[ Hythlodaeus nods to himself as Estinien slips the gloves on, hes watching to make sure they fit correctly and he's glad that he had gotten the right size. He figures that Estinien wouldn't have gotten a new pair until his old ones were falling apart and he wanted to make sure the other man had the right gear for all the time he spent out on the road. ]
You are most welcome.
[ He puts on the offered helmet and climbs behind Estinien, arms wrapping around him to hold on as Estinien takes off down the road. He could get used to this, a bike instead of a car, flying down the road at top speed. He hadn't been out of the city on it yet and it does not disappoint. He briefly wonders if he could trade his car in for a motorcycle- but then he has to wonder how he would bring things he finds back, and make deliveries. His car has a trunk at least.
He's more than content to lean against Estinien's back and trust the other man to take them somewhere useful and he finds he doesn't need a break, happy to be along for the ride. ]
[ Of course, the changeable nature of the Fringes means that it is not easy to plan for anything. As an example, a diffusion zone he had passed through on the way back that he thought might prove to be fruitful is no longer where he left it. It makes for something of an aimless journey, driving out of the city and onto the open road. It is also, in his opinion, the best part of travelling the through the Fringes.
So he leans into it. With a mind to his fuel situation he leads them back and forth, driving a loop through Quadrant 1 up to Quadrant 2, only breaking for food. The diffusion zones they pass through are interesting, but not particularly useful so Estinien just keeps going. The sun has just past its zenith anyway, and the wind through his hair makes for a pleasant trip.
It's why the next zone is so egregious. They pass through the boundary of it and it is as though a wall of darkness comes down upon them. Night descends immediately, and only the light of the full moon up above and that of the town in the distance exist to light the way. So he takes them towards it.
Like most zones, this town is abandoned, an eerie silence that fills the empty streets. Around them the buildings stretch high, tall spires in a style reminiscent of the churches of Ishgard. Estinien parks his bike in some alleyway out of the way. ]
We'll continue the rest of the way on foot. See what we might find here.
[ After a moment's consideration he also pulls free his lance and holds it at the ready. ]
Be on your guard. I do not trust the silence here.
[ He enjoys it, spending the time speeding down the open road, passing through diffusion zones. They don't speak much, they can't with the wind in their faces and Hythlodaeus in a helmet. But its a comfortable silence that settles between them, words not being necessary to enjoy the other's presence.
Its this new diffusion zone that chases away that ease. He's also immediately on alert, his senses sharpening as they make their way out of the alley. He glances at Estinien's lance and immediately tries to conjure up his bow. He gets it this time, but only a limited supply of arrows. ] better than nothing I guess.
[ Here's hoping it stays summoned if he needs to actually use it.
He looks off into the distance as they walk towards what he assumes is the center of the town. ] there is something out there, though I cannot say what from this distance.
[ Of course, Hythlodaeus' exceptional eyesight. Estinien spares him and glance and a nod— and recalibrates his plans now that he sees that Hythlodaeus has some means of defending himself. Only a few shots, but with his eyesight that will likely be all that is necessary. ]
Understood.
[ Whatever is out in the distance however is secondary to their goal of sourcing a weapon for Hythlodaeus. Estinien leads them through the winding streets, taking the time to break into the buildings they pass by. Largely warehouses, packed with forgotten mechandise, the boxes chewed through and rotting. This latest one seems to hold stacks of electronics. ]
I know you asked for weapons, however if you would like to spend some here seeing if it holds anything of value, we can.
[ He tracks the figures he sees in the distance but they aren’t coming any closer so he lets Estinien lead them through the warehouses. Nothing really of use anywhere. He glances around the warehouse, it looks a little more promising than the last. ] we can take a look, no harm in that.
[ He moves over to a nearby stack of boxes and pries open the top. He’s not entirely sure what he’s looking at but they look electronic. ]Do you have any idea what these could be used for?
[ Though it was likely Estinien would be just as confused by the little black boxes as Hythlodaeus was. He’s distracted enough by the boxes that he doesn’t notice the figures approaching the warehouse until they are already inside. ]
[ Estinien... has no damned clue what he's looking at. Some black box with a thin opening at the front and a mess of cables at the back— Estinien couldn't even begin to guess its purpose. He's reaching further into the crate to see what else it holds when the doors to the warehouse are flung open and a full dozen people pour inside.
Estinien moves immediately, instinctively, to put himself between their sudden guests and Hythlodaeus. Which is just as well, as he doesn't appreciate the way these people are looking at them.
