween, or just wants to chat with Char in general, now's your chance! If not, he'll be quietly comforting people offscreen regardless :P ))

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

As Helen attended to her morning duties, Lewis kept tabs on her energy signature within the building, but otherwise made himself scarce, in order to give her some privacy and a sense of relative normalcy.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

He'd wandered to the roof after a while, wind carrying him ever upwards, ever onwards, Secrets and the shadows of ideas dogging at his footsteps, wrapping teasing hands around his throat.

Air. Air would be good. Preferably before he started panicking in front of everyone.

He pulled himself upwards and outwards, the Whispers of the Society's inhabitants falling behind the muted curtain of the whole of London. So long as he didn't try to listen too close to any one voice, he'd manage being grounded.

Lewis was there. Rather close too- ah. Buggerin' shite, he'd managed to pull himself out of the guy's shadow.

He quickly and soundlessly took several steps back and pretended as if nothing had happened, though he knew that Lewis would've felt the same sort of tug he got when he moved too fast, too soon.

He turned to face the sight of fair London, who for all the world seemed fallen beneath them.

A few minutes, then he'd leave so he wasn't intruding. Just needed the air.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

Lewis jumped back in momentary surprise.

"Charricthran!" he exclaimed at the sudden arrival.

"Er...good morning," he managed.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Charricthran chuckled, even as his hand automatically went back to rub the back of his neck and fluff his hair slightly.

"Mornin', kid. Didn't meanta getcha all spooked-like. Couple o' seconds an' I'll be outta your hair..."

He huffed a sigh, swallowed down a rare-but-becoming-more-frequent twist of nervous almost-fear.

"While I'm here, though, been meanin' ta ask... How've you been holdin' up? 'S been rough for me, can't imagine it's been easier for you considerin'.. well. Everythin' and one ya worry 'bout. Also wanted ta thank ya for bein' understandin' bout everythin' 'round the soup an' the like. That was a titch outta the blue on my part an'... an' I'm ramblin'."

He huffed another chuckle and forced himself not to fall prey to his nervous tic again. Underneath the coarse edges and stumbling words was genuine concern, however. He loathed seeing his friends in stressful situations, and this last... month? Several months? Seemed to have been little but stressful.

"Without the rest o' that: How've you been holdin' up?"

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago • edited

"I...

"I've, ehm...been better. And worse." Volumes left unsaid.

"Thank you for asking." An appreciative look, bordering on sadness, told Charricthran Lewis genuinely meant it.

"You and Kito have been the only ones to notice." Despite the fact I've worn naught but black since summer.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Another huff of air left him, not entirely of his own accord. Equal parts scorn and sympathy.

"An' after everythin'- Hrm. Nevermind that, 'spose twon't change anythin' now."

There was slight shift in his posture, a brief flash where he turned to listen to something passing by on the wind. Interesting, but not relevant to the present. The future, perhaps. Others could make more use of it than he.

He caught the eye of one of his ravens flying overhead and sent it to fetch Words when needed, an entire exchange, practiced so many times that its entirety flitted past in no more than the space between heartbeats.

Life went ever on, leaving scattered pieces in its wake. Someone had to piece them together- might as well be a someone with lifetimes to spend on it.

But he digressed.

He gave in to the impulse to hide skittering emotion in repeated gesture, hesitantly and quietly offering his next words as if afraid the sharpened almost-winter breezes would snatch and scatter them every which way.

"Well, 'f ya ever need, or more importantly want to talk about it... Well-" The barest flash of a wry smile. "-I collect Secrets an' Whispers now for a reason. Ain't gonna go anywhere, those."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Another huff of air left him, not entirely of his own accord, equal parts scorn and sympathy.

"An' after everythin'- Hrm. Nevermind that, 'spose twon't change anythin' now."

There was slight shift in his posture, a brief flash where he turned to listen to something passing by on the wind.

Interesting, but not relevant to the present. The future, perhaps. Others could make more use of it than he.

He caught the eye of one of his ravens flying overhead and sent it to fetch Words when needed, an entire exchange, practiced so many times that its entirety flitted past in no more than the space between heartbeats.

Life went ever on, leaving scattered pieces in its wake. Someone had to piece them together- might as well be a someone with lifetimes to spend on it.

But he digressed.

He gave in to the impulse to hide skittering emotion in repeated gesture, hesitantly and quietly offering his next words as if afraid the sharpened almost-winter breezes would snag them in their claws and scatter them every which way.

"Well, 'f ya ever need, or more importantly want to talk about it... Well-" The barest flash of a wry smile. "-I collect Secrets an' Whispers now for a reason. Ain't gonna go anywhere, those."

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

A sigh of relief.

"Would you mind if I go on and take you up on that now?" he asked, shoulders slumping. "I could use a good blether, if I'm honest."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Softened eyes and the return of the same wry smile, twinkling at the seams.

"'Course. Wouldn'ta offered otherwise- not fair for either of us, else."

He folded his arms and angled himself back towards Lewis, tilting his head slightly and looking for all the world the picture of an active listener. A vault for all this world and the next.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

Lewis half sat, half collapsed onto the half-wall edging the roof.

He let out a weary breath, seeming to deflate. In an instant, he looked years older as the workaday mask fell.

"I am not well, Charricthran. I've been worse, true. But...I'm only human, at the end of the day. Little things build, over time. Bigger things snowball and bowl me over eventually. When I steal moments up here. When I close the bed curtains at night. They find me then. They have to find me sometime.

"Things go well and then they go to sh*t. Or the reverse. I know it's all just ebb and flow, that it's the way of things. But still it gets to me."

He looked off to the side, contemplating matters; a small groan escaped unintentionally.

He took in a breath. Let it out in a sigh.

"It is what it is and I am what I am. And sometimes I wonder if I'm cut out for all this. This...fixing things. I can do it, certainly. I can do it well. But it's not my natural inclination. It's of necessity. I sometimes wonder when I'll drop the ball or crack under the pressure. Snap at someone I care for and undermine my own goals in the process."

He shook his head.

"I've never parented anyone like me. Much less come in to do it so late in the season of her life.

"All this stress with Hawley and Moriarty and the grand debacle that was that blasted green fog...

"I hurt her, and I didnae mean to.

"Hela," he clarified, realizing Charricthran might not know whom he meant.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Charricthran listened, quietly digested. Sat near Lewis on the half-wall, swinging his legs slightly as he thought of the words with the most use to say.

Lewis' words struck a chord with him. Pairs of eyes poking over the flood, muck and water passing by in turns. Ordered chaos only in the sense it followed the set rule of being itself, and the fortunate-unfortunate awareness of the rise and fall of its tides.

Trying to find a proper meaning and stick to the accursed thing.

"Your dedication ta 'necessity' is admirable. Only wish it didn't bleedin' drain ya dry so. You're right when ya say you're only- it's all any- er, most, o' us are. 'S all we can do to learn and atone, keep tryin', beat the stuffin' outta somethin'-slash-someone else to cope. Y'know, all that shite we tell us ta keep sane."

Another chuckle slipped past him, trying to lift the somewhat serious mood.

"Could always do what I did with the littleuns an' bake her somethin' sweet for a truce. Dunno. Raisin' kids came easier to Keldra an' the lil' danthe than it did me. Bit rough for 'em."

Chatter chatter, the cawing of a thousand unneeded words, the right ones somewhere mixed in.

"Like goes with like, yeah? If you're sorry, she's gonna know an' try to get past it, hopefully. All you can do is move forward, regardless o' the rest o' it.""

He fell silent for a handful of moments, the sound of the wind punctuated by the dull thuds of his feet hitting masonry ever so gently.

Finally, he cast a glance towards Lewis with an inscrutable sort of expression.

"Finally, if ya ever need a place where things'll pass you by for a while, I've places better for that than even The Other that're open to you an' those you wanna keep safe. Alls I need's the word."

That was all he could offer in its most elegantly tripping form.

He hoped somewhat fiercely that it'd be enough.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"Th...thank you, Charricthran." He wanted to ask who Keldra and Danthe were, but didn't think he'd have the wherewithal to retain the answer, given his current state. He resolved to bring it up some other time.

"I appreciate the offer, the honesty, the advice."

A pause, as he considered a question that'd been niggling at him.

"Am I sane?" he asked, point-blank, as he looked Charricthran in the eye.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Charricthran held Lewis' gaze steadily, tilting his head slightly in consideration.

"I daresay you're more sane than the rest of them, Weirmrith. If you're not, the rest of us ain't even close. To me, the answers's a yes, clear as crystal. "

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"That's a relief," breathed Lewis, visibly relaxing.

"Say," he asked as the thought occurred, "what does 'mrith' mean, by the by?"

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

He tensed, not entirely unlike a child caught sneaking a cookie from the jar.

After a moment, though, he too relaxed. Was fairly hard for people to be offended at a gesture of respect, after all.

"It's part of a... how does.. ir yenta vi "Regominak"?" He trailed off, muttering in a guttural, rolling sort of tongue.

