#thread 𖤓 vicoya & haelim

[vicoya]

where: caer glas keep when: a couple days after the Legion reclaimed the keep with: @haelimthewatcher notes: crying screaming throwing up

In peace, vigilance. Vicoya's eyes were trained on the skies, the three words from her oath ringing through her mind as her thoughts wandered like the drifting clouds. In the days since she'd arrived at Caer Glas Keep, she found herself walking the ramparts often. They yielded the best view and fresh air since the rest of the Keep was still in disrepair. Plus, she was expecting someone - expecting a familiar wyvern to sail over the mountain tops with a certain witcher on her back.

There were potions to make, healing wounds to check on, but she couldn't pry herself away from the battlements. Rian and Alucard had faith in his return too, she hoped, but had found more productive things to do with their time than stare at the sky. She just could bring herself to believe he was truly gone, having fallen trying to protect the King. He was the strongest person she knew, and for him to die in vain? That simply wasn't acceptable, even if sacrifice was a part of their oaths as Legionnaires. It just wasn't fair. Of all the good she tried to do for the world, why did it treat her so cruely?

A selfish thought. Her head hung low for a moment, fiery red curls obscuring her vision. That's when a dark dot with what appeared to be wings broke through the clouds in the distance, too far to make out clearly but unmistakable, nonetheless. Coya had yet to look up, lost in her thoughts as she studied the toes of her boots. A sudden and familiar roar snapped her out of her stupor, her head craning upwards and back towards the sky.

"Haelim."

Vicoya grabbed onto the skirt of her robes, hiking them up slightly as she sped down the stone stairs of the ramparts. Hair and fabric trailed behind her as she ran towards the metals door barring the keep. "Open the gates. Now!" She watched impatiently as the Legionnaire manning the gate slowly turned the wheel, the barrier ever so slowly inching upwards. As soon as there was enough room for her to duck under she did so, jogging out to the open field nearby. Plenty of space for Daewonsa to land.

Her hand moved to shield her eyes from the sun as she watched the wyvern and rider draw closer, trying to make out whether either was injured. 'Twas the habit of a healer, after all. The wyvern landed in front of Vicoya with a loud thud and a gust of wind, further rustling her hair. "You're home."

[vicoya]

Coya had found Haelim to be a man full of surprises. In the two years she had known him, he had slowly revealed more of himself to her, and he was admittedly more dynamic and layered than she'd originally pegged him to be. A Witcher and a Legionnaire. A kind man in an unkind world. Even the song he had played for her was a prime example of his duality. A stranger might assume him to be standoff-ish, or cold, and yet he was able to wield such a delicate instrument as well as any sword.

Her emotions seemed to mirror that of the song, her heart now radiating joy at his next words. "I would be honored by the song even if it was only half as beautiful." she smiled, hand still over her heart. It was a common gesture she made, one that signaled an overwhelm of emotion. She was so lucky, to be alive, to be able to feeling happiness so intensely. Sometimes it was a curse, but today, it was a blessing.

But she couldn't help the slight falter in her expression as he clarified his statement, though it would be hard to notice. While the song was a testament to his feelings for her, perhaps said feelings didn't extend quite as far as thought. Perhaps she had gotten a tad too hopeful. "You all mean a lot to me, too." she echoed his wording, now feeling as if she had to be more careful with the words she chose. Her throat cleared as she shifted the conversation, it feeling a little more tight then usual. "Speaking of, I should probably continue making my rounds. I am the lady of the hour, after all."

She hesitated, debating whether to place a kiss on his cheek as she departed, but instead, she simply rose to her feet, and brushed the grass off her flowing dress. "Thank you again, for the song. Perhaps you can play it again for me sometime."

END.

Haelim had started the song with a melody that was slow and shy, like the beginning of knowing her. The tranquility Vicoya had emanated, the calmness that was like home that she brought to Nornwatch. The melody climbed into something joyful and graceful, but still just a little shy. Because while the song was meant to emanate how he viewed Vicoya, it was exactly that - how Haelim himself saw her. How their own bond grew. The song climbed further by the end again, higher and even more joyful.

But perhaps if he'd been a skald or a bard, he might have made something to dance to. Because while Vicoya did feel like the comfort of home, she did indeed bring excitement and energetic joy into all their lives. The flute was not an instrument for lively dancing in Haelim's eyes, and it certainly hadn't been those many years ago when the song came to mind. Flutes and ocarinas were not harps or string instruments. A wind instrument playing a dance would be too high and shrill for the stoic Witcher, an interruption to the quiet that they were all used to in Nornwatch. Thus, he never thought the song was completely worthy.

So, Vicoya's words were touching. Almost as touching as the emotion that she easily conveyed through her expression and movement. Haelim was silent for a moment, trying to put thoughts to words. "I don't think I could ever appropriately convey the person you are through a song," he admitted very sincerely. "I'm no skald and this melody was made a long time ago but... I'm glad it was pleasing." He paused. "You mean more than you know to me."

Alucard mention of his lifespan and Haelim's long-time acceptance of it cut through his mind, reminding the Witcher that tying her down to him in any more manner than they already were tied together was simply... unfair. Even as a Legionnaire, Vicoya had likely decades more to live than he did. Haelim had maximum a decade more, and even that was just wishful thinking. She might still be able to find a love that lasted, someone kinder and better. It would be easy for her. "... to all of us," he added, forcing his soft smile to remain.

