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[Well, Wanda's judgment in character is a little suspect now. It's not Kyle he's thinking about, but Lucifer. Part of him wants to know what she sees in him; the rest of him knows he'll get all twisted up in knots. He wants to talk about Lucifer as much as he wants to talk to him — and as much as he wants to explode at Wanda.]
He's been working me pretty hard. I'll let you know when I stop sucking.
Thanks, Wanda. You take care of yourself too.
He's been working me pretty hard. I'll let you know when I stop sucking.
Thanks, Wanda. You take care of yourself too.
[ Ah, there he is. Rhy can hear the hurried movements inside, footsteps quickly moving for the door. He greets Wilhelm with his usual bright smile; it seems any glimpse of moodiness Wilhelm might've glimpsed from him on their trip was short-lived, and he wouldn't be blamed for assuming it was related to the trip or the negotiations.
Without really waiting to be invited, Rhy sort of starts moving to step into Wilhelm's room and let himself inside. ]
Hello! You weren't napping, were you? It's so dark in here!
Without really waiting to be invited, Rhy sort of starts moving to step into Wilhelm's room and let himself inside. ]
Hello! You weren't napping, were you? It's so dark in here!
[He needs no persuasion to step aside and let Rhy pass. It's good to see him in high spirits — not that it's a rare thing, but it's reassuring all the same to have some consistency to tether himself to. Like the tide that lifts all the boats floating on the water, Rhy's smile has the power to lift Wilhelm's mood.]
Um...not really.
[He fusses with his hair a bit more.]
Here, I can get us some light.
[There's a lantern sitting by his bed, which he lights. By match, not magic, which might seem a strange choice for someone who is supposed to possess the ability to spark fire in his hands.]
Um...not really.
[He fusses with his hair a bit more.]
Here, I can get us some light.
[There's a lantern sitting by his bed, which he lights. By match, not magic, which might seem a strange choice for someone who is supposed to possess the ability to spark fire in his hands.]
I'm sure you'll pick out a good name. It can be anything you want.
If you have — some time today? One will guide you through the forest.
[wilhelm has been there before, when her horizon went wild. with the guidance of a raven, though, it'll be easier to navigate, and he will be guided exactly to the space where she'll be waiting.]
I'll try to think of something good.
Yeah, I can come today. I'll be there soon, Wanda.
[He thinks of her as he slips into the Horizon, and he finds himself at the edge of her forest. As Wilhelm walks under the trees, apprehension creeps in — shadows of the last time he'd been here. But it lasts only for a breath in, a breath out. Rather than red mist hunting him through the forest, a raven leads him through it.
Eventually, he emerges from the trees to find Wanda. He puts on a smile for her.]
Hi.
Yeah, I can come today. I'll be there soon, Wanda.
[He thinks of her as he slips into the Horizon, and he finds himself at the edge of her forest. As Wilhelm walks under the trees, apprehension creeps in — shadows of the last time he'd been here. But it lasts only for a breath in, a breath out. Rather than red mist hunting him through the forest, a raven leads him through it.
Eventually, he emerges from the trees to find Wanda. He puts on a smile for her.]
Hi.
[it's a shame that the horizon only lets them perceive each other however they want. there will never be bruising, injuries, signs of illness, or any minute differences that one has no control over in the real world. it is hard, then, for wanda to gauge whether the healthy wilhelm she sees arriving into her cabin in the woods is, in fact, as genuine as reality.
standing up from the bench on the porch, she moves on over to the frame that connects the stairs to the front of the cabin.]
Hey.
[the raven that has tagged along perches itself by the banister of the porch, hopping a few times and glancing between wilhelm and wanda.]
Huh, I was expecting a different one.
[this raven is one of the bigger ones, tends to keep away from the others. wanda brushes a finger over the top of its head. she turns her attention back to the teen, dropping her hand to her side.]
How are you?
standing up from the bench on the porch, she moves on over to the frame that connects the stairs to the front of the cabin.]
Hey.
[the raven that has tagged along perches itself by the banister of the porch, hopping a few times and glancing between wilhelm and wanda.]
Huh, I was expecting a different one.
[this raven is one of the bigger ones, tends to keep away from the others. wanda brushes a finger over the top of its head. she turns her attention back to the teen, dropping her hand to her side.]
How are you?
[Shuffling a hand through his hair, his eyes shift from the raven to Wanda.]
Fine, I guess.
[A perfunctory answer, but it's more or less true. Fine is whatever you're accustomed to. He doesn't want to worry her; he's done enough of that already. By now, Wilhelm has reached the porch steps, which he climbs to join Wanda.]
