stormbreaking

[Once the demons start offering to bring people on a hike outside their usual boundaries, Fitz is fully onboard. He doesn't trust that it won't end in being stranded in a hellscape somewhere, though, and he makes it a point to be prepared before he goes. He messages Thor and arranges to meet, assuming it won't take much convincing to get an Asgardian out to face adventure. When he arrives, he's got a backpack filled with supplies, water bottles and enough snacks to last. It's best to be prepared, he thinks, even if the thing looks like it weighs about as much as he does. He greets Thor just before they're set to meet, nodding hello.]

Thanks for coming out. I hope I'm not taking you away from anything important.

I can hardly think of anything more important, my friend.

[Perhaps he should have gathered as much as Fitz had, but Thor shows up only in his armor, Stormbreaker in hand just in case. It's a hike after all -- it shouldn't require much in the way of supplies.

Hopefully, at the very least.

He gives a short smile.]

Do you think we'll need all of that?

[ Fitz doesn't judge Thor for his lack of accessories. Thor is Thor. He's beyond the mundane needs of the human frame. ]

I think if we have it, we won't be stuck without it.

[ but he falls into step behind Thor without hesitating
]

I brought a thermos with your favorite mead. In case you get a bit antsy without it in a few hours.

[The mention of mead has him pausing long enough to give Fitz a softer look, something fonder around the edges.]

Did you? [It was a small gesture, but one that has Thor reaching out with his free hand to give the other's shoulder a squeeze.]

Perhaps we can share it once we have a break then.

[ the squeeze is appreciated. Fitz leans into it, nudging the side of his head against Thor's chest before settling back on his heels. ]

We can if you'd like to.

[ they really shouldn't. Thor's taste in drinks runs stronger than what Fitz can usually handle. This isn't the time for irresponsible drinking. But if his friend wants to, he can't possibly refuse. ]

Besides, it'll be a good opportunity to stretch our legs. We don't get out nearly enough, I reckon.

I would.

[He wouldn't let Fitz get so drunk to be unable to defend himself... not intentionally at least. He gives a bit of a smile.]

You're right. I haven't ventured far, not since we were taken.

[And he scarcely remembers that journey, or the departure, if he's honest.]

[ there was much about that trip that's left blank. He remembers the length of the captivity, the helplessness so easily twisted into hopelessness, but the journey doesn't seem to stick. ]

In that case, it's good that we're both of sound mind kow.

[ as sound as can be expected. ]

And I doubt the demons will bring us anywhere close to there again.

Ah, yes.

[As sound of mind as he ever is. He has attempted to cut back on the drinking at least a bit-- it doesn't always work, but he's not drunk at the moment.

He'd rather not be drunk out here.]

I do doubt it, but perhaps we can find something else of interest out here.

Much of it would be. It's a rare opportunity to accomplish something. Keep your eyes peeled for anything we might find useful later, yeah?

[His cheeks are already flushed with enthusiasm, and he starts off ahead of Thor, thrilled to join the tour and see what's out there for them.]

[There's an amused huff before Thor rushes off after him, falling back into step. Their guides seem almost... bored with the task, honestly, but Thor is curious. His eyes scan ahead of them, taking in the charred forests, the land around them.]

Is there anything in particular you would like me to watch for?

[ Fitz has brought a notepad with him, and scribbles furiously in it as they start to walk. He draws vague sketches, marking paces and taking deliberate steps to keep from ruining his proportional estimates. ]

Landmarks? Remarkable details couldn't help. We know only the vaguest things.

[ he isn't sure what to ask about, but he's sure there's something out here. ]

[There's an amused huff as he watches Fitz scribble away.]

I will keep an eye out, certainly. Perhaps we can improve upon their maps.

Or debunk them. [It slips out as more of a bitter mumble.] We have no real reason to believe that we've been provided with anything true about the terrain. There's no reason not to lie to us about how helpless our situation is.

What, do you think there are other settlements out there?

[He gives a curious look.]

More demons beyond the cult?

I think that it would be silly for there not to be more. What kind of underworld only has a few dozen demons in it? My guess is that we're being imprisoned within a prison. Or shielded from something worse.

It would not be surprising. It seems Lucifer thinks himself as much a prisoner as we are.

[He lets out a breath.]

I wonder what could be worse...

He's not punishing us through his own volition. When we find a way out, he's coming with us. [ that isn't a question he's considered. There's a goodness in Lucifer, despite every reason to ignore it. ]

You have quite a bit of confidence in that... [Thor wishes he could believe.]

[As much as he argues otherwise, his worldview is primarily composed of belief in one system or another.]

The evidence is all lining up to support it. The idea that he himself is our willing jailer seems like a misdirection.

Perhaps... though I wonder what he truly wants out of this.

Do you think he would be happy merely leaving with us?

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