boxofkururu | its its own thing now

its its own thing now

[ A final circle of the electrically-charged, barely standing Vault. It was almost a nightly deed for Haurchefant, to see if the Primal would leave as the sun set. After all, it was not often that they... he... left during the night. Travel was harsher, with the light of the single moon barely breaking though the clouds of Aether brought on by the sorrow and rage of the being within.

It was his duty to stop this. Though his body had been cursed to that of a unicorn (with large wings coated in feathers, and a dragon-esque head - well, he liked to think he were a Unicorn) at times - well, it was more reason. A life after death was what he had wished for, and if he could save but one from being tempered, it would be... okay. Roaming and then turning back to a man whenever he desired - if the old government of Ishgard were still standing, he would have been seen as a heretic and shot down by now.

Satisfied that his job were done for the night - at least, for checking this building - Haurchefant continued to soar gently above the broken air. The gates which could have been used to leave to the greater Eorzea were still sealed by adventurers - who could repeal, but not kill. Much of Eorzea had turned their back on him, if he were honest. But they had let Eorzea down. His gaze turned to the airship docks, where small devices still remained. In case people came who needed to soar to the Sea of Clouds, and safety, and he was busy holding back the beast.

His idle thoughts were interupted, however, when he saw something. It didn't seem to be one of the tempered Heavens' Ward, nor a dragon child who'd not grown their wings quite yet... had somebody fallen from the land above? Without looking to see who it is, he darted - wings stretched out, long lizard-esque tail flat out. ]

Ser!

[ Haurchefant roared out, hoping to either catch him on his back... or in his mouth. He were only the size of an alicorn, after all. ]

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[ The noises, however, made Haurchefant... smile a little. As he closed his eyes, he could almost forget he weren't back home, back before.

As he's finished with the wounds, however, he does give a small blep of the tummy. Mostly as a playful way. ]

...Alas, if you're more injured - I have learned a little conjury of my own?

[Oh he had to do that. Thankfully it only results in a small chuckle. Look, this isn't the time to explain about it.]

Nay, there's no need. You've done so much for me already. But I must ask: if we are not in Ishgard then where...?

Ah... we are simply in the Coerthas Western Highlands. It was as far as my wings could take us, I'm afraid. The camp used to be named Falcon's Nest, I believe? Before it was abandoned for a second time.
Usually, it's outside where the Heavens' Ward roam...

[ And he hopes it's still that way. Even one of them would be too much, after his day of battling. (Honestly, he was looking forward to using those potions himself.)

His expression has turned serious, though. ]

They...still live?

[This version must've not had someone strong enough to face them...then again, Aymeric doesn't want to find out what kind of dragon the Lord Commander of the Heavens' Ward is. Or be target practice.]

What happened to Ishgard and the people? How did a primal even get in and have you gotten any rest? You do not look well.

I suppose you could blame my family for all of this. I don't have all the details - dear Emm kept trying to run when I asked - but it seems that after my... incident, something in my father changed.

[ A sigh, as he focuses again... and turns back to Elezen, sitting down by the bed, and shaking his head. He's rarely gotten to talk about this. And he wants to show his face as he does. ]

And Edmont... he made a deal with a different cloaked one - an Ascian, I believe they were called. And he was gifted by... becoming Ixion, and taking control - slaughtering that who gave him power. Tempering the Heavens' Ward, and killing Thordan. Alas, that was not the end.

He keeps patroling, to take down those who do not believe in the Truth of the War. Before he could slaughter all, many were taken to the Sea of Clouds - far above where he can reach. Lady Lucia was one who was rescued, do not worry for her.

...I rest at night. My days are filled with trying to stop Ixion from leaving. If he were to leave though the Gates, then... [ he lets out a sigh, and... well, that's a tear. Even a knight can cry when exhausted - especially one as emotional as Haurchefant. ] And that's not when I'm forced to save those whom he leaves near-dead. My blood can turn a man to dragon - saving them, but at quite a cost. At least Nidhogg won't come and strike...

At least.

