rigelprinceofdespair

[rigelprinceofdespair]

While the temptation to instantly shrug of the condescending pat was there, Berkut reluctantly let it happen. Taking another spoonful of the warm stew, perhaps there was some merit into not judging everything by appearance alone. Not that he was going to admit such a thing out loud of course.

"I lost my train of thought for a second there, thinking about something." There was no need to elaborate, one thing he had realized in his brief time is that many people down here had histories. Most knew better then to pry into each others.

As he continued to eat, he was surprised to find the bowl was emptying quickly. Perhaps he had been hungrier then he thought. Still, taking the last few spoonfuls before setting aside the empty bowl.

"Perhaps it wasn't entirely unpleasant. Not exactly my usual fare, but I suppose it will do this time." Despite him acting the part of barely enjoying it, the empty bowl speaks otherwise. "Now that I've tried it however, I think I'm done here. I'm sure you can entertain yourself forcing others to try the stew."

Is this some kind of peasant food I'm too noble to understand?

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut had been hearing whispers and rumours of this so called book all day long. Even down in the Abyss, it had been repeated, though most residents there at least seemed to have the common sense to not listen to any of the 'advice' the books seemed to harp on about.

Each saying or skill from the book just seemed more and more ridiculous then the last. Surely it was meant as nothing more then a comedy, some dull parody of what being a real knight was? Yet as he had made his way up to the main school area, he had overheard other students discussing it, and a scowl had etched it's way onto his face at every word.

Thankfully it seemed there was at least one other person close by who understood the utter nonsense that was being spoken about. He had no idea who she was, but her intervention had given him an opportunity. Holding the book, Berkut glanced over it, before turning to the other student with a smirk.

"This is a rare edition you say? Sorry, I thought this was nothing more then someone's attempt to make expensive looking fire starter." Berkut held onto the book, a dark gleam in his eyes. Stepping forward, he got closer to the students and the woman, before offering the book towards her.

"I believe this is what's teaching them. Be warned, you may feel the urge to burn the book as soon as you learn about what utter foolishness is written inside. I encourage you to do so." As he spoke, Berkut felt the other student grab his arm, trying to turn him to face them.

"Who do you think you are, that's my book-" Berkut cut the student off with a small shove, forcing him away. Not bothering to conceal the disdain on his face, he wiped at the spot the student had grabbed him, as if the stupidity from reading that book could be infectious.

"So eager to read that book... how about you run along before I teach you what happens if you try anything like that in an actual fight." Despite the words, there was a challenging grin on Berkuts face, eyes lighting up as he stared the miscreants down.

dime-store romantasy

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Glancing back as the professor speaks, Berkut lets out a sigh. It appeared the faculty here was just as in the dark about whatever happened. The idea that it was a flying beast... perhaps it was indeed some dragon. A scoff escapes him at Nel's last words however. "I doubt any sort of beast needs a reason to be destructive." Bending down he picked up more broken fragments of wood. With a sigh, he trudged back, throwing them on the pile as he glanced around. The area was starting to see a bit of progress, but the idea of having to do this for at least a couple more hours grated on him.

"More likely it simply wanted to cause such chaos. If it is a dragon or something like it, I'm familiar enough with their kind. Luckily it fled before getting to cause more destruction." Berkut glanced around, moving to start gathering an armful of broken pieces.

Carrying them back to the pile, he dumped them down, only the barest effort to keep it sorted in some fashion. Moving on, he found a bigger piece, and with a grunt lifted it up. An amused smirk on his face. "It appears I found at least the upper half of the door itself. Remarkable it even managed to survive at all."

@fellsparks

Why do I have to do this work?

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut glances at his arm, a small frown on his face. Not that he wasn't grateful the wound was closed, but any magic on him always felt... tainted. Giving her a halfhearted scowl as he was shoved into the space of the hedge, though he didn't give any resistance as he waited. When she moved back at first he thought to join her, but reluctantly stayed still.

His eyes widened as she blasted open the door. Quickly he raised his hands, though as she ducked back in and the hounds raced ahead, he stared in shock as they simply... went down the wrong direction. It was only his own control that he managed to not let his jaw drop at the sight.

