hideawaysteward - Tumblr blog

[hideawaysteward]

Romantic. If only that weren't a joke, meant to ease the tense anticipation gathering around them. Because surely that's all it was. They might be of an age, but Miles was more than handsome enough to have caught half the eyes in the Hideaway by now - including Otto's. Not to mention his resourcefulness, his kindness, his capacity for infectious merriment... But, the word had to be meant in a more lighthearted sense. It had to be. Didn't it?

'Home has ever been people to me'. 'Lucky for both of us'. ...Perhaps it hadn't been a joke after all.

Otto quietly cleared his throat, as though that could stave off his rising, vivid blush. He mentally floundered for an answer, not helped by that warm touch gently brushing his forearm and wrist before retreating too soon. All that stopped him from chasing it was Miles pulling away first, and the understood necessity of a Cursebreaker keeping both hands at the ready. He let his cheeks cool as he followed close after his companion, letting the thoughtful silence stretch uninterrupted.

Before it could stretch too tight, however, Miles quietly broke it. Ah, the wine cellars. It made good sense, for both legitimate and more covert reasons. It also, hopefully, meant their interconnections wouldn't be too complex. Otto had already been listening close as well, for any footsteps or other voices, but he nodded just the same. "Aye. Might've never had much, but I've still got my vision."

A slight pause before he admitted, softer, "It... it's takin' everything in me not to just shout myself hoarse and hope he hears." It was Otto's turn to brush fingertips over the inside of Miles' wrist and the heel of his palm, fingers curling with another restrained urge to interlace with his friend's.

Otto treasured Miles' presence on the journey, for reasons both practical and personal. It did help to have the skills of a Cursebreaker at his side, and one who knew Rosaria better than he did; barroom brawls wouldn't be enough to contend with some of the creatures they crossed paths with over the next several days. But more welcome than even safety was the other man's company. Casual touches, a warm brilliant smile, kind eyes and a kinder voice... Otto dreaded to think how long and lonely the nights would feel, were he alone. By the time they doubled back around to sneak into Rosalith past Kupka's men, Otto had fully realized the depth of his feelings for Miles. The only trouble was, confessing in the midst of a rescue mission didn't seem like the best idea.

So, even though the words knocked around in the back of his head every time their eyes met, he kept most of his focus on the present. As he passed through the hidden doorway, Otto braced a forearm against it to aid in holding it open. Taking a firmer grip on the stone then so Miles could follow in after him, he helped moved the stone rows back into place while the other man explained the purpose of the tunnels.

There was the faint musty smell of stone and stale air, but the walls seemed to be holding up well. At the moment, he couldn't hear any movement further in; whether that was a good or bad sign remained to be seen. Otto had seen that little orb of fire a few times on their journey, but his gaze still followed it for a moment. What a marvel; could any Bearer learn to do such a thing, or was it particular to Miles? Another comment Otto kept to himself, for now.

He patted Miles' upper back, hand lingering again. "Aye. Lead the way," a gesture toward the tunnels before them with a sheepish, nigh-apologetic chuckle, "as usual. I am grateful for your patience with that, hope you know."

[hideawaysteward]

Otto treasured Miles' presence on the journey, for reasons both practical and personal. It did help to have the skills of a Cursebreaker at his side, and one who knew Rosaria better than he did; barroom brawls wouldn't be enough to contend with some of the creatures they crossed paths with over the next several days. But more welcome than even safety was the other man's company. Casual touches, a warm brilliant smile, kind eyes and a kinder voice... Otto dreaded to think how long and lonely the nights would feel, were he alone. By the time they doubled back around to sneak into Rosalith past Kupka's men, Otto had fully realized the depth of his feelings for Miles. The only trouble was, confessing in the midst of a rescue mission didn't seem like the best idea.

So, even though the words knocked around in the back of his head every time their eyes met, he kept most of his focus on the present. As he passed through the hidden doorway, Otto braced a forearm against it to aid in holding it open. Taking a firmer grip on the stone then so Miles could follow in after him, he helped moved the stone rows back into place while the other man explained the purpose of the tunnels.

There was the faint musty smell of stone and stale air, but the walls seemed to be holding up well. At the moment, he couldn't hear any movement further in; whether that was a good or bad sign remained to be seen. Otto had seen that little orb of fire a few times on their journey, but his gaze still followed it for a moment. What a marvel; could any Bearer learn to do such a thing, or was it particular to Miles? Another comment Otto kept to himself, for now.

He patted Miles' upper back, hand lingering again. "Aye. Lead the way," a gesture toward the tunnels before them with a sheepish, nigh-apologetic chuckle, "as usual. I am grateful for your patience with that, hope you know."

"Don't make me push you in," Otto teased back, though he kept a firm grip on Miles' hand until the latter was standing beside him. He made no remark on that small squeeze, but mirrored it before letting his touch trail away. Right now, no one but Otto had to know how much he missed that simple hold already.

