#yes he’s the one that told her to scram but he didn’t mean it fr he just wanted to keep her safe (read: away from luke)

[futuremrscameron]

no but kiara and jj being siblings would make mike and anna trying to keep them apart and calling jj a bad influence hurt 10x more

[terraclae]

Discussions

As usually all characters mentioned are in bipedal forms. A longer piece for the time being. 

Lore Pings: @cityofinoue @yuushanoah-fr

Atlas was a friendly yet imposing presence to Arodan. ‘You know, if you're gonna sleep with one of my weapons near you, you're probably gonna have to learn to use it.’ He currently sat on a railing on the second floor of the library. He looked smug in the way his smile pushed up in his hands. ‘What's a weapon to an untrained figure?’

‘Implying I don't know how to use knives? Or weapons?’ Arodan looked up at Atlas with eyebrows quirked in peculiar fashion. ‘I can use swords and bows.’ Among other things, through his life he had made sure to immerse himself in as many crafts as possible.

‘Knives are lighter and have their own little nuances.’ Atlas got up and elegantly like an acrobat might he walked along the thin railing until he was practically above Arodan. ‘You're gonna stab it like a sword and find it lacks a whole lot of length.’

‘Obviously.’ He leant back in his chair so he could actually look Atlas in the eye. ‘But I think I can manage.’

‘Aight. You're missing out on private lessons with me though.’ Atlas jumped off the railing and landed gracefully before Arodan's desk. ‘Isn't there anything I can teach you?’

‘I've never entertained the thought of learning chess.’ Arodan smugly remarked. He looked up from his journal to see Atlas seemed humored by his remark.

‘I can play checkers. Well enough to beat most people in this castle, if I do say so myself.’ Atlas leant forward to see what Arodan was doing. ‘I can teach you that.’

‘I might have more patience for checkers.’ He put an arm over his journal to block Atlas’ peering eyes but smiled nonetheless. ‘Is this a business offer or casual offer though?’

‘Both. I want you to know how to defend yourself decently, and I like hanging around people, people like you.’ Atlas answered, shrugging. ‘I'm not sure how checkers is going to defend you from swords and cannons but it fills the casual bracket for me.’

‘Maybe I can throw the pieces and make my opponents trip over them. I've seen people make weapons from stranger things.’ Arodan remarked. What came to mind had been a particular dragon that had weaponized her lucky charms into a very peculiar short-range whip. ‘Sometimes bows and swords grow too dull.’

‘Sure. But if it ain't broke, don't fix it.’ Atlas laughed and came to sit against Arodan's desk, something Arodan only barely minded now. It occurred to him how quickly adjusted he had become and it startled him then. Atlas continued to speak. ‘You know though, the most interesting use of weaponry I've seen to this day was with this guy who was the former bodyguard of President Odin.’ He turned to look at Arodan knowing by his vague look he didn't know who he was talking about. ‘Of the Stratus Corporation. They're based in the Shifting Expanse in the city of Glasir but started out on the Windswept Plateau.’

Arodan nodded in understanding. ‘So, this bodyguard, he was real efficient, but very specifically efficient. The gist of it was that anything he could strap a rope to was something he could weaponize and as such a rope dart was his primary weapon.’ He pinched two fingers on one hand and held his other hand open in a wide gesture as if he was holding on to a rope himself. ‘You should have seen him, man, he once tied a rope to an anvil and swung that thing right into a yeti’s face to protect his boss!’

‘That sounds absurd. How did he get the anvil?’

‘Supply caravan for cities in the Ashfall Wastes!’ Atlas exclaimed.

‘And how would you know this happened?’

‘Because he was there dork.’ A third voice chimed in and Atlas and Arodan saw Caer enter the library. ‘Atlas gets outside way more than we do.’

‘Thank you Caer.’ Atlas beamed and flashed Arodan a triumphant look. He briefly noticed Arodan shoving his drawers shut in self conscious fashion and wondered if he should ask him about it. Yet, he continued. ‘How long have you been listening?’

‘Long enough to know you’re telling stories again.’ Caer said almost stoically. She marched up to join the two. ‘He tells good stories, no?’ She asked Arodan this.

‘Yes, I'm just habitually skeptic. By now you all should know that.’ He wanted to assure them he did believe them but a lot of things lately had felt too much like fiction. ‘Forgive me for doubting you.’

‘Nah, tales about folks swinging impossibly large objects above their heads to beat up yetis can sound unrealistic.’ Atlas held up his hands in apologetic fashion. ‘‘That guy Striker uses his mic as a weapon, right?’

‘Dunno why you bring him up, I don't really care how good he is at things.’ She said sternly and gave Arodan a look that could only mean she'd prefer not to talk about anything fighting pit related in the company of Atlas.

