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pawnstorm2016-08-11 05:00 pm
rulayracing) wrote in pawnstorm2016-08-11 05:00 pm
Entry tags:
At the Curtains Of the Waterfall
Who: Mikleo and Sorey (openhanded)
When: 8/11
Where: Verkleur River, Petrosian
What: Try hard, Dye Hard. Sorey and Mikleo team up to complete this job!And use the money to get back to Gammon.
Rating: T for violence mebbe
[Normally, Mikleo likes the rain. Even without his more intimate connection with water, it's soothing and makes everything clearer after it stops. Of course, too much rain can cause problems, like it's doing right now. As such, he doesn't find much enjoyment in the summer rain.
It took a little sleuthing, but him and Sorey figure out what exactly the mergoat riding bandits (a thing he never thought he'd come across in his life) are after. Red, black, and purple things for their dyeing business. Using those to lure them out of hiding seems like a good idea.
Until it means Mikleo has to add to his outfit. He's bedecked with purple accessories, most likely because of his eye color. The water seraph's now sporting a lovely headband, a wristband on his left wrist, a very nice sash around his waist, and a purple rope belt over top of the sash. Honestly, it's thanks to putting his foot down that he's not also wearing earrings and a necklace, too. Mikleo has his limits. He's only thankful that they also didn't suggest a purple quiver. The last thing he wants is for the bandits to try stealing his regular arrows.
He has his bow out and ready as he stands with Sorey on the deck of their assigned patrol boat. There are some perks to being a Hero, and one of those is having someone else do the driving. He glances over at his friend.]
Not getting seasick, are you?
[It's a tease to get the edge off of waiting, as he's sure that they'll attack with the kind of bait the two of them have set up.]
openhanded)When: 8/11
Where: Verkleur River, Petrosian
What: Try hard, Dye Hard. Sorey and Mikleo team up to complete this job!
Rating: T for violence mebbe
[Normally, Mikleo likes the rain. Even without his more intimate connection with water, it's soothing and makes everything clearer after it stops. Of course, too much rain can cause problems, like it's doing right now. As such, he doesn't find much enjoyment in the summer rain.
It took a little sleuthing, but him and Sorey figure out what exactly the mergoat riding bandits (a thing he never thought he'd come across in his life) are after. Red, black, and purple things for their dyeing business. Using those to lure them out of hiding seems like a good idea.
Until it means Mikleo has to add to his outfit. He's bedecked with purple accessories, most likely because of his eye color. The water seraph's now sporting a lovely headband, a wristband on his left wrist, a very nice sash around his waist, and a purple rope belt over top of the sash. Honestly, it's thanks to putting his foot down that he's not also wearing earrings and a necklace, too. Mikleo has his limits. He's only thankful that they also didn't suggest a purple quiver. The last thing he wants is for the bandits to try stealing his regular arrows.
He has his bow out and ready as he stands with Sorey on the deck of their assigned patrol boat. There are some perks to being a Hero, and one of those is having someone else do the driving. He glances over at his friend.]
Not getting seasick, are you?
[It's a tease to get the edge off of waiting, as he's sure that they'll attack with the kind of bait the two of them have set up.]
no subject
Nope! Not in the slightest.
[He grins up at Mikleo, though his hands are still on the controls. It was easy enough to figure out that the wheel turns the rudder. And it's almost, almost cooler than one of those little goblin wagons...
The real issue is that Sorey has nothing that can strike from a distance. If the bandits try to board them, they'll find a nasty surprise, but it's up to Mikleo until then.]
Don't forget, your aim likes to veer a little left.
[Ugh, the rain is falling so hard that he can't even tell if the river is bubbling or not. This might be harder than he thought.]
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He huffs softly at the warning.]
Yeah, yeah. I'm still finding my rhythm.
[It's been... He thinks it's been almost 70 years. That's what he told Subaki, so that's what he'll stick to. Mikleo will just not think about how it's been that long since he's seen Sorey. He needs to be focused on the task hand.