So which one am I supposed to name? [He tilts his head, aiming a curious look at her.] Also...why ravens?
[Given the nature of the Horizon, he assumes that she has willed them into existence.]
Fine, I guess.
[A perfunctory answer, but it's more or less true. Fine is whatever you're accustomed to. He doesn't want to worry her; he's done enough of that already. By now, Wilhelm has reached the porch steps, which he climbs to join Wanda.]
So which one am I supposed to name? [He tilts his head, aiming a curious look at her.] Also...why ravens?
[Given the nature of the Horizon, he assumes that she has willed them into existence.]
[ Rhy notices he goes for the match; it's a little odd, but he doesn't say anything. May Wilhelm likes doing things manually. It's not exactly an inconvenience.
He moves toward the cold hearth next. The castle is magically kept at a comfortable temperature, but it's always nicer with a fire's glow, especially in winter. Before lighting it, Rhy tugs open the curtains of the window as well, revealing views of moonlit white-blanketed spires and rooftops outside. New snow is falling slowly, lazily fluttering beyond the window, catching the faint silvery light. ]
There we go.
Let's like the fireplace too.
He moves toward the cold hearth next. The castle is magically kept at a comfortable temperature, but it's always nicer with a fire's glow, especially in winter. Before lighting it, Rhy tugs open the curtains of the window as well, revealing views of moonlit white-blanketed spires and rooftops outside. New snow is falling slowly, lazily fluttering beyond the window, catching the faint silvery light. ]
There we go.
Let's like the fireplace too.
This one.
[she motions at the raven that sits with them. it stands proudly, puffing its chest out, and hopping over so it faces wilhelm a little more directly. for some reason or another, this raven decided to attach itself to the boy.
and so— its name must come from him.
as for his question...]
I had ravens before in a previous version of my Horizon. They're really intelligent, too. Have you never held a conversation with one before?
[she may or may not be teasing him a bit with that last comment.]
[she motions at the raven that sits with them. it stands proudly, puffing its chest out, and hopping over so it faces wilhelm a little more directly. for some reason or another, this raven decided to attach itself to the boy.
and so— its name must come from him.
as for his question...]
I had ravens before in a previous version of my Horizon. They're really intelligent, too. Have you never held a conversation with one before?
[she may or may not be teasing him a bit with that last comment.]
[His eyes drift out the window, watching the purple snow gather in the darkness. The hour probably isn't as late as he thinks it is. The sun disappears fast this time of year. His attention soon returns to Rhy.]
Sure, whatever you want.
[Wilhelm comes to join him by the fireplace, which has been thoroughly neglected by him — if it has ever been put to use, it's Elrond's doing. He isn't sure where his roommate is, but he guesses the library. On his visits to Wilhelm's room, Rhy may have noticed a small collection of personal belongings by one of the other beds, suggesting another occupant. The elf, though, is a little elusive.]
So...any special reason you're visiting me?
[A teasing lilt underpins the question. His hands are folded behind his back to hide his fidgeting fingers.]
Sure, whatever you want.
[Wilhelm comes to join him by the fireplace, which has been thoroughly neglected by him — if it has ever been put to use, it's Elrond's doing. He isn't sure where his roommate is, but he guesses the library. On his visits to Wilhelm's room, Rhy may have noticed a small collection of personal belongings by one of the other beds, suggesting another occupant. The elf, though, is a little elusive.]
So...any special reason you're visiting me?
[A teasing lilt underpins the question. His hands are folded behind his back to hide his fidgeting fingers.]
[Wilhelm shoots her a haha, very funny sort of look.]
Guess I've been missing out.
[Meanwhile, he studies the bird perched between them on the porch railing. Its eyes are bright, convincing him of Wanda's claim that ravens are intelligent creatures. Its glossy black feathers are strangely beautiful. Speaking to the raven now:]
Hello.
[He's not really sure what one is supposed to do with a bird, but he tries offering his hand, like he would for a horse or a dog to let the animal learn his scent. Then back to Wanda:]
Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?
[That would at least help him narrow down a good name.]
Guess I've been missing out.
[Meanwhile, he studies the bird perched between them on the porch railing. Its eyes are bright, convincing him of Wanda's claim that ravens are intelligent creatures. Its glossy black feathers are strangely beautiful. Speaking to the raven now:]
Hello.
[He's not really sure what one is supposed to do with a bird, but he tries offering his hand, like he would for a horse or a dog to let the animal learn his scent. Then back to Wanda:]
Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?
[That would at least help him narrow down a good name.]