‘Yeah, but it is kind of cool how he-’

‘Atlas, I told you many times I don't agree with you on that on basis of what Striker’s job is.’ She hissed, and stubbornly folded her arms. ‘I don't like him and I don't like Stratus Corporation.’

‘Okay, that's fine but please don't interrupt me when I'm talking.’ Arodan had somewhere expected Atlas to get angrier than he was but he only looked mildly annoyed. He knew it would get a rise out of him either way. ‘I've actually met people from Stratus corp, they're really not as bad as you think they are.’

‘Yeah, well, they're bothering my mate so I have different thoughts about that.’

‘Yeah but they're-’

‘Silence!’ Arodan slammed his hands down on his desk and rose from his chair. It effectively quieted the bickering before him. ‘There will be no yelling in my library.’ He turned to Atlas then. ‘Also my apologies for interrupting you Atlas, but can you two take your bickering elsewhere or come to a compromise and be quiet?’

There was a pause between Caer and Atlas in which they glanced between Arodan and each other, holding their breaths. Caer was first to speak. ‘I'm really getting old.’ She slouched, seemingly resigned. ‘Sorry Atlas, I'm being narrow minded.’

‘It's fine, I know better than to get upset with you.’ Atlas sighed. She had her reasons to have the opinions she did. ‘Apology accepted.’

‘Now that's over, I need to borrow you for a bit Atlas.’ She put her hand on his shoulder and gently tugged him along. ‘Would you mind that Arodan?’’

‘No, please get him out of my sight.’ Arodan said, but with a smile that Atlas could understand from that he was joking. ‘I have better things to do.’

‘Babe, that's cold.’ Atlas dramatically whined, near dropping himself to the floor to complete the gesture. It didn't deter Caer from dragging him out. ‘Am I not a better thing?’

‘No. Scram!’ Arodan yelled after him, grinning from ear to ear now. He waved and he could see Atlas do the same as him and Caer disappeared through the library doors. They could discuss checkers later, he thought.

‘... Thanks.’

He peeked up and looked around upon hearing the voice. Had he overlooked a visitor? ‘Excuse me?’

‘T’was a little too loud friend. Thanks.’

He moved to see if there was anyone else in the library. The feminine voice that spoke seemed to come from all around him and initially he blamed the natural echo the library produced. ‘You're welcome? Where and who are you?’ No response came and he looked down the hall into the library to see a lone figure standing at the very end. They stood center in the hall and from this distance Arodan couldn't see their face. It occurred to him at that moment Carmen had warned him about this. ‘Are you… Are you the spirit of the library?’

‘Yes.’ It responded. He couldn't see the figure speak from where he stood. ‘Come closer Librarian. Let me see your face.’

‘No, I think I'll stay here.’ He shuffled over to a shelf in an attempt to not seem suspicious. ‘I have a lot of work to do you see, dusting shelves, arranging books, I think as a library you wouldn't mind that right?’ Maybe this was a way to appease the spirit, and he turned to the shelf.

‘Oh, aren't you responsible.’

It occurred the voice that despite the echo the voice seemed much closer. ‘I try to be.’

‘You're doing your job well.’

There was actual breathing in his neck now and Arodan knew he was going to scold Carmen later for telling him he shouldn't be worried. ‘Um… Can I help you?’

‘I'm just checking you up close. You have grey hairs on the back of your head you know?’

‘Right.’ Arodan hummed, continuing his work and not trying to focus on the presence behind him too much. ‘As long as you don't eat me I don't mind you standing behind me.’

‘The last time I ate anyone was ages ago and it was a spy.’

Comforting. Arodan continued, with a shaking voice. ‘Neat.’ And that was that. He felt very watched at the moment but that wasn't new. How he hadn't run into the spirit of the library earlier was a miracle. ‘So… Can I turn around?’

‘I don't know, can you?’

‘Ha ha, very funny.’ He snapped, and turned around ready to retort. This was in fact, a mistake that he only recognized as one once he woke up again.

‘Oh wow, she really did a number on him huh?’

‘He's still doing better than most of them.’

It was difficult to open his eyes but Kassa’s nasal twang and Balam’s deep booming voice were instantly recognizable to him. Whose massive hand it was on his head was a little bit more difficult to discern to him but he concluded that too was Balam’s. ‘... Where am I?’ Asked Arodan, wiggling out from under the heavy blanket on top of him.

‘Your room darling, we found you slumped against a shelf in the library.’ Kassa chimed in. This was the first time Arodan had seen them without their glasses but only because Kassa was currently in the process of cleaning them in their hands. ‘Talked to the spirit of the library, didn't you?’

‘Hey, Carmen said I should be fine as long as I didn't approach them.’ Arodan snapped. As soon as he tried to right himself he dropped back down, his limbs feeling as if they were made of soft clay. ‘They walked up to me, I just tried to do my job.’