After a moment of contemplation, he shrugged, a thoughtful frown on his face.

"Dunno how to give the word the proper 'oomf' in my tongue, but a gift-Title. It'sa tradition I carry on in memory o' home. Words and Names have... had a particular emphasis there- decided to give you yours after... a lotta things."

"Anyways, 's not 'mrith'. It's Weirmrith Viofdioenel. "

Those words whispered with ancient magic, brought into being solely by will and twisted intent. He listened to them spark and echo softly in the air and repressed a gentle shiver.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago • edited

"What the--?" said Lewis, feeling the energy reverberate, however faintly.

"What was that? What do the those words mean?"

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"Thing about my native tongue- everyone word is the key to a Song, each Song to a kind o' magic. Words have power, and they're chosen with care. That was a start o' a Song, but only one I can Sing."

"Your Title comes from the phrase, "Wer ir mrith vi ofdio enel."

Old words, tasting of dust and the pages of a long forgotten book, bringing to mind something precious, secret, guarded.

His next sentence was quieter, not quite hesitant, but certainly considerate.

"'The one with a sacred trust'. A bunch o' em, at this point, an' not just mine. It fit, so I Gave it to you as.. a sign o' great respect, I s'pose is the best term."

He stared down at his hands, frown deepening. There were nuances missing, emphases and tones that couldn't be carried in any tongue but his own.

He'd rather not overwhelm either of them trying to explain it, however. All things could come with time.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"That's... Charricthran, I'm flattered. You have my trust as well, I'm sure you know."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

He chuckled, amusement soured with just a hint of past bitterness. "Didn't, actually. People tend not ta trust the snarky bloke with red-slit eyes an' skin darker than some o' the deeds I have ta chat with 'em for."

"Still, my thanks given to ya in return. I'm... happy? Think that's the right word for lotoc. Wrong sorta.. resonance, but ah well."

The word shimmered in the air with a warm golden glow, not so much bubbling as lifting.

He flashed a wry grin, tinged with a thousand things he could, should, wanted to say. About traditions, about words, about meanings, about a culture and its people, long since lost to the decay of an entire system of universes and realms within realms.

About being alone and the last of his kind.

Then again, he wasn't really alone now, was he? Not for the time being.

Lotoc. Warm and happy, in a quiet sorta way.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"When you...say the words, it's as if I can feel them. Echoes of them, anyway." Remarkable, that.

He smiled.

"As for trust...you've been a better friend to me in the short time we've known each other than have many of those I met my first day here. You've been there when I've needed you. You've kept my secrets. We've even wept together, on occasion. You've asked how I was doing and actually meant it."

A chuckle.

"You're even willing to listen to me blether.

"I can't say all that of just anyone. Nor will I forget it."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

His grin returned in full force, warm and bright as the echo of that gentle word.

"That's me for ya. Carryin' a million sorta echos and whispers throughout time, dimension, an' space..." He trailed off, trying to find a way to explain the little burble of twisting emotion that had driven him to do so many things when it came to Lewis-- The feather, offers made and honored, words upheld, his life saved not once, but twice, when their short companionship had been even shorter.

Really, though, he had all the words he needed.

"My own kinda likewise to ya, Weirmrith Viofdioenel." He winked as the words echoed and sparked once more, skittering down the back of his arms like the whisper of turning pages.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

Lewis nodded, his smile fond and genuine.

"This place," he said, looking out across London, "is an excellent one for clearing one's head, I've found."

He cast his gaze to Charricthran.

"It's a godsend to find it so meet for conversation as well."

A small shrug, a thoughtful smile.

"Perhaps we ought to make a habit of it."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Charricthran chuckled and tilted his head, the nod as familiar on him as it was Richard.

"Tends ta be for me, the higher I get, the more clear my thoughts." If there was a sparkle in his eye that suggested at a double meaning, Charricthran certainly wasn't going to point it out... in polite company, at least.

... Was Lewis polite company? A question for another time, that.

He hummed in agreement with the latter part of what Lewis had said. "I've been told I talk entirely too much 'bout things that don' matter, but I daresay both you'n I could use breaks at times. I'd like that."

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

Ever tried lysergic acid diethylamide? Lewis thought to ask, but didn't, as Charricthran continued.

"As would I," Weir agreed. "Even if it's just haverin', 'tis haverin' with good company, at least."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Considerin' the people I've spent the most time 'round lately," He said, referring to the time he'd spent in Moriarty's shadow and the time he'd spent entangled in f*ckin' Fae politics at their Courts after the fact with a fierce snarl, "You're a brighter ball o' sunshine than usual, tha's for certain."

Another cawing chuckle slipped past him, caught on the way out by the soft-sharp wind.

What he wouldn't give to make moments like these longer and more frequent.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

A laugh.

"If a down day with me is brighter than your usual company...you need better company."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"See, tha's what I've been sayin' for years, but you try findin' people willin' ta deal with me that don' also wanna kill me, exploit me, use me- the list of shite endin' with 'me' goes on. Frankly, I can count the number on.. one an' a half hands. So a good seven people- six, actually. Torke didn't really count in the end, now did he?"

His cawing laughter returned in full force, rough and smoky around the edges as he shrugged off just a little more pain in the ability to joke about a great many things that went wrong.

"Definitely need better company, yeah." Xsiol, but he couldn't stop grinning.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"Heh," Lewis gave a rueful chuckle as he did a mental tally. "Add 'control me' to the list, and you're ahead of me."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Ah, you're right, how could I forget the bugger with the crystal skull an' that weird frackin' dagger." Even as he laughed he shuddered somewhat violently. "Never again, ta. Next blighter ta try that's gettin' set on fire as my last action of free will."

The memory scratched at his arms in an unpleasant mockery of the gentle caress of words before. He very quickly scooped up the shattered, disjointed pieces of it and threw them as far as he could, listening as they joined the countless other hidden stars in the sky.

Some things were better left unremembered, for his own sake.

"But I digress, cos' we were havin' a somewhat cheerful conversation an' I'd rather keep that goin' then start.. drownin' again." He snickered softly, scratching at the back of his hand absentmindedly.

"Worst comes ta worse, I've got stories aplenty, though that might be livin' up to the standard o' talkin' too much!"

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"You know, Charricthran..." Weir said quietly, "you are welcome to talk about whatever is on your mind. Be it that 'bugger' you mentioned, or...Torke... Or anything, really. I won't mind."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

He ducked his head with a heavy sigh, still scratching at his hands.

"I know I'm welcome. Problem is, there's so much that, one, I haven't a bloody clue where to start with anythin', two, I prefer to run from my problems 'cos half o' em can't be fixed anymore anyway, an' three... ack. Too easy to start relivin' it all over again once I take the memories an' dust em off their shelves. Don't think my fallin' apart a million times over'd be grand on any o' our behalves."

The motion carried upwards, back towards the hair at the base of his neck. It was only when he felt the sensation of his nails scraping his scalp that he realized what he was doing and shoved his hands into his pockets with a nonchalance and grin that were entirely forced.

"Seriously. Lifetimes o' shite to go through. You'd fall asleep 'fore I got finished with one, likely. I'll spare ya the tedium."

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"'Tis your call to make," Lewis shrugged. "I understand, either way. Rest assured."

He fell silent, in a vein of thought.

"What do you know of Jekylls and Hydes, Charricthran?" he asked after a moment.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"In time, maybe. When things don' feel like a powder keg near a lit match every time I turn ta bleedin' sneeze."

He paused, considering puzzle pieces left without pairs and loose scraps of knowledge cobbled together. Despite those, the answer was, quite simply, very little.

"I know they exist as reflections of the same whole, an' I know they're typically the embodiment of an intense internal struggle o' some sort. 'Bout the extent of my knowledge, frankly- most're pretty good about keeping those Secrets from wigglin' their way loose."

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago • edited

Lewis nodded at Charricthran's first statement.

All things in their time...

"That's accurate," he said in response to the second.

"My field... My title here is 'transcendental metaphysicist'. 'Tis no lie, but it conceals a truth in plain sight.

"My life's work is the study of the 'Jekyll-and-Hyde' phenomenon. To know it inside and out, backwards and forwards and every nuanced in-between.

"So, should you wish to learn more..." he offered, "just ask."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Charricthran made a low, thoughtful hum in the back of his throat, tilting his head in consideration. Eventually, he leaned back on his hands and raised an eyebrow at Lewis, the rest of his expression neutrally curious.

"So. This have anythin' ta do with the bloke I met back in Glasgow?"

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

The bluntness of the question brought a series of low, rumbling chuckles as Weir put a hand to his lips.

"Ay," he answered, his smile amused and relaxed. "It does.

"Though, in all fairness, you're sittin' next to him yet."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

His expression shifted from neutral, to wryly cheery, and back to contemplative. He tapped his fingers against his thigh, setting a tempo for his thoughts as he spoke them aloud.

