Archer of Black (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
antaressnipe) wrote2020-10-20 04:37 pm
antaressnipe) wrote2020-10-20 04:37 pm
Entry tags:
[It is a little ironic that even blind, Chiron's concerns do not ease as the week progresses. At first he'd thought it a blessing -- to be blinded means he will be less effective in battle, less likely to fly off the handle and succumb to his more centaur nature.
The others will be safe from him, as has always been his goal.
But no, he'd been foolish, he realizes. Even when he'd appeared in the Realm, the majority of his fellow Realm Dwellers had reacted with kindness and intrigue instead of fear. And it had been... nice, he will admit, to not be looked upon as some senseless monster even if it's in his blood. To have others believe he is as great of a teacher as was recorded in myth.
... Yes. It had been nice. But no longer. He's losing too many memories to keep track of anymore. And all centaurs came from the same source; sooner or later, they will turn back to their base natures.
Which is why when he can no longer ignore just how many people are quick to offer him help, Chiron smiles, declines their goodwill, and then midway through the week slips away unnoticed.
The plan is a simple one: wait out the rest of his time in the ruins until his sight returns, and with it hopefully a more certain likelihood that he will not harm anyone. He's explored the area already, after all, as much as his meager senses of touch and sound will allow. There are no animals here that can threaten him.
-- Well. In small numbers. A group of them is a slightly different matter, and when he hears the telltale growls of predators ready to defend their territory, the centaur doesn't hesitate.
Bow already drawn, slowly climbing to his legs, and waiting for the animals to make the first move.
It's been a very bad week so far, so he's sorry, but he will be killing something tonight.]
The others will be safe from him, as has always been his goal.
But no, he'd been foolish, he realizes. Even when he'd appeared in the Realm, the majority of his fellow Realm Dwellers had reacted with kindness and intrigue instead of fear. And it had been... nice, he will admit, to not be looked upon as some senseless monster even if it's in his blood. To have others believe he is as great of a teacher as was recorded in myth.
... Yes. It had been nice. But no longer. He's losing too many memories to keep track of anymore. And all centaurs came from the same source; sooner or later, they will turn back to their base natures.
Which is why when he can no longer ignore just how many people are quick to offer him help, Chiron smiles, declines their goodwill, and then midway through the week slips away unnoticed.
The plan is a simple one: wait out the rest of his time in the ruins until his sight returns, and with it hopefully a more certain likelihood that he will not harm anyone. He's explored the area already, after all, as much as his meager senses of touch and sound will allow. There are no animals here that can threaten him.
-- Well. In small numbers. A group of them is a slightly different matter, and when he hears the telltale growls of predators ready to defend their territory, the centaur doesn't hesitate.
Bow already drawn, slowly climbing to his legs, and waiting for the animals to make the first move.
It's been a very bad week so far, so he's sorry, but he will be killing something tonight.]
[he refuses to admit that the last time he came through this area he got lost. the ruins are not hard to navigate, he just got distracted talking to alphinaud. and so it makes sense to go with lup who's become something of an adventure buddy. his sword's in his hand almost too-casually and as they walk through he doesn't quite hear the sounds of threats around them.
being slightly deaf can do that to a person.
but he trusts lup to watch their backs as they venture onward toward the ruins.]
There has to be a center to this thing. And maybe in the center there's a treasure. That's all I'm saying.
being slightly deaf can do that to a person.
but he trusts lup to watch their backs as they venture onward toward the ruins.]
There has to be a center to this thing. And maybe in the center there's a treasure. That's all I'm saying.
Edited 2020-10-20 21:17 (UTC)
[ she's got her sword, as well! it's on her belt, though, which is tied around her fabulous mongoose kigurumi that she's wearing because of course she is. ]
I mean, I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm just saying I think I'm going to get as lost as you, bud --
[ she's saying, as they make their way, and then - she hears... growls? she hears a lot of growling, and yelps, and she immediately grabs sora's shirt, stopping them both. ]
Do you hear that?
I mean, I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm just saying I think I'm going to get as lost as you, bud --
[ she's saying, as they make their way, and then - she hears... growls? she hears a lot of growling, and yelps, and she immediately grabs sora's shirt, stopping them both. ]
Do you hear that?
[Well it's alright if they don't hear much at first.
