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urbem_initium2019-03-13 10:55 pm
skybuns) wrote in urbem_initium2019-03-13 10:55 pm
Entry tags:
Random Scenario Meme
the random scenario meme
TYPES OF SCENES
① Action → Gun fights, bar brawls, fights to the death are all possible scenarios.
② Angst → Characters suffer emotionally or physically from relationships breaking up, death, injury, etc. Hurt and comfort themes are included.
③ Crack → Genderswaps, super powers, sudden compulsions are all possible outcomes.
④ Fluff → Something that is devoid of angst. It's light-hearted and might have the overtone of romance.
⑤ Gen → General fun, things that didn't fit in the other categories.
⑥ Your choice → Think of your own scenario, choose one of the above or make a combo even!
ACTION.
① Zombies → It's the zombie apocalypse, lock and load!
② Bar brawl → You had one too many drinks, said something wrong, and now you're being asked to take it outside.
③ Chase → You're caught in a high speed chase.
④ Gun fight → You're caught in a big shoot-out.
⑤ Fight with a friend → You're fighting with a friend, all out.
⑥ Interrogation → You're being interrogated for some offense you've done.
⑦ Aliens → Aliens are attacking and you're not going to take your probe laying down!
⑧ Final battle → This is it. The battle that will end all the fighting for you. Will you win? Will you get that peace you want?
⑨ Training → You're not actually fighting, just training for the inevitable.
⑩ No hope → You know this fight has no hope. It's not going to end well for anyone involved, but you can't turn away.
⑪ Sneaking in → You're stealing a diamond or sneaking in to kick some bad guy butt, but whatever it is, you have to practice stealth.
⑫ Blue wire → You're faced with a bomb that needs to be disarmed.
⑬ Fight for honour → You've been disgraced or someone you care about has, so it's time to fight for honour.
⑭ Showdown → Time for a cowboy-style showdown. Whoever draws the fastest wins.
⑮ War → You're caught in the middle of a war here. Remember to keep your chin up and keeping fighting.
⑯ Apocalypse → The apocalypse finally happened and now you're left to scavenge and fight for whatever is left.
⑰ Sabotage → It's time to sabotage someone's plan! How is entirely up to you. Do you set up a bomb in their toilet? Do you double cross them at the last minute?
⑱ Big damn hero → You know you have to handle this one alone, so that means disarming or knocking unconscious the person who wants to join you.
⑲ Fight club → You know the rules... you're in an underground fighting ring and you're fighting with all you've got.
⑳ Threaten → You've just been sent here to rough them up a little, threaten them into behaving.
ANGST.
① Injury / illness → Your character has become injured or ill! To what extent is the mun's choice.
② Last moments → You character has been gravely injured and this is their last chance to say their last words.
③ Depression → Your character is depressed, what actions they take is up to the mun.
④ Betrayed → You character has been betrayed by the other. How do they react?
⑤ Tortured → Your character is being tortured and needs rescuing or at least a sympathetic ear to help him through it.
⑥ Jealousy → Your character is feeling jealous and must deal with it, how will they do it?
⑦ Breakup! → This relationship has gone as far as it can, it's time to breakup.
⑧ Broken → For whatever reason, the character is broken, mentally or or physically.
⑨ Fight → You can't even be in the same room as your friend or lover without arguing anymore.
⑩ Lost → You lost the biggest fight of your life and now all you can do is try to pick up the pieces.
⑪ Worst nightmare → Whatever you fear the most is now real or maybe you're just trapped in a dream together, but whatever it is, it feels too real.
⑫ Addicted → You're addicted to something, alcohol, drugs, sex, whatever. It's destroying your life and you can't do anything to stop it.
⑬ Hurt you → You're being forced to hurt someone you love either by betraying them or even being forced to shout things you don't mean. It's for their own good in the end though.
⑭ Separation → You were forced to leave this person for their own safety and while you've been miserable without them, you really didn't mean to run into them again... maybe it was by accident or you were watching them from afar this whole time.
⑮ Becoming a monster → You are slowly changing, becoming a monster: vampire, zombie, demon, something you can't recover from and no-one can help you.
⑯ Frozen → You are entirely helpless, frozen, to stop some kind of disaster.
⑰ Prison → You were very bad and now it's time to pay the price by turning yourself in or maybe the law just finally caught up to you.
⑱ Fear → You're not sure why, but you are suddenly terrified and you can't deal with it. You need help.
⑲ Hated → You are now hated by the person you loved the most.
⑳ Down and out → You're living on the streets, you've hit rock bottom, and you don't know what to do.
CRACK.
① Sexswap → Uh-oh, you're suddenly the opposite sex!
② Forced confessions → No matter what it is and no matter how hard you resist, you're going to be compelled to spill some deep dark secret!
③ Mind-reading → You've suddenly got the ability to read minds!
④ Animal → You're suddenly part animal or transformed into an animal!
⑤ Awkward pick-up lines → You're compelled to use bad pickup lines on whoever is closest!
⑥ Back in School / Graduated → You're suddenly back in school! Or if you were already in it, you've aged and long since graduated!
⑦ Vampires, werewolves, and zombies, oh my! → You're suddenly a vampire, werewolf, or zombie! Maybe even a demon or a devil, whatever creepy crawly you can think of. What do you do now?
⑧ Ghost → You're suddenly a ghost or at least invisible. What are you going to do with this new ability?
⑨ Awkward conversations → So did you just fart or what? Any conversation goes, as long as it's embarrassing and awkward.
⑩ Crossdressing → For whatever reason, you're suddenly dressed in clothes of the opposite sex.