[vicoya]

when: a couple of days after the blighted dragon quest with: @haelimthewatcher where: aventia notes: well i hope he feels HORRIBLE

Every quest for a legionnaire could very well be their last. It was something they had all accepted when they signed up for the job. However, their recent venture into Blackrock had been the closest she'd come to death in her decade of fighting for the Legion. It'd been equally near-fatal for Haelim, and even for his beloved wyvern companion. The three of them had just barely left the chamber with their lives, and their remained much to be said. The thought of dying and actually dying were two very different things, and the latter was much more motivating.

Motivation to do what, exactly? Coya wasn't entirely sure, but she felt like she had to do something. She'd tried to be patient with Haelim, to keep her feelings to herself until he was ready to open up to her. But just days ago, she'd nearly died without telling him how she felt, and worse, he'd nearly died without knowing how much she cared for him. It was a disservice to them both, one she aimed to correct, if she could muster up the courage. And if Haelim would talk to her.

He had been oddly distant since their return to Aventia and hardly spoken to her, even when they were forced to be in the same healing tent as they recovered from their wounds. While he wasn't the most extroverted of persons, it was still strange, and admittedly painful - more painful than any burn or claw mark she'd suffered just days prior. It was even more confirmation that she had to talk with him, whether he wanted her to or not.

She took a deep breath and pushed into his tent unannounced, worried he'd send her away if she greeted him otherwise. Plus, she knew this sudden surge of bravery wouldn't last forever, and she had to make it count. "Did I do something wrong? Something to offend you? Tell me. Please."

[vicoya]

when: the night before the Legionnaires leave for Aventia (assuming they leave that morning, so a few hours after this takes place) with: @haelimthewatcher where: coya's bedroom notes: assuming she shares a wall with Haelim's room bc of course their rooms are next to each other

Yet another night plagued with nightmares. Every Legionnaire experienced nightmares of some sort - it was an all too familiar topic amongst them that they hardly talked about, just another one of the consequences they had all grown to accept. Even though they had grown used to it, it didn't mean there nights passed by any smoother. Between the blight flowing through her veins and the horrors she'd watch the blight inflict upon the world, her mind had no shortage of material when it came to creating twisted dreams.

Tonight, it had chosen for her to relive the worst day of her life, because of course it had. The death of her family was something she spoke of very little, and even her closest friends couldn't guess how much it weighed upon her given her sunny disposition. It was easy to act as such during the day, when she was living life out in the sunshine. But at night, the darkness always crept back in. Even she wasn't strong enough to keep it out, not then, and not now.

She twisted and turned as she watched her mother usher her under the floor yet again, her mind knowing what happened next but her younger self too unknowing and unpracticed in magic to do anything about it. Her magic only felt like a curse at that age, for she could sense her parents' souls leaving their body but couldn't quite bring them back. She listened through covered ears as her parents screamed in agony whilst the blighted creatures tore through them, and watched with tearful eyes as their blood seeped through the cracks in the floorboards. The blood began to flow endlessly, incessantly, until it was up to her knees, then her chest, then her shoulders. Yet another pang of helplessness and fear rushed through her - if only she'd been a few years wiser, she could get out, she could escape. She lets out a terrified scream just as her head sinks under. The scream echoed throughout her bedroom as she struggled to breathe, her world now engulfed in crimson.

[vicoya]

Vicoya felt like she had reached the limits of what magic the Legion could teach her. Blood magic wasn't entirely unique to Legionnaires, but few others outside the Legion understood it's complexities, nor had the constitution to stomach them. Every Legionnaire had at least one forte with blood magic after all through surviving the Joining, and each of them had a magical concoction of darkspawn blood twisting through their veins. What better than to harness that corruption, and use it to fight against those who had created it in the first place? It wasn't something Olympians, locked away in their Towers, would understand easily. But that didn't mean they hadn't tried, in the years she'd been away. Thus, she'd come to their library in search of new knowledge.

"I'm glad to say I'd expect to see you here, Accepted." Freydis had told Coya of Alessia's acceptance into the Tower, and the healer was always pleased to see young witches succeed. She helped the girl pick up their dropped books, grabbing one about healing potions whilst Alessia grabbed one on blood magic. "We'll see if it's interesting. It might not contain anything I don't already know." Coya's soft smile kept her statement from sounding like a brag. "If you're looking for sage, you've found her." Her smile turned into a satisfied grin, at her pun.

Alessia prided herself on being observant, but that didn't quite happen when her mind was swimming with the list of reagents for a healing potion. Yarrow, sage, dittany... The list and instructions went on and on and the witch was determined to memorize it all. Accepted or not, there were clear weaknesses in her magic and knowledge she wanted to continue studying in earnest. As she mouthed the words and repeated them in her head, another body went colliding into her's and the witch was forcibly extracted from her studying. She nearly snapped at the other one to watch where they were going before she noted the fiery hair. She recognized the soft, kind blue eyes and she could not bring herself to be angry. The healer who had saved her brother and his leg.

"Well, I knew you were an Olympian but I still didn't expect to see you here... Legionnaire." Her tone wasn't unkind in the least, but neither was it full of glee. Instead, she was simply curious. Alessia kept eye contact as she bent down to pick up some of the books. One of them was on blood magic and she did not remember taking that one out. "Or... picking out such interesting reads." She found herself grinning with an inquisitive quirk of her eyebrow as she offered it back to Vicoya.

