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I know, I know. Maybe one day.
[ By now, they've reached the water's edge. It's not a so much a lake as a giant hole full of water, since the rock simply stops and the water starts. Maya peers into the water- it's very deep, but clear. There are more of the swirling marks underneath the water, but they appear to be... moving? ]
... Look in there and tell me if I'm seeing things.
[ By now, they've reached the water's edge. It's not a so much a lake as a giant hole full of water, since the rock simply stops and the water starts. Maya peers into the water- it's very deep, but clear. There are more of the swirling marks underneath the water, but they appear to be... moving? ]
... Look in there and tell me if I'm seeing things.
[ He crouches at the water's edge, peering into the would-be lake. ]
Are you seein' something kind of-- moving down there?
Are you seein' something kind of-- moving down there?
That's exactly what I'm seeing.
[ She peers a little closer, and as she does, the marks beneath the water drift- no, slither closer to the surface. Suddenly, in the mix of glowing blue and stone gray, a big, yellow eye opens, fixing its gaze on them both.
Maya has enough time to mutter "Oh fuck", when the thing in the water surges forward. Water erupts from the lake, showering down on them both- so Maya had doubly jinxed them, because now it's raining, in a sense, and there is definitely something here that wants to eat them.
That something is a serpent, reminiscent of a sea serpent from old myths, stone gray and covered in swirling blue marks and frills and spikes. It looms over them, its head nearly reaching the ceiling of the cave, baring an impressive set of fangs.
Maya doesn't dare take her eyes off it, even as she's slowly backing away ]
We should probably run.
[ She peers a little closer, and as she does, the marks beneath the water drift- no, slither closer to the surface. Suddenly, in the mix of glowing blue and stone gray, a big, yellow eye opens, fixing its gaze on them both.
Maya has enough time to mutter "Oh fuck", when the thing in the water surges forward. Water erupts from the lake, showering down on them both- so Maya had doubly jinxed them, because now it's raining, in a sense, and there is definitely something here that wants to eat them.
That something is a serpent, reminiscent of a sea serpent from old myths, stone gray and covered in swirling blue marks and frills and spikes. It looms over them, its head nearly reaching the ceiling of the cave, baring an impressive set of fangs.
Maya doesn't dare take her eyes off it, even as she's slowly backing away ]
We should probably run.
[ Holy shit, is Peter's main thought. Along with holy fuck, and holy damn, and holy holy holy holy--
He stands and backs up as the water rises, though instinct tells him to cover his head, even as water washes over them both. And when the creature itself appears, Peter's jaw drops open and something cold settles in his gut.
(A part of him thinks, Creature from the Black Lagoon, but he's pretty sure that monster was more man-in-rubber-suit than eldritch-creature-from-the-deep, like this one is.)
The creature sways as it stares down at them, and Peter swallows nervously. ]
Yeah. [ His voice is hollow when he speaks. ] Yeah, running would be good.
[ He grabs Maya's hand and pulls, hauling the both of them toward the entrance. Now's not the time, he thinks, to say, I told you so. But rest assured, she won't hear the end of it if they get of this alive. ]
He stands and backs up as the water rises, though instinct tells him to cover his head, even as water washes over them both. And when the creature itself appears, Peter's jaw drops open and something cold settles in his gut.
(A part of him thinks, Creature from the Black Lagoon, but he's pretty sure that monster was more man-in-rubber-suit than eldritch-creature-from-the-deep, like this one is.)
The creature sways as it stares down at them, and Peter swallows nervously. ]
Yeah. [ His voice is hollow when he speaks. ] Yeah, running would be good.
[ He grabs Maya's hand and pulls, hauling the both of them toward the entrance. Now's not the time, he thinks, to say, I told you so. But rest assured, she won't hear the end of it if they get of this alive. ]
[ the instant they start moving, so does the serpent. It surges after them, moving far faster than anything that big has a right to.
It's smart, too, since it swings wide, circling them and effectively cutting them off from the entrance with its body. Every movement kicks up a shower of broken stone, and Maya tugs Peter close as the debris ricochets off her shield. ]
... If we make it out of this, I owe you big time for being a dumbass.
It's smart, too, since it swings wide, circling them and effectively cutting them off from the entrance with its body. Every movement kicks up a shower of broken stone, and Maya tugs Peter close as the debris ricochets off her shield. ]
... If we make it out of this, I owe you big time for being a dumbass.
Yeah, you seriously do.
[ As he's saying it, he's grabbing up his blasters, taking fire at the creature's head. The gouts of flame seem to bounce off the creature without so much as fazing it.
