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phantasmalrift2018-12-19 11:39 pm
phantasmods) wrote in phantasmalrift2018-12-19 11:39 pm
DUNGEON - BELLMARE ENCLAVE (BELLMARE MOUNTAINS, PT 2)
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.]]
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.]]
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[The only thing that has a chance of matching the tension within the Citadel the night before the treaty signing is the stillness. It's as if the very walls hold their breaths and the atmosphere is only lighter by the barest of margins within the king's office where two lifelong friends sit in companionable silence, neither wishing to break it when they know this may be the last time they are able to sit this way, hands wrapped loosely around drinks, paperwork and files set aside for the night at last.
It's Regis who finally breaks the silence, his words preceded by the faintest of clicks as his fingers shift on his glass just enough that the Ring of the Lucii comes into contact with its chilled surface.]
You know I wish to believe it even less than you, but the timing is too much of a coincidence. The signs of betrayal have been there from the start. We...I...was just looking in the wrong places.
To be fair, one does not usually need to root vipers out from so close to their own hearts.
[As much as Clarus' words are an attempt to remove some of the guilt from Regis' shoulders, they hold bitterness as well. He also trusted this particular viper. Thought of him as family even, a sentiment obviously not shared.]
Perhaps. Still I wish we had been able to trace the discrepancies within those reports sooner. This would be far less messy with more time. You are certain Cor has left the Citadel?
As certain as I can be. You know him as well as I do.
[The fond exasperation in Clarus' voice draws the first true chuckle in a long time to Regis' lips. He raises his glass toward his Shield who repeats the same action, their glasses coming together smoothly before they empty them. It's a motion they've repeated many times over the years.]
That I do, which is why we best get moving before his senses start tingling. Come. Lets show our dear Captain why it's not wise to bite the hand that feeds you, and perhaps come morning, without their glorious General, Niflheim will wish to rethink their treaty requests.
[Clarus certainly responds to Regis' words, but the worn, tired King within the subfissure doesn't hear it passed the roaring in his ears. Darkness separates him from the images as he closes his eyes, nearly biting his lip to force back the grief. It's hard to say what hurts him more: seeing his old friend again so suddenly when he's had no time to process his Shield's violent death or the fact that whatever this vision is, it taunts him with the very thing he will never forgive himself for.
Not seeing Drautos' treachery sooner.]
B.) There are Words
[If asked, Regis would be hard pressed to say what Nyx is cooking over the crackling fire. It's not because his Glaive is that poor a cook, but because his own mind is too caught up in processing the battle they finished not long ago to register anything else. It's not that the battle went badly; far from it. Indeed, the last modifications they made to his crossbow have finally brought it to a place where he can quickly and reliably use it even with what little remains of his left hand. Regis still may not be able to be within the very center of a battle, but he certainly can pick off from a distance anything that comes too close to Nyx while he is otherwise occupied. It's a great improvement from before when he literally could do nothing but be shielded during battle.
No, it's not what the battle was that demands so much of his attention, but what was missing from the battle. Despite knowing for certain Nyx was calling upon the gifts that Quetzalcoatl had bestowed upon him, Regis had been able to sense none of it. On top of that, he had neither seen nor felt a bit of the magic. It was only the after effects he could spot. Charred ground. Crumpled daemons. Of course, he didn't expect the magic of such an ancient deity to connect with him as much as that of the Crystal had, but he should have at least been able to see the magic at work not been caught in this inescapable void of nothingness. Yet, here he was, as magic blind as he had been when he'd awakened under the hands of the Oracle with Nyx throwing himself at General Glauca as if he had somehow grown wings and talons that could rend the strongest of metals.]
Losing yourself to it isn't going to change a thing. Eat.
[It takes Regis much longer than it should to pull himself back. Fortunately, Nyx waits patiently only handing him the plate once he's sure it's not going to be dropped.]
Food isn't going to change a thing when I feel as if I'm going mad.
[After spending almost his entire life with magic literally running through his veins, having absolutely nothing there is unsettling at best and agonizing at worst. Gentiana had explained afterward that this was because his power had been passed to the Ring. His soul should have gone with it, but though some combination of the Oracle's power, Shiva's will, and the ancient blessing from Quetzalcoatl it had been separated from that power and returned to his body. On one hand that meant all the power needed for Noctis to fulfill his role as Chosen was gathered while Regis himself remained among the living. On the other...
...well, there were times when he wasn't positive he was really still living. Not with how numb and empty he felt.]
