[He has had enough time since his arrival this morning get just enough rest to allow himself to clean himself up and calm down so he might return to the now empty house located in the level three housing district. When he reaches out to the troll it's late enough that Anduin can only hope he won't be interrupting anything important like sleep or ... nope Anduin does not want to think about that right now. ]
Signless? If you are there and available it is Anduin.
-=luckily, trolls are naturally nocturnal, and while they've mostly adjusted to waking in daylight hours the night is still their domain. when he'd reached out to Anduin and found that he was no longer in the city, he'd been crestfallen, yet hopeful. he knew he'd be forgotten, but if the priest could be free of the city to live a good and happy life.
so hearing from him again is the last thing he'd expected=-
Anduin? I'm here!
-=it takes him a moment, but he gets to a mirror to meet him face to face. it's hard to hide the fact that he's happy to see him, but it fades when the condition his friend is in registers more clearly=-
[And here he had tried to hide the dark circles around his eyes and the sadness in his look. Still he will try not to let the other worry any more than he has. So he speaks slowly albeit softly.]
I am fine. It's been a while ... for me that is. A few weeks home and only two days here. It all seems quite surreal.
-=he's more aware of it now since Karkat had called him a 'seer of blood'. blood is bond. one that encompasses loyalty, allegiance, friendship, and the bonds that tie souls together, whatever they are; it is trust vindicated, pacts unbroken, promises kept, mistakes forgiven, and crimes absolved.
something broke in anduin, severed harshly and the closest thing he can compare it too is an open wound. that kind of feeling is so common in his world that it stands out so much now since he's been without an ability he hadn't even known he had let alone how to use=-
[Signless's voice causes him to freeze into place, even though all that is said at first is his name he recognizes the tone that has been employed. It is one he has used often, wise beyond it's years, and knowing.
It takes him a moment longer to respond, his words forming into answer that is sadly lacking.]
It has been a long day.
[He can not lie to Signless, but his explanation is poor.]
[Food? As if on cue his stomach rumbles out in protest. He has not eaten since before the trial earlier in the morning. Since then he has expelled a great deal of energy fighting and healing.]
No... I'm afraid I have not thought about it until now, but please it was not my intent to trouble you. I called to apologize about missing our lesson.
That was hardly your fault and you've already been forgiven. I think it's time to worry about you for a bit now, don't you? You're welcome to come here, or I could bring something to you. Whichever you prefer.
-=he's already on the move, planning to order and tick up some food on the way to save time. he more worried than he's letting on. he has more empathy than most humans, let alone trolls=-
[It'll give him time to ... sit, pace, or at the very least drag a few blankets from the unused bedroom down to the living room for them to make use of while they're on the couch.]
-=he doesn't take his time, of course. he takes however long it takes, which feels far too long from his point of view. signless picks up something light, soup and a sandwich. enough to do his friend good but not seem overwhelming.
he too struggles to eat when he's stressed or upset, and often needs to be force fed by those that care. it might make him a bit hypocritical of him to be the one stressing food, but it's only because he knows anduin will be better for it. he always had been.
when he reaches the house, he knocks on the door and waits quietly, if not fretfully, fingers worrying at a fold in the paper bag he's holding in his arms=-
[Anduin does not have to walk far to open the door, thanks to his pacing he is just a few steps away. He greets Signless with a weak smile and eyes that are hidden behind still damp hair. He looks better than he did earlier when he arrived back in Ariel, but it is fairly easy to improve when you are covered in blood. He motions for Signless to enter, the house is dark save for the light in the living room beyond him and the couch shows signs of minimal use thanks to the blanket and open book he had tried to use as a distraction earlier while he waited.]
Thanks for coming.
[He is not certain he sounds grateful enough for the troll's kind actions.]
-=being nocturnal, trolls can see well enough in the dark, so the dim lighting doesn't phase him at all. instead he merely takes a step closer to wind his arms around the sullen man, pulling him into a warm, firm embrace. It's as much a joy to see him again as it is a hope to help comfort him=-
You are more than welcome, Anduin.
-=he presses a kiss to his cheek=-
Come, I brought food for you. You should eat, even if it's just a little.
[Anduin stands still at the initial embrace not so much surprised, but taken aback by the way he is taken off guard by the warmth and weight of the troll's form. Anduin knows he should be far from surprised, but his memories of Ariel were muddled nothing more than a dream and now he's reminded that it has been weeks since he could last remember feeling this.]
Food?
[He responds distractedly as his shoulders slump in protest at the loss of physical contact.]
So long as you will join me I promise to do my best.
-=the loss of contact will only be temporary, and even then when he finally draws back he keeps the connection with an overly warm hand pressed between the priest's shoulderblades=-
Yes, food!
-=he smiles and lifts up the bag he's carrying=-
And you don't have to worry about me. Tonight is for you.
