xanwritesx

[xanwritesx]

"Okay. I'm sorry."

Finn sighs. He's tired. Tired of being scared all the time, tired of hiding, tired of feeling like he is tip-toeing around just trying to get through each and every day. But hiding and ignoring anything wouldn't make it go away. It won't fix his problems, won't change what happened to Tali at the service station.

His arms tighten around her briefly. "I won't anymore." He will try his best, he needs her all the same. Her and Max and, as much as he is reluctant to admit it, Leon too. "It's been hard… like I should even talk. I hope you're holding up okay."

He hasn’t, Finn wants to argue. Not when it has mattered. Such as in this last instance, but he also knows Tali won’t want to hear it. She’s always been empathetic, to a borderline fault Finn would argue.

So Finn just slumps, watching her wearily and with a frown he hopes the dark of the kitchen can hide. He doesn’t expect the embrace, and is surprised further when she squeezes him tight. With a soft sigh, Finn doesn’t even protest as he leans into it. Between Max and her he really is grateful to have the support. Outside of soft affections, Leon’s strong foundation make things feel… possible.

“I’m sorry…” he murmurs again, into her hair. He gently wraps his arms over her shoulders. He apologizes because they aren’t okay. They are the farthest thing from okay, if you ask him. Tali needs this now, though, so he obliges. “We made it, we’re alive… I'm… so sorry, Tali.”

#[ char : finn ] #[ thread : tali ] #[ au : endure & survive ]

[xanwritesx]

It doesn't sound pleasant by any means, but is anything in their realm as such? Histories as dark as arctic winter nights with blood and tragedy painting every minute of it.

The walk is mostly silent in contemplation, on Wyatt's end at least. Whatever is going on in the head of the Adams man is beyond his knowledge, and he doesn't care to ask. Not when he has one thing on mind - this last ditch effort, if it is that. Though Wyatt doesn't like the hint of finality in the idea of it being a last resort even if he knows all other resources have been exhausted.

"It's an idea," Wyatt muses walking alongside Leon. "A farfetched one, but one none the less, I'll give you that." Of course Naomi has her hands in this cookie pot. It would seem she has been the greatest help in all of this. Wyatt can smell the saltwater long before they get there, and a chill runs up his spine, not quite ready to have to brandish his sword against one of Gideon's ancestors.

Wyatt also supposes it'd been about time considering that even though Gideon is the last Blackwood breathing that the love culminated between them would make someone's relative turn so much in their grave they'd come back just to spite both of them. "Wouldn't be Gideon if he weren't…" The sigh is a sad one, and Wyatt's grip tightens on the hilt of his sword.

"Right then, let's get this over with."

Wyatt has no clue what Leon goes on about. Trespassing is the least of his concerns, but the mention of it being considered as such without Gideon piques his interest. He also isn't sure he'd understand until faced with whatever conquest or obstacle Leon has in mind. This is the court, crazy happens all of the time. Needing his swords is the least of his concerns.

The swords are retrieved, Wyatt is in Leon's tow again. "He's done right by me, too," he admits, low and reluctant. The soft spot Wyatt has for Gideon isn't news, but it feels odd to speak of it aloud.

"So we're going to find the original and climb aboard?"

It's… an idea, that's for sure. Not one that's ever crossed Wyatt's mind. However, he recalls Leon mentioning Blackwood blood, and he then mentions fighting for Gideon-

"What are we going to be facing on this ship, Adams."

#[ thread : leon ] #[ char : wyatt ] #[ the court of requiem ]

[xanwritesx]

It is startling to hear Ren's blunt statement after a mix of tears. Caleb is not equipped for this. He has one kid to look after, and she's currently resting in a room with the threat of ruckus stirring her from her sleep. He can't speak for what happened. She had been cut pretty good in there, and the flesh masks made all the more sense.

"Kid, you're not making much sense..." Caleb sighs. "She isn't supposed to get hurt, but she did. Now she needs to be left alone for now to recover. I'm here to watch her, nothing will happen to her."

In terms of scars, they will come and stack up. In a world as unforgiving as this one, not a soul will survive it without any. It's a shame to the extent her skin suffers wounds from a blade, but Caleb wants to hope most of it will heal alright.

"I don't know what happened to you, Ren. I'm sorry for whatever it was, but..." another sigh. "If you don't get over your wounds, that's alright. If she doesn't, that's alright too. It's a day by day thing, and we're in the first one so just take a breath and please let me watch after her in peace. Go find Aiden. He got hurt, he could use some company."

