Odd can be enjoyable. You do enjoy spending time with me, after all.
I wouldn't say replaced, as I don't think Zephyr is well-versed in mechanics and doubt he could pull off your fabulous hairstyle, but I imagine we'll remain roommates for at least the near future.
After all that happened in Kiichpan, I think it will be some time before I can return. I won't deny there is an element of cowardice to my decision. When I think of Kiichpan, all I see is pain and suffering. Loss. Of people, history, and culture.
I must admit... I still have nightmares about the collapse.
Hmmm, well, that's true, you are odd, and an absolute dear. I was very fortunate to spill coffee over you that one evening.
He might need to grow his own out quite a bit to manage that, it's true. Still, it sounds like you're quite comfortable together. I'm glad. He could use the company, I think, more than he'd like to admit.
...Ah, my friend. There's no cowardice in that. That sort of trauma lingers long after these sorts of events, and applies to the mind as well as the body. You must take time for your own healing, before you can look to offering the same for others.
I, too, feel extremely fortunate for our meeting, and also the kind launderer who removed the coffee stains from my attire before they could set.
I was a little worried to start, as I've never had a roommate before, but we live very well together, if I do say so myself. Zephyr is interesting to talk to, and more laid back than one would think. I've been reading to him in the evenings, and he tolerates my poetry and singing. When I cook for us, he tries what I make without complaining.
There really is a difference between a mature man and the 'boys' I am accustomed to. I mean no offense to Alphen or Law. I love them dearly, but their energy is on a different level.
We have been talking some, about Kiichpan and other issues. It's good to have someone who understands much of what I've been through, and has come through the other side.
I know you know how that feels, so I hope you and Kratos can do the same, and alleviate your own internal tempests.
Your poetry is lovely, Dohalim, and I'm sure he must enjoy it, otherwise why share the time with you to listen to your reading? Friends do not have to "simply tolerate it", after all. And he's grown enough that I doubt he'd shy away from such a conversation with you. I do understand what you mean, though. About energy levels. I'm sure much of the difference comes from age and experience.
Having that support is important. I'm glad he's willing to provide that for you, but do not let him think he is alone either.
Ah.. I don't think— He has enough to deal with, especially with taking care of Lloyd up until now. He has been generous enough to grant me safe harbour while I find my feet, and I won't linger any longer than necessary. he does not need that sort of burden I'll manage, as I always do.
Finding a new home here will be my first task now that I've more knowledge of the lay of the land..
The support is mutual. We have spoken of many things, some more personal than others. If someone had told me I would be bosom friends with the leader of the Crows, I would never have believed them.
But I suppose that speaks to much of what I've experienced both here and back home. What happened on Dahna was hardly more believable than what's going on in this place.
It sounds as if someone is being a tad hypocritical. You can't encourage me to seek comfort and security in others if you refuse to do the same. If Kratos asked you to stay with him, than I'm sure he is comfortable helping you through any issues you may have.
Will you return to Kiichpan, or are you considering remaining in Coatepec?
None of what has happened here could occur where I am from, but...It's funny, isn't it? The opportunities we are afforded here, and the bonds we have the opportunity to form with those we meet.
[ So removed from the trappings of home, while still bearing the lessons (and the scars, literal or otherwise.)
GOOD, call her out, she deserves to be. There's a stutter of ink, words half started before being scratched out, before finally, she settles on what she wants to say. (Probably still a hypocrite, though.) ]
Bear in mind the closeness you share with Zephyr is not the universal experience for everyone's friendships. And I am not refusing! Am I not speaking with you about such things? I simply...
I do not wish to alienate a new friend who's company I enjoy by oversharing. I am still learning where the boundaries lie, I suppose. And this arrangement has always been temporary.
For now, yes. Kiichpan is..unsafe, right now, for Vipers who bear no fangs. And with Coba housing many who've been displaced, Coatepec felt the better fit, for recovery. Perhaps in time, I will return.
Forgive me for saying so my friend, but for someone so concerned about oversharing I have known you to be quite... nosy. Relationships cannot be one-sided. Interest and action must be mutual. If you are interested in learning about him, then it's only fair you tell him about yourself.
Whether or not the arrangement is necessary or temporary, if you wish to become closer to someone than certain steps must be made to close the gap.
Then it seems we feel the same way about Kiichpan. At least we understand one another. The city I left was not the city I grew to love. I don't want to return before it looks alive again. Perhaps we can make the journey together someday.
[ Evidently that first reply is not at all serious, but the follow up certainly is. ]
You're not wrong, though. I do know that. I do. It is not as though we are uncomfortable in each other's presence, after all. But I do not wish to presume about any interest, mutual or otherwise.
