(Private RP) Crystal Balls and Shields <<BunBunTheCatSnake & syaoran-puu>>

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Lox was thinking about the few things he did know about the thief, absorbed in the thoughts that at first he hadn’t noticed that Viridian seemed upset.

 

“It’s okay that you haven’t. I’m just glad you didn’t get hurt again. Fear not, I’m good at my job. I’ve never had much issue before.” He promised, attempting to reassure him. “I appreciate you trying though.” Still, he’d never had case quite like this one before! He needed to end it quickly!

 

He was thoughtful a moment, then nodded. “Anything they want to tell me is fine. I understand they won’t just tell me who... but anything that might help? Hints or clues?” Lox still wasn’t putting much stock in all of this. The truth was that Lox was less interest in the thoughts of men not Viridian right now. Maybe when his heart stopped pining he would be more open to someone else. As it stood, he was enamoured by a man that clearly didn’t want him and was keen to find someone else for Lox.

 

“You know them best. What kind of thing should I be asking?” He frowned, looking at the bag of runes. What did it feel like? How did one read the runes?

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

Viridian honestly loved doing love readings. It felt nice being sole mystic matchmaker - though fate would bring them together regardless. Still, it made him happy watching people he helped bring together make a life together. "Actually, the less specific the better." Viridian answered, his fingers running across the stone. "Hints and clues are the best for runes."

 

Viridian spilled the runes out onto the table. None of them were merk staves - good. Taking a deep breath, Viridian held his hand up above the stones. Already met... a smile crossed Viridian's face as he heard this, his fingers now lightly running across the stone. "You've met them already," Viridian said, his eyes still closed as he tried to prove more information.

 

Smells like lavender... green eyes... This information took Viridian back a bit. People often told him that he smelled faintly of lavender, which wasn't a surprise - He stuffed his pillow with it, so he could sleep easier. "Your soul mate smells like lavender and has green eyes." The runes were now radio silent again, which prompted him to put the runes back into his bag.

 

They already met, he smelled of lavender, and he'll have green eyes... It sounded a bit like Viridian, though he doubted that it was honestly him. Viridian liked the thought of settling down and getting married, though people just weren't into him like that. "Well... if you already know them, this will make it easier."

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Lox listened, the frown growing. He’d met them. The year he turned 29. Green eyes. Lavender smell? There was only one person who came to mind fitting that description... and he very much doubted Viridian would appreciate the comparison!

 

“Green eyes?” He couldn’t help but look into the others eyes with his own more golden brown ones as he spoke. “That’s a pretty rare colour.” The room had a faint smell of lavender too... did he know anyone else that smelt that way? It was usually so calming but today it left him feeling confused.

 

He laughed nervously. “Well, unless they’re trying to claim it’s you, I have no idea of anyone else that fits all your clues. I’ve not met anyone else new this year... like that.” He blushed and cleared his throat before resting his hands on the blade sheaths for comfort. “I’d need more of a clue I guess. I am pretty clueless and bad at this.” He chuckled nervously again, realising he was rambling.

 

“Well.... that was entertaining. Thank you for indulging me. How much do I owe you? For yesterday too?” He’d realised at home he’d not offered anything in payment and decided to rectify that mistake.

 

He wasn’t sure that any of this was going to make life easier. He was rather consumed by work and other things, romance a distance memory or desire. Maybe he should visit the brothel? No strings and no one would even question his desire to bed a man. Except, why did Viridian’s face in the throes of passion form in his mind? The blush got brighter. Damn! He needed to stop thinking this way before he gave himself away!

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

Viridian looked at the man as he looked him up and down. His eyes averted back to the table as he scooped the runes up and placed them back in the deer skin pouch, before he pulled the drawstrings closed. While green eyes were a rare eye color, he wasn't the only person in the world who had them. Though, what other man smelled of lavender? It was rare, but it couldn't be uncommon - right? Viridian looked up at Lox again, before he placed the runes back on their respected place on the shelf.

 

Viridian was a little surprised when Lox said he was the only one he met that fit the description - that had to be some sort of weird coincidence right? Lox was a great guy. Viridian thought he was so great, that he couldn't even fathom the fact that they would be soul bound to each other. Viridian blew out the candles, his mind trying to fit all of these pieces together.

