sranks | a necromancer and a priestess walk into a confessional

Fascinating. I wonder if the Dragon was almost like a god in her own right...

[Well, maybe not in Amaya's world. Still, having that much power would certainly place the Dragon far above most monsters. Maybe some of the truly ferocious ones awaiting at the top of the Aeli's Branches, the ones that absorbed the magicaeli and strengthened those stones when they inevitably fell.

But he's getting distracted, and Zvei shakes his head with a soft laugh.]

I suppose there's no point in trying to test that, then. I'd rather not damage my dagger.

[...implying he was considering it...???]

These claws are vastly different too - even though they aren't quite a perfect match for the Dragon's, I'd imagine, they are much sturdier; the better for ripping and tearing through flesh, sinew, and bone. The dragons we face rarely come into contact with humans; their prey are far weaker monsters. The differences are truly astounding...

[He'll let her hand go now and move down to her clawed feet, humming to himself as he works, hands gliding over the scales there and poking and prodding at the draconic feet.]

There are likewise a great many differences here; why, I'd venture that these are closer to a wyvern's claws than a dragon's, though wyverns' scales are more reptilian than draconic... Still, the power behind them is much closer in scale! Dragons are primarily beings that utilize magic and their ability to breathe fire - or whatever other element, of course. Wyverns are far more physical and are built to match. Though they are far weaker than dragons, so perhaps that isn't the most accurate comparison either...

[No, he will not shut up, thank you very much!!]

Father's cult worshipped her as one. I would not be surprised if she could rival the gods of Madide, considering everything she was able to do...

[Amaya's eyes idly close as she listens to Zvei go on and on, even letting out a small noise at the idea of him testing that durability with his dagger. What does it say about her, that she isn't immediately chiding him? She knows damn well that it isn't a joke, coming from him. She knows damn well that if he found a good enough reason to bring out that dagger, he would, and she wonders if her injured state would deter him at all.

(It's not like it matters. She'd only have herself to blame, for rewarding him so. And isn't that a reward in it's own right? To see the joy and elation upon his face, to see him chatter endlessly while he toys with her life like it were a plaything...

What agony. What bliss.)

Amaya's eyes open, half lidded as she listens to Zvei continue to speak, and this time she loses the battle to keep her hand out of his hair; the talon-like hand gently rakes through his scalp if allowed, the motion surprisingly gentle and considerate.]

I was unaware of much of a difference between them. Most of Madide simply considers the matter of classifying a wyvern or dragon based on their intelligence or elemental alignment; how intriguing, that it would be a reminder of such a thing. I know not if she was a half breed, or perhaps even something else entirely, given our very different worlds.

[Beat.]

...Madide and the Dragon's, I should say, though there are many differences between your world and my own. But...the Dragon, as much as she claimed the forests of Quercetem as her home, was not of our world. She was quite massive and fierce in person, easily dwarfing my younger self when I first met her. She was always quite adaptable, so I would not be surprised if her body had changed over time to accommodate that.

But it is...fascinating, to hear all of these little differences.

[Zvei nods along to her words, never looking up from where he's studying her talons... at least not until her claws run back through his hair. He looks up at her then, blinking owlishly like he's only just truly become aware of her. The claws in his hair aren't a bad thing; it's simply that Zvei has very limited experience with all things physical affection and he isn't really sure what to do with it. After a moment he settles a bit, leaning into her claws for a moment before resuming his examination as if that didn't just happen.

After all, who cares about his momentary hesitation with physical affection when he could be studying her temporary form? He's not going to have all the time in the world for that, after all!]

Truly fascinating that you already have experiences and knowledge of other worlds... Which does introduce some truly fascinating prospects for the Dragon and your own world, even when stacked against my own! I suppose some of my questions must go unanswered for the time being...

[Maybe he'll get the opportunity to travel to Madide and/or the Dragon's world someday and he can put those questions to rest, but Zvei's also come to terms with the fact that sometimes you just don't get to answer those questions. Still, they're absolutely fascinating and delightful distractions from the day-to-day monotony, so he's always eager to pursue them.]

[Amaya winds up staring for a moment, when Zvei blinks up at her. Her eyes don't quite go wide or anything of the sort, but any playing with his hair even idly just ceases for a moment. Even after he leans back into it, Amaya seems uncertain and her gaze darts when he speaks up again.]

I would not give it that much credit. She never told me of the world that she hailed from at all; from what I understand, she ensured it's destruction. We...never did talk about such insignificant things. I do hope that is not too disappointing, but it would seem so...

[Amaya's other hand seems to unconsciously come up to cover her mouth a bit when she speaks; the much larger teeth and fangs she has currently are something she's a little modest about, but she does look at Zvei afterword with the tilt of her head, circling back to something else.]

