phaselocknroll | Shenanigans!

[ He's quiet for a little, then, ] I mean-- it kinda makes sense, right? "Kind, just military leader" and "contracted with a Siren" don't really mix if it's all moonlighting and cloak-and-dagger-type stuff. He either lays it out in the open, or risks word getting around and getting a face full of shit for it.

I suppose that does make sense. But Lilith has one of those smiles on her face that tells me she isn't telling us everything.

Like, an "I'm about to give you a puppy" kind of smile? Or an "I'm about to lead you into an ambush so this reunion might be kind of awkward" smile ?

Neither, knowing her. I don't think it's anything bad.

[ It's at this point that Lilith calls over her shoulder, "I can hear you, you know." She leads them inside the building, and up, up, up some stairs to an office on the top floor of the building.

Inside is someone Maya can only assume is Roland. "Look who I found wandering around our city," says Lilith. "Meet my little sister, Maya. And her new plaything, Peter."

It's only when Roland remarks, "I really hope you don't refer to me that way." that is clicks to Maya. ]

Wait, wait. You're bound to him? I... never thought I would see the day.

[ Lilith merely shrugs, flitting up to sit on the edge of Roland's desk. "So, what can we do for you?" ]

That... is a rather long story. [ But she tells it- everything from the Order and the Ravagers being on their tail to Peter's... condition. Lilith and Roland exchange looks, before Lilith turns to Peter.

"Can I see your pendant? You don't have to take it off. I just want to look at it." ]

[ A small part of him thinks, Oh thank the gods, I'm not the only crazy guy bound to a Siren.

Another part of him thinks, Shit, sorry, Maya.

A third part of him thinks, She still can't read your mind, dumbass. It sounds suspiciously like Maya.

He's mostly quiet as Maya explains their situation, only interjecting a comment here and there. Mostly they're explanations or clarifications on Ravager operations, what their standard procedures are. (Sometimes it's strange to think how a band of mercenaries has such predictable code of conduct, but Yondu always did like things his way.)

When Maya gets up to-- recent events, Peter pretends to be occupied with examining the room. Mostly he just doesn't want to see their faces. Sure, he was in good company where demonic heritage was concerned, but while Maya and Lilith were still oddly human, Peter can't shake the feeling that his other side was stripped of everything that made him himself, that he became a monster.

He turns back as Maya's finishing up, just in time to catch Lilith and Roland exchanging glances. He doesn't even have time to wonder, What was that about? before Lilith is asking to see the charm.

It's his turn to look at Maya, chewing on the inside of his lip nervously. But-- she trusts them. And Peter trusts her, so--

He moves toward Lilith as he's rolling up his sleeves -- first his coat, then, his shirt -- revealing the chain wrapped around his wrist. The pendant hangs there, the chain threaded through the loop over and over, as many times as he could manage, (because Ravager instincts are hard to suppress, as is Ravager paranoia). ]

Make sure not to touch it.

[ "Wasn't planning on it," Lilith offers dryly. She tilts her head, inspecting the pendant with sharp, yellow eyes. That's when Maya pipes up: ]

I was wondering if there was a way to cast the binding on Peter directly. But if that isn't an option, we need to strengthen the amulet itself.

[ "I can't promise anything, but Roland might be able to call in a few favors. You're going to owe us, though." ]

Whatever it takes, Lilith.

[ Lilith nods, and Roland offers that they're free to stay in Sanctuary for as long as they need- he'll make arrangements for them to have a room within the headquarters. They were free to take a look around, and Roland would let them know if they've found something. ]

[ Peter keeps his mouth shut and his expression neutral during the exchange, but he doesn't like the sound of owing anyone anything. Bad enough they've got who knows how many people breathing down their necks, but having to be indebted to someone on top of that?

But Maya trusts them. He trusts her -- her judgment and her word -- but he'd be the first to admit that he's a paranoid bastard, despite it all.

He waits until they've left Roland's office to let any of his doubt show through -- and even then it's only with a slight frown. Still, he forgets about his emotional connection with Maya, and he doesn't realizing he's been broadcasting it from the moment Lilith said the word "favors." ]

"Whatever it takes"? [ He repeats it quietly, uneasily. ] Are you sure?

You dislike owing someone. [ It's not a question. She can feel his unease, his doubt. ] Even if we found a capable enchanter on our own, they don't work for free.

I would rather owe a debt to my sister- someone I know and trust- than a complete stranger.

[ He hesitates, but eventually nods. ] Yeah, I get that. I just...

[ He shrugs, a little helplessly. ]

Should be my debt, that's all. My problem, right?

Your debt is my debt, and your problems are my problems. We're bound, Peter.

I know, but--

[ He doesn't like feeling as though Maya's pulling his dead weight around, but now's probably not the best time to unload those deep-seated insecurities. ]

Just don't like feelin' like I owe anyone anything. That's all.

Peter... there was no way to come out of this situation without owing someone something.

It'll be okay. I promise.

Yeah, I know, I'm just being stupid.

[ He falls quiet for a moment before reaching out to grab her hand. ]

So. Sounds like we might be here a while, huh?

[ Given the opportunity, she will always hold his hand. ]

It looks to be that way. It's certainly better than being on the run from crazed wizards.

And bloodthirsty mercenaries. And bandits on the roads. And snow.

[ A thoughtful pause, then he adds emphatically, ] I hate snow, by the way.

Yes, I am well-aware of that fact. [ it was hard to miss, but she's hardly annoyed by that fact. He was allowed to hate the cold, since he had no choice but to experience it ]

We could almost consider this a vacation.

[ He almost laughs at that, because-- it's kind of weird, right? To be afforded a breather after everything that's happened. ]

Yeah. We better enjoy it while it lasts. Knowing our luck, a dragon's gonna swoop in with some kind of army of basilisks.

Now you've just jinxed it.

-- Or it could be, you know, an army of cuddly bunnies. And a unicorn.

[ She laughs- really laughs- because the mental image she just ended up with was hilarious ]

I-- yes. Let's hope for that.

[ Getting Maya to laugh like that is never a small feat, and he always feels a swell of pride when he manages it. ]

What was your read on Roland, anyway?

He seems honorable. Not what I would have expected for Lilith, but I think we can trust him.

Seems like it sorta threw you for a loop when you found out she was bound.

That's the cardinal rule a Siren must never break- never fall in love. It's not something we really expect of one another, even if we have done it ourselves.

[ He's quiet for a second, but then he squeezes her hand gently. ]

It's a big risk, isn't it?

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