[vicoya]

Vicoya soon found her eyes drifting shut as she listened to Haelim's melody. It was hard not to get lost in it. She'd never been much of a musician herself, but she could appreciate how every note flowed so seamlessly into the next, weaving a song that was every bit moving as it was beautiful. Even without words or lyrics, the message of the melody was clear - it was bright, hopeful, and serene, all things she strived to be.

By the time it was over, the song felt all too short. She swear he'd only been playing for a few moments, but when she opened her eyes, a small group of party-goers had gathered in front of them. They'd been drawn to his music, just as she had. Coya almost thought about giving a round of applause, but that felt too loud a reaction for the aura of peacefulness Haelim had created. Further, he seemed understandably shy with all the unexpected attention he'd gathered, and she couldn't help but giggle at his adorable reaction.

Vicoya finally settled for smile, and a hand over her heart and tears welling in her eyes. Following up such a moving melody with simple words didn't feel fitting, but it was all she could give him for now. She hoped she could convey just how much the gift meant to her, even if it meant telling him a million times. "I've never heard anything quite so beautiful. It was one of a kind. You are one of a kind, Hael." she said softly, speaking aloud a nickname for him that she only used on the rarest of occasions. This moment, too, was one of a kind. He'd somehow managed to make a special day all the more special, and she would be ever grateful.

Haelim chuckled again when he realized she was keeping it. He'd genuinely expected that they'd leave the box on the ground with the rest of the decor, trash and blankets on the grass to deal with later. He was planning on just tossing it out and likely still would if given the chance. "Well, I will say, you had a very beautiful perspective on the broken pieces," he added with a smile. It really was. Vicoya's hope-filled heart saw beauty in all the strangest things, but it was one thing that had made it so easier to gravitate towards her. His whole youth he'd been taught to look at so many things as ugly, harmful, corrupted. There hadn't been much obvious beauty in Nornwatch to make him forget that, not until she would point it out. Perhaps that had been one reason that it became easier to make something beautiful by himself.

To deny that he wrote the song for her would have been a lie, and Witchers couldn't lie. He was forced to bite his tongue and pray that the darkness concealed any nerves on his face or redness. "Anything for the newly 30," he obliged with an incline of his head, hiding the nerves, and smiling. He was, however, still quite nervous. Monstrous creatures and dark caves had nothing on this, for Haelim would confront those other things without hesitation and relentlessly. Playing music didn't make him nervous either. Perhaps it was because he was created this specific one, perhaps because he had poured real emotions into it. Emotions never came easy. Still, Haelim had been completely decided on sharing it and wouldn't back out now.

He placed his lips over the flute, as usual, and paused a second before beginning. Once Haelim begun, it was easy to get lost with the melody and the familiarity of it. The nerves faded quick. He would not realize that some people near enough to hear had stopped to listen as well, though everyone seemed to give the two of them space. It wasn't until he stopped playing and started to lower the flute that Haelim noted the other faces staring at him. One of them was smiling was about to start clapping, but her friend whispered something and giggled, so many of them now begun to look away. Oh Gods. Haelim quickly looked away too, focusing on Vicoya and whatever reaction she shared now.

[vicoya]

They way Haelim took everything so seriously was respectable, from a strategic standpoint, but also, somehow, adorable. Vicoya felt the urge to reach forward and smooth out the wrinkles creasing on his forehead as he furrowed his brow. Or turn his lips slightly upward, so they weren't frowning whenever he was intently focused - which was most of the time. Watching his expression slowly relax as she relayed her story was nearly more gratifying than their heroic accomplishment itself. It was a reminder of why she fought so hard, to get back to those she loved and protect them, and bring them joy. It's why she worked so incessantly to save others, so they could do the same. At the end of the day, it was these small, intimate moments that made life worth fighting for, after all.

She couldn't help but chuckle at the pang of jealousy seeping into Haelim's tone. Only Legionnaires would feel such a way after avoiding a Blighted dragon. Her bright eyes were trained on his lips as he smiled softly at her, and she couldn't help but return his expression. Then they glanced down to her wrist as he squeezed it, a gesture of the pride and confidence he had in her (and Rian, of course). "They are lucky to have you to guide them. You've been doing this longer than any of us." she said sincerely, about to return his gesture before he suddenly pulled away.

Vicoya frowned internally, and couldn't help herself from reaching back out and placing her hand over his and squeezing it. "I'm sure there will be another valiant battle soon, and that one, we will face together." Coya was ever an optimist, but their odds genuinely seemed stronger whenever Haelim was by her side. She added, gently, "And you do know how to take things easy. You're doing it right now. The way you listen, the way you smile at me. That's all people need sometimes to know you care."

Haelim listened with the attentiveness of a soldier regarding his superior's orders, almost scowling in thought to evoke that seriousness. Merely a habit. But Vicoya would look at him sometimes, smiling or expectantly, and he'd remember to give her a genuine reaction. By the time she finished recollecting, Haelim had remembered that he was allowed to relax and make little honest comments the way that normal people conversed. He was finally sitting on a bit of rubble by the entrance of the Keep with her, his usually apathetic expression a mixture of axe and disbelief.

"And you fought Lilith of all things..." He had already commented on that, and he wasn't really looking for a response. Haelim was simply distraught to miss it. He cared even less about the dragons and Aetherions. Daewonsa wouldn't have enjoyed seeing a dragon anyhow. Haelim made a grunt of annoyance again and shook his head. "Gods above. You've survived more than... well, than I imagined. I was hoping the journey had been more uneventful for you and Riandur." He shook his head again and sighed. But then he turned his head and smiled softly at Vicoya again, and reached out to squeeze at her wrist.