...Do you wish for me to remove my hand? I...can, if it is proving uncomfortable. The last thing I want would be to make you so.

[It's considerate when she says it; she may not have entirely functioning empathy but...she can fake it, and she likes Zvei. Her clawed hand does seem to start to remove itself almost on instinct.]

Mm, truly unfortunate...

[But he's accepted that for now so there's no point in dwelling on it. Amaya has a question of her own, it would seem, and Zvei looks up at her again at that.]

Oh no, it's quite alright! I rather enjoy it, actually. I was simply surprised; I've never had anyone play with my hair like this before!

[At least, not that he remembers. Maybe it was something he was accustomed to in the past, but there's absolutely no telling. That's just another reason why he needs to reclaim these memories; so he can actually understand who he is and why he's like this. Those memories will make everything make sense.

But that's not the point right now, and he reaches out for her hand as she starts to pull away.]

You know me well enough by now, miss Amaya, you know that there's nothing that makes me uncomfortable.

[That requires feelings, after all.]

[Amaya's head tilts a bit; she can't say she's surprised necessarily, given how Zvei is. He's too animated, too on the move, too...energetic. One would probably never think to do something like that unless they wanted to get him to sit still, but that isn't fair to Zvei. It should be his own decision whether he wants to or not, and...

She's at least offering him enough to sate his curiosity at least. Amaya feels his hand reach hers, and she understands the hint as her look neutralizes a bit. It may never soften, but it's the closest thing she can offer him as she runs those talons through his hair.]

I cannot see why. It is...nice, I believe. The texture is smooth, preferable. It's...a soothing gesture, I think.

[...]

It brings an empty feeling with it, but I do not mind it. I...am glad you enjoy it as well.

[It's honest, but Amaya listens as she runs her fingers through that hair, clawed nails gently scratching at his scalp.]

I do, yes. But I do like to check. Your agency in such matters is...deeply important to me, all be told.

[As someone who's been denied it her whole life.]

[Zvei gives a hum of approval as Amaya's claws slide through his hair again and he leans into it, mismatched eyes falling closed to simply enjoy it for the moment.]

I understand.

[He does. Better than most would, he assumes, because Amaya doesn't seem the sort to part with that information all too easily.]

But you don't need to worry about such things; if I truly disliked it, I'd simply let you know!

[He isn't really the sort to try to hide such things; he's about as much of an open book as he can be, at least when it comes to his preferences. What few of them he does have, anyway.]

A "soothing gesture", you called it... I believe I can see why. It's... calming, I suppose?

[...Stated as though he has never once understood the meaning of the word "calming", which given everything he's decided to be, is not exactly a surprise.]

...Good. I do not ever want to do that to you.

[Amaya doesn't really respond much further for the moment, at least; content to explore him a little bit now, as much as he's explored her. It feels strange to do this, but there's something strangely empty and almost...light? About it. Amaya isn't sure at all, really, what this means for her; that empty feeling persists, but it's almost pleasant.

But Amaya perks up when Zvei talks about the emotion at hand, and she keeps playing with his hair while she talks.]

It is meant to be. Gestures like these...they are meant to relax one's body and mind with their repetition, with one's nerves seeming to give up their tension if they find that the gesture is welcome. The calm comes from that release of tension, meant to alleviate one's mind from their struggles and bring them into relaxation.

...So I have heard, at least. Does this describe what you are feeling?

[It's strange, but far from unpleasant. Trying to find the words to describe it feels almost pointless when it is a wholly new sensation, but she's asked this much of him and he'll do his best to respond. After all, Amaya can't feel it herself. The least he can do is try to describe it for her.]

I'm not sure! Truthfully, I'm very rarely ever in a state of relaxation, though I suppose that likely doesn't come as much of a surprise.

[It's a wonder this many gets any sleep, smh.]

It feels... freeing, almost. As though the repetition is helping me settle, so I can ease away the unnecessary thoughts and distractions. Why, the very world could fall away right now and I'd still be perfectly content in this moment!

[Perhaps a bit of an exaggeration, but it gets the point across. He likes it. It's soothing and calming and a gentleness he's unfamiliar with, and Zvei likes it a lot, actually.]

Time relaxing is time better spent on work for you, I'm sure.

[It's not derisively said; Amaya knows more than a fair few that Zvei values his time and research. Knowing he actually doesn't mind this, though, it brings about that empty feeling and strangely enough, those strange wings at her back shudder at it. She doesn't know what that means, really.

But Amaya listens as Zvei describes the feeling to her, and she tries to visualize it. Strangely enough the wings seem to shudder again as she does, and she keeps playing with his hair and lets her hand travel to another part of his head to play with the hair there.]

