Careful. [He says, voice suddenly dropping from the previous casual, conversational tone to more lower and dangerous one.] While I might feel some respect and gratitude towards you I will not hesitate find out just how intimate and personal my blade can be with that tongue of yours if you dare to speak ill of my father.
[Ok, to be fair towards Silco, he hadn't spoken badly of the man. However, the subject was very sore to Richard and he would make a good of the threat if he was given any reason to expect any disrespecting and unfavorable feelings towards his father. And it was that gratitude and lingering positive feelings he held for Silco that made Richard give out the warning. Because even now, the man somehow managed to be one of the few people who he Richard felt comfortable to be around and would not want to lose it for time being.]
Hope is dangerous thing. I merely made sure that any surviving Lancaster supporter would not ever again dream of going against my brother's throne. [Again. All the bloodshed and cruelty just to ensure the safety of Edward's claim on the crown. To secure the future of York kingdom and his father's dream. Nothing for poor Richard himself. At least not until much later when his own dark, sinful desires were dragged out of him by force.]
It sounds like our situations do not differ that much from one another. [Except as far as Richard understood, Silco did not have the divine blessing to back up his war like he and his brother had while going up against Lancasters. So, it sounds more like a peasant uprising than anything else -- but still not something to scoff at or to take lightly. Such uprisings and rebellions could easily cause a ripple effect in the kingdom and cost king his head.
But perhaps it was that lack of God's favor that landed the man here after his death, giving him the mark of the sinner.] I do hope that someone is able to continue your work, then.
[Silco raised his eyebrow at the threat leveled towards him, mentally revisiting his words about the death of Richard's father. He certainly said nothing that would discredit the man, which meant to him that it was such a sore subject that it required setting a boundary that was stronger than necessary. Richard sounded like a Piltie, prattling about bloodlines and the importance of honouring ones father. He admired the loyalty, and while he had absolutely no doubt in his mind that Richard would carry out that threat, he found it amusing.
He closed the distance between himself and Richard on the game trail and leaned in so they were looking eye-to-eye. The corner of his lip twisted to an small smile.] I will hold you to that promise. I admire that kind of loyalty, and I would very much like to hear his great deeds to earn such respect and loyalty from you.
[It might be worthwhile having a King-out-of-water in his back pocket. Also, he had been threatened many times in his life time and most of them had held promise to it, so this honestly felt like things were getting back to normal. Richard had plenty of hot buttons, and he certainly was curious to discover them and how to aim the younger man in the direction of his rivals or enemies. Loyalty was important.]
Hope is what makes people bold. While I don't know your situation, I would have slit their throats and been done with it. They have not use to live but be a threat to you and yours. [Silco had done that to Vander's supporters when he had risen to power. Benzo had been the first, then Vander to follow, and a few key outspoken players and by then, everyone else was out to save their skins and went quiet. Fear was a good motivator as much as hope was.]
No they do not. The only difference I can see is we are the faceless foot soldiers in your war, and you are me in mine. You have the power, the smarts and the determination to force change. So do I. [He rose, reaching out to touch the pommel of Richard's sword with two fingers.] Zaun has been fed the run off for too long. I will see it free even beyond my death. Then we will be ready to stand against the war coming to our borders from beyond. And here, in this place, there is no war but it is what we make of it.
[He had no favour of any gods. He didn't want it either.] At least you and I can admit we are monsters who have purpose. I like that. It's rare here, and there's no shame in it. Embrace it, and if that requires the loss of my tongue someday, so be it.
[He stayed still when Silco approached, closing the small gap between them. There's a subtle curious change in his expression as he looks up at the man through his long lashes. Was this an intimidation attempt? Or try to establish power and control? Well, whatever it was Richard was not going to submit.]
So, you are saying that you are my reflection and I'm yours in different life. ['Not your other half, but you.' He reminds to himself, feeling already the loneliness echoing within him. He waits a quick moment, expecting fully to hear Joan and her taunting insults. But she stays gone, along with the voices shouting the curses at him. The only thing he could hear was the beating of his own heart, trying to break out of its prison. There it is again. The ugly hope he wanted to get rid off.]
My power was never obvious. I had to carve it for myself and take it. Nothing was ever given to me freely. Surely you understand. [It had been paid off by endless suffering and humiliation, pain and loss. If Silco truly meant what he said about them being the same, he would've gone through it all as well. The mark on his face was proof enough.
Richard briefly looked down at the fingers reaching to feel his sword. A small grin formed to his lips as he raised his hand to grab on the collar of Silco's shirt, pulling the man even closer so that he could feel the other's breath against his face.]
Then you know that the pact with a monster always comes with a heavy sacrifice. It's a double edged sword, drowning anyone who tries to wield it.