Adjusting the strap of his pack on one shoulder, he let his expression settle back into something more neutral and thoughtful. A short, quiet hum answered that first mention of the bridge; Otto could guess the reason it'd be out of the question, before Miles' explanation confirmed it. With a nod, he followed along beside the other man. Even with his dear friend's reassurance about Deryn's safety, Otto couldn't help the restless twist in the pit of his gut. They were so close, but to keep his son waiting even one more day... were he a less reasonable man, he might've thrown caution to the wind and just made for the bridge anyway. Yet he couldn't deny Miles made another good point. That didn't keep a grumbling tinge out of his next hum, despite its tone of agreement. "Can't see Deryn again if I die like a bloody fool. I know."

Miles' further explanation did soothe the keenest edge of his fears, even tempted Otto to take the older man's hand again and interlace their fingers in silent gratitude. No matter how sweet that temptation, though, Miles was the better trained fighter between the two of them; best to leave his hands free in case they ran into trouble on the way. Instead, Otto patted the other's shoulder, palm lingering there after for a few long moments while they walked. "...Thanks, Miles. I mean it. Without you here... well. I'm just glad you are. More than I know how to say."

[hideawaysteward]

"Don't make me push you in," Otto teased back, though he kept a firm grip on Miles' hand until the latter was standing beside him. He made no remark on that small squeeze, but mirrored it before letting his touch trail away. Right now, no one but Otto had to know how much he missed that simple hold already.

Adjusting the strap of his pack on one shoulder, he let his expression settle back into something more neutral and thoughtful. A short, quiet hum answered that first mention of the bridge; Otto could guess the reason it'd be out of the question, before Miles' explanation confirmed it. With a nod, he followed along beside the other man. Even with his dear friend's reassurance about Deryn's safety, Otto couldn't help the restless twist in the pit of his gut. They were so close, but to keep his son waiting even one more day... were he a less reasonable man, he might've thrown caution to the wind and just made for the bridge anyway. Yet he couldn't deny Miles made another good point. That didn't keep a grumbling tinge out of his next hum, despite its tone of agreement. "Can't see Deryn again if I die like a bloody fool. I know."

Miles' further explanation did soothe the keenest edge of his fears, even tempted Otto to take the older man's hand again and interlace their fingers in silent gratitude. No matter how sweet that temptation, though, Miles was the better trained fighter between the two of them; best to leave his hands free in case they ran into trouble on the way. Instead, Otto patted the other's shoulder, palm lingering there after for a few long moments while they walked. "...Thanks, Miles. I mean it. Without you here... well. I'm just glad you are. More than I know how to say."

A small part of him did wish their journey wasn't so urgent, despite his eagerness for the chance to finally find his son. Otto wouldn't trade that chance for anything - but to venture out like this again afterward, just to enjoy a bit of private company with Miles, still held its appeal.

For now, though, Otto would take the moments he could get on their way to Rosalith. Even if some turned him into a big flustered sap. He caught that choice of 'when' over 'if', and let the corners of his mouth lift again while his blush gradually cooled. Already, fragments of possibility in some nebulous future crossed his mind: the two of them reaching the proper coast of the ocean, setting out on some ship bound for another port, watching salty wind flutter through Miles' storm-grey hair, eyes blue as the waves and smile bright as the sun...

Otto drew breath to reply, but paused as the boat slowed to a halt at the shoreline dock. With a quick thankful nod to his longtime friend first - and answered with a lighthearted shooing motion, yet also unspoken well-wishes in Obolus' sincere expression - he disembarked before offering a hand to help Miles out. "Then we will. When all this is over," Otto promised, his own smile broadening a little.

[hideawaysteward]

A small part of him did wish their journey wasn't so urgent, despite his eagerness for the chance to finally find his son. Otto wouldn't trade that chance for anything - but to venture out like this again afterward, just to enjoy a bit of private company with Miles, still held its appeal.

For now, though, Otto would take the moments he could get on their way to Rosalith. Even if some turned him into a big flustered sap. He caught that choice of 'when' over 'if', and let the corners of his mouth lift again while his blush gradually cooled. Already, fragments of possibility in some nebulous future crossed his mind: the two of them reaching the proper coast of the ocean, setting out on some ship bound for another port, watching salty wind flutter through Miles' storm-grey hair, eyes blue as the waves and smile bright as the sun...

Otto drew breath to reply, but paused as the boat slowed to a halt at the shoreline dock. With a quick thankful nod to his longtime friend first - and answered with a lighthearted shooing motion, yet also unspoken well-wishes in Obolus' sincere expression - he disembarked before offering a hand to help Miles out. "Then we will. When all this is over," Otto promised, his own smile broadening a little.