Freeing...that is a word I would not have expected, but I suppose I can understand that. Sort of like any shackles weighing you down have been discarded in the face of such relaxation, perhaps...? [Amaya shrugs a bit, and one of her clawed fingers gently goes to tuck a bit of his hair behind one of his ears.] ...At any rate, while I cannot feel it, it...pleases me, that I am able to do this for you.

Precisely.

[Zvei's never liked downtime. He works himself to the bone both in pursuit of his goal and because the thought of doing anything less fills him with... well "dread" is too intense an emotion for him to properly feel, but that's more or less the point here. He dislikes being idle, because that leaves him time to think, and that's a truly dangerous prospect. The harder he works, the sooner he can reclaim his lost memories. That's all there is to it.

His eyes slide open as he senses movement, and he watches those strange wings of her shudder. What's causing that? Oh, he wants to reach out and touch and poke and prod until he has his answers, but that involves moving, which seems like entirely too much effort right now.]

Exactly! That's exactly it. The things that bind me feel so very far away like this.

[Perhaps the better way to phrase it would be something along the lines of "I'm no longer worked up and bothered by my insecurities" but that's acknowledging feelings and insecurities, neither of which Zvei has, of course!]

You are remarkably good at finding ways to get me to settle. I have to wonder just what sort of witchcraft you're pulling on me...

[It's obviously a joke, given his tone.]

Mmm. Well...I am glad that you are able to feel such a way, around me. You know as well as I do that most people are rather unsettled by my demeanor. To know that I bring you this comfort is...good. I think.

[Amaya wonders what it would be like, to feel like that. In a way, she envies Zvei; he can still feel such inane things, even if he doesn't quite have a name for it for himself. He views it as a curiosity, and that's...

It's not bad, at least. But the comment gets something of a scoff from Amaya, and her wings shudder again.]

I've analyzed you quite well, I would think. But...I would owe it more to my own curiosity, than anything else. I am not usually one who seeks to be so...close, to others. That you've allowed me this opportunity is not lost on me.

[...]

Perhaps the true witchcraft is the knowledge I am gaining to assist you in your ease.

Really, I can't imagine what about you could be so unsettling!

[Hahaha. Her demeanor has never bothered him in the slightest, but he's also not one to talk, given he's likewise pretty unsettling, just in a totally different direction.

Zvei loses the battle not to reach out, fingers brushing back behind her arm against one of those wings, if she'll let him. It's not exactly soothing, as he isn't really capable of that, but the exploratory touch is gentle.]

See? You even joke with me. What could possibly be unsettling about you, miss Amaya? [Teehee.] You flatter me, though. I'm fairly sure you're just indulging me... but I can't say I mind it at all~ After all, this proximity is... better than acceptable.

[That's a clumsy way of wording it, but given how he tends to word everything anyway, maybe the difference will matter. After all, it is nice. But that's the sort of thing he'd say when he didn't mean it at all, so wording it like this is sort of his backwards attempt at acknowledging the feeling. It's a poor attempt, but what would you expect from him?]

[Amaya doesn't flinch or anything at the reaching out, though her gaze does dart toward where he's reaching toward...the wings do jolt on their own accord before settling and allowing Zvei to touch them, and they're surprisingly durable, leathery things. He can almost certainly feel the beginning of bones in certain parts of the wings, though incomplete...]

...You like this proximity, then. [yes, amaya, that is in fact what he said--] And if I am? Are you saying you don't deserve to be indulged a bit? You saved my life, after all.

[But they've gone far beyond that point, at least. She's allowing him in her space, and she...doesn't know what this empty feeling is, but it doesn't feel bad. Not when he's being so annoying about it.]

Keep that up, and I may think you are starting to fancy me. I wonder what they would all say.

Fascinating...

[Not like she's expecting anything else, probably, but of course he finds her little wings to be this mesmerizing. If allowed to grow further, would those bones fully form and would these wings remain permanently? What a beautiful sight that would be...

He glances back up at her at that, and it earns a laugh. Both parts of it, really; she's gone far beyond indulging him for saving her life today, after all, and the rest...]

So? Let them talk. I don't particularly care what they have to say, anyway.

[He could let that speak for itself, but this is Zvei, so he can't shut himself up that simply.]

Perhaps I do fancy you, miss Amaya. After all, who else could possibly hold my attention and interest like you do? Who else could convince me to sit still, even for just a few minutes? Who would listen to my stories and share their own, without a shred of judgment for the things I've done - the things I'm willing to do? Why, it'd be far stranger if I didn't like you, wouldn't it?

