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+--- Thread: Lost Creek Hollow venustas (/showthread.php?tid=42257)
venustas - Germanicus - June 28, 2020
the sky had turned to the color of rich butter when germanicus, quitting his duties for the evening, came upon a green place which flowed with clear water, inhabited by trees that seemed to bear the sky as if they were the shoulders of the one called atlas.
the guard drifted near and into the inviting, graceful shade of the verdant place. down from whitebark, he had passed the borders of a pack he did not know, but suspected was one of artyom's allies. another who guarded a circle of ancient stones. pagans, he decided, with a snort; but they were all heathens.
even snowdriven young @Ico. here germanicus crooned a low note, meant to pitch toward the curvature of ursus and, by the will of the gods, to the ear he wished to bend.
the guard drifted near and into the inviting, graceful shade of the verdant place. down from whitebark, he had passed the borders of a pack he did not know, but suspected was one of artyom's allies. another who guarded a circle of ancient stones. pagans, he decided, with a snort; but they were all heathens.
even snowdriven young @Ico. here germanicus crooned a low note, meant to pitch toward the curvature of ursus and, by the will of the gods, to the ear he wished to bend.
RE: venustas - Ico - July 04, 2020
Ico had spent these past weeks musing woefully over the warnings of Merrick, dwelling on the disturbed leader's prediction that someone was coming to punish Merrick for his misdeeds, and that it might be down to little Ico to sweep Astara and the Bearberries out of harm's way. The young storyteller had picked over every aspect of this, again and again. Who was coming? And why exactly? How could he ever hope to influence Astara, perhaps the fiercest warrior he'd ever met, and where would they even go? But most of all — when? The sun would set only to rise once again, and nobody had come to obliterate Merrick; making it even more likely that they might come the following night.
Restless despite a lack of sleep, Ico crossed the Valley borders that afternoon in search of distraction more than anything else. By the evening, he'd finally managed to track, hunt and devour a small rabbit — which marked a noted improvement in his hunting skills of late. He was just thinking of the man who'd inspired in him this improvement, when he stood bolt upright — a deep howl rend the yellowing sky, and Ico knew at once that it was him. Germanicus. Pulse beating an almost aggressive cadence against his slender neck, Ico set a smooth pace in the direction of the howl, and then there he was, it was him, tall and statueque against a backdrop of dark cedars.
It's you...
RE: venustas - Germanicus - July 05, 2020
for a long moment, germanicus considered a smart about-face that would return him to whitebark and his duties therein. enough work to be done inside the stream's boundaries, far from the odd bear-pack and the lily that called —
too late, too late; ico appeared, a pearl that glowed despite the shade in the green weald. germanicus blinked, lifted his chin, approached in the controlled way that had become second nature these past years.
greyscale ears twitched. the guard took in the vision of ico, standing robed in the waning light. this time when the smile came, it lingered, softening the impassive, shrewd nature of the eagle's features. "i have no reason to be here, save that i wished to see you again."
the words felt thick and heavy to be spoken. germanicus refused to falter, however, even as they hung between he and ico.
too late, too late; ico appeared, a pearl that glowed despite the shade in the green weald. germanicus blinked, lifted his chin, approached in the controlled way that had become second nature these past years.
greyscale ears twitched. the guard took in the vision of ico, standing robed in the waning light. this time when the smile came, it lingered, softening the impassive, shrewd nature of the eagle's features. "i have no reason to be here, save that i wished to see you again."
the words felt thick and heavy to be spoken. germanicus refused to falter, however, even as they hung between he and ico.
RE: venustas - Ico - July 09, 2020
There was something wildly refreshing about his thoughts of Germanicus, and all the more so now that they were unexpectedly reunited. The man's gently commanding, lucid presence was like a shelter in a snowstorm, a pool in a wasteland, a cool breeze in Summer. Ico smiled when he spoke, and shyly let his gaze linger, and staunchly resisted the temptation go forth and kiss his silver cheek.
