[Good morning, floor four! How are you all feeling? Because there's commotion coming from the depths of room 407 amidst the straining sounds of furniture being jammed against a door.]
I said, no!
[The anger in his tone comes unprovoked, far hotter than deserved for the conversation between two sides of a bedroom door. But said door isn't budging, even without the lock present, Thancred's voice strained. It's cold. It's hard to move. He'd seen enough in the reflection of the window.]
You've working ears, Lynne! Stop being foolish and use your head!
I just...I got worried, alright?! Stop yelling at me like it's my fault you locked yourself in there!
[Lynne delivers a kick to the door, to try to vent her frustration. It didn't really work, because in addition to the frustration she feels towards Thancred being unreasonable, she feels so, so forlorn. She had no idea Thancred could be so rude, and for some reason, it's hitting her hard]
Fine. If you're gonna be like this you're forcing my hand. You'll regret this!
[Rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand, in case any tears had welled in them, she got out of the shared dorm, and goes to look for Urianger.
Lynne is looking pretty interesting today. There are many feathers on her head and hands, bright red and with a nifty pattern that, if you look at it for a while, you'll begin to interpret as faint flames. Still, it's just an optical illusion. When she woke up she didn't feel like admiring it, though, and the confrontation with Thancred worsened her mood.
Urianger will have to deal with this]
...come with me. Please, you have to. Thancred is being difficult today. Don't make me have to deal with this alone.
[Urianger's also having a rough go of it this morning, having awoken to the horrific searing pain of a large pair of wings emerging from his back. He's still writhing in equal parts pain and panic over what's happening to him when he hears a knock at the door. He almost dares not to answer, given his current state, but that knock sounds just as panicked. He needs to get up.
Every movement of his tender new appendages makes him wince as he staggers out of his room and to the door, only to find Lynne there, looking equally as avian.]
Lynne--? [Oh, gods. It's actually spreading, isn't it? Then that means... No, he can't get lost in his thoughts. Something's wrong with Thancred.] O-Of course, by thy leave. And...pray, I beg thee forgive mine indecency.
[He doesn't have a proper shirt to fit these wings right now, so his current one bares his midriff. In addition to the tawny-colored wings, his eyelashes have grown considerably, with gorgeous markings adorning his lower lids.
As the two rush back to Lynne and Thancred's dorm, Urianger knocks on his friend's door, trying the handle to no avail.]
Just listen, please! You're not the only one, we're all like this. Nobody will look at you twice, just come out!
[Poor Lynne, completely unaware of the context of what's going on. To Urianger:]
He's been like this for a while. I think he's alright, but he can't stay barricaded in there all day. Perhaps the last few days weighted on him more than I thought at first...
[Thancred can be temperamental at times, but Urianger can tell right away that this is a little much. There's locking oneself up and being firm about not wanting to expose everyone to what's going on, and then there's being nasty about it.
Urianger's mind is going a malm a minute, and that's in addition to trying to contend with the pain. He leans against the door to gather himself, apologetically glancing down at Lynne.]
Thou hast my sincerest apologies, Lynne. I imagine this must be exceptionally confusing, to say nothing of what thou art experiencing thyself. Thou hast my promise that I shall explain Thancred's concern to thee once we have extricated him from his room.
[He then turns his attention back to Thancred.]
Lynne speaketh the truth, Thancred. If this is indeed corruption, it hath spread to us all. [Firmly:] Pray cease thy tantrums, for they serve thee naught.
[There's a frustrated bang and jostle against the door, as though someone has shoved part of the makeshift barricade in frustration. But there's no verbal response for a long, long moment. Just the sound of pacing across a small amount of floor space.
...
A beat, another, and the jostling returns, though it's away from the door, rather than against it. The bed, more than likely, being pushed back and away, followed by the desk. Just enough to let the door click, to pull open inward just enough.