[ Because in this world, the eyes were never re-united. Ixion holds one, embedded in his armour. Haurchefant looks so... pathetic, close to just collapsing into tears. But, instead, he gives a smile. ]

But once we've gotten you to safety, you won't share the fate of the you of this world - one whom I had to change to survive.

[He can't say that he knows how the knight feels. His family has been through so much and in all honesty, Aymeric can't help but feel responsible for all of it. If only he had decided to wait, to think first...then maybe none of this wouldn't have happened. Hearing everything that has happened such as Ixion's rise, The Heaven's Ward being his servants, this world's version of himself...and how Haurchefant fights him alone. He has no right to complain or even consider the thought.]

But...I cannot just go and let you take everything on your own.

[His tone is quiet and at the moment, he's a bit afraid to look at him. After what happened, he's not even sure if he's worthy. Guilt that carried with him since the Vault and the constant questioning himself...Aymeric didn't want anyone else to share that burden because it was his fault to begin with. No one except him deserves it.]

This all started with me...because I was a fool to try and talk sense to someone who knew the truth but decided to not do a damn thing about it. And you and almost everyone I know has paid a steep price for it. 'Tis still a surprise that you would care for me considering...

["I was the one who let you die." is what he wants to say but he can't bring it out. He's terrified because as much as he wants to help, he's not sure if he can if his arrival meant being busted up and according to Yua, being the pizza guy that comes in and everything is on fire.]

[ Gently, he placed a hand to one of Aymerics' wound - the one of the body. If it were looked at, it would be clear that even as Elezen, he had pale white claws. Letting his smile lapse for a moment, he finally whispered - his voice as calm as he could get it. ]

I should not have died.

[ It's the first time in a long time he's admitted he's died once. He hates it. He removed his hand, and started to remove his armour - letting it fall to the ground, until he could show his scar. From where the spear struck him, a lightning scar spread out, passing though light fur-like scales which'd grown slightly around it. But why was he showing it? ]

I... do not know if we came from the same world, originally, dearest Aymeric. I was thrust away from mine when I was... awoken once more. But of course I would care for you - you are strong and just. We did not know if he were aware - it would have been foolish to not go to one we trusted. The past, however, is in the past. If we did not make mistakes, we would not be Spoken.

[ He tries to keep moving forward. Forgive what has gone wrong, and simply make a better future. It keeps him from breaking down and crying even more then he already has. Haurchefant returned to smiling, before stretching a little - returning his hand to the injury. ]

And nonsense. I've been fighting alone for months... there's no way to truly end a Primal, from what I've heard.

[ In other words - he will fight to his death again. No more will suffer this. And none will die because of him. His words seem insincere, almost, however - because he longs for an ally. Somebody who may just travel with him and perhaps somebody who can calm a broken father. Or, at least, can allow people who know the truth to not be tempered. ]

[His breath hitches when Haurchefant touches him but he doesn't feel pain. It's quick as the hand goes away and the knight strip himself of his armor and shows the scar Zephyrin gave him. And that's why he tries to move on for Ishgard and its people: remember the past of course but also make sure it does not occur again in their future.

...wait, did he always call him dearest? Why is he even thinking that? He didn't even know he went a little red at the mention. Probably just a normal matter for him.]

Mayhap not but it shouldn't be a task for you alone. We'll find a way, Warrior of Light or none.

[ Honestly, when Haurchefant were nervous, he tends to call people lovely and dearest. That, and he grew closer to the Aymeric of this world... ]

It's my father. Well, not mine - another of him.

[ Perhaps in his tired haze, however, his hands danced the slightest bit more. From the injury up to his long neck - before placing his hand to Aymerics' chin, gently. ]

But... it would be nice to have another with me, at least until we can return you to your land.

[ And then Haurchefant yawned a little. Even though all of this... he's been awake from dawn, after all. ]

...For now, however - we should have some rest. Perhaps you will be able to think clearer of this after a nights' rest. [ Or should he say... a knights rest? ] Settle. I can secure this building - it's where I normally sleep.

[ And it's not like they'd be ambushed, right? ]

Edited (html why) 2016-05-26 17:08 (UTC)

[Don't jinx it!]