It takes everything within Caleb to not physically pick Ren up and push him outside the room. He wants to, this desire to be a shield between Tali and the rest of the world, but it wouldn’t do anyone any good just to lash out.

“Kid. Don’t fight me on it. Just get out so she can rest, please.” It’s forceful in that Caleb doesn’t given Ren a chance, but not so much Ren is taken off his feet. Hands clasped to his shoulders, he turns the boy around and leads him out the door. “I don’t know what you mean, what you went through, this is different.” He hopes so, anyway. Tali doesn’t need to be smothered even if Ren means well.

Then there is a sniffle that comes out of Ren, and fuck. Caleb pulls the door shut behind him, leaving a crack. “She’s tired is what she is. Don’t be upset over her, she will be… alright. She’s stronger than she looks, alright?”

#[ thread : ren ] #[ char : caleb ] #[ au : endure & survive ]

[xanwritesx]

"It's alright, everyone makes them." There isn't kindness to his tone, nor is their edge. Fletch regards Orion with a defensiveness about him, but he isn't looking to fight. However, he will defend Leon to the ends of the earth. Never would Fletcher have let Elena allow him to take a spot on the venators if he couldn't hold his own. Sickening to think how he had some sort of power there - ultimately Elena's word is law, but Fletcher has it in good faith that if he wished against it she would not allow it.

Fletcher sighs and steps away from Orion with a frown hanging to his features. "You think that's a funny idea. I'm assuming, uhm… she's always watched after me. She watched after my entire family." His doubt is unwavering, that is a given, but Orion's amusement leaves him feeling off.

"Maybe I should just go check his room again."

“I’ll admit I… don’t pay attention to a lot of what’s going on…” Not for lack of care, but Fletcher is here with Leon. The rest of the family as well, but Leon’s desire to protect his siblings is something Fletcher couldn’t let him go off and do alone. The things going on in the court fall to the wayside when Fletch is too busy checking in on Aleks or Leon or Brooke and Kenzie. It’s hard to keep up with the politics of it as well.

He frowns at the inflection put on the word human, almost defensively says, “He’s human, but he’s worth his salt, you know.” Though his tone is calm about it. “Elena knows this, otherwise she wouldn’t have brought him in to do what he does.” Unless it really is just about her adoration for him. Unexpected for sure, but Fletcher had always been grateful for her. “No…” he waves, flinching away from Orion’s touch. “She’s promised. She saved us from a wraith back home… Elena will keep us all safe.”

#[ thread : orion ] #[ char : fletch ] #[ the court of requiem ]

[xanwritesx]

The admission brings forth a shy smile, a soft laugh, and the lightest of pink dusting Fletcher's cheeks. He can't speak for himself then, but if he really thought about it he's sure he can find an inkling of a feeling then. He won't lie, though, and his uncertainty leaves him just watching her eyes and affectionately brushing the tip of his nose against hers.

"That's a long time to be burying something that serious." Fletch gets it, though. He even says so. "You were always in and out, so I understand." It doesn't bother nor upset him, how could it? It just wasn't the time then.

It would seem the apocalypse was the only requirement because this had been the longest he and Max have been near each other for a streak of time. Something he is grateful for, more so now that he's solidified his own feelings and knows he wants this for more than just staving off loneliness. "I want this, though, and I know it means something. Because I want you happy, and I want to make sure you feel loved like you should." Love is all he has to give, and oops. Does that count as dropping the big L?

And so soon, Fletch.

"Can you come to bed tonight? Let Caleb take the night watch and just sleep with me?"

It would make sense that the both of them had their own concerns. Fletcher could be an over thinker from time to time, but it isn’t his biggest fault. This, however, is something that’s been on his brain. The yearning for affection could easily be mistaken for a desire to pursue a romance of sorts, and Max didn’t need that. Not if that was all he wanted. But now he’s sure it isn’t just that.

“Never thought of it then,” Fletch admits, hugging her flush against him. Her body is a solid weight, anchoring him down. Settling his nerves and keeping all of his thoughts from getting carried away. He wonders briefly if it is inappropriate for them to be sharing this moment while the rest of the group might be unraveling, licking their wounds and trying to get through all the traumas they have endured.