Estinien decides to preempt any foolishness. ]
We are happy to share if you are. If you decide to start something instead, I can promise you that we will be the ones to end it.
[ A titter goes through the group before them. They are confident it seems. Or reckless. One of them pulls out a gun, barrel tapping against her shoulder in a laughable threat. Estinien smiles slow, baring his teeth. ]
As you wish.
[ The one in the middle seems to be the leader of the group. He steps back with a bored expression and waves all the rest forward, and so Estinien crouches and leaps to meet them. ]
[ This is the second fight Hythlodaeus finds himself involved in in so many months. At least this time he has a weapon.
He might not be used to fighting people, but this isn’t the first time he’s had to defend himself. Creations sometimes got out of control and he had found himself in a fight before. He ducks behind the table and raises his bow, keeping an eye on the others as they spread out to try to surround them. He lets Estinien take the lead, knowing he's much better at this than Hythlodaeus himself and instead watches his back, firing off an arrow at anyone who comes too close. ]
[ He's never fought with Hythlodaeus before. Not in this life, and not in the false memories forced on him. But that eyesight of his has not been exaggerated, not even a little. His shots are accurate, almost uncannily so— Estinien has no reason to fear fighters of this calliber, not really, but Hythlodaeus' arrows seem to anticipate him to a fantastic degree.
It becomes so very easy to fall into a rhythm with him, synchronised in the way that all great warriors are able to achieve. Estinien downs the last of the rabble and launches himself at the so-called leader, whose expression is a long way from 'bored' now.
Angry is perhaps a better word: he sneers as he blocks Estinien's attacks with the barrel of his gun, strength wavering but holding. Estinien's grin merely widens in response. ]
[ Hythlodaeus has never really fought with anyone. Hades a time or two, maybe one or two people at the bureau if necessary. Still he knows what it’s like to be in sync with someone so well you don’t have to check on them, and he knows it’s not usually this easy to achieve, but here they are. He trusts Estinien to have his back and he knows Estinien trusts him.
Which is why Estinien is facing off against their leader with his back to the majority of the room.
It happens so fast Hythlodaeus doesn’t have time to think before he reacts. One of the lackeys isn’t as dead as they thought and he’s firing a shot, Hythlodaeus can see the path of the bullet, where it’s coming from and where it’s headed, straight into Estinien’s back- a killing shot. ]
Oh no you don’t.
[ He’s firing an arrow immediately knocking that bullet completely off course before knocking another arrow and firing it at the shooter taking him out fully this time. His eyes quickly scan the rest of the downed men making sure they are all really down as Estinien takes care of the leader. ]
[ Perhaps he lets himself get too caught up in his fight. With Hythlodaeus having guarded his back thus far with such great skill, perhaps he allows himself to get lost in the fight before him, a chance to cut loose with someone who wishes him dead as much as Estinien wishes the same.
Then—
There is a rush of alarm, a split second in which Estinien thinks wait that isn't and then Hythlodaeus, fury rising at the thought that someone thought to bypass him and attack Hythlodaeus instead, at himself that he would allow something like this to happen.
A gun fires behind him but Estinien is already turning, body lowered so he can clear the distnce between them in an instant and— finds Hythlodaeus in no such peril. Finds him loosing another arrow into one of them men on the floor... whose firearm had been pointed in Estinien's direction.
The picture becomes clear.
Hoping to capitalise on his distraction, his the man he'd been fighting attempts to attack his back but Estinien is not so unaware this time. He is also very much done with this bout. He dodges up over this attack, blocks the next with his lance, and then lashes his tail around the man's neck to snap it like it is nothing more than dry tinder.
[ As soon as the man is down his gaze moves quickly across the rest of the bodies on the ground quickly making sure no one will be getting back up before he turns it once more back to Estinien. He watches he way he moves, measured, steady, gracefully. Everything about him is graceful and powerful and contained and something twists in his stomach. He’s not sure the last time he’s been this attracted to anyone. He can’t help but imagine what that contained power would be like focused on him.
He mentally shakes himself, swallowing dryly as he nods. ]
Yeah…[ his voice cracks just slightly and he clears his throat. ] Yeah, I’m unharmed. You?
[ I too am unharmed, thanks to you, is what he means to say, however there is a familiar sense at the back of his mind. A bloom of emotion like a blot of ink in water, seamlessly mixed in with his own but not born of him.
Another bond.
And what the bond is telling him is—
Estinien's attention sharpens on Hythlodaeus.
