[memory] the scars we see

[Talon]

“Help! Help me, please!”

All Talon heard was a roar and then the sickening sound of a scream that sliced through him at its raw terror.

-----
84th of Searing, 112th Year of the Age of Steel

Talon jolted awake, chest heaving, body covered in a coat of cold sweat. He looked around only to see daylight streaming through the nearest window. He wasn’t in the Warrens. He wasn’t trapped in that unending pit. He hadn’t been lost to the Deeps. Talon winced as pain lanced through the side of his skull. He reached up and touched the tips of his fingers to bandages that had been affixed to his face. The memory of being scarred by the beast beneath the earth came back to him.

A gentle chirp drew his attention and Talon was filled with simple joy and relief. His minova bat was looking up at him with curious and sad eyes.

“Did I frighten you, little one?” Trinket fluttered up to Talon’s lap where the Avialae promptly proceeded to pet and cuddle the flying ball of fluff. His furry friend seemed to calm at receiving the attention and Talon felt better being able to focus on just the gentle companionship of a trusted pet. He contented himself with just sitting there, staring off into the distance as he pet Trinket who seemed utterly happy and content to just curl up in his lap.

The Warren March.

Talon had crawled his way out of the Warrens. He wasn’t sure how long ago it had been. As soon as he’d seen the light of day and returned to the surface at the Sky Guard outpost, he’d dropped to the ground, dragonshard in hand and fell unconscious. He wasn’t sure that he remembered all of it. He had no idea how far he’d gone into the Warrens and he had no idea how many managed to come back out of the darkness. The things he’d seen...the things he’d been forced to do to survive, Talon felt gutted by them. But he’d survived. So why didn’t he feel like the champion the rite of passage made survivors out to be?

Talon had no concept of time at that moment. There had been no way to tell how many days had passed while deep within the lower reaches of the Warrens. He’d had to go further than most of the others, of that he knew, the dragonshard favored by House Novalys was not among the most common types of crystal to be found. Glancing around, he didn’t see the crystal anywhere and he supposed he wouldn’t. A sense of loss passed through him. All of that suffering and naught but nightmares and scars to show for it? But he supposed that the real lesson lay in bearing witness to what it was that lurked in the deeps below. The reason the Avialae remained vigilant and the reason their soldiers had to remain strong.

As horrifying as it was, Kalzasi depended on the Warrens and the people depended on the Avialae to protect them from its horrors.

Not wanting to lay about in bed, Talon gently picked up Trinket who murped curiously before perching on Talon’s shoulder. He let out a low grunt. His body was sore and he felt sluggish but he needed to get out of bed and move around. He needed to be in the fresh air and sunlight. Tossing off the sheet he planted his feet on the floor allowing himself to test his weight. He flexed his wings experimentally, grateful that neither of them seemed to be broken or injured. When he was certain he would be able to stand without falling over, he rose to his feet and gave himself a moment to adjust his balance. Walking to the double doors of the bedroom, Talon opened them to let in the fresh air. He breathed a sigh of relief and stepped out into the garden.

Feeling the warm grass beneath his feet, the wind on his face and rustling the feathers in his wings, Talon felt a weight leave him. Slowly, carefully, he made his way over to one of the small benches where he lowered himself. It was just as he’d gotten comfortable that he heard a gasp. Talon turned his head so that his good eye could look back to his room. A nurse was staring at him in shock.

“Y-you’re awake!” Talon gave her a weak nod and a smile. Before he could speak she was turning and running from the room. Most likely to inform either a doctor or his family. Probably both. Talon didn’t mind. He wanted to see them. All of them. For the moment though, he stared off into the gardens and into the landscape of Kalzasi beyond that. Trinket fluttered down to his lap and curled up, nuzzling into Talon’s stomach as the Avialae pet the bat absently.

[Riven]