He'd expected a bit more of a prompt answer, so when all he got at first was an intent and thoughtful stare, Otto wasn't quite sure what to do or say. Was Miles just doing his best to come up with a specific question to ask? Maybe it was about Deryn, or maybe his son's mother, and that was the other's reason for hesitating. It wouldn't exactly be a fun conversation, if that was the case.

But, it turned out it wasn't. Instead, Otto was met with a fairly rare - and all the more endearing - blush on MIles' cheeks and darting blue eyes, then perhaps the broadest answer one could give. He found it difficult to mind that broadness when his dear friend turned a beaming smile upon him again.

"Everything, huh? Alright, but don't hold your tongue if I start to bore you." Now there was just a matter of where to begin. Otto glanced away only briefly, out over the lake's waters as they approached the shore. The weak wind and subtle waves sparked an idea of what to tell. "...Used to be a sailor." Another short chuckle. "Nothing too adventurous, mind, I was only a trading purser. But we did see some excitement, time to time; storms mostly, but some pirates too. And more than that... gods above, I miss the sea some days," he added on a sigh, meeting Miles' gaze once more with a faintly wistful smirk. "Sun on your shoulders, wind in your hair, ropeburn on your palms, and so much blue it almost doesn't seem real." The same blue as Miles' eyes.

Now Otto was the one to catch himself staring. That sheepishness returned, alongside a quiet clearing of his throat before he tried to cover for the besotted slip. "You ever get the chance?"

[hideawaysteward]

Reblog this if you’re okay with people sending unexpected IC asks to your muse at any time! No meme prompts needed!

[hideawaysteward]

𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝑵𝑶𝑵𝑽𝑬𝑹𝑩𝑨𝑳 𝑷𝑹𝑶𝑴𝑷𝑻𝑺 .    (  a  collection  of  100  nonverbal  action  prompts .   mature  and  potentially  triggering  themes  are  present .   add  “ + reverse ”  to  swap  assigned  roles . )