I'll let you infer whatever you like to my words. We do seem to have certain similarities to the paths of our lives from details we've discussed with each other. [They both seemed to be violent men in their own way, ruthless to get what they wanted but also smart enough to understand that outright force was not the best course of action. The slow long game as it were.
He made a low noise of acknowledgement to Richard's words, tilting his head as he held their mismatched gazes together.] Real power is not for those smartest or fastest or strongest but for those who will do anything to acquire it. Power is understanding your own strengths and employing them to best effect, and it's the slow game that take advantage of weaknesses in situations.
[His blue eye widened when he collar was seized, fingers tightening on the pommel of the sword. It was a rare situation that someone grabbed him in such a way; his previous reputation kept others well out of his range for the most part. There were a few that treated him roughly in an attempt to intimidate or harm him, but this... was different. It didn't yet put him on edge, but he hadn't decided if he hated it.]
I've been drowning all my life. Are you going considering making a pact with me, Richard? [Silco had no illusions of the fact he was a monster.] How does drowning make you feel?
I welcome the pain. However, I shall not be taken down so easily as that. Monster or no monster, I refuse to drown. [He holds Silco's gaze with his own, words spoken meticulously, yet hiding a hint of dangerous saccharine behind them. He does not doubt Silco's claim of his own nature. How else would he have been able to see through the beast within Richard if he wasn't hiding one inside as well.
Bites, bruises and claw marks he would accept without hesitation or questions asked. But he would not let himself to be controlled or chained by another monster. No matter how much comfort the company of his own kind bring him.]
But I think we are getting ahead of ourselves. You are you, and I'm me. And at the moment there is only so much we could give to each other. [There's a laughter creeping to his tone as he lets go of the man's collar, giving the fabric a quick brush before he steps past him. And just like that, Richard withdraws from the moment. He sees the bait and the hand that is offering it, but circles around it rather than accept it.] We are losing the light fast. I'd suggest we'd make haste towards the caves if we wish to make it back before the break of the new day.
Is that because you are used to pain, so it is comforting with its familiarity? [He made a noise, and he expected they had very different views of drowning.] There is peace in water, but there is violence too. A rage and a quiet working in opposites.
[The little temptation of the moment was broken with Richard moved away, and he stood back to his full height as he gave himself a few second to reorganize his thoughts. He ignored the brief current of disappointment; there would be other opportunities, of course. He would see what Richard was capable of eventually.]
Yes, trust and loyalty require sacrifice and time. [He turned from facing the younger man to start back on the path. Darkness never frightened him; he was the monster out here more often than not.] Oh I have no issue traveling in the dark; after all, I brought no such light source for cave travel. I can manage perfectly well without. [He had grown up in the mines of the Undercity, but he could understand how most would not feel as comfortable as he with that.
So he walked, passing by trees, rocks and underbrush as the evening deepened with each step. He tucked his hands into his coat pockets and walked the path he had many times before. The mouth of the cave emerged as the tree line fell away, and he simply kept walking to the dark maw of stone.]
[Well, he hit right on the money with that. Richard's constant suffering was endless, marked permanently on him and clinging like a cloth. The pain and agony were his loyal companions, and he would only welcome the foreign beast to try out his luck with him. Let them come and try. He'll always emerge victorious.
There is only brief and quiet hum of approval from him. It'd be foolish of him to place his trust on Silco. Especially with the common recognition between them. After all, men like them only followed their own calling. Dealing with souls did cheapen the cost of loyalty and trust.]
You are not worried of what lives in the woods? ['Of the witches and monsters', he thinks to himself. The memory of the dark woods of his childhood were fresh and vivid in his mind, making him feel suffocating fear coiling around him. And yet, he still found himself returning there. It was almost as if he was looking for something, a part of himself perhaps. Who knows, maybe that was the reason the other man also felt draw towards the darkness of the caves.]
[The lack of verbal answer to his question was actually answer enough for him. He had the impression that Richard was all about suffering, either causing it or being subjected to it. The air of the man was restrained with an undercurrent that violence was always an option. Whether that violence was defensive or offensive likely depended on the situation, but since he had already been threatened with losing his tongue over a comment about Richard's father... he was leaning towards defensive.
He knew self hatred when he saw it. Those possibilities could be masked, erased or momentarily forgotten in a place like Zaun, which they unfortunately were not in. He would simply have to give Richard the benefit of the doubt to not stab him in the back for now.]
Why would I be? Most who know me would claim I'm the biggest monster out here. [He smirked as if to say that they were probably right. He glanced back at Richard as he had to lean forward and use his hands to walk up the incline to come up to the mouth of the cave.] Besides, I have you with your sword, and you seem to be perfectly willing to tangle with whatever lives out here. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Even a monster bleeds when cut down. [Despite their despicable and monstrous natures they still are made of flesh and bones. Such soft and fragile armors, giving them little to none protection from the fangs of a real beast lurking in the darkness.]
