─── 〔RETURN TO THALIA〕───
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VINCENT VENEFICUS
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────────────The Tower of Mysteries stood tall against the twilight sky, its silhouette etched sharply against the purpling hues. At the very heart of its power, the Lord's Sanctum hummed with arcane energy, the air vibrating with the silent whispers of ancient magic. Within this sanctum, the master bedroom was both a place of rest and a gateway to realms untold.
Vincent, draped in robes that shimmered with a constellation of embroidered stars, stood before a grand, circular portal frame that dominated the room. His fingers danced through the air, tracing sigils that glowed faintly before fading, each gesture weaving deeper into the fabric of reality.
"Claire," he said, turning to where she stood, her eyes wide with a mix of apprehension and awe. "Stay close to me." His voice was a gentle command, softened by the warmth in his eyes as he extended a hand towards her.
With a final, fluid motion, Vincent drew the energies of the room into the heart of the portal. A light blossomed from the center, expanding to fill the frame with a radiant glow that pulsed like the heartbeat of a new world. The air thrummed as the portal stabilized, revealing a vista of lush greenery and skies painted with the soft light of a setting sun.
He stepped through the portal, leading Claire by the hand, his steps confident yet reverent as they crossed the threshold between worlds. As the light of the portal faded behind them, the sounds of Thalia welcomed them—birds singing their songs and the rustle of leaves stirred by a gentle breeze.
Vincent released Claire's hand, turning to take in the full view of the verdant landscape that spread before them. The world of Thalia lay serene and beautiful, untouched by the chaos of more tumultuous realms.
"This world is called Thalia," he began, his voice imbued with a deep, heartfelt reverence. "It is a world dear to my heart." He gestured expansively, his arms opening as if to embrace the land itself.
"A place of peace and elemental harmony, where magic and nature exist in a perfect balance. Thalia has taught me much about the subtler forms of power and the strength inherent in tranquility." He smiled, looking down at Claire with an expression of earnest sincerity. "I wanted to share this with you, to show you a place that has been a sanctuary to me in times of need."
Vincent took a few steps forward, the grass whispering under his feet. He paused, looking back at Claire with a soft invitation. "Come, let me introduce you to old friends." His words, simple yet filled with an unspoken promise, floated on the cool air, mingling with the magic that seemed to emanate from every leaf and stone in Thalia.
CLAIRE ELLIS
As if she would do anything but linger close. Portals still made her a bit apprehensive, the unknown still offering just a bit of nervousness. She knew he'd never steer her intentionally into danger, of course, but this was still so very shiny and new. Claire stepped close, her hand finding his as it always did. "Always.." She offered him a smile, a quiet reassurance she wasn't afraid.
From of their bedroom, Claire stepped out behind him into the sunshine. She squinted against it, sensitive eyes adjusting to it's warm rays as he spoke. With her hand free, she tugged her glasses from her bag and quickly slipped them on. "It's beautiful.." Why she was whispering was beyond her, it just seemed fitting for the tranquil landscape surrounding then.
Slowly she followed after him, taking it all in with her usual, nearly childlike wonder. As he lead the way she fell easily into step beside him. "Old friends? I can't wait." As much as they'd adventured together, she had yet to meet anyone he might consider a friend. Excited might have been an understatement.
VINCENT VENEFICUS
Vincent smiled warmly as Claire's hand found his, her touch grounding him as much as it reassured her. He could feel the familiar thrum of excitement that adventures with Claire always brought. "Yes, it's as if Thalia itself quiets to welcome you," he murmured in agreement, his voice soft in reverence to the peaceful beauty around them.
As they approached the rustic gate of the village, Vincent's pace slowed, anticipation twinkling in his eyes. He hadn't even fully crossed the threshold when a swarm of children burst through the gate, their laughter piercing the tranquil air. They clung to his robes, their faces alight with joyous recognition.
Vincent laughed, a deep, resonant sound that mingled with the children's giggles. He crouched to their level, his hands gently disentangling the little fingers from his clothing. "It seems they've missed me," he said, looking up at Claire with a joyful grin. "These, Claire, are some of the friends I was eager for you to meet. They hold the true spirit of Thalia. The children of Yun'ama Village."