Lavender eyes scan the river and the shore, just in case. If Mikleo was still a water seraph, this wouldn't be a problem, but he's not at the moment. Doing this the old fashioned way will have to do.
Good thing he knows how the rain hitting the water is supposed to look like. It helps him to spot the difference between what's normal and what's not. Like right now.]
Sorey! On your left!
[Mikleo nocks an arrow, draws it back, and waits until the mergoat emerges from the water with its bandit. He releases the arrow, aiming for the exposed shoulder, but he misjudges the ferocity of the wind. The arrowhead buries itself into the bandit's chest, but nowhere near any major organs.
The way the bandit glares at him makes the water seraph think he's made a new 'friend.' Lovely.]
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There's a violent bubbling torrent on the other side of the boat. Sorey hears it before he sees it, and he has just enough time to call out a warning.]
More of them?!
[It's only a moment later that a second bandit bursts out of the water like the birth of Venus that no one wanted, with twin daggers brandished high. Sorey meets him at the side of the boat in a parry. His sword is dull enough that his blade won't cut, but that doesn't make it an ineffective weapon. The steel is strong enough to endure.
Unfortunately, the bandit has some tricks up his sleeve. He tosses some kind of water spell into Sorey's face, sending him jerking back and unconsciously giving the bandit a foothold on the boat.]
I don't think so!
[Still blinded by saltwater, he ignores it and charges his weapon instead. The moonstones glow brightly as a buckler-sized barrier appears along the back of his forearm, shimmering and pure. The moment is somewhat ruined because Sorey uses it indelicately to bash the guy over the head.
He scrubs his face on his sleeve and turns to see how Mikleo's holding up.]
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Turns out it's a good thing he does that instead. The mergoat gets its front hooves onto the boat, trying to capsize it. Mikleo stumbles backward, barely managing to keep his footing. He aims and fires the mana arrow quick enough, hitting one of its eyes. Not quite what Mikleo's been aiming for, but he'll take it when the mergoat shrieks and dives back into the water.
The water seraph sighs in relief before looking back towards Sorey. It seems like he's done with his bandit, too, and so he takes a moment to scan the water for more. Luckily, it doesn't look like there are any unnatural disturbances just yet. Mikleo walks over to his friend.]
You alright?
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Yeah, even without their powers, they're doing fine.]
Were they riding hellions? [This world is so damn weird, he can't tell the difference between hellions and normal beasts. A mergoat seems like a great way to travel the ocean, though, as long as you don't mind getting wait.]
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[Mikleo tilts his head at the question. He cups his chin as he thinks.]
No, I think they're just local fauna. Or, well, fauna that's native to this world. Nothing about them felt off, per se.
[His hand falls to rest against his hip, looking slightly amused.]
Dungeon monsters aren't much different in terms of strangeness, either.
[The water seraph walks back to his earlier position to scan the waters again.]
Anyway, let's keep going. We've got a long patrol ahead of us.
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[He sheathes his sword and goes back to steering the boat. He's still tense, but that's to be expected. At least they can talk a little bit while they patrol.]
I thought a world without hellions would mean less monsters to fight. [Those mutant ones had been so damn hard to deal with. Dungeon monsters sound about the same. He mulls over something else, and opens his mouth to say it, but then the sky basically falls open and starts dumping a wall of water on top of them.
And Sorey thought it was raining hard before. Now he can't see a goddamn thing.]
Oh, come on! Really!?
[He tugs his hood up over his head, frustrated.]
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Besides, that's the least of their problems. Mikleo immediately moves to the prow, squinting into the downpour. He frowns as he scans the water. After a moment, he turns to Sorey and shouts over the rain.]
Sorey! It's gonna be impossible to tell if they're coming until they surface. Try—
[Mikleo isn't able to finish his thought when he hears a bandit surface right behind him. He whirls around right when the mergoat headbutts his side and sends him hurling over the side of the boat, straight into the river. It dives after him right as another bandit surfaces near Sorey.