(His conversations with G'raha and Emet-Selch flash in his mind, back to back, but... Words are imprecise. This, this he understands.) ]
Not a scratch on me.
[ He holds his arms out as though for inspection as he closes the distance between them. ]
That was some impressive shooting. [ And he does sound impressed. Approving, almost. This too is something he understands well.
And then, as the reason for their outing reasserts itself: ] Perhaps a firearm would suit you best. Fortunately, you seem to have your pick of them.
[ His eyes track Estinien as he comes closer, making sure nothing is amiss, his sight double checking his aether- just in case. He does seem as fine as he says however and for that Hythlodaeus is grateful. ]
Thank you. [ He notes the approval, can hear it in his tone but also...it's almost as if he feels his approval as well, but...that can't be right. He tilts his head to the side slightly, studying the other man until Estinien mentions the reason they are actually here. ]
Oh. Yes, that is why we are here after all. [ He takes a step towards one of the bodies and then hesitates, he isn't all that fond of dead bodies (Hythlodaeus, who would be?) and looks over at Estinien who seems unaffected by it. Hythlodaeus expects he wouldn't be. He takes a breath before going over to the closest body, bending down and grabbing the firearm out of his hand- examining it. ]
A passing familiarity. They were used in Ishgard, but as a dragoon I had little to do with our machinists.
[ The words are somewhat distracted. Estinien frowns, catching the hesitation in Hythlodaeus. Feels, for a moment, a flash of... something. Not quite distaste, not quite fear. Disquiet might be the best word for it, and understanding comes not too long afterwards. He berates himself silently for the misstep, the memory of their first meeting flashing up in his head.
Doesn't say anything about it however, merely joins Hythlodaeus by the body and very quickly and efficiently strips it down—weapons, ammunition, money, valuables—before dragging the body away and out of sight. ]
However firearms seem to be a common weapon on this star. It shouldn't take long for someone like you to learn how to use them. And, I'll wager, with your skills you'll accomplish the truly remarkable with them.
[ He gives a slight snort of disbelief, his cheeks flushing slightly at the compliments. He’s still not used to that. ] I am not sure I would go that far, but thank you.
[ It doesn’t go unnoticed that Estinien takes care of the body for him and he’s silently grateful for that fact.
He examines the gun in his hand, he could probably figure out how it worked but it might be better to bring it to Hades and ask for a lesson. He glances around at the rest of the bodies. ]
We should search them and leave sooner rather than later. We don’t know if there are anymore of them lingering around the area.
If you are happy with a firearm as your weapon then we can. I do not wish to cut this venture short, however, and leave you vulnerable.
[ He's stripping down the bodies as he speak since Hythlodaeus is correct in that respect. The people here have a plethora of weapons between them and Estinien ensures that the sum of them is left in a pile in front of Hythlodaeus. Along with firearms and their respective ammunition, there are a couple of blades that Estinien helps himself to, and a stack of joolies that he divides equally between them. ]
And if there are others lingering in the area, let them come. They'll meet the same fate.
[ There is an intensity to him that wasn't there before as he says that. To have Hythlodaeus at his back has proven itself to be nothing short of a boon, but he'll not have his carelessness put them at risk again. If there are others wanting to start another fight then he will put an end to it, quickly and permanently. ]
I think that might be the best weapon we're going to find out here, at least it's common enough that ammunition and maintenance should never be a problem.
[ He appreciates that Estinien takes it upon himself to strip down the bodies quickly and efficiently. He's examining the weapons that Estinien is piling up. ]
We might as well take them all, we can try to sell some of what we don't want to keep.
[ He quickly and with a practiced ease engages his sight to scan the area as far as he can. ]
As much as I know it would not be a problem I would still rather avoid one... [ Even if there is an intensity he's suddenly feeling for a fight, one he knows he would win. That's...odd. ] Our surroundings look clear enough at the moment.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
You are most welcome.
[ He puts on the offered helmet and climbs behind Estinien, arms wrapping around him to hold on as Estinien takes off down the road. He could get used to this, a bike instead of a car, flying down the road at top speed. He hadn't been out of the city on it yet and it does not disappoint. He briefly wonders if he could trade his car in for a motorcycle- but then he has to wonder how he would bring things he finds back, and make deliveries. His car has a trunk at least.
