he didn't mean literally. but, he is also a man of his word, so. ]
That is a great question. I just landed back, and I would say I am conveniently by a pile a of rubble. It does make for a rather splendid sight. [ he is kidding, he is dropping his pin. ]
... Did you really have no comment to my photo?
[ people pay good money for portraits of royalty? ]
[ Shuffle shuffle... They are so fast. They're thankful for that speed now, it makes it easy to navigate the emptied streets and keep out of the sight of anyone who thinks them ready for a fight.
Where... There, in the distance. A familiar shade. Relief slows his steps to a more normal pace, and at least there'll be a small warning... ]
[ why does he get the feeling this isn't actually a compliment...
he's about to formulate another thought to send back out, until he sees the "behind." to which, he does whip around and... ] Sir Siffrin, you truly are swift on your feet. Instead of bartering have you considered thievery?
[ But this isn't, apparently, as Siffrin comes right up to Callisto and scambles onto what rubble is around, leaning closer to inspect the wounds with a careful touch of his gloved hand.
... Yeah, this is doable. It shouldn't take too much. No, even if it does, they'll be fine. Just like they have been, smile small and easy. ]
[ honestly, such abilities were quite rare as he had mentioned to siffrin on the plane. it's why he isn't accustomed to the idea of relying on any sort of magic. ... or technology for that matter. so he seems to cock his head to the side. ]
If you can only use it a few times, you do not need to waste it on me.
[ he seems to shrug his shoulders a bit in spite of his condition. he does so without wincing, as if trying to make a show of his lack of registering the pain. ] I heal rather quickly on my own.
[ but, it's here that he also looks over siffrin's body... was he really in the condition to be worrying about others? ]
[ ... For all intents and purposes, yes! There are no visible injuries on them. There's a sort of deliberateness to his movements, if Callisto's eye is keen enough, to disguise any sluggish or sloppiness from fatigue, but it's definitely done in a way to make sure no one worries. ]
I don't have a limit, so don't worry about that.
[ (You do have a limit. You're pressing it. But it's fine, it's fine. ) ]
Let me take care of your burns at least. Those... don't heal easily, even for someone who "heals quickly" on his own. I'd like to help.
[ The cut on his head is something some might find quite attractive, after all. Can't let that dashing chance go to waste. ]
[ while he doesn’t bring attention to the fact that he’s assessing for any injuries, he is relieved to see there are none.
callisto does notice something a bit off about siffrin’s movements, even if he can’t entirely pick out what that was specifically. hence, his eyes seem to linger over siffrin for a moment too long. almost missing his timing to decline entirely. ]
You could hardly label these burns. [ he says, not lacking in confidence, despite how he looks. though, his bravado only seems to last for a mere moment, before he reaches out. he stops just an inch away from grabbing at siffrin’s hand. instead, just opting to give him his usual self-assured expression. or an attempt to, but it does seem a bit more weary than usual. ] But, as long as you are not pushing yourself…
[ siffrin…. no such person exists. this isn’t the monster novel… holding back tears emoji. ]
[ Which is not a direct assurance they aren't pushing themselves, but, you know, it's fine. Siffrin exhales, closing his eye... and that really seems to be all this is, as a more gentle, soothing warmth surrounds what would be irritating burns to maybe anyone else, healing them over and leaving not an itch behind.
(... You feel dizzy, but you remain rooted. Let it pass.) ]
... Healing Craft. I can't do much, but I can do that much.
[ Simply said as Siffrin slowly opens their eye. Let it pass, let it pass. ]
[ it isn't that he doubts siffrin, nor does he believe his words to be falsities. but, there is a part of him that may not take it at face value. perhaps, it's merely his own perception of siffrin, but wasn't he a bit too good-natured? almost unrealistically so by his own standards.
it's why, he seems to fall silent, simply looking at him.
but, it's far too late to raise any complaints when he feels the warmth of his magic. it's both comforting and a bit odd of a sensation all the same. he reaches his hand out, placing it on siffrin's shoulder as if in an attempt to steady him, despite having no explicit reason to. perhaps, he took him closing his eyes as a sign of discomfort. whatever the case is, he looks a bit concerned. ] Are you truly all right?