This isn't what the seraph had in mind when he missed feeling the water, to be perfectly frank.]
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He turns to look at Mikleo, and he's about to call something back when--
-- when-- ]
Mikleo!
[His friend is gone into the water and Sorey can't tell where he fell. The world is ending around them. He can't feel Mikleo anywhere, can't feel that tether he's had for ages and ages. He can't hear or see hardly anything because of the rain, and there's a bandit advancing, and the other one is-- the other one is probably going to kill Mikleo if he finds him.
Sorey charges forward with Pawn-given speed and hits the ruffian ahead of him with the pommel of his sword. Though he doesn't kill, his blade is still sharp enough to crush ribs, and that's what Sorey does as he continues into a combo. It's cruel, maybe, but necessary, and he knows Mikleo won't be able to breathe underwater if he's a human now. Sorey doesn't have time to mess around.
The bandit crumbles beneath Sorey's onslaught, which doesn't stop until Sorey has knocked him unconscious and into the water. The mergoat tries to kick him, which Sorey deflects with his barrier easily, automatically. He hasn't fought in so long but he hasn't forgotten a thing. The mergoat takes off and it's a good thing, too, because Sorey's jumping into the water next and he is not about to take prisoners.
He calls Mikleo's name frantically, desperately, and remembers a moment too late that he doesn't know how to swim either.]
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Fortunately, the seraph still has his bow and his quiver of arrows. The bandit has a hold of his neck, but it doesn't stop Mikleo from grabbing one of his arrows. He stabs the arrow through the bandit's hand. It releases its hold on him. Mikleo takes that moment to use another arrow to stab the mergoat's neck. The creature screams and flees with its injured rider. A dark cloud of blood is slowly swept away by the current.
There's not enough time. He needs air. Right now. Dark spots dance in front of his eyes. Mikleo kicks up towards the surface. He uses his ability as a Pawn to speed up. The seraph breaks the surface, taking a deep breath. Mikleo coughs, choking on river and rain water a little.
Sorey's voice finally registers once he's gotten a couple lungfuls of air without choking. There's a bit of distance between Mikleo and the boat, but he sees his best friend in the water. His eyes widen, knowing that the brunet can't swim. He straps his bow to his back, ignoring how heavy it is to swim with it as he makes his way quickly towards Sorey.
Mikleo prays to the Five Lords that there are no more bandits in the area. Otherwise, they're both dead, without a doubt. The seraph might be the only swimmer, but his stamina isn't great since he hasn't been practicing for very long. Already, he can feel his limbs getting heavier. For Sorey's sake, Mikleo pushes through it.]
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Finally the seraph reappears, and Sorey can't help the look of relief and concern that overwhelms his expression.
Of course, that's when the current pulls him under.]
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And heaven help any bandit who even tries to threaten the former Shepherd's life.
The seraph grabs hold of his best friend. He breaks the surface and takes in a huge breath as he supports Sorey's head above the water. Mikleo swims back to the boat, unceremoniously heaving his best friend onto the deck. Then, he hauls himself up, almost collapsing onto Sorey from exhaustion. Instead of doing that, Mikleo focuses on checking to make sure he's okay.
Please, please, please, don't let there be water in his lungs....]
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Okay, so, water. Can't breathe it. Good to know.
He curls his hands into fists as he lays there on the deck, somehow alive. He's pretty sure Mikleo saved him... as usual. He lifts his head only when his chest has stopped heaving.]
M-Mikleo, are you-- [He coughs again.] -- are you all right?
[SOREY IS THE ONE WHO JUST ALMOST DIED, but nevermind that.]
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[Exhausted and his neck is bruising pretty badly, but fine. Mikleo's hands clench.]
Damn it, Sorey, what were you thinking?! You could've drowned! I can't protect you from water anymore!
[Frankly, that's the worst part of the whole deal. He can't even protect the person closest to him from his own element.
