DUNGEON - BELLMARE ENCLAVE (BELLMARE MOUNTAINS, PT 2)

[phantasmods]

The shadows are starting to grow very long as you crest his particular ridge - it's not night yet, but it will be soon. In the shadows of the afternoon, with a tall mountain already blocking the sun, lies a snow-covered valley that is different from the ones you've come across thus far in your investigation.

This valley is home to a town, and unlike all the settlements you've seen so far - Incendia, the Telovia mining town, and the manor - it's very much active. There are actual people in the streets, visible from above, going through their days on snow-free streets, bundled up against the cold.

Those of you who asked were told of the handful of people who didn't go into the slumber of stasis as the Fissure conditions of the world grew worse and worse, instead isolating themselves and trying to continue living their lives as they could. Now, it seems, you've found exactly such a group.

Welcome to the Bellmare Enclave, and enjoy your stay.

[[OOC: Welcome to part 2 of the dungeon! For the most part, interaction with the town's NPCs can be handwaved as described on the main information post. Worth noting are the following major things: The Bellmare Enclave isn't expecting visitors, though the people are generally friendly to the new arrivals. They don't know about the time dilation effect of their Fissure - to them, it's only been about eighteen years since the Slumber Plan was put in place and they withdrew from the world. And finally, by a similar token, they have no idea how far the Fissures outside of their own have grown - while it's not uncommon for them to find odd objects from time to time, they'll assume that the characters are just arrivals from other places within their own world, rather than outsiders, until told otherwise.]]

Comments

[burninglight]

[Ardyn flinched at the touch but didn't lash out, breath coming short and ragged as a violent tremor started in his shoulders.]

...don't want to go back. Please, not again.

[motherfucking_ghost]

No...no, you're not going back there. You're never being in the dark again. I'm sorry that happened to you. You're not going back. I promise. Your Shield promises.

[burninglight]

[It took what felt like an eternity for Ardyn to start losing the almost painful level of tension to his body--he slowly lowered his hands to instead hug Church tightly, face hidden against his husband's shoulder to muffle the occasional choked sob half stuck in his throat.]

I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please don't leave me alone.

[motherfucking_ghost]

Heyyyyy, it's okay. You don't have to say sorry. There's nothing for you to be sorry for. [He cradles Ardyn close, hand gentle in his hair.] 'm not leaving. Not ever. We're here, together, forever, you and me. You're Ardyn, and you love me, same as I love you.

[burninglight]

I-I...I know. [Ardyn took a deep breath that shook a little more than he was at all comfortable hearing.] I know. That's not happening again--even if it did, you would come back for me.

[motherfucking_ghost]

Are you kidding, if it ever happened, which it won't, I'd be in there with you. Getting us both out, but like, point being is I wouldn't be leaving your side.

[burninglight]

[A sharp and hollow laugh answered that, Ardyn clinging a little more tightly.]

...really am sorry, though. That was nothing I would ever have wanted you to see for yourself.

[motherfucking_ghost]

Doesn't hurt me half as much as it hurts you, man.

[burninglight]

I'll be alright, love. I merely don't...want you to be upset over something that ended a long time ago.

[It...had, right? Right. Of course something like that couldn't have held him for too long.]

[motherfucking_ghost]

'm not upset. [They talked about this. About his habit of getting really mad and how unhelpful that is.] You're upset. And I'm trying to soothe you. Should I not have done that?

[burninglight]

Mm...no, it's alright. This is good. [A somewhat steadier breath, Ardyn slowly starting to relax against his shoulder.]

...thank you.

[motherfucking_ghost]

I mean I'm upset because it's upsetting to see, but I'm not like--grr, gonna punch a stupid wall for showing a thing. A weird upsetting thing that we don't like.

Let's not talk about it now. Maybe talk about it later, once we're back?

[burninglight]

Don't punch the walls here, you'll hurt yourself.

[you're both dumb]

...okay. We can talk when we're out of here, just...give me a second. [because he kind of very much needs the hug]

[motherfucking_ghost]

Not going anywhere. Take as much time as you need.

[burninglight]

[Ardyn hugged Church tightly before pulling back enough for a kiss to his forehead, then standing and holding out a scarred hand covered by the same gloves as he always wore.]

Come on. We came here for a reason, and I said I'd be with you.