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[bajamutblast]

I won't make this prettier what are you talking about.

Notes:

- Gigaflare (March) = 3x Remaining

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[bajamutblast]

[Presently, Dion is polishing his lance. This isn't innuendo, he is currently half-bent over the thing, working at it with a towel. This is not making anything better but it is what it is.

It is a touch surprising that someone has found their way to Dion's quarters. He hasn't made an effort to tell anyone where he is, and he's been very careful to ensure that he hasn't been followed at any point. Nevertheless, as he sets the towel to the side and stands up, he makes sure he has his lance at the ready. It'll be the first thing Joshua sees as he opens the door and - ]

Ah. I was not aware you knew where I was staying.

[The inn is big and full of rooms, after all. But anyway, he's quickly leaning his spear up against the wall nearby with one hand, while motioning Joshua in with the other.]

I would apologize for having no refreshments to offer but. [A nod to the tin within his hands.] It seems you have already seen to that.

[kingincognito]

[ Oh. That is certainly a lance greeting him as the door opens. Joshua's eyebrows raise, and his eyes widen just a little. But it's understandable - Clive had taken control of opening the door for at least the first week, and had even pushed furniture in front of the window for a while. It makes sense that they all would be on edge so shortly after arriving.

As it lowers back and disappears, he simply smiles, relaxing his shoulders. ]

I am quite good at figuring things out, unfortunately.

[ But Dion doesn't seem to be opposed to his visit, at least. He steps inside as he's invited in, setting the tin of tea on the table as he goes. It's... so strange, seeing a freshly occupied room. Even in the two months he and Clive have been here, they have accumulated some things.]

It is a blend of tea that I found down in the kitchens. I've become rather fond of it. I can make some for us, if you're amenable?

[bajamutblast]

[That Joshua doesn't startle terribly at the lances prsence is relieving, to say the least. The last thing Dion wanted to do was offend him, or put him off. Saint that he is, though, the Phoenix doesn't even bring it up.]

That you are, Phoenix. We would not have been nearly as well-equipped back home if not for your knowledge.

[It isn't just that Dion is new to this room that keeps it sterile. He's used to rarely having his own quarters. An army tent filled with his armor and a place to sleep far more familiar to him. Perhaps he might have set up as such, if not for the presence of the Brand on his arrival.

His room isn't entirely without its touches, though. The bathroom, for example, has three poultices laid out, and a nearly used roll of bandages. And of course, there is the half wilted Wyvern Tail placed in a coffee mug, sitting on the kitchnette counter.

Said flower is spotted and wordlessly moved to the bedside table, making room for Joshua to work.]

By all means. Make yourself comfortable.

[Dion gives him a nod before... taking a step back. He feels a little stiff and unsure. Being in Joshua's presence is one thing, but in such a small, intimate setting? Something about it makes his head threaten to spin.]

[kingincognito]

[ He understands! And he trusts Dion not to use it against him. It's as simple as that, really. ]

Books tend to be your friend when you spend a large amount of your time indoors. I've a thirst for it.

[ Both during his childhood spent inside while suffering from frequent illnesses, and those three years he spent recovering from the five-year coma that he'd been knocked into by Ifrit at Phoenix Gate. But! He doesn't need to burden Dion with all of that, so he says nothing.

As he moves to the kitchenette, he does take note of some things. The poultices in the bathroom - three, he mentally notes, and a roll of bandages that will surely be used up by week's end, if not sooner. The fact that Dion is injured to the point of needing a new roll... He will bring one by, if Dion doesn't visit him at the clinic first.

The Wyvern Tail in the mug, which is being moved out of the way. Joshua's head tilts curiously at it as Dion gets it out of his way. Surely not the one he'd offered at the tent that day... But it is wilted.

He doesn't judge Dion's need to hang on to it, though. Wilted or no, it is... a reminder, he supposes. And it isn't as though they can easily find new ones, should he want one. He takes the kettle, filling it with water, unaware of Dion's stiffness behind his back. ]

How are you settling in? Is anything troubling you?