Still, Fletcher kisses her back, soft and sweet, and full of love, and he doesn’t want to think about anything else in that moment. A brief escape of bliss and warmth is enough to forget the chaos of the world around them.

#[ thread : max ] #[ char : fletch ] #[ au : endure & survive ]

[xanwritesx]

Wyatt has no clue what Leon goes on about. Trespassing is the least of his concerns, but the mention of it being considered as such without Gideon piques his interest. He also isn't sure he'd understand until faced with whatever conquest or obstacle Leon has in mind. This is the court, crazy happens all of the time. Needing his swords is the least of his concerns.

The swords are retrieved, Wyatt is in Leon's tow again. "He's done right by me, too," he admits, low and reluctant. The soft spot Wyatt has for Gideon isn't news, but it feels odd to speak of it aloud.

"So we're going to find the original and climb aboard?"

It's… an idea, that's for sure. Not one that's ever crossed Wyatt's mind. However, he recalls Leon mentioning Blackwood blood, and he then mentions fighting for Gideon-

"What are we going to be facing on this ship, Adams."

Something about Leon knowing of Gideon and the secrets of the Blackwood line make Wyatt feel prickly inside. It might just be because he's been looking for something or someone to punch, and Leon's about the only one he can swing at and get away with. Elena would be upset if it were anyone else, and Benedikt would be on his ass for misbehaving in such a way.

"Naomi talks a lot, yes…" is his first attempt at a brush off as Wyatt stands, chip tipped up and arms folded across his chest in some sort of challenge. The continuation of the thought does catch Wyatt's interest as does the hang at the end of the sentence. Leon doesn't need to finish it for Wyatt to put the pieces together. He understands.

A narrowed gaze follows the man, but Wyatt's body stays put for now. He doesn't want to go, his stubbornness keeping him put there, but Leon's insistence on the matter and his clear comprehension of what is needed and what is missing does spur Wyatt on. Soon enough, he relents and begins walking, quick to get to his side. "Are you suggesting we're in for a brawl of sorts?" That would solve Wyatt's punching bag issue.

"What else do you know?"

#[ with : leon ] #[ char : wyatt ] #[ the court of requiem ]

[xanwritesx]

It takes everything within Caleb to not physically pick Ren up and push him outside the room. He wants to, this desire to be a shield between Tali and the rest of the world, but it wouldn't do anyone any good just to lash out.

"Kid. Don't fight me on it. Just get out so she can rest, please." It's forceful in that Caleb doesn't given Ren a chance, but not so much Ren is taken off his feet. Hands clasped to his shoulders, he turns the boy around and leads him out the door. "I don't know what you mean, what you went through, this is different." He hopes so, anyway. Tali doesn't need to be smothered even if Ren means well.

Then there is a sniffle that comes out of Ren, and fuck. Caleb pulls the door shut behind him, leaving a crack. "She's tired is what she is. Don't be upset over her, she will be… alright. She's stronger than she looks, alright?"

Caleb’s sitting on the edge of Tali’s bed, fighting every urge to fuss over her. She needs the rest, and Fletcher has done the best he could with his limited resources to get her wounds patched up. The ones in her hair were more difficult, but Fletcher disinfected them as best he could for the time being. Tali needed to rest now.

He almost expects someone to intrude, that someone being Leon, but when Caleb realizes who it is it catches him off guard.

It’s not often he sees Ren not by Aiden’s side. If Aiden is out, Ren’s been in their room unless Caleb beckons him out to hunt or fish. Neither of which that is going to be happening for at least the next day while everyone settles. “She… did what she had to do.” Kept vague for her sake, Caleb isn’t about to tell Ren the details of how he found her, clutching a knife and covered in a mix of her blood and someone else’s. “Come on, kid.” Caleb gets up from the bed and gently tries to lead him out. “She needs to sleep.”

#[ char : caleb ] #[ thread : ren ] #[ au : endure & survive ]

[xanwritesx]

It would make sense that the both of them had their own concerns. Fletcher could be an over thinker from time to time, but it isn't his biggest fault. This, however, is something that's been on his brain. The yearning for affection could easily be mistaken for a desire to pursue a romance of sorts, and Max didn't need that. Not if that was all he wanted. But now he's sure it isn't just that.