You really gonna make me feed you...Majesty? 'Cause I'll do it.
[Nyx's voice pulls him once more from his thoughts and Regis can't help but let a small smile cross his face when he sees the mischievous, yet challenging, twinkle in his Glaive's silver-blue eyes.]
I have not been a child for a great many years. I'm most certain I can manage feeding myself.
Coulda fooled me.
[A good-natured huff slips from Regis' lips as he finally lifts a bite to his mouth. As empty and numb as he feels sometimes, he can't imagine how much worse it would be without Nyx around to fill part of that emptiness.
All things considered, he really is a lucky man.]
C.) That Must Be Said. (Shh...there may be a kiss in this one.)
Unfortunately, the only open room we have currently is on the 4th floor. We've called the repair service, but the elevator is going to be down until tomorrow morning at the earliest since they have to stop by Lestallum for a part. Is that going to be a problem for your father?
[Regis' hand tightens on the top of his cane--the obvious cause of the question--but he doesn't do it because he's upset. Indeed, there is nothing but amusement in the look he tilts in Nyx's direction. Granted, he supposes the mistake only makes sense with his usual appearance so well hidden beneath the dye, tattooing, and other trappings that make up the Galahdian hunter disguise they'd put together for him once they'd escaped Insomnia, but they don't look that much alike, do they?
The silvered gaze that meets his causes Regis to raise an eyebrow in Nyx's direction. The annoyance he's not all that surprised at, but there is such a strong mischievousness there that it makes him immediately wary. Before he can question it properly, though, his Glaive has slid an arm around his waist and pulled him into a kiss filled with enough passion that he forgets where they are for several moments, only coming back to himself when Nyx pulls away to look back at the poor desk clerk, his voice laced with so much cheekiness it almost overwhelms the shit-eating grin on his face.]
Does it look like he's my father?
[Laughter that holds both amusement and an undercurrent of uncertainty fills the subfissure near the vision and is easily traced back to Regis who has his hand pressed against his chest. Mentally, as he leans back against the cavern's wall, he finds himself torn between thinking 'Of course he would do that' and 'Oh Astrals, he really just did that.'
Only adding to the confusion is the fact that, for some reason Regis really can't explain, he finds himself not minding in the slightest that he just witnessed Nyx Ulric kissing him in the middle of a hotel lobby.
Perhaps he really is going mad.]
B
Scrambling off and on the stupid thing is becoming more of a hassle though and he's quite content to just stay free of the contraption for a bit. Which at least makes it easier to reach out for Regis as the memory fades, the firelight flickering out Nyx's hand squeezing firmly at his King's shoulder.
It would just be cruel to take the magic from him now when he's given so much of himself to it.]
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It takes a deep shaky breath and a few seconds with his eyes closed for Regis to pull himself together. Once his eyes open again, he raises an eyebrow in Nyx's direction.]
I'm fairly certain you aren't suppose to be standing.
[Yep, we're just going to ignore that happened. Right? Right.]
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Deal with it.
[Because he's far more concerned for his King than he is about his stupid leg or any of the other various things that could be killing him right now.]
That's not...? [No, of course, he'd commented on Izunia's lights, he'd held his own fire, he was not cut off like that here but somewhere.]
That's not happening here. Not a chance.
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We cannot be certain of anything in a place as strange as this, but for now it's, thankfully, not reality.
[And, as if to prove it to himself, Regis calls a ball of fire to his hand, rolling it around his palm for several moments before letting it fade again.]
Any idea what you were cooking?
[As much as this might sound like another deflection, Regis is actually curious and a little dismayed with his vision self for not paying closer attention.]
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He lifts his hand for a moment, dancing his fingers through the fire Regis has summoned, surprised at the heat of it, sharp and biting. It's fleeting, perhaps only hurting because it's over the deeply scarred skin of his left hand. But it shouldn't hurt, it's-
It's not his. The power he has left is from the ring, or Izunia, or some strange combination of the two. It's not Regis' power and that makes his heart ache all over again. It's not right. His abilities belong to his King, so too should his magic. But he pushes the thought away, tries to hold that wry smile as he shrugs and focuses on the question.]
Nothing fancy, I promise you that. Probably just a fish stew, judging from the smell.
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[It's one of the reasons he likes it so much, what makes it so different from the fare he usually experiences, though right now he speaks of it more to buy himself time to sort out the expressions he just watched pass over Nyx's face as he'd interacted with the fire.
Is seems Regis himself is not the only one who keenly feels the missing link between them.]