Just enough for a look at the darkening sclera and brightening irises taking over Thancred's normal eyes, the paling of skin in creamy ashen patches down his neck and what can be seen of his wrists and fingers. Nails growing dark, motions stiff, with something unseen swiping back and forth behind him in agitated rhythm.
A fierce glance to Lynne, first, then to Urianger. The surprise is there, but muted.]
...You're certain it's everyone? [Tense. It's a fight to restrain the frustration, a sickening feeling over him when he does so. Why?]
Anyway! If you ignore the everything about the changes, it's a perfectly normal night, if not a little on the cold side. The middle of the night, in fact, or perhaps even later.
Not much commotion. Simply peace and quiet, for the briefest of times, to drown out the wind and the biting chill under a blanket of
[Slowly, the door to Lynne's door opens. She steps out like she's concerned about waking anyone up. She's in a pijama she got from the clothing store, and her hair is down. She still has that vibe those who just woke up have, but something in her eyes is tired.
She had gotten to the common area when she sees Urianger]
Oh, right...
[She had intended to just relax a little on the couch, stare at the ceiling for a while in a place away from where she just had a bad dream, but...yeah, no, Urianger is over there. No matter if he's asleep or not, she can't go sitting on the couch.
Because really, right now, she feels ridiculous and she'll feel even more ridiculous if she's caught awake as if she's a kid who is going to wake up her parents in the middle of the night to be all 'mom i fhrew up'. Like hell she'll let this happen, she's 21 years old, for god's sake! Better return to her room and deal with this foreboding dream she had.
Perhaps it's because of how peaceful and quiet it is that her steps, even though she tries to be quiet, could be perceived as loud -- loud enough for others awake at this time of the night to notice someone is up and restless]
[Lynne might not have intended to wake Urianger, but he stirs from under his bundle of covers on the couch as soon as she tries to creep back to her room.
Rolling over to face the rest of the common area, he looks for the source of the sound. It's still too dark to see Lynne lurking.]
[From behind closed doors of the other bedroom, someone else snaps awake. Suddenly, sharply, a cold sweat down his back. A vocalization catches in his throat in nothing but a choke, leaving him shaking and panting for breath and staring at a dark, dark ceiling. Dark. Cold. Empty. Starless.
Starless.
...
Though it is dark, though, it is not quiet. And even though Thancred does his best to keep his breathing controlled, he can hear Urianger's voice echo past the door.
The sound of his weight creaking up can be heard, voice muffled.]
[Now she's going to have to explain herself, if only to not raise any alarms. She'll try to brush this off]
No, nothing is happening! I was just trying to get some fresh air, okay? Typical things after a bad dream! So can we all just go to sleep again and pretend this never happened?
[That Lynne had a bad dream most likely isn't going to mean anything to Urianger, but to Thancred in his room...perhaps he'll catch onto that something's up with him and Lynne]
[Weight leaves the mattress, and the shuffle of feet across the floor, stumbling and quick, thuds out as the door latch clicks and opens. It's still fucking dark but--]
Lynne. L-Lynne, wait a moment. [He sounds exhausted and... shaken? It's hard to place. It's a breathlessness that feels unusual for Thancred's normal composure.] Was it what you'd read before? Earlier today?
[A beat, but while she's answering, he's fumbling for the light switch of his bedroom, flicking it on and keeping the door ajar as to not blind all of them.]
Urianger, I pray you do not withdraw your request. I... I believe a moment is needed, please.
[It's not hard to catch when the door locks for the third night in a row. Because Thancred can be heard cursing as he unsteadily kneels next to the door to check the lock.]
...Seven hells, of course we've a pattern of it now--
((Free for all this time rather than round robin due to urianger's state....... have fun.))
[And Lynne wants to be barricaded in at some point during this curfew, so that's fun. :')
Still, his eyes soften at the sight of Urianger pushing himself up, bandaged as he is. With a sigh, Thancred quickly abandons the lock, slipping back over to the bedroom doorway.]
We'll handle what is needed. Don't disturb your wounds for our sake.
Sleep will not take long to claim us, if memory serves. A bell, maybe less...