 

He was pulled from his thoughts when Lox asked for the price of the readings, which made Viridian whip around. "Oh, you don't owe a thing Captain," Viridian said with a soft smile. "I wouldn't make you pay for readings that I couldn't get any information out of, so consider your soul make reading a gift." Viridian winked at the man, before he turned around and started to gently press the tips of the hot incense against their holders.

 

You know, it isn't impossible if Lox is your soul mate, Remiera said, which made Viridian blush just a bit. He was thankful that he was facing away from Lox, so he didn't see his rosy pink cheeks. Viridian took a deep breath, as he tried to compose himself. "Are you busy today?" Viridian asked as he turned around and opened the door for Lox.

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Lox felt a little dismissed as the other put all the lights and incense out. That was okay, he couldn’t and wouldn’t expect more from him.

 

Plus, Viridian then called him ‘captain’ again instead of Lox. That was okay too, he took the hint. Viridian wasn’t his soul mate, he needed to look elsewhere.

 

Why did that idea sting a little?

 

With a smile in place he stood, sorted his blades and walked to the door. He paused at the question. “I have a dark mage to hunt for.” Not entirely true, he could stop for now, he’d assigned a few more guards to help gather information to be discussed tomorrow.... but his pride stung a little.

 

He bowed his head, suddenly feeling the soft petal on his forehead, recalling the beautiful, magical lily. Part of him wanted to take it with him.... to keep the memory.... but maybe this was for the best... clean break. No hope. Carefully he reached for the flower and threaded it back into Viridian’s hair. “This really does suit you better, Mr Glass.” He smiled and turned to leave.

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

When Lox walked to the door every fiber in his being was telling him to tell him to stay, that he wanted him around. This was just so new to him. Viridian knew how to pick up one night stands, but when it came to the possibility that Lox might be... the one. Viridian felt just as confused as he did his first month after being a Magician. This was uncharted territory.

 

"I guess you do have that going on," Viridian said as he crossed his arms loosely. His green eyes fell to the ground where Remiera moved in his blankets, to get a better view of the men. Viridian looked up when he faintly saw Lox's hand move to his face, only to place the lily into his blond locks.

 

Panic started bubbling in his stomach when Lox turned to leave, so he did the only thing he could think of; he grabbed his hand. "Lox wait," Viridian said a bit more assertive now. "Look, I'm running low on a few supplies. One of the flowers I need only blooms at night, and I get a bit scares walking the woods alone." This was a lie. Viridian did this walk at least once a week, and he grew accustomed to it. "Do you want to go with me? I know you have work to do, but I won't have to go until the evening."

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Lox felt his determination waver slightly as his arm was captured and Viridian told him to wait. He felt like a fish out of water, completely unsure about what was going on right now..... hadn’t he just been dismissed?

 

Except, “if you require an escort I can do so.” Was this just work? Or was Viridian wanting to spend more time together. “Though I will admit I am surprised you’re afraid of the dark...” he wasn’t sure if he should use Mr Glass again or Viridian so decided not to use either name.

 

He contemplated a moment then pulled his arm gently free. “I shall return after I have eaten my evening meal then.” Lox offered. Uncertain what this was really about. Maybe he was about to be killed and buried in the woods for asking too many questions? He liked to hope that wasn’t Viridian’s intention though. “Until later, sir.” He inclined his head once more and left.

 

———

 

The day had passed in a colourful blur. Lox really couldn’t remember most of it. His mind utterly distracted by the beautiful magician so far out of his reach. Yesterday he had felt so comfortable around the other, now there was an awkwardness within his heart that he didn’t know how to handle!

 

After food he returned to his chamber, removing his uniform and blades before putting on more civilian clothing. They weren’t anything special, but they were comfortable and functional. He strapped one of his blades back into place but decided to leave the other at home. He shouldn’t need them.... and he wasn’t going out as Captain of the guard... was he? Maybe Viridian had meant a guards escort?

 

Deciding not to second guess himself further he headed to the man’s home.

 

The street looked different in this light. The flow of candles dotted around, the shadows lingering. He wasn’t one easily spooked but he had to admit it looked like the perfect home for ghosts and ghouls. Pushing the thought aside he knocked for the third time upon this increasingly familiar door.