⑪ Suddenly naked → Oops! Your clothes are suddenly gone.
⑫ Suddenly a kid → You're a kid again! Have fun with that second childhood.
⑬ Fortune cookie → You've suddenly received a note with something that will happen in the future, either precise or vague.
⑭ Super power → And suddenly you're like Superman! Any power goes.
⑮ Bodyswap → Somehow you've changed bodies with the other person.
⑯ Back in time → Somehow, you wound up in the past again. Do you try to correct something or just sit and wait for time to jump? Maybe it jumps to various points in your life or maybe you actually think you're back in the day. Have fun, run wild with the idea!
⑰ To the future → Is it everything you've dreamed? Is it horrible? Whatever happens, you're here to witness what happens to you in the future. Either you take the place of your future self or you're just there to watch. Might cause some confusion if people start seeing double though...
⑱ Angels, mermaids, and fairies! → You're not necessary something dark or evil. You're just something different. How do you deal?
⑲ Locked in a closet → For some reason, you're locked up in a closet with someone else. Do you make nice and try to figure your way out or what?
⑳ Finger trap → You're caught in a Chinese finger trap... with somebody else! You can't figure out how to get loose either... have fun with that.
FLUFF.
① Cuddling → For whatever reason, characters feel like being close and cuddling.
② Pillow talk → After the main event, characters are up for some pillow talk.
③ Celebration → Anniversary or some other big event is taking place and characters want to celebrate!
④ Love confession → Someone has finally decided to confess their love and today is the day!
⑤ Appreciation → You feel the need to show appreciation for that person closest to you, even if it's just a pat on the back.
⑥ Apologies → You made a mistake and now it's time to make it up in some way you know the other can't refuse!
⑦ Get back together → Why did you break up again exactly? Whatever the reason, it was a huge mistake and you both know you can work through it.
⑧ Date night → You've planned for a wonderful night together and you can't wait to get it started.
⑨ Family → You've either found out you're pregnant or you've already got that addition to your family.
⑩ Marriage → You're just about to get hitched or maybe you're enjoying your honeymoon. Maybe you've been together for years now! Whatever the case, it's time for that next big step.
⑪ Meeting again → It's time for that happy reunion finally!
⑫ Love at first sight → For whatever reason, you are now insanely in love with the first person you set eyes on.
⑬ Flirtation → You can't resist to do a little bit of harmless flirtation all of a sudden.
⑭ In the snow → Look outside! It's a winter wonderland, so why not go out and play in it?
⑮ Engagement → You've planned it all out and now it's time to finally pop the question.
⑯ Friendly games → You've set up the game station or board games for a friendly competition!
⑰ Gift → Time to give that special someone a gift just because.
⑱ Recovery → You're taking care of someone who's just recovered from some illness or injury.
⑲ Healing → Time to help mend that someone who's been through hell and back.
⑳ Better than ever → You've finally got everything you've ever wanted here. What is your ideal life and who does it include?
GEN.
① Nice meeting you → It's your first time meeting this person! You bumped into each other on the street, in a bar, at work... whatever!
② Drinks → You're out for drinks! Or just chilling at home with some beers. Wherever!
③ Lost → You're lost and you kind of need help finding your way to where you're going. A little help with directions?
④ Costume party → You're at a costume party, both of you are wearing masks. Do you keep the anonymity or take it off and see whose company you've been enjoying?
⑤ Wrong number → Oops, actually you didn't mean to call that person...
⑥ Drunk → You're already drunk! Drunk dialing, stumbling into someone, showing up unexpected... what type of drunk are you anyway? Aggressive, loving, happy? How does the other react?
⑦ Old friends → you haven't seen this person in a long time!
⑧ Rivals → you're suddenly rivals! Or maybe you have been all along...
⑨ Problems → you've got a problem with each other, just got in a huge fight, whatever. Try to work it out!
⑩ What are your intentions... → This person? They're dating a close friend, family member, etc. You need to find out if they're going to hurt them! Or you need to discuss your friend/family's dating choice.
⑪ I saw you → you saw the other person doing something bad and you need to confront them about it.
⑫ Sorry but no → the other person has feelings that you just don't share. They don't necessarily have to be romantic... maybe you just don't agree with their sudden desire to quit their job and start a business making tiny, fuzzy teddy bears.
⑬ My hero → you need to tell this person how much they mean to you. They've been your best friend or your role model your whole life and they need to know.
⑭ Enabler → you're enabling the other (or each other) to do something bad, really bad. Addiction, stealing, killing, or just any other self-destructive behavior.
⑮ Cooking → Time for an impromptu cooking lesson!
⑯ Oh, sure, I remember you... → It's that awkward moment when someone comes up and seems to know you, but you have no idea who they even are!
⑰ Rescue! → One of you was in trouble, but you came to the rescue!
⑱ Boss → One of you works under the other. Is your relationship good? Are you scheming things? Or do you hate each other?
⑲ Perfect crime → You and the other person have just pulled off the perfect crime... or you're planning to! What are you doing? The heist of the century, an assassination?