"Never thought of it then," Fletch admits, hugging her flush against him. Her body is a solid weight, anchoring him down. Settling his nerves and keeping all of his thoughts from getting carried away. He wonders briefly if it is inappropriate for them to be sharing this moment while the rest of the group might be unraveling, licking their wounds and trying to get through all the traumas they have endured.

Still, Fletcher kisses her back, soft and sweet, and full of love, and he doesn't want to think about anything else in that moment. A brief escape of bliss and warmth is enough to forget the chaos of the world around them.

Fletcher relaxes into Max’s touch without any protest. The relationship between them is still so very new, and with little time to explore it he often forgets about how comfortable he can be allowed to be with such closeness. Sat back in the space between her legs with her fingers pressing into his shoulders, Fletch truly feels how tired he is. As if the pampering reminds him how much he’s neglected himself in the wake of everyone else’s grief.

“It’s not going to me, we both know this,” Fletcher giggles at the soft press of her lips. He feels better then, even after such a short time. It’s a cheesy thing to consider being someone’s object of affection can be so revitalizing, as if he isn’t ever going to worry about being alone in all of this. When Max leans in for another kiss, Fletcher turns his head to catch her mouth in his tenderly. He turns his body more to give her another sweet peck. “I was worried about this,” he admits. “Being nothing more than a product of loneliness and the end of the world. But, I’m very happy. Thank you, Max.”

#[ char : fletch ] #[ thread : max ] #[ au : endure & survive ]

[xanwritesx]

He hasn't, Finn wants to argue. Not when it has mattered. Such as in this last instance, but he also knows Tali won't want to hear it. She's always been empathetic, to a borderline fault Finn would argue.

So Finn just slumps, watching her wearily and with a frown he hopes the dark of the kitchen can hide. He doesn't expect the embrace, and is surprised further when she squeezes him tight. With a soft sigh, Finn doesn't even protest as he leans into it. Between Max and her he really is grateful to have the support. Outside of soft affections, Leon's strong foundation make things feel… possible.

"I'm sorry…" he murmurs again, into her hair. He gently wraps his arms over her shoulders. He apologizes because they aren't okay. They are the farthest thing from okay, if you ask him. Tali needs this now, though, so he obliges. "We made it, we're alive… I'm… so sorry, Tali."

She hasn’t. Not at all. But Finn’s mouth stays shut tight at her expressed concern over the matter. He has avoided her out of guilt. She crawled out of that window to protect them, and all Finn could do was cover his ears and squeeze his eyes shut. Nothing like what he would pull in the QZ’s black market trading.

Oh, how callous he was to pull guns so easily on others. To hurt them like he’s been hurt, and to leave them for dead lest someone came for them. Aside from battling the panic that consistently rises in his throat, Finn’s come to terms with that. He’s every bit a monster as that woman who left scars in his skin.

And now, he’s useless.

He eyes Tali’s bandages with a frown and when she is done, he takes a long moment to think about what he has to say. “I’m not mad at you-“ Finn starts simply. “You did nothing wrong. I… it’s me who is sorry. You don’t owe me anything.” His eyes drift down to the side, then down to the old floorboards of this house. “I wasn’t there for you when you needed me.”

#[ au : endure & survive ] #[ char : finn ] #[ thread : tali ] #i really dont know why beta took a nap on me

[xanwritesx]

Benedikt's challenging stance diminishes when he reaches down to continue cleaning up Riley's mess. Not that the original step towards him had done anything to worry Declan, he stayed right where he is this moment.

"Oh, good. Just three days," he muses aloud. "We can't be without our queen and prince for too long. The court is something else entirely without them." Something, more than nothing, he thinks to himself in silence. What the court is meant to be. With Gideon almost out the door, and plans in motion for Benedikt, Declan knows everything is being tied together.

Declan does step back with a nod, dismissing himself then with a grin. "Thank you for your service, Benedikt. It is always appreciated."

The curl of his grin turns more wicked, mischief is on the brain. Not in the sense of Orion who is up to no good in ways they can brush under the rug. He’s a slave to the queen in ways Declan doesn’t quite understand, but Declan? A low seat on the court doesn’t mean his freedom is compromised. He serves Silas as much as he serves himself, and he is here out of sheer nosiness.

“I heard about what happened with Lady Callan. I wanted to check in, that is all.” Declan calmly explains unbudging from his spot leaned against the door frame to the room. “Gossip spreads through these corridors like wildfire. You know this more than anyone else, don’t you?”