Fire isn't effective against water types, Peter. Didn't you ever play Pokemon?
... Oh.
Right.
Peter switches his guns' settings, firing bolts of electricity instead -- and this seems more effective, at least; and though it doesn't harm the creature as much Peter would like, it at least serves a passable enough distraction. ]
Can you find us a way out?
[ As he's saying it, he's grabbing up his blasters, taking fire at the creature's head. The gouts of flame seem to bounce off the creature without so much as fazing it.
Fire isn't effective against water types, Peter. Didn't you ever play Pokemon?
... Oh.
Right.
Peter switches his guns' settings, firing bolts of electricity instead -- and this seems more effective, at least; and though it doesn't harm the creature as much Peter would like, it at least serves a passable enough distraction. ]
Can you find us a way out?
[ Complicated doesn't begin to describe these past few weeks.
Traumatic, perhaps, would be more apt.
Peter can't count how many times his world has been shaken, overturned. He doesn't like thinking about the number of times he's nearly been killed, or the number of times he's woken up after a blank spot in his memory. He doesn't want to talk about the fact that he isn't the man he thought he was, that the only thing keeping him himself is a small pendant hanging from a chain.
(He keeps that pendant close, though, the chain wrapped around his wrist beneath his sleeve. He can't risk being without it again; he doesn't want anymore blackness where time should be, doesn't want to unleash-- that and disappear.)
The only good to come out of this is Maya -- and that scares him, too. In a lot of ways, he barely knows her, and yet he's placed his life in her hands, over and over again. Would do so until the end of time. His whole life, he's only trusted himself; in the span of a few weeks, he's learned to trust in Maya entirely. For a while there, he was terrified she would leave to find greener pastures, less worthless charges, but-- she hasn't. She's bound herself to him, and he's still trying to figure out why. He needs her, certainly, even loves her. He just-- doesn't get why she loves him back.
Still, he trusts Maya, trusts her judgment -- and she's way smarter than him, anyway. They're making the trek up a mountain trail to some out of the way city-- Sanctuary, if he remembers right -- where Maya thinks someone may be able to help him with his-- problem.
Not for the first time, he envies Maya her limitless stamina and her ability to ignore the laws of gravity. It's freezing up here, and his boots keep sinking into the snow, and he has to struggle his way through each step, and--
-- Snow, he decides, is the goddamn worst. ]
Traumatic, perhaps, would be more apt.
Peter can't count how many times his world has been shaken, overturned. He doesn't like thinking about the number of times he's nearly been killed, or the number of times he's woken up after a blank spot in his memory. He doesn't want to talk about the fact that he isn't the man he thought he was, that the only thing keeping him himself is a small pendant hanging from a chain.
(He keeps that pendant close, though, the chain wrapped around his wrist beneath his sleeve. He can't risk being without it again; he doesn't want anymore blackness where time should be, doesn't want to unleash-- that and disappear.)
The only good to come out of this is Maya -- and that scares him, too. In a lot of ways, he barely knows her, and yet he's placed his life in her hands, over and over again. Would do so until the end of time. His whole life, he's only trusted himself; in the span of a few weeks, he's learned to trust in Maya entirely. For a while there, he was terrified she would leave to find greener pastures, less worthless charges, but-- she hasn't. She's bound herself to him, and he's still trying to figure out why. He needs her, certainly, even loves her. He just-- doesn't get why she loves him back.
Still, he trusts Maya, trusts her judgment -- and she's way smarter than him, anyway. They're making the trek up a mountain trail to some out of the way city-- Sanctuary, if he remembers right -- where Maya thinks someone may be able to help him with his-- problem.
Not for the first time, he envies Maya her limitless stamina and her ability to ignore the laws of gravity. It's freezing up here, and his boots keep sinking into the snow, and he has to struggle his way through each step, and--
-- Snow, he decides, is the goddamn worst. ]
[ Peter had given her quite the look when she told him she needed the bones of whatever small animal they managed to kill for food next.
"It's for scrying. I don't eat animal bones, stop it."
Peter's predicament was worrying, and she had ideas on how to help, but she didn't have the means. So she needed to find someone who did. She needed to see which if her sisters were on the human plain. It was a long shot- there could only be six of them on this plain at a time, which meant they could have a lot of ground to cover.
But luck, for once, was on their side. There were two other Sirens nearby. Her youngest, and perhaps most unfortunately named, sister, Angel, was in a land to the east. Presumably under contract with the monarch there, but even this far away, there were stories of his tyranny. She doubted that was a viable option.