Do you always place your trust in the mercy of a good Samaritan? [But Silco is right, once again. Because as long as he's with Richard he is safe. He might not be a knight in shining armor, fighting for a justice, but he will not let his companion to be taken down if he has a power to prevent it.] Aye, you are correct. Must be your lucky day.
I'm aware. But in this place, monsters like us are reborn to relive and learn from our previous mistakes. [That was the theory anyway, but he hadn't been willing to test it himself. He had heard that people had died and returned, yet others had left without a trace and never returned.] They want us to reform after all, and I have considerable to repent for I imagine.
[He actually chuckled at the question, stopping at the mouth of the cave to look at Richard.] I never put my trust in any good Samaritan. However, as far as I can see, you don't benefit from my death, and I think you and I are interested in exploring this opportunity. [The caves, he meant, but he'd leave it to Richard to fill in whatever idea the opportunity was.]
There are lessons of the flesh that one could do without. [Because really. That sounds like a lazy excuse to Richard. Even if death is not permanent he does not see point in challenging it and invite agony for no other reason than foolish pride and misplaced arrogance. Richard has had enough near death experiences in his life, with most of them either from battlefield or from his own youthful recklessness in the wilds, to know better than to play with fire unless it's necessary.
But it does seem like Silco is a smart man in more ways than just one. Because as things stand Richard does benefit from keeping the man alive, not only for practical reasons but also to satiate his curiosity and state of mind. Silco does interest him, yes, but also brings him some of that damned comfort that calms his stormy mind -- chasing the ghosts away for time being.
Though the question does make him raise a questioning brow as he steps closer to the opening of the cave.]
There are lessons of the flesh only learned with a little roughness. [He had no intention of dying, and he knew that at this time of evening that creatures were looking for other prey at this point. The cave was normally deserted especially as darkness fell and even better, the tablets didn't work well in the cave system so there was momentary peace.] Of course, most of those lessons require exposure, usually afterwards. [Bandages, salve, healing tinctures and the sort.
He waited for Richard to join him close to the cave mouth; it was best to be physically close or with contact with each other since there would be no light in which to see once they were deeper in. He was confident of his ability to navigate, but he honestly did not know how Richard would react.]
I don't discount the possibility, but I don't let it weigh down my actions either. I've seen no evident for or against the fates. I prefer my actions to be my own, good or bad.
[He falls quiet on the topic. There is a faint, almost a phantom like, pain tingling on his left arm. The burnt injury reminding Richard of its presence once again. The skin was slowly healing underneath the securing cloth, but Richard knew that it would never truly go away. Pain would remain along with the markings, hindering his movements forever. But what was the lesson to be learned from the act of self-mutilation? And to who? A sacrifice to the crown. Warning to his enemies as he allowed himself to resemble the demon everyone claimed him to be. All while his other half would link the divinity to his body and name. Such a foul play.
A lesson in fear, he supposes. And in deceit. ]
In my world they believe that everything has already been decided. That all we can do is follow God's plan for us and fulfill our roles in His divine play, that is what it means to be human. [Knitting his brows in a frown, Richard stares in the dark depths of abyss in front of him. A door to crust of earth, is it? Pathway to hell.] But even if that is true, what would that mean for monsters?
That's feels like a isolating idea. I don't like the idea that our struggles, our victories, our daily lives are nothing more then motions we walk because a higher power made it so. No, I walk my path because I chose to do so. [He considered at Richard's question, reaching out slowly so his movements were completely telegraphed.] It means your God doesn't want the best for you or anyone else.
[He gestured with his other hand towards the mouth of the cave.] I'm going to take your hand to guide you, alright? Once we are deep inside, there will be little to no light. I know the paths by feel.
[With the hand he had moved closer, he took one of Richard's hands and turned away to begin to walk into the cave itself. As promised, there was little to no light within a few feet of the entrance, though there was the sound of Silco humming low in his throat. His orange mutilated eye also gave off a faint glow in the dark as he turned his head to listen and feel the stonework under his finger tips.]
If you wish to go back outside, all you have to do is say so. I think the trip will be worthwhile though.
[Richard blinks at the response, the corner of his lips curling into a subtle yet sardonic smile. "The insolence," he thinks to himself bemusedly. If he were to speak out such blasphemy he is certain it would cost him his head. Yes, he just likes you even more now.] I have heard that people find comfort in that thought. In knowing that all of their suffering and happiness have meaning, or that we are not alone. God is looking after us like a shepherd after his sheep. But yes. I think I agree with you.
[The smile, however, freezes when Silco reaches out for his hand. Richard does not pull back or fight, allowing the contact. And when swiftly glances at their joined hands Richard could swear he heard whispering coming from somewhere. But that might have been the rustling of the leaves in the trees. Either way, the sound is highly unpleasant, making his skin crawl.]
I am no child. [It's all he has to say as he steps inside the cave, following Silco closely.]
