#––– ❛ interactions 【 aksel mesner ; f4rgd. 】

[wiedzm1n]

@f4rgd   said   :   ❝  woah—  what the hell happened there? ❞

these  were  trying  times,  if  such  a  time  ever  existed.  somber  and  ominously  silent.  even  the  distinct  chill  that  mingled  in  the  air  played  a  part  in  emphasizing  that  the  mood  was  —  in  a  word  —  a  bad  one.  although  the  blight  had  been  driven  away  —  along  with  the  darkspawn,  the  archdemon,  and  the  elven  god  who  brought  them  all  to  heel  —  weisshaupt  would  always  feel  the  effects  of  that  battle,  unfortunately.

but  despite  their  surroundings  being  reduced  to  ruins  and  chunks  of  debris,  and  even  despite  their  dwindling  numbers,  the  grey  wardens  preserved.  they  had  to.  those  that  remained  alive  silently  mourned  their  fellow  comrades  even  as  they  played  nurse  to  their  own  injuries  and  wounds.

warden  geralt  however,  approached  the  latter  rather  absentmindedly,  trying  his  best  not  to  focus  on  the  negatives.  especially  as  he  began  to  strip  himself  of  his  armor.  it  was  a  wonder  how  he  managed  to  avoid  glancing  down  at  the  scorch  marks  still  fresh  on  his  skin,  but  the  way  his  yellow  eyes  widened  at  the  sight  indicated  that  was  the  first  time.

❝  archdemon.   ❞   he  pointed  out  to  the  other  man  beneath  a  grunt. ❝  it  wasn’t  from  direct  contact,  mind  you.  my  memory  is  a  bit  foggy,  i  admit.  all  i  can  really  remember  is  being  surrounded  by  all  forms  of  anguish.  i  know  i  didn’t  come  close  enough  to  battle  with  the  archdemon  directly,  but  i  can’t  help  but  wish  that  i  had.   ❞   he  shook  his  head,  turning  his  back  to  aksel  as  he  began  looking  around  for  a  spare  shirt.

❝  so  many  died  that  day.  perhaps  i  could  have  helped  avoid  it.   ❞

[feuerwizard]

The wizard’s brow furrowed slightly as he regarded Aksel, noting the self-deprecating humor in the man’s words. He knew all too well the feeling of being an outsider, of not quite measuring up to those around him. Though their circumstances differed, Caleb could empathize with the struggle of navigating skills that seemed to come so easily to others. "Reading is a skill like any other," he said after a moment, his tone gentle but assured. "It takes practice and patience to master. But once you do, it opens up entire realms of knowledge and imagination." He tapped the cover of the book in his lap for emphasis.

A thought occurred to him then, and Caleb hesitated, "If you would like," he began slowly, "I could… teach you. To read, that is." He glanced up at Aksel through the fringe of his lashes, uncertain of how the offer would be received.

"It would not be a burden," he hastened to add. "In fact, I quite enjoy teaching. And it would give me something to focus on besides my own thoughts during these long nights." A wry expression tugged at the corner of his mouth. "But only if you wish it, of course. I would not presume to—" He trailed off, realizing he was rambling, and ducked his head to hide the faint embarrassment that crept up his neck. Socializing… he was not too good with that. "Just… consider it, ja? The offer stands."

Aksel had never been particularly stealthy but judging by Caleb's reaction he'd still managed to catch him off guard however unintentionally. " No, it is my fault. Walking up behind you in the middle of the night was probably not the best idea. " He would have done the same, in fact he'd probably be wielding a sword with it pointed in his general direction by now. " I am sorry. " Perhaps he should have asked if he could sit but he'd already done so, he's still half asleep despite not being able to drift off properly and he probably should have considered just leaving Caleb in peace so he could read but again, it's too late for that.

Despite not being able to read really anything at all, Aksel leans over just slightly to look at the title, his eyes narrowed as he tried to sound it out silently. He knew that would be hopeless but hells, miracles could happen, couldn't they? of course he recognises letters but putting them together, forming a word and then sounding it out correctly he can't do. " I take it you are enjoying it since you are still up reading it? " A smile settles on his lips and then he jokes because that's a little easier than admitting to any weakness no matter how small. " I admit I am not able to read, maybe I will find a few picture books next time we go looking. "

He's gotten this far without having to learn but circumstances had changed and truthfully he feels a little out of his depth when his companions all seem to be talents in their own right - all he can do is make a few weapons and sharpen them. " I have tried but then all the letters start to blend together and I give up before I make any progress. "

[f4rgd]

#F4RGD - independent selective fandomless original character. ( most focus in DRAGON AGE & BALDURS GATE ). ' AKSEL MESNER ' PALADIN / WARRIOR blacksmith. [ CARRD / BIO. (wip) / verse page contains dav spoilers] / nsfw + triggering content will follow but will be tagged. please do not interact if you're under 21. written by ro ( she / her, 31 ). mutuals only. please read my rules before interacting.

-- a study in : grief, companionship, temptation of the heart, revenge within being an arms reach, a fresh start & and uncertainty. ---- ( memes. )

affiliated with : @crosaidi / travelling companions : @deathswcrn, @cragsnow @tamedstray @shentacles