‘We know.’ Balam said, and smoothed out Arodan's hair. He looked as if he wanted to put the blanket on him again. ‘This happens more often than I'd care to admit. But there's a first time for everything.’ He seemed solemn and to Arodan as if he'd got run over by a herd of centaurs. ‘How are you feeling?’

‘Tired but I'll probably be fine.’ He couldn't complain, at least he had been brought to his room. Arodan admitted to himself however that he was a little embarrassed of being found unconscious. ‘I'll get back to work soon sir.’

‘Well that’s great, but please don't overwork yourself.’ Balam apologetically raised his hands. ‘You don't have to go into the library tomorrow if you're too tired.’

‘As I said, I think I'll be fine.’ He smiled, and first picked up on how grim both Kassa and Balam looked. ‘Is everything alright?’

‘We have our battle plans prepared. It's just been…’ Balam shrugged, making the pelt slung over his shoulder bristle strangely. ‘Straining. But we're ready.’

‘Well, it's a plan.’ Kassa hummed. They rested their head on their hands and looked like they clearly didn't agree to this plan. ‘We'll be fine though, probably. It means I get to fashion you some armor soon.’

‘What weapons should I pick up? How do you want me to fight?’ Arodan was already attempting to shift off his bed but was pushed back by Balam. ‘Let me help.’

‘No. It'd be best if you, Epoch and Carmen stay within the city's bounds to stay safe.’ Balam said. ‘He remained stern. ‘I have not told them yet but we need people to guide Paramo’s residents away if the army fails.’

‘I don't-’

‘Carmen and Epoch know the tunnels. They'll inform you once I have given them their tasks.’

A tense silence fell in the room and Arodan searched Balam’s eyes for any hints of that he maybe was joking or lying. He found none. ‘Sir… No offense but, I refuse that. If I die, I want to die fighting, and I am not someone good at leading people.’ His eyes darted to Kassa who didn't look particularly interested in the conversation. ‘Let me fight. I know how to handle weapons, I know my strategy, so please let me help.’

‘I don't want you to, there's already enough people who might be sacrificed in the oncoming battle, every life put on the line is one too many.’ He seemed actively upset now. ‘You've been drained of most of your energy, you need time to recover.’

‘In a week’s worth of time I'll be up and running and if I got this right then that's the time I have.’ Arodan grunted and made a second attempt at sitting up. He wobbled once this time but succeeded. ‘Sir, I've been meaning to talk to you, so do not just show up and tell me I should twiddle my thumbs, that's not something I can accept.’

‘Well, I can just lock you up again.’ Balam said this as if it was meant as a joke but his body language spoke volumes of that he wasn't amused by Arodan's tone. ‘Just do your job.’

‘If I should do my job then I'll go back to the library and wait for Lux Laterna’s forces to stroll in merrily.’ Arodan snapped in return. ‘Should I offer them to read the Paramo family history for them while they're there then?’

‘I don't think they particularly care for books anyway. Or librarians.’ Kassa hummed, filing their nails. ‘Unless you're useful to them you're dead meat.’

‘I know that.’ Balam lowered his head into his hands and glanced at Kassa between his fingers. ‘That is exactly what I'm worried about. King Alexander doesn't fight by rules, doesn't take prisoners.’

‘How much do you know about him?’ Arodan asked, bending down so he was on king Balam's eye level. ‘Sir? What else did you expect?’

‘That this place would be safe. I know what being a king means and that it requires sacrifice. For these people I'd give my own life.’ He lifted his head from his hand. With a heavy thwack he moved his tail so it lay a little differently for no other reason than that he was frustrated. ‘We've had a spy inside Lux Laterna’s court for ages now because we had suspicious, but King Alexander is…’

‘He's beloved and feared. Wound an entire people around his claws with those not following his rule being silenced.’ Kassa added. Their lips had curled into a small knowing smile as if they thought it was a funny situation. ‘His army isn't strong in numbers but in its setup. He anticipates terrain well and is quick at spotting weaknesses in the armies of others. It's how he keeps winning. Formidable, no?’

‘You sound almost sympathetic towards him.’ Arodan said with a narrowing gaze. ‘Are you?’

‘Darling, I just like studying my enemies. Don't fault me for admiring a good army when I see one.’ They started, leaning back in their chair. ‘Magically adept, daring, they're even well dressed. There's only two- no, three major weaknesses they have.’ They threw Arodan another knowing, smug look. ‘They aren't particularly well versed against beastclans due to their often marvelously creative strategies, they don't have stamina, and don't fare well against shade ridden beings.’

‘How can they not be prepared for any of those?’ Arodan felt a strange hopefulness at that statement despite his condition. If he could make it into something useful he would have it, but he'd need to practice then. ‘How do you know?’