...
[His posture tightens with a firm exhale, a fist to the doorframe, a brief close of his eyes. A passing of brutal pain, as they'd been for nearly two days now. But it's become an exhausting sort of ritual now. To bear it, to breathe, to keep pressing on.
It never leaves his eyes, though, when the pain settles to join the rest. And now is no exception, even though he does his best to straighten up in an exhausted saunter to the bed.]
I've no intention of leaving you, either. All else will be fine.
Ah. Thou art correct. Mine apologies, my sense of time hath become somewhat skewed…
[Urianger’s been doing so much sleeping, he didn’t realize how late it’s become.
He watches Thancred go through a flare of pain and frowns, holding out a hand as the other man approaches…only to remember, painfully so, that reaching out to him would only add to the pain.]
…Thou art torturing thyself. Is that so?
[He disappeared not long after he received the letter, and he’s been taking a lot of painkillers for his wounds besides. The pain of withholding secrets hasn’t hit him quite as hard yet. But he didn’t realize how hard it’s been hitting Thancred until now.]
Understandable, from how long you've been at rest. Anyone would struggle.
[His eyes trace the extended hand with the briefest attempt at a smile. It's appreciated, even if Thancred's own hand only extends to the edge of the bed as he drags the desk chair so he can sit. Close, but not touching. Good enough, but not enough.
Something dulls in him at the directness of the question, though.]
A rather brutal way to put it.
[He could answer all sorts of ways. Quips and backhands and workarounds to insist he was fine. But Urianger was good at seeing straight through that, even if Thancred wouldn't acknowledge it.
So his fingers trace the blankets, something cold in his next statement.]
I've no intention to give this place any more of what it wants. I'll tolerate the discomfort.
[...Yeah, figures these conversations would start to happen. But Y'shtola has spoiled her own surprise, so Thancred doesn't mind filling the basic gaps.]
A colleague and close friend. She works for the same order that we both do.
[He shakes his head, arms crossing tight in front of him.]
She struck me as familiar, but she did not lift her mask, while I did not push her on her identity. This place has enough tricks, and I have known her long enough to trust she would find her time.
She only revealed herself to me a fortnight past, two days before the rest knew. I cannot speak for Urianger.
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heartofcorundum) wrote2025-11-10 02:36 pm
WEEK ONE - MONDAY
I said, no!
[The anger in his tone comes unprovoked, far hotter than deserved for the conversation between two sides of a bedroom door. But said door isn't budging, even without the lock present, Thancred's voice strained. It's cold. It's hard to move. He'd seen enough in the reflection of the window.]
You've working ears, Lynne! Stop being foolish and use your head!
I told you to go! So go! Now!
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[Lynne delivers a kick to the door, to try to vent her frustration. It didn't really work, because in addition to the frustration she feels towards Thancred being unreasonable, she feels so, so forlorn. She had no idea Thancred could be so rude, and for some reason, it's hitting her hard]
Fine. If you're gonna be like this you're forcing my hand. You'll regret this!
[Rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand, in case any tears had welled in them, she got out of the shared dorm, and goes to look for Urianger.
Lynne is looking pretty interesting today. There are many feathers on her head and hands, bright red and with a nifty pattern that, if you look at it for a while, you'll begin to interpret as faint flames. Still, it's just an optical illusion. When she woke up she didn't feel like admiring it, though, and the confrontation with Thancred worsened her mood.
Urianger will have to deal with this]
...come with me. Please, you have to. Thancred is being difficult today. Don't make me have to deal with this alone.
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Every movement of his tender new appendages makes him wince as he staggers out of his room and to the door, only to find Lynne there, looking equally as avian.]
Lynne--? [Oh, gods. It's actually spreading, isn't it? Then that means... No, he can't get lost in his thoughts. Something's wrong with Thancred.] O-Of course, by thy leave. And...pray, I beg thee forgive mine indecency.