He gives Benedikt a knowing look in reference to the attack on the Hargrave boys. Now what happened with Silas is still hidden within hushed murmurs, the case being built against the Dvorak done under the art of secrecy. Careful to not tip him off to anything that is in the works so that all pieces could fall into place. “Calm down, Benedikt. I’m here with no intention to cause you harm. Physically, anyway, but I can’t promise I won’t be a thorn in your side otherwise.” A pause for consideration, Declan perks at the feigned realization of a thought that’s come to mind.

“How long until our Queen and Prince leave for their trip? And how long until they return? I have some matters to discuss with Elias.” A lie, he cares not to speak with a prince he considers so spineless.

#[ thread : benedikt ] #[ the court of requiem ] #editor is fighting with me

[xanwritesx]

“I’ll admit I… don’t pay attention to a lot of what’s going on…” Not for lack of care, but Fletcher is here with Leon. The rest of the family as well, but Leon’s desire to protect his siblings is something Fletcher couldn’t let him go off and do alone. The things going on in the court fall to the wayside when Fletch is too busy checking in on Aleks or Leon or Brooke and Kenzie. It’s hard to keep up with the politics of it as well.

He frowns at the inflection put on the word human, almost defensively says, “He’s human, but he’s worth his salt, you know.” Though his tone is calm about it. “Elena knows this, otherwise she wouldn’t have brought him in to do what he does.” Unless it really is just about her adoration for him. Unexpected for sure, but Fletcher had always been grateful for her. “No…” he waves, flinching away from Orion’s touch. “She’s promised. She saved us from a wraith back home… Elena will keep us all safe.”

Fletcher is feeling the itch to scurry off. Orion is an interesting person, in all the wrong ways. Something about him is off-putting, and it tells Fletcher he is trouble. Or it might just be because he is lingering in Elena's study without her company. A place that feels off limits in her absence.

"Uh… traitors?" he asks them, frowning. That doesn't bode well for anyone. He fidgets uncomfortably, looking up and down the corridors. The word traitor is a heavy one to use, and Fletcher doesn't even know where to begin with that thought process.

Traitors among the court - would that mean Leon will be tasked with fighting them? Whoever they may be?

The court members are more powerful than any monsters, no doubt. He figures it makes sense to not tell any Keepers of the situation. Or maybe it would be, considering they hold all the information of the court at their fingertips. Fletcher chews on the inside of his cheek and frowns to Orion. "What level if the threat? Like, uhm. I don't know, I worry about Leon sometimes. He's brave, and he's smart… but I don't know…"

#[ thread : orion ] #[ char : fletch ] #[ the court of requiem ]

[xanwritesx]

The curl of his grin turns more wicked, mischief is on the brain. Not in the sense of Orion who is up to no good in ways they can brush under the rug. He’s a slave to the queen in ways Declan doesn’t quite understand, but Declan? A low seat on the court doesn’t mean his freedom is compromised. He serves Silas as much as he serves himself, and he is here out of sheer nosiness.

“I heard about what happened with Lady Callan. I wanted to check in, that is all.” Declan calmly explains unbudging from his spot leaned against the door frame to the room. “Gossip spreads through these corridors like wildfire. You know this more than anyone else, don’t you?”

He gives Benedikt a knowing look in reference to the attack on the Hargrave boys. Now what happened with Silas is still hidden within hushed murmurs, the case being built against the Dvorak done under the art of secrecy. Careful to not tip him off to anything that is in the works so that all pieces could fall into place. “Calm down, Benedikt. I’m here with no intention to cause you harm. Physically, anyway, but I can’t promise I won’t be a thorn in your side otherwise.” A pause for consideration, Declan perks at the feigned realization of a thought that’s come to mind.

“How long until our Queen and Prince leave for their trip? And how long until they return? I have some matters to discuss with Elias.” A lie, he cares not to speak with a prince he considers so spineless.

"Not if you're a topic of conversation, but he has his moments."

Especially as of late. Noah has been providing himself to be useful, and despite all the times he's pissed Silas off he still delivered enough information to keep his lordship satisfied. The plans are moving forward, still at a snail's pace, as Declan wishes it could be sped up.

His light eyes linger on the Dvorak with a subtle hum, acknowledging him as one of the reasons that Silas is holding off.

Gideon is on his way out the door, so long as the Hargrave boy stops meddling, and next will be Benedikt.