∗ o1﹕ sender  tucks  hair  out  of  receiver’s  face . ∗ o2﹕ sender  offers  receiver  a  bite  from  their  fork . ∗ o3﹕ sender  places  their  feet / legs  in  receiver's  lap . ∗ o4﹕ sender  offers  receiver  an  earbud  to  share  their  music . ∗ o5﹕ sender  comforts  receiver  in  the  aftermath  of  a  nightmare . ∗ o6﹕ sender  gives  receiver  company  in  the  hospital . ∗ o7﹕ sender  wraps  their  arms  around  a  hysterical  receiver  to  calm  them . ∗ o8﹕ sender  shows  up  at  receiver’s  home  late  at  night . ∗ o9﹕ sender  falls  asleep  leaning  against  receiver . ∗ 1o﹕ sender  wields  a  [ gun / knife ]  at  receiver . ∗ 11﹕ sender  runs  their  fingers  through  receiver’s  hair . ∗ 12﹕ sender  invites  receiver  to  dance . ∗ 13﹕ sender  takes  a  [ picture / video ]  of  receiver . ∗ 14﹕ sender  places  their  head  in  receiver’s  lap . ∗ 15﹕ sender  and  receiver  make  eye  contact  across  a  busy  room . ∗ 16﹕ sender  pushes  receiver  against  a  wall  to  kiss  them . ∗ 17﹕ sender  and  receiver  cook  together . ∗ 18﹕ sender  comes  to  receiver  after  being  injured . ∗ 19﹕ sender  sits  in  receiver’s  lap . ∗ 2o﹕ sender  lifts  receiver's  chin ,  invoking  eye  contact . ∗ 21﹕ sender  overtakes  receiver  in  combat . ∗ 22﹕ sender  finds  receiver  [ injured / bloodied ] . ∗ 23﹕ sender  straightens  an  article  of  receiver’s  clothes . ∗ 24﹕ sender  crawls  into  bed  with  receiver . ∗ 25﹕ sender  rolls  their  eyes  at  receiver . ∗ 26﹕ sender  lights  receiver’s  [ cigarette / joint ] . ∗ 27﹕ sender  is  caught  wearing  receiver's  clothes . ∗ 28﹕ sender  strikes  receiver  with  a  pillow . ∗ 29﹕ sender  writes  a  note  on  receiver’s  skin :  [ note ] . ∗ 3o﹕ sender  wraps  a  blanket  around  receiver’s  shoulders . ∗ 31﹕ sender  runs  and  jumps  into  receiver’s  arms . ∗ 32﹕ sender  shoves  receiver  out  of  anger . ∗ 33﹕ sender  hovers  over  receiver’s  shoulder  as  they  complete  a  task . ∗ 34﹕ sender  is  found  by  receiver  somewhere  they  shouldn’t  be . ∗ 35﹕ sender  curls  up  against  receiver  in  their  sleep . ∗ 36﹕ sender  is  found  drunk  by  receiver . ∗ 37﹕ sender  throws  an  item  of  sentiment  bitterly  at  receiver . ∗ 38﹕ sender  joins  receiver  in  the  shower . ∗ 39﹕ sender  is  caught  following  receiver . ∗ 4o﹕ sender  traces  one  of  receiver’s  [ scars / bruises ] . ∗ 41﹕ sender  twines  their  fingers  with  receiver’s . ∗ 42﹕ sender  barges  into  receiver’s  home  unannounced . ∗ 43﹕ sender  kicks  receiver’s  shin  beneath  a  table . ∗ 44﹕ sender  aggressively  shoves  past  receiver . ∗ 45﹕ sender  kisses  receiver’s  [ forehead / cheek ] . ∗ 46﹕ sender  pulls  receiver  out  of  harm’s  way . ∗ 47﹕ sender  is  found  sobbing  by  receiver . ∗ 48﹕ sender  locks  receiver  out  of  their  room . ∗ 49﹕ sender  brings  receiver  [ coffee / tea ]  in  the  morning . ∗ 5o﹕ sender  rests  their  forehead  against  receiver’s . ∗ 51﹕ sender  plays  a  song  for  receiver  that  reminds  them  of  them :  [ song ] . ∗ 52﹕ sender  takes  a  [ punch / stab / bullet ]  meant  for  receiver . ∗ 53﹕ sender  buys  receiver  a  drink  at  a  bar . ∗ 54﹕ sender  needs  receiver’s  help  getting  in  the  bath . ∗ 55﹕ sender  and  receiver  cross  paths  in  the  kitchen  late  at  night . ∗ 56﹕ sender  twists  receiver’s  arm  behind  their  back . ∗ 57﹕ sender  winks  at  receiver . ∗ 58﹕ sender  is  found  collapsed  by  receiver . ∗ 59﹕ sender  prevents  an  injured  receiver  from  getting  up . ∗ 6o﹕ sender  claps  a  hand  over  receiver’s  mouth  to  silence  them . ∗ 61﹕ sender  cages  receiver  against  a  [ wall / the floor ]  with  their  arms . ∗ 62﹕ sender  storms  away  from  receiver  during  an  argument . ∗ 63﹕ sender  is  found  by  receiver  sleeping  in  receiver’s  bed . ∗ 64﹕ sender  [ applies / touches up ]  receiver’s  makeup . ∗ 65﹕ sender  throws  receiver  into  a  wall  during  combat . ∗ 66﹕ sender  dances  sensually  with  receiver . ∗ 67﹕ sender  strikes  receiver  across  the  face . ∗ 68﹕ sender  places  their  hand  on  receiver’s  leg  while  driving . ∗ 69﹕ sender  pulls  a  chair  out  from  under  receiver . ∗ 7o﹕ sender  catches  receiver’s  wrist  when  they  turn  to  leave . ∗ 71﹕ sender  leaves  an  intimate  mark  on  receiver . ∗ 72﹕ sender  beats  receiver  in  a  video  game . ∗ 73﹕ sender  and  receiver  stand  in  stunned  silence  after  a  fight . ∗ 74﹕ sender  cares  for  receiver  while  they’re  sick . ∗ 75﹕ sender  and  receiver  go  on  a  hike . ∗ 76﹕ sender  is  caught  snooping  in  receiver’s  things . ∗ 77﹕ sender  and  receiver  cuddle  while  watching  television . ∗ 78﹕ sender  throws  something  aggressively  at  receiver . ∗ 79﹕ sender  creeps  up  behind  receiver  to  scare  them . ∗ 8o﹕ sender  and  receiver  go  shopping  together . ∗ 81﹕ sender  helps  receiver  [ dye / style ]  their  hair . ∗ 82﹕ sender  draws  receiver  into  a  kiss  by  the  back  of  their  neck . ∗ 83﹕ sender  is  discovered  having  a  panic  attack  by  receiver . ∗ 84﹕ sender  accidentally  injures  receiver  during  sparring . ∗ 85﹕ sender  grabs  receiver  roughly  by  the  hair . ∗ 86﹕ sender  brings  receiver  to  their  knees  during  combat . ∗ 87﹕ sender  shows  receiver  evidence  of  a  lie  they  told . ∗ 88﹕ sender  winks  [ seductively / mockingly ]  at  receiver . ∗ 89﹕ sender  yells  at  receiver  to  put  their  hands  in  the  air . ∗ 9o﹕ sender  helps  receiver  patch  up  a  wound . ∗ 91﹕ sender  holds  receiver  as  they  cry . ∗ 92﹕ sender  silently  and  angrily  points  receiver  towards  the  door . ∗ 93﹕ sender  gestures  for  receiver  to  sit  down . ∗ 94﹕ sender  pulls  receiver  into  their  lap . ∗ 95﹕ sender  cradles  receiver’s  face . ∗ 96﹕ sender  tackles  receiver  out  of  the  way  of  danger . ∗ 97﹕ sender  has  hidden  an  injury  from  receiver ,  and  receiver  finds  out . ∗ 98﹕ sender  confronts  receiver  about  their  unhealthy  behavior . ∗ 99﹕ sender  proposes  to  receiver . ∗ 1oo﹕ sender  has  just  died ,  receiver  finds  out .