They'll definitely see the fight just a little further up their current path -- or more likely, the sight of a leopard beating a hasty exit, bearing its teeth and snarling the entire time, not paying Sora or Lup any mind as it flees.
And upon further inspection, the two of them will find that the leopard left four of its comrades to take on the centaur alone, who stands neutrally with his hind legs backed against a tree for balance and position.
His bow is drawn, and there's the faint color of blood against his shoulder.]
They'll definitely see the fight just a little further up their current path -- or more likely, the sight of a leopard beating a hasty exit, bearing its teeth and snarling the entire time, not paying Sora or Lup any mind as it flees.
And upon further inspection, the two of them will find that the leopard left four of its comrades to take on the centaur alone, who stands neutrally with his hind legs backed against a tree for balance and position.
His bow is drawn, and there's the faint color of blood against his shoulder.]
[he's about to ask "hear what" when lup grabs his shirt, but he doesn't have to wonder for long. the flash of a large cat passes in front of them and even if it ignores the two of them, sora finds himself unable to look away.]
Sounds like trouble. [which is kind of an understatement, but as his eyes continue to look and follow the path of the leopard, he spots the problem.]
Chiron! [he will never? call chiron archer? jesus, please, call him archer. i hope lup enjoys holding onto a child because he's immediately moving to try and dart ahead toward chiron and this band of wild animals.]
Sounds like trouble. [which is kind of an understatement, but as his eyes continue to look and follow the path of the leopard, he spots the problem.]
Chiron! [he will never? call chiron archer? jesus, please, call him archer. i hope lup enjoys holding onto a child because he's immediately moving to try and dart ahead toward chiron and this band of wild animals.]
[ she lets out a quiet little jesus! at the leopard that zooms past them. that sure is trouble. it's fine, she's immediately assuming that sora is going to go right for it, which is why she grabs her own sword. ]
Stop - stop, can we maybe think before we swan dive into the middle of a gaggle of beasts? [ aaaaaaaaaaa
but - she can't stop herself from worrying at the sight of blood. she doesn't necessarily even stop sora from running either. let's go save the horse man. ]
Stop - stop, can we maybe think before we swan dive into the middle of a gaggle of beasts? [ aaaaaaaaaaa
but - she can't stop herself from worrying at the sight of blood. she doesn't necessarily even stop sora from running either. let's go save the horse man. ]
[Ah.
That sounds... a lot like Sora and Lup.
Hence the reason Chiron's attention shifts just enough that his grip on the bow loosens, his neutral expression dropping straight into a frown. Solitude is difficult to achieve when you have children running right at you, and despite himself, Chiron feels his heart rate spike]
-- Both of you--
[Turn back already, he means to say, except then the leopard closest to him springs towards the centaur in his moment of distraction.
Maybe it doesn't get on his back (the other reason Chiron is keeping himself pressed that tree) but a claw mark against his chest? Yes, that hurts. And despite being too dignified to curse, Chiron does startle and jerk his arm out, hard enough to send the feline jumping backward.]
That sounds... a lot like Sora and Lup.
Hence the reason Chiron's attention shifts just enough that his grip on the bow loosens, his neutral expression dropping straight into a frown. Solitude is difficult to achieve when you have children running right at you, and despite himself, Chiron feels his heart rate spike]
-- Both of you--
[Turn back already, he means to say, except then the leopard closest to him springs towards the centaur in his moment of distraction.
Maybe it doesn't get on his back (the other reason Chiron is keeping himself pressed that tree) but a claw mark against his chest? Yes, that hurts. And despite being too dignified to curse, Chiron does startle and jerk his arm out, hard enough to send the feline jumping backward.]
[not his finest moment! definitely not because that leopard springs right at chiron and swipes at his chest in the time it takes him to grow distracted and sora skids to a stop to draw his sword, regret immediately washing over him.
granted, chiron manages to derail the first of the cats and it gives him time to assess the situation.]
--we've gotta go. They're not gonna stay still for long. [definitely not for long, given:] There's four of them.
granted, chiron manages to derail the first of the cats and it gives him time to assess the situation.]
--we've gotta go. They're not gonna stay still for long. [definitely not for long, given:] There's four of them.
