aionlogs | [CLOSED] lizard times

[ She regards him for a moment as if to try and catch him in a lie. He is the sort of person to say he's fine regardless, isn't he? That's the impression she gets. But eventually Himeka takes him at his word and nods in agreement. ]

I am, but I've been more concerned about you.

[ She won't leave him hanging for long, though. She moves to lean forward a bit, lacing her fingers together. ]

Ernesto told me the other day that there were Kenoma found wandering around here.

[ Surely Abel noticed? ]

[ suddenly... the pieces fit together again, and a tiny bit of tension fades from Abel's shoulders. his smile is quick to return and it's a reassuring sort - sincere and with all the usual warmth behind it. ]

Please don't worry... I'm quite alright. A little uneasy, maybe-- it's a bit unnerving, you know? Seeing the Kenoma wandering so close to the places we call 'home' these days, but... none of them were unkind to me, I promise.

[ he's a bit touched she thought to worry, honestly - but he is genuinely glad to be able to dissuade any anxiousness she's feeling in that regard. ]

...There were quite a few of them. It's... worrisome, mm.

[ perhaps they had grown complacent for the absence of the "enemy" this far from Achamoth. Abel can't deny that his heart has sunk a bit to know that this solace might not last forever, might be coming to an end sooner rather than later. ]

[ If Abel had just said he was alright and waived it off, Himeka would have greater reason for concern. But admitting to unease and the delicacy of the situation is enough. She knows he's a source of strength for others, both on and off the battlefield with his caring nature, so he must fear for the other Aions in town as well.

Himeka nods in agreement. Compliant indeed. Godsblood is one thing now so far on the other end of the continent, but Greentruth is isolated from everything else. As far as she understands, it's the one place that remains untouched by the Regent's power in this world. A place where they can openly be Aions and work side-by-side with the other members of the Resistance.

Sure, there are a few man-eating scalekin and mobile man-eating plants, but...that's certainly worth the risk, right? ]

It's easy to forget that this place is under the Regent's realm of influence too.

[ The locals don't seem to hold them with reverence from what she's seen. ]

It isn't just one from what he said. I'm worried that they may be planning something...or at least scoping out the area for points of weakness. Or--or something.

[ For all the war she's been a part of, Himeka is rarely at the head of strategy or intel. But she's trying. ]

Have you seen Dokja recently?

[ she's right to worry, he thinks; maybe one or two Kenoma wandering these regions might be a coincidence, but...

something is happening. whatever 'business' they had been attending to surely can't spell anything good, Abel figures.

but mention of Dokja's name has his smile slipping just a fraction; of all the concerning developments as of late, the matter of Dokja and Gen closes in near the top. ]

Ernesto told you about what happened, I take it?

[ that man... ]

We went on a bit of a... um. Vacation? I guess you could say, mm! To get out of the city for a while after that. I'd like to say he's doing alright, but...

[ ...but that would be a lie, so says the apologetic look in his eyes. ]

[ If it were just one or two she may pass it off to coincidence, but not so many at once. That reeks of some direct order of the Regent or some other high-ranking member, she would assume. But she doubts many would divulge that if asked, even if she does believe a good number of the Kenoma are not as in alignment as they may seem.

Though it likely goes without saying, she still nods to confirm, appreciative that Ernesto thought to tell her at all, really. It's been some time since she's seen Dokja, but it does offer some comfort to know that Abel was already on the case. (Of course he was, no surprise there.)

She smiles a little despite herself, somber though it is. Kind Abel. ]

It's good that he has you here.

[ Very good. ]

Why would a Kenoma call him one, though? As...cover? Or do they want him on their side?

[ it's a good question, and one Abel is still trying to work out - decide - himself.

he's heaving a quiet exhale, gaze shifting to some indistinct point on the carpets beyond his feet; it's clear he is giving this some due thought before he manages to answer her. ]

The two of them-- Gen and Dokja?-- have been at one another's throats from the beginning. I think Gen decided that outing Dokja wasn't enough... painting him as one of the Regent's - someone completely unsympathetic in Godsblood - was the best way to hurt him without being able to resort to violence.

[ and... it had worked. Dokja had been extremely dejected by the time Abel had found him in his home; the damage had been done. ]

[ Ah...so it's a pointed attack. A personal one. That makes this far more delicate.

