theshimmer | CAVERN.

CAVERN.

[Another encounter with the Shimmer, another round of confusion, frustration and exhaustion. It's probably going to be a fairly unanimous opinion, but Page much preferred the circle of peaceful corpses over the tree of suffering.

She emerged from the river just in time to hear what the Shimmer had to say, and it leaves a bad taste in her mouth. But regardless of feelings, it's probably wise that they don't move away from this cavern for the time being; the fire, remnants of that horrible tree, is providing light and warmth. They couldn't really ask for much more, especially after spending the past week in darkness.

So Page will swim back to the fire, placing herself in front of it and unwinding her headpiece, letting her locs fall free around her face. She's soaked, miserable and cold. As awful as the source of the heat is, she needs to dry off. The last thing she wants is to fall ill.

Not that it would mean much - sounds like a problem for her body. Wherever that is.

You're free to join her, or do what you will; time to rest, before the new week begins.]

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[Oh, hey Heinwald. Felicia snaps out of her pensive look when he speaks up, waving him over.]

Feel free! I'm drying off my own things too. And I wouldn't mind the company.

[...That makes two of them, honestly, yikes. It's reminding her of things she doesn't wanna be reminded of, so--]

How are you holding up?

Thank you.

[With that, he slips them off and lays them out on the dryer part of the ground.

As he's settling in, Felicia can get a good look at the fact that his legs are two completely different colors, the discolored one full of stitching. His whole body is just Like This, apparently.

He lets out a disgruntled sigh in response to her question.]

Aggravated, to be completely honest. The Shimmer is a frustrating entity, and I have dealt with Akasha.

[...she'll be coming up in a previous thread. Suffice to say, she's a vexing individual with eldritch connections as well.]

And you? I know you touched the tree as well. I do not hope it disturbed you terribly...not that I would blame you if it did.

[He knows he's an outlier in viewing that kind of stuff as Just Tuesday.]

[She does wind up taking a look for a moment, a little surprised--she's certainly seen Heinwald's face and the unusual tones there, but to know it extends further...

...Felicia's going to tactfully look away from it, honestly. Surprised as she is, making a spectacle of it isn't going to help anyone.]

I can hardly blame you; I feel much the same. It feels like talking to a brick wall, and it's...disheartening.

[Either way, though, Felicia...shifts a bit uncomfortably at that, but she's not going to be dishonest.]

...I'm alright now, at least. I have to admit, it gave me quite the shock to see the tree stare at us, and those limbs on the trees...gods. It was awful. I can't imagine how much they must have been suffering there. But...I hate to say it, but I feel almost like I'm getting used to this.

[...Actually, though, that reminds her--]

I did at least manage to get a sample of one of the leaves from it, though--I'm not sure if that's anything you'd like to see? It didn't hurt them to take one, at least.

Particularly in that it might have been more willing to listen in the past.

[Which, honestly, he's not bothering to dwell on this time. He's not doing three weeks of that.

Pushing that out of his mind, he nods along with Felicia's account.]

It is certainly one of the more grotesque transformations we have come across. [And they've met the god of moss.] While sights like these are of interest to me, I have come to learn that it is not everyone's cup of tea.

[Curran's had to drill that into his head, and even then he'll spout tactless shit like he did just now. Er, okay...how does he recover here.]

I...do hope it does not affect you deeply to become accustomed to it, though.

[Right.

Let's just...turn our attention to the sample.]

I wouldn't mind examining it. I believe it would be in better hands in the long run, however- Hanneman and Emma, particularly. They have proper testing materials in contrast to my critical eye.

[And Emma just loves this shit.]

[...Yeah. Heinwald isn't the only one bothered by that. If they'd been called a little earlier, maybe they'd have a chance, and yet here they stand as enemies. Against someone who genuinely doesn't want to hurt them.

Of course, all things considered, Felicia isn't...surprised by the assertion, but she is more surprised by the second remark after. That's...

...Something that can wait--Felicia will nod her head when he says that much, and that much is true. Emma and Hanneman would probably have a field day, at least.]

Don't worry, I'll get it to them too! I thought I'd ask you first since you were over here, though.

[But she'll keep all of that in mind too, don't worry. But she does circle back to that second bit once she's had some time to think.]

...If I can be honest, I'm not sure how...affected I feel about that. It's kind of...it's useful to us, right now, I think? To try to get used to even the worst conditions will serve us well, at least here. [Hrm.] It's a little scary, but I feel like if I can at least put it to the back of my head for the sake of the others, it'll all be okay.

[Felicia's look briefly goes back to the fire, before she turns all too quickly back to Heinwald.]

...Have you ever been scared? In dealing with any of these...grotesque things.