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

Viridian gave Lox a sheepish smile, when he expressed his surprise for his fear of the dark. He decided to tell him later that he wasn't actually scared of the dark, but that would have to wait until they came back. When Lox bid him farewell, Viridian waved at the man with a soft smile. "I'll see you later." Viridian said softly, before he closed the door behind Lox. Viridian leaned against the door, sighing softly. He was a slave to fate, though if Lox was somehow part of it it wouldn't be too bad. He was nice, and wasn't bigoted towards his arcane abilities.

 

-------------

 

Viridian was taking a bath, the water littered with lavender and eucalyptus. Lavender was his favorite flower, and seeing that he had quite the green thumb he grew quite a lot of it. He leaned in the tub, his eyes looking up at the wooden beams in the roof.

 

"Hey Remy," Viridian began, before he turned his head to look at his familiar. Remiera was perched on the edges of the bathtub, one of her many arms swirling in the water.

 

Yes? She replied, her arm moving back to the edge of the wooden tub.

 

"Do I smell like lavender, by any chance?" Viridian asked as he moved his arm for his familiar to smell him. Remiera laughed, two of her hairy arms gently placing her hands on his wet arm to stop it.

 

I can answer that without smelling you. Yes, you always smell like lavender. Viridian pulled his arm back, before he dunked it into the water. Maybe... he actually was his soul mate?

 

Viridian got up from the bath, before he wrapped himself in a towel. Remiera jumped off of the tub, and moved to the sleeping area. Stop thinking too hard about it. You've gotten plenty of people together. Maybe the Spirits just thought it was your turn?

 

"I'm just worried. This is so new to me. Besides, we barely know each other Remy. I'm not sure how to approach this." Viridian spoke honestly as he grabbed a white loose fitting tunic, and black loose trousers that hugged his legs near his ankles. Viridian grabbed a black cloak and draped it over his shoulders, before he wrapped his black scarf around his head.

 

With perfect timing, he heard a knock at his door. Viridian rushed down the stairs, before he answered the shop door. "Hi," Viridian said as he opened the door to welcome him in. "I have to do my... house security thing... so come on in."

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Lox nodded, understanding what that meant now. “Okay.” He would have happily waited outside, but this was okay too.

 

Lox let his eyes take in the form of the other man. He seemed clad in black, a moving, living shadow unlike those in the street. He wasn’t sure the words, You look nice. were very appropriate or welcome after today, so he stood silently. Curious eyes watching as Viridian once more sealed his home.

 

Needing something to break the silence he finally spoke, “what is it you’re gathering at night? You said it was a flower? I’ve never heard of night flowers.” He admitted. He was rather ignorant to many things it seemed.

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

Viridian grabbed his chalk as he traced the door frame with a piece of chalk. He wasn't sure what to say. Lox looked really handsome in his civilian clothes, but would it be weird to compliment him? He was still uncertain if Lox was his soul mate to begin with, but everything pointed at him.

 

When Lox finally broke the silence, Viridian silently thanked the Spirits. "It's a magical.flower called Noxius. It only blooms at night, and I can't personally grow it. I use it in basically all of my spell bags and potions. It's gorgeous." Viridian stepped off of his still after he was finished speaking, before he placed the chalk in his place besides the door. "It's... well, you'll see." Viridian looked over his shoulder, offering the man a bright smile. "Next to lavender, it's my favorite flower."

 

Viridian opened the door, and moved his head to urge Lox outside. "Thank you for coming, by the way Lox. The woods creep me out at night, so it's nice having someone skilled with me." Viridian said, his head leaning against the door. "Plus, I can show you this flower in it's full glory."

[Guest syaoran-puu]

“Noxius? Sounds a little like noxious...” he hoped the thing wasn’t poisonous? Though he doubted Viridian would use it all the time if it was.

 

Lavender was Lox’s favourite? The words from earlier played in his mind. Lox always smelt like lavender, it was a pretty scent on the man. “You’re welcome. I’m still surprised. I would have thought, with you using it so much, that you were used to gathering it?” He smiled over at him, “or is this your thing? Befriend random strangers and talk them into joining you so you’re not alone?” Lox played it off as a joke, but he couldn’t help but wonder why Viridian had asked him. Wouldn’t his familiar be company and conversation enough?

 

He watched him. Stepping outside when instructed to. “Do you do this seal every time you leave the house?” He guessed Viridian could never leave in a hurry.