He's more than content to lean against Estinien's back and trust the other man to take them somewhere useful and he finds he doesn't need a break, happy to be along for the ride. ]
no subject
So he leans into it. With a mind to his fuel situation he leads them back and forth, driving a loop through Quadrant 1 up to Quadrant 2, only breaking for food. The diffusion zones they pass through are interesting, but not particularly useful so Estinien just keeps going. The sun has just past its zenith anyway, and the wind through his hair makes for a pleasant trip.
It's why the next zone is so egregious. They pass through the boundary of it and it is as though a wall of darkness comes down upon them. Night descends immediately, and only the light of the full moon up above and that of the town in the distance exist to light the way. So he takes them towards it.
Like most zones, this town is abandoned, an eerie silence that fills the empty streets. Around them the buildings stretch high, tall spires in a style reminiscent of the churches of Ishgard. Estinien parks his bike in some alleyway out of the way. ]
We'll continue the rest of the way on foot. See what we might find here.
[ After a moment's consideration he also pulls free his lance and holds it at the ready. ]
Be on your guard. I do not trust the silence here.
no subject
Its this new diffusion zone that chases away that ease. He's also immediately on alert, his senses sharpening as they make their way out of the alley. He glances at Estinien's lance and immediately tries to conjure up his bow. He gets it this time, but only a limited supply of arrows. ] better than nothing I guess.
[ Here's hoping it stays summoned if he needs to actually use it.
He looks off into the distance as they walk towards what he assumes is the center of the town. ] there is something out there, though I cannot say what from this distance.
no subject
Understood.
[ Whatever is out in the distance however is secondary to their goal of sourcing a weapon for Hythlodaeus. Estinien leads them through the winding streets, taking the time to break into the buildings they pass by. Largely warehouses, packed with forgotten mechandise, the boxes chewed through and rotting. This latest one seems to hold stacks of electronics. ]
I know you asked for weapons, however if you would like to spend some here seeing if it holds anything of value, we can.
no subject
[ He tracks the figures he sees in the distance but they aren’t coming any closer so he lets Estinien lead them through the warehouses. Nothing really of use anywhere. He glances around the warehouse, it looks a little more promising than the last. ] we can take a look, no harm in that.
[ He moves over to a nearby stack of boxes and pries open the top. He’s not entirely sure what he’s looking at but they look electronic. ]Do you have any idea what these could be used for?
[ Though it was likely Estinien would be just as confused by the little black boxes as Hythlodaeus was. He’s distracted enough by the boxes that he doesn’t notice the figures approaching the warehouse until they are already inside. ]
no subject
Estinien moves immediately, instinctively, to put himself between their sudden guests and Hythlodaeus. Which is just as well, as he doesn't appreciate the way these people are looking at them.
Estinien decides to preempt any foolishness. ]
We are happy to share if you are. If you decide to start something instead, I can promise you that we will be the ones to end it.
[ A titter goes through the group before them. They are confident it seems. Or reckless. One of them pulls out a gun, barrel tapping against her shoulder in a laughable threat. Estinien smiles slow, baring his teeth. ]
As you wish.
[ The one in the middle seems to be the leader of the group. He steps back with a bored expression and waves all the rest forward, and so Estinien crouches and leaps to meet them. ]
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He might not be used to fighting people, but this isn’t the first time he’s had to defend himself. Creations sometimes got out of control and he had found himself in a fight before. He ducks behind the table and raises his bow, keeping an eye on the others as they spread out to try to surround them. He lets Estinien take the lead, knowing he's much better at this than Hythlodaeus himself and instead watches his back, firing off an arrow at anyone who comes too close. ]
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It becomes so very easy to fall into a rhythm with him, synchronised in the way that all great warriors are able to achieve. Estinien downs the last of the rabble and launches himself at the so-called leader, whose expression is a long way from 'bored' now.
Angry is perhaps a better word: he sneers as he blocks Estinien's attacks with the barrel of his gun, strength wavering but holding. Estinien's grin merely widens in response. ]
Be sure to make this interesting for me.
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Which is why Estinien is facing off against their leader with his back to the majority of the room.
It happens so fast Hythlodaeus doesn’t have time to think before he reacts. One of the lackeys isn’t as dead as they thought and he’s firing a shot, Hythlodaeus can see the path of the bullet, where it’s coming from and where it’s headed, straight into Estinien’s back- a killing shot. ]
Oh no you don’t.
[ He’s firing an arrow immediately knocking that bullet completely off course before knocking another arrow and firing it at the shooter taking him out fully this time. His eyes quickly scan the rest of the downed men making sure they are all really down as Estinien takes care of the leader. ]
no subject
Then—
There is a rush of alarm, a split second in which Estinien thinks wait that isn't and then Hythlodaeus, fury rising at the thought that someone thought to bypass him and attack Hythlodaeus instead, at himself that he would allow something like this to happen.