"Right. Given the events o' that night, I daresay tha's the Hyde that came out ta play. Now, normally speakin', that's supposed ta make you a Jekyll, but I ain't buyin' that. Given a fair number o' actions rangin' from minor arson ta thwackin' the shite outta people with that cane o' yours, you don' seem ta be havin' any hangups o'er your 'dark morality' or whatever the bleedin' Hells it's called."

"Not one o' the Jallqetne, nor o' the Wer’sjachi, then." It was the echos of white light and noise suspended on dust then the shadowy mirrors of both those things that filled the space between words that time.

The thoughtful tap of his fingers stalled, and he fixed Lewis with a shrewd stare, something indescribable flickering in the depths of his eyes.

"Leaves ya somewhere in the middle o' the scales then yeah? 'S the only explanation I can think of, any rate, otherwise I've middle pieces but no corners."

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago • edited

Lewis sensed a hesitance in the surety, a hunger tempered by high regard.

"Yes," his smile broadened as he nodded. "Just so. I start at the fulcrum and dance up or down as I like. Or strive to, anyway. Some days, situations require seemingly infinite patience. Some nights, I need to simply cut loose. But, a balanced life...that's the aim."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Charricthran whistled lowly, the sound tapering off into a short burst of laughter.

"An' here I thought we'd reached the limit o' my admiration for ye. Bloody impressive, that. Can see why Richard thinks ya hung the moon in the sky for 'im-- I daresay you're doing pretty well in that regard."

He resumed his thoughtful tapping, trying to find words for the questions buzzing like gnats in his ears. So very many questions, and not enough time to even begin to answer them.

"Do all o'... you sorts? Come from the same general principle o' some weird-arse chemical formula splittin' things in two, or can things be more varied than that? 'Spose you've got.. you had? Richard as divided along the lines o' the mind, but dunno if you'd use him as a typical example."

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago • edited

Lewis would have been lying if he'd claimed to feel anything but pride at Charricthran's assessment. It was good to be recognized, validated.

Richard thinks I hung the moon? That was welcome news to him. Though Weir did hope he wasn't being put on an unrealistically high pedestal in either case.

"It...doesn't have to be chemical," he answered Charricthran. "It can be alchemical, spiritual, magical, psychological...many means and methods. Some intentional, some accidental. Varied paths, but similar effects. Like several people painting the same subject in different styles."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"So the Jekyll-an'-Hyde phenomenon, as ya called it, is about eight or nine times more complicated'n I was anticipatin'. Interestin'!" A faint smile found its way onto his face again and stayed there for quiet some time, stretching and waning with the tide of of his amusement.

There was the scratch of his nails against brick and mortar as he tried to pry words from tooth and mire.

"You have anythin' in particular you wanna talk about it while I'm piecing together words inta phrases an' the like? I daresay you'll have more ta say on the subject than I."

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"Do you know about Hela?" he asked.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I know of her, an I know you're somewhat inclined towards raisin' her as yours... Is she? Since we seem to be revealin' the hidden doves, as it were."

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"Ay," Weir said with a nod.

A moment.

"She and Helen are as I once was."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Line drawn in the sand, dividin' in two?"

He thought of his relationship with his magic and the creature that had crawled its way from the darkness all those ancient times ago. It'd taken time and the loss of life, but his own line was muddied, starting to blur.

An Accord, found in silver linings and common understanding. In taking and giving. Sometimes entirely too much of one and not the other, and sometimes a terribly, awfully messy misunderstanding that got of control...

He hoped, not entirely sure of what to hope for, but hoping nonetheless.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

Lewis nodded.

"The goal of our sessions together is to encourage more bleedover between states, while giving neither the upper hand."

Silence, then:

"I've seen the phenomenon play itself out for the worse so many times...it's the only way I know to keep from losing her."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Charricthran hummed softly, understanding to a certain degree. He'd seen many a good soul join the ranks of the cockroach kings due to one struggle of their hearts or another. The main difference between the likes of them and the likes of Hela and Lewis was...

A great many things, and yet fewer than he might have thought. The same complex conflict, amplified and folded in on itself.

"I tend ta find that watercolours paint a prettier picture, yeah. Here's hopin' the paint bleeds only when an' where it needs at the edges."

A metaphor, that. He didn't want the kids to actually bleed. He was most assuredly and vehemently not that sort of monster.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"Mm," agreed Lewis.

"Which, ah...reminds me: There's something I've been meaning to ask you, but I never could find the right time."

He considered.

"I suppose now's as good as any, while we're on the subject."

He thought back to the blood-soaked night in Glasgow, recalling Charricthran's internal struggle and sudden change of pronouns.

An all-too-familiar problem, that.

"How are you faring with yourself?"

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Bit of a touchy subject, that. Wer'Vemud shifted slightly, knowing all too well that it was the source of the majority of both their conflict and their resolution. In this, it would always have power.

And yet, he held the chains through sheer force of will alone. It was that single bend in his stubborn pride, combined with the will to compromise that found them here.

An Accord. Vin dijalf.

"Better, now that Torke is Settled an' buried. The creature you saw gave itself a Title- Wer'Vemud." A reflection in a lake of glass, sharp smiles, claws fiercely rending for no reason but its own. Lightning melting through their fingers, scalding and shocking in turn.

The Name echoed with the soft threat of thunder, breathed on the wind as it danced past.

"We've started ta cometa terms. Recent events've made it... difficult to keep being at odds, an' while it an' I don' always agree on... everything, really, it's better'n it's been. I considered it the start o' success when I ended up reachin' too far an' too much after the Moriarty garbage an' it didn't immediately try ta unleash itself 'pon the world."

He chuckled softly. "It even wanted to 'pologize to ya personally for crashin' the evenin', though I think thas prob'ly only cos I wouldn't let it out until we'd had a lengthy conversation about not scarin' the buggerin' shite outta people we like. Did say I can talk too much, yeah?"

Charricthran huffed a weary sigh, offering one more tidbit of information.

"It occurs to me somewhat belatedly in my bleedin' long life that tryin' ta chain what is by now a bloody force o' nature might not've been the best way to deal with it." A wry grin, flashing like a knife towards himself, sharp with soft regret.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago • edited

"To own the necessity of cooperation is the beginning of wisdom," agreed Lewis. "Perhaps, in time, you'll reach more than an accord."

He silently reflected.

"About Glasgow... It wasn't fear, Charricthran. I've seen and been enough Hydes that someone else's isn't going to put me off on its own.

"It was...dissatisfaction, rather. Annoyance, if I'm honest.

"I was on the verge of sharing something...intimate. Which I rarely ever do.

"Then, all at once, I had to switch from simply enjoying myself, letting you see me clearly, to looking after you and...well, the rest of...you. As I do for Hela. As I manage things at the Society.

"Took me right out of the moment," he lamented.

"Not your fault, of course," he was quick to assure. "Everything's a learning curve, and a dual nature's no easy row.

"Still, it was what it was."

A chuckle.

"Least we had a bit o' fun beforehand, eh?" he said, grin askew, as he gave Charricthran a friendly slap on the back.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

He chuckled too, even as he startled slightly at the sudden contact, having forgotten for a moment that Lewis was... Lewis.

Though sudden, the touch was comforting. It likely always would be. The thought was... uncomfortable, but not necessarily unpleasant.

Hesitantly, almost afraid he'd pass through Lewis and ruin the moment of camaraderie, he returned his slap with a gentle nudge of his elbow and a smirk.

He ignored the way his heart chirped with joy when he actually connected.

"That we did! Still, I don' regret much in life when it comes he interactin' with people anymore, but I regret that bloody timin'. Wasn't fair ta any o' the three o' in hindsight."

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"'Tis water under the bridge, now we've cleared the air.

"Still, I do appreciate the sentiment, Charricthran.

"I hope you'll let me know if you ever want or need some advice regarding your counterpart. Or even just someone to listen, as I've said."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"Water under us it may be, but I'm always gonna fear slippin' inta it, likely. Side effect of my unfortunate regard, that." He snickered, dragging a hand down his face with a sigh.

"I trust ya, an' I will. An' I'll always be an open ear an' a closed trap, yeah? Birds o' a feather!"

Gods, but he loved to make those sorts of puns. He cackled, and while the sound more closely resembled a kookaburra than a raven, there was a definite coarseness that tended to go hand in hand with his truer displays of emotion.

A dumb joke in good company, and his heart was lighter than it'd been in months.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"Heh," Lewis chuckled at the pun.

He'd missed being able to hear and make them, after his time with Hela and Helen.

He was reminded briefly of John, and smiled, the memory bittersweet and welcome.

"Had I a drink, I'd toast to friendship."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Could skip sideways ta the kitchen if ya really wanna. Something tasted good when I passed through there on my way ta check on Richard after the fog."

"If not, cheers anyway. To friendship, and it's endurin' continuation!"

His cheer was the almost-painful exuberance of a child, and well-missed. He savored that more than any fine wine or whiskey.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"Indeed."

He smiled.

Lord, how I've missed this...

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

He hummed cheerfully, then fell silent, simply enjoying... being.