[ In terms of adjusting, of course. It's mostly like home, but just the virtue of it being different is enough to throw things off for some. ]

[bajamutblast]

[The way Joshua speaks evokes a similar feeling from Dion's early years. He remembers his own studies, and how diligently he had taken to them. In another life, perhaps he maintained that same voracious need to learn.]

There was a time I felt the same, if you can believe it. [While Joshua busies himself, Dion takes a seat on the edge of his bed. Some part of him itches to help, but he knows he's just as likely to be chased away by Joshua for even trying.] Your brother... did he tell you I used to be a student of the Hideaway's loresman?

[He isn't sure why he shares this now of all times. The memory still fills him with a sense of melancholy. He supposes it's better than languishing in silence, though.]

I am settling in as well as I could. My injuries ache less and less with each day I spend here. Perhaps I will not need your attention after all.

[He speaks without a hint of mirth, yet if Joshua turns, he might find something of a smile on Dion's lips.]

I jest, of course. Full well do I know that attempting to avoid your ministrations will only cause more trouble. And the last thing I wish is for you or Ifrit to knock down my door in an attempt to coax me in.

[kingincognito]

[ As Dion begins to talk back, Joshua smiles toward the cabinets. He'd hoped he could coax Dion into conversation. And it's so casual, too. ]

Truly? Harpocrates was once your tutor? What a small world...

[ He's learned a great deal from Harpocrates. A very kind, very learned man. The times that Joshua has had questions, they've sometimes gone on for a good hour poring over tomes and discussing theories. He could very easily see the man teaching a child.

Joshua peers through the cabinets, searching for the mugs. There had been some in theirs when they had moved in, and thankfully the same seems to be true here, too. But just as he's reaching to grasp two handles, Dion makes that comment, and he pauses to look back over his shoulder. Really?

But no. He sees that sparkle, the smile on his face. Ah. Dion is joking. ]

You are wise, Dion Lesage. Especially considering your healer now knows where you reside.

[ He takes a scoop of leaves from the tin for each cup, then replaces the lid. Now all there is to do is wait for the water to boil. So, he turns around, leaning his hips back against the edge of the counter and folding his arms. A habit he's picked up from Clive, minus the brooding. ]

How are your wounds? Not bad, I hope?

[bajamutblast]

He was. And I am sure I need not tell you what a wise man he is. Truly, I am grateful for at least one twist of fate.

[Some part of him can't help but think about the man, surely mourning the loss of the three of them. Dion wishes he could only pass one message on — that they were safe, at least in a manner of speaking. A man his age did not need to be weighed down by something like grief.

Still, when Joshua meets his eyes again, he's managed to reclaim his smile. It even edges on the mischievous.]

My healer? I was not aware we had taken such steps. From my understanding, there are several who call the clinic home. What of them?

[Does it make his heart skip, for Joshua to call himself his? It shouldn't. Dion knows better. He won't let his heart get away with such fantasies.

He does sober at the mention of his wounds. He glances down at his still bandaged arm, and shrugs a shoulder.] Perhaps in need of more attention. I hesitate to use up what I have so quickly, though. The rest of it is little more than aches and pains. Truly not so terrible, for a man who plummeted to his death.

[kingincognito]

He is a very wise man, truly. We have had many long and enlightening conversations.

[ Like Dion, he wishes that they could send messages home. He doesn't know how they can, but it would soothe some Worries. Maybe one day, they will find a way.

But the way that Dion responds to his comment makes his eyebrows raise a little. The smile is still there, so clearly he isn't actually offended, but... ]

Well, you are more than welcome to see them instead, so long as you are healed.

[ He offers a smile, too, though his is a bit more... questioning? He'd only said as much because Dion knows him, after all. Dion is more than welcome to see whoever he likes.

But the admission of how bad his wounds truly are makes him relax. Ah. He knew it. ]

It could certainly be worse, from the sound of it... [ He nods. ] If your poultices are important to you, then let me help. Save them for something else.