Germanicus, I've been... catching rabbits. I even caught one just this afternoon, he announced rather suddenly for such a timid lad, gesturing briefly back over his shoulder at the woodlands where he'd made his hunt.
I've been following your advice, finding and keeping the shadows.
RE: venustas - Germanicus - July 12, 2020
"you will be a fine hunter, to learn so quickly." abandoning formal methods of pursuit was to accept one's weaknesses. a commendable trait in anyone. a sharpening of the aura that had continued to call germanicus. the soldier admired the lean lines of the other, but only for a split moment.
"i hope the last days have found you well," came his muted comment; he began to pace across the greensward, enjoying for a moment the pale dapple of light shading down in broken bars. was there any conversation to be had with ico, germanicus wished it, though in this moment he found himself hushed and awaiting the boy's soft tones.
"i hope the last days have found you well," came his muted comment; he began to pace across the greensward, enjoying for a moment the pale dapple of light shading down in broken bars. was there any conversation to be had with ico, germanicus wished it, though in this moment he found himself hushed and awaiting the boy's soft tones.
RE: venustas - Ico - July 16, 2020
Ico felt warmed by the hunter's praise, but managed to internally talk it down anyway — the boy had been trying to hunt since childhood, and had only now made strides. He could hardly call that quick. But if Germanicus said so, there must have been some truth to it. Ico had never met anyone so crystalline in their honesty.
Quite - quite well, thank you, Ico responded softly, sitting down neatly while the larger male paced. His ivory ears flattened slightly, and there was evident hesitation in his tone.
Though things are a little... tumultuous at Ursus, as usual. There is much I don't understand.
RE: venustas - Germanicus - July 18, 2020
"tumultuous?" germanicus asked lowly, rustgrey ears slowly swiveling forward. ico settled himself into a poured column of cream, and the soldier took a seat before him, some handful of coins away. close enough to see the light of consternation baying silently across ico's face.
"i learned not to question my leaders," the soldier stated after a breath, the hushflower yellow of his eyes holding the boy's limpid gaze. "but i was a soldier. we take orders. we do not give them." ico was none such, germanicus knew. he lent himself to listen all the same, wondering if he might help the vestal make sense of this situation even though he knew only one way.
"i learned not to question my leaders," the soldier stated after a breath, the hushflower yellow of his eyes holding the boy's limpid gaze. "but i was a soldier. we take orders. we do not give them." ico was none such, germanicus knew. he lent himself to listen all the same, wondering if he might help the vestal make sense of this situation even though he knew only one way.
RE: venustas - Ico - July 18, 2020
Tumultuous, yes, very much so... but Ico did not know how to explain this without launching into a full-blown anecdote.
He looked up at Germanicus as the pacing man fell still and sat beside him. He was so tall... and strong, too, the swiftly-passing clouds casting shadow and light over his muscle-bound form. Ico could not help but admire him, a warmth growing in his chest, reminiscent of the first time he'd set eyes on the graceful hunter — but he swallowed the feeling, inappropriate as it was to the subject at hand.
So he opted to look ahead instead, gazing at a patch of wildflowers while not truly seeing them.
I've only ever obeyed, too, he replied quietly, but he had no reason for it, unlike Germanicus. Ico was no soldier.
Nor have I ever questioned a leader... outloud, Ico revealed. He chanced another glance up at his companion.
Have you ever disparaged an order in your head, even as you carry it out?
RE: venustas - Germanicus - July 18, 2020
a dangerous question. to admit to it was to betray the edict that had always been his to carry. to deny would be to quell the trust beginning to flower here. for a long moment germanicus too was silent, pondering the same splash of blossoms that sprouted from deep green.
"i suppose there have been things that seemed unethical," the eaglebound murmured after a beat. "but to speak aloud was to be untrustworthy to others in the legion." you protected one another through obedience, for only with a united front could enemies be conquered.
had not his own father given the order for —
"were you given such an order, ico?" germanicus murmured softly, eyes now resting upon the pale, haunted snow-plains of ico's face.