‘I've been there. I've heard.’ They said, and their grin widened. ‘Yet…’ And immediately their smile fell. There was a moment of silence and they only shook their head. ‘Well, we should not stick around too long my liege.’

‘You're right.’ Balam murmured. He got up and avoided looking at Kassa, instead opting to grin at Arodan. ‘Well, forgive me for being grim. After passing out against a shelf I'm sure you didn't  want to discuss gloom and demise. If you want to fight along with us then by all means, do so, just don't get yourself killed.’

‘It’s fine, and thank you sir.’ Arodan said. He returned a fond smile of his own with an odd hollowness settling in his chest. ‘I can see you not having time off yet but if you'd like, Sir, I can set books aside you'd like to read. I think I know what sort of books might strike a chord with you.’

‘If I have time the first thing I will do is sleep Arodan.’ Balam jested. ‘But after I have to show you the kitchen too. Maybe show you my skills, because nothing bands people together like food.’ He reached out to place his hand once more on Arodan’s head. ‘Then, I can read the books you set aside for me.’

‘You cook?’

‘It's one of my favorite things to do.’

‘Huh. I was under the impression you had people that did that for you.’ Arodan looked up at him wide eyed and wondered what that would look like. For some reason the image came to mind of Balam having a particularly difficult time not crushing eggs accidentally. ‘I didn't peg you to sorta…’

‘If you just depend on people to do things for you you're not going to survive long.’ Balam said, and characteristically let out a hearty laugh. ‘Now I have to prove you wrong though. Can't have anyone doubting my baking skills.’

‘If you do that in your good cloak my liege I will not hesitate to kill you.’ Kassa immediately chimed in. They seemed dead serious in their statement but their unhelpful chuckle that followed and which sounded more like a hiss lightened the situation. ‘Do you know how difficult those kind of stains are to remove from wool?’

‘I can't imagine, but Epoch gets them out somehow.’ Balam hummed. He giggled as he made his way to the door. ‘Sometime. We should all get together sometime.’ He stopped in the doorway and turned to face the room. ‘You're invited by the way, Arodan. After this all is over.’

‘I'd love to be there.’ Arodan said, and Balam accepted that as a proper goodnight for now. He left swift and oddly silent and he came to the conclusion that perhaps moving so quietly was a trademark of Paramo’s residents. ‘It's been a while.’

‘Well, saccharine sweetness aside-’ Kassa spoke up and put their hand on Arodan's chest. ‘You still got that heart Danny?’

‘It hasn't left my neck since I showed it to you.’ He whispered in response. ‘Why the question?’

‘Well, if you're gonna go out there and fight like a good boy, then maybe, just maybe…’ Their jaw fell open momentarily as if they remembered something important. From their bag, they retrieved a book, Arodan’s journal. ‘Hold up the heart if you find yourself in trouble. You'll find it useful. Also here's your little diary, it wasn't very interesting.’

‘Did you read it?’ Arodan asked, offended, horrified and suspicious all at the same time.

‘Just the page that lay open.’ They knew immediately what page to open and held it out to Arodan. ‘Mimir is quite the adorable name, I can't believe you named your book.’ They started to move away. ‘I should try that with my garments. For now, ta ta and good night to you.’ They glanced over their shoulder, but left it at that and pulled the door closed.

He had no way to check if Kassa was lying but Arodan would take their words at face value for now. What he read on the open page was interesting and a little concerning however. Mimir seemingly had started an entire conversation which what Arodan thought was an unknown reader but who he soon realized had to be the spirit of the library.

This was… Fascinating, in fact. The text written by the spirit conveyed anxiety and uncertainty eerily clear, winding and scratching as if the hand that wrote it had shaken. The way Mimir’s text bounced and sleek and he could almost hear a lilting voice speaking those exact words. Like this, Mimir learned about the library that apparently didn't like all the carpets on the floor and wished they were laid out more single file. Good to know, Arodan thought. He read further over the conversation, about shelves and what was to him a strange account on what it was like to be an inanimate object. Even stranger so was the fact that the two concluded it'd be nice to walk around like dragons did. At the very end though, it seemed Mimir, in a similar vein to how it had gotten its name had given the library a name. Mimir had chosen the name Solaire, and the library, which apparently referred to itself in feminine manner, liked her new name.

‘Cute.’ Arodan wondered aloud. Immediately a response popped up on the page.

‘I am not cute. The Mistress of the library is a rather charming lady however.’

‘Can it, you are kind of adorable.’ Arodan hummed, closing the journal. He would have to retrieve the rest of his belongings tomorrow. He laid it under his bed, felt once more under his pillow, and was asleep as soon as he closed his eyes.