cage match: thistle vs clover

[eonsadrift]

WHO: Clover, Thistle, and spectators!
WHERE: Thistle's yard
WHEN: Day 31

Comments

[survivaltricks]

I think. . . [responding slowly, thoughtfully]

I'll put some real thought into it.

[though he does give Perci a curious look afterwards]

I'm surprised the suggestion comes from you, though. You don't seem to like physical conflict.

[terraria]

Oh, I don't. My fiancé and my husband spar all the time and try to get me to learn combat so I can spar too, but I prefer to just cheer them on.

( his smile is still soft, but... there's a sad look to it now. )

Like I was cheering you two on. You did seem to be enjoying yourself, and knowing the strain you're under... I can't do much, but at least I can offer ways for you to destress.

And Styx told me before that he didn't think his skills in combat and fighting were needed here. He always seems... as if he's chastising himself, or disappointed in his own lack of finesse. I want him to have someplace where his skills do matter.

[survivaltricks]

[FIANCE. . . AND HUSBAND??? trying not to look too curious about that, because that is not what this conversation is about. MAYBE LATER. . .]

. . . you're kind, to be thinking about your teammate, too. I didn't realize Styx felt so stifled.

[terraria]

( he does see that flicker of curiosity and perci covers his mouth a bit to hide his smile. another time. he needs to be serious about this. )

Well, to be fair to Styx, he is sadly in a team with Charon as shepherd and me as co-shepherd. We tend to be more cautious with public opinion than most, I think. The both of us dealt with high society in our worlds, as well as war's political and social effects.

( ... ...

excuse him, lupin, his words are slowing because there's realization dawning on him. )

But... I don't think Styx's world has ever had peacetime...

Oh. ... ohhhh.

( hand on lupin's head. )

Good talk.

[survivaltricks]

[oh my god]

[blinks at Perci from underneath the head pat, before he just. lets out a breathlessly amused laugh]

Did you have an epiphany?

[terraria]

I did, I did!

( wings are flapping excitedly. )

This recontextualizes so much. Thank you.

[survivaltricks]

[based on what Perci was saying, Lupin can make an educated guess on what it was]

Mmm. I didn't mean to help, but considering how much you do for me. . . I'm happy that I could.

[terraria]

Well... you and yours have given me a new viewpoint, for certain. I'll be stopping by Thistle more, if that's alright by you.

[survivaltricks]

[something warm crosses his expression]

I'd really like it if you did.

[terraria]

Then consider me a frequent visitor-to-be, shepherd. ( he gives lupin a playful little curtsy. ) Maybe with a friend or two.

I think Styx likes caring after people who might understand his more... rough tendencies. ( stage whisper: ) But you didn't hear that from me.

[survivaltricks]

[SHEPHERD. . . he can't help but laugh a little]

[he lowers his voice to mutter, equally as conspiratory]

I noticed, back when he volunteered to come with us to collect the first batch of limbus.

[terraria]

( perci's wings flap happily when lupin joins in the little joke. )

Then you understand. It'll be good for him. And he's not the fussing sort, not like me.

[survivaltricks]

[another firm nod!1]

Got it. I'll start working on it after we all rest a little bit.

[from. . . the betrayal game from hell]