The name isn't one she's very familiar with, but when Abel says that they have been at each other's throats since the beginning, she has to wonder... ]

Abel...is Gen the one that nearly killed Dokja a few moons ago?

[ ...ah.

he supposes it's a bit hard not to put the pieces together now, isn't it? and now that Abel knows Himeka isn't the sort to act recklessly or callously in the affairs of others, he feels more confident in affirming this - trusting her with this - now.

so he nods his head, eyes sliding back toward hers, his quiet worry clear in his gaze. ]

He did. And I fear it's only going to get worse from here. Every time their paths cross, it's like a powder keg, Himeka. The fault lies with both of them, too-- Dokja isn't making this any easier on himself by purposely provoking that boy. Like he can't... help himself.

[ m-maybe he is vaguely frustrated on that point. just a little.

he's really worried about them, okay?? it's bad!! ]

[ It makes sense. And from what little she does know of Dokja, somehow being a equal partner in the mess also strikes true. Himeka looks away for a moment as she nods, offering a quiet but affirmative hum. ]

He was a terrible patient.

[ Though not the worst she's had by far.

Still...sometimes people are their own worst enemies and need a little more help than they're capable of asking for. She shifts her gaze back to Abel and turns to face him a little more appropriately as well. ]

He can come back to Greentruth with me, if you think he might. Gen won't find him there and he wouldn't run the risk of running into a fight where he can't back out.

I've encouraged him to consider it.

[ heading to Greentruth seemed a decidedly wise idea after Godsblood became densely populated with Kenoma, and ones that were antagonistic to boot. granted... neither Ciel nor Gen had made any moves toward physical violence in their time in the city - but that didn't guarantee anything for the next time. what if they're caught unawares in some sort of well-laid trap? it a risk Abel doesn't want any of their companions to take.

his eyes find Himeka's with more focus, trying to shake off the uncomfortable gnaw of that worry. one thing at a time, right? ...right. ]

Ultimately, I'm not sure what he'll choose to do. But-- I know that he could benefit from being with others. I don't think solitude is good for him, so... wherever he ends up, I hope he doesn't try to go it alone.

[ And he hasn't taken the suggestion? Well, at least not in any way that Himeka has seen, though she's hardly all over the settlement. She sucks her lips in slightly as she thinks. ]

Well...I haven't really seen him since that first incident, but I could extend an invitation?

[ Yes because he will definitely want to go hang out in the forest with the woman who gleefully knocked him out and forced bed rest on him. ]

...Would you?

[ the more Abel thinks about her offer, the more he thinks he finds it a good idea. the more people that reach out to Dokja, the less he can justify his efforts for loneliness.

that, or Abel will just kick his ass and force him to socialize against his will again, whatever. ]

I think a bit of your company would be good for him, personally. Maybe even just what the doctor ordered...?

[ haha. get it? because she's a healer? like a doctor. haha. ...ha. ]

[ She nods readily in agreement. Of course she wouldn't have offered if she wasn't willing, but Abel knows Dokja much better than she does.

It may be overstepping her grounds but an offer won't hurt. The worst that can happen is he'll turn her down, but it'd be better if it was a choice he made for himself, she thinks. A little bit of agency in the situation may do him some good as well. ]

I'll see what he has to say, then. If he doesn't want to, well...I plan to be in town for a few days, so mayhaps there may be another opportunity to keep his mind off of things there too.

[ well! well... there's no denying it; Abel definitely looks relieved already to hear it. sometimes, it simply feels nice to have a plan of action in place, doesn't it? ]

He's got to be a special sort of fool to say no to this invitation... but he is a fool for sure, so we'll simply have to give it a go and see what happens, mm?

[ it's obvious Abel is fond of Dokja, so you know, some good-natured ribbing is all a part of that whole 'friendship' package!! ]

But... in the meantime, keeping a low profile in Godsblood might be for the best. For all of us. I'm not sure what they're up to, but the Kenoma's arrivals here can't be a coincidence for sure. I'd rather us be safe than sorry.

[ She can only give a good-natured shrug in return. A fool, maybe, but she wouldn't blame him for it. Earning trust with some is a long battle but Himeka is remarkably patient when it comes to less than agreeable people.