CLAIRE ELLIS
As the children rushed towards him, clearly thrilled to see him, she took a small step back to offer them more room. Claire watched him closely, the warmth of his laughter and the light it brought to his eyes stirring something far deeper than just simple happiness inside her. This side of him was special, something to cherish..something precious that she wanted to covet and protect.
She chuckled, her own smile as bright and wide as his own. "I'd say so." Claire found herself missing home for the first time since leaving, she hadn't realized how much she loved hearing the girls laughter fill the halls of Whitmore. A careful step was taken closer, they didn't know her and she didn't want to scare them away.
Sloely she crouched to meet their level, unable to wipe the lingering smile from her face. "It's very nice to meet all of you. My names Claire.."
VINCENT VENEFICUS
Vincent's eyes shone with affection as he watched Claire interact with the children, her warmth effortlessly bridging the gap between the unfamiliar and the intimate. He stepped slightly to the side, giving her space to shine, his presence a silent support by her side.
The children, initially shy, quickly warmed up to Claire's gentle demeanor. Their initial hesitance transformed into curiosity, and soon, a barrage of questions tumbled out in their lilting, musical voices.
"Where are you from?" one small girl asked, her eyes wide with wonder.
"Are you a mage like Vincent and Quenellia?" a boy piped up, his gaze darting excitedly between Claire and Vincent.
"Do you know how to use magic too?" another curious child questioned, tilting his head as he studied Claire with interest.
Vincent winced at the mention of Quenellia then chuckled softly, his heart swelling with pride and joy at the scene unfolding before him. He crouched down beside Claire, ready to help weave the tales of their travels into stories that would fuel the children's dreams.
CLAIRE ELLIS
"I'm from another world, it's not nearly as pretty as yours." Claire smiled softly as one little hand reached for the hand cluttered with various rings, looking them over in awe.
At the mention of magic and Quenellia, Claire simply shook her head. "I'm not a mage like them, but I'm very, very strong...way stronger than Vincent." She chuckled, playfully winking his way.
"We're on an adventure and he wanted me to meet all of you. I'm glad I have. Want to show me around?" That question was met with a chorus of enthusiastic agreement, all of them eager to show Claire their home. She stood, tiny hands fighting over who got to hold her hands as they headed towards rhe gate. Thankfully she had practice with excitable children, their joy contagious as always.
VINCENT VENEFICUS
CLAIRE ELLISVincent's laughter mingled with the playful atmosphere, his gaze affectionate as he watched Claire charm the children of Yun'ama. Standing up, he brushed off his robes and followed the excited group towards the gate, his steps light and heart full.
"Oh, I see how it is," he said, feigning a wounded pride at Claire's claim of strength. "Perhaps I should start lifting more than just spellbooks, huh?" His voice was rich with amusement as he caught Claire's wink, the spark in her eyes igniting one in his own.
As they reached the gate, Vincent turned to the children, his voice carrying easily over their chatter. "Lead the way, young guides. I'm sure there are others who want to see me." His hands gestured grandly towards the village, encouraging their enthusiasm.
"Claire," he added, a twinkle in his eye as he spoke loud enough for her to hear over the din, "remember, every place has its own magic, just like every person does. Drink deep. There's no world like Thalia, and no people like the Yun'amans." With that, he stepped through the gate, ready to follow the parade of children into the heart of the village, each step a journey through a world as wondrous as any spell.
"We can spar some time. That'll help." Her grin was playful and light, although that did sound like fun. As some of the children took off running ahead, some did linger with them, hands held or tiny fingers curled against the flowing fabric of his robes.
She watched the children for a moment longer, then turned her attention to Vincent as he spoke up again, thus time to her instead if the kids. "I'll savor every moment we're here.." And she wouldn't take it for granted either. Claire's heart and mind was open to whatever Thalia had to offer. The air was sweet and clean, the breeze cool on her flesh and Claire felt and overwhelming sense of peace.
As they walked she stayed close to his side, watching as the last of the children finally ran to catch up with the others. "You helped save these people, didn't you?" A curious glance his way, already knowing the answer.
VINCENT VENEFICUS
Vincent chuckled softly at Claire's suggestion of a spar, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "A spar, you say? I might need to fashion a suit of armor first, considering your strength," he quipped, his tone light but his admiration for her abilities clear. He glanced down at the children tugging at his robes, their delight in his presence warming his heart.