Edited 2020-10-20 22:24 (UTC)
[ she has literally never actually used this sword in a real fight before, so that bodes well.
the leopard falls back, and lup glances at sora before nodding. ]
Uh - I'll be back up? [ she doesn't want to send him in on his own, but she also is not a sword fighter. still. chiron needs help. so - the second sora moves forward, lup follows behind him, brandishing her sword. ]
Hold on, Archer! [ she calls, her heart thudding in her ears. ]
the leopard falls back, and lup glances at sora before nodding. ]
Uh - I'll be back up? [ she doesn't want to send him in on his own, but she also is not a sword fighter. still. chiron needs help. so - the second sora moves forward, lup follows behind him, brandishing her sword. ]
Hold on, Archer! [ she calls, her heart thudding in her ears. ]
No, it's too dangerous!
[Finally spitting out the words when he hears talk of back-up, Chiron tries to put a command into his voice even as he steps forth with nervous energy as if to stop them himself, ignoring how the copper smell of blood fills his nostrils.
It's not a smart move.
Intimidated by his sudden movement, the second leopard lashes out at one of his legs, and that -- that is a problem, the type that has him reeling back immediately. If he falls and can't get up, he will die, simple as that.
It's for a moment, but in that second Chiron looks more like prey than predator. The leopards push at their advantage, one in particular looking to see if it can jump on his back while he's distressed]
[Finally spitting out the words when he hears talk of back-up, Chiron tries to put a command into his voice even as he steps forth with nervous energy as if to stop them himself, ignoring how the copper smell of blood fills his nostrils.
It's not a smart move.
Intimidated by his sudden movement, the second leopard lashes out at one of his legs, and that -- that is a problem, the type that has him reeling back immediately. If he falls and can't get up, he will die, simple as that.
It's for a moment, but in that second Chiron looks more like prey than predator. The leopards push at their advantage, one in particular looking to see if it can jump on his back while he's distressed]
[danger? hah! he laughs in the face of dang--okay but no, really, he hears the command in chiron's tone and yet it does nothing to stop him. the leopard darts ahead and the moment chiron stumbles, even for a split-second, sora dashes ahead with his sword straight out, sliding between the two of them. the sword is used to push one of the leopards back before it swings up, attempting to clock the second one in the head to disorient it and get them to back off.]
I know, that's why we have to go! [this hopefully buys them enough time but uh, there sure are still two more leopards in the mix.]
I know, that's why we have to go! [this hopefully buys them enough time but uh, there sure are still two more leopards in the mix.]
[ sorimba...
the command in chiron's tone does nothing for lup, either. she about has a goddamn heart attack at sora just racing in, but despite everything, she swallows the instinct to run and stumbles after him, looking absolutely terrified.
sora's got two, so... she can get the other ones, she guesses? ]
Move, Archer, let's go! [ she says, advancing on one of the leopards. this one doesn't have hooves, and therefore is a better target, which means it growls and swipes at her, as the other readies to pounce. ]
the command in chiron's tone does nothing for lup, either. she about has a goddamn heart attack at sora just racing in, but despite everything, she swallows the instinct to run and stumbles after him, looking absolutely terrified.
sora's got two, so... she can get the other ones, she guesses? ]
Move, Archer, let's go! [ she says, advancing on one of the leopards. this one doesn't have hooves, and therefore is a better target, which means it growls and swipes at her, as the other readies to pounce. ]
[Take your place in the circle of life, Sorimba, which should not be in front of mountain lions--
Though given the two who found him, Chiron knows damn well his demands are unlikely to be met -- and yet when the sounds of fighting reach him, he still feels a swell of frustration bubble in his chest. Another piece of himself to keep in check.
For perhaps the first time in centuries, Chiron can feel his patience fraying.
-- But if moving will get them to leave, so be it. Chiron switches gears quickly, pulls back his authoritative tone and prioritizes the danger of the animals over everything else, finally pulling back a second arrow with a narrowed gaze that sees nothing.
He shoots -- and apparently being blind is only a problem on occasion, because the arrow manages to hit the third leopard in its hind leg, the one that means to swipe at Lup.]
Fine then, let us go -- all of us!
[No heroes today, kids. It's time to retreat]
Though given the two who found him, Chiron knows damn well his demands are unlikely to be met -- and yet when the sounds of fighting reach him, he still feels a swell of frustration bubble in his chest. Another piece of himself to keep in check.