Declan winces in thought, hiding the satisfied grin that threatens to break through at the thought of him being locked away in shackles once more. "I don't answer to him in the way you expect. It is my queen I take silly commands for, of course." A bold faced lie, but it is a fact he needs to swallow for the time being because Elena is his queen, Elias is his prince, and until the chips fall into place he will play along.

"Lady Callan been on edge the last time I saw her. It is so opposite to little Naomi - speaking of, she's been spending a lot of time with the Hargrave boy." He arches a brow. "When did you two end up so chummy?"

#[ char : declan ] #[ thread : benedikt ] #[ the court of requiem ]

[xanwritesx]

Fletcher relaxes into Max’s touch without any protest. The relationship between them is still so very new, and with little time to explore it he often forgets about how comfortable he can be allowed to be with such closeness. Sat back in the space between her legs with her fingers pressing into his shoulders, Fletch truly feels how tired he is. As if the pampering reminds him how much he’s neglected himself in the wake of everyone else’s grief.

“It’s not going to me, we both know this,” Fletcher giggles at the soft press of her lips. He feels better then, even after such a short time. It’s a cheesy thing to consider being someone’s object of affection can be so revitalizing, as if he isn’t ever going to worry about being alone in all of this. When Max leans in for another kiss, Fletcher turns his head to catch her mouth in his tenderly. He turns his body more to give her another sweet peck. “I was worried about this,” he admits. “Being nothing more than a product of loneliness and the end of the world. But, I’m very happy. Thank you, Max.”

— xanwritesx​ ;

The question is expected. It’s all that’s being passed around to one another. He’s even inquired everyone’s well being at some point. The violence being one thing, but the fleshy-looking masks of the perpetrators being something else entirely. The end of the world has made monsters out of men, the kinds you read in story books. Not just the lawless looters lacking a heart for compassion, but the dastardly kind that do the unthinkable. Because Fletcher knows what human skin looks like, even as it’s decaying. He knows that they all wore…

God, if he hadn’t seen so much on the ambulance he might just taste bile in the back of his throat. “I’m as okay as I can be. Definitely better off then Leon and Tali. Stressed, mostly.” Supply shortage and having to tend to one of the most stubborn men he’s ever met would do that to a guy. “Sometimes it feels too much, then I just sorta step back and take a deep breath. Uh, like a reset? What else can I do about it, you know?”

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max nods, pressing a kiss against fletcher’s shoulder. there’s a bright side, she supposes, to their experience in all of this. anyone far too green would’ve curled up and panicked at the sight of the last few days, and while it’d still been hard to swallow for most of them… well, they’re lucky fletcher’s stomach isn’t so soft. “s’pose there’s no other choice then, hm?” the thief then grins, scooting back from fletcher to instead sit beside him, a leg either side of his waist. “i’m jus’ goin’ to have to take care of you while you take of everyone else.”

she sets her hands on his shoulders then, gently working away at the muscles there with her fingers, rubbing in circles here and there, squeezing the tenser spaces. she leans in every once in a while to kiss the side of his neck, or his cheek, then repeats the motions in a small bout of quiet. 

“i’m proud of you, though,” max eventually murmurs against his skin when she leans in for another kiss. “makes my heart swell seein’ all the good you been doin’.”

#[ char : fletch ] #[ thread : max ] #[ au : endure & survive ]

[xanwritesx]

She hasn’t. Not at all. But Finn’s mouth stays shut tight at her expressed concern over the matter. He has avoided her out of guilt. She crawled out of that window to protect them, and all Finn could do was cover his ears and squeeze his eyes shut. Nothing like what he would pull in the QZ’s black market trading.

Oh, how callous he was to pull guns so easily on others. To hurt them like he’s been hurt, and to leave them for dead lest someone came for them. Aside from battling the panic that consistently rises in his throat, Finn’s come to terms with that. He’s every bit a monster as that woman who left scars in his skin.

And now, he’s useless.

He eyes Tali’s bandages with a frown and when she is done, he takes a long moment to think about what he has to say. “I’m not mad at you-“ Finn starts simply. “You did nothing wrong. I… it’s me who is sorry. You don’t owe me anything.” His eyes drift down to the side, then down to the old floorboards of this house. “I wasn’t there for you when you needed me.”