[bajamutblast]

[Ah. The smile quickly fades. It probably wasn't his wisest move, to tease in such a manner. Joshua's efforts were likely only out of courtesy, rather than a personal interest in his health. Or at least that's what he tells himself for approximately 30 seconds, before Joshua quickly offers to come to his aid.

Well, he has more important things to focus on here.]

I am sure you think me a fool for coveting them so. But they have become more than their purpose to me. I... consider them to be quite precious.

[He'll treasure the kindness offered to him for all time.]

That said... if you are willing to offer your skills, I am more than willing to accept. [A pause.] Though I will request no magic. The last thing I want is to have Ifrit after my head for encouraging you.

[kingincognito]

[ Joshua's smile grows warmer at that. Pushing away from the counter, he shakes his head, crossing the floor. ]

It isn't foolish at all. What is important to you isn't foolish. Even something as simple as a poultice.

[ He pauses, a respectable distance from Dion, but close enough to speak more softly. Confidentiality. ]

I will not use my magic, I promise you. I've some salve and bandages with me, if you would like me to treat you while the water boils. Or you could meet me at the clinic tomorrow, if you'd rather.

[bajamutblast]

I'm glad you understand, then.

[A note is made in the back of his mind. Perhaps once things have settled, he'll tell Joshua about the girl who had helped him. Something tells Dion it's the kind of story — one of human kindness and strength — that Joshua would appreciate.

For now, he glances toward the boiling kettle, then down toward his arm. There's a brief moment of hesitation before he finally nods his assent.]

It is likely in my best interest that you tend to it sooner, rather than later.

[Without waiting for a response, he reaches down and begins setting to unraveling the bandages on his arm. Most of what's under there shouldn't be surprising — burns from their first battle back home, and fresh bruises from the worst of their final fight. But closer to his wrist, Joshua might see the telltale signs of the Curse taking root.]

[kingincognito]

I understand more than you know.

[ And this time, the smile he gives Dion is incredibly warm. There is a lot from his childhood that he would still consider precious to this day, if he had it. The bracelets that he and Clive had been given as a gift from their late father are just one of those things, but he cannot bear to part with it all the same.

But Dion is already undoing his bandages, so Joshua will pay attention. It truly didn't take much for him to give in. The wounds are... certainly not surprising, that's for certain. Slowly healing burns, fresher bruises. And that hint of lithification... So his gut feeling had been right.

Well. Nothing to be done for that, at least not right now. But he makes a mental note to keep an eye on Dion. Any unnecessary uses of Bahamut's power... ]

Thank you. Sit still for me, please?

[ He turns, opening a small leather pack on his hip. He pulls out a small metal tin, a roll of bandages, and a square of gauze. The tin opens to reveal a strong-smelling salve, scented like a combination of healing herbs that, despite not being anything either of them are used to, still reek of "medicinal". No matter the world, this never changes.

He removes his glove, swipes his fingertips into the salve, then applies it first to the older burns, then to the newer bruises. Each wound is covered in a square of gauze, the salve helping to keep it in place, and then he winds the bandage around his arm until it is covered again. The beginnings of the lithification included.

And he says nothing about it, kindly, as he affixes the bandage in place. ]

There you are. It should probably be changed daily to monitor for infection, but I've found that salve does wonders for bruises. You'll just smell like an infirmary all day. But it isn't such a bad thing. I think it's a pleasant scent.

[bajamutblast]

[Prepared as Dion is for judgement, he has no idea what to do when none is offered up. He stares rather dumbly at Joshua for just a moment, before drawing his arm back to his side. The wounds on his torso ache equally but... if he's not being pressed to bring them up, he won't mention it.]

Is there naught you can't accomplish? [There's a hint of wonder in his voice as he glances up at Joshua, then back down once more.] Though, thinking about it I wonder if you might benefit from taking one of the jars I have. Remiss as I am to give them up, there might be more you can learn from it than I ever could. And I suspect the girl who gave them to me would be quite heartened to know they had even further reach than she expected.

[He thinks of Kihel's smile and finds himself mirroring the expression unconsciously.]

[kingincognito]

[ Oh, don't worry, Dion. This was just the first that was offered up. He will be asking after more.