For perhaps the first time in centuries, Chiron can feel his patience fraying.
-- But if moving will get them to leave, so be it. Chiron switches gears quickly, pulls back his authoritative tone and prioritizes the danger of the animals over everything else, finally pulling back a second arrow with a narrowed gaze that sees nothing.
He shoots -- and apparently being blind is only a problem on occasion, because the arrow manages to hit the third leopard in its hind leg, the one that means to swipe at Lup.]
Fine then, let us go -- all of us!
[No heroes today, kids. It's time to retreat]
[chiron is smart to at least acknowledge that the two who came across the scene are too stubborn to leave this alone, and as chiron wounds the third of the beasts sora focuses on driving back the other two. one swipes and he dodgerolls out of the way, just out of sight to prevent him from seeing that fourth one swipe at lup. instead, he rebounds and pushes off from the ground to put some more space between them and the creatures.]
Which way? We can't lead them back to the village! [and the ruins are so large and easy to get lost in.]
Which way? We can't lead them back to the village! [and the ruins are so large and easy to get lost in.]
[ right, no heroes, lup's totally down to run.
she yelps, when the arrow hits the leopard - it snarls in pain and tries to bat at the arrow, and lup is so distracted by this that the other one takes its chance. it growls, and launches itself at her, raking its claws across her chest, down also to her stomach. lup shrieks.
she is not nearly strong enough to get it off of her - she tries to strike it with her sword, but she's panicking, and this thing really is just going to try and take a bite out of her arm as she defends herself. ]
she yelps, when the arrow hits the leopard - it snarls in pain and tries to bat at the arrow, and lup is so distracted by this that the other one takes its chance. it growls, and launches itself at her, raking its claws across her chest, down also to her stomach. lup shrieks.
she is not nearly strong enough to get it off of her - she tries to strike it with her sword, but she's panicking, and this thing really is just going to try and take a bite out of her arm as she defends herself. ]
Edited 2020-10-21 00:47 (UTC)
[Damn -- there is the village, isn't there? Sora asks a good question, one Chiron had surprisingly not considered in his haste to get all three of them to safety, and his mind splits in five different directions trying to come up with a reply that will satisfy them all--
Except that's the moment Lup screams.
And Chiron feels the last of frayed calm snap in half.
Rampaging centaur are not exactly known for their restraint, and in that sense Chiron is exactly like his kin -- a storm of fury that is more god than mortal, thundering down to where he hears the screaming, bow forgotten on the ground. The only part of his mind still sane warns him that he must make sure the leopard isn't biting down on her before he rips it off.
So with touch alone he grasps his hands over the creature's head instead, clenches his fingers down, and pries the mouth open.
It puts up a good fight. By the time Chiron has dragged it off Lup and driven its head into the ground, it's made both of his forearms bleed heavy from its claws. Either Chiron doesn't notice the pain, or has long since stopped caring. After one thick crack delivered to the neck, the leopard stops moving entirely.]
Except that's the moment Lup screams.
And Chiron feels the last of frayed calm snap in half.
Rampaging centaur are not exactly known for their restraint, and in that sense Chiron is exactly like his kin -- a storm of fury that is more god than mortal, thundering down to where he hears the screaming, bow forgotten on the ground. The only part of his mind still sane warns him that he must make sure the leopard isn't biting down on her before he rips it off.
So with touch alone he grasps his hands over the creature's head instead, clenches his fingers down, and pries the mouth open.
It puts up a good fight. By the time Chiron has dragged it off Lup and driven its head into the ground, it's made both of his forearms bleed heavy from its claws. Either Chiron doesn't notice the pain, or has long since stopped caring. After one thick crack delivered to the neck, the leopard stops moving entirely.]
[in his haste to figure out a plan and actually get them out of there, it's that split-second that lup suddenly screams and she falls back. he doesn't even have time to shout her name, one of the two leopards jumping forward to try and strike while he's distracted.
it's only by sheer luck that he dodges enough to land on his back and kick the creature away, already rolling to try and help her.
