escordvi | [closed] 🔥 you're the fire and the flood

[The Roost- What was once an extremely busy and bustling hideaway is now very quiet. The caverns and halls are quiet and dimly lit. The fires are calm and the music isn't playing as loudly. More than likely because the last week or so have been a whirlwind of action. Finding their missing crew members that were held hostage on a Crystal Whale. Now that it is all said and done, everyone is resting and taking the time needed to heal and recoup.

Joshua had known that it would only be a matter of time before their crew found more trouble to get into. But this is not what Joshua had in mind, exactly. He had been hoping for a treasure hunt or finding some sort of lost civilization or ruins to explore. Not stolen friends and ... brands on the backs of their hands.

He is unsure how the brands will affect him as a whole. For now, all he hopes to do is check in on a tired friend. He knocks softly at Alfyn's door.]

Alfyn. I'm sorry to wake you. It's Joshua.

[Wake him?

Alfyn hears the knock. He's already awake, though he isn't doing much with that existence. It seems for the last hour or so he's been staring blankly down at his notebook, letting the lantern oil burn.

When he hears Joshua's voice, he sits up with a soft groan and rubs his eyes. Push the chair back; shuffle to the door; pull it open even as a faint tingling starts to catch in the back of his hand.]

Hey, Joshua. No worries, I wasn't sleepin'. [While he can always muster up a smile for his friends, it's weary and worn, and the light in his eyes has been replaced by a dull exhaustion. Alfyn clears his throat - that sounded real rough around the edges.] ...Everything all right?

[Because it is unusual for Joshua specifically to come knockin' at a time when he thinks Alfyn's resting. Unless there's trouble.

He doesn't know if his heart can take any more trouble yet.]

[Just like much of the rest of their crew, Joshua is trying to catch his energy. He's exhausted, having fought his way through to help Benedikta find Cid. He hadn't been in the deeper foray of things but... Well, he does have a bit of a black eye. Don't worry about it.

He's here to see how Alfyn has been doing. The other man looks tired, as expected, although Joshua wonders how rough it's been on him.]

Everything is alright now, I only thought I would...

[Before he can finish his comment, he does feel the dull ache of pain that springs up from the two of them being in close proximity to each other. Joshua is not new to pain (having dealt with chronic pain basically his entire life) but it still startles Joshua enough that he takes a step back and grabs the back of his hand where his insignia burns.]

My apologies... The brands.

[Just as he had taken a step forward, because Joshua has a black eye and any head injury is worth a careful look, his own hand flares in earnest and forces him back a step, too. Were he a bit more energetic, he might have cursed about it.]

It's...not fine, but what can we do?

[A defeated shrug. Alfyn's own injuries from the rescue mission were thankfully few, and he has the medicine to help himself, but he just hasn't been able to get his spark back for the last day or so. None of his patients know it - but he hasn't been able to look in on anyone who's marked a Corsair, either.]

Guess you're gonna have to keep 'em all in line and resting for me, huh?

[Don't worry about the black eye, it's just a bruise! It will heal with some time and perhaps a few ice compresses but there is nothing to actually worry about. He'll only have an ugly bruise he'll be sporting for a week or so.

More seriously, the burning sensation has them both standing quite the distance away from each other now. It still stings but at this distance it seems ... tolerable. Joshua frowns softly and finds it very frustrating that the moment he tries to be useful and help his friend- this happens.

He braces a hand over his chest out of habit.]

That much I can manage, all things considered. [Joshua did the majority of the healing before Alfyn joined the crew, so he's more than happy to do his part.] I hope you are feeling alright?

Edited 2025-04-12 05:06 (UTC)

[He'll whip him up some ice and leave it outside the door! Since he won't be able to make sure nothing's broken without hurting Joshua even more.]

Heh, maybe they'll listen when you tell 'em.

[Cid, in particular, is an expert in dodging Alfyn's requests (or orders) that he keep to little activity and just let himself heal for a while. But Joshua knows him from home - that might help.]

Feelin' all right? Yeah, I- I s'pose. [He rubs the back of his neck a bit.] Much as I can, anyway. I feel like I'm bein' forced to stay in here so I don't hurt anyone.