But the awe in Dion's voice makes Joshua pause, meeting the prince's eyes as he looks up, if only for a moment. It's a familiar sort of sentiment, but... it doesn't feel the same as when the Undying look at him.

He ducks his head down, just for a second, masking it as a double check on the secured end of the bandage. Ignoring the strange flutter that springs up. ]

It's only bandaging. It's nothing, truly.

[ But he does give proper consideration to Dion's offer, because he's offering one of his precious poultices. He's aware how important they are to Dion, and it isn't a gift offered lightly. Joshua straightens back up, tilting his head as he reaches for one of the cloths at his hip, wiping off the excess salve. ]

You would give one to me? Are you certain?

[bajamutblast]

[Joshua isn't the only one looking away; Dion pretends to be distracted by an errant thread on the bedspread. He shrugs with his free arm, an oddly casual gesture for one so proper as him.]

And yet it is bandaging I could not manage on my own. Never mind running about with salves at the ready to help any errant prince.

[He sounds one part amused, and two parts deeply serious about it all. That level of graveness remains as he forces himself to look upward toward Joshua.]

I am. Kihel would be over the moon to know that her poultices were seeing widespread use. If I cannot ensure that she receive adequate patronage for her efforts, then the least I can do is make sure he name is known to others. [He shakes his head, expression fond.] So, if not for me, then for her?

[kingincognito]

You say that as though running into errant princes is commonplace.

[ But there's a tightness in his voice, a sparkle in his eyes, that indicates he is oh so close to laughing about it. He smiles at Dion once more, resting a hand on his hip. ]

Kihel sounds like a wonderful person. If she has worked so hard on these poultices, I would be honored to use them. Perhaps we could even determine what is in them and replicate them at the clinic... With her name attached, of course.

[ Kihel. That's the name of the person so important to Dion. He makes a note of the name, so that he does not forget it. ]

Tell me about her, while I look over your other wounds?

[ If you think he's convinced that a fall from the heavens would result only in bruises on a single arm, then ser, you are thoroughly mistaken. ]

[bajamutblast]

One never knows. I hear you are quite well-traveled. Perhaps there was another.

[He's teasing, and yet there remains a note of curiosity in his voice all the same. For all his life, Dion went where he was told. There was much he had seen, of that he would freely admit. And yet the freedom to wander sounds almost like a fantasy. He knows that Joshua was no idle explorer, of course, but a man on a mission. Yet that mission had taken him to the corners of Valisthea. He can't help but wonder what all the man had seen.]

She is. She found and tended to me after I left the care of your healer. Without her, I suspect I would have met my end long before Origin. [He pauses for a moment, quirking a brow.] Though, I know not what other wounds you refer to.

[He cannot take his shirt off in front of Joshua, he will die.]

[kingincognito]

[ Well-traveled... Indeed. He supposes he is. In his quest for knowledge about Ultima, he's been to so many places, but... never to take in the sights. Never to enjoy local cultures, never to partake in the cuisine save what was needed for energy, to keep something in his belly. He is Well-traveled, well-studied, but it is all in the name of finding out what truly happened that night at Phoenix Gate, and what Ultima had been plotting.

But he smiles for Dion all the same. ]

You would be surprised. Valisthea experiences a dearth of princes, particularly errant ones.

[ He's about as close as it gets, he supposes.

But as Dion talks about Kihel, he listens respectfully. She had saved him after he'd fled, then. He owes her his thanks in person, if they ever return home. Without her, they never would have made it as far as they did. ]

She sounds lovely. You are lucky to have met her, Dion.

[ But as he speaks, he's already giving Dion a once-over. There are other wounds. He knows so. ]

Hmm. If you're certain. I'd hate to find out later that I've missed something, but I'm sure you know best.

[bajamutblast]

Then perhaps it by fate that we met?

[A single errant prince and a single Phoenix. It's sort of story right out of a childhood fantasy. And one he quickly dashes from his mind before he can dwell too deeply on it.]