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

Viridian gave the man a sheepish smile when Lox pointed out that he should have been used to gathering it on his own, though that smile fell when Lox followed it up with his question. "Actually, you're the first person other than Cassandra that I've had accompany me." Viridian said truthfully, his green eyes meeting with Lox's before they fell to the ground. "You're great company, so I figured 'why not?'" Viridian left out the part that there was a good chance that they were soul mates, and that he was also using this as a way to get to know the man.

 

Viridian grabbed the chalk again, before he started drawing the runic symbols onto the door, "Yeah. Every time I go out. I've forgotten once or twice, and I always come back to a vandalized shop. Thank God Remiera is never there..." The mention of Remiera stopped Viridian dead in his tracks. "Oh shit," Viridian cussed to himself. "I got so excited that you were here, that I almost forgot about Remy!" Viridian announced in a panicked tone, before he ran back upstairs. He quickly scooped up Remiera in his hands, before he ran back downstairs. I was wondering when you were coming back, Remiera said with a soft laughter in her tone.

 

"Sorry," Viridian apologized before he pocketed the chalk "I never forget Remiera, so it's weird that I nearly did." Viridian shook his head, before he placed Remiera on his shoulder, and put his hands on the symbols. Viridian started muttering under his breath, and just like last time the symbols seemed to glow for a few seconds, before they looked like regular writings on the wall. "Perfect, let's go." Viridian said as he put the scarf over Remiera and linked his arm with Lox's.

[Guest syaoran-puu]

“I am?” Lox asked, a little surprised. But that would mean, “you’re not really creeped out then? Are you?” Viridian had used it as an excuse? An excuse to be in his ‘great company’. It made him happy that Viridian thought of him at all. “I’m glad you enjoy my company then.” That stupid happy glow, that bubble of hope he’d tried to suffocate, was coming back.

 

Lox laughed as Viridian ran back inside. “Your poor familiar!” He called after the man teasingly but stayed where he was. His eyes eyeing the street and the chalk drawn so far.

 

He took a moment to eye the rest of the house too. To consider what would happen to the inside once the spell was cast. The same thing happened again when Viridian finished and Lox couldn’t help but smile, it was beautiful!

 

The guard smiled as Viridian linked arms with him. “Lead the way then.” He glances to the others shoulder, “is Remiera okay?” He doubted anything had happened or disturbed the small creature in such a small time.

 

As they walked he heard the sound of the nearby public house and brothel. Drunken laughter, moaning, even the smell was a little different. Maybe he should consider going there still, clear his head of all notions of soul mates and Viridian? He wasn’t sure that would be such an easy thing to do. There would be time though, after their outing to start...

 

“How does one harvest the Noxius flower then?” ever the curious soul.

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

Viridian began to lead them through the streets. They seemed so empty compared to earlier, but this was truthfully his favorite time of the day. Everything seemed so quiet, and the only thing that lit their way were lanterns. Plus, Viridian loved looking at the stars. There was something so amazing about the night sky, that Viridian couldn't quite place.

 

The question about Remiera made Viridian smile. It was sweet that Lox would even think about her at all. "She's fine," Viridian said as he stroked her head adoringly. "I feel bad that I almost forgot her though. I never do that." Their path was lit red as they walked by the brothel, the contrast against Lox's hair gorgeous.

 

"I usually dig it up by the roots," Viridian answered. "Evert part of the flower is super useful. I use every part of them from potions, Spell Bags, to even certain spells." Viridian lead them through the forest path, the moon being the only thing to light there way. Viridian broke away from Lox and grabbed a rock, before reaching for his chalk. He drew a symbol that looked almost like an abstract sun made from runes, before he placed his hand onto the rock. The rock began to slowly light up, before it was bright enough to eliminate their way.

 

"Can I be honest?" Viridian said with a soft smile. "I actually really like walking through the woods at night. It really doesn't bother me."

[Guest syaoran-puu]

“I bet she feels glad you returned then. You did. No point being worried about the rest anymore.” He offered gently. Lox often believed the past was how it was for a reason, you couldn’t change it... only learn from it. He’d learnt a lot of lessons in life.

 

Despite his thoughts about visiting the brothel, he couldn’t get the vision of Viridian’s hair out of his mind. The strands looked almost magical under the red-tinted glow. Perhaps his own hand and some privacy would suffice?!