Just...know that if I am choosing to take cautious steps forward, I do so out of past experience.
A city can be rebuilt. But it is the peoples' hearts I worry for. If both can be restored...then perhaps we can. I know I'd like to see it in good company.
If I don't say it, who will? Isn't that what friends are for?
;)
Regardless of the desired outcome, getting to know each other can only be a good thing. At best something may come of it, and at worst... you will be friends. Simply approach him the same way you approached me. He doesn't become a different beast than any other man simply because you may have feelings for him or vice versa.
I agree. The buildings may be restored, but the culture and community... that is what worries me.
You may yet rue the day you accepted my friendship.
I'm not sure how I should feel about "different beasts" and men in this context, but I think a wire may have been crossed somewhere — I am not sure what sort of desired outcome you seem to think I'm looking for here.
Kratos is just a friend.
I was worried, before. With the false Viper group. Concerns were waved away, like they were merely an inconvenience to be ignored. I might wish... Well, it cannot be helped now.
Perhaps. We can continue this discussion another time.
[Dohalim will be curious to hear how friendly they are in another few weeks.]
You might wish what? I was also concerned about the false Vipers. To see the way they took advantage of the chaos, and inflicted harm upon their fellow citizens to sate their greed... I remember facing a handful on my way out of the city, and I don't think they will be bothering anyone ever again.
[ Perhaps they'll both has stories to share on that front.. ]
I might wish they'd listened. That I'd pushed harder.
A few of the ones I met, after we initially arrived. They were all young kids, young adults, with some grown adults who really should have known better. How much of what likely started as mischief became malice due to neglect? To willing blind eyes? Would it really have been so difficult to bring them into the fold?
Zephyr made sure I knew a few defensive techniques, after..The temple. I'm almost sorry to say that they came to good use. But I'm grateful he insisted over my protests.
It's difficult to say what would or wouldn't have made a difference. In hindsight, we can see everything we couldn't when we were living and breathing the moment. With time comes clarity. Nobody could have anticipated what happened.
Not unless they were Viper, and even then... she is as fallible as the rest of us. I don't believe she knew the destruction that would be caused.
I'm glad Zephyr has shown you how to become more self-sufficient. It's a dangerous world, and everybody should have the means to protect themselves, even if its only until help can arrive.
I wish I had something I could teach you, but my techniques are rather specialized. The rod isn't the easiest weapon to master.
No. No they couldn't have. And Viper, I think, least of all. It's a little concerning how truly little they know, both about themselves and something like that.
You should ask Zephyr how difficult it was to get me to even consider hurting someone else to protect myself. Even the simple techniques he had me practice on himself...I will forever be a reluctant student of any martial art.
But that you would be willing to offer means the world to me.
Concerning, yes, but people thrust into the seat of power are still just that. People. Does anyone truly know themselves? Most everyone has moments of weakness and failure on the path to finding themselves. I made so many mistakes during my short reign that I can hardly blame the coterie leaders for their failures.
Except for Eagle.
[Fuck Eagle.]
Self-defense isn't only for your own benefit. If you know how to escape or de-escalate a situation it means someone won't have to fight on your behalf.
[ That will absolutely be saved for brunch, lbr. ]
If I were to lay blame anywhere, it would be as much with myself as it might be with the coterie organisation as a whole. But there is nothing to be done now, save pick up the pieces and learn from it. At least Viper has shown herself willing to take responsibility, for which she has my respect.
You really don't like him, do you.
Your poetry still far exceeds the quality of his, you know.
[ She's told Eagle so. Albeit over medallion, mostly because she's not met him in the flesh yet, even during her time in Coba. ]
Maybe so. De-escalation is often easier if one is in a position of power, or influence. Both of which mean little in the face of the incense. But I have the beginnings of told to buy myself time to escape, be it from man or monster, and I'm grateful for it.
You certainly don't give him some of the same allowance for not listening on that score as others. But given your sentiments in regards to him, it sounds like you have higher expectations for him as a leader accordingly.
(You're not wrong though.)
And yet, Zephyr has not allowed himself to become too hardened from that experience.
My issue with Eagle is his problems were so easily solved. The gates were already there, he simply had to close them. He took risks with peoples lives out of convenience.
As a former leader, that I cannot abide.
Zephyr is a stronger man than most. Mentally and physically.
I am constantly amazed by his resilience and compassion. So many men would have become entirely embittered and hateful by all he's experienced.
With a greater civilian population now on his doorstep, he'll have more chances to prove if he's still someone likely to take such risks to the same scale. But I think all four were shaken enough by Kiichpan.
And there are enough of us to remind them, should they forget.
I have hope they will set aside their differences for the betterment of the people. Now is not the time to bicker, or hold petty grudges.