That was the seventh morning since Talon had returned from his Warren March. Riven hadn't been thinking about any other thing the whole week. The moment in which Talon had managed to return kept flashing before Riven whenever he closed his eyes; for the first time in his life, his nightmares weren't about horrible things happening to him. That's why he had trouble sleeping, the bags under his eyes bigger and darker as the week progressed. Sometimes, he even wished he hadn't been there; he shouldn't have, as he wasn't allowed to get close to the entrance of the pit as the Warren March was taking place, but he had flown to one of the rock pillars flanking the chasm and hid himself there the minute he heard some of them were returning. And when it was Talon's turn, he couldn't help but to bite his inner cheek as strongly as he could to avoid calling his name, filling his mouth with blood as he saw his eye bleeding profusely, that side of his face completely red as he staggered towards the guards waiting for him... But he suddenly collapsed on the floor, his wings falling to his sides, completely lifeless as his hand dropped a single crystal. A Dragonshard. It wasn't worth it; Riven had thought, his eyes filled with tears of rage and pain for him; he feared strongly for his life until, back in the Novalys estate, the healers confirmed Talon would make a full recovery... Physically, at least. Riven was heartbroken. Physically. He wondered what kind of horrible things he could have seen down there. He knew that a few of the people that returned never fully recovered from the experience. He had never prayed to the Gods; for Riven they just were kind of there, observing the misery that bloomed on their creation, but the first night he cried himself to sleep, just praying to them to let Talon heal; they hadn't been there for Riven; he just asked that Talon wouldn't end... as broken as Riven was deep inside.

The silverwinged Avialae had just been kindness and care to him since he arrived; he had defended Riven against a large part of the nobility that didn't want a Kathar blemishing their free city; he had managed to convince most that Riven was not a threat and that he was just scared and needed a home; he had faced his own father just to let him stay... And then he had stayed with Riven. He had quickly become the largest part of Riven's new world; and just the idea of that part disappearing filled him with the deepest sorrow he'd ever felt. At least Trinket had returned to Talon's garden so Riven could take care of him; the young Avialae wasn't sure of who was taking care of who though. The minova bat flew from Talon's room to Riven's cottage constantly; cherries were supposed to be a special treat for him... But Riven just gave him most of the cherries he got; he deserved all of them. The seven days passed by slowly; Riven just stayed gardening outside as much as he could, to try and see who got in Talon's room, try to get as much information as he could get. But all he got was Talon's wounds healing, and that he had no broken bones... But he wasn't in the best condition either, and he still wasn't waking up. The doctors feared he had a concussion, given the large scar over his eye. Riven just wanted him to wake up; and one morning he got up, severely deprived of sleep, and Trinket was gone; he got out to the garden and heard him chirping, but he couldn't spot the bat anywhere, until he looked at the main residence, and saw the room's doors wide open, and on the bench...

His eyes just filled up with tears; his lower lip trembled with emotion as he dropped his tools and rushed to Talon's bench, flapping his wings open to glide part of the way; the Novalys spotted him, getting up with what Riven thought was a smile; he wasn't too sure, as his vision was blurry, the first drops sliding down his cheeks, his eyes reddened from the lack of sleep, the worrying, the crying... He slowed down in the last steps to avoid trampling Talon, but before the older said anything, he just hugged him and pulled him close, softly and trying not to hurt him, his chest convulsing weakly as he silently laid his forehead on Talon's shoulder. Riven had turned 16 days ago and they were almost the same height now, the younger still a few inches shorter. His face was covered in soft, blond fuzz; clearly, he had quit shaving since Talon went down the pit.

"I-- Gods, I just saw you... And the blood... For a second I thought you were..." He whispered, unable to say anything else.

[Talon]

Talon had his eyes closed. He was feeling the gentle breeze upon his face, there in the garden. The warmth of the sun was doing wonders for him. He didn’t feel trapped in the darkness. With the air flowing around him he didn’t feel as though the world were about to collapse on top of him. A brief shiver went through him as he remembered dodging caveins, hearing screams of beasts and other young men alike. He was certain that those sounds would haunt him for the rest of his life. After seeing the things that lurked in the deeps below the earth, Talon wondered if he had the strength to protect his people from all of them. There had been monsters down there that were impervious to blade or bow. Only one of the other boys had possessed the means to fight such things, magic. But it had cost the boy much to protect the group from those things. He flexed his wings as he remembered what had happened. Everything had a price. The boy had saved their lives and paid the ultimate one in doing so.

Trinket perked up in his lap prompting Talon to open his eyes. The little bat chirped and wiggled out of Talon’s hands just as the young man rose to his feet. He felt an uneasiness lift from his shoulders. He felt himself relax and a tightness in his chest unfurled as he saw Riven sprinting across the garden toward him, black wings unfurling in joy. Talon let out a light oomph as Riven threw himself into his arms, practically sobbing in relief. Talon couldn’t say anything. His throat felt tight. His vision was blurring from tears both in relief and from simply letting some of his grief flow out of him. He wrapped his arms around Riven and held on tightly.

Riven was there. Everything would be okay.