Mikleo knows that he sounds angry, too, but it's born from fear. He almost lost Sorey to the river. He almost lost himself to it. The seraph brushes hair out of his face as he sits back, the absence of his circlet prominent, and leans against the guardrail.]
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[Sorey doesn't yell back. When Mikleo gets like this, Sorey never raises his voice in return. He only gets quieter, though his voice is no less intense. He looks at Mikleo, but considering how the seraph is leaning against the railing, he might miss it.]
I saw him go after you, and I just...
[His heart is still freaking out from seeing Mikleo disappear over the edge. He hadn't thought of anything, then, he only wanted to see Mikleo in one piece, only wanted to bring him back to safety.
He shakes his head. Mikleo not only handled the bandit and his mount just fine, but he's apparently learned to swim in Sorey's absence. Never has he felt more like a burden. He knows he's a liability and he doesn't need Mikleo to say it, but he'll take it, if it makes Mikleo feel better.]
... sorry.
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You've always been impulsive.
[His tone is exasperated, but there's an unmistakable hint of fondness in it, too. Then, the seraph sighs softly.]
I'm sorry, too. That was too close. For both of us.
[Mikleo takes off his bow and quiver, setting them down with a clatter, and lies down on the deck, the exhaustion catching back up to him. Ugh, definitely needs to work on his endurance.]
You're getting swimming lessons. Not from me, I'm not experienced enough, but from the person who taught me. [He lightly smacks Sorey's shoulder.] It's an easy fix, and we can work on our endurance together.
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[He's impulsive, it's true, especially when people he cares about are involved. But Mikleo seems to have forgiven him, so all is well. He lets himself relax a fraction, and notes with some alarm that his shoulders have been tight this whole time.]
We're both starting over.
[Sorey wraps an arm around his friend, mindful that they're both wet and miserable. Mikleo might not know that he can get sick if he gets cold.]
Swimming lessons? [He blinks.] Are you sure they won't mind?
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I'm gonna ask him if he'll have time. Bolin's a good guy. If nothing else, I'm sure you'd like him.
[The water seraph looks at his closest friend with a small frown of concern.]
Do you wanna try to finish our patrol or head back? I'll support you either way, but you know we're gonna get attacked without warning.
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[If Mikleo is giving this guy his seal of approval, then Bolin must be pretty amazing. Sorey's already feeling a little better, though his chest still has some water in it; he can feel it when he breathes in and out, like a pressure in the back of his nose that he can't quite swallow. Sorey isn't one to leave a job unfinished, especially when the bandits are so dangerous-- but he can see the lanterns of other boats out here in the distance, other Heroes on their own patrols, and he thinks that maybe it's okay to pass on the torch sometimes.
Besides, they almost died. They don't have Mikleo's power or even Sorey's to protect them. It's time to acknowledge that they can't go about changing the world just because they feel like it. The Shepherd... well, he's not the Shepherd anymore.]
Let's go back. We accomplished what we came to do, and... we're totally soaked. Catching a cold isn't what I'd consider a good human experience.
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The seraph smiles wryly at that.]
I can agree that I'm disinclined to experience how a human body deals with sickness.
[He stands with some effort. Mikleo pulls off his purple garments and stashes them safely in one of the built-in chests. After, he heads over to the controls so that he can take them back.]
You go ahead and rest a bit, Sorey. We'll stop in with a healer to see if there's any water left in your lungs.
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[Nah. Not gonna happen. Not with Mikleo stripping off the gaudy things he's wearing and taking control to get them toward the docks they began at. Sorey sighs and begins the laborious process of yanking off his accessories, too. His limbs still feel heavy. It must be exhaustion.]
I can breathe just fine. I'm sure it'll pass. [He crawls over to the storage and tosses in his extra clothes, not trusting himself to stand just yet. He watches Mikleo in the meantime, who has taken to steering the boat like he's done it all his life.
