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I'm pretty sure it's going to be a pain in the ass to pull off once we're actually in the "breaking and entering" part.
[ But no, he understands a healthy dose of pessimism. ]
Sign up for one of the missions we're offering; I know your skills but the other two don't. We'll go from there.
[ But no, he understands a healthy dose of pessimism. ]
Sign up for one of the missions we're offering; I know your skills but the other two don't. We'll go from there.
I'll be back mid-way through, probably in a week.
Be careful, all right?
Be careful, all right?
( Clarke only allows herself mere moments more to cry, a rush of emotion as she forces the feelings to move through her. it's a devastation that feels akin to losing Wells, how that betrayal ran so deep that she didn't know how to navigate her way out of it other than by using anger. anger at Wells, anger at the death of her father, anger at the council. there were so many spots to place her rage and frustration and grief that it was easier to be angry than to feel the pain of it.
but here, now, there isn't an anger. it's a loss, a betrayal that she doesn't know how to find her way back from. so she cries, for not knowing what else to do, for having no other way to release the emotions surging through her. she cries until she forces herself to stop, until she's pulling from Bellamy's arms and wiping at her eyes, her face, clearing away the evidence of the tears.
it's an effort to get her breathing under control, but she manages, taking one step back from Bellamy. she can't linger on this, she can't afford to. there are more Banshee's to help, there are more things to do, and she can't just sit in the loss of Lauralae and grieve her like a dying thing. )
I'm sorry for making you come home. I'm- ( a deep breath, steadying. ) I'll be okay.
but here, now, there isn't an anger. it's a loss, a betrayal that she doesn't know how to find her way back from. so she cries, for not knowing what else to do, for having no other way to release the emotions surging through her. she cries until she forces herself to stop, until she's pulling from Bellamy's arms and wiping at her eyes, her face, clearing away the evidence of the tears.
it's an effort to get her breathing under control, but she manages, taking one step back from Bellamy. she can't linger on this, she can't afford to. there are more Banshee's to help, there are more things to do, and she can't just sit in the loss of Lauralae and grieve her like a dying thing. )
I'm sorry for making you come home. I'm- ( a deep breath, steadying. ) I'll be okay.
[To say he wasn't expecting leaves to be thrown in his face is an understatement. Had he not realized what Hiro was doing, that sort of gesture and toss might've caused him to react more defensively - instead he just gets one look at Hiro's face, and his own breaks into the smallest of grins.]
No, I didn't know, but it's the second time Clarke and I had that dream. We thought it'd be a good idea to ask you about it.
[But then he just kind of launches into it. Neither of them are sleeping, the dream is important - there's no point in keeping it from Hiro.] It was a bunch of mechanical monsters. Presumably built by dwarves, but they're just - wrecking everything in their path. Spreading fire, targeting spires, and it looked like they definitely had shards for eyes. You get any sign of that when you poked around?
[There are more details he could give if asked, but he already looks pretty alarmed by rehashing the small bit so far.]
No, I didn't know, but it's the second time Clarke and I had that dream. We thought it'd be a good idea to ask you about it.
[But then he just kind of launches into it. Neither of them are sleeping, the dream is important - there's no point in keeping it from Hiro.] It was a bunch of mechanical monsters. Presumably built by dwarves, but they're just - wrecking everything in their path. Spreading fire, targeting spires, and it looked like they definitely had shards for eyes. You get any sign of that when you poked around?
[There are more details he could give if asked, but he already looks pretty alarmed by rehashing the small bit so far.]
[He's pouting. He knows he's pouting but he also doesn't realize the way that he's comfortable around Bellamy right now, the way he's let his guard drop entirely and the way he's closing the distance half-tempted to dump more leaves on Bellamy's head.
The real reason he's getting closer though is to lower his voice. He doesn't trust Glaschu and he sure as hell doesn't want anyone hearing about this particular piece of the puzzle.]
Yeah...? Jason mentioned that. [There's an awkward, almost guilty pause.] I...haven't had a chance to go look yet. [That's the problem. After Quendi, things kinda go out of hand.] As soon as we get back to Dorchadas, I'm gonna grab Loki and we have to go. We can't wait any longer.
[He scrubs a hand over his face, blinking sleepily but powering through it for the time being. This is too important.] What else did you see? I need to know what we're really looking for.