"You make the Legion proud. If you and Riandur saw potential in this new blood, I won't not question it, or their survival of the process. I'm honored to welcome them." It was at that moment that Haelim realized he'd touched her, and he withdrew his hand, tense with awkwardness, like he'd misstepped. He tried to hide it with a joke. "I can't promise to go easy on them though." Haelim shook his head and pursed his lips. "I don't know how to do that."

[vicoya]

Leave it to their resident healer to try and make do with anything broken. She was certain she had a mending spell that could work on objects. Perhaps she would try to repair the vase later, and return it to him as a present, filled with fresh flowers. Of course she was plotting to give gifts to other people on her own birthday, but if it made her happy, she knew they couldn't refuse, resist as they might. She laughed brightly once she realized just how silly her answer sounded, and closed the box with a shake of her head. "Well, it is still beautiful, and for that, I thank you. The cracks will make it unique, once it's all fixed. No one else will have a vase like it!" Little did she know, that was only the first of unique gifts from Haelim, tonight.

As he pulled out his flute, she felt butterflies swarm about in her stomach. "You... wrote a song for me?" she asked, almost breathlessly. No one had ever done such a thing for her before, and even if she'd only partially inspired it, she was genuinely and truly touched. "Of course you can play it. I can't think of a better way to end a perfect day." She always listened intently to his music when he decided to play for them, but she could tell this song would be different. This wasn't just something to sway along to. Whatever he thought of her might be expressed through this song, and perhaps the music would say things he couldn't find the words to express. Or perhaps she should calm down. He did look rather focused, after all, and she didn't want to disrupt him with her excited energy. She leaned back on her hands in the grass, giving him her full attention. Not that he didn't already have it.

Haelim chuckled softly. Gods above, she was too kind for her own good. She didn't even look disappointed, like anything would have made her happy. "That's not your gift, V. That's just the explanation for why your's isn't wrapped or even tangible." He smiled at her, touched to see her try to make the best out of a few broken pieces. "I had bought that but, alas, it didn't survive the trip back to Caer Glas. So I have something else, something that can't be wrapped. I didn't... well, I didn't think would be a gift but I wasn't about to leave you with nothing tonight. So, I hope it's alright," he reached into his coat and took out an old metal flute.

Haelim did not look amused anymore, more subtly nervous than anything. He was quite happy to play his Legionnaire family some typical songs on his flutes or ocarina. Over the years, he'd gotten really good at it. However, he hadn't ever played them anything that he'd composed himself. Because Haelim was no skald, no bard. The fact he'd even managed to create one song that was his own, one that sounded quite fair, was a small miracle that he treasured. His own private little victory. Tonight, however, he'd share it with Vicoya as a gift. If other's around them tonight heard it, that would have to be fine by him. He'd be brave about it for her. "This melody started in my head many years ago... Perhaps the year and a few months after you'd first arrived to Nornwatch. In part, you helped to inspire it. So it'll be my gift to you. If you'd like it now, I can play it for you."

[vicoya]

Coya could swear the sun had suddenly started to shine brighter. She would certainly have noticed, for she'd been spending half the day staring at the sky and waiting for a certain wyvern to fly into view. The warmth of the sun she'd missed so much simply couldn't compare to the feeling of having all of her favorite alive and well, in one place and in one piece. A bad twist of fate may have led them each to the Legion, but fortune had kept them together this long.

A blush swept across her pale cheeks, which were now almost as red as her hair. "Well, that's normally in question with Alucard. If he decided to go mute, I would not be surprised." Coya jested as she matched her companion's smile. Haelim likely had no clue just how grand of a request he'd made - to hear everything about Coya and Rian's recent trek through the mines. She took in an overly dramatic breath of air before beginning, "Well, if you insist. First, ...." she then launched into an entertaining yet humble recount of recent events, strategically leaving out the parts with them being buried under rubble and experiencing blood curdling visions.

She ended with the revelation that the Legion now had a few new members, whom she'd introduce him to promptly. "I hope you're prepared to make a good first impression. I don't want you scaring them off after we've finally balanced out all the testosterone in this place. That means smile, mister."

We're all here. Haelim felt the tension he'd carried all over his body lessen, as though a great weight had been lifted. There had been heavy guilt that he'd left Riandur and Vicoya, capable as they were. There had been more guilt that he hadn't been able to find Alucard when the dust settled on the Aetherian attack and the King's kidnap. To know that not all was lost was more than he could have hoped for. So many had died on this journey. Thankfully, Legionnaires were hardy people. Even Vicoya, who looked to the untrained eye to be no more harmful than a butterfly.

He grinned, hesitant at first before it began to radiate real joy and relief. Taking a deep breath, Haelim let the truth settle that he would walk through those gates and the family that he had found long ago would be there. "Hear your voice. Half of me had begun to believe I wouldn't ever again. Your's... or Riandur's, Alucard's..." He sighed but gave her a sidelong smile. "So, tell me everything." The Witcher gestured to the space of rubble by where the wyvern slept, making way to sit there with her. "Before I am faced with admitting to the rest of them that I am here, but I am still very lost." He gazed around at the unfamiliar greenery and this place that they'd call their new home. Haelim hated being unprepared, it wasn't something he readily admitted to anyone but Vicoya. A Witcher did not show weaknesses, though he trusted his comrades fully; there was a level of comfort to this one and only witch that Haelim could never truly explain.