⑳ Movies → movie night! Maybe it's a sleepover. Whichever the case, it's time to eat a lot and have fun.
war ♝ aftermath
on the other side, an astounding pile of two hundred to three hundred lizard people, and half that number of bullywugs, corpses left split open to dry in the awful, choked afternoon air. eseld hadn't been counting, honestly -- from beginning to end, his claws and beak had been so drenched in blood, guts and offal that their effectiveness as cutting tools had been long-since diminished, leaving him with the unpleasant task of bludgeoning creatures to death for hours on end. lack of elegance, that, but war isn't about elegance, it's about attrition, and call it insurance, but he's never been big on being on the losing side.
or the injured side, but unlike people, dim-witted, faithless lot they were, or worse yet, the other so-called 'intelligent' creatures that roam this god-forsaken hell, there's very little room to glibly negotiate your way past an arrow. it's why he's currently lurching in mud, half-dragged, half-carried on the back of a condensed lump of justice and virtue and all things superfluous like that, trying very hard to not focus on the fact that he's half-drenched in blood and mucus and whatever else.
also, his hair. the feeling of the tangled mess draped down his back, features akimbo and fluttering sullenly in the mid-afternoon breeze, catching on the giant lug's armour-- eseld winces, and with better nature than he feels: ]
That's right, Torth, love. Jostle me around a little more like a ragdoll, why don't you. It's not as though I'm bleeding down half your armour.
[ and losing hair. this is unacceptable. his tired gaze trails down the side of torth's banners, and, despite himself, he feels a twinge of satisfaction there, buried deep within his cynical soul. ]
Lovely shade of pink, that.
[ church colours should've always been dyed red. ]
no subject
The casualties were too high -- so many of them clergymen and good warriors of the Order that he had been speaking to just moments before. He could hardly envision the peaceful scene that had been before him now. The tower was in ruins, crumbled and leveled into a hill of rubble. The camp was strewn with bodies, and the field awash in the red hues of guts and viscera, both human and not. It couldn't be called a place of reprieve. Not anymore.
Oh, how little he could accomplish without his god's divine energy empowering him! Spent from the excursion into the marsh, it was all he could do to save one or two clergymen from the waves of lizardmen and bullywugs. He could only pray that his long time traveling companions, Ouyang and Fable, were safe. Capable fighters, but just as fragile. Torth felt the pangs of anxiety rise within him, but firmly squashed those emotions. Now was not the time. ]
I'm doing what I can, Eseld. Bare with it a little longer.
[ Of course the druid would still manage to find the energy to put some bite in his words. It was reassuring. But he does pause to glance at his blood drenched banners and note how pale Eseld is beginning to look. ]
I can't believe I'm saying this, but... keep speaking. Don't stop if you can help it.
[ Because as infuriating as he might be, Eseld didn't deserve death, and Torth would do everything in Ranu's name to prevent it.]
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privately, eseld thinks that both of them are far too obnoxious to simply die on some nameless battlefield like this. fable, at the very least, has instincts of self-preservation that even eseld can admire. ouyang has his moments of competency, and together, they make up a very small portion of the world that eseld actually watches a little closer than the rest, one out of amusement, the other so that they will never be at eseld's back. it's silly to assume that they're going to keel over so easily. again, another perspective he doesn't share with torth, but what does he share with torth, really?
the image of torth's back, unbowed and unbeaten despite the hoards of creatures swarming for their camp, his hammer lashing out, bright and radiant, like a wayward thunderclap. he hides his frown with a snort, opting to snuggle a little more into torth's shoulder and potentially spurt a little more blood, seeing as he's so concerned about his blood loss and all. even better if he can never wash it out of his church banners. ]
Oh my, love. Is that concern I hear? Perhaps I should lay at death's doors a little more often, just to hear those dulcet, worried tones of yours a little more.
[ there's a bit of a indulgent chuckle there. his hand shifts against torth's shoulder, just the pantomime of a gentle touch to his collar. ]
You needn't worry, just rest your righteous heart easy. I wouldn't do something so inelegant as to die on your brutish shoulders. [ the curve of a smile, laughing at a joke that only he understands. ] And even if I were to die at our destination, I'd likely deserve it.
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Eseld will feel Torth tense and his breath flutter faintly when he shifts his hand towards the Paladin's collar. It's an unconscious reaction, a mark left deep in his mind by the undead he's faced. A sign of weakness, the druid would likely call it. A reminder to never open a door for a vampire in a sleepy stupor ever again, Torth would reply.
Though Eseld isn't looking, Torth doesn't doubt that the druid could see the frown that settles over the Paladin's face at his light, playful remark. ]
I would rather you not, Eseld. I'm sure you're more than creative enough to figure out less dangerous ways of doing that.
[ Your elegance or lack thereof at the moment was the least of his worries right now, and the self-depreciating comment was even less welcome. The Paladin can't help but very slightly jostle the injured druid in a spark of irritation. ]
Cut it out. You don't deserve death and I'm not about to listen to you go on a pity party. You will live.
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it's like playing a game. moving a pawn to a square that will always evoke the knight to come charging in on it. if ouyang is the mutable bird and fable is the fickle cat, then torth is the faithful hound, salivating at the ring of the predestined bell. that would make himself, he thinks, the snake that sleeps at their bosom.
torth is correct, but not in the way he thinks. eseld isn't going to live because he has the willpower to do so. eseld is going to live because if eseld dies, then so does juno, and eseld would gladly sacrifice the other three of them to whatever eldritch supernatural entity that fable's made a pact with this time to ensure that if necessary. the look he casts over torth's shoulder is entirely droll, even if he knows that torth can't quite see him. in any case, if torth could, he might actually kick the man. look forward, you fool. his comfort depends on it. ]
Of course I will. It's you who seems to think that I'm about to wilt like a lily petal.
[ his voice drops low, in an amused mimicry of the tremor of worry in torth's earlier tone: ]
'I can't believe I'm saying this, but... keep speaking. Don't stop if you can help it.' Care to remind me who said that to me?
