towerofanimus | the storm finally found me

Entry tags:

the storm finally found me

Characters: The Summoner and YOU
Setting: Between the thirteenth floor and the infirmary
Format: I will follow!
Summary: The Summoner really needs a hug except for the part where his ribs are broken
Warnings: Mentions of violence and blood?? Rampant self-loathing??? Various existential and emotional crises?????

[He stays where he is for a long time after the Highblood leaves, staring rather blankly into the air. He has not felt this low since he was a child. Since before he met Pyralsprite, and that thought is… absolutely hysterical to him. He has fought his whole life and it took a week and two trolls to bring him back here, where he questions every single one of his thoughts, his movements, everything. He does so much wrong, how could he have forgotten that]

[So he laughs because what the hell else is there to do. He wants nothing more then to sleep the rest of forever away, but he can’t as his body is quick to remind him. He’s coughing violently into his hand before long, unsurprised when after the fit has ended there are speckles of blood on his palm. Fuck. He wanted to skip the trip to the infirmary, but if his lungs are punctured…]

[The climb to his feet is truly agonizing, and he knows walking will be worse. There are little things in him muttering that he deserves it and he just can’t bring himself to argue with it. Yes. Of course he deserves it. Whatever. How many flights is it to the infirmary? He should’ve paid better attention in the past]

[Ah well… The first push off is the worst, and then he’s moving out of the cathedral and down the halls, one arm wrapped around himself while the other uses the wall for support. He’s tired. Let’s get this over with…]

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[WOW RUDE. It doesn't help that by the time he's caught his breath all he catches is that TERRIBLE NAME GENTLY FLIPS YOU WILLOW. So... mild, irritated staring before he just... decides to ignore her!!! WHAT IS GRATITUDE]

[...okay no, Willow will actually get a thank you when she's not... spacing out. There is something kinda disturbing about seeing her all loose and... weird like that. He's never really seen anyone get high as it were, but he can definitely tell when something's... off. Wrong. Hm. Yep. Talking to you now, Link. You're a cool dude okay okay]

It's the Summoner. Actually. Uh... thank you for getting, help.

[ Link hasn't seen it either and therefore also has no idea what's going on. They're so well-versed in this stuff, really. ]

... It's fine. I'm just glad that someone was willing to aid you on such short notice. How exactly did you end up in such bad shape--

[ Because damn if Link isn't curious. Pausing. ]

A second time, from what I've heard?

Of course I had to help him, he's my... my friend. Even if he doesn't really know what that means, the big goof, [she says, shamelessly interrupting their conversation and openly affectionate about it. Reaffirming that she has friends here, where she feels so alone, fills her with warmth.

She smiles softly to herself, hearing them but barely seeing them. Willow is coming down slowly, but she is returning to herself; power expenditure is quite different from power gaining, after all. This was just a short taste and not a real hit, and intentionally so, on her part. It won't take too long.]

[Unsure. Looking at Willow and just... unsure forever. Stop it man, he already told you that friendship is not an okay thing for him, and here you are... ); Bluh okay, ignoring her again, and nodding to Link]

Uh... yes she helped me before. She seems uh... remarkably willing to do that, for strangers I guess. [WOW look at all these questions he is just ignoring forever]

[ Pffft, Summoner. ]

If I'm not mistaken, that would be because you're friends. I cannot speak for humans, but where I come from, it's always best to help those in need. I take it you aren't familiar with the concept of friendship?

[ Aww cute. This does cause a brief smile. ]

Trolls are funny about it. [Willow's blinking repeatedly, starting to feel just faintly dizzy instead of loopy.] Didn't you explain that to me, once...?

[A little light goes off in her head, and she sits up straighter.] Ohhhh, guys, did I really just do that? That was a doozy. A double doozy.

... But you're okay now, right? [Her eyes track and focus, finding the Summoner. She's out of it enough to be unable to conceal her vulnerability. Willow has big, preexisting issues about losing her friends, and was prone to fretting to start with.]

[Oh dear... He meets Willow's eyes and that... vulnerability makes his chest close for a second, his own worry over that whole... weird spacey thing obvious and open in his eyes. Just for a second though. And then all his troll instincts clamp down on it and store it away to wonder about later]

Yes, I'm fine. Are you back, now...?

[...wait okay, Link asked something didn't he. Right right]

Uh... no, I guess... it is best to say that. We know what it is, but... it is not an encouraged part of our life, the way it uh, seems to be with humans.

[ ... Willow, you are making Link worry. Hang on while the forest person fusses over you. ]

... I should hope everyone here is all right?

[ Please be okay? As for Summoner... well. ]

I've... heard some things, but... helping each other ought to be second nature. It isn't fair that you have to constantly worry about protecting yourself.