[vicoya]

It'd been over a decade now since she'd left the Tower. While she was forever grateful to them for saving her life and unlocking the power the laid within her, she knew even then that they would be her temporary family. Her fate would always lie with those who worked every second to stay the Blight, a quest to avenge her parents that would never quite feel complete. Today, surrounding by her friends, her chosen family, was the closest she'd felt to complete in a long time.

She hoped her friends felt the same, but her fellow Legionnaires weren't as... talkative about their emotions as she was. They weren't very expressive, either. But slowly, over the past few years they'd spent together, Haelim was opening up more and more. Alucard, too. She liked to think she had something special about her that brought people together in that way, and she was grateful for it. It was hard sometimes, always being the optimistic one, but that optimism was desperately needed by so many, and it made sure she would never be alone, wherever life took her. She just hoped it wouldn't take her far from here.

Coya had already opened a dozen presents today, and she admittedly had dug through the pile, looking for one addressed to her from Haelim. She'd been the slightest bit disappointed when she didn't find one, but she tried to remind herself that birthday gifts were a societal construct, and some people expressed affection in other ways. Despite that reminder, her face lit up as he pulled out a box for her, nicely wrapped with a bow on top. She opened it eagerly, but was careful not to shred his wrapping job too viciously. Inside the box she found large chunks of a broken vase, with what appeared to be flowers painted on the outside. The sight made her tilt her head slowly, in confusion. Perhaps there was a deeper meaning to his gift? "Let me see... is this a reminder that nature cannot be contained, even in the most beautiful of vessels...?" It was a stretch, she knew, but it was all she had.

The fireworks finished up but there were a few men and women laughing and trying to imitate them on the grass now. Witches. Happy witches from The Tower, likely, some Vicoya must have known. The witches sent sparks of magic around, competing with one another and shouting like playful children. They must have all been young boys and girls together. Haelim thought he might look at witches like these and think wistfully of what had been taken from him. However, tonight was a joyous occasion and he couldn't feel anything but gratitude when he looked at them. Gratitude that they, and Vicoya, had known the type of appreciation and support that they'd needed to flourish.

Haelim laughed softly. "Absolutely wasn't the point," he replied, amused but not at all surprised to hear her wish she'd helped out. "... But I'm glad." Vicoya always rushed around doing so many things for other people, asking for nothing in return, and didn't seem to realize that some of the were just as eager to do the same for her. She made things lighter with her kindness. She brought out a side of him he thought had been lost to time, lost to poisons and blades in childhood. Humour. He smiled at things more since she'd arrived, he laughed at things he never would have found funny before. It was just right that he'd find a way to return the favor in more ways now that they had access to the world outside the wasteland. Decorations, food, fireworks, presents.

He just silently smiling at her for a moment before he cleared his throat and took out the satchel that he'd laid on the grass beside right beside him. Haelim never failed to carry necessities around, so the presense of it was not a surprise. Perhaps the surprise was just the fact that he was taking out a wrapped box from it. "I didn't put your present in with the other ones. You'll see why." He looked sheepish, but also still amused about something. Inside, she'd find the broken vase, but he wanted to see if she'd think it was truly her gift. No, this was just the humour she'd inspired in him, and the explanation for why he didn't have anything else wrapped.

[vicoya]

For Vicoya, emotions ruled logic most of the time, a fact which put her in tricky situations as a Legionnaire. Most of her allies were the opposite; they were rational, stoic warriors who put the job first. She was grateful for the dynamic they had amongst each other, and that she could always count on them to keep her head on straight when anxiety threatened to consume her. Likewise, they could always count on her to soften their rough edges when needed.

That being said, she'd spent so much time worrying about Haelim's return that she hadn't even considered him passing actual civilization on his way home. In her mind, he had been suffering, starving, thirsting, until he arrived to Caer Glas, and until she could take care of him. Of course he'd passed Haven, for she'd walked through the village herself upon entering Lysara. What silly extremes her mind jumped to, at times.

Her thoughts frequently became a jumbled mess when it came to Haelim, she realized. So many different feelings came to the surface when she thought of him, feelings she'd never felt before. She'd been shoving them back down for quite some time, convincing herself she'd have time to untangle them when things were calmer. And well, now that he had returned, and they had a new home, she felt calmer than she had in weeks.

He told her to take a much needed breather, and even though his magic had been stripped away from him long ago, the effect his words had on her was comparable. She felt the stress in her shoulders dissipate, and her arm rested in his comfortably instead of tensing. "We're all here, Haelim." she answered him softly, giving his arm a reassuring squeeze. "I'm sure they'll be happy to see you, on the inside, at least. Riandur will probably insist on celebrating later in honor of your return." As they walked through the gates and into the inner space of the keep, she craned her head to look up at him, as he was nearly a foot taller than her. "But until then, what would you like to do?"

Daewonsa was huge and hulking for her species, and usually she'd be damn near skipping to be reunited with a friend, shaking the ground beneath her with each step. However, the wyvern was so exhausted when Haelim glanced towards her as she ambled along beside them slowly. He realized his companion would likely want to just eat and sleep for a week. "I think I'll just see to bringing her some food. Had it not been for Daewonsa's wings, I don't know how we would have managed."

The wyvern rumbled and started making for a shady corner by some fallen rubble, clearly longing for a nap. After worrying for the creature who saved his life, Haelim turned to the woman who could not keep herself from hovering. Her arm locked with his - the gesture was so familiar and common between them but it still sent warmth through him. Haelim smiled, endeared and immensely relieved to hear her ramblings again. Whenever he had felt hungry or cold the past few weeks, he'd hear her voice in his head reminding him that she cared - but it was so much better to hear it in person. It was like home.