...except. hm. chiron gets there first and for a moment while he's down on the ground all he can see is a sudden rapid-fire movement of a large, powerful creature storming toward another.
it's maybe no surprise there's a very hard flinch as he sees the way the leopard's head twists, and even with only part of his hearing left he can hear the sickening crunch of a broken neck.
there isn't really time though. there's still three more of them starting to circle again and he backs up toward the two of them with his sword drawn.]
Grab Lup. [he doesn't bother trying to steady his voice, but he's going for calm nevertheless.] I don't know where we're going, but we have to go. You're both bleeding. [and while he could maybe try to help fight, this is a bad idea! even he can acknowledge that!]
it's only by sheer luck that he dodges enough to land on his back and kick the creature away, already rolling to try and help her.
...except. hm. chiron gets there first and for a moment while he's down on the ground all he can see is a sudden rapid-fire movement of a large, powerful creature storming toward another.
it's maybe no surprise there's a very hard flinch as he sees the way the leopard's head twists, and even with only part of his hearing left he can hear the sickening crunch of a broken neck.
there isn't really time though. there's still three more of them starting to circle again and he backs up toward the two of them with his sword drawn.]
Grab Lup. [he doesn't bother trying to steady his voice, but he's going for calm nevertheless.] I don't know where we're going, but we have to go. You're both bleeding. [and while he could maybe try to help fight, this is a bad idea! even he can acknowledge that!]
[ for a second, she thinks chiron is going to stampede her - she immediately curls, throwing her arms over her head and trying to protect herself. she makes a sharp sound when the leopard's neck snaps, instinctive, frightened, and then -
sora's voice. grab static. she tries to pull herself up, shakily, and then catches sight of her ripped up kigurumi and just... stares. huh. ]
sora's voice. grab static. she tries to pull herself up, shakily, and then catches sight of her ripped up kigurumi and just... stares. huh. ]
[The only blessing of today is that Chiron does not see how Lup shrinks away from him, and it's why he's able to follow Sora's instructions without comment. She's still close enough that his lack of sight isn't a problem -- he relinquishes his hold of the now dead leopard, and an arm will go underneath her legs with another around her back.
He hoists her up, eerily calm, and calls out to Sora]
On my back, Sora. We're leaving.
He hoists her up, eerily calm, and calls out to Sora]
On my back, Sora. We're leaving.
[chiron can't see the fear in lup's reactions, but he can. it's why he lingers for a moment as the leopards growl, ready to pounce once again and seemingly circling around them.
but there isn't really much time to think about that, and as chiron grabs lup he finds himself obeying and jumping higher than one might expect from him onto chiron's back. he keeps his sword drawn, and this close chiron might be able to feel how tense he is while settling.]
Head straight and then turn right when you hear the wind. It'll lead us to a part of the ruins they should run right past if they chase us.
[for a moment, he hesitates.] It's okay. We'll outrun 'em. And I'll stop anything that comes after us. [it's not nearly as optimistic as he'd hope and he's still primed for a fight, but the words are a two-fold kind of sentiment. it's a set of instructions for someone to get them to focus, and it's a dose of reassurance for someone who's frightened. what else can he do?]
but there isn't really much time to think about that, and as chiron grabs lup he finds himself obeying and jumping higher than one might expect from him onto chiron's back. he keeps his sword drawn, and this close chiron might be able to feel how tense he is while settling.]
Head straight and then turn right when you hear the wind. It'll lead us to a part of the ruins they should run right past if they chase us.
[for a moment, he hesitates.] It's okay. We'll outrun 'em. And I'll stop anything that comes after us. [it's not nearly as optimistic as he'd hope and he's still primed for a fight, but the words are a two-fold kind of sentiment. it's a set of instructions for someone to get them to focus, and it's a dose of reassurance for someone who's frightened. what else can he do?]
[ she doesn't scare easy, not usually. but this is new. it's been a long, long time since she's been vulnerable. she has no magic. she can't blow up whatever is in front of her, and if she dies? if she dies, what happens? she doesn't know.
chiron picks her up, and she instantly tenses, body still. she clutches her sword like a lifeline. she's disoriented, but she doesn't say anything, uncharacteristically. it's fine. she's fine! let's go!
this is really like, not at all how she wanted to hitch a ride on chiron, what the fuck. ]
chiron picks her up, and she instantly tenses, body still. she clutches her sword like a lifeline. she's disoriented, but she doesn't say anything, uncharacteristically. it's fine. she's fine! let's go!
this is really like, not at all how she wanted to hitch a ride on chiron, what the fuck. ]
[... It's both Lup and Sora tensing in close proximity to him that snaps Chiron back to reality.