 

Lox nodded, “oh. I see.” He tilt his head a little thinking, “I’ve only really seen your fortune and reading skills.... what kind of potions and spells do you do? I’m assuming you sell them too?” Were they as impressive as the lily and the chalk? Part of Lox was still saddened by the fact he’d given the lily back, but it was probably for the best.

 

Be honest? What had he lied or hidden from him? “Are you about to tell me you brought me here to kill and feed your night flowers?” He teased, only to nodded in encouragement that Viridian could tell him. “I’d guessed as much.” He admits. “When you said you’d never brought others with you and that you use it all the time. It didn’t quite add up.” Lox hummed gently.

 

His eyes opening wide at the sight of.... “I-is that rock..... glowing?”

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

Viridian laughed when Lox asked if he really brought him along to feed him to the flowers. "You caught me. The only way I can harvest them is a blood sacrifice. I'm sorry it had to be you, but magic is some tricky business." Viridian jokes, his fingers running across the rock as he spoke. It was a bit embarrassing that Lox caught on to him earlier, though he tried not to dwell on it. Viridian nodded when Lox asked about the rock.

 

"It is. It's a simple spell." Viridian answered as he linked his arm with Lox's and began to walk again. "And to answer your question from earlier, I do... a lot. The only things I refuse to do are things that harm or alter others. Love potions are off the table for me, and I won't kill or maim anyone." Viridian also didn't work with the dead, though his mentor specializes in Necromancy. Cassandra mainly used it for murder victims, so.their murderer could be found quickly - though she didn't utilize it too often.

 

"How about you?" Viridian asked as he lightly squeezed his arm. "What exactly do you do in the Kings Guard, because guard the King and hunt malicious Magicians?"

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Lox couldn’t help but laugh. The easy fun between them relaxed him once more. There was something about Viridian that Lox found incredibly soothing. “I knew it!” He winked. Too bad soulmates don’t really exist.

 

“A lot...” the answer was vague, purposely so? He wondered what /a lot/ actually covered. He was pleased by the things Viridian didn’t do, “I knew my instinct was right about you. You’re a good one. Not a bad one.” Lox was glad he was right.

 

He contemplated the question, “my main task is to protect the king and his kingdom. I often stay at the castle these days, mostly the one who dishes out the orders to the others, oversees the training and arranges events and sessions for them. The guard have to train regularly, I do too, but I also have to ensure they don’t grow complacent. I just wish I had more power in how they treated the people. They often have this entitled air that I despise.” He admits. “As for the dark magician? It’s a threat that couldn’t be ignored. Extra people trying to resolve it... the better. But I thought I would at least have tolerance and not simply jump to conclusions, that’s why I decided to undertake the task myself also.” Lox admitted softly.

 

“I also know how to maintain and repair a lot of the equipment we use.” He had once been the errand boy, but they were skills he was glad he possessed.

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

Viridian couldn't help but smile just a little when Lox said he was right about him. Viridian truly tried to be a good person, though sometimes he felt like he wasn't good enough. It was foolish, and albeit a little silly, but if Viridian couldn't strive to be a better person than he was the day before, what was the point? His eyes flashed over at Lox as he spoke about a few of his duties, the position honestly a bit interesting.

 

"It must be stressful," Viridian said as he started to veer off the track through a few bushes, that he pulled away for Lox to walk though them. "Sometimes I get terminally sick people, and it makes me anxious. But you have an entire royal family to keep safe, and you have to train people in order they keep safe. I couldn't do that."

 

It doesn't help that the King hates Magicians, Remy said bitterly. Viridian could practically hear the eye roll as she said it, and he couldn't help but let out a little snort of laughter, before shaking his head. "Anyways, we're here." Viridian said, as he led him to a field of flowers. The petals glowed in the dark, and it showed off this rainbow of pastels; there were faint blue lights, yellow, pink, and even white.

 

Viridian dropped his rock, as he looked up at Lox. "This is one of my favorite places. Sometimes I'll just come here when I'm having a bad day... Not like I had a bad day or anything, I truly do need to harvest a few of these flowers."

[Guest syaoran-puu]

“It can be.” He admits. Especially since many didn’t respect Lox because he wasn’t born from the right family, but Lox couldn’t change that. Many of the newer knights at least started off with a different impression....

