eswareinmal | Chapter One 19th of Rebirth Height

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Chapter One 19th of Rebirth Height

[ There’s the shuffling of papers and the opening and closing of books on his end of the transmission. Through the video there’s nothing but a desk with a heaping pile of books scattered about on it but the background is clearly defined as being a library. The voice that comes over the feed is one with a slight Romanian accent but otherwise nothing too strange or particular about it. ] There's so many books to go through. I think I'll be here for several days just reading! I do realize that there’s a lot of different worlds out there...I just never thought I'd make it to one that's so very...fantastical! It's almost like I'm in the book Sleeping Beauty or, or Jack and Beanstalk, Snow White too perhaps...

[ He sounds way too excited about this guys, but that's Helios for you. A pause as he hums and a figure walks by the feed. Helios will stop then and bend down to look into the orb a smile dotting his face as he does so. He also might be wearing a wizard hat that was provided for him. He's a derp, we know, so of course he has to try on the local garments! He's never worn a wizard hat before either! Perhaps when he gets back home he'll have to give it shot, huh? He takes it off and fiddles with it before putting it back on. Nothing strange about it or the robes he was given, which he hasn't put on yet thankfully. Yet being the keyword there. He'll clear his throat before continuing. ]

Now if that man was correct I assume there's a good deal more of you out there. I-I'd like to introduce myself! Helios Sprensonne it's a please to meet you! I-I'm sure we'll, um, have lots of things to discuss about this place. It's almost like Luceti in a way...a universal hub, hm. This place is definitely the same in that regards. We were all brought here through a means of a book, correct? A rather interesting choice it certainly adds that fairytale flavor to it, doesn’t it? [ A smile and chuckle on his end. ] But I do want to ask, if it's not too much trouble...

[ And here he’ll sit down at the desk with a smile. ] Ah. Where would the best place be to g-get an alternate room? I-I don't mind living in a castle, having one b-back home, but ah...I do think I might overstay my w-welcome in a few days. [ He also doesn't want to be a bother. ]

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[He can. And that jolts Giles slightly out of the fog of thought he seems to be occupying. And then Helios gives the time, and he looks as though he's just been smacked in the face.]

...th-three months? You're... [Don't ask if he's sure, Giles. Just don't. So he doesn't. Just...visibly swallows, and looks away.] Good lord...

I, I remember, Helios. You, a-and Ginia, Grune, Link, a-and the house, and Edna...I remember. [Or at least, he hopes to god he does. After his death penalty, Giles knows not to trust his memories too far. But those are the important things, right?

Right?

He flinches slightly at this last question, and it's a beat before he can force himself to look back at Helios.] F-Fine. Um, bit of a mess with a horse, but f-fine. And, a-and yourself? [Talk about yourself, Helios. Don't ask about Giles. Apart from the excitement of meeting some fascinating people, there is no good here.]

[ He sees all that inner turmoil and he can't help the words that rush out of his mouth. ] S-Sorry. I-I didn't mean to, to startle you.

[ Stupid. Of course it would startle him. It would startle and shock anyone. Helios sighs and looks at Giles through this strange and magical orb. He can tell something if wrong, bro, you should know by now that he can. At the question he nods, looking down at his hand -the injured one- which no longer is. ]

I'm f-fine. And...and you're not. [ He frowns giving Giles a rather concerned look. Run in with a horse doesn't tend to lend itself to being fine. But there isn't anything noticeably wrong that Helios can tell. Still it's in the other man's actions that he realizes something isn't right. ]

[Please remember to tell him this fact, Helios. It would make Giles' increasingly horrible day.]

What makes you say that? [Giles knows that he looks fine.] Oh, um, the horse? That was, was nothing much, Helios. [Except for the fact that she turned out to be Sif, of all people, but the current situation isn't making it terribly easy for Giles to even be excited about that.]

I know how to manage horses, Helios. I, I certainly know how to avoid being kicked. And she's fine now as well. We, um, only just got back into town.

I-I don't know. You just...you seem [ off. And he knows you're hiding something; he just isn't sure what it is. A sigh as he shakes his head. ]

N-No, no. I never doubted your ability t-to do so. I-I apologize. But, ah, do you mind if I...meet you there then? I-I can draw up a teleportation sigil quickly enough.

[The fact that Giles evidently hesitates at the offer should be all the evidence Helios needs that, no, something isn't right.

Finally, after a second's thought, he gives a soft sigh and shakes his head. And his movements aren't entirely right, either. The way he pushes off against the ground with his hand to get to his feet, the way his feet are planted against the ground...it's a subtle wrongness, but it's there.] You're, y-you're at the castle, then? I'll, um, I'll come to you. I don't know the city much better, but I have been here a bit longer, at least.