As they walked through Yun'ama, Vincent soaked in the serene atmosphere, the familiar yet always enchanting landscape unfolding around them. Claire's comment about savoring every moment echoed his own sentiments, and he nodded in agreement, feeling the peace of the land seep into his bones.
"No, surprisingly enough, I didn't come to Thalia as a savior," Vincent responded, his gaze sweeping over the vibrant village. "Yun'ama, in its grace, actually helped save me. I arrived here broken, worn from battles that had taken more from me than I cared to admit. This world, with its elemental harmony and tranquil pace, offered me healing and a chance to recover my strength. I taught them to use the magic inside them as payment, that's all." He smiled softly, his eyes reflecting the deep connection he felt with this land. "In a way, we saved each other, Yun'ama and I."
CLAIRE ELLIS
"It doesn't take some grand show of magic to save something or someone. You've clearly left an impression." For just a second a frown touched her lips, glancing his way again. There was so much she didn't know about him, so many stories and scars that she had yet to learn. It was easy to forget how old he was, how many lifetimes he had already lived. Sometimes it was eveb a little intimidating.
"That's all." Claire shook her head and shifted her attention back to the world around them. "That gift has probably saved them a million times over, even if it's not obvious." But it was that obvious.
She felt a tiny hand in hers again, the same little girl that had been mesmerized by her hands hand found her way back to her side. Claire glanced down, slowing some to match the pace of her tiny legs. "You remind me of my sister and I miss her very much."
VINCENT VENEFICUS
Vincent listened intently to Claire's reflections, appreciating the depth of her insight. He nodded thoughtfully, his expression contemplative as he responded. "You're right, Claire. Often, the most profound impacts we have are not the ones marked by grand gestures or mighty spells. It's the quiet moments, the lessons shared, and the peace fostered."
He glanced around at the undisturbed beauty of Thalia, then back to Claire, a soft seriousness in his eyes. "And time here... it passes differently. It's probably not saved them as many times as you think."
As the little girl rejoined Claire, Vincent watched the interaction with a gentle smile.
"A sister, huh? Well, you better not stay too long then, time outside Thalia passes reeeeeeeeally fast." the child's words ringing with a wisdom beyond her years.
"She's right, too," Vincent added, his voice low and warm. "By their time, I've only been gone a few weeks, but in reality it's been hundreds of years since I was last here. But don't worry, I can return us to the moment before we left." His gaze met Claire's, an unspoken promise that no matter the time spent in Thalia, the world—and their responsibilities—awaited their return. "A certain skeleton doesn't seem to appreciate when I do that, but it is what it is."
CLAIRE ELLIS
A flicker of confusion knitted at her brows at the idea that so little time there could be hundreds of years elsewhere. It seemed impossible but, then again, they'd taken a portal through universes to get here. Nothing was impossible now.
"Mmhm..It'll be a while before I see her again though." As hesitant as she'd been to leave home, as much as she missed it, the time to visit felt lightyears away.
From the little girl to Vincent, her gaze settled on his again. "I'm not worried. I trust you." There were a few responsibilities she wouldn't mind time whisking away, but the idea of her sister being frown by the time they got home made her stomach twist in knots. Only one of them had all the time in the world, she didn't want to miss too much.
"I don't mind staying here a while. It's peaceful here, I needed it."
VINCENT VENEFICUS
As they meandered through the verdant path of Yun'ama, Vincent remained quietly contemplative, absorbing Claire's words and the subtle tensions they carried about time and separation. Just as he was about to respond, an elderly figure approached them, his steps slow but steady, his face creased with the smiles and worries of many years.
"Welcome back, Vincent," the elder greeted warmly, his voice seasoned with the gentle joy of reunion. His eyes then shifted curiously towards Claire, a flicker of confusion passing over his features as he corrected himself, "and Quene—you're not Quenellia, who are you?"
Vincent chuckled softly, stepping slightly forward to bridge the gap between past acquaintances and present company. "Elder, this is Claire," he introduced with a gentle gesture towards her. "My girlfriend–forgive me if the term needs explaining–and a remarkable companion on my journeys. Claire, this is the elder of Yun’ama, a wise man who has seen many cycles of Thalia and holds the stories of this village. Just call him Elder."
The elder extended a hand, his smile broadening into a welcoming grin as he took in Claire's presence, nodding appreciatively as he took note of Vincent's fond introduction. "I do not know this term, but, where is your betrothed Quenellia?" His voice carried the warmth of genuine hospitality, the essence of Thalia itself welcoming yet another soul into its serene embrace despite his curiosity.