[Says the man with a clearly petty grudge.]
True enough. I have been thinking on that subject as of late. In fact, I meant to speak to you about it, as soon as my thoughts were properly gathered.
I suspect we won't find anything quite as fanciful as they liked to show off in Kiichpan. But no doubt we can put our heads together to think of ways to support the return of such in future. While enjoying a nice meal, of course.
Why so? I know this place is...considerably strange and dangerous, but, I think everyone deserves to enjoy happiness when they find it. Fleeting or otherwise.
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I wouldn't say replaced, as I don't think Zephyr is well-versed in mechanics and doubt he could pull off your fabulous hairstyle, but I imagine we'll remain roommates for at least the near future.
After all that happened in Kiichpan, I think it will be some time before I can return. I won't deny there is an element of cowardice to my decision. When I think of Kiichpan, all I see is pain and suffering. Loss. Of people, history, and culture.
I must admit... I still have nightmares about the collapse.
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He might need to grow his own out quite a bit to manage that, it's true. Still, it sounds like you're quite comfortable together. I'm glad. He could use the company, I think, more than he'd like to admit.
...Ah, my friend. There's no cowardice in that. That sort of trauma lingers long after these sorts of events, and applies to the mind as well as the body. You must take time for your own healing, before you can look to offering the same for others.
I
[ there's a bit of a pause. ]
I know how that feels, a little.
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I was a little worried to start, as I've never had a roommate before, but we live very well together, if I do say so myself. Zephyr is interesting to talk to, and more laid back than one would think. I've been reading to him in the evenings, and he tolerates my poetry and singing. When I cook for us, he tries what I make without complaining.
There really is a difference between a mature man and the 'boys' I am accustomed to. I mean no offense to Alphen or Law. I love them dearly, but their energy is on a different level.
We have been talking some, about Kiichpan and other issues. It's good to have someone who understands much of what I've been through, and has come through the other side.
I know you know how that feels, so I hope you and Kratos can do the same, and alleviate your own internal tempests.
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Your poetry is lovely, Dohalim, and I'm sure he must enjoy it, otherwise why share the time with you to listen to your reading? Friends do not have to "simply tolerate it", after all. And he's grown enough that I doubt he'd shy away from such a conversation with you. I do understand what you mean, though. About energy levels. I'm sure much of the difference comes from age and experience.
Having that support is important. I'm glad he's willing to provide that for you, but do not let him think he is alone either.
Ah.. I don't think— He has enough to deal with, especially with taking care of Lloyd up until now. He has been generous enough to grant me safe harbour while I find my feet, and I won't linger any longer than necessary.
he does not need that sort of burdenI'll manage, as I always do.Finding a new home here will be my first task now that I've more knowledge of the lay of the land..
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But I suppose that speaks to much of what I've experienced both here and back home. What happened on Dahna was hardly more believable than what's going on in this place.
It sounds as if someone is being a tad hypocritical. You can't encourage me to seek comfort and security in others if you refuse to do the same. If Kratos asked you to stay with him, than I'm sure he is comfortable helping you through any issues you may have.
Will you return to Kiichpan, or are you considering remaining in Coatepec?
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[ So removed from the trappings of home, while still bearing the lessons (and the scars, literal or otherwise.)
GOOD, call her out, she deserves to be. There's a stutter of ink, words half started before being scratched out, before finally, she settles on what she wants to say. (Probably still a hypocrite, though.) ]
Bear in mind the closeness you share with Zephyr is not the universal experience for everyone's friendships. And I am not refusing! Am I not speaking with you about such things? I simply...
I do not wish to alienate a new friend who's company I enjoy by oversharing. I am still learning where the boundaries lie, I suppose. And this arrangement has always been temporary.
For now, yes. Kiichpan is..unsafe, right now, for Vipers who bear no fangs. And with Coba housing many who've been displaced, Coatepec felt the better fit, for recovery. Perhaps in time, I will return.
[ She fucking fled, is what she's not saying. ]
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Whether or not the arrangement is necessary or temporary, if you wish to become closer to someone than certain steps must be made to close the gap.
Then it seems we feel the same way about Kiichpan. At least we understand one another. The city I left was not the city I grew to love. I don't want to return before it looks alive again. Perhaps we can make the journey together someday.
1/2
how dare, mr il qaras. how very dare! ]
Hmmph! Well I never! I'm not sure I want to share anything further with you right now.
:P
2/2
You're not wrong, though. I do know that. I do. It is not as though we are uncomfortable in each other's presence, after all. But I do not wish to presume about any interest, mutual or otherwise.
Just...know that if I am choosing to take cautious steps forward, I do so out of past experience.
A city can be rebuilt. But it is the peoples' hearts I worry for. If both can be restored...then perhaps we can. I know I'd like to see it in good company.
