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[lanternae]

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actiion; early november

[twofoldfury]

[Never one to go back on his word, Diarmuid did find the time to pay the lighthouse a visit. It was around the latter half of a brisk afternoon, one he dressed for appropriately. The time where the sun started setting very early. Diarmuid was a punctual man but he did take one or two moments to just admire how the sun looked upon the horizon. The beauty in the small things was grounding in the haze he expected to spend months on end in...

Punctual still needed to be punctual though and he beelined to the lighthouse anyway. Knights had to be on time, it was law. Kind of like bartenders needing to know a variety of unrelated skills to bartending.

There was a knock against the bottom lighthouse entrance and a call to his friend. ... He could have made the jump up but it's okay it's just a Tuesday no need to super jump on this totally not heavy Tuesday afternoon.]

Sir Flins!

[lanternae]

[Diarmuid had been expected, so it was easy for Flins to set aside the time. The man had stated it would be the afternoon, so he made sure his plans had been cleared for that slot of the day.

Truth be told, he didn't know what to ask. How do you tell your friend that something seems off about their behavior, when there's truly nothing out of the ordinary about the conversation. Could it be his senses as a fae that are picking up something? The way Diarmuid's voice seemed...stilted?

He would just have to see the man in person to find out.

When he hears that knock, he looks over at the door and passes through the base of the lighthouse to go get it. The main room was.. functional. There was a bed there, with a few cabinets and pictures hung. A clock that Flins only kept winding out of habit than actually looking at it for a sense of time, a lamp or two, and a table in the center with two chairs. Unfortunately, it is also FREEZING. Flins did not have any issue with living in the cold and damp it seems.

The place is also inhabited by two extra 'employees'. A little Litwick, who seems to be napping, and Casimir, the tabby Maine Coon that seems to watch everything with an intense stare.

Flins opens the door, those yellow eyes glittering as he sees his friend.]

Sir Diarmuid, as punctual as ever. Please...come in.

[twofoldfury]

You have my thanks for inviting me to your home. [Said as he was allowed to enter. Shabby as the place looked to a normal person, there was a soft smile set upon Diarmuid's face. Much like his tone over their voice conversation, it was stilted and tinged with a little sadness. For a split second he seemed to look at nothing in particular, but then scanned the room in its tiny glory along with the Litwick and intense cat.

It seemed like he was looking for something, but didn't know what.

But he brightened as if nothing happen on looking directly at his friend.]

You've made a comfortable and humble home for yourself, I see. [Said as if this place wasn't ramshackle to hell and back, but in fairness Diarmuid did genuinely find it to be its own kind of cozy.]

[lanternae]

Ha, of course, my friend. Much like everyone in Kaisou, this lighthouse is your beacon in the night. Your shelter against the rampaging waves.

I do live quite modestly compared to the humans in this city, but it is enough.

[Granted, 'home' was very loose wording for what this is, but to Flins it certainly was. He practically glides through the room, over to the table and chairs as he pulls one out for him and gestures to the one he does second. ]

Please. Sit down. Let me get a good look at you.

[The trap closes. This is what he wanted to see for himself.]

[twofoldfury]

And enough is all that it needs to be to leave you content and comfortable.

[It was down right opulent compared to some of the places Diarmuid needed to shelter. When you're on the run for as long as he was when he was alive, you sacrifice comfort to see your partner in fleeing have a more restful sleep...

Diarmuid did smell something... a little fishy here. As though Flins had him right where he wanted him. There is a habit to be on guard, especially recently. As if he needed more subtle tension that to any other man would be unnoticeable. Not so severe as to frown, but enough for his brow to furrow with his smile as he sat down.]

Well, of course.

[lanternae]

[Flins can agree to that. To him, this was downright cozy. Moreover, the Litwick and Casimir seemed to enjoy the chill as well. Sure, most people would probably panic that the man was living in such conditions, but it kept him closer to the conditions he was used to as a snow fae.

When Diarmuid sits down, Flins moves gracefully to stand in front of him. His gloved hand reaches out to the man's chin, tilting it up gently and moving it from side to side as he takes a good look at him. His gaze remains unchanged, an uneasy, but worried gaze from those yellow eyes.]

As I thought...you do not look yourself, my friend.

[Those eyes seemed to be looking past him. Like Diarmuid could see something through him, through these walls and beyond. But he's not exactly sure what it is he's looking at.]

I will be frank. Did something happen to you?

[twofoldfury]

Hm?

[As expected, Flins had intent here. He moved as such and has been since Diarmuid entered his home. The intent was not ill, this much felt clear. There was no hostility sensed. The fair folk made it well known if they meant to do harm, regardless of where they hail from.