Himeka salutes. ]

I'll make sure to promise not to knock him out.

[ A beat. ]

Unless he really deserves it.

[ That's a joke. Probably.

But Abel is right--all the Pleroma in town need to be wary of what's going on, now more-so than ever. She's gotten used to not having to worry all that much in Greentruth, yes, but-- ]

Mmm? I'm very good at keeping a low profile.

[ No she isn't. ]

Ah.

[ ah. right; of course. silly him; what was he thinking? it's Himeka they're talking about, of course. she's not remarkable or noteworthy in appearance in the least, and she's discreet to boot!! there's nothing to be concerned with!!!! haha, ]

[ leaning in, pinching Himeka's... ear-mermaid-fin. that's what this is, clearly?? since she's the Little Mermaid. he has no idea if she even feels this, so he's being very gentle just... in case?? but still-- ]

--On second thought? You should head right on back to Greentruth as soon as you can. Immediately. Let's go.

[ Himeka just kind of blinks at him.

(To Abel's credit, most people don't assume they're anything like ears, so good job.)

Her horns are not particularly pinchable--nope, they're pretty sturdy, like hard cartilage, but not solid. They may be hollow or at least very soft on the inside and the texture is a bit velvety and smooth.

She definitely feels it. But her horns may be harder than his hand. (Presumably?? Mr. Space Vampire?)

She slowly raises a brow. ]

...Why? I just got here.

[ wow stop he is NOT a space-rabies infected vampire haha what, this is a perfectly normal human pair of human fingies gently pinching (and now... experimentally squishing?? he's curious so sue him) this mermaid-fin-ear. ...yes. ]

Hm? Oh, no reason. I just think it would be for the best. Did you leave the oven on...? Did you check?

[ squish.

...squish. (it isn't squishing, for the record.) oh. this is. cool...? this is cool!! don't mind him haha just exploring the world, and his friend, I guess, ]

Erm...

[ What is he doing? ]

There's not really an "on" in the "ovens" in Greentruth...

[ Okay it's one thing to pinch her horn--she's definitely pinched an ear or two in her time once she found out how sensitive those silly things are, poor...nearly every other race out there. Not everyone can be lucky as Au Ra--it's another to start feeling them up or whatever it is he's doing!

But you don't just start touching another person's horns all willy-nilly, Mr. Nightroad. And the fact that Miss Shameless herself is starting to look a little red in the face should say enough. ]

...W-...what are you trying to do?

[ Her tail starts to thump on the mattress behind her. ]

[ wow, haha, this really is neat?? it's surprisingly smooth, too, is the super interesting part?? he's obviously just. you know.

ch-checking it out?? nothing WEIRD is happening??

... ]

What...? What do you mean the ovens don't have an 'on'? Then they'd always be off, Himeka, that doesn't seem very practical. How would you cook anything? Goodness, I didn't realize things were that bad in Greentruth.

[ .......... ]

[ Look, she's giving him the benefit of the doubt because Abel is WOEFULLY without horns. But it's okay, it's not his fault, she doesn't hold it against him. So of course he wouldn't be familiar with what is considered taboo or not in Auri society. Himeka likes to think she's generally free of those constraints at this juncture in her life but... ]

...They're--like...stone...clay things--

[ Nope. She can't ignore this. ]

--Abel, why are you stroking my horn?

Oh. --Oh! Like an open flame!! Well that makes a lot, more...

[ sense...? why is she looking, ah. like she's...

...

....

......... ]

[ --oh, God.

his entire body has gone still. he isn't even breathing. it's like he forgot how to Exist...? ]

[ --AH, there we go! back in action! all at once he is jerking his hand back -- jerking his entire body back, in fact, with the fervor one might expect from one having been burned, face turning a bright and impressively tomato red as he finds his feet. Abel's flailing his hands placatingly in some plea to clear this misunderstanding-- ]

S-- stroking?! I'm not-- stroking, I was just-- I thought they were n... nea... neat, you--

[ --oh my god. oh my god. oh my god no help what ]

Edited (html i swear to god do NOT) 2022-07-15 03:08 (UTC)

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doctor, doctor. give me the news, i've got a--

...bad case of loving... food,

that's how i remember it

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