OOM All Skate Skellig Dream Magic Weirdness -Part 12

[brave_kreyu]

They wind up staying two full cycles of the Moon with Tyr's tribe.

Time enough to learn the various dances, share recipes, race through the Teeth, make friends, share stories, BELONG.

It might even be enough time for Skellig to sort out how he feels about being among other people with wings!

Tyr clasps Skellig's forearm in farewell. "I would call you my brother, if you would permit it?" he says, voice soft.

Comments

[27_53]

"Tired is good," Skellig says honestly. "That is your body able to communicate with your mind and it means that the signal is not getting lost along the chaos and the chatter."

He smiles gently.

"And I suspect once you find space in your bed, sleep with not be difficult to find either. You should rest easier than you would have, now. I have done what I can to start you towards being more settled."

[brave_kreyu]

"Thank you, truly," Ajax tells him, sincere. "And a hopefully more pleasant adventure for all of us tomorrow," he adds, wry. "At least if we end up finding the Procession of the Stars."

[27_53]

"Yes, we will aim for a much more enjoyable experience for us all."

Of course there will be last minute details to sort out, but Skellig is quite content to leave that to be dealt with in the morning AFTER breakfast - he can see the weariness growing with each passing moment as Ajax relaxes back against Koschei.

"I am certain our room is ready by now, don't you think, love?" He asks Kreyu.

[brave_kreyu]

"I think so," she says, nodding. "We should take our leave, get some rest before the excitement of tomorrow."

[27_53]

"I think that would be wise," he says, yawning faintly - a true reaction. "We will want to be at the top of our abilities, in all forms."

He rises to his feet and offers his hand to Kreyu to help her up.

[brave_kreyu]

She takes his offered hand, smiling.

They say their farewells, for now, go to THEIR room.

She kisses him gently after the door of their room is latched behind them. "I am glad you could help Ajax."

[27_53]

Once their door is latched securely, he relaxes just a bit and sighs as she leans in to kiss him.

"It was mostly fear that he was plagued with, that is one of the more intense types of emotions to realign, but at the same time, it is often straightforward. His was strong but not complicated. I am glad it was that way, and that I could help him."

He leans down to rest his forehead against hers.

"I feel he will need all the strength and courage he can manage for tomorrow."

[brave_kreyu]

"I believe you're right," she says, wrapping an arm around him.

"If we hadn't sent Koschei his way, he would have died today," she says, voice quiet. "And if I hadn't taught Koschei that healing spell years before you and I ever met, just in case he ever needed it..."

Things ripple, one choice resulting in unanticipated consequences.

[27_53]

Unanticipated yes, but in this case not unwelcome or unappreciated.

"Perhaps it was another part of our universe weaving itself together in the way it is meant to," he suggests, voice soft. "We may not ever be able to explain it, but that doesn't matter."

[brave_kreyu]

"I like that suggestion, whether it is true or not." She smiles, holds him close. "Thank you, love."

She yawns. "Time to get ready for bed, I think. Prepare ourselves for tomorrow with a good night's sleep."

[27_53]

"Of course, my heart."

Getting ready for bed has become somewhat of a routine they can both easily fall into without getting too distracted - since they will actually be trying to SLEEP they are also careful to keep any rowdy behavior to a minimum.

(Skellig does sneak a kiss here and there when he's able, and she reciprocates in kind.)

The House is not typically the most quiet in the overnight hours, but given the events of the day prior, it makes sense that any 'celebrations' lean toward the subtle variety. Sleep comes quickly after travel and wine, as does breakfast shared together.

"What do you think we should plan for as far as attire, love?" He asks, while checking through his bag. "What energy do we need to give off?"

[brave_kreyu]

"Something like what we wore yesterday should work." She smiles at him in between fussing with her hair. "The appearance of suitable companions for Ajax, ones who would fit in at a palace."

[27_53]

Nodding, Skellig selects something suitable - his hair is a bit of a lost cause, though he knows Kreyu does not mind it now that it has grown just a hint shaggy - and dresses himself, ensuring that his amulet is in place, as well as his bracelet, to aid in Karma should they need it.

(He HOPES they will not, but he suspects they may - if only to replenish what might be lost in a fight with Gorgon.)

Humming as he finishes dressing (it is one of the songs they learned during their time with the Winged Folk) he turns to watch her finish up, which is always a not-so-secret pleasure.

[brave_kreyu]

Putting her hair up is always a bit of a process. Some of THESE jeweled pins can also double as weapons, in a pinch. She prefers to fight with spells, but you never know.

Also, sparkly, and she and Skellig both like sparkly.

"My hair isn't too tilted to one side or another, is it?" Her pearls, resonant with karma, are looped in plain sight around her neck.

[27_53]

The avian influence in his mind is naturally drawn to the jewels that now decorate her hair, and it takes him a moment to blink his attention and focus back into 'here' when she speaks.

"Mmm?" He draws his gaze to meet hers, then her words (and question) meet up with him. "No, it isn't tilted."

[brave_kreyu]

She is clearly amused at his needing to refocus. "Thank you, love. Hard to tell by myself."

She makes a last adjustment to her chiton, deep green patterned with circles of golden thread.

"You look lovely." She touches his hair with her fingers, 'straightening' it a bit.