A few minutes passed before he broke it again with quiet, heartfelt words.

"Firstly, I'm gonna set whoever breaks the peace next on fire, or if they're someone ta who flame ain't applicable, I'm gonna melt their ears tellin' em off."

"Secondly, another gift for ya. I feel like I should. Another Name, since they're of the most import. One o' mine for yours."

Tap tap, fingers against plaster and stone.

"Nald'su Welun. 'S my Given name, not my True Name, but its still somethin' precious."

The cry of a babe on a cold, bright autumn night, mother and father fleeing, seeking shelter from the cruel kiss of winter. Two languages, two cultures mixing.

"Dad.. picked out the first bit when he was studyin' the language o' the.. I think most 'round these parts would call 'em merfolk. Anyways, has two meanings; "son of" an'... if there's a word for carefully bright, that'd be it. His life's work, figurin' out the secrets o' dead things."

"Mom wanted me ta have a bit o' her with her always, an' left me with her history. A little bit o' one of her gods- the Moon. Don' particularly feel like invokin' a dead name, but yeah. 'Son o' a bright moon.'"

"The root o' all Names, for me. You're more'n welcome ta call me by it, if you like, so long as there ain't any Fae about."

Tap tap, tap tap. He managed to identify the gentle twist of vulnerability under everything else and poked at it with an internal snarl.

Blasted things, emotions.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

Lewis laughed at and agreed with Charr's vow about the next peace-breaker.

He listened intently to the truth behind the name.

"Thank you...for that. Nald'su Welun." He tasted the words on his tongue, exploring their mouthfeel.

"My parents named me Henry Jekyll."

A sardonic chuckle.

"One of many, as it turns out. Scattered throughout the cosmos."

A smile, then, as pride crept in.

He whispered into his friend's ear.

"But I'm the first."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Charricthran shuddered softly once, but from a great many things: For Names spoken with appreciation, rather than carelessness, for truths and Secrets offered in turn that danced with gentle fingers down his spine, and for lips that could touch him entirely too close to him.

He glanced at Lewis with something on the border between mirth and mischief.

"You're a right gem o' a peacock, ain'tcha? The feathers fit ya well."

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

A lopsided smile.

"At least I'm back in color, these days," he said, indicating his purple waistcoat.

"I'm finally ready to move on, I think. And eager to put all the recent headaches behind me."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

He returned the smile softly, crow's feet (raven's feet) crinkling at the corners of his eyes.

"I'm glad. You deserve it perhaps the most outta everyone I know."

Again, he wished he could shield those close to his heart from all their troubles, and again he had to be content with the fact he could only ever do so much.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

His eyes grew moist at that; he blinked a few times in succession.

It was a moment before he could speak.

"That...means much to me. Nald'su Welun."

Truly.

A breath.

A gentle smile.

"Thank you. For that and for...everything you've done."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

The edges of his smile grew cracked and almost brittle as he felt the meaning of every word Lewis spoke.

"'S been my genuine joy an' pleasure, Weirmrith Viofdioenel. Vinxa ihk waphic juanth vur z'ar."

Gratitude, soft and heavy on the heart for lives saved twice, for lives changed for good. Recognition of a fellow catalyst for change, and appreciation therein.

Quietly, gently, he shifted slightly and opened his arms a fraction, offering comfort in reaction to the almost-tears in tired eyes.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago • edited

Lewis turned, and hugged him of a sudden.

Closed his eyes.

A shaky breath escaped before he clamped his jaw shut.

He would not sob; not here, not now. But the motion of it racked him all the same as the strain of his recent travails hit him like a chest-high wave.

After all these years... a part of his mind noted with detachment, it still means something to me to be thought of as a good man.

No, to be seen.

To be loved.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Charricthran hummed softly, reassuringly as he tucked his chin over Lewis' shoulder. Instincts he'd long thought left behind by Richard's past bubbled forth, driving him to gently pat the man on the back as the gesture went on.

He saw, he loved, though perhaps love was too good a word for a soul like his. Bitter, resigned, cracked, cast aside, corrupted and...

Still kicking and fighting to hang on for moments like this. People like these.

A single inky tear slid out of each eye, smoky and burning in the cold air.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago • edited

Some moments passed.

At last, Lewis was able to take a steadier breath. Gather himself.

Straighten up, out of the embrace.

He took his black handkerchief and wiped his eyes.

Noticing Charricthran, Weir offered him the cloth.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

He smiled wryly, watery still.

"'Less you feel like holes in your handkerchief, don' fancy you should be offerin' that ta me." Rough and quiet, like the scratch of smoke against the sky.

He wiped his face with the back of one of his hands and inspected the tears gathered as one might check a watch on their wrist. Surely enough, they sizzled and burned through his skin as he remembered them doing when he still wore his armor on a regular basis.

After a moment of watching the holes in his illusion and the shifting expanse of inky, oily darkness where there would have once been bone and flesh, he pressed his hand over it.

As expected, when he lifted it, the illusion was back in place with little more than the slight buzzing in his arm.

A sobering reminder, that. Least it hadn't been during the brief time his body was actual flesh...

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"That was different," remarked Lewis as he placed his handkerchief back in his pocket.

"What's going on?" he asked, curious and a bit concerned.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Nothin' too terribly odd. Was jus'... Guess I was jus' remindin' myself not ta be too human, somethin'.. like that."

His expression pulled taut, too bright smiles easily seen through.

"Bitta good ol' showmanship! That kinda garbage. Think my brain likes ta spark and skitter when it feels too much- I operate off the memory of what things feel like for the most part, but sometimes it remembers on its own."

He chuckled and scratched the back of his neck, glancing to the side.

"Sorry ta startle ya. Again."

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"Well...nothing wrong with being human, when you want to be."

A pause.

"I had no idea your...magic, is it?" He searched for the right word. "Being?...worked like that. Intriguing."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

He chose to address the second part of Lewis' statments first.

"I'm alive an' as you see me entirely because of memory, control an' willpower. Hence why this business with Wer'Vemud an' every Settle are risky bits o' business, not ta mention anythin' that... tampers with those three things."

He forced his wry grin back onto his face, lest he truly start to panic from the clawing knocks of just those sorts of memories.

"So both, really. My magic an' my Song- sia Arcaniss vur sia Miirik-"

The sound of bells ringing from within the deepest part of one's heart, the fabric of energy and life brought into being by talent and willpower- the ability to shape universes, at his fingers and in the Words that shaped it, shaped him-

"-Make up everythin'. All I have left an' all I need of myself... most o' the time."

He went back to scratching at his hands, trying to chase the phantom sensation of hands he didn't want on his skin away, away.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

Lewis simply took Charricthran's hands in his own, his presence grounding, his soul steady and bright.

"Understand," Weir said, grip gentle yet firm as he held the other's gaze. "You don't need to bear that burden alone."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Suddensofttouch, gently cruel eyes, Names uttered, thrown to ground, safe ground, no longer safe ground- people above you, people reaching- NO-

Charricthran shook just the wrong side of gentle, panic entering his eyes rapidly even as he tightened his hands around Lewis' just a little more, letting his brightness burn away darkness and the cobwebs of decaying, disgusting, crawling touch.

"Understand," He whispered, not daring to tear his eyes from Lewis', speaking through images of crystal, dagger, ropes and steel, wills twisted around his own and a throat clicking as it swallowed, rapidly clamping down on words, nothing and no one to help him. "How bloody terrifyin' your offer and my want ta accept it is."

Fear of far too many sorts to categorize wound its way into his stomach and curdled like blood and milk dripping down his nose.

Gods above, below, an' sideways- get it together. Please.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"Then take your time," said Lewis, voice even and calm with an underlying strength. "You don't have to decide this instant," he reassured, never breaking his gaze. "I will be here."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Relief flooded him in inches, in such a way that once the tide had receded, he still couldn't stop shaking. He tried to speak, to offer 'thank you's and 'sorry's in equal measure, but all the sound that left him was the gentle clicking of his throat cutting off air.

He ducked his head in apology, gently squeezing Lewis' hands, still using the touch to ground himself, still holding on.

Malai vrak. Tepoha wux rinov coanwor leirith ekess jacion ios wielgir waoli?

Shut it. I know. I'm terrible- shut up, will you?

Jaci ui korth batobot confnic leirith."

I know this, don't you? Shut your bleedin'-

Jaci ui vorel

...

Kii tir wux wharac ekess doutan, wux siofme coi vis, tir wux ti?

That is. Not at all relevant to this. Don't ever say that again, ta.

He huffed a sigh and blinked owlishly, offering another apology in the form of a gentle, sheepish smile.

Wer'Vemud fell silent once more, glass and feathers slithering against decaying leaves.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"I, ahm...seem to have attracted the attention of your counterpart, if you don't mind my saying. Please don't be alarmed, either of you. Just noticed a...shift in energy, is all. Bit of a back-and-forth."

A self-effacing laugh, aware he might be making Charricthran self-conscious but able to do precious little about it.

"Mind if I ask what's up for discussion?"