"I had sleep and provisions in Haven when I crossed the border. I think you might have spent too long enough worrying, V, take a breather..." His arm tightened a little around her's, bringing Vicoya closer in reassurance and smiling. "We're all here..." Then he hesitated, remembering his fears. The smile faded. "Are we? Alucard? Riandur? I tried to find Alucard when the Aetherians attacked the King but..." His throat bobbed and he shook his head, remembering the chaos.

[vicoya]

"You know it does." Her voice was quiet as she answered, but she held his gaze confidently. It was never easy explaining to her friends just how her magic worked, how she had to hurt herself to ease their pain. Her life would have been simpler if she'd been satisfied as a Healer of Ceres, but to stop there would have been a disservice to herself and others. If she had the natural talent for it, there was no reason to shy away from a long-since ostracized form of magic. Blood magic wasn't for the weak, but she trained for years to master her control it, to maintain a delicate balance between life and deaf. She hoped her friends had grown to trust her, to know she'd never risk the success of a mission draining herself, but sometimes a reminder was needed.

"Yes, I did, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat." She answers his second question quickly, and without hesitation. She would have done the same for any of her allies, surely, but there was something more impulsive that came over her when she saw Haelim harmed. He could take care of himself, and threw himself into danger frequently at his own expense, but if she could ease that pain, even a little, she'd choose to every time. They weren't so different, only wanting to protect each other. It was a sign of how much they cared, but also a point of frustration.

She took a few steps forward, hand resting gently on the bloodied spaulders he'd just pulled off. Another reminder of what they persisted through every day. Rarely did they ever have a break to just talk like this, between blighted dragons and falling cities. "You know nothing you say will convince me not to. Can we just leave it at that? Please?" Closer now, she looked up at him, eyes tired but filled with something more. Yearning, maybe? She knew they were both tired, and she didn't want to spend a rare moment alone arguing over things they couldn't and wouldn't change.

Haelim's head was spinning, day and night. He found it hard to sleep and he found it hard to eat. He had nearly lost Daewonsa, and he had nearly lost Vicoya, and a part of him felt that it was his fault. Vicoya's magic had grown in ways that he did not know or understand, but he could hear her cries of pain when he'd fallen into the magma, and he recalled feeling nothing. Like falling into warm water. And Haelim, quiet as he might always be, had never been known as stupid. He knew Vicoya and he wondered about terrible things while also not having the courage to ask about them. Because if he did, everything he felt now would be confirmed. He would only hold her down, he would only cause her pain, he would be nothing but more of a liability than he already was. Yes, Vicoya would have sacrificed for anyone in the group - but what was she capable of if they both promised more to each other?

As much as Haelim did not want to admit that his heart was torn and he longed for her company, her voice, her laugh, her touch, more than he'd longed for anyone else, he couldn't bring himself to have the complete courage to push her fully away either. To work to make himself see her the way he saw Riandur and Alucard. And if Haelim truly admitted these horrible truths about his liability to himself, then he would have no choice but to acknowledge that pushing her away was the only viable option. He'd pushed her away now, only to give himself the time and space to figure out if he should push her away. After a few nights of organizing these thoughts and emotions, Haelim realized perhaps he was stupid. His behavior was becoming senseless, childish, and cowardly. He thought he'd held more courage than this. Frustration with himself built, and he had spent the last few hours wondering how best to approach Vicoya. But, as always, she was the first to make her appearance. She had always been the one to reach out, and that wasn't right. Haelim still hadn't made a decision. But he couldn't keep hiding, he couldn't keep pretending like it was getting any easier the more he thought about it. In fact, it was only becoming harder the more he tried to place logic on emotions that had little to do with logic.

Haelim was in the midst of ripping off some bloody spaulders when his tent opened and he turned to see her there, her face painfully guilt-ridden and worried. He heart broke to see her that way, to know he had done it, but he mustered the strength to be honest and open. "That blood magic you use - it takes from you, doesn't it?" He nodded to himself, as though he hardly needed confirmation. It was obvious enough in the way her nose sometimes bled, how it looked like sometimes she was in pain. But he still wasn't sure about what had happened. As Haelim spoke, he was solemn and serious but also quieter than conversational. "Did you take away my pain and injury in those caves, days ago, at the cost of yourself?"

[vicoya]

It felt as though the blood would never end. No matter how hard she tried to climb out of it, even if there was a small glimpse of light on the surface, she couldn't break through. Her lungs spasmed as they ached for air that she couldn't reach. Just as the world started to blur, a voice echoed beyond her vision. "It's just a dream... You're safe."

As a Legionnaire, was there ever a time where they were truly safe? Vicoya doubted it, but she'd never felt closer to the feeling than she when she was with Haelim. A witch feeling safe with a witcher had to be some irony, but who was she to question fate? They both been put on this path, together, for a reason. She could almost feel him pulling her out of her turmoil, and when her eyes opened, she was in his arms. It took her a moment to realize she was no longer dreaming, that he was really there, holding her.

The way he spoke to her so gently was unlike him, but it'd grounded her quickly. She was almost too scared to move, in that doing so would make him let go. Instead, she rested her head on his chest, and tried to focus on his voice, on the beating of his heart, anything to bring her out of her dream. Slowly, her crying turned to sniffles, and her sniffles into heavy sighs. After several moments of silence, she gathered the courage to talk, but her voice still shook as she managed to piece her words together, "It never gets easier, does it?" she whispers against his chest, not really caring for his answer, and just wanting to hear his voice again. “I miss them.”