His expression went on a bit of a journey as Flins inspected his face, going so far as to reach out and touch. And when the man finally spoke.

... Well, ill intentions would have been easier to deal with than this.]

N-No, I...

[He noticed that stutter in his own voice and upon taking a long look, gold eyes to gold eyes, the pain in Diarmuid's became far more tangible. And he shook his head.]

... Is my heart worn so clearly on my sleeve that its ache can be spotted so easily?

[Two, three and four voices muttered in his mind, in his tangled memories: "How unbecoming." He tensed as if they caused him physical pain...]

Suffice it to say the past two weeks have been... trying. [He knew that wouldn't suffice. He knew damn well. But he needed to work his way into confessing his... weakness.]

[lanternae]

[Flins is silent as Diarmuid makes his case, brushing some hair out of the man's eyes to check his brow. It seemed to be a full inspection, looking for any signs of wear that would normally be chalked up to stress or a bad night's sleep.]

...

[His eyes close for just a moment. So his instinct was correct after all.]

Even the sea's waves can bore a hole into a cliff. [It's said softly, as if to encourage more out of the man as he steps back. He didn't have much in the way of refreshments, but...he did have teabags. And he could heat water pretty quickly. Allow him to scrounge about. He does have clean cups, all things considered.]

Does this have anything to do with the Baron Omatsuri?

[He'd done his research on that dreadful event. Thankfully, he came out of it with no sign of the Wild Hunt, but that didn't mean there were no casualties.]

[twofoldfury]

[Given the sheer energy drain his existence had on the dried up mana puddle known as Waver Velvet, Diarmuid did actually need sleep. And he certainly looks like he's gotten none of it. He's spent sleepless nights watching his Master rest in the vain hope that he would remember something...]

The surging sea will eventually unearth the cliffs deepest depths. [It's most ugly insides that none must see, for it is the beauty of the structure's image and symbolism that the people feel the strongest.

He sighed quietly, giving an affirming nod.]

I'm afraid so. Tell me what you know of it, my friend. Then I will share my tale with it.

[lanternae]

On the contrary, the waves turning the cliffs into sea caves is quite beautiful. Still standing, but allowed a glimpse inside.

[His fingers move gently, tracing the bags under Diarmuid's eyes and to the stress lines that have formed between eyes and nose. Those definitely weren't there before.]

Only that a select few people of Kaisou were pulled into the Spirit Gate. The gate contained a man so consumed by grief that he would utilize a power not meant for him to wield, using the dominant Earth Element to try and bring his crew back.

I'd feared at first that the Wild Hunt would take advantage of the situation and the thinning of the barrier of the Spirit Vein, but thankfully that was not the case.

...

I also learned that the deaths that were experienced there were not permanent, and that the only damage was what was done to the relationships of those affected.

[twofoldfury]

[Letting that contrary opinion sink in, Diarmuid couldn't help but sigh. It's something he certainly would tell anyone that wasn't himself... Ah, he ought to know better. But the road to self-kindness was steep and curved and fraught with detours.]

Indeed... it is.

[To think he whose unparalleled beauty was the stuff of legends as much as his chivalry and strength had such clear indicators of his stress. He was not even upset they were being scrutinized so.]

You are correct on all fronts. [It was a mercy that there was no involvement of the Wild Hunt here, but that was an entire can of worms he hadn't the capacity to address right now.]

The longer we spend in that realm, deep in the jungle he created, the more impatient and irate everyone there became. Even I, who as a Saber-class should have resisted such magical manipulations. Perhaps my alignment with this world's Earth element amplified it. I cannot say for certain.

[...]

My nature is not that of a normal man, mortal or otherwise. I am a Heroic Spirit summoned by a Mage to fight in War. Though I still bleed and am able to eat and sleep, it would be more accurate to compare me to a corporeal ghost. I am created from Mana and to Mana I return when I die.

[A short pause for Flins to take that in. Then, he continued quieter.]

I was one of the casualties of that realm. I left behind no body and only returned because the deaths were not permanent. But due to my nature...

[...]

I've lost most of my memory of my home world... The endlessly reaching branches of fate have tangled in my mind and I cannot piece together what "I" experienced and what another "Diarmuid ua Duibhne" has. I've even forgotten a great deal about my summoner. Someone who I once not only called my best friend but my beloved partner.

[And that was soul-crushing.]

[lanternae]

[Flins steps back, his 'checkup' of Dia now 'complete'. Physically, there's not much he can do for the man. Fatigue had only one cure--rest. Still, he can do what he can, and moves to the little kitchenette area to start up the stove. Tea could work wonders in situations like this.]