[ The hand causes him to flinch, as always, and Siffrin uses the natural reflex to hop off the rubble with careful grace. An actor who can fake a believable stumble can fake a believable safe landing, complete with a fancy flourish of the cloak. ]
If I wasn't, could I do that?
[ They're fine, they're fine. No one needs to worry about them. It'd weird if someone does; no one worries about Siffrin, it's a sign of end times if they start. ]
... I'm happy that you're hurt just this much. Not worse. [ Death isn't something someone comes back from.
Anyway, Siffrin will turn and start off again, looking over his shoulder to see if Callisto follows. He'll pause otherwise. ] You're the only one I know who went to Busan, so... what was it like?
[ that initial reaction has become one that he has grown accustomed to, even if it may not have been a good thing. another day, another rejection. he seems to watch as siffrin's form recedes from his original position, dramatic cloak movements included. he stares for a moment, almost in disbelief.
let people care, siffrin... but, it seems siffrin evades certain things when it came to himself. or that's how callisto sees it. ] Then, I will accept your words at face value. I hope you know the punishment for lying to a royal. [ he says as he begins to follow behind, as he also steps down, which is made easier now that his more pressing burns had been taken care of. ]
Far less populated. Mostly forest without any real base to speak of. To begin with, the train had toppled over the first thing when we arrived... [ it's a complete mess is what he's colloquially trying to state. ]
[ not the miniature rejections... sorry callisto it isn't you
The punishment might normally be death, or the removal of a tongue depending on era (of play), but it's okay... as a loophole, Siffrin wasn't sick when they assured Callisto. ]
So trains can topple... they seem sturdy when you ride them, though. [ What a mess. ] Was there rain?
but, at the question, he seems to pause, as if trying to recall their first couple of days. ] Not in the beginning. However, in the recent battle, there was. [ he cocks his head to the side. ] What about here? I heard it rained quite a bit? [ looks... at the rubble beside them, and then he shrugs it off. ]
Yeah. I wasn't sure if my clothes could withstand it, so I ended up staying inside more... helping to heal the injured, and all.
[ Definitely not on the front lines at least a few times with skills and speed that don't match his marshmallow appearance whatsoever. Nope. Not once. Apparently, their cloak and hat is that important to them... or maybe they don't enjoy the suits everyone else had to wear. Skintight doesn't bother them too much. ]
I was more of a supporting role battling Sadnesses, too. Not healing support, but general.
[ (You aren't some grandoise hero, after all. That's the rest of your family members, that's Mira and the Headmaiden. You...
[ in a sense, it's a relief. a comfort to know that at least he was pushing himself to his limits on the frontline. it isn't a huge consolation considering his own injuries, and the failure of the kaiju that fled, but ... it's something. something he also didn't think himself capable of to certain extent, and the idea does give him a touch of something a bit softer in his expression.
while there are no attempts to reach out and direct anymore physical contact, he does seem to linger close enough. ] Good. I would much prefer it that way. [ a pause, before: ] Sadnesses...?
Is that what you would call your enemies? [ that's...
[ Lingering close is fine, Siffrin doesn't move away any. It's nice. Comforting, and familiar. Preferring they would stay out of harm's way, is...
... They're friends? Maybe? That'd be nice. And a nod. ]
They're... creatures born from the anguish of those frozen in time, so... we call them Sadnesses. There's all kinds of different forms, each with their own weaknesses and strengths. They don't really die when you kill them, either -- they disappear, and reform later on.
[ (Like sadness itself.