To the north, in the secluded mountain town of Sanctuary, there was Lilith. Lilith was her sister she trusted above all else, and she had far more experience on this plain than Maya herself did. And if nothing else, it would be a place to hide, to rest and recuperate and plan.
Maya can feel Peter's annoyance, flowing steadily through the ties that bind them. She has no idea what it's like to feel cold, but now she's certainly aware of how being cold would make her feel. She walks ahead of Peter, standing atop the snow at though it were solid ground, and shots him a glance over her shoulder. ]
Did you want to find somewhere to stop for a while?
"It's for scrying. I don't eat animal bones, stop it."
Peter's predicament was worrying, and she had ideas on how to help, but she didn't have the means. So she needed to find someone who did. She needed to see which if her sisters were on the human plain. It was a long shot- there could only be six of them on this plain at a time, which meant they could have a lot of ground to cover.
But luck, for once, was on their side. There were two other Sirens nearby. Her youngest, and perhaps most unfortunately named, sister, Angel, was in a land to the east. Presumably under contract with the monarch there, but even this far away, there were stories of his tyranny. She doubted that was a viable option.
To the north, in the secluded mountain town of Sanctuary, there was Lilith. Lilith was her sister she trusted above all else, and she had far more experience on this plain than Maya herself did. And if nothing else, it would be a place to hide, to rest and recuperate and plan.
Maya can feel Peter's annoyance, flowing steadily through the ties that bind them. She has no idea what it's like to feel cold, but now she's certainly aware of how being cold would make her feel. She walks ahead of Peter, standing atop the snow at though it were solid ground, and shots him a glance over her shoulder. ]
Did you want to find somewhere to stop for a while?
[ He forgets she can sense his emotions a lot of the time, that it's a two-way street. Maya's emotions are like a still lake, and she's so undisturbed most of the time that he forgets those ties are there. Peter, though, has storms at sea, crashing waves and jagged rocks, and infrequent moments of peace.
Currently, the rocks are a little sharper than usual, but mostly, he's calm. ]
I'm okay.
[ Mostly, anyway, and his breath crystallizes in the air when he speaks. When he stole that artifact, he didn't think he'd make it this far; thought he'd make it a few days, at most, not several weeks. And even then, he had planned for sneaking through the woods, slipping through towns -- not wandering through mountain passes. He's not dressed for snow, and though the furs they've saved from the animals they've killed is helping some, he's still cold. His arms wrap more tightly around his chest, pulling his coat in closer around him.
He frowns when he sees her standing on the snow, feels that pang of envy again when each of his steps sinks him in to well above his ankle. ]
Not too much farther, right?
Currently, the rocks are a little sharper than usual, but mostly, he's calm. ]
I'm okay.
[ Mostly, anyway, and his breath crystallizes in the air when he speaks. When he stole that artifact, he didn't think he'd make it this far; thought he'd make it a few days, at most, not several weeks. And even then, he had planned for sneaking through the woods, slipping through towns -- not wandering through mountain passes. He's not dressed for snow, and though the furs they've saved from the animals they've killed is helping some, he's still cold. His arms wrap more tightly around his chest, pulling his coat in closer around him.
He frowns when he sees her standing on the snow, feels that pang of envy again when each of his steps sinks him in to well above his ankle. ]
Not too much farther, right?
[ She knows it's probably not fair of her to be standing atop the snow while he's forced to slog through it, and she does feel a bit guilty when that envy pokes through. ]
Come here.
[ She moves to him, sliding her arms around his shoulders, as warmth from her fire magic flows through her and into him. Something to keep him going in the last few hours of their journey
She might also take the opportunity to kiss him. She finds that she can't seem to do that enough. ]
A couple more hours, if the weather holds.
Come here.
[ She moves to him, sliding her arms around his shoulders, as warmth from her fire magic flows through her and into him. Something to keep him going in the last few hours of their journey
She might also take the opportunity to kiss him. She finds that she can't seem to do that enough. ]
A couple more hours, if the weather holds.
[ He's shaking like a leaf when she moves to him, and he meets her halfway; he figures she's going to use body heat or something, chafe his arms or whatever, and well, it's not like he's going to say no to getting close to her.
(He didn't realize how touched-starved he was until Maya came into the picture. He tries to make as many excuses as he can to hold her close, to take her hand, and he's glad that she humors him.)
But then heat is flowing from her, too warm to be anything but magic, and he muffles a groan of relief, leaning into her fully. Fuck, that feels amazing -- and it's all the better when she kisses him.