CLAIRE ELLIS
There was that name again, had he ever mentioned it before? She couldn't recall, but she knew there had been someone very important to him once upon a time. Claire pushed her glasses up onto her head, assuming maybe it might have been a bit rude.
As Vincent introduced her she offered a friendly smiled, taking the old man's hand into her own in greeting. "Elder..it's a pleasure to meet you." If the next words out of his mouth bothered hee, it didn't show on her face. The smile remained, unflinching. Inside? Inside Claire felt as though she'd be slapped square in the mouth.
Her hand fell away as she glanced between to two men. "I'm sure you two have some catching up to do. I'll go play with the kids for a moment." They cheered at the prospect and Claire quietly excused herself to join the group as they darted ahead for an open field to play in.
She trotted along behind them, one of then excitedly asking her to show them how strong she was. "Can you pick up trees?"
A chuckle. "I've never tried. Here, let's start with a piggyback ride and work our way up." A quick explanation of what that was and the child was happily sitting atop Claire's shoulders a moment later, as they continued the jog to the field.
VINCENT VENEFICUS
Vincent watched as Claire mingled with the children, a soft smile gracing his lips, admiring her grace and warmth. Turning back to the elder, his expression shifted to one of somber reflection, a shadow briefly crossing his features as he addressed the inquiry in the elder's greeting.
"Quenellia," Vincent began, his voice carrying a weight of remembrance and respect, "passed away peacefully of old age in the groves of her home world. It was a fitting departure, surrounded by nature." He paused, his gaze drifting momentarily towards the vibrant greens that surrounded them, the serenity of Thalia mirroring that of Quenellia's final resting place.
Drawing a deep breath, Vincent continued, his eyes meeting the elder’s with a newfound intensity. "Claire," he admitted, "is perhaps the first to truly break through the wall I built around my heart after Quenellia’s passing. She brings a light, a strength that is uniquely her own." His nod was both an acknowledgment of his past and an acceptance of the potential of new beginnings.
The elder listened intently, his wise eyes reflecting understanding and empathy. He placed a reassuring hand on Vincent's shoulder, offering a silent solidarity that spoke of shared experiences of loss and the slow mending of hearts over time. "It is dangerous to love when you are eternal, is it not?"
As the children's laughter echoed from the field, mingling with the tranquil sounds of Thalia, Vincent felt a gentle peace settle over him—a blend of past memories and present connections, each shaping the path forward. "Yeah... even with how time passes differently there will come a day when you are gone, Elder, and so are these children who treasure me so much... yet I will be as I am now. Unchanging. Forever."
CLAIRE ELLIS
Perhaps offering the piggyback ride wasn't the best of ideas, simply because they all wanted one. More so, at the same time, so in moments she hand a child on each hip and one still perched on her shoulders. They laughed as she spun them around, her own laughter mixing with their own.
Then it was someone else's turn atop her shoulders and in her arms. For all her rough edges and sharp points, Claire had a soft spot for children. They were so free, so unburdened by life. It was something she never had the chance to experience and she would never deny a child even one moment of happiness.
If anyone happened to look their way thus time around, they'd all but knocked her off her feet, her prone figure lost in the grass as they ran and jumped and skipped around. It was fun to let them all think they were stronger than her. One by one they joined her in the grass, having tired themselves out. Thank the gods.
"Look right there." She pointed to a cloud that very much looked like a horse. "And there's a dragon over there.." Another point. After a moment of studying the clouds, they all began calling out what they saw. Claire smiled, listening happily as they did.
VINCENT VENEFICUS
Vincent observed Claire with the children, a fond smile curving his lips as he saw her enveloped in joy and laughter. Her ability to surrender to the moment, to the sheer delight of the children, reminded him again of the depth of her spirit. He turned back to the elder, still conversing by the gate, his heart lighter for the scene playing out before him.
The elder, watching alongside Vincent, offered a thoughtful nod before speaking. "Vincent, perhaps you should consider finding divine companionship, much like our first elder did. Immortality can be a lonely path without a constant by your side."
Vincent listened, his gaze lingering on the happy chaos of Claire and the children. "Elder," he began, his voice reflective, "it is precisely the limited time that makes every moment so precious. Knowing that in a blink, they may be old and grey, makes me treasure every laugh, every cry, every silly joke. It's the impermanence that enriches our lives, giving weight to each second we spend together."