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Sometimes he wonders if he's been sent on a long term babysitting mission by his Lord, because that wouldn't be a hard comparison to draw with the trio. Or, perhaps it wasn't three children, but three rambunctious cats. It was a wonder he wasn't constantly exhausted wrangling them all every day. He wouldn't say that he deserved some sort of reward for his troubles, but... ]
You've lost far too much blood than I'm comfortable with.
[ And Torth will take a moment to, in an exaggerated function, readjust his grip on the druid and undoubtedly send stabs of pain shooting through the man's body. Eseld, if you wanted comfort, maybe it would be prudent to think twice about provoking the man who's carrying you. ]
...You want to try that again?
[ Let it not be said that Torth Seaglow is not a petty man at times.]
no subject
faintly, he wonders if the poison from that arrowtip will spread a little faster if he's jostled. best to remain calm, then, not that anything else were an option. but also equally as faintly, he wonders if torth understands that the more he fights back in little, inconvenient ways like this, the more people like himself and fable will provoke him. when you're as twisted as they are, there are certain proclivities to adhere to, and above all else, the sweetness of success is only pared with the spice of danger.
try that again, he says. eseld nuzzles his face into torth's shoulder with a mirthful huff. ]
So after all that, you want me to shut up?
You really are a hard man to please, Torth Seaglow.
no subject
But show pain he did, and Torth feels a small bubble of guilt in his stomach. His voice lowers in volume, lightly tinged with remorse. ]
That isn't what I mean. I just...
[ He sighs quietly, careful not to jostle Eseld any further, and turns his sights on a small gathering of people in the distance. The survivors of the battle. So few in number -- less than a tenth of the camp's population. He hopes that's not all that's left of the living. He also hopes that Fable and Ouyang are among them. ]
We're almost there.
no subject
but unlike fable, who cares just enough for torth to have all kinds of unrealistic optimism over -- something that fuels eseld's daily amusement, much to his delight -- he knows he himself is fundamentally lacking in that manner. a birth defect, if you would, one that doesn't so much keep him up at night so much as it causes a deep an inexhaustible bitterness to seep in, knowing that juno wouldn't have been so flawed.
but that's why he's still living. and if torth noticing his pale discomfort is going to help him live, as annoying as it is, then he will simply have to swallow it, even despite knowing that juno likely wouldn't have been so weak. ]
A bit of advice, love. Only say what you mean, and mean what you say. And never look straight enough to reveal what that oversized organ you call heart is beating for.
[ perhaps a little more kindly: ]
Worried?
no subject
He knows his party members aren't as kind, and they certainly enjoy teasing him for wearing his heart on his sleeve. That suited him just fine. It took strength and bravery to be open and loving, his mentor once told him. He knows now, from years of experience, that her words ring true.
Which means, of course, that what's coming out of Eseld's mouth right now is being deftly ignored, because what does a dodgy, closed-hearted druid like him know about inner strength? Instead he opts to answer Eseld's question with honesty. ]
Yes. I hope this is the last wave of lizardmen and bullywugs. I fear we don't have the numbers to last another round.
[ That, and he wanted the suffering to end. ]
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he rolls his eyes, knowing full well that torth can't see it, but after this many months of travelling together, he's likely to notice that pointed silence for what it is. ]
Yes, Torth, I did in fact want to know your opinion on the military might of whoever's left standing in that camp of yours. Goodness knows you're in a position to worry about something so beyond your scope. [ even if torth were to worry, practicality says that his worry is for naught-- the problem of manpower is for someone capable of shouldering the weight of said responsibility, and that dishonour falls upon justin melenikus, poor man. likely sporting little spindly gray hairs by the minute. aka no, that's not what eseld's referring to. ]
The bird and the cat. You stare as though your tenacity alone will somehow pick them out from half a mile away.
An impossible feat, by the way. You might as well stop trying.
no subject
Regardless, it seemed he'd misinterpreted Eseld's question. Certainly, it would make far more sense to inquire about Fable and Ouyang, and... yes, he definitely was trying to spot them from a distance, and having no such luck. As eccentric as the duo were in appearance, the people at the camp were nothing but dots to his eyes. ]
I know, but...
[ Even if it's futile, even though it wouldn't change whatever fate befell the pair, he still worried for them. That was just who he was, and he was sure Eseld knew it. ]
There's nothing else to look at. [ Nothing else pleasant, at least. ] I would feel better the sooner I see them.
no subject
eseld knows better than to coax the man to change, if he at all had the desire to begin with (he hadn't), but that doesn't at all soften the cheery smile plastered all over his face, the insincerity bleeding into his tone with all the subtlety of a malicious, schoolyard bully. ]
And I'm sure they care so much about your feelings.
[ ab-so-fucking-lutely. at any rate, having a well-prepared barb in response to torth's worrying is practically an after-battle ritual at this point. what else is new. ]
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Why was Eseld always like this? It was at these times that Torth always found himself frustrated with Eseld. The man never knew how to hold back his biting remarks, and in fact seemed to take pleasure in irritating the paladin. He'd tried several times to convince Eseld to be kinder with his words, but he never listened.
He sighs in exasperation. ]
Just let me do what I want. Or... are you the one who's concerned about my feelings?
[ He may not have Eseld or Fable's wit but he can banter a little. ]
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what torth surely feels behind him is the metaphorical coil of a pleased cat, one that only eseld can imitate when bleeding out of too many orifices. ]
Torth, love. I always care about your feelings. After all, I'm hardly in any position to maliciously discriminate between the most and least interesting parts of you. [ whether his emotions are the most or least interesting part of torth remains completely indistinguishable. but care should be equal opportunity, and clearly eseld embodies that well. ]
But, you're not wrong. Your feelings do concern me right now.