[ It's worrisome, but Link is a bit naive, so naturally... yeah. They don't exactly get why it's frowned upon or anything. ]

Yeah, I'm back. For the most part. [She's fighting her way back to rationality, but Willow's practiced specifically for this, and manages it pretty well now that it's occurred to her.

Belatedly embarrassed about the whole thing and flushing faintly red, she figures she should give some kind of explanation.] I had some power stored from when I fought the Purple Pomposity, and it's heady stuff. There's a reason it was so slow and painful last time I healed you.

But I'll be alright, [she says, turning to Link to address him, too.] To be honest I'm relieved to have used it up. And it was worth it; Link's right, it isn't fair for you to be on your own.

[... Hang on, she hadn't told the Summoner that she'd fought the Grand Highblood yet, had she? Oops.]

Edited 2012-01-24 06:53 (UTC)

[Yeah, she definitely hasn't so he's just... staring at her again. Purple Pomposity wat. Is that a thing from her world???]

[Except then there's all this... weird concern about how he shouldn't be on his own and shit. And to be honest, it's pretty surreal??? I mean, he agrees with it. It's one of those things he wants to... well... wanted to change if the revolution ever managed to win which it didn't... hhhh... But anyway, to have people say it like it's a normal thing is just... weird. Humans are weird]

Yes well. There are a uh... number of things, that are not especially fair in my world. So I guess that is one of them.

[ Maybe humans are weird, who knows. Link's people (her adoptive ones especially, the Kokiri) were just as strange, then. And there's a pause while this gets mulled over. ]

... I admit there isn't much I can do to change that, but you don't have to be alone here. If you'll let us help you.

[ Really! But... hang on Purple--wait. ... Hmmm. Link does need to direct some attention back to Willow, now that she's a little clearer. ]

Willow... are you talking about the so-called "Highblood"?

[ Truthfully, Link is fairly smart--not just brawn and a sword slasher, as it were, and suspects if it was Dualscar, the silly nickname wouldn't have been worded as such. Probably closer to Angry Finface.

Which... means... gosh, Willow. Please let Link be wrong. Please please please. ]

[Her nickname for Dualscar is, in fact, "troll Elmer Fudd". Usually she doesn't repeat nicknames, but that one was just too appropriate.]

So-called is right, but yeah, I am talking about him. [Her nose scrunches up, and it's almost a scowl.] It was a while ago, and I... [Slight hesitation.] Found him hurting someone.

It wasn't like I didn't warn him. [But she really doesn't want to talk about this, not now and not ever if she can help it. And there is still one thing Willow wants to find out, a question now underlined with suspicion.] It wasn't him that did this to you, was it? [she asks suddenly, voice sharp as she turns to the Summoner again.]

[...oh well fuck. He was just going to mentally ollie outie for this part here where they talk about the Highblood, but now there's a question being directed at him and... fuck]

[LKJSDFLKJSDF okay normally he is pretty okay at keeping his emotions off his face? This is not an especially normal day however, so he just looks... absolutely miserable when Willow turns back to him. Because as far he is apparently concerned in this moment, he deserved it and actually he should really be dead. But he gets the feeling actually saying that would be... bad...]

[They won't get it. Can't. They're humans. Hell, he doesn't even get it and it's happening to him... Ugh... WHY]

U-uhm... yes. I guess. But it's uh... fine now.

[ ... Okay, something is wrong here and Link is not letting it go! Well... sort of.

Obviously there's some sort of larger issue (like how Link needs to go kick Grand Highblood's ass), but that is not the point. Right now, Summoner is the concern. Maybe Link wouldn't get it, but damn if the Hylian won't TRY to. ]

... You certainly seem fine.

[ A light scoff, but that is all the snark that happens. ]

I'm sorry if we're intruding, but... we'd like to help somehow. Can't you help us understand what's bothering you, and why?

Yeah, how can you say it was fine? [It's not accusatory-- Willow's just letting her worry run away from her, and her anger at the Grand Highblood, which has yet to leave her.

She rises from the chair and comes over next to the bed again, not liking the distance now that she isn't high anymore.] Why are you being like this? You should tell us what's going on. I won't run off and pick a fight with him, if that's what you're worried about-- I figure you want to do your own fighting. Right?

[...no that's not it at all!!! But sure, okay, he'll take you up on that, especially once he realizes Willow being all close and worried like this makes him feel... guilty...? Something like that. Anyway, nods faintly]

I uh... meant that, I'm fine now? I'm not... hurt anymore. [Even if maybe he should be...] But. Yes. I would definitely rather, this be a fight that I fought on my own. [Glances to Link] You too. Please don't, go looking for him, just because of this.