"i suppose there have been things that seemed unethical," the eaglebound murmured after a beat. "but to speak aloud was to be untrustworthy to others in the legion." you protected one another through obedience, for only with a united front could enemies be conquered.
had not his own father given the order for —
"were you given such an order, ico?" germanicus murmured softly, eyes now resting upon the pale, haunted snow-plains of ico's face.
RE: venustas - Ico - July 24, 2020
Almost as soon as he'd said it, Ico realised his question may have been a prying one. For he had learned about Germanicus's former life as a soldier, and the unquestioning loyalty instilled in them from childhood. Even now it was evidently no easy thing to admit to doubting one's commanders. But he wanted his tall crush to know that it was safe to admit these sorts of things to Ico... he wanted Germanicus to trust him.
And, in turn, he felt he trusted Germanicus enough to share his own concerns.
Yes, he admitted. The boy glanced down at his paws, feeling anxious as he began to explain what was weighing so heavily on his mind.
A few weeks back, Merrick came to me in a depleted state, ragged and weary. He... he said some strange things.
RE: venustas - Germanicus - July 28, 2020
germancius was not surprised to hear that it was in ico this merrick placed trust. already he found the boy easy to speak, slow to kindle; those were qualities befitting any sort of worthwhile counsellor. but the alabaster seraph was wearied by this, troubled.
not enjoying the sight of his chosen companion so despondent, germanicus moved himself closer. it was a pointed gesture; he hid no part of it, only looked upon ico with a steadying gaze. some part of him did not wish to ask after what had been said, yet curiosity prevailed. but germanicus was nothing if not oathbound. it was not his affair. and yet, "do you feel that you helped him?"
not enjoying the sight of his chosen companion so despondent, germanicus moved himself closer. it was a pointed gesture; he hid no part of it, only looked upon ico with a steadying gaze. some part of him did not wish to ask after what had been said, yet curiosity prevailed. but germanicus was nothing if not oathbound. it was not his affair. and yet, "do you feel that you helped him?"
RE: venustas - Ico - July 30, 2020
As Germanicus made a graceful movement to sit closer, Ico looked at him, slightly shy, but somehow less intimidated than he'd been previously by the commander's height and strength. There was something comfortable about this companionship; the warrior and the chronicler, the dark and the light, the lucid and the lost.
He felt as if he'd caught some of Germanicus's clarity, for Ico managed to reply with simplicity... at least initially.
No. Well, maybe for a moment, he added vaguely.
For I know he appreciated my listening to him, and my albeit meager attempts at support... but I truly think he's beyond help, he finished quietly.
But I can't up and leave, Ico continued, answering a question that had been weighing on his mind for some time.
Partly because — well, it-it was difficult enough to find a home to begin with. But also because... I don't quite understand it, but Merrick insisted that retribution would some day come for his blood, and I must endeavor to save his young family from the same fate.
RE: venustas - Germanicus - August 02, 2020
beyond help. it was a sentiment germancius had felt before, and it was not one he was eager to experience again. "nursemaid to his children," he hummed aloud. "if he must pay a price, then that will be exacted from them as well." he understood the role ico had been given; it was the duty of a loyal soul to protect the heirs of their lord.
but the slender boy remained troubled. germanicus wondered if the pressure of it had not served to drive ico away. how could he pledge himself to such a cause if it was not truly believed. "that would endanger you," the soldier pointed out, slowly, the gentle gold of his gaze settling easily upon the angelic presence. surely ico knew this; germanicus only meant to strengthen the implication.
but the slender boy remained troubled. germanicus wondered if the pressure of it had not served to drive ico away. how could he pledge himself to such a cause if it was not truly believed. "that would endanger you," the soldier pointed out, slowly, the gentle gold of his gaze settling easily upon the angelic presence. surely ico knew this; germanicus only meant to strengthen the implication.