[ the dichotomy of having concern for feelings, versus having feelings concern him. the sort of inane wordplay eseld seems to like, even if it's for his own amusement. ]
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Somehow, I can't feel any sincerity in your words.
[ Harsh, but Torth knows Eseld will just take it in stride. Insults and biting remarks rolled off the druid's back like water on a duck. ]
Oh, do they? Would you care to elaborate on your concerns?
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but there's a markedly thoughtful hum as he rests his cheek against the back of torth's breastplate, a bit of a thoughtful lull that either forebodes something embarrassing at torth's expense, or bloody murder. that's just the way things usually go.
... remarkably, however, it's neither of those things. ]
Between myself, Ser Fable and Magister Ouyang. Hypothetically, if the three of us were in similar states of near-death, as it were, be it from our own negligence or through forces outside of our control. And, also hypothetically, you could only carry one of us on your brutish shoulders to safety lest it ends up with yourself dead and no-one saved at all. Which would you choose?
Feelings-wise, of course.
no subject
What comes out though is neither, but still something he'd rather not have to contemplate as a potential reality. To ask that he choose between any one of his precious companions -- he couldn't possibly... ]
I...
[ There's a part of him that wants to choose someone to save. But at the same time, he would be crushed by the guilt -- to have to actively choose to let someone die... it would be the same as killing them himself. ]
I couldn't. I... this would never happen. You three are more hardy than that.
[ In his heart, he knows that if he alone were forced to make a choice, without his companions spurring him to a decision, he would have saved no one, paralyzed by guilt and indecision.
Eseld may feel the paladin's grip on him tighten a little. ]
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especially since there's a part of him who can palpably feel the way torth's pulse seems to jump at the thought. agitation and uncertainty all rolled into one-- if he were the caring type, perhaps he'd feel guilt at making such an upstanding man so wrought with guilt and indecision.
but there's that aforementioned defect in his personality surfacing once again. eseld huffs. ]
Oh, come now. You were the one worrying over our health but a scant few minutes ago. There must be some kind of priority in your mind. A decisive plan in contingency for a disaster, as it were.
Is it Ser Fable, whose prickly exterior has developed a bit of a soft spot for you? Is it Magister Ouyang, whose eccentricity belies his fragility?
Or would it be myself?
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He couldn't choose. He couldn't condemn any of the three to death. And yet, he had to choose, because if he didn't, no one would live, and someone living is better than none.
But who could he choose? Surely Ouyang was the best choice here. He was a fellow member of the church, and an extremely skilled spellcaster. No doubt his loss would be a great setback for the church. But to simply neglect the other two because they lacked a connection to the church... that felt wrong.
Fable... snarky, sulky, and extremely sketchy, at times disappearing to do who knows what. Torth is sure that it's something he wouldn't approve of. And yet, he liked the warlock. He had a great sense of humour, and was just as skilled as Ouyang. But more importantly, the man had a good heart underneath it all. The way he showed care for those abused Tabaxi girls, and the goblin girl with a missing leg back in the Neverwinter church... he cared for people too, even if he tried his best to hide that fact. Perhaps he was just shy or trying to maintain a reputation. That didn't matter to Torth.
When he imagined choosing to leave the tiefling for death, he could only envision a look of betrayal on Fable's face, and it hurt.
No, he couldn't abandon Fable to his death, he was certain of that.
And Eseld... there was always an air of tragedy about him, though he spoke lightly and full of mirth and jest. It was the way he would subtly degrade himself every once in a while, accepting death as an option in his life. There was a depth of self-hatred that bubbled over every once in a while, and Torth felt compassion and pity for the druid. As biting as his words were, as much as he loved to rile up the people around him, as much of a nuisance as he was, that didn't mean he deserved death, and Torth didn't want to choose to abandon him. He didn't want to validate Eseld's self-loathing.
He couldn't choose Eseld either, and his grip on the druid tightens even more. ]
It... it depends... on the situation. I'll... choose the one I believe would have the best chance of survival given the circumstances.
[ His answer comes out slow, pained. It's not even an answer, really, but he just... couldn't. ]
no subject
that the paladin is having apparently so much difficult voicing his thoughts just reinforces the fact that eseld doesn't understand what goes on in that lug of head of his. not enough where it truly matters anyway-- surface reactions that eseld can push like buttons on a machine aside, what lies beneath is a creature that eseld would never understand in a million years, and the knowledge is both annoying and a source of loathing.
finally, the paladin seems to have made up his mind-- even though it's no decision at all. unsurprisingly.
another huff, this time a tickle of cooling breath against the shell of torth's ear. ]
You needn't lie to me, love. It's just us here. [ it's a non-answer because torth doesn't have an answer. but that's only to be expected. ] Well, I suppose the three of us will simply have to make a pact behind your back, supposing that two of us will have to kill ourselves so that the choice is made for you and you'll have the wherewithal to keep someone alive.
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[ Of all the things Eseld could have said in reply...! ]
No, no!! Don't do that! Don't...
[ Don't promise to kill yourselves just for his sake, he wants to say, but the words don't come out.
Why is this hypothetical question even affecting him so much? Had this been any other time, he's sure he would have brushed it off easily and continued on with his life. However, surrounded by crimson trails of death and destruction, unknowing of Fable and Ouyang's status, and carrying a bleeding, weakened Eseld on his back... the question preyed on his fears at the right time.
Eseld always had the worst timing. ]
...Fable. I'll.... choose Fable.
[ He doesn't think as he speaks. He's not sure why he even makes the choice. Perhaps that was his true bias showing, something he wouldn't have thought he actually had until Eseld pushed him to the brink. And almost immediately after he speaks, he feels guilt rushing up and bile piling in his throat. ]
There! I made a choice! Now stop it with this inane line of questioning. Something like this would never happen. Never.