The real reason he's getting closer though is to lower his voice. He doesn't trust Glaschu and he sure as hell doesn't want anyone hearing about this particular piece of the puzzle.]
Yeah...? Jason mentioned that. [There's an awkward, almost guilty pause.] I...haven't had a chance to go look yet. [That's the problem. After Quendi, things kinda go out of hand.] As soon as we get back to Dorchadas, I'm gonna grab Loki and we have to go. We can't wait any longer.
[He scrubs a hand over his face, blinking sleepily but powering through it for the time being. This is too important.] What else did you see? I need to know what we're really looking for.
[If he's noticed Hiro moving closer, there's no sign of it. Instead, he just pulls out a knife and cuts his finger, drawing a silence rune on the tree behind them. Just in case.]
I wasn't sure if you might've seen hints of it, when you tried talking to the dwarves the last time.
[Don't think he doesn't notice the sudden sullenness. He kind of wishes they didn't have to talk about this right now, not when Hiro's already in a not so great state, but there's no way to let it go, especially if Hiro's going there soon.]
They were built of shit like cogs and gears. The sounds they made - like iron meeting steel, nothing animal or humanlike, and they looked a little dragonlike, especially in the mouth. Everything was already on fire in the dream, but I'm pretty sure the machines had to be most of the cause.
I wasn't sure if you might've seen hints of it, when you tried talking to the dwarves the last time.
[Don't think he doesn't notice the sudden sullenness. He kind of wishes they didn't have to talk about this right now, not when Hiro's already in a not so great state, but there's no way to let it go, especially if Hiro's going there soon.]
They were built of shit like cogs and gears. The sounds they made - like iron meeting steel, nothing animal or humanlike, and they looked a little dragonlike, especially in the mouth. Everything was already on fire in the dream, but I'm pretty sure the machines had to be most of the cause.
[It's better not to point it out anyway just in case he realized it and backed away. He shakes his head though in response.]
I didn't get inside the city when I talked to them last time, just Redgate. I didn't want to push my luck before I even established anything, but you've heard the rumors, right? They're kicking everybody out. It's gonna be even harder to get inside now.
[He's burying a hand in his hair, tugging a little partially to keep himself awake and partially to keep himself grounded. He doesn't like the sound of this. Judging from some of the things he did learn about the dwarves and knowing that a certain Seelie had an apprenticeship there and was learning certain things, he doesn't like the idea at all.]
There's nothing proving that it's them making these things. [...but who else could it be, realistically?] We also don't know the vision's gonna come true. [It's clear he's starting to be a little more freaked out by the idea though.] ...if Loki and I get in, we'll keep an eye out. I'm just really, really hoping they're only dreams and not another thing we've gotta worry about.
I didn't get inside the city when I talked to them last time, just Redgate. I didn't want to push my luck before I even established anything, but you've heard the rumors, right? They're kicking everybody out. It's gonna be even harder to get inside now.
[He's burying a hand in his hair, tugging a little partially to keep himself awake and partially to keep himself grounded. He doesn't like the sound of this. Judging from some of the things he did learn about the dwarves and knowing that a certain Seelie had an apprenticeship there and was learning certain things, he doesn't like the idea at all.]
There's nothing proving that it's them making these things. [...but who else could it be, realistically?] We also don't know the vision's gonna come true. [It's clear he's starting to be a little more freaked out by the idea though.] ...if Loki and I get in, we'll keep an eye out. I'm just really, really hoping they're only dreams and not another thing we've gotta worry about.
[He's heard the rumors, and he hates to say it kind of lines up. If they're kicking people out, it means they're doing something they don't want anyone to see.]
[He doesn't like the idea of Hiro going there now either, especially in the wake of the difficulties, but -] When you go, take my knife. The teleporting one. I want you to be able to get out of there fast.
[He can deal without having it for a day or so, if it means Hiro has a means of escape.]
Some of the visions people've had in the past have come true, or started to come true, or've been partially true. I don't like that we've had this one again, months after the first time back in February.
You're right. It doesn't necessarily mean it's an absolute, but it'd be stupid to not be cautious. If they're making monsters with shards for eyes, it means they've built up a collection of shards too.