RE: venustas - Ico - August 02, 2020
Nursemaid I'd be happy with, Ico replied, shaking his head slightly. For no, that wasn't it. Merrick hadn't asked him to babysit the children. The boy would've loved that, but Astara was extremely protective of them, and, besides, they had a whole loyal pack at their beck and call.
I don't even mind being endangered.For he knew (some of) the risks of joining Ursus to begin with.
It's just... it doesn't make any sense. He said to lead his mate and puppies to safety when retribution comes calling, but I have no way of doing that. His mate has no reason to trust me, the children don't even know me; and I couldn't carry one squirming pup, let alone two. He must know what he's asked of me is practically impossible... but my promise chains me to Ursus, and he knows that. I think that's why he asked it of me.
Ico sighed, and shook his head again.
I don't understand him at all. There's very little I understand about Ursus. I think I'm just... slow.
RE: venustas - Germanicus - August 02, 2020
for a small time germanicus sat in contemplation of what ico had revealed. nursemaid at the end. a rescuer for the young ones when their father was put to the edge of the sword for his sins.
but the vestal spoke of misunderstanding, of some veil in this merrick he had not pierced. a wife. a pair of cubs. ico to protect them when blood was demanded as repayment.
a flick of his ear. "i mind that you are endangered." there was much to unsnarl, more to comprehend, these offenses to which, perhaps, ico had been observer if not party. yet they mattered little in this moment.
germanicus breathed, and the bouquet laced through the bridal-robes worn by ico eased, for the first time, the webbing of cracks that had splintered the edge of his heart long ago.
but the vestal spoke of misunderstanding, of some veil in this merrick he had not pierced. a wife. a pair of cubs. ico to protect them when blood was demanded as repayment.
a flick of his ear. "i mind that you are endangered." there was much to unsnarl, more to comprehend, these offenses to which, perhaps, ico had been observer if not party. yet they mattered little in this moment.
germanicus breathed, and the bouquet laced through the bridal-robes worn by ico eased, for the first time, the webbing of cracks that had splintered the edge of his heart long ago.
RE: venustas - Ico - August 07, 2020
Ico felt slightly abashed at his own openness, for it was rare that he should speak about himself. Certainly he could be a talker when it came to weaving fantastical fables and intricate histories, but he couldn't remember the last time he'd spoken so in-depth about his own feelings... if ever.
And speaking of feelings, his heart buzzed with something warm as he looked up at Germanicus.
Thank you, the boy replied softly.
I think it's quite possible you're the only one that minds.This was said with a vague sort of insight, rather than self-pity. For Ico had known all his life that he was less than good value.
The warmth grew, and he felt timid, scrambling to figure out what to say next.
So how... how have you been, of late?
RE: venustas - Germanicus - August 08, 2020
"that is the loss of those who do not see you, ico," germanicus reminded the vestal with a flick of his red-tinged ears, but was content to press on, as he did not wish to linger on a subject that gave the boy discomfort.
"whitebark is peaceful. it almost bores me, at times," the soldier admitted, "but that is my own failing. i do not want war. i am content to be a guardian. and yet i am overly prepared for chaos. it is what i know." many words; the centurion was silent now, thoughtful.
"whitebark is peaceful. it almost bores me, at times," the soldier admitted, "but that is my own failing. i do not want war. i am content to be a guardian. and yet i am overly prepared for chaos. it is what i know." many words; the centurion was silent now, thoughtful.
RE: venustas - Ico - August 14, 2020
Ico would later wonder if the compliment fizzled with such fervor in his chest because it was such a rare thing, or because it was coming from Germanicus. He knew by now that the latter reason was a considerable one. But in order to accept the compliment, he had to rationalise it beyond the emotional, and settled on the fact that yes, it was a loss when people couldn't see others for who they were. Germanicus was right, and Ico smiled up at him.