[There's rather more to it than that, but Joshua doesn't need Alfyn's hangups.]

[It must be a Dominant's dominate trait to want to dodge proper medical attention or help-

Joshua will nod quietly. Because he's sure that he can have some say in making sure everyone takes the time to rest. He can guilt Cid into doing that.

He can tell that Alfyn must be taking this hard. Being one of the few paladins on the crew...]

I can imagine how frustrating that must be. Yet, maybe it's also an opportunity to focus on yourself for a change. [Joshua looks up with a slight smile on his lips.] And ... I might have something to help.

Somethin' to help? What d'you mean by that?

[He's been too busy even to hear the rumors. Whatever Joshua's got in mind, the curiosity - the breath of hope - is enough to momentarily free Alfyn from his overtired slump.]

I've honestly been thinkin' of just going to stay on Eltrut for a while, but even there...there's no way of knowin' if I'm too close to someone who'll hurt about it.

[Joshua nods. He can understand the stress is this causing.]

While it may not be a permanent solution, I am aware Cid is trying his best to work on one.

[He digs into his pocket and products a small vial of liquid.]

In the meantime, I did manage to find this numbing liquid. It does help alleviate the pain, if only for a time.

Edited (typos!) 2025-04-17 03:14 (UTC)

[Eh?]

Numbing liquid?

[All the other thoughts: Cid should be resting, hell all of 'em oughta catch a break right now, Alfyn's moping and he shouldn't mope because he still has work to do, where would he go to be sure he could still do his job but not hurt anyone just by being him - they all fizzle out.]

Where'd you get it?

[Cid should be resting. But try as Joshua might to scold the man, he is still going to do whatever he wants.]

Gale managed to procure a few bottles of it.

[Although he's not entirely sure where Gale got them. He's not complaining, though.]

He allowed me to take a few. I thought you might care to use some.

Yeah, I- I'm willin' to try it.

[There is a sudden, brief desperation in his expression. How strange. Alfyn shakes his head (the fleeting but intense urge to just take four steps forward and...hug Joshua? That's not entirely new but it isn't usually this strong) and tries to focus again.]

Do I need t'come with you somewhere? Or - you've got it on ya? Oh- how's Gale doin'? I haven't...I should go see him, soon as I can.

[Joshua's expression softens the moment he sees that Alfyn might be having an internal crisis again.]

Gale's doing well. Please, take a moment to care for yourself. Let me handle the rest for now.

[Don't forget that Joshua is also a very strong healer!! He shifts and pulls a bottle out of his pocket.]

I have a vial for you here.

[So many things he could say start up a scuffle in his mind.

Are you sure you should waste this on him? Wouldn't it be better spent on someone who's really struggling about being forced to keep apart from somebody else? What's really in it, is he sure this is safe? I am so desperate not to hurt my friends just by walking up to them. Am I desperate enough to use up a temporary cure that could go to someone who needs it more?

Alfyn swallows to try to beat back a suddenly very dry throat.

He grits his teeth and puts out his hand for the bottle.]

Ha. Funny sight, ain't it? Usually it's me handin' you medicine.

[If Alfyn were to argue, Joshua would very much ready to argue with him in return. For all that Alfyn has done for all of them, he must... Take it easy. Let Joshua care for him for once.]

Alfyn... [It seems Alfyn is still frustrated.] You must remember this is only temporary. I'm certain these marks won't last. In the meantime, it would do you good to let yourself lean on me, if only for a little while.

[And since he can't exactly hand the item to Alfyn-]

I'll toss this to you.

[He's very frustrated. That, he could deal with, if it weren't also for the exhaustion and the conflict, and the number of people he cares about who're hurt and who'll suffer, mentally, from what they went through for a long time to come. And now this.

He sighs, nods, puts his hand up to catch Joshua's thrown vial. Once it's in his hand, he holds it up to the nearest backdrop of light.]

Got any idea what's in it? Am I s'posed to drink it?

A topical agent, I believe.

[The liquid should be applied directly to the brand on the hand so please don't drink it!

Joshua still lingers, unsure of what else he could say.]

Will you use it?