Something slid into place then. Something touched upon Talon and it made his chest fill with a warmth that soothed his aching heart and uplifted his soul. And in that moment, he felt it. He felt all of it. He felt Riven’s worry, he felt his abject terror for him, he felt his grief, his anger, and his depression. Talon felt a great sorrow go through him and he hugged Riven that much tighter. He wanted to soothe those aches within the boy and assure him that everything would be okay.

“Shh, it is okay. I am alright. I will be okay.” Talon just held Riven and ran a hand up and down his back. He still had much recovering to do but in that moment he was simply happy to be held by a friend. No, more than a friend, a Companion. It was a stunning thing in the best possible way. The two of them had grown close, practically inseparable ever since Riven crashed into the garden that was now his own. Talon had found himself moved to guide, protect and teach Riven everything he knew. He’d defended the boy against persecution and ridicule from the more conservative nobles and even spoke up to his father in Riven’s defense.

“Hey,” Talon gently guided the both of them to the bench. He picked up an antsy Trinket who puffed up worriedly but then settled once Talon gave the bat a few pets behind the ears. “You’ve been taking care of Trinket for me haven’t you?”

Talon smiled and sat close to Riven, taking comfort in the other Avialae's presence. Again he felt that warmth grow in his chest with the boy's proximity and felt, not for the first time, that he'd found the truest friend he'd ever have.

"Riven." Talon reached out and gently wiped away a few of the boy's tears. "Thank you."

[Riven]

Riven's uneasiness started to fade the moment Talon managed to react and put his strong arms around the boy's lower back, hugging him tight as the convulsions turned into small hiccups, Riven trying to let go of his fears now that Talon was just in his arms, alive and well. The tears kept running down his face, their silent embrace trying to say everything they wouldn't be able to express with words.

And then something clicked somewhere, deep in his soul; Riven felt a warmth buried deep inside of him, under all his worries and suffering, that quickly expanded through his chest, then filling his arms and legs. And he felt the connection; he couldn't explain how, but Talon was pouring all his reassurance, his care and his happiness into Riven, like a bright, warm beacon that slowly pushed his fears and his anger away, and left relief and joy, knowing Talon was back and it was all over. He had missed him; 20 days were many after you see someone on a daily basis.

He was amazed; Talon was just in his arms and he could feel the man's warmth... But Riven could also feel his warmth now; it was like something had finally been locked in place, and now he could see Talon's heart almost as clear as he could see his face. His tears started drying as he softly smiled, hugging him as tight as he could without hurting Talon. His friend. His guide. His advocate. Now, his Companion. He didn't know much about the bond; Talon had explained him the story of the Synnekar Avialae once, and when he had asked about the bond, the heir had just slightly blushed and ran quickly over the basics... But if something was it, was what he felt right now. It was proof of their care for each other; the moment Riven crashed into the garden he called home now, Talon had taken care of him; and when Talon had needed to get away from a life of duty and exigency, Riven would be the person he went straight to. He managed release him for a bit, a bittersweet grin in his face, as he looked into Talon's eye, wishing there wouldn't be the need to bandage the other.

He smiled as Talon gently let go, pulling both of them back to the bench, and sat just next to him, laying his head on the noble's shoulders. The dark vortex in the center of his guts was starting to fade, and he smiled as Talon picked up his bat; Trinket seemed glad to see his owner again. "I had no choice... The little dummy just came to my house and chirped at me until I fed him and gave him cuddles. And he's going to get fat... He found my cherries and he hasn't been eating anything else" He said, softly poking the bat's little belly with a finger, the minova chirping angrily at him "Hey, that's what you did!" He said, smirking a bit at the white, fluffy creature. The ball of fur had profited his weakness to get treats from him, and Riven had just delivered in exchange of love. He felt a little guilty.

"Thank you". He hugged Talon close again; he felt the tears welling up again, but he gulped and fought them off, feeling Talon's comfort and gratitude. "You have nothing to thank me about... But you. You idiot, you promised me you'd be careful, and now..." He said, running a hand lightly through Talon's bandaged side "Your handsome prince face... I know all I should care about is that you're alive and well, it's just..." He said, a sad expression on his face. "The last thing I want is your face reminding me of these horrible days. I know it's selfish."

[Talon]

“Did he now?” Talon rubbed Trinket’s belly. The minova bat let out trills of affection and curled around the Avialae’s hand. Truth be told, he was relieved to hear that his fluffy pet and companion had been well fed and loved. He was also relieved to know that Riven had found comfort in the animal’s companionship.

