• Closed • Kindred Spirits

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 720, 72 Zi'da

They stood there, watching the waves. Elisabeth knew the comfort and warmth of silence, offering both freely to the blond sailor. She would stand there as long as he needed, joining him in the peace one could find by simply being with a friend.

Elisabeth told him about her early trials, and Darius reacted with warmth and compassion, as she would have expected. The man filled his words with kindness, and the young woman appreciated every one of them. She felt his hand move to her arm, turning to smile softly at him as she responded. "I was raised by the two professors that found me that trial. They are currently working in Rharne at the Institute. They are good people." It was true - Vin and Rilith had raised her to the best of their abilities, although neither had ever considered having children of their own. It was an unusual relationship, but one she was slowly learning to cherish.

The concept of 'family' was something of a tricky subject for Elisabeth. As time wore on, she slowly realized that in addition to blood family, one could make their own families from friends and loved ones that they cherished dearly. The young woman had recently devoted a fair amount of time thinking about the subject, and for someone such as herself, it was comforting knowing that there were people like Darius in the world.

As he mentioned Balthazar, Elisabeth grinned brightly, nodding, letting her eyes drift out to the water again. "I do, and Balthazar has been wonderful. He's a unique man." It was hard to explain the relationship she had with the mage, which was often equal parts beautiful and frustrating. Elisabeth had never been in a relationship, and the ones Balthazar had been a part of had been destructive, in her opinion. They were coming from opposite experiences, trying to find common ground, but sharing an undeniable mutual affection that gave her hope for their future.

Darius' comment about her 'having' the blond sailor caused some embarrassment for him, but Elisabeth simply smiled, remaining quiet as he bumbled through his explanation. They had been through this song and dance before, so the Videnese knew how to navigate through it without causing further awkwardness.

As he stopped, Elisabeth turned to him, laughing softly. "In Viden, it took me five bits to find an amazing friend. One, I might add, that I cherish. So yes, I am a fortunate girl to have people that care about me and that the universe thought enough of us to put us in the same place at the right time."

They walked up the hill towards, presumably, his house. The blond was a gracious guide showing her several things along the way. Faldrass, the island with the volcano, if she remembered correctly, and Ishallr, one of ice. Elisabeth remembered their conversation from Viden, prompting another smile. It had been a game of sorts with him giving her clues to where he was from, and now he was able to show her some of the things he had mentioned.

As they arrived, Darius opened the door and invited her in. From what she could see, the home was cozy and warm, but Elisabeth didn't expect any different for a home reflected the person who lived there. A wide smile slipped across her lips when he told her that she could come there day or night if there were a need. The sailor was offering her a sanctuary, and it was an offer she wouldn't forget.

Elisabeth's reply was soft, matching the sincerity he gave her. "Thank you, Darius. For the offer, your friendship, and the trust. I will endeavor to be worthy of all of them."

[Darius Baer]

The pair stood in silence, and what might have been uncomfortable was made markedly less so by their shared company. And if anything, learning of Elisabeth's difficult start to life seemed to ease his own pain around the loss of his mother - temporarily, at least. They had both suffered a form of familial loss, and perhaps in finding each other, they might be able to enjoy a kinship of their own.

And then Darius managed to use his own words to tie himself up in knots.

Once again, he found himself grateful that Elisabeth didn't tease him for his awkwardness around her. He had always been this way in the presence of beautiful women.

The one time he had felt bold enough to approach someone he found attractive, it was with a pretty girl called Gwendoline, and that only resulted in the embarrassing 'rabbit poop incident'.

After that, he had found himself in blushing scenarios with Yeva of Rharne, Faith Augustin, Trudi Tousand, and - of course - Elisabeth Angelus herself.

For the Videnese to be so gracious with him only made him all the more appreciative of their friendship.

And when Elisabeth spoke of that friendship in such a kind manner, Darius couldn't resist matching her gentle laugh. Her kind words teased another blush at his cheeks - for he found flattery difficult to receive at times - but he was not embarrassed by what she said.

"Aye," he nodded in agreement.

He might have been tempted to say more, but simply acknowledging the truth of the matter seemed to be enough.

At the house, Darius was happy to see Elisabeth's smile again. It felt good to offer a potential place of solace to a friend, and if it made her feel more at home in Scalvoris, then he was willing to do it.

The local lad enjoyed playing host. He offered Elisabeth a fresh drink of water after their uphill climb, and he took the time to show her around the property. He even let her into the sanctuary that was his outdoor workshop, where he often spent time on woodworking projects.

It was as they returned to the main dwelling that he reiterated his offer, as if to reassure the Videnese that he had meant what he'd said, and he also decided to suggest another opportunity for them to spend time together.

"You're welcome to visit here any time. And maybe some trial, we could meet up for breakfast!"

[Jackalope]

]

Experience: +15 xp
Magic: No.
Collaboration: Yes
Wealth points No.
Renown None.
Loot None.

Comments

It’s weird reading these old threads sometimes. Especially when Elisabeth is struggling to recall which island Faldrass is! It was amusing reading these two characters navigate the awkward moments, while still giving each other support and comfort.

Darius

Skillplay: Appropriate to level.

Knowledge:

Caregiving: Being a safe person for someone.
Caregiving: Listening to a friend when they have something personal to share.
Caregiving: Sometimes it's best to be seen and not heard.
Etiquette: Keeping your word.
Etiquette: Don't overshare.
Etiquette: Offering someone a place to stay.
Navigation: Showing someone the way to your home.
Navigation: Pointing out local landmarks.
Socialisation: Trust strengthens relationships.
Socialisation: Making future arrangements.
Teaching: Telling a visitor about local history


Comments

Darius’ ties to the sea and to Scalvoris really come through in this thread. As do, of course, his lady-killing ways.

It’s been a long time since I’ve read a thread connecting him with the town and his old house; it feels like he’s always been governor of Hopetoun and Baron Extraordinaire!

Elisabeth

Skillplay: Appropriate to level.

Knowledge:
Caregiving - Allowing awkwardness to pass for the sake of another
Caregiving - Pushing for information can fracture trust
Discipline - The responsibility of friendship is serious business
Discipline - Breaking through uncertainty to ask a difficult question
Discipline - Knowing when you need to be better prepared mentally
Discipline - Not disclosing someone's private information
Etiquette - Inquiring if someone is about politely
Intimidation - Stern words, even to a friend, can be daunting
Psychology - Recognizing the need to talk to a friend
Psychology - Interpreting body language's correlation to mood
Strength - Lightly punching in the shoulder to emphasis a point

Comments

I learned a great deal about Elisabeth’s past in this thread! As with Darius above, it feels nowatrials like Elisabeth has just always been in Haven, so it’s odd to read about her being new to Scalvoris. I wonder if she’ll ever be able to find time to go meditate in Darius’ house again.

Enjoy your rewards!