what you're given, what you live in

[fatedfinality]

Darling, it finds a way to live in you

Who: Ardyn & You
What: A catch-all log for Ardyn and the various shit he's bound to get up to outside of events (so: quests, misc. interactions, etc.)
Where: All around Town
When: The last months of 2024

Warnings: Blanket warnings for suicidal ideation, self-harm tendencies, alcoholism, and others that will be specific to the threads and noted in the subject line!

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Comments

[errant_knight]

Ravus nods. While fastidious, he's always mitigated blood stains on his typical white Tenebraen raiment by simply maintaining the leather's coating, or in various armor that could simply be washed down. His furs in Niflheim rarely saw combat. After all, none had ever breached the dark crater that housed the capital in anything but small, insignificant numbers. And while he'd trained under Drautos, he'd never been allowed the colors of Tenebrae. Not until he'd well earned his place among the higher officers. Black and red easily hid blood.

More importantly though, Ardyn takes the offer to hold his hand. Ravus is just glad to be slightly ahead of him so perhaps the deep flush that colors his cheeks isn't so obvious at this angle. Really, it shouldn't effect him so much, but it's these small, sweet gestures that strike him so effectively. Ravus is a man of grand romance, all culminations of such tender gestures. It's hard not to be moved by them, swept up in something as soft as holding hands.

"I don't mind," Ravus says about the emotional outbursts. He's always been a man ruled by his heart, not matter how much he's tried to close it off. How could he ever judge someone for acting so powerfully on their own hearts too? Everything he's ever done in life has been a labor of love, after all. It's not always worked out, but none could ever accuse Ravus of being untrue or dishonest to his feelings. What he loves, he will die for. And what he hates, he will kill for. Simple extremes. He can appreciate Ardyn's too, he thinks.

"While I encourage you not to have us banned from most of the town... I... It did feel nice to be defended. I've not considered what it might be like to be on the receiving end of it before. So, yes, I'll consider it charming. I think you should as well." Ravus glances to him with a bit of a wry slant to his lips, and yes, still a bit of that blush as well.

[fatedfinality]

It isn't as obvious, no, but it's obvious to please Ardyn once he catches that hint of red. Desire was one mortal indulgence that he may be realizing he missed more than he wanted to admit during all that transpired back on Eos. It's still something he's getting used to feeling again, honestly, and what it all might mean in the long-term.

Or if it means anything. He doesn't want to get his hopes too high up there, naturally, after a lifetime of disappointment. Against his better judgement though, he does take this as a good thing. And against his even better judgement, he does wonder what it might mean for their future. When was the last time he even considered a future beyond what was planned? Hm.

"Well, that's reassuring since... I can't promise it won't happen again." He wouldn't want it to either, admittedly, but can't say that. "Though I can try and avoid it happening in a crowded bar going forward." Even if Ravus did enjoy being defended, Ardyn can acknowledge that wasn't completely defense of the other man as it was partly his own pride. So it's a bit more difficult to consider it 'charming' still, but- He can appreciate the effort for it to be framed as such.

"And while I know you're more than capable of defending yourself, never be afraid to call on me to again if necessary."

[errant_knight]

For Ravus, there isn’t really a ceiling for something like hope. He’s had to pretend it can’t exist when fighting a millennium of damning prophecy in the hopes of saving his sister in just the span of their mortal lives. So he doesn’t really consider where Ardyn is placing his own bets, even when he rebukes the idea of promising things. He takes it as honesty instead of disparaging caution. If that damns either of them later, the thought doesn’t cross him.

“I’m still getting used to having anyone to call upon. Forgive me if it doesn't come naturally,” he says shrugging the mechanical shoulder. But he’s asked Ardyn for his honest effort, so Ravus thinks it only fair to do the same. “Though you seem content to thrive in chaos, so perhaps I will do so more often, if only to provide enrichment.”

Is he teasing? Maybe. Ravus’ tone is as serious and staunch as ever where anyone else would have probably lightened their tone, or at least cracked a good-natured smile. He gives no other indication to it as they walk, and simply picks a traveller's lodge that looks relatively clean. Cleaner than the rest of the dusty lodgings down this alley, anyway. And ruby red roses hang from the sign, which attracts him more than anything else.

“It’s much too late in the evening to be walking back to Town. I figure we can leave in the morning when there’s ample light.” He says as much as they approach the building. It’s odd though. They rent rooms by the hour rather than by the night here, and that visibly confuses Ravus. The keeper at the door arches a brow, looking between the pair like it should be obvious, but when Ravu’s stern expression doesn’t budge, she simply sighs and books them until morning. Maybe this world does things differently, it’s all Ravus can really imagine as they’re brought to a room.

Which is barely lit, and that also confuses him. It’s tinted warm and dark, with even the curtains already being drawn despite that fact the sun is still only setting. The heavy drapes certainly don’t look as if they’re meant to let one enjoy any outside light. The focal point of the room is clearly the ornate and broad bed, with little else in the way of furniture. The whole thing strikes Ravus as odd, but he doesn’t know why.

The woman bids them a good evening, leaving them alone, as Ravus sits himself on the edge of the bed with a confused tilt of his head.

“I cannot tell if it’s this town, or this entire world, that is quite so strange.”

[fatedfinality]

Despite the tone that he takes, Ardyn does want to believe that was a hint of teasing him. It is true, of course, that the man needs enrichment in his new enclosure. He'd needed it back home, too- No doubt Ravus heard about some of the antics he got up to now or again. Or when people felt brave enough: The rumblings of his eccentric, unpredictable actions and how frustrating they could be and even more frustrating he was able to get away with it due to his station. With his flamboyant fashion and theatrical mannerisms, he was truly poking fun at the otherwise seriousness of The Empire. But he also liked the attention it brought, good or bad, and he can't deny that.

He also can't deny how utterly amusing it is the inn Ravus picks with its hourly rates and ambient amorous atmosphere. Even more fun is that he doesn't realize despite the signs. Ardyn, too, has a moment where he wonders if the choice is somehow intentional and trying to throw him off. It's what he'd do, after all. But no- Ravus is far too sincerely confused to be playing at anything. The way he tilts his head like an uncertain puppy- Adorable.

The man wars with himself on behaving or not. He fails a wisdom saving throw against that cute confusion though so: "I think it's just more... relaxed," he starts, finding his seat next to Ravus. "At least, when it comes to matters of intimacy. Not that places like this inn didn't exist back home, but they still weren't especially abundant in Gralea." A pause, considering the room himself. "They were also usually more red or pink colored there, but I suppose people make do with what they can considering the times." He wonders how long he can go on before Ravus realizes the implications.