Once we've had time to recover, I would like to reforge the bond between us and allow you access to the Armiger.
[Someone should making use of it; someone who can access it easier than Regis can.]
As long as you have no objection that is.
[Regis doubts he will, but he leaves the option to say 'no' there just in case he is wrong. He has no wish to pressure Nyx into accepting should the Glaive no longer wish to be leashed to him.]
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[It's impossible not to see the wheels turning in Regis' mind and he frowns a little. Damn. He'd been trying not to worry his King. It didn't really matter where the power came from so long as he was able to protect his King. He just didn't like not having that link between them.
And perhaps... he wasn't the only one.]
Of course not, sir. I would be honored-
[A huff of laughter, sheepish and wry.]
I'm that transparent huh? Yeah. Please. I don't like being tied to them. Not when I'm yours.
[Your Glaive. Obviously. That's... that's clear right? Shit, that sounded sappy as all hell and he is definitely not blushing ever so slightly. This was easier when there was a required level of professionalism involved.]
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The few seconds after Nyx says those words seem to slow to a crawl, lasting what feels like forever to Regis as he tries to work out the ball of emotions they cause in his chest. It's a reassurance he didn't realize he needed. A reminder that he hasn't lost everything; that one bond remains when he was forced to release so many and had so many others ripped away from him. It's...
...it's foolishness. As soon as those few seconds past, Regis is scolding himself for needing such a thing. For demanding more of Nyx who has already given so much.]
You belong to none but yourself in this place.
[He lets his hand rest on Nyx's arm for a moment, giving it a squeeze before letting it fall away.]
But you are welcome to walk at my side as long as you wish to. I will not grow tired of your presence. This I promise.
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I've always been my own person, don't start that. I'm not one of your retainers, raised in servitude to the crown.
[A bit of an eye roll. He thinks that's bullshit, sir. It's great that Ignis is so dedicated to Noctis and that Gladio learns that loyalty but that's a great way to make those closest to you resent the fuck out of you in his mind.]
I chose to do this, to be your Glaive. And until you, Regis, tell me to leave you, and make a damn convincing argument of it, you're stuck with me.
[Sure did just curse in front of the King. Oops?]
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Finally, the corners of his eyes crinkle as he laughs.]
Goodness. You're not going to let me get away with even a little drama, are you?
[Right, because that was totally about the Lucis Caelum need for drama and nothing else.]
It seems that we are quite stuck with each other then. I do need someone to keep me grounded from time to time and you are damned good at it.
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I think the twins will be more than enough drama.
[There's no denying that at least. The warmth in his chest fans out from a pleased, satisfied hum to something that flushes all the way up his neck and onto his cheeks at the sudden praise though. Not only praise but His Majesty's smooth cultured voice dipping into a curse, stressing it like that only makes it seem a touch more vulgar and Nyx's next breath rushes out. Oh... oh.
Hearing his King swear should not be so hot.]
I uh... I do my best.
[That was lame, Ulric.]
(CW: Swearing? Better safe than sorry.)
The words are there, but they are pushed to the side as Regis takes in Nyx's...unusual...reaction to his statement. Curious. He wouldn't think that one curse word would undo the Glaive so much. Surely, he must be used to such things. Yes, he must, so then is it not the word but the speaker?
A twinkle enters Regis' eyes. Oh, if that is so, then this is going to be a lot more fun than it should be.
His father would roll over in his grave if he knew what his son was about to say and Regis couldn't care less.
He steps forward bringing himself a little closer to his Glaive, shoulders squared, a look of seriousness on his face.]
Don't tell me you are one of those fucking nitwits who believes the king unable to utter even one damned swear word because it's not fucking proper. I'll have you know I can swear your tight ass under any shitty table you may find and screw it into the floor. Try me.
[And, if that isn't enough, every single swear word he uses is in a different language. Have fun with that, Nyx.]
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I knew what you meant! LOL!
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C.
The man from the cabin. The one with the missing fingers.
Oy gave a gruff bark and darted forward, darting around an outcrop so he could sit primly at Regis' feet, his cork screw tail flicking every once in a while. Really, it was a 'whole butt wag' as opposed to a 'tail wag', but the billy worked with what he had.
Jake was soon to follow, grinning a little at a the laughter and at his friend's obvious joy in finding the familiar man.]
Your boyfriend reminds me of a friend of mine. I bet he's plenty of trouble.
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Hello there, Oy. I do believe you've lost someone, haven't you?
[Ah, but there Jake is. Good...
...