I've heard the same, but people in their lowest moments or succumbing to their despair find ways to reconcile their miserable small lives. If there were gods or a God that was deeply invested in the lives of the sheep, wars, conflicts and other such tragedies would likely not be apart of our lives. They are, so we make the most of our available decisions and actions. [He had no doubt that they could discuss such matters at length.
They even had time in the caves if they wanted to. It would be some travel to arrive at the intended destination, and he was curious how well Richard would do in the absolute darkness of this place. Most felt the walls closing in around them, every sound a danger, every smell a shock.]
Who called you a child? [He pulled Richard along lightly, keeping the younger man close so the risk of losing that hand was limited. Soon the cave widened, and he moved Richard's hand to hip waist.] Hold there. I need both hands for this part. [Mentally, he knew where he was going, how far it was and when to turn, but he had another so decided to be a little extra cautious so as not to potentially spook the other.]
You treat me like one. [Richard is barely a stranger to a darkness. For he has carried it with him his entire life, hiding in the shadows as his brothers would bask in the light. That had always been his role, hasn't it. Wrapped in a cold steel, wiping the royal buttocks off the mess that they made. At least until the fire within him had been set ablaze, inviting him to step out into the light. Before that, darkness had brought him comfort in its solitude.
But now? Now it felt almost like too much. Had he truly gotten already so accustomed to the unnatural, never ending light of the city that he had forgotten where he once came from? The dark castle halls feel so far away.
Richard squints his eyes, trying to get used to the darkness surrounding them. "You mustn't let go of the hand in the dark." The voice reminds him, coldness settling into his body. There is a flash of a memory of a much slender hand holding his own in his mind, guiding him right into the heart of a forest. And, just for a second, he swears that his heart stops when Silco moves his hand, letting go of him. Just like mother did.
The fear of abandonment raises its ugly head, making Richard pause before quickly reaching forward to grab Silco's forearm.]
You are no child. Most top dwellers I know don't enjoy the dark as my people do; it unnerves them. I only wanted to prepare you. [It wasn't as he needed to justify himself, and he shouldn't care about the accusation. After all, it was more care than he usually bothered with those the followed him into the dark places that he could frequent to slip away from the business of Aldrip.
He came here because it was familiar, the kind of darkness that reminded his childhood. This was where he could think, where he could return to his roots. There was comfort for him in this darkness, feeling the rocks under his fingertips, sliding his feet rather than just lifting them in case there was a hazard of tripping.
Silco made a noise when Richard's hand seized his forearm, and he turned slightly with the grip of it.]
It's okay. I wouldn't leave you behind.
[He also didn't redirect Richard's grip again; he could manage without both hands if he needed to. In order to avoid panic of this place, he used his forearm to tug Richard closer to his back where the younger man could crowd him if necessary.]
Keep close, we've only just begun. Just two monsters in the dark, hmm?
[So bold of him to chastise the man for treating him too softly, only to let the fears of his childhood get better of him. Even in his current state, Richard can feel the barbs of shame prickling against his back.
Richard's grip is strong, holding both of them still just like the breath that's won't leave from his lungs. Well, it's a small blessing that Silco can't see the distress twist Richard's expression. Then, when he is pulled closer he uses that as chance to press properly against other's back, resting his forehead on Silco's shoulder. The body heat helps him to calm down his nerves, calling him back from nightmare of his past.
As long as he's here she can't control him any more. None of her words can't hurt him. He's right, he tells himself. Just two monster lurking in the dark where they belong. If something were to come their way he would simply cut it down, tear it from limb to limb and gobble up its remains.
A shaky brief escapes from him, body relaxing as his expression returns back to neutral. His hold on the man's forearm loosens, fingers sliding down to take a hold of his wrist instead.]
[He might not be able to see the distress, but it was like a miasma in the air, a prickle along his skin. He'd lost enforcers in the dark before, and their panic was the same. He might not know the source of Richard's exact reason for distress, but it all fell into similar patterns; in this case, he didn't hate the younger man enough to consider just leaving him here in the dark. No, he had intentions to take them further in.
Yet momentarily stiffened when Richard was suddenly leaning on him, though that was a normal reaction he supposed. Marcus hadn't dared to get that close even when their truce was in its infancy. His coat might be a protective barrier, but he was reminded in that moment that Richard was much smaller than himself, almost femininely slight. It had been a long time since anyone but Jinx - who was a slight woman herself - pressed in this close to him. Oh how Richard couldn't know the usual neutrality or even aversions to it.
He waited for the panic to subside, and he didn't fight as that grip moved to his wrist instead.]
Of course. There's a fork up ahead and we'll be taking the right passage.
[He began to move again, leading them along close to the right wall so that he could easily take them into the right passage as he had planned. Deeper into the caves where the lack of sound could be oppressive. It didn't bother him, of course. All the while, he allowed Richard his wrist and to keep in close.]