Oh what I'd give for a boring life, he chuckled. Truthfully, all he meant by that was the antithesis of terrifying. There was some middle ground, and it seemed both Germanicus and Ico would be best suited to that, but were currently confined and committed to what lay on separate ends of that particular scale.
I don't think it's a failing at all. And when chaos comes, as it is sure to do, Whitebark will be profoundly grateful for your instincts.Yet it seemed to him that Germanicus did not count gratitude as a primary motivator.
His ear tilted as an idea struck him.
Germanicus, do you know how to... to prevent war?
RE: venustas - Germanicus - August 15, 2020
it was not for glory that germanicus put himself into service, but the truth ashamed him. he knew his bearing, knew his control, knew how he appeared to others. it was not nobility that drove him, but unsurety, uncertain in his own actions until it became a relief to surrender himself in servitude.
ico would surely think less of him to know such. perhaps the young scribe in his pale robes might find germanicus deceptive. less palatable. he did not wish to lose the way that the other looked at him. and so the eaglebound was silent but for a quirk of his lip, until ico spoke again.
"you delay messages. or lie about what the message was," he muttered, nudging at a patch of thick green leaves. "he who controls the face of the army has hold of its outcome."
ico would surely think less of him to know such. perhaps the young scribe in his pale robes might find germanicus deceptive. less palatable. he did not wish to lose the way that the other looked at him. and so the eaglebound was silent but for a quirk of his lip, until ico spoke again.
"you delay messages. or lie about what the message was," he muttered, nudging at a patch of thick green leaves. "he who controls the face of the army has hold of its outcome."
RE: venustas - Ico - August 20, 2020
For once it was Germanicus' vocational experience, rather than his personal wisdom, that had Ico enraptured as he sat still and listened alertly. Messages... so power lay with Messengers. That made sense. A wolf who returned from a neighbour to announce "they wish to take our land!" would incite war, while "they send their friendship and blessings" would strengthen peace.
Between rational packs, anyway. Ico had come to realise that of all the values Ursus held in high esteem, rationality was not one of them.
Perhaps I can find some way to do that for Ursus, he said a little desperately. The guardian's words were sound, but Ico was lost as to how he could practice them in situ. Perhaps he would start by trying to understand the politics between Ursus and the surrounding packs.
You'd be a great pack leader, Germanicus, Ico mused from the heart.
RE: venustas - Germanicus - August 24, 2020
wanna fade here & have an updated one when u are returned? <3
a low chuckle. "i do not think i was meant for leading, ico." his father. his brothers, servanus especially. those were the men meant for leadership. men who did not worry over the cost of life when they waged their wars and expanded the borders of the kingdom. he had never been destined for such.
"i belong at the side of a leader, to be his guard." perhaps his counsel, though germanicus had never been called upon in such a way. realizing in that moment he also had never been so laid bare, he turned the quiet jonquil gaze upon the pleasant features of the vestal. "for now, remain close to your leader. you may be no soldier, but your words might turn an ear." soft breath. "i should escort you back."
"i belong at the side of a leader, to be his guard." perhaps his counsel, though germanicus had never been called upon in such a way. realizing in that moment he also had never been so laid bare, he turned the quiet jonquil gaze upon the pleasant features of the vestal. "for now, remain close to your leader. you may be no soldier, but your words might turn an ear." soft breath. "i should escort you back."
RE: venustas - Ico - September 07, 2020
I'm just catching up after my vacation, I'll get back to you soon. <3333 Thank you for the thread!
Although Ico felt strongly that Germanicus would be a marvelous leader, he could also see lucidly why the man himself was doubtful. To guard and guide better suited his character, and such things were in opposition to the types of leader Ico knew. That was another thing... the boy had yet to meet a perfect leader. Perhaps that was why he let himself glide into imagination when meeting someone like Germanicus.
With notes of their initial adventure together, Ico nodded and the warrior moved to escort him homewards.
"Home"... it was a word whose once-sweet feelings were beginning to settle sourly in his gut. A word Ico was beginning to associate less and less with a sense of place.