You think you're over something, and then your eye is caught by something familiar, and there's that same ache all over again. You wonder what yours might be like.) ]
but, it's truly a stark contrast to their current topic for discussion. it's a bit harder for him to wrap his head around the concept of magic. it isn't that he believes it impossible, if just from what he's encountered and come to comprehend even about those involved with the holy nation of laila, but it's more that it was difficult to actually conceptualize. for example, the consideration of those "frozen in time." creatures being born from it. which is why he seems to fall into thought.
had these words come from anyone else, it was likely that callisto may have dismissed it. but, when callisto believed in someone, his faith extended far beyond what even he thought himself capable of, and so maybe that's somewhat the case now. he seems to think on it for a moment, before: ]
And you are fighting again them? [ he looks over at siffrin, and more instinctively than for any real reason, he tries to shake them from their thoughts. ]
[ Siffrin startles a little, the question of their well-being unexpected, and turns to look up at Callisto. ]
... Mm. [ A slow nod. ] I'm okay. There's no point in dwelling on things I can't remember, after all.
[ (There's no point in missing, or being sad, over the things you can't recall.
So. Back on stage, Siffrin. You don't want to worry your friends, do you?)
He'll smile, and while it's... alike to the one Callisto's more familiar with on their outings, there's still something off about it. Distant, as someone once said. ]
They're fun to fight. One of them's so tall, you can't see its face. I've even fought some that hook their arms together and spun around -- they all had different Crafts they were skilled in, so it was interesting. They're different than the big monsters here, but they're not... quite the same as bandits, or anything else human-like. Still, I hope you don't ever meet one.
[ despite being the one who asked, he isn't sure if siffrin's response is a genuine answer. yet, he can't do anything but accept it at face value. it's less of a belief of dishonesty, as much as he feels like it may be siffrin's way of accepting his life and the details of it as it is.
or, at least an attempt to. maybe he knows it, because it's much like him enacting his own personal mantra of the "emperor must always be flawless." though, he wonders who siffrin holds it together for in this case. ]
Fighting a being tall enough where their face is obscured would be troublesome in its own right. Though, I'm not sure how seriously I could take the second one... [ ... ] Let us hope there are no Sadnesses to speak of moving forward.
[ he says like he's said something clever. he really hasn't, but if siffrin enjoyed these kinds of jokes... couldn't he also make a (sad) try at one. ]
[ once again, they're words he would have never heard in the empire. paired with an expression he also isn't accustomed to seeing, even if it's incredibly fleeting. almost as if he imagined it.
the statement of him "hard to be sad around" while a compliment in all ways, makes him feel a bit odd when he recalls some of his earliest memories. hence, he decides to place them aside in the present. instead, thinking back with a: ]
I could not find the solution. None seemed to sound right. [ tuna fish, tuna piano... tuna glue. ]
No hint for someone who has been in your acquaintanceship for some time now?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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he didn't mean literally. but, he is also a man of his word, so. ]
That is a great question. I just landed back, and I would say I am conveniently by a pile a of rubble. It does make for a rather splendid sight. [ he is kidding, he is dropping his pin. ]
... Did you really have no comment to my photo?
[ people pay good money for portraits of royalty? ]
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Did Callisto want one? Siffrin'll shove down his fatigue and start over to the pin. ]
you look like you belong on the cover of a fantasy book about handsome young men being tormented by monsters
dont move
[ , Okay. ]
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before...
What? ]
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[ he's not moving, but he's also shocked.... so... ]
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[ Shuffle shuffle... They are so fast. They're thankful for that speed now, it makes it easy to navigate the emptied streets and keep out of the sight of anyone who thinks them ready for a fight.
Where... There, in the distance. A familiar shade. Relief slows his steps to a more normal pace, and at least there'll be a small warning... ]
behind
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he's about to formulate another thought to send back out, until he sees the "behind." to which, he does whip around and... ] Sir Siffrin, you truly are swift on your feet. Instead of bartering have you considered thievery?