Oh, Astrals! Nyx, his boyfriend?
Sorry, Jake. He doesn't mean to be rude, but you will have to give him a moment while he laughs so hard he nearly sends himself off his feet in the process. It's a good thing that wall is there.]
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Even the excessive laughter was a bit bothersome, according to the young billy.
Jake, however, rather liked that sound. It reminded him of when he and Eddie had managed to get Roland to really laugh. It twisted something in his guts that had nothing to do with the number of vehicles that had ran over it, but he didn't mind. Just smiled and hunkered down to give Oy a good scratch.]
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Thank you, Jake. I needed that, though I must beg that you not to say such a thing to Nyx. I can't imagine one such as himself would find much humor in being linked in that way to a man as old as myself.
[People who haven't picked up on Nyx's obvious crush on his king: Said. King. Himself.]
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[His grin was infectious, and when he smiled like that it was so easy to just ignore the bag of plates under his arm and the gun tucked into his waistband. He was just a kid, gently ribbing at someone who looked far too serious most of the time.
Also, he amusement wasn't at all helped by the fact that while Regis was concerned for Nyx's affection towards him...the king had no problems with the idea himself. At least, none right up on the very surface.]
You have to admit, though...he would be a handful. Suze was constantly having to keep Eddie out of trouble.
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Oh, on that I will not argue. He was constantly getting himself placed on Wall guard because he couldn't quite follow instructions. Not that I could show favoritism, but in most cases, after reading the reports, I felt he was in the right to act as he did. He saved the lives of both the innocent and his fellows many times.
[Unfortunately, military forces only remain organized if the rules are followed. That is why as much as he might have agreed with Nyx's actions, he couldn't overrule the punishments that Captain Drautos gave him.]
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[He laughed, more of a giggle if he was being honest with himself.
Giving Oy one last good scritch, he stood up on knees that didn't pop just yet (most of the time).]
It's good seeing you looking a little better, sai. I was worried.
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[Regis repeats the word questioningly. He's managed to figure out 'sai' is a polite form of address from how Jake has used it around him, but this other term is much harder for him to pin down the meaning of. It is easiest, then, just to ask.]
I am doing better, though, it will be a relief to get back to the station for some more thorough medical treatment. There is only so much potions and a field medic can handle.
[He's not looking forward to the doctor being a robot, and as such far too magitek for his taste, but he will deal with that when the time comes.]
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Oh..uhh. It means 'leader' or ... or 'King'.
[Sorry if you were trying to keep that under wraps, Regis. He does, at least, say that last part a little softer. Respecting that Regis hasn't actually told him anything, but also giving confirmation that he'd pieced things together to know anyway.]
I've never seen a wound heal that fast, but then again, I've never seen someone make an animal out of fire, so I guess it's a day for 'firsts'. Is it magic? Like what you did with the fire and what Nyx did with his arm?
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[Regis is honestly more interested in the word itself than concerned about word of his royal linage getting out. Besides, with Izunia and Ardyn here, it's not like that secret would have stayed that way for long.]
Our bloodline's healing magic works best through different potions which must be created from some kind of drink ahead of time. Izunia had two of the stronger variety that he used on me, and he also had a potion that was created by the medics here specifically to aid someone who had lost a good deal of blood. They made stabilizing me fairly simple, but the sheer complexity of Nyx's wounds made treating him much harder. For example, we couldn't just use a potion on his leg without setting it first or it would have healed wrong. The injury was too severe for us to set it correctly in the field, so it was stabilized as well as it could be until we return.
[And hopefully, Nyx will stop walking on it now, but how likely is that really?]
CW: Body horror? Maybe? Jake being Jake
And he certainly wouldn't have been laughing so freely. ]
It's less of an entire new language and more just the In-World's version of high speech. Royalty, Gunslingers, people with high status. My father taught me.
Do you really have glammer that can heal wounds that fast and that clean? That's amazing. And...kinda terrifying, actually. What happens if you take one and there's still something inside you? Do you just...grow around it? Like a tree root?
CW: Body horror, continued. I can't think of a better thing to label it as!
[Regis nods in understanding before turning his attention to the more serious topic at hand, wincing slightly even as he does.]
In a situation where we were unsure if there was something in the wound, a potion wouldn't be administered until we could find out. There is too much risk, plus the wound would need to be reopened later to remove the object. It would be a waste of precious resources and would mean more trauma for the wounded party, just as having to re-break an incorrectly healed bone would be.
CW: Body horror, continued. Just assume this is commonplace for them, guys.
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