His words hung in the air, a testament to his journey—a life measured not in years, but in the depth of experiences shared. As he watched Claire pointing out shapes in the clouds with the children, each callout a burst of new wonder, Vincent felt a profound gratitude for the fleeting, beautiful moments that made life truly vibrant.
CLAIRE ELLIS
One had to wonder if she might be able to hear their conversation over the children, the distance between them not overly great. Normal ears wouldn't have been able to hear a peep, and Claire had only just picked up some of their conversation. From the grass popped her blonde topped head, studying the both of them.
"Who says I'm not immortal!" That got the attention of the children, each one perking up and eager to know more. Her attention shifted back to them, sitting up more comfortably.
"You're immortal too? But you said you weren't magic."
Claire grinned. "I'm not magic like Vincent. I'm special though and it's unlikely I'll ever get old. I also can't die..unless someone cuts off my head." She made a gesture with a finger across her neck and dramatically flopped over. The kids erupted in laughter and took the opportunity to jump all over her again.
VINCENT VENEFICUS
Vincent watched the playful scene unfold with amusement twinkling in his eyes. Claire’s theatrical declaration and the children's gleeful response brought a genuine smile to his face. He turned back to the elder, his voice carrying a light, playful tone.
"I'll certainly have quite a while with Claire if anything," Vincent quipped, his gaze drifting back to Claire and the children as they playfully piled on top of her. The elder chuckled softly, appreciating the humor. "And I'll treasure every day as if it's the last."
Vincent’s eyes lingered on Claire, observing her ease and joy amongst the laughter of Yun'ama's youngest. He admired how effortlessly she wove tales and games into magical experiences for the children. His heart swelled with affection and admiration for the life and energy she brought into every interaction, a stark contrast to his often more solemn nature.
"Indeed," he continued, addressing the elder once more, "Claire brings her own kind of magic, one that teaches us that not all power comes from spells and enchantments. Her spirit, much like the essence of Thalia, reminds us that some magic often lies in the joy and resilience of simply being."
His statement was a nod to the deep, enduring connections that shape their lives, immortal or not, each relationship a precious thread in the fabric of their existence.
CLAIRE ELLIS
It was a struggle to get back to her feet, almost forgetting the amount of downright feral energy kids could have. However, she could have stayed and entertained them all day, happily too. From shapes in the clouds, to teaching them how to do cartwheels while also explaining the rules of tag..Claire kept up with their energy with her own ferocity.
The old people could chat while the children played, she was fine with that. Some day she wouldn't be young anymore, twenty two would only be on the outside. By the time she meandered back to Vincent and Elder she was a tousled mess. Her glasses and rings gone, gifted to the children, along with a little bit of her sanity.
"They don't get tired, do they?" She absently picked a leaf from her hair and let it float to the ground.
VINCENT VENEFICUS
Vincent watched Claire approach, a faint smile playing at his lips as he took in her disheveled appearance, the very picture of joyful exhaustion. He stepped forward to meet her, his expression one of gentle amusement mixed with admiration for her spirited involvement with the children.
"They truly don't," Vincent agreed warmly, his gaze following the leaf as it fluttered to the ground. "The children of Yun’ama are filled with magic, each and every one of them. They possess the endurance of the earth, the speed of the wind, the passion of a fire, and the unyielding energy of a roaring river."
He reached out, gently removing another stray leaf entangled in her hair, his touch light. "It’s their connection to the land and the elements. They draw upon it naturally, almost instinctively. It gives them a vitality that seems inexhaustible."
Vincent's eyes twinkled with mirth and a touch of fondness as he added, "Much like someone else I know," nodding subtly towards Claire, acknowledging her boundless spirit and resilience that so mirrored the children's own.
CLAIRE ELLIS
"Raging rapids is more like it " At present they were playing tag, occupied by one another. Her gaze settled on Vincent's as he spoke, plucking another leaf from that wild mess of hair. The way she felt about him was evident in her eye, burning brightly in violet depths.
"I don't know, I might have met my match." She turned to get a look at them, still running around and laughing. Claire had an abundance of energy, but even that had it's limits.
"Elder, your home is beautiful and I'm honored to have the opportunity to be here, to experience true tranquility." She looked his way then, smiling thoughtfully. "Thank you for welcoming me, even if I was a bit of a..surprise."