Glancing towards the mage, he could see the effort it took out of her. Berkut nodded, glancing towards the now destroyed door. As much as he wanted to head inside instantly, he paused, looking her over. "That was quite effective... come on. You've been casting quite a bit, I know that can take a lot out of a person, especially from our home."

With some reluctance, Berkut offered his arm. "If you need you can lean on me, let's get inside and perhaps we can find a spot to rest properly. Away from the hounds and whatever else may be in store for us down there."

Still, he smirked at her. "And perhaps you can also explain what just happened. I think I have an idea, but I'm sure you'd love a chance to go into detail about how great you are."

Maybe the angry dogs are better companions

[rigelprinceofdespair]

As they started to dance, Berkut couldn't stop the smile that crossed his face. For a brief second, all the pain, the horrors, everything that had happened seemed to melt away. Just the two of them, dancing close together, just as they had before.

Of course, that was only there for a fleeting moment. The past could not, would not be ignored. What he had done, willingly with his own two hands... it was a topic that at some point they had to speak about. Ignoring it would do neither of them good.

Still, for now he banished the thought, locking it inside. Along with the questions of how she had arrived, what she wanted from him, where they would go from here. Every second brought another question, another concern. Yet he forced it all back, keeping the smile on his face as he met her eyes.

For now, he would give her this moment. This treasured reunion, unspoiled by anything else. Even by him.

END

I See a Song of Past Romance

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Which insecurity would shock people if they knew about it?

Berkut looked toward the other student, mulling over the question in his head. Of all the things he had expected to be asked about, this had not been on his mind. Perhaps something to do with training, or perhaps riding. Not this attempt to probe his deeper thoughts.

At first he was simply tempted to brush the question off. Either simply walk away, or perhaps scoff at this question. That a noble such as himself would have no such insecurities. Yet even as he pondered it, he knew it was nothing more then a lie.

"I could think of one thing that would no doubt surprise any who knew me before." The idea of the farm boy and his miscreants learning about this made him wince, yet he doubted they would ever find out.

"One insecurity... is that everything I ever worked for was for nothing. That there is no future for me, and nothing to strive for now." Glancing towards her, he narrowed his eyes. "I would prefer if you don't repeat this to anyone else."

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut looks into her pleading gaze, and really what choice does he have? A slow nod in response, agreement to her request. There was no other answer, at least not yet. Despite his own curiosity over how she got here, that can be answered at another time. The most important thing is she is here now.

Seeing the tears falling across her face, slowly he moves his hands. Bringing them both up to wipe away at them, more gentle then he thought he could be.

"I..."

Berkut knows what he should say. What she deserves to hear more then anything. An apology, begging for her forgiveness. Yet the words freeze in his throat. Even now, his nature resists showing such a weakness, being that vulnerable in the face of anyone, even her. Even if he could bring himself to say them, what good were such words in the face of what he had done?

Truthfully, for once he is at a completely and utter loss. Searching himself, trying to think of what he could possibly do, try to banish the darkness from his fiance- former fiance's eyes.

Only one thing comes to mine. A single act that could perhaps communicate his thoughts more then any words he could say.

Moving his hands down, one gently falls to her side, while the other grasps her hand. Despite his own worries, he steps closer. Eyes staring deep into hers, a soft expression, one only ever shown to her on his face.

"Do you still dance, my lady?"

I See a Song of Past Romance

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut flinches back at the sword, glaring as he pulls his lance back. A scowl crosses his face, as he gets into the next position. Taking a new stance, holding the lance out in front of him as he gets ready.

"Simple. I wouldn't let them ignore me. I will demand their attention, and use my strength to make sure I can't be ignored." With that, Berkut thinks over his next move. Taking a calming breath, he gives the lance a spin before leaping forward. A highly aggressive move, but one he has practised before.

Using the momentum from his leap, he aims the head of the spear straight towards the chest, and as his feet his the ground, pulls it back just enough do three short jabs to try and find an opening in the mans guard.

i see in you what i hate to see in me || berkut & darios

continued from here

[rigelprinceofdespair]

He feels her hand capture his own, her voice rings in his ears. For the first time in weeks, it doesn't echo in pain, in screaming. Staring up at her, seeing those soft blue eyes, the familiar concern in them. A thousand things to say play in his mind, a cascade of questions, concerns, all of it wanting, needing to tear out of him.