[hideawaysteward]

So Miles isn't great when it comes to sewing. Stitching up tears in clothing is one thing, but stitching together a plush toy is a very different matter entirely, and you'd think he would have learned that by now.

Alas, apparently he has not, because there is a plush dog sitting on the counter next to where Otto can usually be found. It's positioned not to interfere with any of the paperwork and missives to be found there, although it is leaning to one side just slightly due to the stuffing being unevenly distributed throughout its soft little brown body. Two black buttons act as its eyes, with a third for a nose, and one can only wonder how many times the Cursebreaker jabbed his finger(and muttered expletives because of it) whilst stitching the critter's smiling mouth.

All in all, it may not be very impressive in terms of needlework. Even the floppy ears are uneven in length, with one teetering a bit too close to covering the corresponding eye. But it's the thought that counts, right? And it's clear that time, love, and care went into crafting the toy -- so there's no lack of thought to be found with it!

Of course, there's a small note next to the stuffed dog, slipped partially beneath one of the legs to keep it from getting lost or blown away:

I figured you could use some company when I'm not around. He won't tell you any jokes, but with luck, maybe he will earn one of your handsome smiles in my stead.

At first, Otto wondered if one of the children had left a toy behind. But as he approached to ensure none of the ledgers or documents were missing or damaged, he caught sight of the note.

Miles' handwriting was immediately recognizable, by now. Otto glanced between it and the clearly handmade plush dog; had Miles... made it himself? The idea conjured such an endearing image in his mind, he indeed couldn't help an affectionate grin. He had no idea whether the expression was all that 'handsome', but knowing Miles thought so was enough.

Tucking the note away for safekeeping, Otto carefully picked up the plush, smoothing a thumb over one of its lopsided ears. As his smile took a softer turn, he murmured, "...You darling sap. Come back soon, aye?"

[hideawaysteward]

❤️ Don't mind me, I'm mostly sending this in for giggles. (And so Miles can sneak blowing a kiss to Otto.)

For real though, I can't believe how cute this ship ended up being.

[ fuck yeah, all the smooches 🥰

(cue Otto grinning like an idiot behind his ledger)

right??? it's so cute, i love when random 'oh this could be fun' whims turn into Legit Brainrot, at least it has for me lmaoooo they're so adorable ]

[hideawaysteward]

Send ❤️ if you want to ship but are too shy to ask

Can be sent on anon or not

[hideawaysteward]

He'd expected a bit more of a prompt answer, so when all he got at first was an intent and thoughtful stare, Otto wasn't quite sure what to do or say. Was Miles just doing his best to come up with a specific question to ask? Maybe it was about Deryn, or maybe his son's mother, and that was the other's reason for hesitating. It wouldn't exactly be a fun conversation, if that was the case.

But, it turned out it wasn't. Instead, Otto was met with a fairly rare - and all the more endearing - blush on MIles' cheeks and darting blue eyes, then perhaps the broadest answer one could give. He found it difficult to mind that broadness when his dear friend turned a beaming smile upon him again.

"Everything, huh? Alright, but don't hold your tongue if I start to bore you." Now there was just a matter of where to begin. Otto glanced away only briefly, out over the lake's waters as they approached the shore. The weak wind and subtle waves sparked an idea of what to tell. "...Used to be a sailor." Another short chuckle. "Nothing too adventurous, mind, I was only a trading purser. But we did see some excitement, time to time; storms mostly, but some pirates too. And more than that... gods above, I miss the sea some days," he added on a sigh, meeting Miles' gaze once more with a faintly wistful smirk. "Sun on your shoulders, wind in your hair, ropeburn on your palms, and so much blue it almost doesn't seem real." The same blue as Miles' eyes.

Now Otto was the one to catch himself staring. That sheepishness returned, alongside a quiet clearing of his throat before he tried to cover for the besotted slip. "You ever get the chance?"

Otto needed, or at least sorely wanted, the mild distraction of their conversation so his thoughts wouldn't spiral into all manner of what-ifs and fears. It was enough that they had a lead, and were on their way; everything else, he'd have to take as it came. And given that he'd face down a Dominant at full power if they got between him and his son, Otto could take whatever their journey threw at them. That the distracting conversation was with Miles certainly helped.