“Trinket is good at cuddling.” As if on cue, the minova bat gave a yawn. It gently scaled Talon’s torso before sprawling out across his shoulders, curling around his neck in a loose embrace. He reached up, petting the fluffy bat on the head gently. He contented himself with simply being surrounded by feelings of warmth, feelings of comfort and affection. These were a balm for his weary soul. He wasn’t sure how or why but he knew that he had bonded to Riven. He felt a sliver of guilt thread through him. Was this something that Riven wanted? The other boy didn’t know much about the Gift of the Pale Lady. He’d barely known anything about the gods at all or what they had done for the Avialae. Talon thought about closing himself off from Riven but the thought of doing so made his stomach tie itself in knots. He could feel the ache in his chest just thinking about it.

So instead, Talon simply sent feelings of comfort and peace across the bond that they now shared. He would be the closest friend that Riven had. It brought him peace. It brought him happiness. That was enough. It had to be.

He stilled when he felt Riven squeeze him again. He could feel the worry building up inside of his companion. Talon reached out across their bond and pushed at some of that worry with feelings of comfort. He was there. He was safe. He was alive. When Riven made his confession and touched his face, Talon instinctively closed his eyes and leaned into the touch. He wasn’t in pain. At least, no more than was to be expected for him. The memory of how he received the scars would be forever emblazoned in his mind. He would never forget the events of his Warren March. It was impossible to. The experience would define him for years to come, Talon knew this. It was true for everyone who underwent the rite of passage and survived.

“We all have scars, Riven. Some are just more visible than others.” He gently took the young man’s hand and squeezed it softly.

“But it’s okay. The memories will be there. And…” Talon suppressed a shiver. “...and there will be times when they might overwhelm me. But you know what?”

Talon smiled.

“We can do this.” He reached through their bond then. He drew together an image or the impression of himself and Riven standing side by side. It was accompanied with a feeling of comfort, of warmth and companionship.

Together.

It was a simple word packed with so much meaning but the thought was passed from Talon to Riven. Rudimentary thoughts could be shared between Companions, certainly emotions and images as well.

[Riven]

For a single second, Riven could feel Talon's anguish; it was almost as clear as him as his own feelings, their Bond allowing them to experience each other's inner worlds in ways they couldn't have ever imagined. He would have been fine with it, he would have understood that anguish, because his companion had just returned from one of the hardest life experiences an Avialae could feel... but he just couldn't... Because Talon was smiling at him as his heart ached. And then, it just vanished, once again replaced by the peace and comfort beacon he had been. Riven guessed it had been a fleeting feeling... But he couldn't push it out of his mind; it lingered to the back, worrying about that strange situation. Had Talon lied about something? No... That couldn't be.

He was a disaster; Talon had just finished the most intense, frightening and lifechanging experience of his life; one where a boy entered a hopeless chasm and a man came out of it. And there they were, Riven complaining about his scars and Talon trying to comfort him... And succeeding, mostly. He held his companion's hand; he could feel his affliction... But also his hopes and his courage. Riven smiled dimly... Until Talon's words hit him like a ton of bricks.

“We all have scars, Riven. Some are just more visible than others.” It was true. Riven knew it from experience... All his past was closed behind a large, black scar in his memory. Talon knew: details, feelings, the fact that Riven refused to go back. They didn't talk about it; Riven had wanted to... But every time he tried to tell Talon something about his childhood, a large knot formed in his throat and his body began to shake, and he just couldn't bring himself to tell the story of his nightmarish past; everything in his mind was blood, pain and scorn.

But Talon was right; he squeezed the man's hand, breathing in and clearing his mind of the ghosts that followed him wherever he went. They could do it. Just being next to Talon filled him with strenght, a wish to do things right. Probably because the heir was so righteous himself, which Riven admired.

"Together". The guilt of closing himself to Talon hit him once again; he was there, literally seeing the bandages that covered his scars, and Riven couldn't show more than a glimpse of his past, nothing that made sense. In a way, he felt like he was betraying his loved companion... But then the image of them both hit his mind. I was... magical; it soothed his mind and dispelled his thought, and realized that no matter what, they would be together.

"We can do this. And I'll always have your back, Talon. Always. I'm sorry for making this about myself... You've just gotten out of the Warrens, I should be the one taking care of you." He said, smiling a bit, and quickly pulling him into a hug, feeling his warm, broad chest against his. "I know you're not in your best shape... But you can always come back to the garden to heal. It's yours, after all." He said, letting him go, his blue eyes now more vibrant, glowing brighter as he stared into Talon's grey ones.