I assure you I have had plenty of attention given to me these last weeks. I would welcome the break.
[Of course, in hindsight now that he can recall the last few months he spent away in Ariel he regrets not enjoying the last few weeks he spent back at his father's side more. The trial had laid him bare emotionally and it's climax had ensured he would be feeling the physical effects for at least the next few days as things healed.]
What did you bring?
[The question is spoken to not only distract himself, but the Troll from worrying any more than he already is.]
-=he cant even begin to imagine what anduin's been going through in the time he'd been gone. signless doesn't even know how long a time that even is, but he's thankful his friend remembered him at the very least=-
A sandwich and some soup? I wasn't certain what sort of things you liked to eat, so I had to guess.
-=he remains close as he settles down with anduin on the couch and unpacks the meal for him. he's still not going to pry about what happened, or ask who hurt him deeply enough that he'd been able to feel it through the network. if anduin wants to talk about it he will. if not, signless will just be there to try and distract him=-
[Above all else it sounds simple. He could use that right now, but he's also not about to leave Signless wanting. At the couch he does not sit, instead he touches the troll's shoulder before withdrawing towards the kitchen. He allows his tired expression to speak for him, he won't be gone long and he comes back in just a few moments with a pair of glasses filled with water for them to drink. He sets them down and eases back to rest besides Signless.]
Perfect, even.
[He adds and for once finds it easier for his lips to curl into a small smile as his eyes take over the site of the food and the smell of the warm soup.]
-=signless accepts the water with a nod. he takes a sip before setting the glass down, and when he leans back again he makes sure to brush his shoulder up against Anduin's. it's fairly impossible for him to completely hide the look of concern from his eyes. the other man's smile helps him ease a bit of the worry, no matter how small it may be.=-
Good. I'm glad.
-=he motions towards the food, wanting for him to eat, even if it's just a little=-
[A bit of his sandwich and a sip of his soup and he lets out a softer sound, pleased by the taste and the rush of relief that eating brings to him. The food compared to what he's been having back in pandaria lacks the usual spice and richness, but the fact that it was brought to him by Signless is what makes it so refreshing.]
It's good too.
[He speaks between bites, sandwich rising to his mouth several times in succession as he chews and swallows it down. Before even he realizes it the sandwich has been nearly devoured.]
-=he reaches out to brush a bit of the pale hair out of the prince's eyes. He hadn't spoken as a ruin ate, allowing his friend the time to unwind where he can. Food can sometimes be soothing, especially when one is weary=-
[His head bows his head a little closer to what remains of his sandwich in acknowledgement, cheeks taking on a pale shade of red out of embarrassment. In this case the bites from earlier have done more to ground him than other things he's done since he returned. Aside from the shower earlier this is his first real chance to wind down and recover the energy he lost earlier from fighting and saving lives.]
At this rate I do not believe you will have to worry over that.
[In truth he should be eating a small feast and maybe sleep for a few days, but Anduin knew at the moment he could afford no such luxury. He finishes the sandwich in another few quick bites and then reaches forward to cup his hands around the base of the soup bowl. He sighs thankfully, cradling the bowl and just enjoys the way the warmth feels against his palms.]
Looking back now I thought I would be happier to go home.
-=signless waits patiently as anduin eats, content that at least for now he's taking care of himself and getting a moment's rest. a sense of peace will come again in time, but for now he'll be there to support his lover however he needs.
when anduin goes for the soup, signless finally lifts a hand to gently rub along the princes back, willing calm even though he doesn't even know if that's something his supposed abilities would allow=-
I know but it's not like we'd be s33ing her again under any other circumstances, would we? :((
I want to! but I think she needs to get used to the place and perhaps m33t all of you first I've let her know she'd be welcome, though also that there are kitties here
I wouldn't say that. This is a circumstance we never would have considered to be possible. I'd like to hope that there are other, preferable ones as well.
I'll make sure to welcome her myself. She's loved, even if she cannot remember.
video - late evening 5/7
Signless? If you are there and available it is Anduin.
audio ==> video
so hearing from him again is the last thing he'd expected=-
Anduin? I'm here!
-=it takes him a moment, but he gets to a mirror to meet him face to face. it's hard to hide the fact that he's happy to see him, but it fades when the condition his friend is in registers more clearly=-
Are you alright?
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I am fine. It's been a while ... for me that is. A few weeks home and only two days here. It all seems quite surreal.
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-=he's more aware of it now since Karkat had called him a 'seer of blood'. blood is bond. one that encompasses loyalty, allegiance, friendship, and the bonds that tie souls together, whatever they are; it is trust vindicated, pacts unbroken, promises kept, mistakes forgiven, and crimes absolved.
something broke in anduin, severed harshly and the closest thing he can compare it too is an open wound. that kind of feeling is so common in his world that it stands out so much now since he's been without an ability he hadn't even known he had let alone how to use=-
Someone hurt you.