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

A chuckle half-coughed, half tore its way out of him, harsh at the beginning before it tapered into something softer. He felt more than saw the imprint of a smile full of glass and teeth, and his cohort's quiet smugness.

That explained its sudden appearance then. Jerk.

"It.. decided ta poke at some truths in reaction ta you bein'... you. Some I knew, some I didn't-slash-hadn't-considered. That sorta stuff."

Filki visp jacion. Wux tuor ekess, axun?

I'm ignorin' ya. We can have this conversation later, when we're not right bloody in front o' him!

He vehemently hoped that the tips of his ears weren't as red as he knew they were.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"Ah," said Lewis with a nod.

"I don't know what the verdict is, and I won't pry if you don't wish it. But do let me know if I can answer any questions," he offered as he gave Charricthran's hands a gentle squeeze. "Help set your mind at ease."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Something curled in his stomach, warm but unpleasant and slightly sharp. He had far too many ideas about what that could mean, each promising and/or terrible in turn.

"Eheh. No questions, 'cept for myself, really. Sortin' priorities, sacrifices. That like. Fortunately, your presence is groundin' enough it tends ta settle my mind when it would otherwise start goin' the bad kinda watercolors around the edges, so there's that I s'pose."

He trailed off, staring at their joined hands and tilting his head contemplatively.

Wux itov jacion.

He rolled his eyes with a huff, closing them promptly.

Time an' a place, Wer'Vemud. Now's neither.

Visp jacion.

Not gonna. Shut up.

Tir ti wharac ekess doutan-

I'm NOT, I just have a sense o' TACT-

-Wux shilta ti wharac ekess ve, ghent shio.

We share literally frackin' everythin'. I wasn't expectin' ta be able ta lie ta ya any time soon, featherbrain. Now would ya just-

... Tir ti relgr ve batobot.

Then shut up

Thric.

Oh for gods'-

He opened his eyes just a tad and grumbled softly. "Any suggestions on how ta get it ta pause a conversation 'til later? It ain't listening ta common sense."

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"You may as well go on and have it now, unless you have pressing business to attend to first," Weir suggested.

"Would my continued presence be a help or a hindrance, do you think?"

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I don'. I also don' fancy this conversation is gonna be terribly comfortable for me. It sounds like it'll have a blast though." That last sentence was grumbled, all but inaudible through his grumpiness.

He sighed and chuckled softly after a moment, steeling himself. "It'd help if you jus'.. keep holdin' on. Gets a bit easy ta get lost otherwise."

Wux filki tuor ekess nakta jilgir shafaer ekess jacida cha'sidic.

Yes, fine. Now shut up. You'll get your chance here in an uncomfortable tic'- pipe down.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago • edited

"Very well," said Lewis, and dutifully held fast.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Charricthran swallowed down the sticky tang of fear and closed his eyes again, halfway slipping into The Other to turn and face Wer'Vemud in all its towering might.

Talk, then. Make it quick- why do you care, even? You seemed plenty adamant about bein' a right tzarafar up until, say, five minutes ago. What gives?

... Cirau'kornari ekess wux ui cirau'kornari ekess ve, de jalklar vur rilvelklar.

If he didn't know better, Charricthran would've said that Wer'Vemud almost looked... sheepish as it laced its fingers together.

That's.. fair. An' a lil' heartbreakin'. What's the catch?

Wux asadsadavi tuor ekess tawura mrith ve sjek wux re lotoc. Ti seanf.

It didn't stop staring at him, pupiless eyes gleaming with some alien emotion he couldn't even hope to identify, just as it was impossible to know the mood of the ocean.

Charricthran huffed another sigh, equal parts amused and irritated.

I'm not gonna jus' letcha run 'round like a madman if I suddenly get everything I could want ever, now am I? I ain't that big an idiot.

Thric, shar si mi xoalir ekess xurwk vin diwedote ekess nakta petranasviw rionib udoka. Nomeno kiwiega hefoc vi bensvelk irral.

In The Other, Charricthran blinked with surprise.

Right. That.. My apologies. I'm a bit of an arse when people poke at my feelings like that.

Wer'vemud chuckled, and it slipped out of his mouth like the sound of glass shattering and exploding underwater- a sound that shouldn't be and wasn't made by human vocal cords.

Si ocuira.

This time, Charricthran was the one to laugh, softly and with wonder.

Truce, then? For the time bein', at least. Give me time, an' all'll be revealed when it's safe. If I don' do it then, I give you full permission to share yourself.

Si shilta ti renthisj ifnitot di dout ricin, Charricthran-Kothar.

Then bring him into ours or sommat, I don't give a bleedin' f*ck!

Wux tir, usv si ornla ti tepoha ekess renthisj ihk wux sjek wer tairais confna!

Twin smiles, like twin daggers in the dark. Compliments and opposites, balanced like a coin on its side. Amicable and at ease, if only for a moment.

Fair point. We'll burn that bridge when we get to it though, yeah?

Si tir ti vucot batobot zarachii...

Means that when we get ta havin' that conversation, I'm gonna screw it up six ways sideways from Saturday.

... Si ornla dujzarn wux tir ti tir batobot.

Yeah, well. We get what happens, eh?

Another laugh that wasn't his, thunder rumbling in the back of his throat.

Gethrisj, lamith doutan lae kiarf lae wux re yscik lae wux houpe.

Fine, fine, but you hush too, then. Don't need ta give the poor man a headache doin' verbal tennis.

At the end of several minutes, Charricthran opened his eyes with a smirk.

"So. As it turns out, 'twasn't all that terrible. I do, however, now have to have two quite long, potentially an' probably uncomfortable conversations with you instead when the threat o' chaos doesn't cling like so many cobwebs. Uncomfortable for me, least. Probably interestin' for you an' your curiosity."

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"It was interesting enough just feeling the back-and-forth," confessed Lewis.

Every Shadow is different, yet similar.

He found delight in tasting the variety.

"I dare say the Society's more or less back to normal today, knock on wood. We can talk whenever you feel up to it," he said with a reassuring smile.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Eheh, well I'm glad you enjoyed it, the fact ya probably just jinxed us six ways from the Nine Hells notwithstandin'."

He chuckled hoarsely, skittering, scraping vulnerability and anxiety trying to claw their way past his teeth.

"I... dunno where ta begin with either of those conversations, frankly. I was bettin' on a timely interruption." He flashed a shark-tooth grin, eyes twinkling with bemusement. "D'ya have a specific question ya want answered? Tend ta do better with those. I can bounce about from there... prob'bly."

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

Tempt Fate or don't, thought Lewis, it ends the same.

"What are the topics of these two 'potentially uncomfortable' conversations?" he asked.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"One's some o' the scattered pieces of my past an' their relevance to bits o' the conversation we've been havin', the other's... complicated. Has ta do with you an' shite though, so."

Charricthran stared down at their hands, still connected, and let his mind race between both threads of though, gathering words by the armful and casting them aside.

Why was he willing to do this? Either of those topics of conversation could bloody well kill him in the right hands. Either one of them were going to be exceedingly uncomfortable- it was just a matter of what kind.

Was he really going to do this?

Axun, wux re gethrisjir ekess tir nomeno.

I thought I told ya ta pipe the frackin' Hells down.

Quiet, toothy smugness, then nothing more.

Jerk.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

Weir's brows raised, his interest piqued.

"Start with whatever's least uncomfortable, then," he suggested. "And know that I'm the last person in the world who'd judge you for anything."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

(( Rightio, content warnings for this little story within a story: Reference to past sexual assault, torture, and losing utter and complete control of everything that you ever were. Take care of yourselves, and if you'd rather a summary, just let me know ^^" ))

"Jus'... do me a favor an' let me know if I start talkin' too much, or too uncomfortably. Last person in the world who wants ta hurtcha, me."

Charricthran huffed a laugh that was surprisingly chipper when he considered the tale he was about to spin.

"The fact that I am more comfortable talkin' 'bout this rather'n the other is.. equal parts horrifyin' ta me and hilarious ta me, but it explains.. quite a bit o' me an' my instincts in all aspects o' life."

"I mentioned stories of a handful o' people I fell in love with while in your dream, yeah? This is one o' em. Mordecai Kaerceen. A king, a tyrant... a cockroach, no better'n Moriarty, now that I know better."

Just mentioning the name threatened to send bottles flying off their shelves. As it was, there was not one such bottle that wasn't halfway off its place, teetering just at the edge of nothingness and.. everything. Fear and heartbreak and a quiet, cold, screaming rage locked behind a wall.

He was slipping sideways through his own fingers. He kept staring resolutely at Lewis' hands, somewhat hoping they would catch and keep his secrets. Somewhat knowing.

Charricthran shook his head and resumed his story, aware he'd lapsed into silence.

"Anyway, the bugger summoned me after I'd made a reputation in that world as a demon that could be summoned with the right words. I'd earned the sigil on my chest by that point, an' so that was technically true. The problem was.. this... this was perhaps two? Days after I'd carried the corpse of my closest friend and lover of the time home to be buried, after watching him bleed in my arms in agonizing hours."