Haelim slept about as lightly as a rabbit. The smallest noise woke him, though it was easy for him to fall right back asleep. Most of the time he would. This time, however, the Witcher got up about as fast as if he hadn't been asleep at all. His sword on the nightstand, it was taken in hand as he rushed out the door. None of the Legionnaires were strangers to nightmares, and this likely hadn't been the first time someone had woken in screams. But he would never fail to take anything seriously, and Haelim would have preferred to die than be ill-prepared to protect Vicoya at any point. He was clad in dark, simple cloth, a comfortable fit that he'd recently purchased from Eterna. There was no time for armor but he still held the sword as though ready for battle as he rushed inside to the room beside his and towards her bed. Once it was clear that there was no one there with her, Haelim dropped the weapon to the ground with a clatter and climbed up to the side of the witch's bed, putting his hand on her arm to shake her slightly. "Vicoya- Vicoya," Haelim whispered urgently. He scooted closer when she continued trembling and screaming, turning her from facing her pillow and sitting her up. "Hey, hey, it's me. It was just a dream... You're safe." Haelim's hand was at Vicoya back but he moved it to her shoulder and pulled her close, instinctively trying to hold and comfort her. If he'd thought twice about it, he might've shyed away. However, in that moment, he only thought of protecting her and nothing more. "You're safe, Coya," he whispered calmly, hoping his gentle tone would soothe her too.

[vicoya]

Usually, Legionnaires were being unpleasantly surprised by the Blight, or some other world ending threat. She thought of Riandur's village, for example, that had recently been destroyed, much like her own many years ago. He wouldn't approve of her having such solemn thoughts on her birthday, but such tragedy was almost necessary to think about, to put things into perspective. It made her appreciate the good days all the more, and today? Today was perfect.

There were friends here from the Tower that she hadn't see in nearly a decade, in a room full of smiling Legionnaires, next to some of her favorite desserts. The "surprise" fireworks were just the icing on her literal birthday cake (strawberry flavored, of course). And whom better to watch them with one of the people she held most dear? The colors were mesmerizing, the lights reflected in her eyes as the bursts filled the dark sky. She looked over at her companion to see the rainbow shining against his skin, a soft and contemplative smile on his face as he appeared enchanted by the display above them. It was such a rare sight, to see him so content. If she'd had the power to slow time, she would have in that moment.

She looked back to the sky, just as his head to turned in her direction. Her grin grew wider in amusement. Clearly, they were watching each other, each trying to be subtle and failing miserably. Finally, their gazes met, and she her cheeks reddened slightly. She suddenly felt lucky that night had fallen. "Thank you, Haelim." It was a simple reply, but filled with more emotion than her smile alone could convey. "Today has been perfect. Truly. I partly wish it hadn't been a surprise. I could have helped set up, helped decorate but..." she trailed off, catching herself before she could ramble too much, "I suppose that's not the point of today, is it?"

Date: BIRTHDAY SURPRISE PARTY Location: Outside Caer Glas Keep Characters: @vicoya & @haelimthewatcher Notes: thanks for the fireworks alucard

Parties, back in Iskaldrik, were violent or sordid affairs amongst the young Witchers. All of them young and hot-blooded, full of hormones and poison and violent-tendencies. Parties in Nornwatch were small affairs, quiet and intimate and rarely did they have much to celebrate with. But here... perhaps this was Haelim's first look at what a real party should be like. He didn't know enough to help with the organization, but he did help set everything up and gave his expertise on what Vicoya loved. He went on a flight with Daewonsa only a few nights ago to try to figure out how to gift the person who meant most to him something... anything good. He peered into shops, he walked among the merchant's bazaar. Nothing. All their time together, Haelim had only gifted her picked herbs and little trinkets he carved out of wood. He played Iskaran songs on his flute on her special days, songs everyone knew and could enjoy. But, so close to civilization, he had to try to find a better gift. He had some money to spend.

Haelim ended up finding jewelry he would have wanted to buy, if only he'd had enough gold. Instead, he settled on a little vase that he could afford, one with lovely flowers painted on it. A vase Vicoya could put some flowers within, and a decoration for her room to make it feel like home. Little did he know that fragile things like that did not do well on bumpy wyvern flights. It wasn't until he got back to Caer Glas Keep and the day of her party came that he realized her present had, indeed, broke within the box. There was no time to find another now. He wasn't sure he'd ever been so brave at the moment that he stuffed something else into his pockets and wrapped up the box. The party was going wonderfully thus far and he loved to see Vicoya surrounded by the people who loved her most.

By the time night fell completely and Alucard announced fireworks, he sat at her side, in complete awe of the lights as they lit up the sky. It was the first time the Witcher had seen them, and his eyes were glued up until the very end. But Haelim happened to glance to see Vicoya's reaction as the fireworks started to stop, and the smile on her face made his all the more wide. He couldn't look away from her after that. "Happy birthday," Haelim said again, though he'd already wished her the same at breakfast. It was her first one, in many years, back home in Lysara. She seemed happy and it kept the smile on his face. "How are you feeling? It hasn't been too much, I hope."

[vicoya]

While the Silverlands were beautifully warm compared to Isaldrik, Coya felt a different kind of warmth spreading through her chest as Haelim grew closer. It was the overwhelm of joy and relief mixed together, she figured, with a dash of hope that everything would be okay now. At least for a little while. It almost felt unreal to see him after the many hours she'd lied awake, debating if he was even alive. She felt the urge to poke him, squeeze him, just check if he was even really there. For a moment, it seemed like he might have felt the same, she hoped. Daewonsa quickly swooped in to reassure her, however.