Especially given the chance to hear and watch the other's full-throated laugh again. Otto's own smile returned as a broad grin this time. From the sound of things, if they'd met in their youths, they would've gotten on like a house on fire - much like now, just without the wild abandon so common to young folk. Still, there was a twinge of melancholy in his chest at the thought of Miles being treated with such cold distance by those supposedly of the same 'class', to the point the man fled them as often as possible. In Otto's opinion, those nobles couldn't find a personality if it hung in front of their faces, and not being 'malleable enough' for such people sounded like a blessing. He could so clearly imagine his younger self asking a younger Miles to sail away with him, in particular when he glimpsed that shroud of sadness passing over his dearest friend's face. Miles was a man made for joy. Even if Otto couldn't offer anything perfect...

Otto's wandering thoughts pulled to a sharp halt when their eyes met, and part of his smile surfaced in a sheepish smirk. "Well, I do, but that depends on what you wanna hear."

[hideawaysteward]

FINAL FANTASY XVI (2023) ✴ ELWIN ROSFIELD dev. square enix

[hideawaysteward]

Otto needed, or at least sorely wanted, the mild distraction of their conversation so his thoughts wouldn't spiral into all manner of what-ifs and fears. It was enough that they had a lead, and were on their way; everything else, he'd have to take as it came. And given that he'd face down a Dominant at full power if they got between him and his son, Otto could take whatever their journey threw at them. That the distracting conversation was with Miles certainly helped.

Especially given the chance to hear and watch the other's full-throated laugh again. Otto's own smile returned as a broad grin this time. From the sound of things, if they'd met in their youths, they would've gotten on like a house on fire - much like now, just without the wild abandon so common to young folk. Still, there was a twinge of melancholy in his chest at the thought of Miles being treated with such cold distance by those supposedly of the same 'class', to the point the man fled them as often as possible. In Otto's opinion, those nobles couldn't find a personality if it hung in front of their faces, and not being 'malleable enough' for such people sounded like a blessing. He could so clearly imagine his younger self asking a younger Miles to sail away with him, in particular when he glimpsed that shroud of sadness passing over his dearest friend's face. Miles was a man made for joy. Even if Otto couldn't offer anything perfect...

Otto's wandering thoughts pulled to a sharp halt when their eyes met, and part of his smile surfaced in a sheepish smirk. "Well, I do, but that depends on what you wanna hear."

There was one lingering concern that Miles held highest of all regarding the young man's presence in those tunnels -- and it was a concern that closely connected to the very real possibility that Otto's son may get lost or turned around. It was not a fear of who Deryn might encounter should he find himself wandering into the deeper reaches of the old castle's underbelly, but a fear of what Deryn might stumble across. The royal catacombs were, naturally, no secret to the people of Rosalith, and had for centuries been regarded as borderline sacred ground. But as was oft the case with royal families, there were certain aspects of House Rosfield's long-standing hold of power during the days of the duchy that were very much not known to the public. Secrets that had remained carefully hidden within the walls of those innermost dark tunnels for much of his family's rule, and that should be left down there to fade and die along with the Rosfield dynasty's very existence.

No doubt The Undying had long-since fled, just as they had doubtlessly fled from Phoenix Gate as well, having no more need to remain in these places. But remnants of their presence likely still lingered.

Of course, none of this was voiced to Otto, not yet at least. There was no cause to worry his companion further on a subject that was only a possibility, not an inevitability. The Firebird's sympathies might just pull on the threads of fate in such a way that they need not so much as glimpse those pathways which bore such a bloody history.

From Otto's inquiry, a small laugh was produced; though his brow remained furrowed, Miles still flashed an incredibly brief but notably very sheepish smile. "Oh, many a time," the Cursebreaker confessed. "Soldiers of the ducal army didn't find much opportunity to take their ease, due to the duchy so frequently caught up in conflicts. The Shields gained even less due to their greater responsibilities. And so, whenever we would return to Rosalith following a campaign, we always made it a point to dedicate a few bells to drinking at that tavern and swapping stories with our fellows."

The next laugh was a heartier one, followed by a shake of his head at his memories. "I always did prefer their company to that of the other nobles -- more genuine, less eager to smile to your face then stab you in the back. My parents, understandably, did not approve of this choice, but they learned quickly that their efforts to dissuade me from drinking with the "common rabble," as the royal court so lovingly referred to them as, were an exercise in futility."

@hideawaysteward

[hideawaysteward]

By contrast, Otto's eyebrows rose along with a small smile of his own when Miles admitted to frequenting the tavern they'd be looking for. It wasn't too much of a surprise really, given the other man's personality; no doubt Miles was quite popular among the Rosarian Shields. As he boarded the Hideaway's ferry, Otto wondered whether his companion had been one of those Shields back in the day. Given MIles' talent with a blade, it would make sense.

Or a noble, it seemed, going by what followed that clearer, warmer laugh. Miles certainly had the skills and the looks to be the envy of any noble in Valisthea, though the idea of saying so aloud was too daunting at the moment. Instead, Otto scoffed quietly at the mention of Miles' parents disapproving, while he settled onto one of the benches with his travel pack between his knees. The other might be able to understand, but he didn't - maybe because he came from the same class they'd turned up their noses at.

"Good. Us 'common rabble' know how to have more fun anyway." Otto turned a little where he sat, to lean one elbow on the boat's edge with his gaze still following Miles. "Don't know how you could stand bein' around nobles like that for so long. I'd start a bloody fight inside an hour."

@phoenix-flamed

Otto blinked in mild surprise at the kiss, light pink seeming to bloom from the spot and spread across both cheeks. While perhaps a brazen thing to do in view of so many around the Hideaway, he found far more comfort than embarrassment in the gesture.

Still, Otto found it difficult to share his focus with much more beyond getting to his son as soon as possible. When he did see immediate recognition from Miles, he hung on every word that followed the snap of gloved fingers. So, the tunnels did exist in that area and were a safe shelter from outside danger, but there was the worrying chance Deryn was or could get lost in them - not to mention, it could make searching for him that much harder. Regardless, it was the best and clearest lead he'd had since that awful day too many years ago.

Swallowing back the welling sentiment of, 'I could bloody kiss you silly, just to start with,' Otto instead nodded and gathered up his traveling pack. As he headed for the ferry, he glanced to Miles once more when the latter mentioned knowing the tavern as well. "You do? How about that. If I were a more faithed man, I'd call it a blessing. Did you drink there when you were younger?"

@phoenix-flamed

[hideawaysteward]

Otto blinked in mild surprise at the kiss, light pink seeming to bloom from the spot and spread across both cheeks. While perhaps a brazen thing to do in view of so many around the Hideaway, he found far more comfort than embarrassment in the gesture.

Still, Otto found it difficult to share his focus with much more beyond getting to his son as soon as possible. When he did see immediate recognition from Miles, he hung on every word that followed the snap of gloved fingers. So, the tunnels did exist in that area and were a safe shelter from outside danger, but there was the worrying chance Deryn was or could get lost in them - not to mention, it could make searching for him that much harder. Regardless, it was the best and clearest lead he'd had since that awful day too many years ago.

Swallowing back the welling sentiment of, 'I could bloody kiss you silly, just to start with,' Otto instead nodded and gathered up his traveling pack. As he headed for the ferry, he glanced to Miles once more when the latter mentioned knowing the tavern as well. "You do? How about that. If I were a more faithed man, I'd call it a blessing. Did you drink there when you were younger?"

@phoenix-flamed

He thought he caught some sort of recognition crossing MIles' face; maybe the man was from Rosaria. Now that Otto considered it, how much did he really know about the other's past? Not much, likely because he'd never bothered to ask. It could be such a delicate subject for so many Bearers and other allies that he found it best not to push, to focus on the present and the future instead. Otto couldn't deny a mild, persisting curiosity about it now - but what mattered more was setting out as soon as possible. 'Near Rosalith Castle' wasn't exactly a small area to search.

His answer at first was a low, drawn-out hum of agreement, while he sniffed as quietly as he could and cleared his throat again to push aside the welling of emotion. Shaking his head to Miles' apology, Otto dared to answer that reassuring touch to his shoulder with a hand on the other man's waist. His gratitude for his dear friend's willingness to help was beyond any words; he was no bard, even at the best of times, and a simple 'thank you' felt pathetically inadequate. Otto's gaze only flicked aside for thought, sifting back through everything he recalled about their story.

"Hm. Just that much of their journey out of the city was underground. Apparently, there's several tunnels; some even join a few cellars together." He glanced to Miles again, hoping this time to see recognition. "Sounded like they first gathered near the castle, possibly in an old tavern by the way they tell it."

@phoenix-flamed

[hideawaysteward]

He thought he caught some sort of recognition crossing MIles' face; maybe the man was from Rosaria. Now that Otto considered it, how much did he really know about the other's past? Not much, likely because he'd never bothered to ask. It could be such a delicate subject for so many Bearers and other allies that he found it best not to push, to focus on the present and the future instead. Otto couldn't deny a mild, persisting curiosity about it now - but what mattered more was setting out as soon as possible. 'Near Rosalith Castle' wasn't exactly a small area to search.

His answer at first was a low, drawn-out hum of agreement, while he sniffed as quietly as he could and cleared his throat again to push aside the welling of emotion. Shaking his head to Miles' apology, Otto dared to answer that reassuring touch to his shoulder with a hand on the other man's waist. His gratitude for his dear friend's willingness to help was beyond any words; he was no bard, even at the best of times, and a simple 'thank you' felt pathetically inadequate. Otto's gaze only flicked aside for thought, sifting back through everything he recalled about their story.

"Hm. Just that much of their journey out of the city was underground. Apparently, there's several tunnels; some even join a few cellars together." He glanced to Miles again, hoping this time to see recognition. "Sounded like they first gathered near the castle, possibly in an old tavern by the way they tell it."

@phoenix-flamed

Continued from here:

Judging by the weapon his partner had at his side, Otto very much meant business. Which was even more intriguing and concerning, and this time it was more of the latter. The moment the other man turned towards him, Miles began searching his face for any clue, any indication of the severity of the situation -- fortunately, he wouldn't need to wait long for his answers.

And what answers they turned out to be.

As soon as the words Rosalith Castle left the bearded man's lips, Miles paled a shade. His entire body tensed up, pupils dilating; and for that moment, all he could hear was the frantic beating of his heart within his ears. But when Otto's composure started to slip just the slightest fraction, a sheen of wetness glimmering in his eyes, the older man snapped himself out of it, forcing back that steady, serious expression to mask the myriad emotions coursing through him.

An escaped Bearer to track down. Not just any Bearer, but Otto's own son. It was Miles who broke their eye contact, just for a few moments -- after turning his head downward, his blue-green eyes squeezed tightly closed, the furrow of his brow only deepening further. Being separated from a child was a pain he could relate to, and while his own story thus far had a bittersweet ending, in that he now knew his sons were alive, despite him lacking the courage to reveal his truth to them...

... He hoped, and prayed to Metia, that his friend and companion's story would have a happy ending. Of course, he did have questions, or curiosities rather, pertaining to Otto's past; those could wait until later, and he would wait patiently for Otto himself to be ready to divulge the information.

All too soon after, his eyes reopened, now filled with resolve for their mission -- and he nodded. "Time is indeed of the essence, if he is somewhere in Rosalith. Anabella may be gone, but there is ever a chance that her Black Shields may yet linger, or that pillagers have already descended upon the city to take advantage of the chaos."

Not to mention the fact that last he had heard, Rosalith had suffered much and more under the aggressions of Dhalmekia, as led by Hugo Kupka. But that was an entirely other matter that he didn't wish to dwell upon, when combined with everything else the city had suffered.

"But you already know these things," Miles apologized a moment later, before stepping forward to cross the gap between them and place a reassuring hand upon Otto's shoulder. "We will find him. I know the city and the castle both -- if he is still taking refuge there, rest assured that there are no places that he might hide that I am not myself aware of. Now, before we depart, were the new arrivals able to give a description of the area in which they took shelter, beyond simply near the castle? Any detail, no matter how small, will be an invaluable boon."

@hideawaysteward

[hideawaysteward]

New orders. This was nothing out of the ordinary, of course -- Cursebreakers were always ready to be sent out at a moment's notice, after all. No, what made this time unique was that it wasn't "Cid" that was going to brief him in full, but the man he was both set and determined to accompany: Otto.

Miles would be lying if he said he wasn't intrigued and concerned, although he kept both emotions carefully hidden behind an even expression as he headed upstairs to seek out Hideaway's metaphorical support pillar. In the summers since his liberation and subsequent arrival at Hideaway, or rather the old Hideaway -- he could count on one hand the number of times that he could recall seeing Otto take the field. Even fewer of those times saw the two of them traveling and fighting together.

Otto had already more than proven himself competent with a weapon; it wasn't a matter of doubting the other's capabilities. No, it was just plain odd and unexpected. What could have seized Otto's attention so thoroughly, that he was willing to take a break from his usual tasks of recordkeeping?

As he slowed in his approach of the subject of his thoughts, he maintained that uncharacteristically -- or rather, uncharacteristic around his companion, at this point -- serious demeanor. His arms folded across his chest, and the ever-present furrow of his brow deepened.

"What is it, my friend?" The Cursebreaker kept his voice lower, just in case discretion proved to be an issue. "Is aught amiss?"

@phoenix-flamed

Were it anyone else, Otto would have let the Cursebreakers handle it all themselves. They were more than capable, and though he had his own strengths his other skills tended to be more needed, especially around the new Hideaway and new recruits. But this wasn't anyone else. This was Deryn. For the first time in years, decades even, he finally had a lead on his son.

Still, he was no fool. Skills in a tavern brawl didn't make one ready to face all the beasts or bandits that might be prowling the grounds of Rosalith Castle. And there was only one Cursebreaker he wanted to bring along, only one he was comfortable with seeing an emotional reunion. Leaning a bit of his weight on the long haft of his borrowed war-hammer like a staff, with a traveling pack at his feet, Otto stared out at the lake's deadened waters and tried to hold onto his patience.

He turned upon hearing booted feet approach. Much as Otto adored Miles' sunny grin, he was glad not to steal it away with the gravity of the conversation. "Not amiss so much as urgent. Our newest residents had information on a fellow escaped Bearer who gave them shelter near Rosalith Castle. It... he's..." A pause as Otto swallowed hard and cleared his throat, blinking back the barest hint of tears. He at least managed to keep his eyes on Miles', a small victory. "He's important," Otto continued, softer now so only the other man would hear. "His name's Deryn, and... he's my son."

[hideawaysteward]

(⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)⁠✧⁠*⁠。