Ah, he-- he went too far, he thinks with distress that seems to come at him from a distant shoreline, but he can't stop to process his feelings. The other leopards were not subdued and Lup is injured. All he can do now is do as Sora asks of him, his hooves digging into the dirt as he takes off.
Maybe he can't reach the speeds of Achilles, but like this? He is still a blur even when the other leopards give chase, and takes a sharp right when he hears a whistling of wind in his ear.
Just as Sora predicted, the leopards aren't able to follow. But just in case Chiron carries on at a gallop before fatigue begs him to settle himself. By the time he stops, there's nothing chasing them anymore.]
Ah, he-- he went too far, he thinks with distress that seems to come at him from a distant shoreline, but he can't stop to process his feelings. The other leopards were not subdued and Lup is injured. All he can do now is do as Sora asks of him, his hooves digging into the dirt as he takes off.
Maybe he can't reach the speeds of Achilles, but like this? He is still a blur even when the other leopards give chase, and takes a sharp right when he hears a whistling of wind in his ear.
Just as Sora predicted, the leopards aren't able to follow. But just in case Chiron carries on at a gallop before fatigue begs him to settle himself. By the time he stops, there's nothing chasing them anymore.]
[he wasn't prepared for the burst of speed, so there's a suddenly "ah!" of surprise as he balances to make sure he's not about to fall off, looking behind them as the leopards chase them down. he swipes with his sword just in case, looking ahead at their path as it turns down a narrow passage where the wind echoes around them. the leopards dart ahead, growling and roaring at one another in mourning of their lost prey and fallen brother.
even then, chiron gallops ahead and sora looks ahead by the time they slow down.]
They're gone. [it's a firm update for both of them, but it takes a moment as he leans forward to look at both chiron and lup. if he thinks too long about what just happened, he'll get stuck. he can only move forward and think about this later.] We need to stop the bleeding. Both of you.
even then, chiron gallops ahead and sora looks ahead by the time they slow down.]
They're gone. [it's a firm update for both of them, but it takes a moment as he leans forward to look at both chiron and lup. if he thinks too long about what just happened, he'll get stuck. he can only move forward and think about this later.] We need to stop the bleeding. Both of you.
[ horsie fast
she kind of just curls up and hides her face for the time that chiron runs, not paying attention to much else. when he slows, that's when she finally comes back to reality herself, eyes focusing. ]
Oh. Hah. Yeah, I sure am bleeding, aren't I. [ she says, voice wavering slightly. ] ... Are you okay, Archer?
she kind of just curls up and hides her face for the time that chiron runs, not paying attention to much else. when he slows, that's when she finally comes back to reality herself, eyes focusing. ]
Oh. Hah. Yeah, I sure am bleeding, aren't I. [ she says, voice wavering slightly. ] ... Are you okay, Archer?
Mm?
[Rousing himself as if he were in a trance, Chiron lifts his head and stares at nothing.]
Ah, yes. I am alright.
[Bleeding from his forearms, his shoulder again ripped, and now sporting a wound across his chest (he really is going to have to give up on his tunic, isn't he?), but his voice is calm despite the amount of pain his body should be in.
A pause, and then he slowly lowers Lup onto the ground with Sora still on his back]
Both of you will need to guide my hands. I have bandages, wipes, and a few other items from the first aid station, so if the wounds are dire, I can address them here.
[Voice calm, voice calm... almost melodically removed from the situation.]
[Rousing himself as if he were in a trance, Chiron lifts his head and stares at nothing.]
Ah, yes. I am alright.
[Bleeding from his forearms, his shoulder again ripped, and now sporting a wound across his chest (he really is going to have to give up on his tunic, isn't he?), but his voice is calm despite the amount of pain his body should be in.
A pause, and then he slowly lowers Lup onto the ground with Sora still on his back]
Both of you will need to guide my hands. I have bandages, wipes, and a few other items from the first aid station, so if the wounds are dire, I can address them here.
[Voice calm, voice calm... almost melodically removed from the situation.]
Page 1 of 3