[The thing is, Richard is hardly overly affectionate person either. He, too, tends to avoid contact unnecessarily contact if possible. But through the dealings with Buckingham he's learned that a there is even a subtlest touch can hold power. Another tool of deceit and manipulation. However, in this case it had another purpose, not to control but to heal. And seeing how Silco is also privy to one of his secrets, one that not even his other half never knew, so there was already some trust forming -- even if it is a shaky one.
The further they walked in the more did his eyes got used to the darkness. He still couldn't make out of the fine details of the walls around them, but moving became easier as he no longer didn't have to doubt his every step.]
[Once they were in motion and things begin to line up smoothly with Richard following in step with him. That made things easier as they progressed through the caves, taking the necessary turns. He was keenly aware of the feel of Richard's hand around his wrist, the warmth bleeding through the fabric. In the dark, there was hypersensitivity to certain stimuli, and that's where some of his focus remained.
He took a left turn, having to ease across the tunnel to make it so they were momentarily without any wall to orient with.]
Spare thoughts usually, but I've never had much company in the caves. Least of all someone I knew the name of coming in. [He reached out until his fingers brushed the stone.] But today, I was going to show you the scaly beasts I told you about previously. If that interests you?
[The man's ability to traverse and navigate inside the cave system without a sight, needing no more than touch of his finger tips, truly is impressive one. Richard doesn't think he's ever met anyone who's been able to do so. But then again, he had never visited the depths of the mines, had he? Silco might not look like on who originated from the depths of the caves, not with that slim and seemingly fragile looking body, but it would make sense. After all, the man did speak of those who lived above, showering in the light of the day - separating them from himself.
'Is it not rich of you to judge the others by their appearance! You, out of all people, ought to know dangers of such blindness.' Joan laughs somewhere, her raw cackling echoing against the walls of the cavern. But Richard was not going to take the bait this time. It wasn't like she was wrong.]
Ah. Are you hoping to perhaps reap glory by slaying one? [He laughs lightly, sneering smile hidden away from the sight.] It would be a heroic deed that'd the bards would sing about to the future generations.
[Fissure folk were a hardy lot, and Silco had always made a point to return to his roots frequently. That's who he had been trying to raise up from oppression after all, and he liked to remind himself that he had once been nothing more than one of them regardless of how high his tower was. Besides, there was peace in the dark if one knew how to navigate it, and there were always subtle signs in caves even when the air was oppressive and the darkness was closing in.
That Richard simply held on and followed his lead was a point in the younger man's favour. Most would want light by now, verging on panic and already turned around as their imaginations took over for what monsters lurked waiting for them.]
Hardly. I see no glory is killing such beauty. Most would call them monsters, not realizing the irony that there is a monster in all of us. [He didn't mind being teased; he didn't come across nor cared to come across as someone who was into such heroics. That was Vander.] Such tales are mostly lies and embellishments anyway. Truth is just a survivor's story and history is written by the victors.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
(no subject)
Date: 2024-05-31 10:00 am (UTC)[Ok, to be fair towards Silco, he hadn't spoken badly of the man. However, the subject was very sore to Richard and he would make a good of the threat if he was given any reason to expect any disrespecting and unfavorable feelings towards his father. And it was that gratitude and lingering positive feelings he held for Silco that made Richard give out the warning. Because even now, the man somehow managed to be one of the few people who he Richard felt comfortable to be around and would not want to lose it for time being.]
Hope is dangerous thing. I merely made sure that any surviving Lancaster supporter would not ever again dream of going against my brother's throne. [Again. All the bloodshed and cruelty just to ensure the safety of Edward's claim on the crown. To secure the future of York kingdom and his father's dream. Nothing for poor Richard himself. At least not until much later when his own dark, sinful desires were dragged out of him by force.]
It sounds like our situations do not differ that much from one another. [Except as far as Richard understood, Silco did not have the divine blessing to back up his war like he and his brother had while going up against Lancasters. So, it sounds more like a peasant uprising than anything else -- but still not something to scoff at or to take lightly. Such uprisings and rebellions could easily cause a ripple effect in the kingdom and cost king his head.
But perhaps it was that lack of God's favor that landed the man here after his death, giving him the mark of the sinner.] I do hope that someone is able to continue your work, then.
(no subject)
Date: 2024-05-31 01:21 pm (UTC)He closed the distance between himself and Richard on the game trail and leaned in so they were looking eye-to-eye. The corner of his lip twisted to an small smile.] I will hold you to that promise. I admire that kind of loyalty, and I would very much like to hear his great deeds to earn such respect and loyalty from you.
[It might be worthwhile having a King-out-of-water in his back pocket. Also, he had been threatened many times in his life time and most of them had held promise to it, so this honestly felt like things were getting back to normal. Richard had plenty of hot buttons, and he certainly was curious to discover them and how to aim the younger man in the direction of his rivals or enemies. Loyalty was important.]