They do attract SOME attention as they head downstairs, but not that lingers. Ajax is waiting for them downstairs in the chiton he was wearing when they first met, the one patterned with birds in flight.

Koschei's chiton coordinates with Ajax's, although it's a little shorter than it 'should' be. Most residents of this area are nowhere NEAR Koschei's height, after all!

Koschei rumbles a "Good morning," while Ajax finishes his business with the owner.

[27_53]

"Thank you, love." If anyone can bring some help to his hair, it is his very, very talented wife! "As do you."

Once they have made their way downstairs, Skellig tips his head politely (not a bow, simply a greeting) to them both as they arrive - he can sense that they are gathering some curious glances and extra attention, but it does not linger too long. After all, the events of yesterday are still at the front of everyone's minds...

"Good morning," Skellig says to Koschei, glancing in Ajax's direction. "Did sleep come easily?" He asks quietly. The for him is implied, as he would not dare speak it outloud where others might overhear.

[brave_kreyu]

"It did," Ajax replies, smiling. The 'thank you' is unspoken, but Skellig will pick up on it. As they step out of the House of the Setting Sun, Ajax glance skyward. "Might even introduce you to some of the local sights on the way," he tells them.

Koschei raises an eyebrow. "Not good day for herbalist," he remarks, tone dry.

"No, definitely not," Ajax agrees, chuckling. "We'll need all our wits about us."

[27_53]

"Perhaps a visit to the herbalist after the day's events have come to a close," Skellig suggests, 'helpfully'. "Depending on the outcome of the day, of course."

Though he is holding in his mind that it will be a positive one (for them) and he is currently blocking out any ideas to the contrary, working to build up his energy in the direction he knows he'll need it in.

"Is there anything specific we may benefit from knowing, before we get to the palace?"

[brave_kreyu]

"There are a few local specialties that are good for celebrating," Ajax muses. "But yes, definitely after."

"Nothing specific that I can think of," he says as they weave their way through the streets. "Will have to bribe some guards, but I came prepared for that."

The structure of the palace itself is made of local sandstone, broken up by courtyards with fountains and gardens to help with both light and cooling. They attract SOME attention, but not much, as everyone seems to be quite busy this morning.

One tower is much bigger than the others, but does not appear to be occupied for some reason. As they draw closer, Skellig can feel emotional echoes of wonder, joy, awe, and fascination. Old echoes, and faint at this distance, but definitely THERE.

[27_53]

Again, he does not say anything outright - but Kreyu may be able to pick up on the uptick in his energy and emotions, as the Light reserves within his body pick up a bit of a 'boost' as they make their way through the courtyards of the palace, growing nearer to the tower.

The echoes are faint, but they are THERE and that is a very positive sign that they are on the right trail!

"The stonework is quite skilled," he comments idly as they walk. "Clearly, a great deal of effort went into this work."

Likely by men who were not fairly compensated for their efforts, but he will not think too deeply on that at this time...

[brave_kreyu]

"Stonework fair," Koschei rumbles in quiet agreement. "Many hands and many years."

"Particularly lovely in the moonlight, I find," Ajax replies. "Every generation has added on to the grounds in their own way. The tower we are heading toward is the oldest part. Legend has it that it was built BEFORE the palace, but there's no proof of that."

Despite the tower being abandoned, there are two armed guards in front of it. "Ah, good morning," Ajax tells them, all charm.

"Would it be possible for my friends and I to view the tower alone for a bit?"

They hesitate at telling a prince 'no', but caution wins out. "We're not allowed to let anyone in there, sir."

"Of course, of course," Ajax says, waving a hand. "On my honor, none of us will even TOUCH the door." Two gold coins appear in his palm by sleight of hand.

The money is, well, it's a lot of money. One of the guards takes the coins, coughs nervously. "We're going to, uh, make sure that our replacements are going to arrive on time. Don't want to be stuck here pulling ANOTHER shift."

They scurry off, probably to put those coins somewhere safe or spend them!

As they approach the door, the echoes are MUCH louder. Whatever is behind that door has TREMENDOUSLY strong emotional echoes.

"How are you planning on investigating without anyone touching the door?" Kreyu asks.

[27_53]

"There are other ways to open doors," Skellig says, somewhat cryptically, muttering a bit as his eyes narrow slightly - he is currently quite distracted by those echoes, as they are LOUD and highly charged with emotions of all sorts.

(It is almost how he reacted the first time he neared the Lair - a bit woozy on his feet, leaning on Kreyu for 'balance'.)

"I am not good at any of them, but I...we are likely in the right place," he offers.

[brave_kreyu]

She wraps an arm around him for support.

"Can take through the walls, move through the stone," Koschei offers. "Holding breath might help nerves?"

The stone parts like water as Koschei carries Ajax through the wall. "Are you up for it, my dear?"

[27_53]

That...was not at all what Skellig had anticipated. Not in the slightest.

"I..."

He tilts his head curiously, blinks a few times...then shrugs. "I will hold my breath," he offers. "Nerves are...distractions." He waves a hand slightly in the air - it is a good thing that this is work needed by Koschei, as Skellig is a bit too out of sorts mentally to focus on his own abilities, as there is just SO MUCH to listen to!