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laughter. small, golden bubbles of it, welling up like hysteria from his throat. he shakes into torth's shoulder, infernally amused and not at all intending to hide it, given how far they've come in the conversation.
he said it, not him, he wants to say, looking up to the sky in vague glee, because fable's probably scrying in on them right about now and he owes him seventy gold. ]
Torth, love-- [ the snickering is starting to hurt. no, it's hurt for a while now-- but the rush of endorphins plus the childish glee from having his theory proven had been enough of a buffer for him to ignore it. it comes rushing back in now, but the peppered laughter continues. he grasps torth's arm weakly, his back still shaking from the exertion. ] you needn't be so serious. Like you said, it'd never happen.
[ a beat, the silent equivalent of a flourish that even a bard would find proud. ]
That is, it'd never happen in the sense that it's impossible to get all three of us to agree on something. You know that. [ that suicide pact would never happen, let's be real. a snicker. ] Though to think it was Fable's name that Freudian slipped through your lips after all. You said it, it wasn't I--
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Well, Eseld, your reward for upsetting Torth is more pain, because the paladin abruptly releases his grip on the druid and allows him to tumble to the ground in a heap. He whirls around to face the druid, face red and shoulders scrunched up in anger. ]
You absolute asshole! Stop messing with me you bastard!! Were you just trying to get an answer so you could laugh at the fact that I would actually choose to abandon someone to their death?? So you could laugh at my feelings?? --No, don't answer that, of course that was your intention, because it always is, isn't it?!?
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the paladin's anger, in contrast, is a welcome respite. his gaze is lazy, belying the pain the rest of his body happens to be in, and if he lays still enough, perhaps he can imagine the pain isn't there at all. what's far more important is this display of righteous indignation of a man pushed too far, too soon, perhaps far too easily preyed on by malevolent whispers.
but that's the point. he waits for the paladin to finish his words, before he lays back against the ground with another soft hum. ]
Of course, you're absolutely right. My words are but always a by-product of my poor personality and shoddy intentions. Nobody else has ever seen through me so clearly. Congratulations, I suppose.
[ but beneath the mockery, there's a shift, a slight waver of expressions as eseld's eyes flicker towards torth, and then-- away. towards the camp, perhaps, hazy. ]
But I wasn't lying when I said I was concerned for your feelings. You worry too much, Torth, my love. But you ought to allow those worries to take you to where you're needed the most. What sort of regret would you have if by dallying with myself upon your back, trudging through weight and mud, you've consigned Fable to dying alone? I'm not willing to take that blame.
[ in the end, it was a selfish line of questioning, but perhaps not the kind of selfishness that torth expected. this, he doesn't indicate or voice. ]
Be honest. You ought to go and find him. That's where you want to be, right?
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[ The anger is still there, boiling underneath his skin, but it shifts slightly, mixing with another emotion in a complex whirlpool of feelings that threaten to overwhelm him at Eseld's words. Why? Why was Eseld always like this?? He had an utter distaste for the druid's self-loathing, how it manifested in calm statements about his flawed personality, and the constant urging to abandon him. Like he wasn't deserving of life.
He was still angry at Eseld. But it wasn't because of the hypothetical question and the druid's subsequent teasing anymore. ]
Stop... acting like you deserve to die. Stop acting like someone else's life is worth more than yours. Stop trying to get me to abandon you!
[ His voice rises slowly as he speaks, until at the very end, he's shouting down at the prone druid, shaking from emotion. He can feel his eyes sting a little, and spurred on by the sensation, he kneels down and roughly hooks his arms under the druid's thighs and back and pulls him close, in preparation to carry him again, but also to embrace the injured man. ]
No matter how infuriating you manage to be, your life still has value! And if you don't care about that, well, I do. I care. I care about you, and you're the one in arm's reach right now.
[ There's a short pause, almost like he's collecting thoughts, except he's not actually thinking, he's observing Eseld's reactions to his words. And he pushes on, determined to get the next part of his emotional tirade out. ]
If saving you means dooming Fable to death somewhere else where I can't see, so be it. I'll be sad that I couldn't save him, that's true. It'll hurt a lot, I won't deny that. But I will never, ever regret choosing you, right here and now, over anyone else.
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'stop, stop it. stop trying to get me to abandon you!'
in the present, torth's arms encircle him and drag him up like a limp doll from the mud-strewn ground. the flames-- ah, so that's where they originate from, that searing pain that had embraced his entire body concentrated in a sordid patch pressed against his back. his right wing must've broken in the fall, and now torth's meaty palms are now pressing into it as though his life depended on it. but through the pain, all eseld is really concerned about is the fact that his hair must be utterly insalvageable by now, likely needs about five hours worth of steady cantrips to return to its former shine, and that's just unfair.
your life still has value, torth says. i will never, ever regret choosing you, right here and now, over anyone else, he says. words that would make plenty a woman overjoyed if they were so uttered in such a way, torth's sincerity and righteous indignation powering every single utterance. eseld feels tired. a paladin who values all life understands nothing about the life of a single individual. a paladin that regrets everything regrets nothing.
there's a lot that he can say in response. inevitably, however, what comes out first is this: ]
Quite rich, isn't it, coming from a man who's already tossed me aside once. [ the mirthless smile on eseld's face portrays exactly what he thinks about this droll scenario. he falls silent for a long moment however as a tremor of discomfort sifts through his body. his wing is no longer flame-- it's the icy-cold touch of death.
pleasant, all in all. a softer breath-- that despite everything, his gaze up at torth's face is clear, sharp, and unhindered by pain, still ever-full of mockery. ] Remember what I advised? Only ever say what you mean, and mean what you say. And someone who promises so easily...