Hope is what makes people bold. While I don't know your situation, I would have slit their throats and been done with it. They have not use to live but be a threat to you and yours. [Silco had done that to Vander's supporters when he had risen to power. Benzo had been the first, then Vander to follow, and a few key outspoken players and by then, everyone else was out to save their skins and went quiet. Fear was a good motivator as much as hope was.]
No they do not. The only difference I can see is we are the faceless foot soldiers in your war, and you are me in mine. You have the power, the smarts and the determination to force change. So do I. [He rose, reaching out to touch the pommel of Richard's sword with two fingers.] Zaun has been fed the run off for too long. I will see it free even beyond my death. Then we will be ready to stand against the war coming to our borders from beyond. And here, in this place, there is no war but it is what we make of it.
[He had no favour of any gods. He didn't want it either.] At least you and I can admit we are monsters who have purpose. I like that. It's rare here, and there's no shame in it. Embrace it, and if that requires the loss of my tongue someday, so be it.
(no subject)
Date: 2024-05-31 02:51 pm (UTC)So, you are saying that you are my reflection and I'm yours in different life. ['Not your other half, but you.' He reminds to himself, feeling already the loneliness echoing within him. He waits a quick moment, expecting fully to hear Joan and her taunting insults. But she stays gone, along with the voices shouting the curses at him. The only thing he could hear was the beating of his own heart, trying to break out of its prison. There it is again. The ugly hope he wanted to get rid off.]
My power was never obvious. I had to carve it for myself and take it. Nothing was ever given to me freely. Surely you understand. [It had been paid off by endless suffering and humiliation, pain and loss. If Silco truly meant what he said about them being the same, he would've gone through it all as well. The mark on his face was proof enough.
Richard briefly looked down at the fingers reaching to feel his sword. A small grin formed to his lips as he raised his hand to grab on the collar of Silco's shirt, pulling the man even closer so that he could feel the other's breath against his face.]
Then you know that the pact with a monster always comes with a heavy sacrifice. It's a double edged sword, drowning anyone who tries to wield it.
(no subject)
Date: 2024-05-31 04:11 pm (UTC)He made a low noise of acknowledgement to Richard's words, tilting his head as he held their mismatched gazes together.] Real power is not for those smartest or fastest or strongest but for those who will do anything to acquire it. Power is understanding your own strengths and employing them to best effect, and it's the slow game that take advantage of weaknesses in situations.
[His blue eye widened when he collar was seized, fingers tightening on the pommel of the sword. It was a rare situation that someone grabbed him in such a way; his previous reputation kept others well out of his range for the most part. There were a few that treated him roughly in an attempt to intimidate or harm him, but this... was different. It didn't yet put him on edge, but he hadn't decided if he hated it.]
I've been drowning all my life. Are you going considering making a pact with me, Richard? [Silco had no illusions of the fact he was a monster.] How does drowning make you feel?
(no subject)
Date: 2024-05-31 11:20 pm (UTC)Bites, bruises and claw marks he would accept without hesitation or questions asked. But he would not let himself to be controlled or chained by another monster. No matter how much comfort the company of his own kind bring him.]
But I think we are getting ahead of ourselves. You are you, and I'm me. And at the moment there is only so much we could give to each other. [There's a laughter creeping to his tone as he lets go of the man's collar, giving the fabric a quick brush before he steps past him. And just like that, Richard withdraws from the moment. He sees the bait and the hand that is offering it, but circles around it rather than accept it.] We are losing the light fast. I'd suggest we'd make haste towards the caves if we wish to make it back before the break of the new day.
(no subject)
Date: 2024-06-01 02:24 am (UTC)[The little temptation of the moment was broken with Richard moved away, and he stood back to his full height as he gave himself a few second to reorganize his thoughts. He ignored the brief current of disappointment; there would be other opportunities, of course. He would see what Richard was capable of eventually.]
Yes, trust and loyalty require sacrifice and time. [He turned from facing the younger man to start back on the path. Darkness never frightened him; he was the monster out here more often than not.] Oh I have no issue traveling in the dark; after all, I brought no such light source for cave travel. I can manage perfectly well without. [He had grown up in the mines of the Undercity, but he could understand how most would not feel as comfortable as he with that.
So he walked, passing by trees, rocks and underbrush as the evening deepened with each step. He tucked his hands into his coat pockets and walked the path he had many times before. The mouth of the cave emerged as the tree line fell away, and he simply kept walking to the dark maw of stone.]
(no subject)
Date: 2024-06-01 05:44 pm (UTC)There is only brief and quiet hum of approval from him. It'd be foolish of him to place his trust on Silco. Especially with the common recognition between them. After all, men like them only followed their own calling. Dealing with souls did cheapen the cost of loyalty and trust.]