[He doesn't have a proper shirt to fit these wings right now, so his current one bares his midriff. In addition to the tawny-colored wings, his eyelashes have grown considerably, with gorgeous markings adorning his lower lids.
As the two rush back to Lynne and Thancred's dorm, Urianger knocks on his friend's door, trying the handle to no avail.]
Thancred? 'Tis Urianger.
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There's an exhale from the other side.]
Of all the-- [girl WHEN HE FINDS YOU...] If Lynne is with you, she should know very well my answer has not changed in a matter of minutes.
[There's an edge to his temper that isn't normal.]
Urianger, I need not explain corruption to you. Do not open that door.
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[Poor Lynne, completely unaware of the context of what's going on. To Urianger:]
He's been like this for a while. I think he's alright, but he can't stay barricaded in there all day. Perhaps the last few days weighted on him more than I thought at first...
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Urianger's mind is going a malm a minute, and that's in addition to trying to contend with the pain. He leans against the door to gather himself, apologetically glancing down at Lynne.]
Thou hast my sincerest apologies, Lynne. I imagine this must be exceptionally confusing, to say nothing of what thou art experiencing thyself. Thou hast my promise that I shall explain Thancred's concern to thee once we have extricated him from his room.
[He then turns his attention back to Thancred.]
Lynne speaketh the truth, Thancred. If this is indeed corruption, it hath spread to us all. [Firmly:] Pray cease thy tantrums, for they serve thee naught.
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...
A beat, another, and the jostling returns, though it's away from the door, rather than against it. The bed, more than likely, being pushed back and away, followed by the desk. Just enough to let the door click, to pull open inward just enough.
Just enough for a look at the darkening sclera and brightening irises taking over Thancred's normal eyes, the paling of skin in creamy ashen patches down his neck and what can be seen of his wrists and fingers. Nails growing dark, motions stiff, with something unseen swiping back and forth behind him in agitated rhythm.
A fierce glance to Lynne, first, then to Urianger. The surprise is there, but muted.]
...You're certain it's everyone? [Tense. It's a fight to restrain the frustration, a sickening feeling over him when he does so. Why?]
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WEEK TWO - MONDAY > TUESDAY
but captain it's only monday!!!!Anyway! If you ignore the everything about the changes, it's a perfectly normal night, if not a little on the cold side. The middle of the night, in fact, or perhaps even later.
Not much commotion. Simply peace and quiet, for the briefest of times, to drown out the wind and the biting chill under a blanket of
s l e e p]
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She had gotten to the common area when she sees Urianger]
Oh, right...
[She had intended to just relax a little on the couch, stare at the ceiling for a while in a place away from where she just had a bad dream, but...yeah, no, Urianger is over there. No matter if he's asleep or not, she can't go sitting on the couch.
Because really, right now, she feels ridiculous and she'll feel even more ridiculous if she's caught awake as if she's a kid who is going to wake up her parents in the middle of the night to be all 'mom i fhrew up'. Like hell she'll let this happen, she's 21 years old, for god's sake! Better return to her room and deal with this foreboding dream she had.
Perhaps it's because of how peaceful and quiet it is that her steps, even though she tries to be quiet, could be perceived as loud -- loud enough for others awake at this time of the night to notice someone is up and restless]
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Rolling over to face the rest of the common area, he looks for the source of the sound. It's still too dark to see Lynne lurking.]
Is someone there?
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Starless.
...
Though it is dark, though, it is not quiet. And even though Thancred does his best to keep his breathing controlled, he can hear Urianger's voice echo past the door.
The sound of his weight creaking up can be heard, voice muffled.]
Did something happen out there?
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Why did you have to be light sleepers...?
[Now she's going to have to explain herself, if only to not raise any alarms. She'll try to brush this off]
No, nothing is happening! I was just trying to get some fresh air, okay? Typical things after a bad dream! So can we all just go to sleep again and pretend this never happened?