I was indeed. And now I can only hope she is being well cared for at home. I sent someone very dear to me to bring her enough coin to survive on. It will have to be enough.


[He can tell by that look that Joshua sees through his lies. It's hard to say whether it's guilt or a fear of Joshua's future wrath that winds up motivating Dion, but either way, he reaches for the hem of the sweater he wears all the same. No fantasy buttons or weird clothing to navigate here. Everyone say thanks, Heimr.

The sweater makes it to his abdomen before he finds himself hesitating. His cheeks feel warmer than they should, and he hates to think about how the rest of his body will fare once all is laid bare but... off it goes anyway. There's plenty of bandages and mottled bruises to be found here. Whatever entity brought him here had mended most of the threatening wounds, but that doesn't mean he's not still beaten up.]

You may have your way with me then, my healer.

[kingincognito]

Perhaps it is... Fate conspired to have us meet twenty years ago, so that I should be able to stand here, now, mending your wounds.

[ There's a twinkle in his eye as he says it, a bit of mirth in his voice.

Someone very dear to him... Ah, Dion must speak of his attendant. He had sent Jote away for similar reasons, to keep her safe rather than to seek out an individual, but it makes sense. It's nice, knowing that Dion has someone so close to him that he can trust.

But Dion finally gives in to him, and he could let out a sigh of relief if he didn't feel like masking it. His own wounds, from Ultima's exit from his body, had been healed upon coming here, but they had been life-threatening. Joshua has only wanted to ensure that Dion's are the same - the man had fought Ultima directly, after all, and he's well aware of what happens when an Eikon is defeated in flight. Bahamut would not have had anywhere to land to soften the blow of falling out of a primed state, like as not.

The amount of bandages here is... staggering, compared to Dion's arm. Joshua frowns, expression thoughtful. He has enough left on his roll of bandages to cover these, but only just. He will have to restock.

But Dion's words make him pause, and while by some miracle of the Founder his ears don't flush at the tone of it, the feathers of his wings and the small feathers interspersed throughout his hair certainly ruffle up. Flames, he hates these boons sometimes.

He clears his throat, moving to locate the ending of the bandages so that he can unwind them. ]

I will need to remove these first. Pray, hold still a moment - I will try to be gentle. Are there any areas in particular that bother you worse than others?

[bajamutblast]

[The movement of Joshua's feathers gives Dion pause. His expression remains quizzical as he sifts back through his words and, Oh, Greagor, smite him for it all. He immediately flinches back from Joshua's hands, expression shifting from confused to outright apologetic.]

Pray forgive my speech, Phoenix. My phrasing was - far from appropriate.

[He can't deny some passing interest in Joshua, no. But surely it is just that — passing. His heart yearned for another man, did it not? And no matter how final their goodbye had been, the fact that Dion yet drew breath surely meant he owed Terence some level of faith.

Never mind the fact that Joshua was little more than a stranger to him. They had shed blood together, laughed together but -

He closes his eyes, trying to force himself to focus on the moment. He could brood and turn these thoughts over within his head later. Right now, he is only making more of a fool of himself by flailing about and avoiding the other man's touch.]

Apologies. [He repeats this, before leaning forward once again.] And, to your question... It all seems to hurt equally.

[Should Joshua wish to continue stripping the bandages away, he'll quickly see why. Bahamut had been pierced clean through by the burst of energy Ifrit had repelled. While it may not have left an entire hole in his torso, there were burns to match the point of impact on either side of his body.]

[kingincognito]

No. No, it is quite alright.

[ It truly is. He isn't bothered by the words, so much as... Well. It's a similar sensation to when Will had complimented him, really, now that he thinks about it. Perhaps that's all it is, simply adjusting to others being so casual with him.

He gently shakes himself - literally - for a second, getting his feathers to settle again. ]

I am still not used to these boons. They often have a mind of their own. But I would be honored to be your healer, Your Highness.

[ It's said with a little curve of lips, trying to lighten the awkward little bit of tension with some levity. But not for long. He has work to do.

And once he gets the bandages off, he pulls in a breath. ]

Oh, Founder.