[wanda smiles lightly as wilhelm turns back towards the bird. it tilts its head at the teen—from one side to the other—as if trying to gauge what he's thinking. at the hello, wilhelm will get to see the raven tapping its feet a few times and bobbing its head up and down once, as if to signify that the greeting has been received and is acknowledged.
it stares curiously at wilhelm's hand.]
A boy.
[she thinks, anyway...]
It's one of the older ones in the group, too.
it stares curiously at wilhelm's hand.]
A boy.
[she thinks, anyway...]
It's one of the older ones in the group, too.
[He can't help but grin as the bird responds to his greeting. It's pretty cool, actually. Keeping his hand extended toward the raven, he contemplates the oh-so-solemn duty that's been bestowed on him.]
I guess it's kind of cheesy to name it after someone...
[One guess as to whose name comes to mind first, and no telepathy allowed. Though, the way he says it, it's more like a question.]
I guess it's kind of cheesy to name it after someone...
[One guess as to whose name comes to mind first, and no telepathy allowed. Though, the way he says it, it's more like a question.]
Would it?
[no telepathy allowed, but wanda has an idea of whose name he might have in mind.]
Someone named one of the ravens after his friend.
[and the ravens here are happy with whatever name they are given, so long as it means something. wanda smiles, as the raven in question pushes its beak onto wilhelm's hand, poking it gently, without pinching him, as if to have him say its name.
they are quite impatient about getting named, turns out.]
[no telepathy allowed, but wanda has an idea of whose name he might have in mind.]
Someone named one of the ravens after his friend.
[and the ravens here are happy with whatever name they are given, so long as it means something. wanda smiles, as the raven in question pushes its beak onto wilhelm's hand, poking it gently, without pinching him, as if to have him say its name.
they are quite impatient about getting named, turns out.]
[He hums idly in thought, taking Wanda's words into consideration. To the raven, poking its beak into his palm, he offers a gentle reprimand:]
Hang on, I'm trying to think. [To Wanda, an objection:] How do I know he's worthy of having it, though?
[Judging by the playful curl of his lips and the little roll of his eyes, the question is completely facetious. Though, his brother's name has become sacred to him, as saints' names to the devout, and sacred things can't be thrown around carelessly. He thinks Wanda would understand.]
How about... [He tilts his head, as if measuring the character of the bird.] Ferrari? Erik loved cars, and this little guy seems eager to show off.
Hang on, I'm trying to think. [To Wanda, an objection:] How do I know he's worthy of having it, though?
[Judging by the playful curl of his lips and the little roll of his eyes, the question is completely facetious. Though, his brother's name has become sacred to him, as saints' names to the devout, and sacred things can't be thrown around carelessly. He thinks Wanda would understand.]
How about... [He tilts his head, as if measuring the character of the bird.] Ferrari? Erik loved cars, and this little guy seems eager to show off.
[the raven does a little hop at that, ferrari, and seems to straighten out, puffing out its chest feathers proudly.]
A fancy name.
[wanda finds it funny, in a delighted kind of way, that her ravens are getting these fancy kind of names—there's argus, staccato, and now ferrari. the raven, ferrari, seems to take note of her thoughts and caws at her, before pecking lightly at wilhelm's hand again.
seems like he wants to be worthy of the name.
it climbs up, its feathers taking flight, over the open door to the entrance of her home.]
Do you also like cars?
A fancy name.
[wanda finds it funny, in a delighted kind of way, that her ravens are getting these fancy kind of names—there's argus, staccato, and now ferrari. the raven, ferrari, seems to take note of her thoughts and caws at her, before pecking lightly at wilhelm's hand again.
seems like he wants to be worthy of the name.
it climbs up, its feathers taking flight, over the open door to the entrance of her home.]
Do you also like cars?
Hello Wilhelm, it's Istredd, I was wondering if you could stop by my domain at your leisure. I am not very good at speaking on here, I think I instinctively write as if I am drafting a formal essay.
[Well, the bird seems happy enough. Wilhelm watches Ferrari flutter away, hoping that he'll be able to distinguish him from the other ravens in Wanda's little conspiracy.]
I liked being in the passenger seat.
[Which translates to yes, but because he loves his brother and the two are linked in his memory. Erik had spent the final moment of his life in the sleek, shiny sportscar he prized so much. While the nightmares that shadowed everyone's sleep all those months ago bruised into Wilhelm's brain all the ways the crash could have happened, he refuses to let that overcome the good memories.
When he thinks of his brother behind the wheel, he likes to picture his grin against the backsplash of blurred scenery. The feeling of freedom that rushed in with the wind slipping through his own open fingers.]
I liked being in the passenger seat.