[ he trails off for a moment, his eyes fluttering shut. ]
Well... let's put it this way: never make a promise that you can't keep, Torth Seaglow.
Now, are you going to walk, or am I going to die in your arms like this?
Angst injury/illness
With no magic left or potions the only thing left was the mundane sort of healing. Camp had been set up in a small cave hidden by vines and moss. Elden had barely managed to get them both here having to half drag, half carry Torth here. With the boy's strength it was a miracle they found this place. This hideaway would at least do well enough to keep them hidden until they could fully rest.
For now, a small and lowly burning fire had a pot sitting above it, a meagre soup bubbling inside. Elden sat beside Torth, small pots of bitter smelling ointments and elixirs to his side as he slowly dabbed at the injuries on the Paladin's skin. ]
You're lucky you're immune to disease otherwise you might've caught Ghoul Fever. [ He tries to sound practical, in control, but his shaking hands betray that. All he could think of was how close they were to dying and potentially joining the undead ranks. ]
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He'd used half his magic calling upon the divine energy within himself to smite some of the more dangerous undead out of existence, and the other half for healing, but in the end, it hadn't been enough. Near the very end of battle, the paladin had transposed himself between the ghoul and its target, Elden, taking a very nasty gash to his side for his troubles, and without any magic left, he was unable to heal it.
He just couldn't let Elden suffer any injuries though. Oracle he may be, but when Torth looked at him, wavering voice and hands shaking as he tended to the paladin's injuries, all Torth could see was a boy far too young to be confronted with these horrors. There was no doubt that Elden had suffered greatly in his childhood, but Torth could still recall being an obnoxious, sheltered knight-in-training when he was that age. It just didn't sit right with him, that Elden had suffered far more than he, but he didn't dare voice his worries out of disrespect.
Instead, he brought a hand up and placed it on Elden's head, smiling in reassurance. ]
It's because of diseases like Ghoul Fever that I have this blessing, and I thank my Lord every day for it.
[ And then he winces as Elden applies an ointment on one of the many cuts on his body. So much for appearing to be strong. ]
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[ He might sound a bit pouty about it, even a little annoyed. His powers of life gave him protection from the undead, at least enough where it would cause such creatures harm if they touched him. But, in those final moments of the battle when he was that flaming golden white elemental of life, it ended. He can't stop kicking himself for activating it so soon. If he had just waited a little longer Torth might not have thrown himself between them.
Getting involved in this he was suppose to be a bit smarter about all of this. He supposes it's just another thing he would need to work on, from his impatience to his planning ahead. He's so lost in these thoughts as he continues to brush the ointment over Torth's wounds when he's caught off guard from the head pat. Even if they're smiling and offering reassurance Elden can't help but frown in response. ]
I can't revive you though if you die. I'm not...I'm not that strong yet. [ After all, he's the dedicated healer. It's his job to keep people up and running.
He sighs a bit though at Torth's wincing; ]
Sorry, it's the best we've got right now 'til I get some rest. [ Now would come the bandages as he begins to bind those wounds. ]
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[ And also because he couldn't bear the possibility of letting Elden come to harm. Despite what the Oracle was saying, his defensive spell had already ended at that point. Had the ghoul come in contact with Elden, Torth was sure the boy wouldn't have fared as well as he did.
He could see how impatient Elden was, how he sometimes failed to plan ahead or account for the enemy's actions. Things that he himself did once before, when he was that age. It was all too familiar, and only drove the urge to protect the boy even more. Almost to the point of coddling, but no, he knew that was not a good idea. Elden was a warrior in his own right and he had to grow as one.
He chuckles at the implication of Elden's words. ]
Do you think I would throw myself into death's hands? I fight to live and protect. You needn't worry about that.
[ More headpats for you, although this time he's going ruffle Elden's hair a bit. Silly boy.
He shifts to make it easier for Elden to wrap the bandages around his torso.]
Thank you, Elden. I truly appreciate it.
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Like now. He definitely was getting the feeling that Torth wasn't taking this as seriously as it was. Even going so far to the fact that Elden felt like he was being treated like a child. So when Torth goes to ruffle his hair, he'll feel Elden smacking the hand away. ]
Stop it. Just-Just stop it. [ He was already feeling bitter and angry about what happened and the gravity of it felt like it wasn't being acknowledged here. ]
Do you know what would've happened to me if you freaking died out there? I'd die too. You throwing yourself in front of me like that was beyond stupid! [ He says it, his voice soon raising into a shout. ]
I could barely carry you up here! So, next time...next time don't do that.
Lets just run if it happens. [ He emphasizes it just as he pulls the bandages tighter. ]
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Torth withdraws his hand, looking contrite. He didn't expect to be lectured by the young Oracle, but he had a point. He winces again as Elden pulls on the bandages, but voices no complaint. ]
I was being serious when I said I had no intention of dying, but... I recognize that I can be a little reckless at times. You must have been terrified.
[ He wants to reach over to Elden to reassure him again, but he's not sure it'll be welcome this time. So he fidgets with his hands a little as he looks down at them. ]
...I'm sorry. I promise this won't happen again.
[ Because he can't be so reckless, not like he usually is. Because Elden was relying on him to be his shield. Because Elden was a bright light in a sea of stars, and he'd sworn an Oath to protect the light. ]
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He sighs at little at the promise, because, he's not even sure Torth would keep it. It would be in their nature to probably do it again. After all, they probably wouldn't be travelling together if they both weren't brash. ]
You're the only one I've got, Torth. There's no one else.