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[ But this isn't, apparently, as Siffrin comes right up to Callisto and scambles onto what rubble is around, leaning closer to inspect the wounds with a careful touch of his gloved hand.
... Yeah, this is doable. It shouldn't take too much. No, even if it does, they'll be fine. Just like they have been, smile small and easy. ]
I'll heal you. If that's okay.
[ (Always ask permission!
At least the first time.) ]
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If you can only use it a few times, you do not need to waste it on me.
[ he seems to shrug his shoulders a bit in spite of his condition. he does so without wincing, as if trying to make a show of his lack of registering the pain. ] I heal rather quickly on my own.
[ but, it's here that he also looks over siffrin's body... was he really in the condition to be worrying about others? ]
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I don't have a limit, so don't worry about that.
[ (You do have a limit. You're pressing it. But it's fine, it's fine. ) ]
Let me take care of your burns at least. Those... don't heal easily, even for someone who "heals quickly" on his own. I'd like to help.
[ The cut on his head is something some might find quite attractive, after all. Can't let that dashing chance go to waste. ]
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callisto does notice something a bit off about siffrin’s movements, even if he can’t entirely pick out what that was specifically. hence, his eyes seem to linger over siffrin for a moment too long. almost missing his timing to decline entirely. ]
You could hardly label these burns. [ he says, not lacking in confidence, despite how he looks. though, his bravado only seems to last for a mere moment, before he reaches out. he stops just an inch away from grabbing at siffrin’s hand. instead, just opting to give him his usual self-assured expression. or an attempt to, but it does seem a bit more weary than usual. ] But, as long as you are not pushing yourself…
[ siffrin…. no such person exists. this isn’t the monster novel… holding back tears emoji. ]
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I wouldn't offer if I couldn't do it.
[ Which is not a direct assurance they aren't pushing themselves, but, you know, it's fine. Siffrin exhales, closing his eye... and that really seems to be all this is, as a more gentle, soothing warmth surrounds what would be irritating burns to maybe anyone else, healing them over and leaving not an itch behind.
(... You feel dizzy, but you remain rooted. Let it pass.) ]
... Healing Craft. I can't do much, but I can do that much.
[ Simply said as Siffrin slowly opens their eye. Let it pass, let it pass. ]
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it's why, he seems to fall silent, simply looking at him.
but, it's far too late to raise any complaints when he feels the warmth of his magic. it's both comforting and a bit odd of a sensation all the same. he reaches his hand out, placing it on siffrin's shoulder as if in an attempt to steady him, despite having no explicit reason to. perhaps, he took him closing his eyes as a sign of discomfort. whatever the case is, he looks a bit concerned. ] Are you truly all right?
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If I wasn't, could I do that?
[ They're fine, they're fine. No one needs to worry about them. It'd weird if someone does; no one worries about Siffrin, it's a sign of end times if they start. ]
... I'm happy that you're hurt just this much. Not worse. [ Death isn't something someone comes back from.
Anyway, Siffrin will turn and start off again, looking over his shoulder to see if Callisto follows. He'll pause otherwise. ] You're the only one I know who went to Busan, so... what was it like?
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let people care, siffrin... but, it seems siffrin evades certain things when it came to himself. or that's how callisto sees it. ] Then, I will accept your words at face value. I hope you know the punishment for lying to a royal. [ he says as he begins to follow behind, as he also steps down, which is made easier now that his more pressing burns had been taken care of. ]
Far less populated. Mostly forest without any real base to speak of. To begin with, the train had toppled over the first thing when we arrived... [ it's a complete mess is what he's colloquially trying to state. ]
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The punishment might normally be death, or the removal of a tongue depending on era (of play), but it's okay... as a loophole, Siffrin wasn't sick when they assured Callisto. ]
So trains can topple... they seem sturdy when you ride them, though. [ What a mess. ] Was there rain?