[ It is all the evidence he needs and it scares Helios to death, making his stomach drop, just by witnessing it.

He frowns at the others movements. ] If. If you're certain. I-I don't really mind. I'll probably be exploring this place sometime soon anyway. [ A soft smile. ] It'll give me a reason to get out at least. But, ah, I'm in the library.

The library. [A note of whistfulness in Giles' voice. If only he didn't think ahead quite so much. If only he hadn't spent so much of his time here thinking of the remainder was likely to be. Or, more exactly, what it was likely to be without. Books. Tea. Sunlight. Ground.

...maybe Helios can read to him.]

I know where that is. But, um, why don't you meet me outside the gates? Should be hard to miss, there.

I...I can most certainly do that! [ There's a happiness to his tone of voice but it doesn't seem to be real, almost a fake tone to blot out the obvious distress and sadness of the other.

He'll get up then from his now clearly desk, most of the books from before were put back during his course and conversations with others. ]

I'll be there shortly. [ And in a flurry of movement he'll put up the orb and hold it out from his chest as he walks. Eventually he'll make to the gates and only then will he convert the orb back into it's smaller shape.

He'll give a cursory glance around before calling out softly. ] Giles?

[In the streets of Schwanheim, Giles has learned that it's just easier to fade out of sight. It makes it much less upsetting and painful when people walk through him, and much less upsetting to the general population when they don't have to realize that they've just walked clear through someone. He can still see himself, of course, but no one else pays him any mind when he just stops letting himself be seen.

And so it's like this - invisible and unnoticeable but no less present - that Giles watches Helios cast around for him in the shadow of the castle gates, and tries to bring himself to act.

If he cared at all about the other man, he would never have answered him. He'd have just let Helios go on thinking he wasn't here. After all, for all Giles can affect the world, he might as well not be.

But Helios is a friend. Helios is a known entity in a strange new world and...he's someone Giles can depend on, even if he knows he shouldn't. And so, with a conscious effort, Giles steps back into visibility a few feet behind Helios and calls out softly:] H-Hello, Helios.

[ Helios might actually jump a little when he hears the other's voice. But it's wrong sounding. Soft and sad and not like it should be. Something is definitely wrong with Giles and Helios turns a look of happiness, and some slight confusion spreading across his features. ] Giles it really...no, no of course it's you! I-I didn't see you there!

[ And here he might take a tentative step closer. ] This place really is extraordinary...

I don't know how it dragged me out of Luceti t-to be honest. But, but here I am. [ And there you are. He honestly can't keep himself from smiling like a derp. ]

[And here he is. Here they both are. And Giles can't hold back a smile - a real, happy, albeit hesitant smile - at the look on Helios' face and the evident happiness he's feeling.]

Here you are. [He grins, briefly, before hastily ducking his head and hurrying on.]

And, um, honestly, y-your guess is, is as good as mine, Helios. Granted, I remember you, um, mentioned the book? That, that seems to be a common element, and it's certainly more to go on than we ever had in Luceti.

...at least we're, um, something more than lab experiments, here.

[Heroes. That's what the people keep calling them.]

Yes the book. It's a matter of how it made it through the barrier and into the enclosure in the first place that makes me wonder...

[ It's very interesting. At that statement Helios will adjust his wizard hat before taking it off to fiddle with it smirking a little. ] Yes we, um, s-seem to be well liked m-marginally at least.

[ He'll look over at the other curiously. ] Did you get anything upon arrival? I would imagine it to indicative of our s-supposed parts but...

[He has to hold back a laugh at the sight of that hat, that floppy, silly, costume style hat. Oh, Helios. You would enjoy wearing something that ridiculous looking, wouldn't you?

At the question, though, Giles' expression falters again. He holds up his hands to show that they're empty, and shakes his head.] Not a thing. [Not even new clothes. What would be the point?] I, um, I did get to keep a few things from the village, of course. Just...things I had on me. Ginia's knife. The, the compass. The watch. But, um, no, I don't have anything from here.

[And he has to tell you why, Helios, but Giles keeps on hesitating. Because how the hell do you explain something like this?]

[ Hey he never gets to wear one back at home! Ra would probably flamethrow it to ashes if he did...

Helios watches the other carefully, noting the expression and slight change in demeanor. He frowns then looking a bit confused because that was rather strange. He smiles at that. The watch. That was relief to hear seeing how important it was to the other. He's glad that at least came along. But at the mention of Ginia Helios frowns again. ]

G-Ginia. She, she isn't here with you, is she? [ It was always possible at least and he had to ask. ] They let me keep my spell compendium and, and the mirage ring. [ A small sigh as he rubs the back of his neck. ] I wish Luminair c-could have came with me. I feel dreadful knowing he's b-back in Luceti.

