lohengrins | week 3, wednesday evening: room 118

[ Knoll had been reading a book on war strategy before Percival arrived, but easily put it off to the side when the other man had entered and sat on the bed...especially with the expression he worse. ]

I do recall, this, yes.

... Were you thinking that we should, perhaps, confide in each other about our roles?

[ He doesn't want to be presumptuous, of course, so he asks. ]

[ a nod. ] Precisely.

[ knoll's quick wits are truly a blessing. percival reaches from inside his shirt, and nothing is visible until-- ]

I've been told I'm the Doctor. I was provided with a small bottle of pills...however the effect of each pill is unknown. I don't think they can be used to kill, fortunately.

[ and so that exactly manifests in the palm of his hand: a bottle of pills. ]

Should anything happen to you, we have a last resort. Last week, they made me immune to the night terrors. They are...an unscrupulous force.

[ Knoll watches intently watches as Percival reaches into his shirt--and when they do manifest he could only think it's really like magic.

For a moment, he's struck by an inability to say much. But, he'll move off of the bed so he can kneel in front of it. He reaches underneath it, and at first when he rises to his feet, before sitting by Percival's side, there is nothing. ]

Lord Percival...I think I may be at a loss of words for what you have just offered, but I would be happy to accept it.

I am the Technician, though, I'm not sure if it really suits me.

[ ... And there in his hand, is the screwdriver. ]

[ percival tilts his head, a hand to his chin as he ponders for a moment. then, he smirks. ]

It fits. You have a clever mind and a kindred spirit: you'd rather fix than destroy.

[ always so bashful, aren't you? ]

I've been informed of a few other roles, so you'll be safe under my care. Even if I'm unable to protect you myself, I'll ensure that someone else can.

[ Sometimes, even when he doesn't mean to be, but he's appreciative all the same. ]

Yes, when you say it like that... it is rather fitting. I believe I understand it now.

[ Then there's a moment of silence from him. The dark mage has a part of him that feels unworthy of and used to such kindness. He feels overwhelmed, and his eyes close, afraid for what weakness may show in them if he does not. ]

There must be something that I could do for you in return.

Edited 2017-06-07 15:15 (UTC)

Good. [ and there's a clearly satisfied albeit smile grin to accompany that. ]

I ask for nothing, aside from your wellbeing. You are my vassal: it's my duty to protect you.

[ a pause. ]

There is something I must know, however: what grave offense did you commit back home?

[ He reopens his eyes, and it's probably not the first surprised expression he'll make for the evening.

And speaking of surprise, the question that Percival asks definitely incurs that within him, among other unpleasant feelings. His hands now resting in his lap have fingers dig into his cloak as he feels gripped by paranoia that tells him possibly irrationally, it's over. ]

...It was mostly my fault that The Demon King was released a second time upon Magvel.

[ Knoll means to say more, but he can't-- everything sounds like an excuse. ]

[ knoll's anxiety is certainly noted, even if percival doesn't quite express as much. leaning in, he brings a hand to his own chin. ]

I want to hear the entire story. Your motives and your mistakes -- how this came to be.

Edited 2017-06-08 03:53 (UTC)

...Prince Lyon's father had been suffering immensely for years from an unknown, debilitating illness. No potion nor any healing staff could cure the man, and so Prince Lyon had us -- his private team of researchers -- consider other sources that could help. We, along with the crown prince himself, poured over a myriad of these resources -- both ancient and new -- and of course there was many a night where we'd forego sleep. Prince Lyon was sure that if he found a way to cure his father's illness, he could also find a way to use this knowledge to help his own people as well.

In fact, during our efforts, we located an ancient spell--though with our knowledge we couldn't use it to the full extent despite years of study. But, we could use it to see into the future and minimize casualties to citizens by forewarning them. Prince Lyon had been so happy, when we were able to avert catastrophe to those preparing to disembark to sea, two years back...you could see it in his eyes...