[Which translates to yes, but because he loves his brother and the two are linked in his memory. Erik had spent the final moment of his life in the sleek, shiny sportscar he prized so much. While the nightmares that shadowed everyone's sleep all those months ago bruised into Wilhelm's brain all the ways the crash could have happened, he refuses to let that overcome the good memories.
When he thinks of his brother behind the wheel, he likes to picture his grin against the backsplash of blurred scenery. The feeling of freedom that rushed in with the wind slipping through his own open fingers.]
I would like you to hear me out in regards to your fire.
[ Blunt, to the point. He isn't going to trick him. ]
[ Blunt, to the point. He isn't going to trick him. ]
[ It's a relief because like he said, he is not the best at this. He is trying. ]'
Thank you, I appreciate it. I can meet you in my domain in ten minutes. It is a tall tower made of stone with a red brick tip, it is difficult to miss.
If Wilhelm follows to the instructions, he'll find that when he is at the tower, it appears to simply open a door wherever he is naturally. Inside is a very large library on multiple floors, countless shelves, beautiful in its strange intricacies. The space is inuitive and very open, able to spot many spots from the bottom. There is a long wooden desk that could easily be seen in any classroom although it is stacked full of very old looking books. Istredd himself immediately re-created them upon arriving inside and sets them aside since he has company. He doesn't need to shelf these every time he comes in but it is somewhat soothing for him, he loves libraries. Anyone in Thorne would know that as he works in theirs and is so often there.
He has started to think through how this room will need to look on his planned event in just a few days, but he thinks he has it down. It doesn't need to be complicated, he tells himself. It doesn't come naturally to him, this is his first 'planned event' he has ever done. It remains to be seen what it will turn out to be. He is leaning on the desk rather than sitting in it but glances up when he hears the door open.
Outside of the grandiose nature of the inside, seemingly larger than even the tower would suggest, there is one little detail: five ravens, perched on high, all of them looking at Wilhelm as well. Wanda's love of ravens apparently continued, thanks to Lucifer's anxiety.
Thank you, I appreciate it. I can meet you in my domain in ten minutes. It is a tall tower made of stone with a red brick tip, it is difficult to miss.
If Wilhelm follows to the instructions, he'll find that when he is at the tower, it appears to simply open a door wherever he is naturally. Inside is a very large library on multiple floors, countless shelves, beautiful in its strange intricacies. The space is inuitive and very open, able to spot many spots from the bottom. There is a long wooden desk that could easily be seen in any classroom although it is stacked full of very old looking books. Istredd himself immediately re-created them upon arriving inside and sets them aside since he has company. He doesn't need to shelf these every time he comes in but it is somewhat soothing for him, he loves libraries. Anyone in Thorne would know that as he works in theirs and is so often there.
He has started to think through how this room will need to look on his planned event in just a few days, but he thinks he has it down. It doesn't need to be complicated, he tells himself. It doesn't come naturally to him, this is his first 'planned event' he has ever done. It remains to be seen what it will turn out to be. He is leaning on the desk rather than sitting in it but glances up when he hears the door open.
Outside of the grandiose nature of the inside, seemingly larger than even the tower would suggest, there is one little detail: five ravens, perched on high, all of them looking at Wilhelm as well. Wanda's love of ravens apparently continued, thanks to Lucifer's anxiety.
[good news for wilhelm, ferrari will always come around to greet him should he visit her horizon, guiding him to the house or keeping him company should he just want to wander about.
(additionally, perhaps he will take flight and seek wilhelm out, once in a while, expecting a treat before leaving.)
wanda smiles, letting the memory that he keeps to himself wash over her thoughts—this warm feeling, the feeling of freedom. as it does, she guides him inside the house, to an eclectic, very cold war aesthetic of a home, but with notes that feel european in essence: the narrow stairs with no banister, the collection of trinkets and books and clocks, the rugs over wooden paneled floors.]
I learned to drive when I went to America, but I didn't drive often. Were you hoping to get your driver's license, soon? [up the stairs, through a doorway, further along a hallway—] You like tea, don't you?
(additionally, perhaps he will take flight and seek wilhelm out, once in a while, expecting a treat before leaving.)
wanda smiles, letting the memory that he keeps to himself wash over her thoughts—this warm feeling, the feeling of freedom. as it does, she guides him inside the house, to an eclectic, very cold war aesthetic of a home, but with notes that feel european in essence: the narrow stairs with no banister, the collection of trinkets and books and clocks, the rugs over wooden paneled floors.]
I learned to drive when I went to America, but I didn't drive often. Were you hoping to get your driver's license, soon? [up the stairs, through a doorway, further along a hallway—] You like tea, don't you?
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