I appreciate that, Felicia. I'll be happy to give it a look before you being it to them.

["Happy" isn't quite the right word, but he'd be lying if he said he wasn't interested. If the tree and past corpses grew crystals, he wonders how long it will be before he finds them embedded in his own skin.

He quietly listens to Felicia, watching her all the while. When she asks about him, he smiles. It's intended to be reassuring, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes.]

I suppose I had moments of fright in my younger years. But after a certain point, my view changed. "I've seen much worse" became my default response to things like what we have witnessed here in the Shimmer. But I asked for it. I sought out truths despite any fears or reservations I may have had, and I have no regrets.

It is true that growing accustomed to these sights will be beneficial, but it is unfortunate that they have been thrust upon you so.

[Felicia listens as Heinwald speaks; in a way, it makes sense. He willingly sought out some of the most grotesque things, and thus, he's gotten used to them. Because he's wanted to, because the truth was important to him. And Felicia certainly doesn't think that's a bad thing, at any rate, as she nods her head.]

That makes sense. You've sought them out, and become accustomed to them. And...it's not a bad thing at all. It's something you persued, and something that makes you happy. I'm glad that it was something that you could get used to.

[She does mean that, at least. Though, at that last bit...Felicia looks away, back into the water with a somber expression.]

...It is, but it's okay. I'm kind of used to having such things happen at this point. [...] I'd have never left my lady to fight the war herself, but...I never really wanted to be a soldier, if I can be honest. I hate fighting more than anything. I would have been happiest as just...Lady Corrin's maid and retainer.

But I had to get used to it really fast, for the sake of her and the people she wanted to protect.

[Thank you for supporting his gazing into the abyss, Felicia.

It's been a while since he thought about it, but that's right...Felicia was also a soldier back in her world. He's never seen battle in the way that Prince Euden and his people have, but he's spoken to plenty of the soldiers at the Halidom- and Euden himself, of course. The battlefield is its own beast entirely.]

Then you had seen your fair share of horror before all of this. I believe it is commendable that you have persisted despite it, and I am certain that your Lady Corrin appreciates having you at her side. When this is over—when all of this is over—may you be able to return to that comfortable time.

[It's hard to imagine returning to any amount of normalcy now of course, but isn't it well-deserved by this point?

...who even knows.]

[Always glad to help!!

At any rate, that...is actually something that gets Felicia to look back with a pause. Can they really even return home? Felicia hasn't had that on her mind in a while--what with the weirdly homey feeling this mine has had, and that in and of itself is...cause for concern...

But Felicia does smile, brightly at that.]

...Thank you. I really appreciate that--all of it, really. [It definitely makes her feel better about all of this, and lights a small, determined fire in her.] I certainly hope for the same. But for now...I have every intention of giving my all to helping everybody, so we can all take care of the Shimmer--one way or another. I won't let you all down.

But I hope you're able to return to your own interesting times too, Heinwald--I'm sure that your partner and the little girl you both watch over will be happy to see you, once you come back!

Very good. I have no doubts that you will uphold that vow.

[She's already done a good job with her medical duties and she tried to reason with the Shimmer too, so she's definitely a good egg in Heinwald's eyes.

The mention of Curran and Lathna gets a soft laugh out of him.]

I can already hear Curran's complaining about how long it took for me to return. But I am sure that he is taking good care of Lathna. He is far more suited to a parental role than I am.

[...he really did just say "parental", didn't he. It just kind of...came out without him really thinking about it. The realization flashes on his face for a moment, and it fades to something more pensive. Is that what their dynamic is?!]

[...Oh no.

Oh no, that's precious. Felicia's winds up giggling a bit at that, all of it really, because there's nothing wrong with that in her eyes!!]

Aww, you shouldn't sell yourself so short! I'm sure that Lathna misses her other parent as well! [FELICIA THE POOR MAN'S ALREADY HAVING A CRISIS, YOU CAN'T JUST HIT HIM OUT OF LEFT FIELD WITH THAT] And even if Curran does complain, I'm sure he'll understand once you explain everything to him! Hopefully, at least!

[i feel like i should apologize for the entirety of this tag, heinwald does not deserve this]

[Heinwald sputters in surprise.]

I- I am not--!

[Oh no, he's getting flustered. This never happens!!! He can't believe Felicia's done this to him.]

Well...he will have no choice but to understand. He was the one who turned down the opportunity to join me.

[He thinks he can just avoid the subject, smh.]

That is a shame, but...he might have been worried about Lathna and wanted to make sure she was taken care of!

[...Felicia knows nothing about Curran and she's drawing assumptions but oh no you don't, buster, you're not escaping that easily--]

But you really are, though! At least that's what it sounds like! Is that really such a bad thing?