[ He...well, there is a smile here, but it's sad and his voice was undoubtedly wistful, breaking a bit for the moment. ]

Then, following our researching for so many years--and after performing much needed ceremonies and rituals... we could uncover the power of Grado's Sacred Stone. This stone possessed unique powers, and it was also known as Fire Emblem. We called it that since The Demon King's rage burned ever so brightly while entrapped in the stone; The Demon King had been sealed within it for running amok on Magvel eons ago.

Foolishly, we hoped to draw the power from the Sacred Stone, even knowing the source of which it came from, in the hopes that we could save Prince Lyon's father and essentially be able to use it for the benefit of our people. There were risks, of course, such as being influenced by The Demon King himself, but ... I certainly didn't think of it then.

Of course, all was for naught when Prince Lyon's father died a year ago. He was sent into despair and sought The Sacred Stone so that he could use The Fire Emblem to revive his father. He asked for The Sacred Stone and I could not refuse it. I wasn't present in the same room when he used it to bring his father back to life... or rather his corpse with Necromancy with help from The Dark Stone.

By the time I was there to see "King Vigarde" with his eyes open once more, The Demon King had possessed Lyon and somehow split The Sacred Stone of Grado into two. There was now The Dark Stone that housed The Demon King's soul and The Sacred Stone itself. Following that, The Demon King crushed The Sacred Stone, and had me sent to a dungeon for execution in my attempt to stop him from using The Dark Stone for evil.

By then, the damage had been done, however, and many people died. The undead walked the world of Magvel once more, and countless villages and towns were destroyed; regardless of what I did later...no one would forget who caused that mess in the first place. And they shouldn't.

...In the end, when all was resolved, not even our beloved Prince Lyon was spared.

But, even if I had not intended for such a thing to happen...it was still...

[ Knoll falls into a silence, as he finally finishes, and it is good, he thinks, or he may be overcome with such emotion that he may make a fool of himself...if he hasn't already. ]

[ percival listens wordlessly — his gaze is set upon knoll's, and he notes every shift, every expression. sorrow swims in the browns of his eyes for a fleeting moment, and it's only when knoll has finished that he speaks. ]

Your prince...reminds me of someone.

[ he heaves a breath. ]

My mother was murdered when I was young. My brothers and I had been in the carriage with her...the culprit was none other than a man she had aided only hours ago. We cried for help — but no one came until my father sent for a search party, hours after she had passed. We remained in that carriage, next to my mother's corpse, my eldest brother bruised and beaten...and on that day, something in him changed.

I wouldn't know until years later.

[ he states it all a fact rather than some deep, repressed secret. it's easier that way. ]

My father was driven to...ha, madness after my mother passed. He became a warmonger, and holed himself up in our dungeon in some attempt to revive her — he went as far as to contract with a demonic beast that promised him the resurrection of my mother. It came at a great cost, however...he was told to open up the gate to the Otherworld.

My father passed away some time ago, and my eldest brother had inherited his lordship. He went onto become king of Wales, but the beast had latched onto him as well. My brother...attempted to wage war on the world itself. He ferociously conquered lands and exploited political coups, and my Captain and I were forced to defeat him ourselves.

He truly...wanted to destroy the world underneath that being's influence. He planned on opening the gateway to hell — but I know that's not who my brother is or was. The desire to see someone again...can be a powerful thing.

People are more than their mistakes, Knoll. I believe in their potential, and I believe in yours as well.

[ Knoll's listens closely as the other man tells his tale -- he hadn't known what he was expecting, but probably not that. For a moment, he lifts a hand from his lap, thinking of reaching out to him, but he'll allow it to fall to his side, deciding that may not be what Percival wants. ]

Yes, it very well can be. I believe I can understand why all of them had gone to such great lengths, even despite the consequences...especially now.

[ ... ]

Still, you told me such a personal thing, that was undoubtedly painful for you to experience, even though you didn't have to--and you allowed me to explain despite what it first sounded like... please tell me, how do you manage to have such faith in people? How are you able to be strong enough to look forward after all of that?