Do not blame yourself, my friend. I inspected the 'battleground' for casualties after the dust had settled. Despite the Baron's departure, along with his plant, the air was still thick with the Earth Element. It could bring a god to its knees. And your alignment made especially susceptible.

...

[That explains so much. Flins had a feeling that Diarmuid aligned more with the spirits he spoke with than the humans he interacted with. He couldn't explain why until now. His face remains unchanged as the steam starts to escape the kettle, fingers gripping his arm just a little tighter as Dia continues on.

It was one thing to die. It's a natural course of things in this world. How many unjust deaths had the Ratniks suffered during his time? How many bodies had he buried? He lost count. But for Dia to not have even that, no resting place because he was not granted the gift of a real body to start with...it puts something unsettling in his heart.

Was there really going to be nothing for Flins to lay to rest, when that time came? A chilling thought.

Especially because that wasn't the only thing that was taken. Diarmuid was suffering amnesia as well. Selective, from the sound of it, as Dia knew who HE was.]

Your 'death' only happened recently, I believe that memory shall return with time and rest. Your unique situation is likely playing a part. The body houses the soul, and since you do not technically have a body, I can only assume its quite scattered.

Think of your corporeal form like...a jar of fireflies. Now take away the jar. Until your jar is strong enough to hold the fireflies again, they will be nothing but scattered insects.

You will remember your beloved in time, Diarmuid.

[twofoldfury]

[There has been naught left of Diarmuid ua Duibhne to bury but the fang of the boar that took his life centuries ago. That Diarmuid very nearly came to the conclusion of what he wished to do with it knowing the loaded emotions it carried. A conclusion that got lost in this selective amnesia he'd developed.

A near year of progress halted by tangled roots.

It was frustrating. But it was his existence. A knight would not give up when faced with an obstacle.

He would overcome it...]

I will remember him. Little by little I will capture the fireflies again and together they will shine bright. Until then, I have each small light to guide me. And one star bright among them leading me to the right path. One step at a time.

[His guiding star, Waver. Despite his words, there was still pain in his tone.]

The life I lead before becoming a Heroic Spirit was painted by heartbreak. The cursed love spot causing me to crush the hearts of many women who had been victims. Of my fellow knights. My former king.

[Myself.]

... It pains me, Sir Flins. To have broken someone else's heart because of my scattered memories. It feels as though it is woven into my fate... to see the tears, fallen or held back, of those who I cannot in good faith reciprocate the feelings for.

I know that I still feel this affection for him. But it does not feel right when the weight of all that came before is scattered and flying about aimlessly...

Later in dec, after the gifts are given

[myriadeclipse]

[ He intends to call him, but ... honestly he's still so flustered, Text is going first. ]

What do you mean by that?

[lanternae]

[Flins knew this was coming. Or at least talking about it. Text being the method of choice was less so.]

How does one put it? You seem different after 'some dogs are alright' came into your life.

This Fabergé egg is exquisite, Hugo. It hasn't aged a day since I saw it years ago.

[myriadeclipse]

You're welcome. They are far harder to distribute than my usual inventory, so the best way to handle them is to place them into hands that will care for them.

Do I seem different? That dog was the cause of it all to begin with.
Maybe I should have started this with a "congratulations on being a cat person" but I don't think there is anyone that missed that detail.

[lanternae]

And yet you make it sound so effortless. That's a testament to how your skill has grown. Rest assured, it's in safe hands. Unlike my birthday present, this one was given to me by a dear friend.

[A smile twitches at the edges of his lips before he types again.]

It's subtle, but yes. Your eyes don't match your scowl, Hugo.
As for my cat...well. There's no point in denying it with that incident. Though you'll be surprised to know he was the one who kept trying to storm my lighthouse all those years ago.

[myriadeclipse]

It's nothing in the face of your masterful skill with words. I can see what you're doing.

[ He sighed. Flins was right. His protests were weak compared to their usual venom. ]

I see. Thus you allow him the victory of 'storming your lighthouse' then of all times. Your various wards must be happy for you while also tending to their shock.

[lanternae]

Nothing gets by you, sharp as ever.

[He'd always prided Hugo on his sharp intellect. It was needed in these times.]

Now I feel like I'm being lectured. Would now be a good time to say 'I don't know, it just sort of happened'?

Besides, shock is far more preferable than their crestfallen faces at their private thoughts being announced to the world.

[myriadeclipse]

I would prefer to just call it experience.

Hardly. Your wisdom and knowledge spans eons. The only thing a young vampire such as myself can do is speak to what my inexperience allows.

