aefenglom | voice; un: hiccup haddock

[That's a distinctive nasally tone coming in over the voice channel this fine morning.] Hi. Hey. It's Hiccup. I'm, uh- Hello to the newest arrivals. This is partly to uh- sometimes we don't always, show up with everything we'd like to have, so if you plan to go past the wall and don't have weapons or armor, I run the Forge just outside town with Percy. We're both smiths and we do commission work, so- you know. If you need anything. We also do enchantments! Mostly me.

But-! That's not, really what I'm here for today. [He has more important priorities right now than advertising the Forge.] I thought I'd try asking around, since- Well. I need to find a Bond, or potential Bond, for my friend. Preferably a Monster, but uh, at this point even a Witch would be better than nothing. My friend is- a little irritable sometimes, but he's a really good guy, and he's very talented and smart, and has some pretty neat hobbies. They should be patient and have a sense of humor, and be willing to keep him from working too hard once in a while. To- to be a friend.

So, um. Let me know, and I can set you up to see if things work out! [A pause.] This really is for a friend, by the way, not... not me. [Yeah that's convincing. He manages to tell the truth and still sound like he's being avoidant of the truth somehow.]

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Unfortunately he doesn't seem to want to adapt to this particular thing. [It sounds like a conversation he's had a thousand times with this friend.] I'm not sure about the moon, I know Mirrorbound Witches are actually stronger on the New Moon, but... I don't think his magic has been working right.

I do not like this forced hand as much as the next free soul, but if he harms himself or others... it becomes a problem this realm much deal with, not simply friends.

[ And carefully: ]

He must find a way to find solace in a Bond, even as dubious as the concept is, there is no doubt. Who else is he close with, ser?

I don't want to force his hand, it's not like I can shove him into a Bond ceremony since it has to be willing, I just- Thought maybe if I could line up a couple of prospects for him to meet, it'd help things along. [He only wants to offer a nudge.

Hiccup sighs, dragging a hand through his hair.] I'm not sure. It sounds really bad, but mostly when we're together, we're focused on work... That's all he seems to want to focus on lately.

I understand the importance of choice in times like this. I do, truly. [ Her voice sound sympathetic and careful. ] If you know of his friends, perhaps that would be an option to pursue if this open dialogue leads down dead ends?

[ She tenses up a bit. ]

...At the very least, if he becomes a danger to himself, I could offer a temporary Bond to stabilize him.

Yeah, maybe, I'd have to- I'm not sure who else he knows. Percy's not the kind of guy who... who socializes much, I think. I'll keep trying, though. I'm not just going to let him- if I have to, I can try, I just think it wouldn't go well with us both being Witches and my other bond also being a Witch, you know? It could make things worse, or I would, in a heartbeat.

[And that's part of why Hiccup feels so helpless here. There isn't a good way for a Witch to help a Witch when it comes to Bonding, not unless it's their only Bond or someone else has a Monster Bond.]

Oh, no, I couldn't ask you to- The thing is, I don't know when he might be in danger. He's lasted a while so far, but... it just feels like it could go bad any time.

It is a difficult task. As much as they present a choice to us... it's thinly veiled. [ There is no choice. Bonding ensures safety and stability. A concept that was foreign to her. ] Ser Percy has been kind to me and I enjoy his company – if there is anything I can do to assist, please allow me to do so.

[ She takes care of her people!! ]

Pride and fear are dangerous things, do ensure he does not allow that to cloud his judgment at the risk of his own safety.

It's not like they can help that, though. Bonding is safer for us. That's just how it is. [To Hiccup, whose bonds with a small b have always been important to him anyway, it's less of a major adjustment. He also got lucky to find a partner he's wholly comfortable with.] If it comes to that, I'll let you know. He's... he's gotten to be a really good friend of mine, so- I just want to help him.

[He lets out a humorless laugh.] I'm definitely trying. I've brought it up a few times now. He just keeps insisting he's fine.

He is quite closed off. [ She admits, without holding her tongue. There are definitely some thoughts on the Bonds with a capital B, but she had only just begun to understand their power. If this was the world's way of ensuring a balance between witches and monster – she'll play along, but she still misses such a freedom. To fight her own fates. ] And a bit stubborn.

[ However, there's a small worry in her voice. ]

But he is someone I worry about. We know not of each other's lives or the depths of our morals but I believe him to be a good man, one who is willing to fight. As such, I would find no shame in fighting for him as well. I value kindness, justice, and loyalty – he has only shown me such since we met.

[His laugh here is undeniably fond.] 'A bit stubborn' is putting it lightly. He could have given my father a run for his money. [Hiccup knows stubborn. Hiccup is stubborn. That's the only reason he's giving this a try, to see if anybody who might eventually work out pops up.

And then his tone softens a little.] I believe you. He's- He is a good person. He's been a good friend to me too. If it gets worse, we can bring it up with him, even just as a temporary suggestion to buy him more time.

voice; un: hiccup haddock

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