VINCENT VENEFICUS
Vincent's laughter was soft, a sound that mingled easily with the distant joy of the children playing. "Raging rapids, indeed," he concurred, watching Claire's gaze follow the exuberant young ones. As she noted her dwindling reserves compared to their endless energy, Vincent nodded sagely. "Now I know exactly where to send you when you have too much energy," he teased, his eyes sparkling with humor.
His gaze shifted warmly back to Claire as she turned to address the elder. After her thanks, the elder's response was gentle, imbued with the wisdom and calm that characterized the people of Yun'ama. "We are honored by your visit, Claire," the elder spoke, his voice soft but carrying through the tranquil air. "We see so few from beyond Thalia; sometimes we forget how quickly time passes in other worlds. Quenellia will indeed be missed, yet her spirit remains with us in our hearts."
He glanced at Vincent, a knowing smile touching his lips. "But seeing Vincent so content, so alive—it brings us joy as well. His happiness is a salve to us all; for the gift he gave us was most precious indeed." His eyes twinkled as he looked back at Claire, acknowledging the new energy and life she brought into their tranquil world.
CLAIRE ELLIS
"Send me here when ever you want." She quipped right back with a grin.
Claire nodded. "I may not be able to replace her, but I'll spend how every many centuries I have making sure Vincent never feels the sting of loneliness again." That much was a promise. She reached out, easing her hand into Vincent's and gave it a gentle squeeze."
"Seems he's got a knack for changing people's lives for the better. I know he saved mine..barely even broke a sweat doing it." A pause, peering back up at Vincent. "Now we're saving each other."
VINCENT VENEFICUS
Vincent's eyes softened at Claire's words, a mix of gratitude and deep affection shimmering within them as she squeezed his hand. He returned the gesture, his hold both comforting and firm, as if anchoring himself in the moment they shared.
The elder observed the exchange, his gaze thoughtful and filled with an age-old wisdom. "Claire," he began, his voice low but clear, "we in Yun’ama have felt the sorrow that Vincent carries. It's like a shadow, sometimes more distant, sometimes nearer. He hides it well, but it is there, a testament to the battles he has endured, both in the physical and in his heart."
The elder’s eyes locked with Claire’s, conveying a heartfelt hope. "We hope that you can help mend the many scars on his soul. It's a rare thing to find someone who not only understands such depths but also possesses the strength to heal from them."
Vincent glanced at the elder, a silent acknowledgment passing between them—a shared understanding of the past pains and the potential for future healing. "Thank you, Elder, for your words and for your wisdom," Vincent said, his voice steady but imbued with emotion. "Indeed, now we save each other," he repeated Claire's earlier sentiment, his smile tender as he looked at her, his heart lighter than it had been in many years.
CLAIRE ELLIS
Claire was touched by the Elder's words, the depth of them pulling at heart strings that had only recently come untangled. "Truth be told, I've many..many scars of my own, too many for someone so young. Knowing even a glimmer of the pain soul deep wounds can cause only pushes me to heal his..or, at the very least create more happy memories than there are bad." A pause so she could collect herself, the sudden flurry of emotions threatening tears.
"Thankfully, I'm never one to back down from challenge. I'm quite stubborn if I'm anything." The conviction in her words was far stronger than any promise she could make.
She glanced back up at Vincent, smiling happily as she did. "I have my own kind of magic up my sleeves. I'm confident it'll work."
VINCENT VENEFICUS
Vincent chuckled warmly, his eyes crinkling with amusement and affection as he listened to Claire's spirited declaration. "You know," he said, his voice rich with fondness, "your stubbornness, your spirit, it reminds me a lot of Renée." His laugh was light, the memory of another strong-willed soul bringing a twinkle to his eye.
The elder, catching the reference and the lighthearted tone, added his own wisdom with a gentle smile. "If Vincent is comparing you to Renée, then indeed you have a remarkable strength. Just be wary of giant scorpions, my dear,"he quipped, a playful nod to old tales and challenges faced by past heroes.
Vincent's smile broadened as he looked back at Claire, his gaze filled with admiration. "And I have no doubt," he continued, his voice steady and sure,* "that your own kind of magic will work wonders. It already has."* His hand tightened around hers, a silent testament to the shared path they now walked, each step a building block to a better him.