Whatever Maya's reasons are for sticking this out with him, it's small moments like these that makes him decide he doesn't give a flying fuck. ]
Alright. [ He says it reluctantly, but it's better to keep moving, if only to keep their pursuers at a distance. ]
I'll be fine. [ He smirks. ] If I can survive a zap to the chest, I'm pretty sure I can survive a tiny bit of snow.
(He didn't realize how touched-starved he was until Maya came into the picture. He tries to make as many excuses as he can to hold her close, to take her hand, and he's glad that she humors him.)
But then heat is flowing from her, too warm to be anything but magic, and he muffles a groan of relief, leaning into her fully. Fuck, that feels amazing -- and it's all the better when she kisses him.
Whatever Maya's reasons are for sticking this out with him, it's small moments like these that makes him decide he doesn't give a flying fuck. ]
Alright. [ He says it reluctantly, but it's better to keep moving, if only to keep their pursuers at a distance. ]
I'll be fine. [ He smirks. ] If I can survive a zap to the chest, I'm pretty sure I can survive a tiny bit of snow.
[ She knows how tempting it is to just find somewhere out of the way and to curl up together for warmth, reveling in being close.
But they're almost there, and then they can rest.
She smiles a little, pressing another quick kiss to his lips. ]
Then let's keep moving. I'm eager to put this frozen wasteland behind us.
But they're almost there, and then they can rest.
She smiles a little, pressing another quick kiss to his lips. ]
Then let's keep moving. I'm eager to put this frozen wasteland behind us.
This comin' from the person who doesn't feel cold.
[ Briefly, he wonders if it would be the same for him, in his demon form.
He quickly snuffs out that thought, drowns it out with thoughts of Maya and the feel of her skin and the touch of her lips.
When she moves away to retake the lead, he sighs with disappointment. The cold quickly bites back into his skin,but he's trudging dutifully after her. ]
[ Briefly, he wonders if it would be the same for him, in his demon form.
He quickly snuffs out that thought, drowns it out with thoughts of Maya and the feel of her skin and the touch of her lips.
When she moves away to retake the lead, he sighs with disappointment. The cold quickly bites back into his skin,but he's trudging dutifully after her. ]
Maybe I'm getting that from you.
[ Luck is only half on their side, because the wind picks up considerably, drawing out their travel time. Maya keeps close to Peter, shielding him as best she can, unfurling her wings once or twice to offer him some small bit of warmth. It's dark and bitterly cold before the lights of Sanctuary become visible in the distance.
"Town" was perhaps not the right word, because it looks like a fortress. Sanctuary seems to be carved out of the mountain itself, high walls of sheer stone sweep around the city, dotted with the flickering light of torches. Someone atop the wall hollers something, but it's snatched away by the wind.
By the time they make it to the front gates, there is a small contingent of guards there to meet them. Maya casts her glamour, and huddles close to Peter, doing her best to look miserable and cold.
At first it looks as though they're going to be denied entry, but the man heading up the guards- Corporal Reiss, when he finally introduces himself- shows a bit of compassion and lets them in. He shows them to an Inn, and leaves them to their own devices from there. Maya tells Peter they can worry about business tomorrow, after a meal and a good night's sleep, and they head to their room. ]
[ Luck is only half on their side, because the wind picks up considerably, drawing out their travel time. Maya keeps close to Peter, shielding him as best she can, unfurling her wings once or twice to offer him some small bit of warmth. It's dark and bitterly cold before the lights of Sanctuary become visible in the distance.
"Town" was perhaps not the right word, because it looks like a fortress. Sanctuary seems to be carved out of the mountain itself, high walls of sheer stone sweep around the city, dotted with the flickering light of torches. Someone atop the wall hollers something, but it's snatched away by the wind.
By the time they make it to the front gates, there is a small contingent of guards there to meet them. Maya casts her glamour, and huddles close to Peter, doing her best to look miserable and cold.
At first it looks as though they're going to be denied entry, but the man heading up the guards- Corporal Reiss, when he finally introduces himself- shows a bit of compassion and lets them in. He shows them to an Inn, and leaves them to their own devices from there. Maya tells Peter they can worry about business tomorrow, after a meal and a good night's sleep, and they head to their room. ]
[ He mutters an, Oh, thank fuck, when Maya tells him they can wait till tomorrow to get things done, and the second they're in their room, Peter practically drops everything and collapses into bed, exhausted. At some point he's conscious long enough to pull Maya in next to him, even if she doesn't strictly need to sleep; it helps a lot more than he'd care to admit to have her there while he sleeps, to physically reach out to her when he wakes.