"Yes... it is I. Rinea..."

For once his tongue feels heavy. What words could he possibly say. The actions, what he did to her. How can she look at him with any care? If she had simply walked away, declared she never wanted to look at him again, that he could understand. Never once had the thought occurred that not only would he see her again, but that she would willingly go to him.

Slowly he rose to his feet. Hand never leaving hers, taking in the warmth of her presence. Staring down at her, hand in hand, like they had so many times before. It was almost a call to the past.

Yet they could never return there. Not after what he had done. Berkut slowly, hesitantly, lifts a hand to her face. Gently brushing his fingers against her cheek. A flash of flame fills his vision, a shiver goes through him.

"I... how... I never thought..." May he be damned to whatever hell exists, he was a noble! Being tongue tied like some helpless child was for others, not him.

"How are you here?" The question finally leaves. It seemed impossible. His own survival was a miracle... perhaps curse in and of itself, yet to find her here and now. Was this a blessing or yet another torment?

I See a Song of Past Romance

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut rolled his eyes at her joke, but his lip did give a half smile of amusement. Following her, he waited to see what she would do. Seeing her intense gaze on the door, he waited, wondering what she had planned.

The grunt as she turned caught him off guard, and despite himself his eyes widened, just shocked as she simply through the knife down a path in the maze. He blinked, turning to look at where she had thrown the knife then back at her.

"I... will reserve any judgment I have until I see what exactly you have planned. At least I hope there is more to it then simply tossing a knife." With a sigh he moved to follow her, then stopped as she did. A bit caught off guard at the mention of the injury, he thought for a moment. Touching his cheek, the spot where the spell had grazed him seemed fine. It had been a more shallow cut.

However he still felt a sting in his arms, and looked down towards where the beasts claws hand managed to slash into it. Lifting the arm towards her he nodded. "The hounds claws cut a bit deeper then I thought. If we are taking a moment, I wouldn't mind bandaging it up. Unless you have a bit of magic you can use. Unfortunately we don't have time to clean the wound, I hate to think what might have been on those claws."

Maybe the angry dogs are better companions

[rigelprinceofdespair]

When was the last time you lied to protect your image?

Berkut couldn't stop the glare at the young woman, staring her down at the very idea. Still, he thought for a moment, pondering the question. Lying to protect his image. Of course one event came to mind. A bitter laugh echoed from him before he met her gaze.

"That would be easy. I lied to myself. Swearing that my strength alone could win the day. A lie I believed in until I gave in, using a witch's magic... and still failing." With a sigh he turned away, lost in the memories of that horrible loss.

[rigelprinceofdespair]

The response to both his offer and his approach to betrayal brings a smile to his face. Making others regret standing against him... now that is a pleasant thought.

"Agreed." That was all he needed before taking his stance, lance held at the ready. Eyes narrowed, staring at the knight before him, Berkut waits for a moment, taking Darios' stance. Slowly moving to the side, there is a certain satisfaction to seeing the knight match him.

At least the church's sworn swords weren't entirely useless.

"Now then... feel free to ask what you like, so long as you can keep up." With that Berkut lunged forward. Stabbing with the head of his training lance, before bringing the end of the staff around in a swing straight up towards the knights gut.

i see in you what i hate to see in me || berkut & darios

continued from here

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut let out a satisfied sigh as he put away the training gear. Every muscle seemed to ache, yet it was felt so familiar it was almost a relief. Grabbing his lance, he looked it over, checking for any damage during the training. All part of his normal routine, checking for any chips in the iron, cracks in the wood.

There was an exhaustion to him, yet he tried to brush it off. Already he knew if he had a mirror, there would no doubt be bags under his eyes. The nightmares had grown more frequent, a reason he spent hours training away. The slight hope that if he worked himself into exhaustion, his rest would be utterly dreamless.

As he hefted the lance onto his shoulder, he heard someone gasp near the door to the room. With a scowl he began to turn. "Whoever is there I am not in the mood-" He froze. Utterly still in shock, staring at the door. Memories rushed through his mind, the last time he had seen that face.

"Were you laughing along with them?"

"Berkut you're frightening me!"