CLAIRE ELLIS
"Renee sounds like a force to be reckoned with." She wondered if Renee was another wife she didn't know about, in all honesty, she wondered just how many there might be. Vincent was old, the number of wives and lovers could have been astronomical. Why had she never thought about that before? Oh gods.
Claire was pulled from her silent panic by the mention of giant scorpions, her nose crinkling in disgust. " I can promise you both I'll be staying far away from scorpions of any size, especially giant ones."
The tightening of his grip soothed her worry, just a bit, but she knew she had questions that would need to be asked. Whether she liked it or not. Awkward conversations were a part of any relationship, even the fantastical ones like theirs.
VINCENT VENEFICUS
CLAIRE ELLISVincent noticed the fleeting shadow of concern that flickered across Claire's face and understood the underlying questions her mind must be wrestling with. He met her gaze, his expression tender yet filled with the solemnity of reminiscence.
"Renée was indeed a force to be reckoned with," Vincent affirmed, his tone gentle but deliberate, emphasizing the past tense with a slight heaviness. "She, like Quenellia, has long since left this world–and the reason I pledge to rid the cosmos of the Ahkari. I will not stop until..." He trailed off.
The elder nodded sagely at Claire’s aversion to scorpions, his eyes crinkling with a mix of humor and understanding. "Avoiding giant scorpions is indeed a fair philosophy," he said, his voice rich with the mirth of shared jests, yet underlined by the wisdom of one who knew too well the peculiar dangers of magical worlds. Turning to Vincent he wagged a frail finger. "Enough of that, Vincent. Violence begets violence. Blood begets blood."
Vincent's grip on Claire's hand tightened reassuringly, a silent acknowledgment of the storm of thoughts he sensed in her. He knew the path of their relationship, woven through the fabric of time and shared experiences, would hold moments of both wonder and challenge. His heart was committed to navigating each step with her, honoring their bond with the openness and honesty it deserved.
"We won't stop.." Whether it was violence or other means, his battles were hers and she'd fight tooth and nail to help him on whatever path he found himself on.
Even with the questions running through her head, he was still able to calm them. Of course, they didn't fade, but Claire pushed them away for now. Later, when they were home, she'd rip off a bandaid she very much wanted to keep in place. Knowing was, however, better than letting her imagination run amok.
"Vincent! Claire! Come play tag!" She chuckled, glancing over her shoulder at the children. "They'll be running around long after we leave. " But for now they could entertain them just a little longer. Claire gave a tug to his hand. "One game before we have to go." Her grasp fell from his and she took off in a sprint back to the field.
VINCENT VENEFICUS
Vincent watched Claire's face light up with laughter as the children called out to them, her readiness to dive back into their joyful chaos undiminished by the depth of their earlier conversation. Her invitation to join in one last game was tempting, a fleeting chance to lose himself in the simple delights of Yun'ama once more.
He smiled warmly, his eyes following her as she sprinted back towards the field, the embodiment of life and energy. "Go on, Claire! Give them a run they won't forget," Vincent called after her, his voice carrying the warmth of genuine affection and amusement.
He turned his attention back to the practicalities that awaited them. "I need to set up the portal for our return. It'll take a little while to align it precisely to the moment before we left." he explained, more to himself now, as Claire was already mingling with the exuberant crowd.
"Join me once your game is over," he added, knowing she could hear him even in the midst of her play. With a final, affectionate glance towards the field, Vincent headed towards a quieter part of the village where he could concentrate, gather his energies, and weave the intricate magic necessary to bridge their worlds once again.
CLAIRE ELLIS
It was a quick game of tag, one where she'd tell her pride she let them win. There were hugs and promises of returning before Claire ventured off to find Vincent. She took her time as she followed the familiar trail of magic she could always smell in the air when he was nearby.
Claire wanted to enjoy a few minutes alone in Thalia, before they returned to the hustle and bustle of RhyDin. It had its how allure, but this place spoke to her soul. She was convinced a few weeks here would and healed a lot of wounds, and maybe one day they could come back and truly stay a while. Just let a few hundred years anywhere else pass by while they enjoyed the tranquility of nature. There was so much to explore, and so little time for them to do that right now. Some day.
She was quiet when she finally found him, content to watch him do what he did best, until the glow of the portal broke though the shade of the trees and they could get back to reality.