( voice ) delivery

[haillenarte]

Name: Francel
Date: June 5
Format: Voice

Might I — ngh — might I trouble someone for help?

[there's a soft crackle of what might be breath on the mic, and then the shifting of what sounds like bedsheets. the voice that ultimately speaks again is low and husky, fairly deep, but there's something boyish and hesitant to it. some of francel's words come out awkward and tense, as if he is in a great deal of pain, and struggling to get the words out.]

It's been... several bells since last I took a meal, by my count, and... I'm terribly hungry. The... the man with whom I share a residence is not like to be back for some time. Could I trouble someone to bring food to my doorstep?

[really, even he can't believe he's asking for this.]

I have little coin, but I would happily pay you for your time. Please, and blessings on you.

Comments

[wordsinthesoul]

…ah.

[There's a muttered curse, as Thancred checks the food- just about ready, he thinks. Changes. Of course- it's not just a few of them, is it? And of course, of course it's not pleasant. He flexes his fingers for a moment, taking the food off before starting to pack it up.]

I understand. It… hasn't quite been the same for me, but… it's still a source of irritation. Do you have anything to ease it?

[haillenarte]

Nothing in particular, as of late. I used to visit the Coven each day for guidance, but I've not had the energy to do that more recently. Aymeric brings me potions from some apothecary every now and then, but I find more relief comes when he...

[francel @ himself: Let's Not Do This Again!]

...when we exchange magic through our Bond. Little else seems to have effect.

[wordsinthesoul]

Were they able to offer any advice?

[He does indeed make a short amused sound, but- he's curious, too.]

Well. I'm glad to hear that that's helped you. Then- the two of you have a Bond? What do you think of it?

[haillenarte]

[francel only makes a small, affirmative noise at thancred's first question; a soft breath answers his second, but it seems less like a proper answer and more just the kind of slightly exhausted sigh of someone in pain. after a moment, the young lord responds again.]

I must admit I had my doubts that such a thing would prove to be of any use at all. It seemed to me a kind of superstition, perhaps some corrupted version of the Eternal Bonding ceremonies that exist in our world. Nevertheless, there seems to be real magic in it — for better and for worse. I would exercise caution if you mean to enter a Bond of your own, Master Thancred.

[wordsinthesoul]

[Something to ask after himself, then. He stills for a moment, listening.]

It did sound like it. I assumed they took it seriously, I'll admit… Oh? Well, I appreciate the advice. Is there a reason for the warning? I- I'm about to step outside- are you willing to speak of it while I walk?

[haillenarte]

That's no trouble at all. I'll stay connected.

[the ambient noise of the wind and the city's sounds while thancred walks will be nice to listen to, anyway, after so many days inside.]

I suppose what I mean is that... Well, it isn't that I dislike my Bond, precisely. It's simply very... intense. One must anticipate a deep connection with the person to whom one will be Bonded. And that connection can be taxing.

[wordsinthesoul]

Thank you.

[Maybe that's odd? But it seems improper to not say anything. He's listening closely as he walks, greeting the people he passes briefly, before humming.]

Well- that's good, at least in part…. I imagine it would be hard if two in a Bond disliked each other. [Perhaps it's not even possible at all- though he wonders.] In other words- it forms a deep reliance on each other?

[haillenarte]

That part I expected. What I did not expect was that it would... give my Bonded a sort of... insight towards my heart. He cannot read my mind, of course, or anything so clear as that, but he seems capable now of detecting when I am trying to hide something from him. He was not so quick to understand me before.

[francel seems a little aggressive about this, almost as though his real intent is... to call aymeric stupid. actually, that's probably exactly what he wants to do.]

It is rather vexing. I never wished to... to be read by him.

[wordsinthesoul]

Ah. [There's an emphasis to that that's full of something that isn't quite worry, but is definitely concern at being that open to someone. The thought of this is not something he's used to. And then- it still leads to situations like this, doesn't it?]

I can understand that. Even if that is with one person, it seems… open. But- does it go both ways? What do you think of him?

[haillenarte]

[francel is silent for a moment; his breath crackles into thancred's ear over the sounds of the city. after a pause, he asks:]

...What would you make of a man who seems to feel nothing?

[wordsinthesoul]

[Thancred stays quiet, the better to hear what Francel says- though he frowns at the words, casting his mind back over the interactions he's had with Aymeric. Polite, if not necessarily forthcoming… though there isn't quite the need for that, considering their respective roles. But- for this circumstance, with Francel…]

I would find it hard not to be concerned. And- I would wonder what such a man would care about.

[haillenarte]

Yes. So it is for me.

[his voice is quiet and subdued as he says these words — he makes an effort to bolster it, however, as he turns his mind to more positive matters.]

But is all quite well on your front? By what you said earlier, I surmise that you too are a Monster in this world.

[wordsinthesoul]

… I'm sorry.

[Not that he quite knows what to do- whether he ought to say something. Still, he appreciates the change in subject.]

Well- it's hard to say otherwise. It's been… something of an adjustment, to put it mildly. It's not unmanageable, but… I am concerned. [About the future- about what this means for them.]

[haillenarte]

Concerned about what?

[one can practically hear francel's brow furrowing from across the... call.]

What manner of being have you become?

[wordsinthesoul]

What all of this means. How- well, I suppose we’ve an idea of how it ends.

[The transformation, at least. And still- what are they supposed to make of it all?

Ah- well. From what I’ve been able to gather- most likely some manner of Harpy. But- I imagine you’d be able to see soon enough.