A gun fires behind him but Estinien is already turning, body lowered so he can clear the distnce between them in an instant and— finds Hythlodaeus in no such peril. Finds him loosing another arrow into one of them men on the floor... whose firearm had been pointed in Estinien's direction.
The picture becomes clear.
Hoping to capitalise on his distraction, his the man he'd been fighting attempts to attack his back but Estinien is not so unaware this time. He is also very much done with this bout. He dodges up over this attack, blocks the next with his lance, and then lashes his tail around the man's neck to snap it like it is nothing more than dry tinder.
The body is dropped to the ground, forgotten. ]
My thanks. You are unhurt?
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He mentally shakes himself, swallowing dryly as he nods. ]
Yeah…[ his voice cracks just slightly and he clears his throat. ] Yeah, I’m unharmed. You?
[ smooth. ]
no subject
Another bond.
And what the bond is telling him is—
Estinien's attention sharpens on Hythlodaeus.
(His conversations with G'raha and Emet-Selch flash in his mind, back to back, but... Words are imprecise. This, this he understands.) ]
Not a scratch on me.
[ He holds his arms out as though for inspection as he closes the distance between them. ]
That was some impressive shooting. [ And he does sound impressed. Approving, almost. This too is something he understands well.
And then, as the reason for their outing reasserts itself: ] Perhaps a firearm would suit you best. Fortunately, you seem to have your pick of them.
no subject
Thank you. [ He notes the approval, can hear it in his tone but also...it's almost as if he feels his approval as well, but...that can't be right. He tilts his head to the side slightly, studying the other man until Estinien mentions the reason they are actually here. ]
Oh. Yes, that is why we are here after all. [ He takes a step towards one of the bodies and then hesitates, he isn't all that fond of dead bodies (Hythlodaeus, who would be?) and looks over at Estinien who seems unaffected by it. Hythlodaeus expects he wouldn't be. He takes a breath before going over to the closest body, bending down and grabbing the firearm out of his hand- examining it. ]
Do you know anything about guns?
no subject
[ The words are somewhat distracted. Estinien frowns, catching the hesitation in Hythlodaeus. Feels, for a moment, a flash of... something. Not quite distaste, not quite fear. Disquiet might be the best word for it, and understanding comes not too long afterwards. He berates himself silently for the misstep, the memory of their first meeting flashing up in his head.
Doesn't say anything about it however, merely joins Hythlodaeus by the body and very quickly and efficiently strips it down—weapons, ammunition, money, valuables—before dragging the body away and out of sight. ]
However firearms seem to be a common weapon on this star. It shouldn't take long for someone like you to learn how to use them. And, I'll wager, with your skills you'll accomplish the truly remarkable with them.
no subject
[ It doesn’t go unnoticed that Estinien takes care of the body for him and he’s silently grateful for that fact.
He examines the gun in his hand, he could probably figure out how it worked but it might be better to bring it to Hades and ask for a lesson. He glances around at the rest of the bodies. ]
We should search them and leave sooner rather than later. We don’t know if there are anymore of them lingering around the area.
[ One fight was probably enough for one day. ]
no subject
[ He's stripping down the bodies as he speak since Hythlodaeus is correct in that respect. The people here have a plethora of weapons between them and Estinien ensures that the sum of them is left in a pile in front of Hythlodaeus. Along with firearms and their respective ammunition, there are a couple of blades that Estinien helps himself to, and a stack of joolies that he divides equally between them. ]
And if there are others lingering in the area, let them come. They'll meet the same fate.
[ There is an intensity to him that wasn't there before as he says that. To have Hythlodaeus at his back has proven itself to be nothing short of a boon, but he'll not have his carelessness put them at risk again. If there are others wanting to start another fight then he will put an end to it, quickly and permanently. ]
no subject
[ He appreciates that Estinien takes it upon himself to strip down the bodies quickly and efficiently. He's examining the weapons that Estinien is piling up. ]
We might as well take them all, we can try to sell some of what we don't want to keep.
[ He quickly and with a practiced ease engages his sight to scan the area as far as he can. ]
As much as I know it would not be a problem I would still rather avoid one... [ Even if there is an intensity he's suddenly feeling for a fight, one he knows he would win. That's...odd. ] Our surroundings look clear enough at the moment.