[ He says it a matter of fact. His hands tensing a bit. He gets another bit of of the ointment and looks over the wounds again. This wouldn't be a comfortable sleep for Torth and well...Elden wouldn't risk the paladin not resting enough.
He gives something of a sigh and mutters; ]
Guess there's nothing for it. [ Torth might not like it but he would have to deal. Since Elden's injuries hadn't been as serious he still had a lot more vitality. Which meant it'd be far easier to take some of these injuries on for Torth than letting them lie in it.
He won't even say anything, he'll just press his hand against Torth's chest and shut his eyes. In the glow of their campfire, a tether of gold light would form between them. With it it began to pulse as beads of light would travel down this tether from Elden to Torth and then back again.
He might not have any spells left, but he had his own life essence to still heal. Which he would do to at least ease the other man's pain. ]
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I'm sorry.
[ He could only say that again, but they felt hollow. Apologies wouldn't make up for the terror he put Elden through.
He blinks in surprise as Elden places a hand on his chest and a tether of golden light forms between them. Magic? But Elden said he was dry... This was a magic he was unfamiliar with, but it wasn't very hard to guess what was happening. He could feel his wounds healing, but at the same time, it seemed as if Elden was being... drained.
No. ]
Elden, stop! That's enough!!
[ He grips Elden's wrist and attempts to pull it off his chest, as if that would stop the spell. ]
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He narrows his eyes through gritted teeth and just says; ]
Just shut up and let me heal you. [ He would give enough to at up to at least half of what he had before finally severing the link.
The gold thread between them shattering into motes of light leaving Elden gasping a little bit. It definitely took something out of him, but it was worth the risk. He breathes again before looking at Torth.]
If we get attacked I'm going to need you to fight. There's no way around it.
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Torth stares back at Elden, eyes narrowing as well in disapproval. But he doesn't speak, only sets his mouth in a firm line. And when the tether shatters and dissipates, some of the tension is relieved from his shoulders. Elden looked paler, winded and tired, but still in relatively good health. He himself felt better, he could not deny that, but he couldn't be happy about the situation.
He couldn't deny Elden's logic either, as much as he wants to protest. Elden is right -- he couldn't afford to be down for even a moment. Not when it's just the two of them alone in this.
After a moment of tense silence, Torth's shoulders sag and he sighs, letting go of Elden's wrist. ]
Get some rest, Elden. I'll take up first watch.
[ ... ]
And... thank you for the healing.
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When his wrist is finally free, he rings it out for a moment to rid the tension in it. The tension seems to at least defuse for now at the insistence of Torth for him to sleep.
He still can't help but give a smug little grin at the thanks. ]
All right, wake me up for the next one. And your welcome.
[ Oops he's sound smug. ]
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There's a moment where the thought of not waking Elden for watch whatsoever flits across his mind. But then he reevaluates the idea, and decides against it. As much as he wants Elden to get a good rest, the situation called for the two to share equal burden. If he were to waste Elden's healing on exhaustion, that would be even worse. ]
I will. Now sleep.
[ And he'll turn towards the cave entrance and check on the condition of his equipment. When he determines that it's of satisfactory condition, he dons his armor and positions his shield and hammer nearby, to be grabbed at a moment's notice. ]
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It's unfortunate for him he went to sleep first. Today's events, it only brought him back to the war in Fellengar. The countless undead swarming the streets, battle after endless battle. They were worn out, most of their capabilities expanded save for the last few dregs of power.
The dream plays it vividly; several morhgs surrounding Xandar who was facing off against a tiefling necromancer. Three powerful creatures between them and him. His group advances and begins to come to Xandar's aid things seem to turn in their favour.
Until their leader falls and is torn to shreds by the very creatures they swore to fight. Watching him turn into the undead things became worse for them. Elden saw his friends get grabbed, valiantly trying to stave off finishing blows. He saw Theron trying his hardest to pick each one off with his bow but still the unnatural life given to these creatures kept them alive.
He had kept his eyes forward he didn't see the one that had crept behind Andrew. The screams alerted them to the attacker only to see the morhg strangling the life out of Andrew. Elden hadn't realized it hurt Andrew had been and tried to damage the undead with his channel. He knew it was the wrong move the moment Andrew was torn asunder. Skin ripping and peeling back, organs spilling and rotting onto the ground. Only for a skeleton with disgusting purple growths coming out of it to replace where their companion stood.
He remembered in that moment how much he was screaming. Screaming at the loss of Xandar. Screaming at the loss of Andrew.
He hadn't even realized he was screaming right now in his sleep. Thrashing about as the nightmare continued to take hold of him. ]
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However, as he settled into his watch, keeping a close eye on the entrance, he could hear some shuffling coming from Elden's bed roll. He glances over for a moment. A nightmare, probably. With everything they'd been through, it wasn't a surprising occurrence. Torth was about to turn his attention back to the cave entrance when the shuffling turned into violent thrashing, accompanied by groans and whimpers. And then.
Screaming.
Torth immediately abandoned his station and rushed over to the sleeping boy, grabbing his shoulders and trying to shake him out of his nightmare. ]
Elden, wake up! Elden!!
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'Just one kiss' it told him. One kiss and it would be all over. The screaming only got louder until he finally snapped out of his sleep. In a cold sweat, he stopped thrashing about eyes darting about. Finally, they focused in on Torth above him, pulling him into wakefulness.
He breathes heavily, taking in a few short breaths, muscles tense before his shoulders finally give and relax. ]
I-
Sorry. Bad dream. [ More like terrifying dream. ]