"Wonnie!" she greeted the wyvern with a giggle as she tried to avoid being knocked over by the literal weight of Daewonsa's affection. "It's good to see you too, girl. Both of you." Vicoya's gaze returned to shyly meet Haelim's as he handed her a smushed echincea. Despite how the purple petals crumpled in her hands, it was one of the most beautiful flowers she'd ever seen, solely because it was by his side on his journey home. Perhaps she could breathe some life back into it later when she had time. "As thoughtful as ever, even when escaping death."

She immediately wanted to tell him everything about their battle against Lilith and the blighted dragon, and about their journey to Caer Glas, perhaps leaving out the part where she collasped from exhaustion in the snow. Even Rian and Alucard didn't know about the latter, for Alessia agreed to keep it their little secret. Haelim was likely equally exhausted from his journey, and she didn't want to burden him with her rambling too soon.

So instead, she stepped forward, linking her arm with his as she prepared to lead him inside. "Caer Glas unfortunately did not come with wyvern stables installed, but it's on our long to-do list of repairs." she sighed, giving Daewonsa a sad smile. "I can show you inside, either to your quarters, or perhaps the dining hall if you're tired or hungry? Maybe we bring Daewonsa back a nice snack?" she rambled whilst they began to walk back towards the gates, already failing at her task to give him some well earned peace and quiet. No one wanted to be riddled with questions when they were tired, but she couldn't help herself. Both as a healer and as his close friend, she had to make sure he was taken care of before anything else.

Haelim had tried very hard not to think about any of his comrades and friends, and a Witcher was quite good at compartmentalizing emotions. It had hurt hard enough to believe that Alucard might not have made it out and it would have been agony added on that Haelim couldn't abide if he believed the same of Riandur and Vicoya. So he didn't. He kept them far from mind, resigning to worry or not worry once he got to Caer Glas Keep and did not or did see them there. Instead, the Witcher's mind repeated familiar phrases and mantras to keep the fear and worry at bay. Fear is the mind-killer. He could not fear. So he could not think of them. Of her.

But old mantras faded as he saw the outline of the Keep through the sunlight. It was way too hot here. That was the very first thing Haelim thought, exhausted and even a bit addled from the journey. There was no doubt in his mind that he would have met Death had it not been for his companion getting them past the border. Now, Daewonsa seemed to see something that he hadn't yet. She dropped them both without warning and Haelim hung on tight, unable to see past the wind in his eyes as the wyvern rushed them towards the ground. Haelim opened his mouth to protest this strange behavior before they landed but that's when he saw it - the red in the wind. And when he glanced over at the gate still opening behind her, he realized that she had ran.

Haelim was stunned silent. He had refused to prepare himself for a possibility of not seeing Vicoya again, and so he had not prepared himself to see her again either. "V," he breathed out, blinking away the shock. His smile came without his permission, as did his eyes seeking her for any sign of something wrong but, thankfully, finding nothing. He dismounted absent-mindedly, heart beating quick as he realized that his emotional barriers could fall. He was allowed to feel relief now. Joy, even. Something else. He stepped forward, tempted to embrace her but second-guessing himself. And in the second that he did, Daewonsa was already moving forward to nudge the witch's shoulders and stomach affectionately.

Haelim smiled a little wider and stepped closer to her, taking something out of his pocket. The echinacea was smushed from the journey, but it had long ago become a little bit of a tradition of Haelim's to get Vicoya an herb every single time he found one, as they were so scarce in their tundra. Perhaps this would be the last Iskaldrik flower he gave her in some time. As he offered it to her again he said: "So are you, V. I had no doubt." That was a lie, and she probably knew it. Haelim always had doubts about anything going right and he was a pessimistic man - but he hadn't allowed himself to believe she was gone. So it was half true.

[vicoya]

END.

They way Haelim took everything so seriously was respectable, from a strategic standpoint, but also, somehow, adorable. Vicoya felt the urge to reach forward and smooth out the wrinkles creasing on his forehead as he furrowed his brow. Or turn his lips slightly upward, so they weren't frowning whenever he was intently focused - which was most of the time. Watching his expression slowly relax as she relayed her story was nearly more gratifying than their heroic accomplishment itself. It was a reminder of why she fought so hard, to get back to those she loved and protect them, and bring them joy. It's why she worked so incessantly to save others, so they could do the same. At the end of the day, it was these small, intimate moments that made life worth fighting for, after all.

She couldn't help but chuckle at the pang of jealousy seeping into Haelim's tone. Only Legionnaires would feel such a way after avoiding a Blighted dragon. Her bright eyes were trained on his lips as he smiled softly at her, and she couldn't help but return his expression. Then they glanced down to her wrist as he squeezed it, a gesture of the pride and confidence he had in her (and Rian, of course). "They are lucky to have you to guide them. You've been doing this longer than any of us." she said sincerely, about to return his gesture before he suddenly pulled away.

Vicoya frowned internally, and couldn't help herself from reaching back out and placing her hand over his and squeezing it. "I'm sure there will be another valiant battle soon, and that one, we will face together." Coya was ever an optimist, but their odds genuinely seemed stronger whenever Haelim was by her side. She added, gently, "And you do know how to take things easy. You're doing it right now. The way you listen, the way you smile at me. That's all people need sometimes to know you care."