 

Hearing Viridian snort laugh, he smiled from behind and couldn’t resist, “what’s so funny?” He ducked a few times, holding an arm up to help move and bat away low hanging branches. It seemed the added height on Viridian was making a difference! Lox found his eyes wandering over Viridian’s form as they walked, settling a moment to look at his bum.... and regretting it when his private region seemed to twitch in interest. Now isn’t the time to be thinking about this! He chastised himself, Get the flower. Take Viridian home. Consider the brothel? The more he thought about the red light district though, the less it appealed. Lox had never been one to freely share his body with just anyone.... distracted he missed a branch and walked straight into it. “Ompf!” Cursing under he breath he rubbed his face and was glad the darkness covered the blush!

 

As the magician stopped, Lox tore his eyes away and looked to.... “oh!” He gasped, stepping closer. Lox reached as if to touch but stopped himself. “Oh wow!” His brain wasn’t catching up fast enough, maybe the hit had knock his sense out?

 

He frowned and looked over at Viridian but smiling and nodding once more. “I can see why you like it here. This.... wow.... it’s beautiful.” He hesitated, his thoughts clear but delicate, but before he could think better of it he added; “Just like you are, Viridian.”

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

Viridian headed towards one of the flowers when he heard him wow the sight. He came here almost every day since he came to this city, and he was still taken back in awe and wonder. Viridian saw many sights during his travels, though nothing could really compare. Viridian reached into his clock, finding a large sewn in pocket as he grabbed a small gardening shovel.

 

Viridian was just about to dig into the soft moist dirt, when Lox called his beautiful. He stopped, his cheeks turning a soft pink, the flowers illuminating his face so it was lightly painted on his cheeks. Lox was really too nice. Viridian pierced his lips together, trying to figure out what to actually say. Viridian looked up at him, watching as the flowers dancing lights bounced off of his hair. There was no denying that Lox was handsome.

 

"Lox, I--" Viridian was cut off by the sound of a snapping twig. His head turned slightly, before his eyes scanned the area for a place to hide. He didnt know why, but every nerve was telling him to run. Viridian grabbed Lox's hand, before leading him towards a boulder. "Someone's coming," Viridian whispered softly, as he situated himself behind the large rock.

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Whatever moment they were about to have was thwarted by the intruder. Lox couldn’t help but place a hand on his blades hilt even as he let Viridian hide him behind a boulder. Hiding seemed silly! Why hide? But if it was spooking Viridian... maybe he should? At least for now. You could learn a lot from just listening after all.

 

Besides, he enjoyed being slightly pressed against the man in the small hiding place. Lox places his hands either side of Viridian, touching them to the boulder but attempting to protect the man still!

 

The sound of shuffling feet came ever closer. Lox listened closely.

 

“Get the flower. Do this. Do that. Master is so mean to Grisly, so mean.” The man clicked his tongue. He had a limp that he seemed to mostly drag and a hunchback. “Master so mean, he’s never nice to Grisly. Even when Grisly good thief! Got just what Master wanted. Not fair! Not fair! Grisly should be sat at Masters table! Not her. Her is ugly! Why does Master like hers!” There was a strange crying sound then. A tortured whimper that mixed with a hoarse throat.

 

Lox frowned, something felt wrong here... he tried to peek at the creature. Grisly? Master? Thief? Was this connected to the dark magician?

 

“Grisly only one always there for Master! Yet Master like her best!” He cried again, the sound broken and tortured. “I kills her! Yes! Feed her to a bear I will! Then Master will only like me again! Grisly deserves that!”

 

The sound of shuffling away soon was heard, Lox rose from the space to see the flower was gone... torn from the base roughly. “I.... maybe I should follow them...” he smiled shyly at Viridian. Their moment had past. This was business....

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

Viridian stayed completely still, afraid that if he moved a single muscle Grisly might hear him - this was foolish of course, but he wasn't about ready to take risks. Who was this master he spoke of? Who was the woman? He chewed on his lower lip, trying to piece together all of the Magician's he knew. Cassandra knew most Magician's though, Viridian mostly just heard about them. The only other Magician Viridian actually knew, was Quin - who occasionally stayed with Viridian and Cassandra. Maybe they would know more.