You are not worried of what lives in the woods? ['Of the witches and monsters', he thinks to himself. The memory of the dark woods of his childhood were fresh and vivid in his mind, making him feel suffocating fear coiling around him. And yet, he still found himself returning there. It was almost as if he was looking for something, a part of himself perhaps. Who knows, maybe that was the reason the other man also felt draw towards the darkness of the caves.]
(no subject)
Date: 2024-06-01 05:56 pm (UTC)He knew self hatred when he saw it. Those possibilities could be masked, erased or momentarily forgotten in a place like Zaun, which they unfortunately were not in. He would simply have to give Richard the benefit of the doubt to not stab him in the back for now.]
Why would I be? Most who know me would claim I'm the biggest monster out here. [He smirked as if to say that they were probably right. He glanced back at Richard as he had to lean forward and use his hands to walk up the incline to come up to the mouth of the cave.] Besides, I have you with your sword, and you seem to be perfectly willing to tangle with whatever lives out here. Correct me if I'm wrong.
(no subject)
Date: 2024-06-01 11:57 pm (UTC)Do you always place your trust in the mercy of a good Samaritan? [But Silco is right, once again. Because as long as he's with Richard he is safe. He might not be a knight in shining armor, fighting for a justice, but he will not let his companion to be taken down if he has a power to prevent it.] Aye, you are correct. Must be your lucky day.
(no subject)
Date: 2024-06-02 12:06 am (UTC)[He actually chuckled at the question, stopping at the mouth of the cave to look at Richard.] I never put my trust in any good Samaritan. However, as far as I can see, you don't benefit from my death, and I think you and I are interested in exploring this opportunity. [The caves, he meant, but he'd leave it to Richard to fill in whatever idea the opportunity was.]
Luck or fortune favouring me?
(no subject)
Date: 2024-06-02 01:33 am (UTC)But it does seem like Silco is a smart man in more ways than just one. Because as things stand Richard does benefit from keeping the man alive, not only for practical reasons but also to satiate his curiosity and state of mind. Silco does interest him, yes, but also brings him some of that damned comfort that calms his stormy mind -- chasing the ghosts away for time being.
Though the question does make him raise a questioning brow as he steps closer to the opening of the cave.]
Do you believe in such things? Fate and fortunes?
(no subject)
Date: 2024-06-02 03:00 am (UTC)He waited for Richard to join him close to the cave mouth; it was best to be physically close or with contact with each other since there would be no light in which to see once they were deeper in. He was confident of his ability to navigate, but he honestly did not know how Richard would react.]
I don't discount the possibility, but I don't let it weigh down my actions either. I've seen no evident for or against the fates. I prefer my actions to be my own, good or bad.
(no subject)
Date: 2024-06-02 05:01 pm (UTC)A lesson in fear, he supposes. And in deceit. ]
In my world they believe that everything has already been decided. That all we can do is follow God's plan for us and fulfill our roles in His divine play, that is what it means to be human. [Knitting his brows in a frown, Richard stares in the dark depths of abyss in front of him. A door to crust of earth, is it? Pathway to hell.] But even if that is true, what would that mean for monsters?
After you.
(no subject)
Date: 2024-06-02 06:52 pm (UTC)[He gestured with his other hand towards the mouth of the cave.] I'm going to take your hand to guide you, alright? Once we are deep inside, there will be little to no light. I know the paths by feel.
[With the hand he had moved closer, he took one of Richard's hands and turned away to begin to walk into the cave itself. As promised, there was little to no light within a few feet of the entrance, though there was the sound of Silco humming low in his throat. His orange mutilated eye also gave off a faint glow in the dark as he turned his head to listen and feel the stonework under his finger tips.]
If you wish to go back outside, all you have to do is say so. I think the trip will be worthwhile though.
(no subject)
Date: 2024-06-02 07:54 pm (UTC)[The smile, however, freezes when Silco reaches out for his hand. Richard does not pull back or fight, allowing the contact. And when swiftly glances at their joined hands Richard could swear he heard whispering coming from somewhere. But that might have been the rustling of the leaves in the trees. Either way, the sound is highly unpleasant, making his skin crawl.]
I am no child. [It's all he has to say as he steps inside the cave, following Silco closely.]
(no subject)
Date: 2024-06-02 08:11 pm (UTC)They even had time in the caves if they wanted to. It would be some travel to arrive at the intended destination, and he was curious how well Richard would do in the absolute darkness of this place. Most felt the walls closing in around them, every sound a danger, every smell a shock.]
Who called you a child? [He pulled Richard along lightly, keeping the younger man close so the risk of losing that hand was limited. Soon the cave widened, and he moved Richard's hand to hip waist.] Hold there. I need both hands for this part. [Mentally, he knew where he was going, how far it was and when to turn, but he had another so decided to be a little extra cautious so as not to potentially spook the other.]