[ Dion has been trying to mend these himself? With only poultices, and in places he cannot easily reach alone? These will take weeks to heal, even with proper application of salve...

His fingers itch to cast a spell. He could fix this so, so easily. Dion wouldn't have to be in pain, he wouldn't need daily reapplication of bandages. And Joshua would gladly spend his own energy to do it, too. But Dion had requested no spells, and like as not, Clive would be able to feel it and would kick down the door to make him stop.

So, he bites down on his lip and refrains. For now. To keep the itch from being overwhelming, he focuses on the wounds instead, moving to the sink to wet a cloth so that they can be cleaned first. The other burns were fine without, but these are closer to the heart.

Once he returns with it, he kneels on the floor, oh so gently dabbing at the burns to ensure there isn't anything foreign trapped there. ]

Dion, I must request - no, I insist that you see me daily. If I am to heal these without my magic, we will need to ensure they are clean and rebandaged frequently.

[bajamutblast]

[Dion is not unused to the sharp stabs of pain that comes from these wounds. He's done his best to clean and tend them over the last few days, but it never gets any easier. The marred flesh is tender and angry even still, and no amount of gentleness will completely take away the pain. He has experienced far worse, though. And so while it hurts he needs to do little more than set his jaw and stare at a wall. It will be over soon enough.

Still, he cannot let Joshua's insistence slide. He sighs only a little sharply, and only because it's a sensitive area that's just been brushed. He ignores it for now, shaking his head as he does.]

Every day is far too much, even for you. Doubtless, there are others who need your assistance out there. I will not take you from them.

[And maybe, just maybe, he also doesn't think he deserves that much care and attention. It is but another form of punishment he must bear. To ease the burden would be to casually erase the suffering he had wrought upon others.]

[kingincognito]

Every day is not too much. Not when it's you.

[ It's murmured quietly as he works, so focused on his task that he doesn't really think about how it sounds until a small handful of quiet seconds later. At which point he pulls in a soft breath, sitting back from the wounds for a moment and glancing up at Dion, then clearing his throat and turning to preoccupy himself with his tin of salve. ]

Because your wounds were obtained in giving us a chance. I may not be directly responsible for making them, but I can be responsible for ensuring that they heal properly.

[ And responsible for making sure that Dion is not in pain because of them. He slicks his fingers with the salve, and applies it to the worst of the burns with the same gentleness as the ones on his arm. It has to hurt something awful. There's no way that it couldn't. He will have to ask Pure Vanilla if there isn't something he could apply to reduce or eliminate the pain.

But for now, as he plasters gauze pads to the ones on the front and makes his way around to Dion's back, he murmurs something softly. ]

Forgive me.

[ Because, just for this, just because he wants to relieve a little bit of Dion's pain obtained on his and Clive's behalf, he lets the Phoenix's fire light on his hand. The most gentle healing spell he can manage works its way into his skin, calming the ache and the burn. It won't last, it isn't knitting flesh together, but it will at least help for a short while. And if it draws ire from either Dion or Clive, he will take it with no amount of shame. It's the least he can do. ]

[bajamutblast]

[Oh, the way his heart flutters at the words. It isn't fair for Joshua to talk to him in such a way, he thinks. It's so easy for his mind to run away with itself, and before long the tips of his ears feel just that slightest bit warm.

It takes him a long moment to remember to respond, to shake his head. While he understands the sentiment, there is a problem with it all.]

These wounds are not from you. [Despite the correction his voice is gentle.] It was in your attempts to stop me in my rage. They are a reminder of what I have done.

[If there's more he wants to say, he can't seem to manage it. Joshua is right that it hurts, and he finds his hands gripping tightly at the fabric of the bed below him as a result. His eyes water reflexively, but he's long since used to blinking that away.

There is one advantage to his suffering, for Joshua at least. Dazed as he is, he doesn't register the apology until the pain ebbs. It's an unnatural shift, he swiftly realizes what's happened, but it's still far too late.]

Joshua - [There's not anger in his voice, but sorrow.] Please - no more. Do not weaken yourself, especially not for me.