Aye, it is good not to be alone...

[Now that he mentions it...Aymeric's eye lids were feeling a little heavier. He's about to protest but he knows the knight is right: they both need to rest.]

Just don't push yourself for my sake.

And the same to you.

[ He says, as he moves to seal the door off for the night... and sit by it, pulling a nearby blanket over himself. After all, this was where he always slept - the bed was not where he could hear sounds of monsters easier.

--

However, the morning seemed to come far too quickly for Haurchefant. The light of dawn was bright, as always - and his dream faded. Were seeing somebody he could have saved a dream? It couldn't be true. Why? Because all his happiness were fleeting. He should move towards trying to simply eliminate one of the Ward - or try and negotiate again with the Beast Tribes (who had turned against them due to Ascian influence and fears) - or--

His thoughts ended with seeing his Lord Commander still there. He really was here. Perhaps he should go and start cooking some meat, then? His shifting body, however, let in more light. Odd. The door was clearly fixed yesterday... and he could not smell any intruders.

Eventually, after getting his armour back on, he moved towards his Lord Commander, placing a hand to him. ]

Ser. It's morning. Did you rest?

[It had to have been some kind of dream. While his sleep was uneventful nor did he wake up during the night, Aymeric was thinking that he would be in his chair from the paperwork on his desk. Or Yua hovering over him poking his cheek or maybe Yukiko was-]

Mmm?

[He awoke, seeing Haurchefant as he was before and verifying that he was in fact not in Ishgard anymore.]

Haurchefant...

[It was real, he was real as his gloved hand reached over to touch the one on his shoulder.]

I...I fell asleep right after you did. It felt like nary a bell ago...what about you? How are you feeling?

[ His voice gentle - masking his worries that something may have gotten in - Haurchefant gave a gentle smile. ]

It was as nice a rest as to expect in war. [ A pause, before he gives a slight nuzzle to the nearby hand: ] Do you still... desire to fight alongside I? You may get hurt more.

[ He will get hurt. But Haurchefant will protect him. He will not let his friend fall again - and he will not let him be taken. ]

[...ok, that has to be the dragon part doing the nuzzling. Only because he isn't sure what the hells is going on with that so 'it's a dragon thing' sounds legit.]

We both know the consequences to battle. The only reason why they scold me when I go to battle is because they say I am the only one who can make Ishgard better. But I cannot let you do it all, depend on you to save me at every turn.

[He can't help but think of a conversation he had with one of the Warriors, hearing about how she depended on others to rescue her when she didn't want to do the work herself. Seemed hard to believe but Aymeric had to be better...for everyone's sake.]

[ A few moments pass, as the nuzzling finishes - thoughts moving though the dragons' mind. ]

If that's what you sai[h]...

[ Haurchefant says, quietly... not showing any indication of what he were to do next. (Or noticing that he had said a word in the language of Dragons.) And what was that?

His face lit up, and he almost grinned. ] Then we must go - but not to the battlefield yet. You seem to be mostly unarmed - and that cannot be! You are in luck, Commander, however - for I know a bountiful harvest of weapons and armour!

When Adventurers fled Ishgard, many left their retainers behind, and weapons alongside them. By now, there are but weapons. But we must sneak by at least one of the Ward - one of the weaker ones, I'd suppose!

[A weapon is good, needed for the better course and didn't even notice Haurchefant speaking the language of dragons. It's when the mention of the Ward that concerns him.]

While some may be skilled with staves instead of swords, that does not make any of the Heaven's Ward have less strength. No matter whose path we intend to cross, we must proceed with caution. Tell me, is there a path less traveled where we can acquire what we seek?

[And if he expects him to take one on while both are injured, bad mistake. He actually wants to help Haurchefant with his goal and dying at first battle didn't seem tempting.]

Well. [ He says, closing his eyes. ] There is another camp I've set up near to here - but we will need to fly, and it's quite chilled. Tell me, have you flown on the back of a dragon before?

[ Haurchefant, you see, took over the fully abandoned Dusk Vigil, and turned it into his nest. Instints, you know. The mix of electricity and ice makes it quite violent and dangerous - not even Ixion has tried to enter. He's not let anybody else in - for it is a harsh way to enter. He does pause, however, grinning.