[Talon]

“No, Riven.” Talon was shaking his head. He reached out. Gently he touched the tips of his fingers beneath Riven’s chin. He stared into those fiery blue eyes. To many others that had met him, Riven’s eyes were frightening. The Kathar’s gaze held an unsettling intensity as they burned with an icy fire. Some believed that Riven was simply there to observe them all and then welcome the Kindred in with open arms. Talon knew better. He saw the warmth in those eyes. He saw the passion for life, for learning, and for seeing new things. The Synnekar leaned in and touched their foreheads together, closing his eyes and taking in a serene breath.

“We take care of each other.” He opened his grey eyes and smiled before sitting up straight. With a laugh he looked around the gardens. In recent months, whenever he’d been angry he’d come to the gardens. Whenever he’d been hurting inside, he’d come to the gardens. Whenever he’d needed peace and a place to just be himself, he’d come to the gardens. In that moment he realized why, it was because Riven had been there. Riven, who would smile and laugh and tease him. Riven, who would dart into the sky, chase Trinket and then roll around in the dirt with his beloved bat to make him laugh. Riven, who with a glance made the weight on Talon’s shoulders feel bearable. Talon suddenly hugged the Kathar tightly. His wings extended in a protective circle and the grey eyed young man squeezed his companion close to him.

“It’s our garden, Riven.” Talon released the tight hug that he’d held and met that blue eyed gaze. “No matter what happens, we can be ourselves here.”

With that he shifted away from Riven and stood up very carefully. Trinket made a soft burble of noise and snuggled closer around Talon’s neck. He pet the bat on the head gently.

“Food time?” He grinned at Riven. Talon wasn’t sure when the last time he ate something other than travel rations or broth was. Hunting in the Warrens had been miserable and few things there were what one would call appetizing. While edible things were present in that place, one was typically spending too much time hiding to get proper food.

“I could really use something other than stale bread and dried meat.” Talon extended a hand to Riven then. Come what may, they would be in this together. Because Talon couldn’t imagine a life without the Kathar in it and he hadn’t been able to for a long time.

[Riven]

Riven leaned into Talon's arms as his gorgeus, reflective silver wings wrapped around them both, creating a space only for them, in which nothing and no one could reach them. It was just Riven and Talon, Talon and Riven, the way it had been since the Novalys' birthday, when he landed in his garden like an unexpected shooting star. Through their bond, Riven could feel his gratitude and the fortune of having found each other, all the time they had cared of each other. He smiled; just being next to Talon felt healing for him.

"I guess you're right. I'm glad we're here for each other, Talon. Here in the garden. I-- I wouldn't have it any other way." He said, letting his Companion go, pouring all his gratitude and his care in their bond. Talon needed it, and he was overflowing with such feelings. "No matter what... I'll be waiting for you here. I'll take care of our garden...and I'll always take care of you, Talon. I have no doubt." He said. He truly felt it; it was true. It would be true. Riven... He had feelings for his companion. Strong feelings; feelings he just couldn't share like that... But they bound him to Talon in the best way he'd ever imagined. He was sure of it; he would just wait... Until he felt it was the right moment. He wouldn't disturb their peace now though.

He grinned as he watched Trinket rub himself agains't Talon's neck; if there was someone who could understand Riven, it was that greedy, loving bat. He had missed Talon as much as he had, and there he was, making up for lost time. Riven sort of envied him. Just a little. "Sure, why not? Food time! It's been a while since we raided your kitchens anyway. Your father will not be happy." He said, smirking, as he held Talon's hand and followed him into the building, headed into the palace's food supplies. Nothing better than the Novalys army of cooks. His belly growled a bit as he blushed and grinned at Talon. He hadn't eaten anything since the previous day.

[Etro]

♅ [memory] the scars we see ♅

XP:

• 8 XP for both players, cant be used for magic

Pieces of knowledge:

• Riven
  ► Show Spoiler

  Spycraft: Observing from a higher place
  Spycraft: Feigning activity to eavesdrop
  Animal Handling: Feeding
  Animal Handling: Treats
  Psychology: Companion Bond
  Psychology: Bond empathy
  Persuasion: Pacifying through the Bond
  Persuasion: Encouraging through the Bond
  Talon
  None

Comments:

• That was Major Feels for real. Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions or concerns.