When did Mikleo's shoulders get so broad and straight? He has to wonder. Maybe they didn't grow at all-- maybe the wait changed him, made him stronger. There's a pang of guilt that Sorey has to push aside. He can't let himself dwell on dark thoughts, even if he's not the Shepherd anymore. It's just not how he is.]
Thank you, [he murmurs, and he's not sure he imagined saying it or actually did.] ... I'm glad you're here.
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[Maybe not now, but he doubts he'll always be perfectly healthy in the future. Sickness will strike him, whether Mikleo wants it or not.
The seraph gives Sorey an unconvinced look before returning his attention to what he's doing. Let's not crash and sink the ship.]
Healer. We don't know what's in the river here.
[Please, Five Lords, don't let Sorey get pneumonia or some other disease because of this.
Mikleo misses the look he's being given entirely. He hears his friend murmur something behind him. It's hard to make out over the sound of the rain, but he thinks he knows what has been said to him. The tension drains from his shoulders and neck as the seraph sighs softly.]
I'm glad you're here, too.
[Maybe it's selfish of him to be glad about that, but he doesn't care. He's missed Sorey, and he's glad that he can have this chance to see and talk to him again.]
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The reaffirmation of Mikleo's relief is nice, even if Sorey couldn't see it written in the slump of his shoulders. Carefully, supporting himself on the railing, he pulls himself to his feet and makes his way to his friend. He's feeling better by the minute, so he can spare the energy to slip an arm around Mikleo's shoulders.]
Hey, Mikleo. Tell me about the friends you've made.
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Well...there's Corrin. I believe he's a noble of some kind. He reminds me a lot of you, and I seem to remind him a bit of someone from his world named Azura. She at least has some similar control of water that I do.
[Let's see...]
Wukong is a talking monkey I met when I first arrived, although...I think I met him earlier to that. My memories are pretty fuzzy on that, though. Lux has an intensity that can rival Alisha's....
[He has to stop there. Thinking of their mutual friend is...painful, to say the least.]
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Someone who reminds you of me? [Haha, that's... well, embarrassing. A little. If he's turning a little scarlet, it's no big deal.] It sounds like you two could be good friends.
[Wait, a talking monkey?]
Oh! I met the monkey guy, too. [He hasn't met Lux, however, and he's about to go on, but he'd be blind not to see the way Mikleo's expression falls.
It's been long enough for Mikleo that all their human friends are gone, and the reminder hurts. Sorey hasn't had to deal with it in quite the same way. It feels like he's just seen them, but... it's sinking in that he'll never get to say a proper goodbye. Rose's last words to him had been full of rage and grief. He'll never get to apologize to her, either.
He leans his head against Mikleo's in a fond manner.]
I know, [comes the quiet admission, just barely audible over the rain.]
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[And cause Mikleo to die from blushing too hard.
Sorey leaning his head against his is a comfort he's missed. Not to mention something he's been in need of since Rose's funeral. The seraph swallows and takes a deep breath, pushing his grief aside. Mikleo isn't going to break down here. It's not the right time for that.]
Sorry.
[His voice is a bit thick, but he clears his throat.]
Anyway, Lux seems to like stories a lot. I told her how we met Lailah and she seems keen to hear more about your story in particular.
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[Mikleo shouldn't have to shove his grief aside. This is something they have in common; this is something they should share. But it's not the best time for it, not when they could still be in danger, so he settles for just being here. They can talk about it later. They have time, now.
He twists his arm upward so he can gently pet Mikleo's wet hair. They're alone right now, so he figures he can get away with it.]
Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean, I don't really like talking about myself... I'm horrible at it.
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The seraph gives him a wryly amused look.]
I suppose I could help with that. Like talking about your fascination with goblin carts and Lailah's curling obsession.
[While it's teasing, he does have a good reason for saying things like that. It's to give a healthy reminder that despite all the fantastical things they do, they're still people with their own flaws and quirks.]