[ He's not alone though but a wave of guilt hits him just thinking that. Everyone left behind...gods he feels terrible about it. ]

No, she isn't. Or, um, if she is, she...hasn't used the orb, and I haven't seen her.

You're the first one from Luceti I've recognized. Um, still. [Evidently trying to hold out hope, here.] Only the first day. I suppose someone else from the village might be brought over.

[Luminair? Not a name Giles recognizes. Maybe it's a new housemate. That would only be sensible, given how long he's supposed to have been gone...]

Helios?

There's, um, th-there's something else you should know.

O-Oh. I-I see. Maybe, maybe others might sh-show up. [ And here he gives a hopefully smile. There was always that chance at any rate.

Helios' thoughts will turn back to Giles. He gives the other man a concerned look because Giles' tone and actions thus far have been making him increasingly worried... ]

Wh-what, what is it?

[For a second, as he looks back at Helios, Giles looks so utterly sad and lost. Then he turns away, and stares up at the castle walls pensively.]

...this.

[And Giles walks forward, phasing right through the wall and reforming himself on the other side with a shiver. It's less unnerving when he phases through something. But not by very much.

...he'll give Helios a second to deal with that before reappearing again.]

[ Helios watches. His expression going from curious to horrified in the span of a few seconds. Oh dear lord. What. What sort of cruel joke was this? Now he understood. He understood Giles' unwillingness to talk and the sad tone in his voice. He feels horrible having pushed the other into telling him.

This can't be it. There has to be another way. There has to be a way to fix him, to fix Giles. He just...he just needed to find it. The library might have something, he knows it should. His jaw clenches a little as he looks at Giles with pity and apology. ] Giles...I-I'm so sorry.

[ Gods. Sorry. What was that even going to do, besides nothing? He has so many different spells and different knowledge on such things and yet this...he doesn't know how to fix this. Whatever it is. ] This...this isn't fair. Why. Why you? [ Why anyone? What would be the point of making someone a ghost like this? Helios bites his lip looking away. All his magic and yet he...he can't do anything to help this and it shows in his posture and guilt ridden features. ]

Because, Helios, in case you've forgotten, I've died back in my own world.

[The words are harsh, biting, edged with a despair and hopelessness that has been creeping up on Giles all day so far. His expression is one of utter, utter self loathing and disgust with himself as he stares fixedly at the ground. He might seem like he's standing on it, of course, but that's just a memory. Old habit. Something he'll soon forget, given time.]

Don't be. You, you had to know. You certainly would have found out. [Especially given how much work Giles had put forth in the past trying to get Helios past his phobia of touching people.]

...I suppose they just, um, couldn't decide on a role f-for me. Whatever decides on that sort of thing, of course. It's, i-it's fine. Could certainly be worse.

[No. No, it couldn't. But Giles is just going to keep on telling himself that.]

[ Harsh words that get Helios to flinch and cringe slightly as Giles says them. Of course he remembered. It was the main reason why when Giles had left it had left so many people in utter despair and pain. It's the other man's tone that gets to him really. ] There, there has to be way Giles. There has t-to be a way to, to fix this.

[ Helios hates how he sounds equally despaired. He doesn't like this, not one bit, especially with how it's affecting Giles. Heck it would affect anyone in such a way. He'll step forward again closer to the other. ] I'm g-going to help you. There...there's always a way. I-I just need time to, to think on how to do it...

[ He's never tried to bring someone back to life. No. He has but he knew that there was nothing left of her to bring back. No soul, no nothing. This was different and it was very dark magic. Magic he knows that could kill him if done improperly. But Giles... ] S-Someone might know a way...

[ And before he can even think about what he's saying a thought crosses his mind. It's a stupid thought and yet he thinks nothing of it, just a fleeting, passing thought as he tries to make sense of all this. ] You can u-use me as a v-vessel in, in the meantime...

[ His hand goes over his mouth after he says that. But, no, it was something he had been thinking and it's certainly an alternative that can be used. He'll put his hand down then and look at Giles. ]

[Giles snaps his head up to stare at Helios, more than a little aghast and clearly not entirely believing what he's just heard.

Use Helios as a vessel? Use Helios as a vessel?

...he did just get permission. But, even so, Giles vehemently shakes his head.] S-Stop talking nonsense, Helios, for god's sake. I, I don't even know if I can possess anyone, like this. Besides, even if I could, what, what good would it do either of us?

[A great deal of good for Giles' sanity and mental health, but he shoves that thought aside. And he forces himself with a visible effort to calm down.]