[He doesn't like the idea of Hiro going there now either, especially in the wake of the difficulties, but -] When you go, take my knife. The teleporting one. I want you to be able to get out of there fast.
[He can deal without having it for a day or so, if it means Hiro has a means of escape.]
Some of the visions people've had in the past have come true, or started to come true, or've been partially true. I don't like that we've had this one again, months after the first time back in February.
You're right. It doesn't necessarily mean it's an absolute, but it'd be stupid to not be cautious. If they're making monsters with shards for eyes, it means they've built up a collection of shards too.
[He has Clarke's teleportation ring now, but he knows if he and Loki are both going they're going to need a fast out, just in case. He doesn't want to argue it and honestly? Any extra security is good.] Definitely. And I'll bring it back...promise. [It's also his way of saying he promises to get out of there alive. He hopes. He nods in agreement, sinking further into his sweater as he thinks on that. Has anyone ever told him that? He's not sure now.]
I don't like that it's reoccurring either. I've got a few people I could ask but...[Well, they're Seelie. He's not going to even try just yet.] We're going to be really cautious until we figure out what's going on, and probably even more so when we have the answers. [A beat.] What bugs me is the fact that they have shards for eyes. If that's true...where did the dwarves get the shards in the first place? If they're the ones really making these things.
[And why are they making them is the other question.]
I don't like that it's reoccurring either. I've got a few people I could ask but...[Well, they're Seelie. He's not going to even try just yet.] We're going to be really cautious until we figure out what's going on, and probably even more so when we have the answers. [A beat.] What bugs me is the fact that they have shards for eyes. If that's true...where did the dwarves get the shards in the first place? If they're the ones really making these things.
[And why are they making them is the other question.]
[He nods once, recognizing it for the promise it is.] Try not to lose it. [That part's teasing.]
[Bellamy absently wipes his bleeding finger and hand on his pants.] Your guess is as good as mine, though hopefully you'll end up with more than a guess.
Feels like just about every side is after shards. If the dwarves've got a hoard, it makes me wonder how long they've been collecting, or who might be handing them over. They pretty much lock themselves away and hate people, right? Hard to imagine them shard hunting.
[Bellamy absently wipes his bleeding finger and hand on his pants.] Your guess is as good as mine, though hopefully you'll end up with more than a guess.
Feels like just about every side is after shards. If the dwarves've got a hoard, it makes me wonder how long they've been collecting, or who might be handing them over. They pretty much lock themselves away and hate people, right? Hard to imagine them shard hunting.
[Jason's skin is a pain in the ass when they're training, but Bellamy's sure it's useful outside of that. It's more annoying today, if only because of the way the guy really pushes himself into it. It's all the signs of something else on his mind, and it's not hard to make assumptions on why. He'd ask, but he's not interested in dealing with Jason being a dick either.]
[He takes the cup and chugs, draining over half the water inside before he bothers thinking or replying. He's not stupid - there's another battle coming, and Bellamy recognizes the desperation in Dorchadas to go all out. He doesn't know what he wants or expects out of the upcoming fight, but he knows it's going to be a new level of brutal, and he knows he's best suited to being in the field more than most else. That's the part he feels like he's trying to prepare himself for more.]
[The answer is easy though despite that, because he might not be so sure about the battle, but he is sure about other things, and his priorities always come back to people not ideologies.] Wherever Clarke, Octavia, or Hiro are.
[He takes the cup and chugs, draining over half the water inside before he bothers thinking or replying. He's not stupid - there's another battle coming, and Bellamy recognizes the desperation in Dorchadas to go all out. He doesn't know what he wants or expects out of the upcoming fight, but he knows it's going to be a new level of brutal, and he knows he's best suited to being in the field more than most else. That's the part he feels like he's trying to prepare himself for more.]
[The answer is easy though despite that, because he might not be so sure about the battle, but he is sure about other things, and his priorities always come back to people not ideologies.] Wherever Clarke, Octavia, or Hiro are.
[He squints a little, then nods in recognition.] Simon, yeah?
[He's sitting outside somewhere, looking tanned and sweaty from some kind of workout, and the exhaustion ensemble is completed by dark circles under his eyes. Despite how tired he looks, Bellamy is alert.] I don't spend too much time in the Station itself. But I do know some of the natives that live there. Haven't spoken to many that care for either court, but it's not really surprising, considering the Station's pretty neutral territory.