[ the question's an entertaining one — percival smirks, an amused noise escaping his breath. ]

My mother was a kind woman. She always told me to help those who needed it. The helplessness I felt that day is only a fraction of what the impoverished, marginalized and vulnerable feel constantly.

The strong must protect those who cannot protect themselves, lest we want our world to become ruins. My mother...didn't live and die without a reason.

[ suddenly, his expression softens and he smiles. ]

My faith did wane, though. Many things...happened, and I questioned whether or not the world was worth defending. But then...I met the Captain.

[ his eyes sparkle with affection, almost blatantly. ]

He reminded me that there's always good in the world, even if it may not seem so. Sometimes it's simply the angle or place...but there are people still fighting regardless of where you go. That alone is enough.

[ Knoll watches the man's expression--especially when it lights up with such affection as he speaks. Still, all of that...hearing it makes him unable to keep from smiling himself. ]

So that's why...

[ ... ]

I've never had much trouble with the idea of doing my best to help those in need. That's why I worked so tirelessly with Prince Lyon -- for him, for the sake of those who couldn't foresee the disasters that were coming. But after all that had happened...even after Magvel was saved and Grado restored to its former glory, it was difficult to know what to do after that.

I thought that after that there was no r... there was nothing. That I couldn't do anything more for anyone. But, perhaps I was wrong.

[ Despite his words having a grim tone to them, he sounds a little happy, but then he looks from Percival to his lap. ]

I'm glad you took the time to tell me this; there is much I still need to learn it seems.

Edited 2017-06-08 18:57 (UTC)

I could say the same to you. I've much to learn myself.

[ he crosses his legs, lips quirking into a smile. ]

There's always something you can do. And you won't be fighting alone either.

...

[ For a moment, Knoll falls quiet. It has certainly been awhile since he hasn't fought alone and maybe--well, he'll save that thought for later. Then, he'll turn his head towards the other man. ]

Lord Percival, could you perhaps... tell me what your Captain is like? I imagine, as you say, he is a good man. But... I suppose I'm just a little curious, that's all.

[ percival's features brighten. without realizing it, his mouth inches into a smile. it's not a question he can readily answer, but it is one he enjoys having to ponder. ]

My Captain is...ha, as reckless as they come. He's my vassal as well, and he certainly does his part. I can't think of anyone who's been there for me more than my Captain has.

He's a skyfarer, and an incredibly young one at that; the Captain leads an entire crew's worth of people...some of the most noteworthy people in the skies for that matter. His combat skill is beyond remarkable.

He's compassionate and quick to help others. He'd rather believe than doubt, and he has such little fear that the consequences don't matter to him — he can handle them regardless. Or at least, that's what he believes.

Heh...he's so stupid, if I'm to be honest. He truly acts his age and has a penchant for annoying me, but there's no man worthier of my covenant than him. Whenever I struggle, I somehow always find him beside me.

[ he closes his eyes, smiling to himself this time. ]

He would like you, I think. I can imagine him roping you into that crew of his. That's just who he is.

Edited 2017-06-09 02:36 (UTC)

[ He quietly thinks he's chosen a good question (there's something to be said about bringing some light into their situation.) And it is hard for Knoll to miss those cues...there is undoubtedly affection, isn't there? ]

It is no wonder you hold this man in such high esteem. He sounds very capable...

[ He takes pause for a moment, considering. This Captain sounds alike to someone he knows. ]

Being in a crew seems like it could be an adventure of sorts. Though, I know little of skyfarers and such--I don't believe I have even heard of the term until now.

I wonder...would he really try to bring some dark mage he barely knows anything about with him? Then again, you do know him well. You must have been travelling with him for a substantial amount of time before being brought here, I assume. And, you have told me enough that I believe I would not mind meeting him, if it were possible.

week 3, wednesday evening: room 118

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