(no subject)
Date: 2024-06-02 09:41 pm (UTC)But now? Now it felt almost like too much. Had he truly gotten already so accustomed to the unnatural, never ending light of the city that he had forgotten where he once came from? The dark castle halls feel so far away.
Richard squints his eyes, trying to get used to the darkness surrounding them. "You mustn't let go of the hand in the dark." The voice reminds him, coldness settling into his body. There is a flash of a memory of a much slender hand holding his own in his mind, guiding him right into the heart of a forest. And, just for a second, he swears that his heart stops when Silco moves his hand, letting go of him. Just like mother did.
The fear of abandonment raises its ugly head, making Richard pause before quickly reaching forward to grab Silco's forearm.]
No.
(no subject)
Date: 2024-06-02 10:02 pm (UTC)He came here because it was familiar, the kind of darkness that reminded his childhood. This was where he could think, where he could return to his roots. There was comfort for him in this darkness, feeling the rocks under his fingertips, sliding his feet rather than just lifting them in case there was a hazard of tripping.
Silco made a noise when Richard's hand seized his forearm, and he turned slightly with the grip of it.]
It's okay. I wouldn't leave you behind.
[He also didn't redirect Richard's grip again; he could manage without both hands if he needed to. In order to avoid panic of this place, he used his forearm to tug Richard closer to his back where the younger man could crowd him if necessary.]
Keep close, we've only just begun. Just two monsters in the dark, hmm?
(no subject)
Date: 2024-06-02 10:56 pm (UTC)Richard's grip is strong, holding both of them still just like the breath that's won't leave from his lungs. Well, it's a small blessing that Silco can't see the distress twist Richard's expression. Then, when he is pulled closer he uses that as chance to press properly against other's back, resting his forehead on Silco's shoulder. The body heat helps him to calm down his nerves, calling him back from nightmare of his past.
As long as he's here she can't control him any more. None of her words can't hurt him. He's right, he tells himself. Just two monster lurking in the dark where they belong. If something were to come their way he would simply cut it down, tear it from limb to limb and gobble up its remains.
A shaky brief escapes from him, body relaxing as his expression returns back to neutral. His hold on the man's forearm loosens, fingers sliding down to take a hold of his wrist instead.]
Yes. Let us continue.
(no subject)
Date: 2024-06-02 11:12 pm (UTC)Yet momentarily stiffened when Richard was suddenly leaning on him, though that was a normal reaction he supposed. Marcus hadn't dared to get that close even when their truce was in its infancy. His coat might be a protective barrier, but he was reminded in that moment that Richard was much smaller than himself, almost femininely slight. It had been a long time since anyone but Jinx - who was a slight woman herself - pressed in this close to him. Oh how Richard couldn't know the usual neutrality or even aversions to it.
He waited for the panic to subside, and he didn't fight as that grip moved to his wrist instead.]
Of course. There's a fork up ahead and we'll be taking the right passage.
[He began to move again, leading them along close to the right wall so that he could easily take them into the right passage as he had planned. Deeper into the caves where the lack of sound could be oppressive. It didn't bother him, of course. All the while, he allowed Richard his wrist and to keep in close.]
(no subject)
Date: 2024-06-03 12:11 am (UTC)The further they walked in the more did his eyes got used to the darkness. He still couldn't make out of the fine details of the walls around them, but moving became easier as he no longer didn't have to doubt his every step.]
What are you hoping to find from here?
(no subject)
Date: 2024-06-03 12:52 am (UTC)He took a left turn, having to ease across the tunnel to make it so they were momentarily without any wall to orient with.]
Spare thoughts usually, but I've never had much company in the caves. Least of all someone I knew the name of coming in. [He reached out until his fingers brushed the stone.] But today, I was going to show you the scaly beasts I told you about previously. If that interests you?
(no subject)
Date: 2024-06-04 11:23 am (UTC)'Is it not rich of you to judge the others by their appearance! You, out of all people, ought to know dangers of such blindness.' Joan laughs somewhere, her raw cackling echoing against the walls of the cavern. But Richard was not going to take the bait this time. It wasn't like she was wrong.]
Ah. Are you hoping to perhaps reap glory by slaying one? [He laughs lightly, sneering smile hidden away from the sight.] It would be a heroic deed that'd the bards would sing about to the future generations.
(no subject)
Date: 2024-06-04 01:09 pm (UTC)That Richard simply held on and followed his lead was a point in the younger man's favour. Most would want light by now, verging on panic and already turned around as their imaginations took over for what monsters lurked waiting for them.]
Hardly. I see no glory is killing such beauty. Most would call them monsters, not realizing the irony that there is a monster in all of us. [He didn't mind being teased; he didn't come across nor cared to come across as someone who was into such heroics. That was Vander.] Such tales are mostly lies and embellishments anyway. Truth is just a survivor's story and history is written by the victors.