If it were anybody else, he would be drawing up battle plans. But he is injured... he can protect him and let him heal. And not die. ]

...Besides when I saved you, that is!

Other than that, I cannot say that I have.

[As long as they do not get killed in the process, Aymeric does not care about dragon taxis.]

Well, [ he said, feeling his body shift and change in front of dear Aymeric, ] get on. And hold on, will you? Alas, I have no saddle.

[He's in awe because even being close to a dragon, he was always about ten yalms away but being arm length was something. Gingerly, he sits on his friend's back and shifts enough to try and be comfortable.]

Alright then...lead the way.

[ His wings spread, and they soar off. Haurchefant is focused as he flies though the silent air - diving though crevices and past mountains. Of course he'd be a bit showy, however. This is Haurchefant.

It takes only around 10 minutes for him to arrive at their destination. If Aymeric was familiar with the land, he may note this is where the Dusk Vigil once stood proud. But, instead, there was a fortress covered in ice there, with odd marks carved onto it. (These marks were warnings in the tongue of Dragon, carved gently by Ysayle and Haurchefant both.) Letting out a roar, shaking the ice, Haurchefant then shot out a bunch of electricity - causing some of the ice to melt, and a hole to open. Satisfied, he flew inside... to the well-maintained entrance room of his home in this world. This is when he finally talks, with a laugh. ]
What do you think? Only those whom I desire can enter here - for the ice can only be broken by me or my kin. The ice shall either regrow, or it shall be replaced by one of my dearest friends here.
[ As he talks, a small blue dragon approached - and clung to his leg, seemingly not noticing the Elezen there. ]

[He knows the lands but never really got to see them like this. The cold starts to nip at him and he pulls his hood over for some protection from the elements even if it may not offer that much. The Dusk Vigil as he remembered was more...in ruins than this one. And less ice. He can't help but hang on as Haurchefant flies in lest he wants to tumble off like a sack of popotoes.]

Tis remarkable...

[He has heard from some how vilekin have made the vigil their new home and yet here, Aymeric is awed in how the area is kept up. And the defenses that have been placed so no soul should get in without a warning from the owner but as he starts to speak, he notices the smaller dragon.]

I see...and is this one a friend of yours as well?

Ah... yes. A poor soul who got turned by my blood - he's become one of my most trusted, however, despite his size.
[ There are many of them. He hopes he won't connect who it is, though - even as the small dragon is staring, with a mix of shock and confusion. ] I keep all of my brood here - for is it not my duty to protect my people? Along with those who help me with my eggs.
[ this is the first time he's mentioned his eggs. But it's just so casual! He leans down so that Aymeric may disembark, so that he can shift back to man. ]

[Should he know that little dragon? Aymeric isn't sure as he steps down and takes in the mention of Haurchefant having a brood and-did he say his eggs? And suddenly the Lord Commander is glad that Yua did not go with him unless they really want to hear her words. Spoiler: none are pretty. Not that they would be vicious, just that there would be swears involved.

But the little dragon is still staring and Aymeric can't help but feel drawn to him.]

They say even the smallest can make the biggest impact. It is something I truly believe in.

[Look, asking about how he can lay eggs is rude. And not good to say it while in the middle of nowhere.]

[ It has stopped staring - to approach the man, letting out hisses and trying to ask questions - though there were no words that could be understood. Why? Because he cannot speak even Dragonspeak anymore, let alone Eorzean. Haurchefant, however, has shifted back to man. Be glad to all the Twelve (not just Halone) that his armour returns as he turns to man. And his smile. ]
Yes - and that is what I hope of you. Even one small person - one small change - may save this world yet. That is, if you have healed.
[ There's a pause, and Haurchefant seems to be thinking. His eyes close, and then he turns from a smile to a grin. ]
Shall we go straight to the Armory? I've also a training arena - to see if you are ready.

[ ...Though, Haurchefant wants to hold back. Due to being terrified of what could happen, of course. ]

its its own thing now

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