There's a woman named Breda, she sells a lot of un-Drabwurld like clothes. She's pretty friendly towards Shardbearers.
Why?
[He's sitting outside somewhere, looking tanned and sweaty from some kind of workout, and the exhaustion ensemble is completed by dark circles under his eyes. Despite how tired he looks, Bellamy is alert.] I don't spend too much time in the Station itself. But I do know some of the natives that live there. Haven't spoken to many that care for either court, but it's not really surprising, considering the Station's pretty neutral territory.
There's a woman named Breda, she sells a lot of un-Drabwurld like clothes. She's pretty friendly towards Shardbearers.
Why?
Are you planning on playing the role of a medic? [Jason asks, eyeing him carefully while he drinks down the rest of the water.] I'm not saying that we shouldn't have protectors, but I'm not so sure that this battle is going to be as ... hands on. [None of the plans have been clear, but much of what the Unseelie barons have left him with has him believing that they're going to be more underhanded than usual.
That's honestly good, considering chivalry and fairness, meeting people on the front lines, and going all out hadn't worked out for them in the past.
Either way, he's curious about what Bellamy has to say to that. Jason knows what strategies he's going to be pushing, but he wonders what else might be on the line.]
That's honestly good, considering chivalry and fairness, meeting people on the front lines, and going all out hadn't worked out for them in the past.
Either way, he's curious about what Bellamy has to say to that. Jason knows what strategies he's going to be pushing, but he wonders what else might be on the line.]
[Dryly:] I don't have the healing touch. [More water time.] If they need defensive lines around the medics, I'll do that.
Until we know more about what's happening, I'm not promising myself to any plans. [Not like last time, when they knew they needed to melt down the golden barriers. Between the dreamvision about the machines and the heightened preparations, Bellamy does feel more inclined to play defensive than offensive this time around, but it still requires figuring out what any of his people are up to, because it's them he'll work with, not an army.]
[He knows the Unseelie are aiming for more underhanded tactics than usual. He's just not entirely sold on it, not with the Red Hand's plan still circulating in his head.] So, either way, that's still my preference on where I'm going or what I do.
Until we know more about what's happening, I'm not promising myself to any plans. [Not like last time, when they knew they needed to melt down the golden barriers. Between the dreamvision about the machines and the heightened preparations, Bellamy does feel more inclined to play defensive than offensive this time around, but it still requires figuring out what any of his people are up to, because it's them he'll work with, not an army.]
[He knows the Unseelie are aiming for more underhanded tactics than usual. He's just not entirely sold on it, not with the Red Hand's plan still circulating in his head.] So, either way, that's still my preference on where I'm going or what I do.
Breaking and entering's always a challenge. [He says it lightly, even if it's not meant to be taken lightly at all.]
Who are they, anyway? And I'm not - I can't promise myself to this. Not unless you can promise me that no one else'll know. Too many friends in high ranking court places, and I don't want to put them in any danger.
Who are they, anyway? And I'm not - I can't promise myself to this. Not unless you can promise me that no one else'll know. Too many friends in high ranking court places, and I don't want to put them in any danger.
Very funny. You've gotta trust me at least a little more than that. [But even before Bellamy can really just wipe off his finger Hiro's grabbing his hand, hardly thinking anything of it as he uses a bit of his healing magic to close the small cut.]
If I come out of there with only a guess, the whole thing's gonna be for nothing. [And he refuses to let it be so.] I had that same thought. It's not so much that they hate people but they totally believe shardbearer business is shardbearer business. They'll do whatever it takes to keep themselves protected though. That's the thing. If they think this is the best way...it makes you wonder what they know or what they think that's making them so desperate. But I wanna know who's handing them over, too. Other shardbearers? The Cult? We have too many options.
If I come out of there with only a guess, the whole thing's gonna be for nothing. [And he refuses to let it be so.] I had that same thought. It's not so much that they hate people but they totally believe shardbearer business is shardbearer business. They'll do whatever it takes to keep themselves protected though. That's the thing. If they think this is the best way...it makes you wonder what they know or what they think that's making them so desperate. But I wanna know who's handing them over, too. Other shardbearers? The Cult? We have too many options.
