stormbreaking

[There was a time when Fitz and Thor were quite close. The community was smaller then, and there was less to do. The way things are on Mammon's island, it's almost like going back in time. They're kept far from the greater politics of Hell. There aren't as many opportunities to focus. It's like time's stopped. Perhaps that's what brought Fitz outdoors today, lingering not far from the tavern. For him, it's incidental; it's struck him as nice weather to read outdoors. More palatable, somehow, than the awful draft inside the proper housing.

He spots Thor nearby, and acknowledges him with a small wave. It's been a while, but perhaps it's been so long that they oughtn't bother one another with irreverence. Fitz imagines Thor's found much to occupy himself.]

[It has been-- quite some time. It seems something always comes up to prevent them from meeting under any normal terms. Between Barbas and the war and everything else, this is the first time Thor has felt other to just breathe in a very long time.

But there's no lack of warmth when he notices the other man and approaches him with a nod of his head.]

Fitz! How are you, my friend?

[The warmth is surprising, and much more than what Fitz had been expecting. He's a little startled to have so much Thor so quickly, and it makes his chest ache. This isn't the greeting he imagined he deserved, especially not after what Loki said.]

I've had worse days. But you look good. Haven't gone and grown horns or anything. [It's a shame that that's what passes for 'good' in this place.] Though I'm certain your physiology has more than a little to do with that.

[Is there any reason to lack warmth for a friend? Even one he hasn't seen properly in quite some time. It's still such a short amount for a God really, and Thor hardly ever forgets his friends.]

Ah-- [There's a laugh huffed out.] Not yet at least.

How are you faring here?

[Not ever, if he has anything to do with it. The transformations set a time limit on how much they can accomplish. It's important to tend to it all before it's too late for everyone.]

I'm all right. Been spending a lot of time outside, but I reckon I might be allergic to something in the castle. What about you?

Allergic? Are you feeling ill?

[There's concern in his gaze as he looks Fitz over.]

I've been enjoying it. I thought I would come over to ask you to the tavern. It almost reminds me of home, but it's hardly any fun without proper company.

Oh, I'm fine now. It's only when we're inside that I've got a problem. Bloody cold in that castle. Gives me a headache to be in there too long.

[But the complaint doesn't bother him so much that he even considers turning down the chance to spend time with Thor.]

It's been entirely too long since the last time we've had that kind of time together. It'd be like the early days, when we first got here.

Those felt like simpler times, didn't they?

[It's strange, to almost miss how... quaint things felt, comparatively.]

We should make a habit of meeting more often.

[They certainly knew less. The horrors were more horrifying. They were less entangled in the rest of it. It was more compelling to find comfort in one another.]

There's time here. Unlikely we'll have the same time when we return. There's so much to do...

I have little doubt. The first order of business... we need more guarding us. We need more to keep intruders out.

[How can they rebuild with the threat of attack from the outside almost always looming over them?]

While Barbas was in charge, the Order was able to gain access. It worries me.

They did what?

[ somehow, that slipped past his awareness. He'd been so focused on restoring Lucifer that he didn't acknowledge the other issues Barbas brought with him. ]

Are you all right? What did they do?

They were stealing animals, mostly. Items from the kitchens as well.

[He holds up his hands, giving a reassuring look.]

I'm well, my friend.

Animals? For sacrifices, you mean.

[ the thought is horrific. The Order was always fond of a slaughterhouse. ]

Did they refill the pit? What were they planning?

I can only assume so.

[He gives a shrug of his shoulders, letting out a breath.]

No, the pit remains unused. As for what they were planning... I'm not certain. I was swept up in one of Barbas' illusions. A school.

[ the gravity doesn't elude him. There's a particular kind of darkness that comes with the kinds of illusions Thor is hinting about. ]

Whatever you were made to do isn't your fault. That wasn't you.

I suppose I wasn't as tormented as many others were.

[But that hardly means he was a pleasant person, that he helped or cared at all. But--

he'd rather not bring down the mood if he can help it, least of all with worries about himself. He offers a short smile.]

And at least we are ourselves now.

As much of ourselves that we can be. I worry that the island won't do well for us.

[ he thinks absently of Captain Rogers, ruined by trauma from some island. Is this where he was kept? For how long? ]

What do you worry will happen?

[It seems more innocuous than Barbas' plans, so far at least.]

I've been thinking a bit about the Captain. D'you reckon the island he's always talking about was like this one?

Ah...

[He pauses, thoughtful. Perhaps he's just recalling what Steve has bothered to tell him about the island.]

I'm not certain, my friend. He said it was all some sort of experiment. I got the impression the experiments were... different to what we experience here.

That might be true, but he's also not the most accurate source of information, yeah? [He shakes his head sadly.] He seems a bit touched. The results are awful, but there's no telling how close we all are to ending up in exactly the same state.

Do you feel yourself slipping, then? [There's a genuine curiosity there, perhaps a bit of concern underneath everything.]

I don't know that any of us would recognize it if we were. The Captain doesn't seem to. It's all normal to him.

[And there's more to discuss about this very issue, but he cuts himself off pre-emptively.] But I'm sure you don't want to have a conversation like this without any alcohol in you. It might help the mood.

I suppose you are not wrong...

[And Thor is, fortunately, easily distracted from dwelling on such thoughts. He gives an easy smile and nods.]

Of course. Come, to the tavern! You'll enjoy it.

[Or possibly not, but Thor enjoys it and he thinks everyone should visit at least once.]

It reminds me of home, even if the mead is not the same.

Inbox

(while they're being housed by Mammon)

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject