Eustace (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
flamekthunder) wrote2025-04-07 09:12 pm
flamekthunder) wrote2025-04-07 09:12 pm
Entry tags:
I know. But you aren't going to get any rest if you do.
[At least he can take solace in the fact that they are here together? That if anything were to happen to either of them, they would be the first to know...
And slowly, to coax him a little into relaxing, a slow, languid hand slides up his back so that she can thread her fingers through his hair and reach for his ear. Is it cheating to start gently stroking and massaging it? Maybe, but if it will help...]
[At least he can take solace in the fact that they are here together? That if anything were to happen to either of them, they would be the first to know...
And slowly, to coax him a little into relaxing, a slow, languid hand slides up his back so that she can thread her fingers through his hair and reach for his ear. Is it cheating to start gently stroking and massaging it? Maybe, but if it will help...]
[It is, but he'll allow it, his body every so slowly relaxing more into her. A small, quiet sigh escapes him as he can feel that exhaustion settling in, knowing it won't be long before he succumbs to it and his consciousness fades.
He tries to keep in mind that now he at least knows what's happening to him and that if he does feel...that craving...he can at least try to keep it in better control. Perhaps being aware of it will help. And Tifa... He still doesn't like the idea that she's being dragged into this, but it's also true she's the best one to help him handle it. God forbid he dreamwalks into Lyria's dream, for instance.
So he'll hold onto her tighter as he cuddles closer to her warmth, her scent of starflowers soothing until he eventually drifts asleep, hoping that whatever happens, it won't be as his worst fears.]
He tries to keep in mind that now he at least knows what's happening to him and that if he does feel...that craving...he can at least try to keep it in better control. Perhaps being aware of it will help. And Tifa... He still doesn't like the idea that she's being dragged into this, but it's also true she's the best one to help him handle it. God forbid he dreamwalks into Lyria's dream, for instance.
So he'll hold onto her tighter as he cuddles closer to her warmth, her scent of starflowers soothing until he eventually drifts asleep, hoping that whatever happens, it won't be as his worst fears.]
[Tifa remains that way, running smooth circles over the base of his ears, carding gently through his hair with her nails, and lightly massaging every spot that she knows that he likes until she finally feels him start to relax.
Truth be told, she had been having a hard time easing the tension herself ever since she woke up, only because she knew that Eustace was holding onto so much of it, too. Not only for his sake, but for hers... She had said all of these things about getting rest, scolding him gently for not wanting to accept her help, and she had meant it all, but she had still been just as afraid. Just as scared as he was that if he did succumb to that sleep, that something might go terribly wrong...
So, when she finally feels him relax, the telltale steadiness of his breathing letting her know that he's drifted off to sleep at last, Tifa brings her arms around him and holds him tight. Tight as she can, until she can feel his heartbeat pressing to hers, without waking him. He may or may not sense it, or maybe he'll see it in his dreams, but slowly, surely, she lets her own dreamotion flow between them. Not fear, not anger, but love...
It's warm, and it smells of starflowers, and she hopes that if he does find himself tumbling into the dark, they can at least guide him back the way that they always have for her. That he's always done for her.
Should he need it, she hopes that he knows he can seek whatever it is he needs from her. But more than that, she hopes that she can offer him the same comforts that he has given. The same promise for safety and comfort...
Tears prick the corners of her eyes as she closes them, her face burying into his chest as she curls up, allowing the sweet scent and the gentle waves of warmth to send her off into a dreamless sleep alongside him...]
Truth be told, she had been having a hard time easing the tension herself ever since she woke up, only because she knew that Eustace was holding onto so much of it, too. Not only for his sake, but for hers... She had said all of these things about getting rest, scolding him gently for not wanting to accept her help, and she had meant it all, but she had still been just as afraid. Just as scared as he was that if he did succumb to that sleep, that something might go terribly wrong...
So, when she finally feels him relax, the telltale steadiness of his breathing letting her know that he's drifted off to sleep at last, Tifa brings her arms around him and holds him tight. Tight as she can, until she can feel his heartbeat pressing to hers, without waking him. He may or may not sense it, or maybe he'll see it in his dreams, but slowly, surely, she lets her own dreamotion flow between them. Not fear, not anger, but love...
It's warm, and it smells of starflowers, and she hopes that if he does find himself tumbling into the dark, they can at least guide him back the way that they always have for her. That he's always done for her.
Should he need it, she hopes that he knows he can seek whatever it is he needs from her. But more than that, she hopes that she can offer him the same comforts that he has given. The same promise for safety and comfort...
Tears prick the corners of her eyes as she closes them, her face burying into his chest as she curls up, allowing the sweet scent and the gentle waves of warmth to send her off into a dreamless sleep alongside him...]
[ Low energy is just fine; he's aware he's got more than most, anyway. ]
Not at all! It took me a while to finish cleaning up my workstation, anyway. Oil doesn't come out as neatly as you'd like.
[ It's still probably in need of another once-over, but that can wait till later. Tomorrow. Maybe. ]
Not at all! It took me a while to finish cleaning up my workstation, anyway. Oil doesn't come out as neatly as you'd like.
[ It's still probably in need of another once-over, but that can wait till later. Tomorrow. Maybe. ]
Oh- well, you know, an engineer needs a place to work, right? So I up and set one of the bigger rooms in my house as a workstation of sorts. Not as complete as I'd prefer, but...
[ A faint tap to the metal arm. ]
Can't do any maintenance without one, after all!
[ A faint tap to the metal arm. ]
Can't do any maintenance without one, after all!
[Aha! There's a look of understanding now, as well as some curiosity...
...
But they're here at Aglovan's request, so he'll just hold that thought for now.]
You can tell me more later. You wanted to use the bauble, correct?
...
But they're here at Aglovan's request, so he'll just hold that thought for now.]
You can tell me more later. You wanted to use the bauble, correct?
[ hm? hmmmmmm?? He sees that look...hello...
Luckily, he is easily distracted. ]
Ah, yes! Actually, it's for a similar purpose...kind of. [ A little wave of the hand. ] There's a material I need for some personal projects, and you can't really get it here, I've found.
Luckily, he is easily distracted. ]
Ah, yes! Actually, it's for a similar purpose...kind of. [ A little wave of the hand. ] There's a material I need for some personal projects, and you can't really get it here, I've found.
[They'll get back to it!!]
What kind of material?
What kind of material?
Dragonjade...
[Just a slight curious look before he grins slightly because he was about to ask more.]
You can tell me more about it once it's in your hands. Have your bauble?
[Just a slight curious look before he grins slightly because he was about to ask more.]
You can tell me more about it once it's in your hands. Have your bauble?
[A small nod.]
You should only need one... But it can sometimes ask for two, so we'll just have to see.
[He then walks over to the well.]
The process is simple. Just toss the bauble inside the well with the item you want in mind, and if it's able it will appear out of the well.
[Perhaps this process will sound familiar—]
You should only need one... But it can sometimes ask for two, so we'll just have to see.
[He then walks over to the well.]
The process is simple. Just toss the bauble inside the well with the item you want in mind, and if it's able it will appear out of the well.
[Perhaps this process will sound familiar—]
[ Normally she would have approached him about this in person, but seeing as how she was currently walking some of the dogs and the thoughts couldn't quite get out of her head, Lyria will be more inclined to write him a message over the journal instead- ]
Eustace, you haven't seen Sandalphon around lately, have you?
Eustace, you haven't seen Sandalphon around lately, have you?
[He's a little surprised when he sees the message, but he'll answer promptly all the same.]
Now that you mention it, no. I assumed he was keeping to himself. Have you tried reaching out to him?
Now that you mention it, no. I assumed he was keeping to himself. Have you tried reaching out to him?
[ Ah... so he hadn't either. That only confirms her worst fear. ]
I have... many times. I didn't want to assume just because he always was a little quiet, but now
[ She lets her words fall off for a moment in order to gather her thoughts. ]
I don't think he's here anymore.
I have... many times. I didn't want to assume just because he always was a little quiet, but now
[ She lets her words fall off for a moment in order to gather her thoughts. ]
I don't think he's here anymore.
[For Eustace, Sandalphon's departure doesn't really hit him much. He was never that close with the angel and they didn't interact much, and this would be true to a vast majority of the members on the Grandcypher. However, he knows for Lyria it's the opposite, where she was quite close with the angel. So after a moment—]
You're out with the dogs, aren't you? I can meet you and we can go somewhere.
You're out with the dogs, aren't you? I can meet you and we can go somewhere.
I'll see you in a few.
[And he won't waste any time in stopping whatever he was doing, grabbing his coat, and heading out to the park to meet her, his steps quick and wanting to meet with her as fast as possible. Valo will also be tagging along.]
[And he won't waste any time in stopping whatever he was doing, grabbing his coat, and heading out to the park to meet her, his steps quick and wanting to meet with her as fast as possible. Valo will also be tagging along.]
[ When Eustace arrives Lyria will be seated at one of the benches, idly watching the dogs scamper around in the snow with Contata resting on her lap. However, when the sounds of footsteps approach a couple of them stop and run up to Eustace through the fence, both barking with excitement and concern.
The girl will lift up her head to see the cause of commotion, and give her best attempt at a little smile. Even though her demeanor was far from it. ]
Ah, I hope I wasn't interrupting anything-
The girl will lift up her head to see the cause of commotion, and give her best attempt at a little smile. Even though her demeanor was far from it. ]
Ah, I hope I wasn't interrupting anything-
[He'll stop to pet the ones that manage to get their snouts through, Valo also booping his nose against theirs before they walk around to the gate to enter.]
You're fine.
[He could have been in the middle of a mission and he would have dropped it all (or rather finish it so quickly he'd beat a record) to meet with her. And once inside, he'll have a trail of dogs as he walks over to sit next to her.
And not say anything, instead just looking at her.]
You're fine.
[He could have been in the middle of a mission and he would have dropped it all (or rather finish it so quickly he'd beat a record) to meet with her. And once inside, he'll have a trail of dogs as he walks over to sit next to her.
And not say anything, instead just looking at her.]
( → continued from here. )
[It didn't take long for their heads to hit the pillows when they got back. After sharing a hot bath together to soak and warm up, it was straight under the many blankets that they were given, much to Tifa's relief. She could use the warmth, but nothing could compare to him sleeping next to her, their arms around each other, her head on his chest, as they both quickly doze off.
She does wake up several times during their sleep, or maybe she hadn't completely fallen asleep at all. Every once in a while she opens her eyes to check on him... to press a light kiss to the nearest part of him that she can reach, to brush his hair back, to caress his face. To make sure that nothing has come for him in the dark. He is still here, sleeping soundly, and that's as much as she can ask for right now.
But she would be lying if she said she wasn't a little scared, and that's what keeps her up for the most part. She knows that the nightmare energy could put some stress on a person, but what she saw from him in the dreamscape was... different. Not quite like himself. He was irritable, a little aggressive, and that heat that he had tried to warm her hands with... it didn't burn, but it was blistering hot. Dangerously so, and it might have burned her had she not been able to pull away fast enough.
It makes her uneasy, thinking about it, and so she tries to push it back for now, chalking it up to him being tired and all of that nightmare energy that he had to absorb and control... She's going to have to stop fretting so much if she wants to get any sort of rest.
At some point, she does manage to fall asleep again... though how long that will last, who knows...]
[After everything he went through that day, with using and absorbing all that nightmare energy and dealing with the noctaere more than once, it was no surprise that he would feel so drained and exhausted by the time they returned. He held up well while in Orkili, but the moment they stepped through their door, he realized how much he pushed himself.
Perhaps more than he should have, but he was one of the few people who know how to handle and resist most of the effects.
But as the day wore on, he did notice what started as a small prick slowly grew to more of a throbbing ache at the back of his neck. He would roll his shoulders and rub it on his occasion, but it only ever faded when he was with Tifa. Thus he could only assume it was some sensitivity to the environment, and even now back home it had faded as if it never existed at all.
So he is quite happy to hug Tifa close to him, her warmth that soothing salve he desperately wanted and needed...and also wished to once again apologize for what happened earlier during their time in the dreamscape, kissing her fingertips before they fully settled in. To have grown that impatient and irritable, to let his emotions get the better of him and almost hurt her... While it made him learn his limits and the signs to look for, to have had her go through it first still upsets him a bit, the guilt likely never going away for a long while.
It's with with these heavier thoughts and emotions as well as that exhaustion that makes him fall asleep quickly. And for a while it's a dreamless sleep, or if he did dream it was nothing of importance. Just random scenes that he would likely forget upon waking. Normal.
But at some point, in the later hours of the night, Eustace will flinch and stir in his sleep, but not awaken. He will even start to groan, his breathing more labored as his temperature drops to a cold chill, yet beads of sweat are forming despite it.]
Perhaps more than he should have, but he was one of the few people who know how to handle and resist most of the effects.
But as the day wore on, he did notice what started as a small prick slowly grew to more of a throbbing ache at the back of his neck. He would roll his shoulders and rub it on his occasion, but it only ever faded when he was with Tifa. Thus he could only assume it was some sensitivity to the environment, and even now back home it had faded as if it never existed at all.
So he is quite happy to hug Tifa close to him, her warmth that soothing salve he desperately wanted and needed...and also wished to once again apologize for what happened earlier during their time in the dreamscape, kissing her fingertips before they fully settled in. To have grown that impatient and irritable, to let his emotions get the better of him and almost hurt her... While it made him learn his limits and the signs to look for, to have had her go through it first still upsets him a bit, the guilt likely never going away for a long while.
It's with with these heavier thoughts and emotions as well as that exhaustion that makes him fall asleep quickly. And for a while it's a dreamless sleep, or if he did dream it was nothing of importance. Just random scenes that he would likely forget upon waking. Normal.
But at some point, in the later hours of the night, Eustace will flinch and stir in his sleep, but not awaken. He will even start to groan, his breathing more labored as his temperature drops to a cold chill, yet beads of sweat are forming despite it.]
[It was a light sleep again... just like all the other comings and goings of her awareness that night. She awoke at the smallest sound, the slightest twitch of him next to her, so it's no wonder that as soon as he makes a noise and she feels a sudden cold wash over them, she snaps awake.
She tries not to panic as she looks over him, but it's hard not to feel that way when she sees those beads of sweat, and when she becomes aware of how laboured his breathing has become, in spite of the chill. It frightens her, reminding her of those nights that they would both much rather forget.
But she has to remain calm. Startling him awake won't do him any good, and honestly, she's a little afraid of what might happen if she did. So with her hand pressing to his forehead, wiping away the sweat, she tries to gently shake him awake at first.
Though, there's no hiding the desperate trembling in her voice as she whispers his name.]
Eustace? Eustace, wake up... please. I think you're dreaming...
She tries not to panic as she looks over him, but it's hard not to feel that way when she sees those beads of sweat, and when she becomes aware of how laboured his breathing has become, in spite of the chill. It frightens her, reminding her of those nights that they would both much rather forget.
But she has to remain calm. Startling him awake won't do him any good, and honestly, she's a little afraid of what might happen if she did. So with her hand pressing to his forehead, wiping away the sweat, she tries to gently shake him awake at first.
Though, there's no hiding the desperate trembling in her voice as she whispers his name.]
Eustace? Eustace, wake up... please. I think you're dreaming...
[He doesn't react at first, just continuing to breathe heavily until he suddenly clutches his right arm, the arm he had been using to channel his dreamotion and nightmare energy, which slowly starts to blacken, chips of dark frost slowly spreading.]
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