"Duma! O ancient god!"

He didn't register the clattering of the lance falling from his grasp. Nor the fact he had collapsed onto his knees. Staring ahead of him, a shaking hand slowly rising.

Was this some cruel trick of the gods? Had his sleepless nights finally driven him to madness? She couldn't be here, yet she was. Right in front of him, standing at the door to the room. His lips parted, but no words could form. A breath escaped him, and finally in a breathless voice, almost like a prayer to the undeserving gods above, he spoke.

"Rinea?"

@rigelwitchofhope

I See a Song of Past Romance

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Who made you feel most anxious as a kid?

Berkut thinks for a moment, gazing down at his cup of tea. Taking a break like this, outside of the Abyss was a rare opportunity. Normally he would deny the idea that anything would have made him anxious.

Yet unlike any court back home, it seemed the question was asked genuinely. Glancing at her, he doubted she was the type to who would turn around and use whatever he said against him. Though perhaps he simply didn't know the others here well enough. Still, he decided to indulge the question.

"Believe it or not, I was a bit more timid as a child. One of the things that made me the most anxious was horses. Even riding one would have me nearly crying in fear." A light laugh broke out at that thought. "Of course, now I above such childish anxiety."

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut listened, thinking over the mans words. Not being able to rely on himself... as much as he'd rather ignore it, there was a truth to that, a feeling that even he could recognize. Still at the answer to his question he let out another bitter laugh.

"I think the matter is quite simple myself. Those who betrayed me, lied to me. I would see them dead." It was that simple, wasn't it. What else would they deserve for lying to him for years. Of course, it was easy to say that to a stranger.

Berkut turned, looking at the man once again. "I don't believe we've been properly introduced. My name is Berkut." Of course he didn't bother to extend a hand, instead twisting the training lance in his hand.

"Now, if you want to waste time on more questions like this... then spar against me. I need to get stronger, not spend my time engaging in some discussion." Berkut waited, wanting to see if there was actual strength behind one of these church knights or if they all spent more time talking then training.

i see in you what i hate to see in me || berkut & darios

continued from here

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut let out a sigh, having hoped the knight would simply leave after he had given out his answer. It appeared that would not be the case. What game was this man playing, was the church suspicious of him despite having passed their interview?

However the second question leaves him nearly stumbling. Forcing himself to stop for a moment, he plants the butt of his lance on the ground, turning to look at the knight. A bitter laugh comes from him, no trace of joy to be found.

"When I consider having lost control? That is a much simpler question." Berkut sighs, thinking about it. That moment, when everything he had ever known was turned around.

"When everything you think you know gets flipped around, you discover those closest to you lied, and you get cast aside and used. I suppose that is equivalent to when people stop following your orders."

With a sigh, Berkut turns back to the training dummy. Every emotion seeking to break free is forced down once more. Kept under lock and key, buried deeper. Training. He just needs to focus on that and get stronger. Though he glances at the knight again.

"Answer a question of mine. How do you cope with being betrayed?" Berkut asks, a hollow note in his voice. "It is after all one of the worst things to happen on the battlefield."

i see in you what i hate to see in me || berkut & darios

continued from here

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Anything Berkut was going to say was utterly cut off. Shock filled him at the sheer audacity she had. Going so far as to shove a spoon in his mouth, in the middle of him talking. Did she have no manners?

He quickly forced himself to swallow down the stew, any amusement at this situation swiftly gone. He couldn't believe it, to be ignored, mocked and then force fed that concoction. Already he started to raise a hand, to smack that bowl out of her hand before leaving and-

The taste lingered in his mouth. He paused, waiting for a few moment. The stew... wasn't that bad. It was still warm, and the taste almost reminded him a bit like the cooking back home. Rigel had lacked the abundance of it's southern neighbour, and while he had never starved or even gone hungry thanks to his position, a hearty warm meal in winter was one of the most valuable things you could have.

Without thinking he moved, but instead of his initial plan, he snatched the spoon and took another spoonful from the bowl. Feeling a pleasing warmth that contrasted the coolness of the abyss as he swallowed it down. Of course, he refused to meet her gaze, instead glancing away.

"Fine. It isn't bad."

Is this some kind of peasant food I'm too noble to understand?