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It takes him a moment longer to respond, his words forming into answer that is sadly lacking.]
It has been a long day.
[He can not lie to Signless, but his explanation is poor.]
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Have you eaten? I could make you something.
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No... I'm afraid I have not thought about it until now, but please it was not my intent to trouble you. I called to apologize about missing our lesson.
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[He sighs the troll's name gratefully.]
I would hate to impose on your friends, but you would be welcome to come over. I will have the house to myself for some time.
[Forever.]
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-=he's already on the move, planning to order and tick up some food on the way to save time. he more worried than he's letting on. he has more empathy than most humans, let alone trolls=-
Just try to relax?
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[It'll give him time to ... sit, pace, or at the very least drag a few blankets from the unused bedroom down to the living room for them to make use of while they're on the couch.]
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he too struggles to eat when he's stressed or upset, and often needs to be force fed by those that care. it might make him a bit hypocritical of him to be the one stressing food, but it's only because he knows anduin will be better for it. he always had been.
when he reaches the house, he knocks on the door and waits quietly, if not fretfully, fingers worrying at a fold in the paper bag he's holding in his arms=-
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Thanks for coming.
[He is not certain he sounds grateful enough for the troll's kind actions.]
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You are more than welcome, Anduin.
-=he presses a kiss to his cheek=-
Come, I brought food for you. You should eat, even if it's just a little.
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Food?
[He responds distractedly as his shoulders slump in protest at the loss of physical contact.]
So long as you will join me I promise to do my best.
[He motions towards the couch.]
Can I offer you something to drink?
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Yes, food!
-=he smiles and lifts up the bag he's carrying=-
And you don't have to worry about me. Tonight is for you.
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I assure you I have had plenty of attention given to me these last weeks. I would welcome the break.
[Of course, in hindsight now that he can recall the last few months he spent away in Ariel he regrets not enjoying the last few weeks he spent back at his father's side more. The trial had laid him bare emotionally and it's climax had ensured he would be feeling the physical effects for at least the next few days as things healed.]
What did you bring?
[The question is spoken to not only distract himself, but the Troll from worrying any more than he already is.]
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A sandwich and some soup? I wasn't certain what sort of things you liked to eat, so I had to guess.
-=he remains close as he settles down with anduin on the couch and unpacks the meal for him. he's still not going to pry about what happened, or ask who hurt him deeply enough that he'd been able to feel it through the network. if anduin wants to talk about it he will. if not, signless will just be there to try and distract him=-
Excuse me, I just realized I have no icons.
[Above all else it sounds simple. He could use that right now, but he's also not about to leave Signless wanting. At the couch he does not sit, instead he touches the troll's shoulder before withdrawing towards the kitchen. He allows his tired expression to speak for him, he won't be gone long and he comes back in just a few moments with a pair of glasses filled with water for them to drink. He sets them down and eases back to rest besides Signless.]
Perfect, even.
[He adds and for once finds it easier for his lips to curl into a small smile as his eyes take over the site of the food and the smell of the warm soup.]
doncha love when that happens
Good. I'm glad.
-=he motions towards the food, wanting for him to eat, even if it's just a little=-
Yup. All fixed now.
It's good too.
[He speaks between bites, sandwich rising to his mouth several times in succession as he chews and swallows it down. Before even he realizes it the sandwich has been nearly devoured.]
I suppose I was hungrier than I realized.
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-=he reaches out to brush a bit of the pale hair out of the prince's eyes. He hadn't spoken as a ruin ate, allowing his friend the time to unwind where he can. Food can sometimes be soothing, especially when one is weary=-
You should finish it, if you can.
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At this rate I do not believe you will have to worry over that.
[In truth he should be eating a small feast and maybe sleep for a few days, but Anduin knew at the moment he could afford no such luxury. He finishes the sandwich in another few quick bites and then reaches forward to cup his hands around the base of the soup bowl. He sighs thankfully, cradling the bowl and just enjoys the way the warmth feels against his palms.]
Looking back now I thought I would be happier to go home.
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when anduin goes for the soup, signless finally lifts a hand to gently rub along the princes back, willing calm even though he doesn't even know if that's something his supposed abilities would allow=-
Do you regret it now?
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signless!!!!
nepeta is back :33!!!!!
she is here and she is cuter than ever!
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Is she alright?
-=a pause=-
Does she remember?
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well, mostly
she's a little disoriented of course
oh
oh no she doesn't :((
but that's okay I've b33n busy telling her about everyone!
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Are you bringing her home this time?
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but
it's not like we'd be s33ing her again under any other circumstances, would we? :((
I want to!
but I think she needs to get used to the place and perhaps m33t all of you first
I've let her know she'd be welcome, though
also that there are kitties here
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I'll make sure to welcome her myself.
She's loved, even if she cannot remember.
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you're right as usual, love :33
h33h33 she will soon s33 it for herself!