He falls asleep curled around her like a cat; he's stopped worrying about whether or not she'll be there in the morning.
It takes some doing the next day, but eventually he's coaxed out of the warmth of the covers, though he's not entirely awake. Peter, clearly, is not a morning person.
Still, there are things that need doing, and certain demonic natures that need binding (or, if he has his way, eradicating), and he crawls his way back to consciousness.
Mostly, anyway. He still nearly puts a boot on the wrong foot, but he's aware enough to realize his mistake, at least.
He scrubs his face with his hands once he's ready, and the temptation to slither back under the sheets is nearly overwhelming. ]
Where are we headed?
He falls asleep curled around her like a cat; he's stopped worrying about whether or not she'll be there in the morning.
It takes some doing the next day, but eventually he's coaxed out of the warmth of the covers, though he's not entirely awake. Peter, clearly, is not a morning person.
Still, there are things that need doing, and certain demonic natures that need binding (or, if he has his way, eradicating), and he crawls his way back to consciousness.
Mostly, anyway. He still nearly puts a boot on the wrong foot, but he's aware enough to realize his mistake, at least.
He scrubs his face with his hands once he's ready, and the temptation to slither back under the sheets is nearly overwhelming. ]
Where are we headed?
[ Maya hasn't said as much, but she's taken to sleeping when he sleeps. She doesn't need to, no, but that doesn't mean she can't, and there are moments where the warm contentment that sings through their link makes the idea seem really appealing.
So lately she's stopped resisting it.
And she enjoys being there when he wakes. Loves that the first thing she sees with the light of the new day is his face.
She does not, however, share his distaste of mornings. She feels the same as she ever does, regardless of the time of day- alert and refreshed and ready to go. She wonders if being a morning person is something she can share with him through their bond. ]
One of my sisters is in this city. I think she's under contract with the military leader here, but my divination was a little hazy. I also don't know if her presence is a secret or if it's public knowledge.
But either way, we should begin at their headquarters on the far side of town.
So lately she's stopped resisting it.
And she enjoys being there when he wakes. Loves that the first thing she sees with the light of the new day is his face.
She does not, however, share his distaste of mornings. She feels the same as she ever does, regardless of the time of day- alert and refreshed and ready to go. She wonders if being a morning person is something she can share with him through their bond. ]
One of my sisters is in this city. I think she's under contract with the military leader here, but my divination was a little hazy. I also don't know if her presence is a secret or if it's public knowledge.
But either way, we should begin at their headquarters on the far side of town.
Edited 2015-01-02 22:38 (UTC)
[ He stifles a yawn behind his hand and nods, heading for the door. ]
Far side of town. Sister. Maybe don't mention the Siren thing. Got it.
Far side of town. Sister. Maybe don't mention the Siren thing. Got it.
[ She laughs a little, amused. At least he was listening ]
Would you care for some breakfast first?
Would you care for some breakfast first?
[ He pauses.
-- Yeah. Food sounds good. Maybe it'll even help wake him up. ]
Probably a good idea. You don't mind waiting?
-- Yeah. Food sounds good. Maybe it'll even help wake him up. ]
Probably a good idea. You don't mind waiting?
I don't mind. I can probably ask some of the locals for information about this leader of theirs. It's best if we know what kind of person we're dealing with.
[ That's a bit sobering -- he sort of figured, if they were here, Maya would assume the guy was on the up and up. He keeps his voice as they head down the hall. ]
Worried he might not be as nice of a guy as me, huh?
Worried he might not be as nice of a guy as me, huh?
[ It's Lilith that she's here for more than anything, but she shoots Peter a grin ]
I admit he has quite the standard to live up to.
I admit he has quite the standard to live up to.
[ He huffs a laugh. ] Flatterer.
[ He grabs something simple from the inn's kitchen -- just bread and meats -- and settles in to eat. ]
And I'm guessin' your sister has nothing on you. [ What he really wants to ask is, "Can we trust her?" Ravager instincts are difficult to shake, after all. ]
[ He grabs something simple from the inn's kitchen -- just bread and meats -- and settles in to eat. ]
And I'm guessin' your sister has nothing on you. [ What he really wants to ask is, "Can we trust her?" Ravager instincts are difficult to shake, after all. ]
You mean as far as my... abilities are concerned?
She actually outclasses me by quite a bit.
She actually outclasses me by quite a bit.
[ That actually gives him pause. ] Really? I thought you guys were, you know, all equally powerful or whatever.
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