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but, at the question, he seems to pause, as if trying to recall their first couple of days. ] Not in the beginning. However, in the recent battle, there was. [ he cocks his head to the side. ] What about here? I heard it rained quite a bit? [ looks... at the rubble beside them, and then he shrugs it off. ]
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[ Definitely not on the front lines at least a few times with skills and speed that don't match his marshmallow appearance whatsoever. Nope. Not once. Apparently, their cloak and hat is that important to them... or maybe they don't enjoy the suits everyone else had to wear. Skintight doesn't bother them too much. ]
I was more of a supporting role battling Sadnesses, too. Not healing support, but general.
[ (You aren't some grandoise hero, after all. That's the rest of your family members, that's Mira and the Headmaiden. You...
... are simply a shadow.) ]
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while there are no attempts to reach out and direct anymore physical contact, he does seem to linger close enough. ] Good. I would much prefer it that way. [ a pause, before: ] Sadnesses...?
Is that what you would call your enemies? [ that's...
a name, for sure. ]
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... They're friends? Maybe? That'd be nice. And a nod. ]
They're... creatures born from the anguish of those frozen in time, so... we call them Sadnesses. There's all kinds of different forms, each with their own weaknesses and strengths. They don't really die when you kill them, either -- they disappear, and reform later on.
[ (Like sadness itself.
You think you're over something, and then your eye is caught by something familiar, and there's that same ache all over again. You wonder what yours might be like.) ]
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but, it's truly a stark contrast to their current topic for discussion. it's a bit harder for him to wrap his head around the concept of magic. it isn't that he believes it impossible, if just from what he's encountered and come to comprehend even about those involved with the holy nation of laila, but it's more that it was difficult to actually conceptualize. for example, the consideration of those "frozen in time." creatures being born from it. which is why he seems to fall into thought.
had these words come from anyone else, it was likely that callisto may have dismissed it. but, when callisto believed in someone, his faith extended far beyond what even he thought himself capable of, and so maybe that's somewhat the case now. he seems to think on it for a moment, before: ]
And you are fighting again them? [ he looks over at siffrin, and more instinctively than for any real reason, he tries to shake them from their thoughts. ]
Are you all right?
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... Mm. [ A slow nod. ] I'm okay. There's no point in dwelling on things I can't remember, after all.
[ (There's no point in missing, or being sad, over the things you can't recall.
So. Back on stage, Siffrin. You don't want to worry your friends, do you?)
He'll smile, and while it's... alike to the one Callisto's more familiar with on their outings, there's still something off about it. Distant, as someone once said. ]
They're fun to fight. One of them's so tall, you can't see its face. I've even fought some that hook their arms together and spun around -- they all had different Crafts they were skilled in, so it was interesting. They're different than the big monsters here, but they're not... quite the same as bandits, or anything else human-like. Still, I hope you don't ever meet one.
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or, at least an attempt to. maybe he knows it, because it's much like him enacting his own personal mantra of the "emperor must always be flawless." though, he wonders who siffrin holds it together for in this case. ]
Fighting a being tall enough where their face is obscured would be troublesome in its own right. Though, I'm not sure how seriously I could take the second one... [ ... ] Let us hope there are no Sadnesses to speak of moving forward.
[ he says like he's said something clever. he really hasn't, but if siffrin enjoyed these kinds of jokes... couldn't he also make a (sad) try at one. ]
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Embarrassment? Maybe. ]
You're hard to be sad around, Callisto. So I don't think they'll be a problem.
[ ... ]
Have you figured it out?
[ Surely Callisto remembers. What they were talking about. ]
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the statement of him "hard to be sad around" while a compliment in all ways, makes him feel a bit odd when he recalls some of his earliest memories. hence, he decides to place them aside in the present. instead, thinking back with a: ]
I could not find the solution. None seemed to sound right. [ tuna fish, tuna piano... tuna glue. ]
No hint for someone who has been in your acquaintanceship for some time now?
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[ Or overthink it at least. ]
You can tune a piano, but you can't tune a fish.
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