 

When Grisly left, Viridian followed Lox's lead when he stood up. If the Captain of the Kings Guard thought it was safe to stand, then it had to be right? When Lox said he was going to follow him, Viridian looked up at him. "Not alone you're not," Viridian said before he marched over to where Grisly was standing. "Let me just..." Viridian grabbed a handful of dirt, before he reached into his cloak pocket to grab a small vial - in this line of work, Viridian was prepared to gather anything, which meant he needed proper tools for it. He poured the soil into the vial, before standing up.

 

He looked over at Lox, his heart pounding in his chest. Truthfully he was terrified of following this man, but he couldn't just let Lox do this alone. There was magic at play, and Viridian was useful when it came to that. "Let's go," Viridian said as he slowly started to follow Grisly's steps.

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Lox frowned at the man, “Viridian....” he watched the man collect things fro. The ground before he frowning more. “This isn’t wise. I can’t take you.... I can’t risk you. That would be incredibly irresponsible of me.”

 

It seemed Viridian had made his mind up though! Stubborn fool!

 

He reached and grabbed his arm. “Are you sure, Viridian? This isn’t your duty, it’s mine. One I chose to do, one I do gladly. I can’t guarantee your safety....” the guard was sad about this fact but knew he had to be sensible here! He wasn’t even sure he could keep himself safe!

 

He let his eyes follow the path Grisly had taken. “We follow. We’re only going to discover where he’s going. Maybe try to catch a glimpse inside. Nothing more! I don’t think we’re quite ready to storm the castle....” even as Lox spoke he knew that things changed and things happened. Life wasn’t a neat little bubble!

 

“Let me go first.” Lox wanted to protect Viridian, he wouldn’t forgive himself if the other man was harmed.

 

Taking a breath the guard headed into the grass and followed after their culprit. It presented more questions than solutions... but at least they’d discovered that the dark magician wasn’t working alone.

 

The strange man seemed to wander in a strange pattern, it made it harder to track him but not impossible. Eventually he stopped and placed a finger to his lips. They were close. His senses were tingling. The problem? He couldn’t see anything.... but the hairs on his arm were standing to attention.

[Guest BunBunTheCatSnake]

No matter how much Lox begged, Viridian had his mind set. It was much safer for Lox if he was there, in case something went wrong. "Lox, this is magic we're talking about. You barely started believing in it, so what makes you think you could defend yourself against it." Viridian said as he pulled his arm away. His green eyes looked deep into Lox's golden ones, "I'm coming, and nothing you say will change my mind."

 

When Lox said they had to follow Grisly, Viridian couldn't help but smile softly at him. "I think that's a great idea. We'll at least have an idea of where they're at." Viridian said before he followed Lox through the brush. Viridian felt like some spy, and while it was incredibly terrifying, he also felt a little thrilled.

 

If someone told him a year ago that he was working with the Captain of the Kings Guard to apprehend some evil Magician, he would tell them they were crazy. But here he was sneaking through the brush, and doing just that. They had to capture this 'Master' that Grisly spoke of. Magic was supposed to be used to help others, not destroy them.

 

Viridian wished he could use a stone to light there way again, but it would be too risky. Though, he did have Grisly's soil. Viridian grabbed Lox's arm as if to stop him, before he grabbed the vial again. He poured a little bit of soil into his hand, before he tightly clasped his hands around it. This would help them to find him. "This will make it easier," Gabriel whispered as he slowly began to follow what the soil was telling him.

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Lox looked down when Viridian grabbed his hand. He frowned at the soil. The man’s earlier words were true. He’d only just started to believe... but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t do everything in his power to bring this dark mage down. The idea of being completely helpless against the man was far from appealing!

 

“How does that even work?” The guard frowned. Still, he believed Viridian and followed as they tracked Grisly.

 

It took him a moment to recognise where they were going... there had once been an old guard training station out here. It was abandoned about ten, maybe twelve, years ago in favour for their new training grounds near the castle. Mostly forgotten about by all. The shadows seemed to stick thicker around them. Menace lingered in the air and a fear Lox didn’t recognise as his own seemed to sink into his very bones. Every instinct told him to run and hide. He might of too, except his determination held his fast.

 

He looked to Viridian, “there’s an old barrack block and guard house not far from here...” there was sweat on his brow from the exertion of just standing still.

 

Even the air tasted like evil! The stench clinging to his skin and sinking in with malice and dread. He shuddered and closed his eyes as he grabbed the hilts of both blades. “Something evil lives here.” He knew this was the place! It just had to be!