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Don't pretend like you wouldn't love to get your hands on a cart, too.
[He tickles the curve of Mikleo's ear as playful revenge.]
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Don't worry, it's not pretend that I don't want to get my hands on a cart.
[There are more important things in life, Sorey!]
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[He laughs, and it's such a rare sound lately that it actually surprises him. He goes back to running his fingers through Mikleo's hair. It would be so easy to take this a step further, but he also doesn't want to crash the boat.]
Though, uh, we're both technically wet blankets right now.
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I was about to say.
[At least Sorey doesn't push it. He really doesn't want to crash a ship that isn't theirs in the first place.
It's not long before the dock it within sight. Although, it's still hard to see it through the heavy rain. Mikleo has to devote all of his focus and attention on getting them there safely, not to mention following instructions shouted by the dock hands.]
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Or maybe he has. Sorey should ask him sometime.
He's happy to be on the shore, though, even if they're in the middle of freaking nowhere. He coughs and clears his throat.]
Good job, Mikleo. [He raises his arm for a bump.]
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Still, the seraph gives him a small smile as he raises his arm to complete the gesture. Something he hasn't done in almost a century.]
Thanks. Maybe I should consider a change in career to being a captain.
[He's teasing, of course. Exploring ruins is more fun and rewarding. Now, Mikleo gently shoves at Sorey to steer him towards the shore.]
Healer, Sorey.
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I can see it now. [He adopts a dramatic, deeper tone.] Captain Touchy-Feelio, guardian of the six seas! Sworn enemy of pirates, thugs, and tomb robbers everywhere!
[Sorey apparently wants to almost die a second time.]
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You're so lucky I can't summon ice water anymore, Sorey.
[And now Mikleo will drag his friend by the arm to the nearest healer to get his lungs checked out.]
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[Saviors of the world, folks.
Sorey feels awkward as he stands there in the healer's office. He's told to strip off his wet clothes, and he complies, but he keeps his pants on. The healer sits Sorey down and performs what is certainly a lengthy inspection-- checking for injuries, listening to his vitals with all sorts of weird instruments-- though if it's because she is thorough or because Sorey is an attractive, shirtless Hero is up for debate. She offers to see to Mikleo as well, but Sorey is already feeling a bit uncomfortable so he politely but firmly declines.
In the end, he's given a bitter magical potion to drink-- all at once, the healer reminds him-- and sent on his way with a blanket around his shoulders and umbrellas for both himself and Mikleo. He stares at the vial with more than a little trepidation.]
Haven't these people ever heard of gels?
[GODS, HE DOESN'T WANT TO CHUG THIS.]
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[Mikleo waits outside. Even if he's not a fan of how the thoroughly drenched uniform sticks to him, it's worth suffering through it for feeling the rain.
The seraph turns when he hears Sorey stepping out. He's amused at the expression on his friend's face. Not that he can blame him.]
They might not have the ingredients necessary to make the gels we're used to. Just get it over with and I'll take you to a nice restaurant to wash the taste out. After we get into dryer clothes, of course.
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If I die from drinking this, you can have all my stuff.
[That's probably unnecessary. But then he's chugging the potion like a champ. It's awful if his expression is anything to go by, and when he's done, he has to lean against the wall so he doesn't fall over. A minute or so of coughing follows.]
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Guess you get to keep all your stuff.
[He says it airily and with a hint of amusement.]
Think you're up for getting back to the inn for a change of clothes?
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B-believe it or not, I actually feel better. [He rubs at his chest.] If there was any water left, I'm pretty sure I just coughed it all up.
[He's still very wet, and putting those soaked clothes back on was damned unpleasant.] Let's head back to the inn.
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Mm, I'll need to look into this world's potions more. They might not taste nice, but we can't deny how well they work.
[That's for another time, though. Shaking his head, the water seraph walks with Sorey back to the inn.]
I'm gonna hop into the bath, too. I don't feel like walking into the restaurant smelling like the river.