A sharp bark of laughter left his mouth even as the light started to leave his eyes. Slipping, falling, sliding into memories of cutting glass. He needed to turn back, why wouldn't he turn back?

Not even Wer'Vemud could reach him here.

"I was young, stupid, hurt, an' grievin', so the pair o' us started snarkin' back an' forth like 'twas verbal tennis. I stupidly gave him my True Name as a wager, which I then lost. Naturally, I found out later he'd rigged the game ta begin with. Not sure why that surprised me at the time."

He swallowed hard against the shattering of glass, memory overlaying mumbling as the events played out before his eyes.

"Took the crystallized skull of somethin' like one o' my ancestors, took an ancient dagger, blatantly used for blood magic, o' all things, and bound me in the skull with nothin' more'n a word and my own blood, drawn unwillingly, but given by a choice."

"I'll... spare ya the more gruesome details, but I had.. no control o'er myself for.. far, far too many years. I was a puppet. A toy. Tied and defiled and kissed and beaten, then taken to show off and tell others of my prowess, my ability ta kill. There were months, years, where Mordecai would manipulate Wer'Vemud inta showin' up, still growin', still developin', an' unleash it 'pon the villages and kingdoms he'd sworn ta protect. Thousands, hundreds o', slaughtered but for a slip in my control, in my common.. frackin' sense."

"A tyrant. A king. A cockroach. One that was very fond of my mouth, as it turned out. An' all the while, I smiled and laughed through it, 'cos that was what he wanted. Couldn't deny him, couldn't fight back unless he wanted me ta. Didn't have want, care, nor say in anythin'."

He trailed off to fight back a wave of nausea as distressed, broken thoughts flitted back and forth and carved his stomach and lungs to ribbons.

He'd started shaking almost as soon as he'd started talking, unaware as he tried to leave his mind, furiously grateful when Lewis kept him present.

Toosuddensofttouch, cruel eyes and a kind smile, twin daggers carving, peeling. Never so human as when he was afraid, and he was so desperately afraid, tired, aching, bleeding-

"Couldn't stand anyone behind me for thousands o' years after the fact. Can't stand sudden loud noises. Can't stand losing control without my conscious choice, can't stand so many things, can't stand- can't-.."

He shook his head once, violently, and chuckled even as he swayed on his feet slightly.

"Focus, 'parently. My 'pologies."

"At any rate, 'tis thanks to him I know as much o' the human body an' how ta cause pain as I do. I got ta be his test subject for most things, seein' as I tended ta just... reform."

Sickness scraped at his stomach, his lungs and heart felt near to burst. He needed to stop talking, needed to, only the floodgates were open and he was drowning, bubbling, joining the water.

'Now, handsome, don't make me upset, darling boy. We have guests, you need to be ready to- Ah. Tasteless creature.'

He cleared his throat and blinked gently, eyes perilously close to wanting to shed a handful of tears.

"Anyways. 'S also cos o' him I found out jus' how much o' myself is influenced by knowin' who I am. 'S cos o' him I know what it's like ta not exist as myself, and 's cos o' him I have a handful of true, paralyzin' fears in this world. 'S cos o' him I know what it's like ta not have anythin' ta call my own, not even a thought."

He'd started gripping Lewis' hands all but fiercely as the story went on and more and more images flashed past his eyes. For a final time, he trailed off into silence, choking on the stream of filth and bile that made up that part of his mind.

He was drowning, hyperventilating- that was the word, yes? Probably. Everything was bleeding at the edges except their hands, sharp and clear against so much horror.

He felt as if he was shaking apart at the seams and decided it had been singularly foolish to try and open up about that particular event.

His own screams and sobs and the thuds of something hitting, carving, slicing echoed from somewhere distant, ringing out even as he snapped his eyes to Lewis' and smiled apologetically.

"I'm fair certain that singular, long instance had a lastin' impact on who I am now. Would if I could wash it free of my scratchin' skin."

Shouting, falling, falling- he was falling into himself again. He needed a hand out.

"Do you have any suggestions on how ta deal with somethin' like that, Weirmrith? I'm haunted by his livin' ghosts."

He hated how quiet and still everything had gone. It was the reminder of waiting for his return, of waiting for touches that scalded and sickened.

He hated how soft his voice had gone, how quiet, cracked and vulnerable and so not like the facade he wore for all, including himself.

He was a broken man. Bitter, discarded, useless. He was none of those things, he knew, and yet he'd been told, time and time again.

He felt sick.

Quite sick.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

Lewis listened.

Felt.

Gave a gentle squeeze to ground Charricthran when he thought it appropriate.

At last, as the other finished, Weir let out a quiet sigh.

"You do have my sympathies. And my understanding. I know it can't have been easy to tell, to...relive."

The look in his eyes and the sudden hitch of his jaw betrayed a deeper empathy.

"That...kind of control," he confessed, voice no more than a whisper, "is not entirely unknown to me. There was no magic involved, but..."

Another squeeze of the hands, as much for himself as for his friend and compatriot.

"You're in good company."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Words slipped out of his mouth before he could tell if they would hurt, an echo of conversations had but minutes ago.

"You need better company, Weirmrith." He smiled and chuckled again, softly, the edges of sound and expression sharp and disjointed.

He couldn't lift his eyes, his shoulders hunched forward slightly, everything guarded, anticipating something, someone long since dead.

"I'm... s-sorry." A shudder wracked its way up his spine. He gently squeezed Lewis' hands in return, even as heart and mind rebelled at the injustice.

Of all the things for Lewis to know and understand of him, Charricthran vehemently wished it wasn't... this.

His chest hurt. Quite a few things hurt.

He was afraid. He was never so human as when was afraid.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago • edited

"I'm sorry, too," Lewis managed in a whisper.

He swallowed audibly.

Then he fell into silence. A necessary one. A chance to regroup, to come back to the present as much as he could.

'Tis in the past.

A breath in.

Not here, not now.

A breath out.

That bastard's long dead.

In.

He can't hurt me anymore.

Out.

Charricthran Nald'su Welun is here.

Still.

He needs me.

Centered.

"We will be alright," vowed Lewis as he looked the other in the eye.

"Despite...everything."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

He'd stopped breathing simply because he couldn't spare the energy to pretend that he needed to. Waves and waves and surges of emotion left him battered and washed up on the pier of quiet aftermath.

He met Lewis' gaze and chuckled again, more a release of nervous energy at this point than a true expression of mirth.

"Despite everythin'," He agreed, "We're still each us."

And that was all he could hope for.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

A slow, meaningful nod.

"And as long as we are..." he spoke, the words welling up from within with the building force of a rumbling geyser, "they haven't won."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"An' they won't win. Not again, hm?"

Surety returned to him with all the suddenness of crashing into and passing through the ground, hitching his breath.

He was Charricthran. He was Nald'su Welun. He was a thousand Names across a thousand times, yet the same Song, the same soul, the same essence, the same person. He knew that, he just... forgot, time to time. Sometimes more often than not.

He narrowed his eyes and grinned, lopsided and sharp.

"If someone tries ta, I'll remember ta carve 'em. Or set 'em on fire. Or both."

Humor, always. It was so terribly hard to remain serious like this. Somberness would just as quickly steal his voice as memory, too close to tense nights in the Guildhall, tensions dancing on sharp, taught wires. More often than not, when they broke, they cut him- he'd been the youngest sort, after all. Fresh meat.

He quickly picked up that thought and threw it somewhere quieter, somewhere shadowed. Enough of the past had been relieved for the day.

He'd much rather be in the present. It was brighter.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago • edited

A chuckle.

A warm smile.

"Ay."

He recalled Charricthran's earlier question. How to deal with being haunted by living ghosts.

He pondered over the matter.

Live on.

But what if that's not enough? There are wounds of the soul that take lifetimes to--

He has lifetimes.

But it still bothers him.

Well, it bothers me, too.

But, I think...not as much. Wherein the difference?

...

Ah.

Weir's brows lifted as the realization struck.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

The birdlike tilt of his head made a reappearance as he watched Lewis' facial expressions shift.

"Penny for your thoughts? Or should I look for the lil' lightbulb overhead first?"

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

A pleased chortle.

"I was, ah...thinking over your question from earlier. The one about living ghosts."

A smile.

"I dare say you're in need of a metaphorical exorcist."

His knee bounced up and down as he calculated the necessary procedures.

"I think I might just be able to help," he concluded.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Fear danced and sparked between two wires of thought, memory warring with instinct, the present scraping against the past with great, lurching beats of his heart.

He forced the feeling aside, willing his heart to still, and tilted his head a fraction more to the side.

"You... have my attention, seein' as that was the last thing I expected ya ta say. How do ya mean, 'help?'" Quiet hope made his voice sound almost.. younger. A smile flickered in the corner of his lips, more for the sake of mirroring than anything.