— xanwritesx​ ;

Another night he is up, finding solace in the empty dark of the kitchen. Another night shaken from some horrid image before his eyes. This time, before he slept, a memory of a wicked smile and dangerous eyes jolted him from his twilight like sleep haze. It wasn’t a nightmare, just a stray thought, and he decided to go calm himself before attempting to doze off again. Everyone else is asleep, or so he thinks, until Tali’s voice breaks the silence of the kitchen.

“Oh, uh… kitchen is free real estate. You’re not really in my way,” he sighs from where he’s slumped over the counter. Elbows planted to support him while he looks out the window above the sink to the outdoors while he staves off guilt being in her presence. “Check the junk drawer. It’s next to the dishwasher. Might only be birthday candles so I don’t think they’ll do too well.”

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tali nods, and does as he suggests, filtering through the old take out food leaflets and manuals to appliances that would never work again. she finds a bottle opener, and an old tealight candle that looked like it’d stay alight for an hour or two before finding its end, but decides ultimately she’d rather that than nothing at all before turning on heel to leave again, just like she’d said.

only, she pauses half way, looking back to finn with a small frown as her fingers fiddle with the candle, dusting away the small build up of dirt. “finn, i… i’m sorry if i’ve upset you, or something. i don’t know what i did. but, i’m sorry,” tali murmurs quietly. “and i hope that, when… when you feel like it again, we can… i don’t know, just, anything. i’m still here for you, if you need me. i know it’s been hard but, i am. so… that’s all.”

#[ char : finn ] #[ about : tali ] #[ au : endure & survive ]

[xanwritesx]

Caleb’s sitting on the edge of Tali’s bed, fighting every urge to fuss over her. She needs the rest, and Fletcher has done the best he could with his limited resources to get her wounds patched up. The ones in her hair were more difficult, but Fletcher disinfected them as best he could for the time being. Tali needed to rest now.

He almost expects someone to intrude, that someone being Leon, but when Caleb realizes who it is it catches him off guard.

It’s not often he sees Ren not by Aiden’s side. If Aiden is out, Ren’s been in their room unless Caleb beckons him out to hunt or fish. Neither of which that is going to be happening for at least the next day while everyone settles. “She… did what she had to do.” Kept vague for her sake, Caleb isn’t about to tell Ren the details of how he found her, clutching a knife and covered in a mix of her blood and someone else’s. “Come on, kid.” Caleb gets up from the bed and gently tries to lead him out. “She needs to sleep.”

— xanwritesx​ ;

The drive had barely been enough of a break from everything. Space so desperately needed to wind down from what he saw, Caleb stared on dead ahead the entire drive. Camryn must have sensed it and barely said two words. Even the boys in the back were on their best behavior the entire way.

By the time they get to the house Caleb is back into business, snatching Tali up to bring her somewhere to rest. It is only after enough arguing does she finally subdue, and by no means does Caleb think he’s convinced her to rest. Tali just got too tired. But it is only a matter of seconds before the quiet is broken by a worried voice that leaves Caleb sighing and looking to Ren blankly. “Don’t know, kid. She just doesn’t.”

                   ━━━━━━ ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅ ━━━━━━

ren looks to caleb, then back to tali, and walks into the room on his tip toes, doing his best to keep the sound of his footsteps to a minimum. besides all the blood in her hair and the new shirt he assumes caleb put on her earlier, he can’t see the evidence he’s looking for to say she’d been through the same as him, which inevitably coaxes out a sigh of relief.

“she just… lost it. or… or stopped things before — yeah… yeah,” he murmurs, nodding to himself as he toys with the bottom of his shirt. “right? she… she stopped the bad things?” ren turns back to caleb then, his expression full of worry. “that’s all.”

#[ thread : ren ] #[ char : caleb ] #[ au : endure & survive ]

[xanwritesx]

"Not if you're a topic of conversation, but he has his moments."

Especially as of late. Noah has been providing himself to be useful, and despite all the times he's pissed Silas off he still delivered enough information to keep his lordship satisfied. The plans are moving forward, still at a snail's pace, as Declan wishes it could be sped up.

His light eyes linger on the Dvorak with a subtle hum, acknowledging him as one of the reasons that Silas is holding off.

Gideon is on his way out the door, so long as the Hargrave boy stops meddling, and next will be Benedikt.