[That Lynne had a bad dream most likely isn't going to mean anything to Urianger, but to Thancred in his room...perhaps he'll catch onto that something's up with him and Lynne]
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He settles into a concerned frown in the dark.]
I am sorry to hear that, Lynne. I am well to leave this alone, but I would also offer my company, shouldst thou believe talking about it would help.
[He doesn't find anything to be embarrassed about over a bad dream.]
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Lynne. L-Lynne, wait a moment. [He sounds exhausted and... shaken? It's hard to place. It's a breathlessness that feels unusual for Thancred's normal composure.] Was it what you'd read before? Earlier today?
[A beat, but while she's answering, he's fumbling for the light switch of his bedroom, flicking it on and keeping the door ajar as to not blind all of them.]
Urianger, I pray you do not withdraw your request. I... I believe a moment is needed, please.
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WEEK TWO - CURFEW (THURSDAY, ROOM 407)
...Seven hells, of course we've a pattern of it now--
((Free for all this time rather than round robin due to urianger's state....... have fun.))
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He's in the middle of dozing back off when he hears Thancred swearing out in the common area. Cautiously, he pushes himself into a sitting position.]
Is aught well...?
[Well, he won't be going anywhere no matter what, so come hang with him 'til we pass out.]
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[And Lynne wants to be barricaded in at some point during this curfew, so that's fun. :')
Still, his eyes soften at the sight of Urianger pushing himself up, bandaged as he is. With a sigh, Thancred quickly abandons the lock, slipping back over to the bedroom doorway.]
We'll handle what is needed. Don't disturb your wounds for our sake.
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Anyway he sighs and slowly lowers himself back against the pillow, putting an arm over his face.]
Of course it is… I pray we’ve enough supplies for the night.
[At least they’ve eaten already.]
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...
[His posture tightens with a firm exhale, a fist to the doorframe, a brief close of his eyes. A passing of brutal pain, as they'd been for nearly two days now. But it's become an exhausting sort of ritual now. To bear it, to breathe, to keep pressing on.
It never leaves his eyes, though, when the pain settles to join the rest. And now is no exception, even though he does his best to straighten up in an exhausted saunter to the bed.]
I've no intention of leaving you, either. All else will be fine.
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[Urianger’s been doing so much sleeping, he didn’t realize how late it’s become.
He watches Thancred go through a flare of pain and frowns, holding out a hand as the other man approaches…only to remember, painfully so, that reaching out to him would only add to the pain.]
…Thou art torturing thyself. Is that so?
[He disappeared not long after he received the letter, and he’s been taking a lot of painkillers for his wounds besides. The pain of withholding secrets hasn’t hit him quite as hard yet. But he didn’t realize how hard it’s been hitting Thancred until now.]
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[His eyes trace the extended hand with the briefest attempt at a smile. It's appreciated, even if Thancred's own hand only extends to the edge of the bed as he drags the desk chair so he can sit. Close, but not touching. Good enough, but not enough.
Something dulls in him at the directness of the question, though.]
A rather brutal way to put it.
[He could answer all sorts of ways. Quips and backhands and workarounds to insist he was fine. But Urianger was good at seeing straight through that, even if Thancred wouldn't acknowledge it.
So his fingers trace the blankets, something cold in his next statement.]
I've no intention to give this place any more of what it wants. I'll tolerate the discomfort.
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Hey, wait, I should have asked this before getting in here...
[There's something Lynne noticed and wanted to talk about, and listening to them talk has reminded her of this:]
How do you know Y'shtola?
[She probably has gathered enough information here and there to know she's more familiar with Urianger and Thancred than expected, so she wonders!]
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A colleague and close friend. She works for the same order that we both do.
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Did she reveal to you two who she was, back when those puppets first appeared?
[A close friend can't keep their identity a secret for long, she's sure!]
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She struck me as familiar, but she did not lift her mask, while I did not push her on her identity. This place has enough tricks, and I have known her long enough to trust she would find her time.
She only revealed herself to me a fortnight past, two days before the rest knew. I cannot speak for Urianger.