He wasn't entirely certain whether or not those two things were good.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago • edited

"When I...after I had my particular...ordeal. It's... Right, this a bit of a crude analogy, but it's a bit like being thrown from a horse. You get tossed on your ear like that, you get a bit...spooked. Suddenly anything that smacks of horses or riding's enough to provoke anxiety. Anxiety that won't bally well go away until you get up the courage to get back in the saddle.

"Now, once you do, you find the seat's not so bad. The trick is getting there. Working up the nerve.

"The key, I've found, is to gradually replace awful memories with good ones--in the safety of a controlled environment, where you choose how far things go. Things should be just similar enough that you can begin to address your trauma, but not so similar as to make you uncomfortable. Just...on the edge. Just alike enough. A hint of the trappings, without any of the danger. So that you can re-write your own story. Objects and acts which once inspired fear will eventually come to hold no power over you. And, at last...you will be free."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

The suggestion alone was enough to get him to tense up momentarily, his hands clenching with the same instinctual panic that always reared its head at letting people close enough to strike.

He just as quickly swatted it away with the mental equivalent of a flaming baseball bat. Another nervous chuckle, another swallow punctuated with a dry 'click'. Another second to force his hands to relax, lest he hurt Lewis by mistake.

"Tall order o' knives, that. An' overlappin' with your other offer quite a bit. "

Svaklar geou wux ehtah voga zyak trelk ekess wux, mrith zyak kiarf vucat vur ekil?

Right, jus' cos' you're trying ta be nice doesn't mean ya gotta harp on me like this. I knew. I know. There's a reason his Title is what it is- you know that.

Wer'Vemud fell quiet with little more than the same smug imprint of teeth, the edges sharp and pointed in every meaning of the words.

He sighed, gritted his teeth. Deliberated for several minutes, weighed the pros and cons.

Ultimately, though, what did he have to lose? Everything Nothing, really-

At the very least, precious little he wasn't already prepared to lose at some point sooner or later.

At this rate, sooner rather than later. Winter was fast approaching, and he and Richard were fast running out of time for him to fix things. Little better than a puppet in that regard, him.

He inhaled sharply and smiled again, fierce bravado and a willingness to at least try carved into every feature.

"Sounds bleedin' terrifyin', but... promisin'."

A pause, then quieter, his expression dimming, but no less meant.

"I'll give it a shot- you're Titled Weirmrith Viofdenel, after all. You have my trust."

Please don't break it.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

Relief.

For Charricthran, for himself.

A way forward.

He'd not see his friend entrapped by the brutal hold of past misfortune if he could help it.

An sober, encouraging nod.

"I know," he said quietly. "This 'exorcism' of the past would never work without it."

A firm squeeze of Charricthran's hands.

"All you need to do...is let me know when you want to begin. Just a few days' notice, and I'll adjust my schedule accordingly."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

He considered a spiderweb of threads and strings, constantly pulled and woven when he wasn't at the Society. A puzzle to keep his hand and mind busy, a project to keep Wer'Vemud pleased. Contingency plans for contingency plans, and Secrets and bribes hidden away for when they might be useful.

"I'll.. haveta shore up loose ends. Keep things from fallin' apart in places without me. Shouldn't take more'n half a week or so? Frankly, the sooner this's done, the better. Now that I know it's happenin', 's gonna fester all uncomfortable-like."

Unwilling to let go of Lewis' hands when the unknown sent his head spiraling, whirling, falling rapidly out of control, he rocked once, twice on his feet, gently, to dispel the static building under his skin.

He chuckled, hoarse and low. "Somethin' tells me I'll be reluctant ta thank ya durin' the proceedin's themselves, so... vinxa, Weirmrith. Thank you. You-" He trailed off, gratitude finding no form, no words to call its own.

He shook his head and huffed, quirking his lips in a half-smile.

"Jus' thank ya, yeah? 'Sall I got."

Yenta wux itov jacion, ihk wer itov di shio wer ithquenti. wux re hawrk'ghukech

And you're bein' obnoxious. Pipe down, will ya? As I've asked the last forty times?

The faint sound of thunder in his mind, grumbling low and distant.

Crrrrikey.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"You're welcome," returned Lewis, smile gentle and grip firm.

"We'll do this," he said, standing.

"How does..." he calculated which tasks could be done when, "Saturday sound?"

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Let's go with 'good' an' pretend I'm not lyin' through teeth full'a fear." He nodded and grinned again, fearful hope and so many other contradictory, tangled emotions skittering, scrambling their ways up and down the inside of his chest and throat, burning with paralyzing warmth.

He breathed slowly, in and out.

"We'll do this." He agreed, feeling as if he was signing another contract, though knowing he wasn't.

He filled his mind with a quiet sea of only-partly-false reassurances, letting the tide wash away white-hot warmth for cool, soothing darkness.

He'd do this if it killed him, if it meant not falling apart at the drop of a hat behind closed doors.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"Ay. We shall."

Lewis let go of Charricthran's hands, dropped his arms to his sides, and opened his posture just enough to let the other know he was welcome to embrace if he wanted.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

He hesitated.

A quiet little voice in the back of his mind whispered, sounding far too much like a long-dead young thief-later-killer-in-training, far too naive and gentle and clever for the world slowly drowning him in blood and tar.

Is this allowed? Can I have this?

A flicker of that childlike hesitance passed over his face before it too was swept under the quiet real-false confidence he wore like armor, cracked and spilling at the seams.

He gently poured all his gratitude into that simple gesture that meant so much. A willingness to draw someone close, to trust where he'd been burned countless times before and should have learned, should have stopped-

Relief. Fear. Quiet almost-thoughts lurking just out of reach, like little fishes. Slithering regret, for falling apart almost every time they interacted. The sensation of never being enough, never repaying debts both gently and none-too-gently taken. Hollow places filled with candlelight and laughter, of shadows flickering on the wall.

These things and more, shifting, coiling, winding tight in his heart-of-hearts, which would be all too obvious, he knew.

He didn't want to let go. That, too, was terrifying, choking, hands around his neck because-

He forced tranquility upon the seas and felt them seethe and snarl beneath his hand.

They would not stay silent forever, but hopefully they would just long enough to see him away, where he wouldn't intrude, where he could be quiet and still as he shuddered apart. He wouldn't smother one of only a handful of souls that'd been good to him.

Not again.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 2 years ago

"I see you" and "You are loved."

Those were the twin currents which passed between them, energy fields intermingling, in the moments of that embrace.

Afterward, Weir gave Charricthran a nod of affirmation.

"Take care."

An encouraging smile.

"See you Saturday."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

He took a step back and returned the smile, armor shoring up, cracks sealing even as a hint of vulnerable hope and genuine.. warmth, something warm, twinkled softly in his eyes.

"Bensvelk unef, di dout kurjh xurwkir, ekess wux, Weirmrith Viofdioenel. Good fortune, of your own makin', to ya, Lewis. Stay safe, yeah?"

A wink, a smirk that was all charm for the sake of business, a mask with no seams save for the torrent of raw emotion still tearing chunks out of a heart he thought long, long dead.

"Seeya Saturday. Promise."

He took another step back and spun on his heel, coat tails billowing in the sudden movement.

There was a shower of black feathers, glinting like obsidian in the afternoon light, and then there was smoke, smelling faintly of decaying leaves and sounding of whispered promises.

Business as usual, then.

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MillieGriffin • 2 years ago

Griffin ignored the signs for the party as he navigated through the halls, with a flat box in one hand and the other arm in a sling.

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MadderJanobii  MillieGriffin • 2 years ago

Brent adjusted his jacket a little, still hoping the cleverness of his costume wasn't lost on anyone. He had left his hat behind for now but otherwise his outfit was relatively the same, except he was wearing a somewhat larger jacket than normal.

Brent furrowed his eyebrows as he tried to make his way through the halls. He still wasn't used to navigating through this place and quickly realized for like the third time this week he was lost. As he turned around a corner he quickly spotted someone he wasn't familiar with. He quickly approached them. "Uh, yes, excuse me. I'm kind of lost. Could you possibly help me find my way to the costume party?"

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MillieGriffin  MadderJanobii • 2 years ago

Griffin looked at the stranger with an air of subtle annoience, considering he couldn't really use either hand to just point the way but still didn't think it would be too much trouble to tell him.

"Down this hallway, make a right and go down the stairs." He simply stated.

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MadderJanobii  MillieGriffin • 2 years ago

"Ah, so I wasn't too far off then it seems. Thank you!" Brent paused, noticing Griffin didn't have any free hands and asked, "Do you need some help with that? Oh, where are my manners. I don't believe we have met. I'm Brent Hughes; I'm new to the society. You are?"

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MillieGriffin  MadderJanobii • 2 years ago

"Well I'm Mr. Don't Care, and I don't need your help." Griffin replied snidely before he started back up walking down the hall.

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MadderJanobii  MillieGriffin • 2 years ago

Brent frowned at that response and crossed his arms. "Well. Someone's got a stick up their butt. Just trying to be nice." Brent started to continue down the hall before calling after Griffin, "Perhaps I can brew you a cup of tea? It can help you relax."