Declan winces in thought, hiding the satisfied grin that threatens to break through at the thought of him being locked away in shackles once more. "I don't answer to him in the way you expect. It is my queen I take silly commands for, of course." A bold faced lie, but it is a fact he needs to swallow for the time being because Elena is his queen, Elias is his prince, and until the chips fall into place he will play along.

"Lady Callan been on edge the last time I saw her. It is so opposite to little Naomi - speaking of, she's been spending a lot of time with the Hargrave boy." He arches a brow. "When did you two end up so chummy?"

It came as no surprise to him that Riley lost control. For one who could not control her emotions, it's a wonder Elias hasn't worked toward a solutions. Especially with this being about the sister of the woman whose heart he's coveted.

Tsk tsk.

"I don't have an ill word to speak of her, Lord Benedikt."

The title tacked to his name has an inflection to it, a sharpness to the tone to accompany the cockiness of his grin. Declan leans into the threshold of the room, arms folded across his chest to watch the Dvorak with a mild interest. "I would be careful with the threats you make. Lord Silas isn't all to happy with the last one you carelessly threw out to him." A hint of the future, Declan knows what he is working on to bring to Benedikt's future.

"What a shame Lady Callan can't clean up her own mess, but it does fall under the lowly duties of a servant, doesn't it? Would you mind shining my boots next?"

#[ char : declan ] #[ thread : benedikt ] #[ the court of requiem]

[xanwritesx]

Fletcher is feeling the itch to scurry off. Orion is an interesting person, in all the wrong ways. Something about him is off-putting, and it tells Fletcher he is trouble. Or it might just be because he is lingering in Elena's study without her company. A place that feels off limits in her absence.

"Uh… traitors?" he asks them, frowning. That doesn't bode well for anyone. He fidgets uncomfortably, looking up and down the corridors. The word traitor is a heavy one to use, and Fletcher doesn't even know where to begin with that thought process.

Traitors among the court - would that mean Leon will be tasked with fighting them? Whoever they may be?

The court members are more powerful than any monsters, no doubt. He figures it makes sense to not tell any Keepers of the situation. Or maybe it would be, considering they hold all the information of the court at their fingertips. Fletcher chews on the inside of his cheek and frowns to Orion. "What level if the threat? Like, uhm. I don't know, I worry about Leon sometimes. He's brave, and he's smart… but I don't know…"

taliwrites​:

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“they mean everythin’,” orion tuts, tossing the rock aside without a care for where it landed. to be cautious and careful here mattered naught when elena could sense him on everything, and anything. he’s even more certain by now that she knew he’d been close to sam, barking up his tree with some sort of lonely desperation and a need for someone new to warm his skin. only, this time it isn’t for the need to be selfish. more, companionship in the form of someone still living, still breathing.

for however long elena would allow it, anyway.

“what’s more interestin’, is why an adams boy finds himself down here,” the knight continues, a shit eating grin plastering itself across his face, his favourite shield to date. “hmm… you’re taller than the other one, younger than the grumpy one… makin’ you fletcher, oui? ah, the queen’s favourite, gracin’ my presence like this!” orion bows with a flourish of his hand, something dramatic and unnecessary. “it’d be my pleasure to aid you this evenin’.”

Fletcher cannot find it in him to agree. Money has no value when you can take that away from it, considering gold and jewels and the regular dollar bill are commodities manmade with value placed on them to enforce a means of control. Probably the deepest thought he's had in a long while - a product of a capitalistic society that he's been blessed enough to escape - he only shrugs to Orion, brows furrowed and light eyes trailing after the rock that disappears somewhere in the room. 

Strange, considering that even with all the trust Fletcher has in Elena to protect him, and his family, that Orion would be so careless with her belongings. Fearless in a way, which is unnerving to Fletcher. Has he stumbled upon the wrong person?

"Yeah... it's Fletcher..." His chin tucks down slightly for the idea of making eye contact and maintaining it with the man before him makes Fletch feel uneasy. His laissez faire approach to everything so far leads him to wonder what is was that he was up to before Fletcher stumbled upon him.

From where Fletch stands in the doorway, he leans back to look up and down the corridor hoping for the best. That maybe Leon would turn up and he can politely decline. No such luck is granted, and he just slowly looks back to Orion with an uncertain frown. 

"I wouldn't expect you to stop doing what you're doing now - be pretty rude of me, and all. But I can find my brother. It's okay."

#[ char : fletch ] #[ thread : orion ] #[ the court of requiem ]