[...strange that he doesn't look any happier for having uh... supposedly gotten that off his chest. :T welp]

[ ... Hm. Well truthfully Link DOES want to kick his ass still, but if Summoner would prefer it not happen, then it won't.

And that's that. Have a slight nod. Still kinda concerned here, Pupa. ]

... I can't say I won't if he hurts anyone senselessly, but it would be unfair of either myself or Willow to fight for you without your consent.

[ Link wants to ask, but... well. Not very good at social stuff and that aside what are feelings? ]

If it is something of a different nature... I am not sure if we can help him, Willow. But we can at least try to be here if you should ever need help, regardless, Summoner.

[ Really! ]

[Willow has her faults and her weak points, but one of her strengths has always been emotional intelligence, so she eyes the Summoner suspiciously as Link speaks. It's a suspicion born of earnest concern.]

Yeah, I know he doesn't get how friendship works and all, but you're right, [she says pointedly.] No matter what's going on, we're not going to judge you. We just want to be there and do what we can. I won't push, but... you don't need to hide things from us.

[...OH GOSH YOU GUYS. He feels kind of amazingly guilty with them offering to listen like this, and guilt is just... a deeply unpleasant feeling tucked up against all these other rather terrible feels. Looks away from them, jaw clenching. He almost looks like he might... say something...]

[But he just shakes his head faintly. TRUST IS HARD GUH]

It's uh... alright. I think maybe everything will, work out eventually.

[ ... Link is silent for a bit, before looking away. ]

I don't disbelieve what you are telling us, Summoner, and I am well aware of how your people's culture is, but... perhaps you could humor us and try not to be worried about asking for our help should you ever truly need it?

We won't fight your battles; that would be unfair. However... we would gladly aid you in them if you needed it, at any time we could. ... I think Willow has the same feelings... right?

[ After the small mini!speech, Link looks to Willow for some support. ]

Yeah, of course! [she agrees instantly, exchanging a glance with Link that tries to silently communicate, geez, he's stubborn.]

Whatever the problem is, if you change your mind about telling us, I won't tell you you're being silly or anything. Well, okay, I might say that, but I wouldn't hold it against you.

[Maybe if she explains what's involved in this friendship thing a little better, he'll open up.]

[lksjdlkfj looks between the two of them, and then just... glances away. His voice is sort of... dry. Conceding to incessant guilt trip if only a little]

It is... not really a uh, battle that needs fighting, I don't think. Or I guess if it is, then it is a... battle I have to fight alone, for the sake of uh... making it right, maybe. [...hm] It is... a troll thing though. I am not sure, you would really understand...?

[ There's a decent pause as he speaks, and Link thinks it over. A troll thing? Who does this remind them of?

... It might be time to actually put on the Hero Hat here and speak. What would Zelda say? She'd be better at this sort of thing, sigh. But--! They've got to try, anyway...! ]

... I concede that might be true, however... we can't understand if your people don't help us to do that, just like you would not understand our customs or ways, or those of the humans.

[ Link... hopes that makes sense! Okay, they're not great with this sort of thing, but... maybe if Link puts this into perspective a little, and explains that they're not really trying to butt in, they're just concerned and want to UNDERSTAND, then he'll open up?

Okay... what example can they use...? ... Hyrule, maybe? ]

Where I am from, three different races and many others exist together without any problem, even though there has been warring, they have come to terms with one another under a banner of peace, despite the differences in their cultures. They seek to understand each other as best as they can.

That... is all, I think. I have a friend [ Darunia, heh--the proud Goron Chief. ] who is like that. He believes his people should keep to their problems, and I respect that, but that doesn't mean I cannot at least try to understand the problem... and I won't be able to, without your help.

This... this all said, I don't want to force you to feel uncomfortable, so I apologize if I am.

Edited 2012-02-05 01:44 (UTC)

Yeah, I interact with other races all the time at home, [Willow agrees wholeheartedly.] Sometimes it doesn't make any sense to me, but it kinda... doesn't have to, I think? The important part is being there for you.

Plus, I'm starting to think I know what's going on here, anyway. [She gives him a suspicious look, because she's starting to put two and two together.]

Did you have a hate date with the Grand Highblood, but he forgot to kiss you good night, or something?

[............for god's sake Willow]

[FOR GOD'S SAKE. He was actually maybe going to say something after Link's whole appeal for multicultural misunderstanding... and then... lord]

[Gives her this kind of long... blank look]

No. That is, not even close, to the thing that happened.

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just for you, Char

...laughing irl oh noooooo

ahsdfgh ME TOO OH MY GOD ahsdfgh

PPFFFFFT AND WITH THAT, GOOD NIGHT

HAVE A GOOD SLEEP <3 <3

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I DID, IT WAS LOVELY SLEEP :3

excellent 8>

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