[A topical medicine makes a lot more sense than anything he'd have to eat or drink. For a long, silent moment, he stares at the bottle in his hand.]

Yeah. ...Yeah, I think I will. [A breathless laugh.] Feels selfish. But I guess...I can't say it's safe or not unless I give it a try?

[There's no point in delaying, now he's made up his mind. He pops the lid off and tips some of the liquid onto the branded spot, rubbing it in as well as he can.]

Did Gale say how long it'd take to work?

[Alfyn still thinks such a thing is selfish... It makes Joshua let out a soft sigh. But he's relieved when Alfyn does try it.]

I applied some of the agent about an hour ago, though I'm still unsure how long it will take to take effect.

[Although, they could just try on each other ... Joshua takes a step towards Alfyn.]

Do you feel much different?

Hand's tinglin' a bit-

[When he looks up, he realizes Joshua has come closer. He shakes his branded hand a few times, turning it over and back again while looking at it.]

Doesn't sting near as much though. [This may be the weariest and wateriest smile Joshua has ever seen on Alfyn.] I think it might just be workin'.

[Likewise, the brand on Joshua's hand still stings slightly but the pain isn't nearly as bad. The numbing effect is tingly and strange but ... it might just be working. At least it's a quick and shaky fix- for now.]

I think it will have to do for now.

[Joshua does step closer and he dares to reach out and put a hand on Alfyn's shoulder. With a gentle squeeze, he offers Alfyn another soft smile.]

And with it, a positive that something better will come along.

[Don't worry, Alfyn...]

[Aw, Josh, don't smile at him like that. Alfyn looks him in the eye for a few seconds, his own smile faltering all the while. He takes one quick, shaky breath.]

It might...might be a lot t'ask, but.

[Come on, Alfyn, hold it together. This isn't the time to fall apart. Take that time after everyone's definitely on the mend and not hurting from just coming close to each other.]

An' I don't wanna- hurt you. [It matters very little that Alfyn is in pain near his friends.] But I...shucks, y'think...can I hug ya?

[A ... hug? What an innocent thing to ask for. Joshua can't help how that warms his heart a little and even makes him blush in the slightest.]

Of course, Alfyn. I wouldn't be opposed to such a thing.

[Good for Alfyn that Joshua is actually big on hugs. He just doesn't throw himself at people without much cause- unless it's a friend that's just come out of a deathly situation.

This probably... counts.

Joshua won't hesitate to open his arms and move to hug the other. The pain will still be there but at least it will be ... tolerable.]

[As Joshua steps forward, Alfyn just folds. He can't quite hide his face in Joshua's shoulder but he comes close, clenching the hand that still burns but otherwise just...holding on.

The worst part is that he knows he shouldn't. After all he and his friends at home have been through, and everything here, he should be better than this. A better apothecary wouldn't crumble under the weight. When he takes a breath it turns harsh at the end, as he tries not to cry all over Joshua right out here in the open.

(So many unthinkable things were happening to the people who got abducted and imprisoned on that island. Not just to his friends - everyone they managed to rescue, no one came out unhurt, and he did his fair share of fighting and some of the captors that he fought are dead now. By his hand. To save as many as he could. And he still hates himself for it, a bit.)

Alfyn is shaking, his hold on Joshua desperately tight, trying not to be loud about how he can't stop his tears. He's exhausted and a little weak and a little too warm and everything is awful for a few minutes too many.]

I'm- 'm sorry, Josh, I-

Edited 2025-05-14 04:00 (UTC)

... Oh, Alfyn.

[He can practically feel the weight of Alfyn's exhaustion. It's palpable, as the man curls in his arms. Joshua frowns softly and holds him that much tighter. If only the world wasn't as heavy as it is or perhaps Joshua is too used to how rough and sharp things can be...

It reminds Joshua quickly of just how deeply Alfyn feels. How passionate he is about taking care of others, the worth he puts in that, the care...

After a moment, swirls of warm red fire circles softly around the two of them. Tiny healing embers that fleck about, refreshing them on the spot and easing certain bits of ache and pain.