[Amaya would have been perfectly fine to leave things as is; she's always been fonder of comfortable silence than anything else. But it wouldn't be Zvei if he didn't feel the need to rise to the occasion, and Amaya suppresses the groan that wishes to escape her when she listens to him speak so easily, so freely.

Her gaze averts, briefly, and strangely enough her wings shudder and flap once or twice for good measure--she's not sure what to make of his words, if they're even true or if he's simply speaking for the sake of it. Something in her eyes narrows, briefly, before she looks back at him with that same placid look she's kept for most of this conversation, but...

Her other hand comes up, resting on Zvei's shoulder.]

...Perhaps it would. But...you do know, that I cannot return that sentiment. I cannot return those passionate words, nor the feelings that you express. You are who you are, and...I am what I am. Two very different things. You...could do better.

...But regardless, I do not mind it. The things you have done...what you will do, and the path you have chosen.

Perhaps that is why I prefer your company, as well.

[Ah, there go her wings... cute... He's going to pet them again if she'll let him!!]

And you know as well as I do that my feelings never last for very long. The things I feel are fleeting and ephemeral. I am not truly capable of anything more than "liking" someone.

[But one could say that Amaya cannot even do that much. Maybe, in that regard, she's right and he could do better. But why would he want to waste the effort on trying when he's already found someone he does like? Fleeting or not, there's no reason to deny himself something he wants. Zvei isn't the sort to do that, anyway.]

Then that's good enough for me. Though I'm sure one could say that you likewise could do better!

...I doubt they would, if they knew the reasons I kept your company.

[She's in no position to stop him from petting her wings again, though the hand on Zvei's shoulder travels up and her head tilts as it settles against his cheek, one clawed thumb gently brushing his cheek.]

You annoy me deeply, you know. You have a habit of talking more than necessary, with your insight and your observations. It is almost deafening when you elect to do so, shutting out all of the quiet in my mind and causing irritation to rise within me as you continue. You agitate me, you insufferable man.

[But there's no bite in Amaya's words, and something in her gaze seems...soft, somehow. Her gaze is still cold, but there's something in those eyes of hers, something about as close as warmth as she can get.]

...But you make me feel something. And that, I think...is enough. For me, at least. I would not want you to change that much.

Perhaps, if only in that way...I fancy you, too. That is enough, for me.

[He leans into it, mismatched eyes looking back up at her with a grin that only grows as she continues. After all, he can see where she's going with this - oh sure, he annoys and frustrates her, but that means she's feeling something, and something is always better than nothing.]

Then it's enough for me too.

[And that's simply that, as far as he's concerned. It doesn't have to be any more complicated than that.]

What a lovely compliment, though! My, you're going to make me blush, miss Amaya~

[she called you annoying as hell, zvei.]

[Amaya doesn't stop the groan from escaping herself this time, though she does continue to play with Zvei's hair and moves to give him a small kiss on the head.]

And you're fit to give me a migraine, Zvei. But...I would not have you any other way.

[Amaya sighs a bit.]

...Have you observed everything that you wanted to, Zvei? Or is there anything else I can do? I do not mind staying like this for as long as you would like.

[Teehee~ ♡]

Good, because I won't be changing!

[But with that joke(?) out of the way...]

Hmm... I can think of one change I'd make!

[Zvei nuzzles into her hand for a moment before he moves to stand. Sadly, he is only human (deimori) and cannot remain on his knees forever. So instead, he's going to move to sit on the bed beside Amaya. The cots in here aren't exactly large enough for two people, which means we're cuddling now. Deal with it. This is also the perfect way for him to continue poking her wings, so win/win!!]

There we go~ [He is absolutely securing an arm around her waist to get at that wing over there, hello!!] Much better!

[Amaya will release Zvei as he goes to move, not sure what he's going to do at first...but then he joins her on the bed, and Amaya can't help but let out a soft noise at the current situation.]

Much closer to the true object of your affections now...I see, I see.

[It's only lightly teasing, but you know what. She kind of wants him close, to, and if he doesn't mind she kind of just wants to lean against him a bit so she isn't sitting straight up. She's still in massive amounts of pain right now, after all.

...That, and now he has even easier access to her wings! Win/win, if he'll allow that. They do seem to shutter and flap a little bit, but they do calm down enough if Zvei wants to continue poking around them. But she wants to get some relief for her poor aching body, sue her. Cuddle time.]

I can't hide anything from you, can I?

[Not that he's complaining!! This is nice. Both having her this close and having more access to her wings!!! Win/win indeed. Zvei wastes no time in gently poking at them further, clearly very invested in his observations... but at least this time he'll keep them in his head so she can rest. His free hand comes up almost absently to send another wave of healing magic through her - it likely won't do any more than his last attempts did, but an attempt was made regardless.]

a necromancer and a priestess walk into a confessional

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