[That probably is the case, isn't it... Heinwald was pretty suspicious when Curran claimed to have inquisitorial duties that he couldn't put aside for another case. That's...fine, he supposes. Lathna would have been just fine in the care of Euden and the others, though.

He barely gets any time to puzzle it out though, because Felicia is right back on his tail with the parent thing. Uggghhh. His gaze darts down toward the water.]

Yes! I have never once considered what parenting might be like, nor do I have any inclination to find out! Lathna is a charming young girl with incredible power and I enjoy spending time with her, but...but I am far too busy with my work to be a father! Curran as well!

[He didn't ask for this!!!]

[Listen, it's fine, sometimes parenthood happens automatically and you have to deal with some shit and you gotta shove the baby in a deeprealm for a while--]

That doesn't mean you can't at least be a father-figure! I'm... [...Okay, in hindsight she's gonna lighten up on that just a tiny bit.] not sure what Lathna's relationship with her own parents is like, but you said it yourself that you enjoy spending time with her! Both of you sound like you do!

...Would it be better if you were uncles, instead? Or siblings?

[oh my god felicia]

[Felicia no!!!]

The reason we ended up watching over her is because she lost her parents to Nyarlathotep. We made an attempt to get her settled into a new home, but after the nonsense with Akasha and her connection with Nyarlathotep causing more problems for her, we thought it best to have her stay at Prince Euden's Halidom.

[The poor girl...at least she's a lot happier in a place where everyone knows her deal and isn't trying to take advantage of her.

He heaves a sigh. He's...starting to come around to the father figure thing much to his chagrin, but-]

I have told you that the horrors of the Shimmer do not frighten me, but parenthood certainly does.

[But the others did it???

...Oh. At any rate, that's...]

Oh, Lathna... [Felicia's eyes soften with sympathy.] That poor girl has dealt with so much. I can understand why you would do that--and it sounds very much like they're treating her well, if you all have had the chance to watch over her as such. She must be so very happy.

[...As much as Felicia wants to giggle at "eldritch horrors are okay, but parenthood is where i draw the line", that's honestly valid???]

Well, it is a different sort of subject than any sort of horror! It's bound to be a little daunting for anyone unexperienced with it... [...] But you do care about her, right? And want what's best for her?

Indeed she has...and I truly am impressed with how far she has come since we rescued her that day. But yes, I believe she is doing rather well in the Halidom. Prince Euden is a good young man with an unshakable kind heart. He agreed to house her—along with Curran and myself while we're not out on business—without a second thought.

[Sometimes he doesn't think he deserves Euden, but Lathna definitely does.

Anyway thanks for sparing him from the teasing, Felicia... He doesn't say anything at first, opting for another pensive pause.]

I do, absolutely. I suppose...what has me so confounded about the situation apart from my unfamiliarity with parenthood is that this also brings my relationship with Curran into question. I had...come to see him as my partner, but I thought that was purely in a business sense. And yet...business partners do not typically care for a child with one another, I would assume.

[Goddess, he's going to have to have a serious talk with that oaf when he gets back, isn't he?]

Aww...Prince Euden sounds like a wonderful young man! He sounds a lot like Lady Corrin, and I can only imagine just how kind of a person he is. But that Lathna's getting the chance to grow up in an environment so good for her...I'm so glad to hear it.

[That's so cute??? Like holy shit. Nobody will probably be able to find an outrealm into whatever world Heinwald comes from she's sure, but Felicia almost wants to meet the girl and just...lbr, dote.

Of course, the next part...Felicia listens pretty calmly, if nothing else. This sounds like a bit of a delicate subject, but Felicia's not exactly that well inversed in such matters herself, but...she'll at least try.]

Hmm...not usually, no, but there are definitely unique circumstances! Most people who become parents together usually really, really want to be together with one another forever, though.

Do you feel like that for Curran?

[...SHE'S NOT COMING OUT AND SAYING THE L WORD. SHE ALREADY TRIED THE F WORD AND THE P WORD AND THOSE LOOK LIKE THEY SHORT CIRCUITED THE POOR MAN SO. BABY STEPS.]

[Okay so he was going to talk more about the comparisons between Euden and Corrin but his brain just does an immediate record scratch at that last bit.

It's very visible on his face, which goes from blank to scrunched up with disgust.]

Oh, perish the thought. I would never get a moment of peace ever again with that boisterous idiot constantly at my side!

[Though he complains, it's pretty easy to tell that it's still coming from a place of fondness. He would be...pretty lost without Curran, especially with Lathna to look after now.]

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CAVERN.

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