the-snake-and-the-statue

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

It follows the statue’s gaze up to the sky for a moment. It caws to itself, before looking at the statue’s face again. It almost looks like it can see the dead man behind it.

…

it stretches out its twisted wings and flies off, joining a small murder of crows nearby, gathered on the castle roof.

...

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

It flies up on broken wings and sits on the statue’s shoulder, observing it.

Caw.

*The statue smiles at the sky above it, arms open as if welcoming the sun peering through clouds.*

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

caw.sfx

It seems to be injured. Red drips onto the ground. It should not be able to fly, yet it can.

*the statue cannot move.*

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

…oh. It’s just a crow…

...

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

the statue hears a noise in the dark.

...

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

*uses this ask as a wall to prevent anyone from telling him*

:)

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

why do i hear boss music

*Slyn is confused.*

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

*Slyn watches as he leaves with a grateful squeak.*

*he's going to remember this.*

he's definitely strange...

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

*He seems comfortable with it as well... comfortable with no talking, comfortable with the fire crackling, comfortable with warmth.. and comfortable with two people he knows won't hurt him.*

*Icia decides not to say anything to keep the peace. She takes a book from nearby and looks at it, contemplating reading or not. Most of the books are simple hardcovers without any images on the front, but some do have painted designs.*

after a long while of silence, icia can see him out of the corner of her eye reach up to his face with very shaky hands. he pulls down the mask that always covers his face and brings up the cup of tea to drink....he keeps his head down staring at the floor, she can't make out any distinguishable features because of the veil though.

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

*A couple minutes of silence pass, until out of the corner of his eye, Hans sees Slyn creep up the side of the couch and curl up on the arm rest next to him, although staying away from his hand. Icia smiles.*

he glances over but doesn't move, he seems to like the silence though.

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

*A second voice, much less frantic, can be heard.*

I don't know, I look out at Achilles and this bird is just pecking him, I go into the garden and it grabs him and flies off!

Oh gods, he could be anywhere, we have to find him NOW!!!! He could be dead by now, for all we know!!!

*Footsteps start to become audible as the two get closer to the open window. Slyn leans out towards it, excitement and desperation growing.*

he walks towards the window....

....well that's not jarring to just see a dark figure standing right outside the window.

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

*He can't see anyone, they must be around a corner, but he does catch and recognize a voice.*

What do you mean you saw him get taken by a seagull?!?!

*Slyn very quickly lifts his head.*

the relief that somewhat washes over him is clear. he's so happy it's someone he knows.

he stands.

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

*It helps a bit.*

*Suddenly, Hans hears some kind of... frantic conversation from somewhere. Seems like an open window, but he can't see anyone.*

he searches for the someone he knows is there for a bit.

....I mean he really isn't hard to spot since he's wearing all black.

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

*... secret 4th option unlocked ig lol*

*Slyn just stays in Hans' hands, starting to shiver again as a small gust of wind blows.*

he uses his other hand to cover him.

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

*Theres technically nothing stopping him from going back.... but if he does and leaves the snake here, surely the dragon- or dragons- will eat it. And something about this snake is just too human to see it as just a normal snake.*

*He can either keep going, look for a different entrance, or leave it here... there don't seem to be human voices up ahead at least. Just dragons.*

he chooses to just stay there....too scared to go the other way of find another way and too scared of being eaten by a dragon to keep going this way...

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

*After a few seconds it "sighs" again and wraps back around Hans' thumb.*

"I

"t"

"s

"o"

"k"

god he hates this so much.

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

*It points with its tail towards the main entrance, tilting it's head as if asking if Hans wants to go that way instead.*

he very clearly doesn't want any interaction with anyone if he can avoid it.