Before you go about attempting to violate the laws of nature, Helios, we, we should at least find you a place to stay. A-And something to eat.

[And, for a moment, Helios might feel a curious sensation, like someone stepping in behind him, like a second shadow coming to rest over the top of his own, like someone looking over his shoulder. Not an uncomfortable or invasive presence. Just an evident one, as Giles attaches himself to the other man like he found himself accidentally attached, for a while, to Sif.]

...all the same...th-thank you, Helios.

It-it's not nonsense Giles. [ Helios will frown evidently trying to hold back a flinch at the other's tone. ] You h-haven't tried to do it yet s-so you might be able t-to.

[ Helios looks away. He knows it'll be good for the other, knows that it could help with his evident despair and hopelessness and that's why he's willing to do this. And even if there wasn't any despair of those sorts of feelings Helios would be willing to do this anyway. It's not right to have this happen to the other and Helios just wants to help fix it. ] I. I won't mind...and y-you, you would- [ do the same for him. And he wants to help in anyway possible.

But at the mentioning of food Helios' stomach growls. There's a small, sad, smile on his face which turns to an expression of surprise as he feels that odd sensation and presence. It might make him shiver inwardly and he bites back a cringe. He's been in the company of ghosts before even a good few live and attend the academy. The sensation is familiar though. And he remembers what it's like to be touched by the phantoms, something he hasn't felt in awhile but muscle memory serves him well to remember such things. ] There's no reason to, to thank me. S-So you shouldn't. [ Said with a tone of finality. No if ands or buts bro. Not this time. For the sake of changing the topic Helios will...do just that. Yes. Topic changing and deflecting, no matter what world, they're both still experts at that. ]

Do, do you know of any good places to stay? I-I wouldn't mind the castle, it's a bit of a reminder of home away from home, but I'm not sure if it's in good taste to really stay.

[He would do the same for Helios. In a heartbeat. Hell, Giles would insist on it, if only because it would make it easier to keep an eye on the other. He would want to help Helios in any way possible.

...hypocrisy, thy name is Rupert Giles. And he has the decency to feel a bit ashamed at it, albeit just a bit. It doesn't take a genius, let alone a best friend, to figure out the words unsaid at the end of that sentence.]

Yes, there is. So I will.

But, um, just the once. I'll just resist my baser impulses and, um, leave it at just the once. If you really insist. [A tone of theatrical, slightly teasing surrender is in those soft words. He's not a vengeful bundle of emotions just yet. He's still Giles, after all, and he does have a sense of humor, no matter what the rest of the world might believe.

But. All ghostly matters should wait until Helios is fed, and has a roof over his head. This is the stalling tactic he silently decides on. Giles hasn't been in town long, but enough to know that people seem to sincerely fear the dark, here. For now, yes. Time to change the subject while they both get their thoughts in order.]

I did speak with a girl that's, um, been staying in the castle for the last few days, at least. As I was walking back this afternoon, I, I also noticed a few homesteads that looked as though they might have room. A couple of places that looked like inns that would probably have the decency not to charge you, o-or at least not charge you much. If, um, if you don't mind the walk, I think I can find my way back to those places, at least.

Unfortunately, um, I did only just get here today, myself.

I do insist. [ Because bro you look so very dreadful and Helios feels absolutely terrible about this whole state of affairs. Still he gives a small sigh, shaking his head as he starts off in...some direction. He'll be looking around all the while listening to Giles as he speaks. ]

Mm walking is quite alright with me. Helps me stay active. You know how it gets when you get old. [ Just a laugh from him. ] I-I wouldn't mind paying, either. I...feel dreadful just staying in some one's home or-or inn without paying though.

[ It would make him a bit awkward to do so. But with everything being free to him for the past two years he's wondering as to how to make money. ] I wouldn't even know where to start to make money. I-I assume people here would be open to, to the idea of us working...

[ He's not exactly sure though. ]

[They will not be starting off in some direction. Giles will be leading the way to the Drunk Duck Inn as well as he can without actually telling Helios that that is the destination.]

Yes, I certainly do. [He knows how it is way better than you do, Mr. Not-Yet-Forty. Talk to Giles when there isn't a fifteen year age gap between the two of you.]

Our work, a-at least from what I gathered from the others like us and, um, the men in the castle, is to get to work stopping these mysterious thorns. If they can't even provide lodgings for that, um, th-then that's their own fault.

[Still. Giles is in much the same fix as Helios, and despite himself is a bit grateful to realize that money is one thing he won't have to worry about. Luceti has left him out of practice.]

Of course, without the power cap weighing you down, I imagine a few mundane, day-to-day jobs would, um, hardly be beyond you.

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