Those spilled secrets were not fun, no, but I'm not entirely sure 'that' managed to swing things in the other direction.

[ He regrets that phrasing, but he's already hit send. ]

[lanternae]

Your wisdom and experience goes far beyond many a vampire I've run into. I used to think our races had a similar ancestry somewhere, but alas. So many caught up in their own traditions and pride.

[The ones in Russia especially. Then again, if you're a vampire living in the tundra, you kind of earn those bragging rights.]

But I'm flattered. The rise and fall of civilizations leads to a spring of knowledge unlike any other. You start to see patterns in the way humans and other living beings operate. And occasionally...in yourself.

[...]

It's a funny thing. I've known that cat since he joined the Black Order and was sent to grab refugees I was harboring. I would've thought the Order would've dealt with him given how many times 'gave up and went home'. I'm fairly certain he was the one knocking when you were hiding, too.

It was like we had an understanding. When I came to Kaisou, I had no idea he'd been let go from the Order, and then we reunited.

It's not all too unfamiliar a situation as your own, surely.

[myriadeclipse]

The order. I wondered if that was the reason. I should have known, given he was also in that Thanksgiving realm.

An understanding with someone in The Order. I'm far from a person fit to criticize something like that. In fact, it almost sounds like my constant trouble, along with that of my apparent peers, brought you and your cat closer.
Who could have foreseen such a folly? We were unknowingly the instruments of that whole display. We can only blame ourselves.

As for that, I feel it's a little different until you reach the end, but not unfamiliar, no. If he were not the arbiter of change and maturity, I would have

Things would have been very different. Regardless. It doesn't really matter.

[lanternae]

It's not too surprising. Many who joined the order were unwilling participants. After awhile, I noticed he would simply go through the motions of attempting to seize the refugees, only for him to turn back to try again another day. I suppose that was his own form of rebellion.

It was at that party I learned why the Black Order let him get away with it.

[Being a bargaining chip for a literal demon means no damaged goods.]

But this is wonderful news! Now I can surely say it is because of all of you that I was able to reunite with an old flame.


Let us reserve some gratitude for being able to reach you. After all, if you truly didn't want that outstretched hand, you wouldn't have taken it.

Secret Santa Delivery!

[heng_like_a_dragon]

[So, this assignment has given Dan Heng the most interesting question.

What the fuck do you give a guy who sold a Faberge Egg to your cousin for $21 million? Especially a guy who doesn't even wash his rice!

His list of likes is also... nerd goth. Dan Heng shouldn't be surprised considering Flins is lovers with Blade's adoptive dad. Hm. He looks at his dragon Pokemon.

Well. That's one way to get bones without having to break the bank.

Celadon the Fraxure and Qinglong the Dragonair are very polite by allowing him to collect the bones from their meals, though that's unusual for Celadon since she can be quite feisty (11). However, Ren the Kommo-o has decided that Dan Heng is trying to challenge him and that maybe TODAY IS THE DAY that he will surpass this rival dragon (natural 1)!

It. Does not end with Ren's victory. The Kommo-o is now sulking after losing yet another battle against Dan Heng, and just... eats all the bones from his meal out of spite.

Welp.

So, Flins will receive a gift delivered by Sang the Skeledirge. Don't... ask how he got there. Dan Heng doesn't know, either. There's a simple note taped to the gift box that just says:]

His name is Sang (sahng).

[Inside the box are carefully preserved and cleaned fish bones and some kind of big mammal's bones. The mammal bones have some teeth marks in them, though. There are also some Kommo-o scales that glitter prettily in the light, and create a sound when scraped together or when struck by an object. Each one creates a different note.

Flins will also receive a lovely Chinese rice wine. There's a note from the sender as well.]

The scales are shed ones from a Kommo-o, a dragon Pokemon that rattles their scales together to create a clamor to unnerve their prey or anything threatening their territory. It's said that in ancient times, their scales were also used to craft very durable armor.

I'm not sure what your taste in alcohol is, necessarily, but I chose one that I like to enjoy with my family and fiances. There are many fond memories I have associated with its taste. I hope that this is to your taste as well.

-Dan Heng

[myriadeclipse]

Is that what led to everything else? Getting to understand why that past happened, even if you drifted away

[ ...oh. ]

I'll leave that gratitude for your other charges. Although I suppose I should eventually offer gratitude of my own to this cat of yours for being so lenient.

It wasn't an issue of if I wanted it or not. Being a Ravenlock comes with certain sorts of people having certain expectations that you can't outrun. He is the one he had to want it.