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MillieGriffin  MadderJanobii • 2 years ago

"ugh..."Griffin groaned as he hung his head a moment, if his right arm wasn't still mending he'd would've had his fingers on his temple, "Would you take a hint already and p*ss off?" He blatantly snapped.

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MadderJanobii  MillieGriffin • 2 years ago

Brent stumbled back in a bit of surprise and tightened his hands into fists. "Well, just trying to be cordial, sir. No need to be so rude. It doesn't do any favors for those around you," he replied.

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MillieGriffin  MadderJanobii • 2 years ago

Griffin rolled his eyes at the man, "Again, don't care." He said before he turned the corner.

"Aheheheh..." I guess it true what they say, 'misery enjoys company'...

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MillieGriffin • 2 years ago

Another hallway and down the stairs and he found himself at the infirmary. He had a little troubled opening the door, for a second he very slightly regretted not accepting that man's help but not enough to go back and ask for it, he finally got the door open anyway and entered.

Among the beds one was covered in a thick blanket with a shivering form underneath it. Griffin sighed as he set the box on the table next to the bed and lifted the blanket back to reveal Millie. She was curled up in a fetal position holding herself tightly, she was still clothed in the same torn up night gown she was wearing the day before when the fog hit, her eyes were wide open with red bags under them like she'd been crying. Millie slowly and hesitantly looked up at her uncle.

Griffin didn't say anything, just turned the box on the table so the front was facing her and opened it to reveal a whole pumpkin pie. Millie stared at the pie a moment, but then her eyes wondered to the sling Griffin's right arm was still in.

".... I... I did that to you..." She finally uttered weakly.

Griffin glanced at the healing arm then back to her, "well yes you did, don't you remember?"

Millie nodded as with a grimace on her face as she sank deeper into herself, her quivering worsened immensely. Griffin groaned in annoience as he put his fingers to his temple.

"Look child, I bought you the bloody pie already which is difficult as hell now since pumpkin is still considered an oddity her. Do you know how many bakeries I had to go through just to find one that makes this? You've had a whole day or so to get over this, that's longer than it took me to get over my first killing it's more than plenty enough time for you!"

Millie didn't say anything back to him, the sounds of sobbing started to rise from her as she berried her face deeper into her knees.

Griffin sighed rolling his eyes as he sat down on Millie's bed next to her. He tried to think of an easy way to fix her, then remembered there was a late Halloween party being thrown today.

That might do it... He thought then turn around to face her again. "Millie," he said in a softer tone, "there's a costume party going on today, you want to go?"

He frowned when she shook her head 'no'.

"Well tough! You're going anyway so you better get dressed!"

* * * * * * * * * *

After the while of forcing Millie out of bed and getting her descent to go out in public they went down to the party with Griffin leading having a tight hold on Millie's hand, and Millie lagging behind carrying the untouched pumpkin pie.

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Catt Hatter  MillieGriffin • 2 years ago

"Dude, let me down. I already said I don't wanna go." They heard a muffled voice as a boy carrying a very large, grey bundle over his shoulder came around the corner.

"Yes you do, you're just worried you'll bring down the mood. And I'm not going to attend alone, so there!" Sozo said to the bundle.

"This is most undignified." Catt grumbled, shifting inside the blanket.

"Too bad. I'm hungry."

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MillieGriffin  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

At this point, in some strange way Griffin and Millie could both relate to the odd sight in front of them.

Millie recognised the voice from the bundle to be Catt's, her hearts suddenly plummited. Can't, defiantly one of the Lodgers she didn't want to see. Millie was positive Catt saw what she did to the Hydes as that... that thing. Though she didn't realize it at first, Millie started shrinking further behind Griffin until she was completely hidden behind him, which caused Griffin to yank her out beside him again.

"Now you stop that!" He scolded, "Quit acting like a scared baby already, it's embarrassing!"

Millie glanced towards the other two on their way to the party then huddled up close to her uncle.

Griffin took a good look at the odd pair himself then looked back down to Millie."Friends of your's?"

"Um... The one in the sake... kind of...i-" was all she could mutter before she was suddenly dragged after them by her uncle.

"Excuse me!" Griffin greeted some what cordially, but rather forced manner, "You two are on your way to the party, right? So are we. Mind if we tag along?"

As he was talking Millie started shrinking back behind him again, and he pulled her back to his side again.

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Catt Hatter  MillieGriffin • 2 years ago

"Not at all! The more the merrier, right?" Sozo grinned at the newcomers. "I'm Sozo, nice to meet you. The gal in the bundle is Catt."

"Hi." Catt grumbled from inside the grey makeshift bundle.

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MillieGriffin  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Hi." Griffin replied to the bundle, "Believe you know Millie, right?" He gestured to his niece who kept inching a little closer behind him, "I'm her uncle." He some what introduced before yanking her back to his side again.

"Griffin, please don't..." Millie implored in a low tone. She was sure this was a bad idea.

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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 2 years ago

((Catt Hatter ))

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Catt Hatter  MillieGriffin • 2 years ago

"You okay Millie?" Catt asked. "Out of all of us, I think you had the roughest go of it, huh?"

Sozo nodded a greeting to the apparently shy girl.

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MillieGriffin  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

Millie couldn't even bring herself to look at Catt, just huddle up close to her uncle.

"She's fine." Griffin spoke for her, "She just needs to get out and about for a bit." He gave her a little nudge for assurance, "Right?"

Millie remained quiet for a beat, gave Griffin and the other two some quick glances them looked away again. "... thanks for asking..." She signed.

"Well, shall we get going." Griffin ask a tad bit restlessly, with a thinly veiled forced grin.

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Catt Hatter  MillieGriffin • 2 years ago

Completely wrapped in the blanket as she was, Catt couldn't see Millie's reaction.

"Yes, let's! Don't want that food to get cold, right?" Sozo cheered, heading down the hall towards the party.

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MillieGriffin  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

As they went down the halls to the party, some less willing then the others, Griffin kept looking over Sozo and the bundle curiously. "You're in costume? What are you supposed to be?" He asked.

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Catt Hatter  MillieGriffin • 2 years ago

"I'm going as a rock! 'S why I got the grey blanket." Sozo said with a grin.

"I'm the mad hatter, I guess." Catt grumbled, still unhappy about the situation.

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MillieGriffin  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Oh... I guess that makes sense...?" Griffin mumbled.

looks more like a weirdo with a talking sack of laundry to me... He thought and nudged Millie to get her to say something.

"....Mm-hm..." Was all she uttered.

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Catt Hatter  MillieGriffin • 2 years ago

"I'm gonna put her down once we get there." Sozo explained. "Just making sure she won't try to sneak away on the trip."

"You'd only catch me anyways." Catt mumbled.

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MillieGriffin  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Why don't you just go by yourself?"asked Griffin, a little puzzled, and slightly annoyed that he was the one that had to actually contribute to this conversation.

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Catt Hatter  MillieGriffin • 2 years ago

He shrugged.

"Heard it was 'rude' or something to show up without a partner."

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MillieGriffin  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

"Ah..." Was all Griffin felt like saying, he nudged Millie to say something again, "Go on and talk to your friend already, child." he urged

Millie glanced at the bundle that was Catt again then back down to the floor, "... y-yeah, sure..."she murmured.

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Catt Hatter  MillieGriffin • 2 years ago

"She had a rough day yesterday, she doesn't have to talk if she doesn't want to." Catt interjected from her cargo space, no longer mumbling.

"I'm fine with silence until we get there."

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MillieGriffin  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

"O-okay..." Millie muttered a slightly bit pleased to hear that. Griffin let out an irritated sigh but said nothing else. The rest of the way was in silence.

* * * * * *

A few more hallways later they arrived at the party.

"So... This is it..." Griffin said as he looked about the place with a subtle air of dissatisfaction.

Not really sure what I was expecting from a place like this, I guess... he quietly thought to himself.

Millie's grip on her uncle's hand tightened, as she felt less sure if she could handle this.

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Catt Hatter  MillieGriffin • 2 years ago

"Yup." Sozo set Catt down gently, and offered a hand up. She took it and got to her feet, scanning the room for Hela, so as not to run into her by accident.

"I don't appreciate being dragged to a party, and literally carted about like a sack of potatoes." She said distastefully.

He picked up the grey blanket and draped it across his shoulders.

"You were sure acting like a potato in the library. Just sitting there, moping. Now go make up with Hela before you remember to be depressed instead of annoyed at me." Sozo grinned, and made his way over to the snack table.

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MillieGriffin  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

Griffin let out a sigh of relief to see the 'rock' finally leave them.

"Well I guess while I'm here I might as well see what kind of drinks they have." He said as he tried to wriggle his hand out of Millie's grip. "Let go~!" He finally got his hand free from her. He placed his now free hand on her back and gave her a shove forward. "Now go mingle, or something like that!" He ordered before heading off to get some drinks, leaving Millie with Catt.

Millie basically just stood there, looking away from Catt, still holding her pie.

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