Wow, it's like you're talking to some stranger, and not the guy who's gathered all the barons for a conclave. [Arrogance seeps into Jason's tone too quickly and too easily. It's a bad habit that he falls into all too easily around Bellamy, and it's an outlet that is maybe not fair at the moment. But he's going to do it just the same.]
See, I'm willing to listen to anything you might want to carry out. That grenade plan, it was good. I'd like to do something like that again. [Jason almost points out that he doubts Bellamy could do it again, but holds his tongue. Pushing the buttons of Clarke's best friend to throw him into critical anger mode is maybe a bad idea. That he holds back might not be obvious, however.]
See, I'm willing to listen to anything you might want to carry out. That grenade plan, it was good. I'd like to do something like that again. [Jason almost points out that he doubts Bellamy could do it again, but holds his tongue. Pushing the buttons of Clarke's best friend to throw him into critical anger mode is maybe a bad idea. That he holds back might not be obvious, however.]
Diarmuid and Javik.
I can promise we're not going to go around telling people you're involved, Bellamy.
I can promise we're not going to go around telling people you're involved, Bellamy.
[He does, though. If he hadn't trusted Hiro, he wouldn't have made the offer in the first place. Only when the kid heals him does he remember he was bleeding, too used to worse, but it's enough to distract him from that area of conversation.]
[Dryly:] The world is ending. Pretty sure that makes anyone take it up a level in what they feel is necessary to survival. [And, you know, even when it's not technically ending, but the Void looming certainly hammers that home.] Maybe they just think Shardbearers suck at this point like half the rest of the population does.
[He lets out an exhausted, bitter sigh.] Wouldn't be surprised if it was the Cult, to be honest.
We aren't gonna get answers now, just - keep it all in mind, when you go looking.
[Dryly:] The world is ending. Pretty sure that makes anyone take it up a level in what they feel is necessary to survival. [And, you know, even when it's not technically ending, but the Void looming certainly hammers that home.] Maybe they just think Shardbearers suck at this point like half the rest of the population does.
[He lets out an exhausted, bitter sigh.] Wouldn't be surprised if it was the Cult, to be honest.
We aren't gonna get answers now, just - keep it all in mind, when you go looking.
[He rolls his eyes, both at the statement and the arrogance. It's a show he's used to from Jason by this point. Bellamy is Unimpressed™.] Then tell me, conclave champion, what you think they're all going to do.
[Even if he wanted to repeat the grenade plan, it's officially magically impossible - and part of him is a little glad for it. Maybe if he hadn't burned a friend alive, it'd be a different story.] I don't have any plans. [Plans are hard, okay, we have established Bellamy is usually at his best when he works in the moment.] Not right now, anyway. I don't always think about how to actively kill people.
[Even if he wanted to repeat the grenade plan, it's officially magically impossible - and part of him is a little glad for it. Maybe if he hadn't burned a friend alive, it'd be a different story.] I don't have any plans. [Plans are hard, okay, we have established Bellamy is usually at his best when he works in the moment.] Not right now, anyway. I don't always think about how to actively kill people.
Pre-emptive strike in a way. [The world sure is ending. It's a fact they've known for some time now with the way the Void loomed but it was something they all managed to ignore for a small time while fixated on other things. It's much harder to ignore now.] The Natives think we suck because members of the Cult and some of the Seelie have told them we suck, more or less. I'm getting really sick of fighting off multiple things.
But I'm always keeping them in mind. For all we know, we're going to be among them in the riots tomorrow. Maybe that's what worries me a little more. We never know.
But I'm always keeping them in mind. For all we know, we're going to be among them in the riots tomorrow. Maybe that's what worries me a little more. We never know.
It's not that I thought you were before either. [He makes to run a hand through his hair and startles the kitten.] But things've obviously gotten even more intense.
This especially, I can't have anyone else knowing. [A beat. He trusts John at his word, and though he's still cautious, it's enough to settle him.] I'll do what I can for now, but I'm leaving my option to bail open, especially if it threatens my sister or Clarke.
This especially, I can't have anyone else knowing. [A beat. He trusts John at his word, and though he's still cautious, it's enough to settle him.] I'll do what I can for now, but I'm leaving my option to bail open, especially if it threatens my sister or Clarke.
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