Of course, he'll have to whisper,] Say nothing of it. [Do not scold him for using magic, please just continue to lean on him. There is nothing to say sorry for.]

Edited 2025-05-14 04:28 (UTC)

[A couple more stammered apologies break through anyway.

The fire, in contrast to Alfyn's own uncomfortable warmth, is soft and soothing. Some of the soreness fades away from his back and shoulders, the world doesn't seem just too bright anymore. And for all he wants to tell Joshua not to do that, not to spend himself on just little things that'd get better on their own if he could ever find a minute to take a break...he doesn't.

It's not that no one has been kind to him in return, either. This is far from the first act of kindness anyone has done for him in the midst of this whole catastrophe.

He just hasn't been stretched so thin he's ready to snap, until now.

Still. They can't just stand out here doing this- surely, Joshua has places to be. Alfyn swallows a blossoming sob and sniffs hard instead.]

Thats a- [He stops, swallows and tries again.] That's- a neat trick you - you have there. W-with the fire. [Somehow, for a few seconds, he hugs even tighter.] Helps.

[He is very glad that Alfyn doesn't scold him for using a bit of magic. A wisp of healing isn't going to do much to damage Joshua, and if it did he would still do it for Alfyn. Joshua can be stubborn, especially when it comes to offering some much-needed aid, even if Alfyn might not want it. But the other doesn't complain and instead called his trick, "neat." He would have to agree. He is not the dominant of fire for nothing.]

I've been known to have a trick or two, yes.

[Joshua returns with a light, soft chuckle on his lips. He doesn't move from the hug, actually squeezes Alfyn just a little more and still allows his magic to swirl. Flecks of wispy fire bounce and flicker around them slowly.]

If it helps even for a moment... [...] Then let it be.

[He doesn't like scolding his friends! Hell, he doesn't like scolding anyone. Maybe, after some sleep and a good meal, he'll feel kind of bad about not thinking of the damage Joshua could be doing to himself here - about putting himself before the health of a friend.

Right now, trying to get a hold of himself and shaking like a leaf anyway, his hands hold tight to the back of Joshua's shirt. The soothing warmth of the flames butting up against the dull, painful heat in the brand on his hand is just another reminder of how awful things have gotten.]

I should...I've got- work to finish, and-

[Oh, he realizes what a pathetic excuse that is. Were one of his friends in this much distress, he'd never let them simply go back to overworking themselves.]

...and...'m sorry but...I don't wanna move from here.

...

[Alfyn clinging to him has Joshua feeling a certain kind of way. It makes his heart skip a guilty beat before he can stop himself. He swallows carefully and is very glad that Alfyn may not be able to see his face right now, lest he sees Joshua's soft blush.

The man in his arms is exhausted...]

Even now, your thoughts remain with others and your duties. I say it once more, Alfyn. You must grant yourself some ... rest.

[Joshua still allows his own aether to swirl around them softly, like a gentle flowing reminder of Joshua's power as well. Let it be for now, Alfyn. Joshua can take care...]

I'll stay as long as you wish.

[Even back home, when he was on the road, Alfyn's constant focus was on the comfort and safety and health of his friends. Rarely did he consider, or take advantage of, such things for himself - seeing everyone else doing well made him plenty happy. Even when the worst happened, and everyone tried so hard to cheer him up...he took their kindness but he didn't feel like he should.]

I've been tryin'. I swear. [He takes a breath full of shaking, another breath that is steadier.] I sleep when I can an' I'm not missin' meals. I just...'m seein' their faces, down there. Everyone trapped...an' everyone who...

[Everyone who he struck down with the axe he carried. No matter how much it had to happen in the moment. To save his friends. To stop them from turning anyone into a godsdamned crystal statue?

In a very quiet voice he admits, at last:] I feel awful.

[Joshua is no stranger to loss and having to fight to survive. Maybe he understands that more than most people.]

I... I know how difficult it is to banish those images from your mind. The weight of them never truly eases.

[He sighs softly. Alfyn did his best. That's all they can remember and they have to keep living.]

Know and remember that you can only do what you can, Alfyn. You are one man.

[closed] 🔥 you're the fire and the flood

closed to alfyn greengrass 🌱

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