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;)
Regardless of the desired outcome, getting to know each other can only be a good thing. At best something may come of it, and at worst... you will be friends. Simply approach him the same way you approached me. He doesn't become a different beast than any other man simply because you may have feelings for him or vice versa.
I agree. The buildings may be restored, but the culture and community... that is what worries me.
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I'm not sure how I should feel about "different beasts" and men in this context, but I think a wire may have been crossed somewhere — I am not sure what sort of desired outcome you seem to think I'm looking for here.
Kratos is just a friend.
I was worried, before. With the false Viper group. Concerns were waved away, like they were merely an inconvenience to be ignored. I might wish... Well, it cannot be helped now.
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[Dohalim will be curious to hear how friendly they are in another few weeks.]
You might wish what? I was also concerned about the false Vipers. To see the way they took advantage of the chaos, and inflicted harm upon their fellow citizens to sate their greed... I remember facing a handful on my way out of the city, and I don't think they will be bothering anyone ever again.
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[ Perhaps they'll both has stories to share on that front.. ]
I might wish they'd listened. That I'd pushed harder.
A few of the ones I met, after we initially arrived. They were all young kids, young adults, with some grown adults who really should have known better. How much of what likely started as mischief became malice due to neglect? To willing blind eyes? Would it really have been so difficult to bring them into the fold?
Zephyr made sure I knew a few defensive techniques, after..The temple. I'm almost sorry to say that they came to good use. But I'm grateful he insisted over my protests.
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It's difficult to say what would or wouldn't have made a difference. In hindsight, we can see everything we couldn't when we were living and breathing the moment. With time comes clarity. Nobody could have anticipated what happened.
Not unless they were Viper, and even then... she is as fallible as the rest of us. I don't believe she knew the destruction that would be caused.
I'm glad Zephyr has shown you how to become more self-sufficient. It's a dangerous world, and everybody should have the means to protect themselves, even if its only until help can arrive.
I wish I had something I could teach you, but my techniques are rather specialized. The rod isn't the easiest weapon to master.
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No. No they couldn't have. And Viper, I think, least of all. It's a little concerning how truly little they know, both about themselves and something like that.
You should ask Zephyr how difficult it was to get me to even consider hurting someone else to protect myself. Even the simple techniques he had me practice on himself...I will forever be a reluctant student of any martial art.
But that you would be willing to offer means the world to me.
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Concerning, yes, but people thrust into the seat of power are still just that. People. Does anyone truly know themselves? Most everyone has moments of weakness and failure on the path to finding themselves. I made so many mistakes during my short reign that I can hardly blame the coterie leaders for their failures.
Except for Eagle.
[Fuck Eagle.]
Self-defense isn't only for your own benefit. If you know how to escape or de-escalate a situation it means someone won't have to fight on your behalf.
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If I were to lay blame anywhere, it would be as much with myself as it might be with the coterie organisation as a whole. But there is nothing to be done now, save pick up the pieces and learn from it. At least Viper has shown herself willing to take responsibility, for which she has my respect.
You really don't like him, do you.
Your poetry still far exceeds the quality of his, you know.
[ She's told Eagle so. Albeit over medallion, mostly because she's not met him in the flesh yet, even during her time in Coba. ]
Maybe so. De-escalation is often easier if one is in a position of power, or influence. Both of which mean little in the face of the incense. But I have the beginnings of told to buy myself time to escape, be it from man or monster, and I'm grateful for it.
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I'm glad you agree. Personally, I think his poetry is much like his personality.
Overblown and arrogant.
Zephyr knows what he's talking about. He's fought more battles than both of us combined.
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(You're not wrong though.)
And yet, Zephyr has not allowed himself to become too hardened from that experience.
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As a former leader, that I cannot abide.
Zephyr is a stronger man than most. Mentally and physically.
I am constantly amazed by his resilience and compassion. So many men would have become entirely embittered and hateful by all he's experienced.
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And there are enough of us to remind them, should they forget.
You really are quite inspired by him, aren't you?
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[Says the man with a clearly petty grudge.]
True enough. I have been thinking on that subject as of late. In fact, I meant to speak to you about it, as soon as my thoughts were properly gathered.
I am. He is... refreshing.
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Well, now you know where to find me. Once you have your thoughts gathered in full, we'll do lunch. How does that sound?
You sound very happy.
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Lunch sounds wonderful. Zephyr is a decent cook, but sometimes one craves food with a little more care paid to... presentation.
Happy? I suppose I am. A strange thought to consider.
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Why so? I know this place is...considerably strange and dangerous, but, I think everyone deserves to enjoy happiness when they find it. Fleeting or otherwise.
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