hadriel_logs | [OPEN] hello darkness my old friend

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[OPEN] hello darkness my old friend

Who: Sandor Clegane and YOU!
What: The Hound just goes on his regular loner routine until he has unexpected visitors.
Where: Delight's Bar (or any other bars), around and outside of the city.
When: From the end of the demon visitors plot and onward!
Warnings: Language. Violence. Gore. Will update if anything else comes up!

A; The Bar

[ Where could this big, lumbering guy usually be found? Nursing a drink (or several). Typically, he would keep to himself when he did it unless something particularly stupid was going on around him. But right now, he scratched at the side of his face -- the scarred and burnt flesh from when his face met fire as a boy caught the light to give it a ghastly appearance. And if he noticed anyone looking at him for a particularly long time, he had no qualms about grunting out: ]

You need something? Or you just come to admire my pretty little face? [ The words oozing with sarcasm and slightly slurred from the numerous drinks already coursing through his system. ]

B; Outer Caves

[ It wasn't really by any desire to find out what was out there or proactive action to find an escape that Sandor headed into dangerous territory. No. He just loved to kill things. Nothing felt more satisfying than sliding his sword through some beasty as it spurted out its insides (except maybe a good, strong drink.) By this point, he was coated in blood -- some of it belonging to him but most of it belonging to the pile of creatures he left in his travels.

Upon hearing a sound behind him, Sandor spun around with his sword drawn -- so close to cleaving the potential threat and only stopping once he realized it wasn't a threat at all. ]

You can't go sneaking up on people like that unless you got a bloody death wish.

C; Also Outer Caves (closed to Castiel)

[ Sandor was about to call it a day. He killed enough things to work up his thirst and that was how he lived his life in Hadriel. He drank some and then killed and killed and then drank. It was a vicious, repetitive cycle. But the man had fallen into it -- not knowing what the hell else to do here. He wiped the latest string of viscera from his sword onto a large rock, turning on his heel.

Clegane didn't know exactly how it happened. It started with the dim glow of a fire and it grew rapidly. Maybe some of the guts that littered the floor were highly flammable. Maybe it was just dumb luck. But whatever the case, Clegane found himself around more fire than he felt comfortable dealing with. And whoever came upon him now would see that the man with so much bravado and fearlessness normally was absolutely terrified now. Seemed like the very first time since he'd been here that Sandor Clegane was in need of rescuing.

Upon seeing a shadow through the flames, the Hound managed to stammer out a very pleading: ]

H-help me!

D; Outskirts of the City (closed to Tina)

[ This girl -- this loud, obnoxious bag of bones was up to something. And again, Sandor was pretty sure he should walk right by and ignore her. It likely wouldn't be anything good. But he did have a soft spot for the girl. Even if he hadn't spoken to her much -- she was a spitfire just like Arya. So, with an exaggerated sigh of exhaustion, the large man looked down at the tiny girl and asked. ]

The hell're you up to, girl? Lookin' for your lost mind 'cause you're likely not gonna find that anywhere here. Bet you left it right back home.

[ Oh. He was so clever. He looked pretty amused by the teasing insult. ]

E; Wildcard!

[ Got an idea of your own? Come at me. I'm open to anything with this grouch. ]

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[ Cas was not the kind to hunt in the caves, really. He avoided them, on the best of days. But little by little, this angel was trying to get his confidence back, and one of the ways that he was trying to do that was by facing down some of these monsters, challenging them alone. There were only a finite number out in the caves. Surely with enough effort, they could all be eradicated?

These days, Castiel didn't find many things that surprised him any more. But a full grown man - and Clegane was vast - shrinking away from flame was one of those things. In all his time on Earth, he hadn't come upon this kind of fear, and yet here it was, inescapable, powerful, overwhelming this warrior with ease.

It reminded him of his own fears. His own desperate terror. He stepped forward, until his face was lit by the flames. ]

What are you so afraid of?

[ The question in and of itself was alarming, but made moreso by Castiel's calm demeanor. ]

What do you mean, what am I afraid of? It's fire for fuck's sake!

[ It wasn't large. Not quite. But it was growing. It was growing, and Sandor did not want to step through it in order to get to his escape. He did not even want to risk it coming into contact with his skin. ]

You got water on you, then? You must. Put it out. Go on. [ A frantic gesture to the flames. All Sandor had in his canteen was some booze for the road. So it wasn't like he could do anything about it. ]

[ His eyes squint and narrow minutely. It's not an angry expression, just a befuddled one, and he glances at the flames, and then back to Clegane, and his head tilts minutely to one side. ]

Why would I have water? Besides which, you realize that hydrogen and oxygen both combust, don't you? Too little to smother the flame and you might even make it fiercer.

[ Was the fire growing, or was that just Clegane's fear feeding them, that was a whole other question. In any case, Castiel is not a monster. He may have stretched this out this far with his curiosity, but any more, when Clegane is clearly afraid, would just be cruel. He lifts his hand, gesturing toward the flames, and they lower incrementally, creeping down toward the ground from whence they came, lower and lower still. ]

Is that better?

A normal person brings water when they're going out to these caves. [ Said the guy who had a canteen of liquor. ] And what are you going on about.

[ Hydrogen and oxygen? Both beyond his level of comprehension. But also speaking of things beyond his level of comprehension -- when Castiel lifted the hand and the flames obeyed him like that, Sandor was slightly more stunned by the sight of that than the flames themselves. There were several things he understood. Laws of nature and the like. Flames would eventually burn themselves out, but they did so in their own time. Not with a wave of a hand.

It was better without them blazing around him. It was definitely better. Sandor let out a breath of relief. But he couldn't help himself from warily asking. ]

What does that make you then? Some kind of demon? [ Ushahin was the only one he had to judge to that respect. And Castiel's magic seemed like something that freaky bastard was also capable of doing. ]

Certainly not a normal person.

[ He doesn't need water, anyway, not for drinking or for anything else. It wouldn't have occurred to him even to bring it for others, nevermind for putting out fires.

But out go the flames, finally, leaving just the mess of flammable viscera behind, and Clegane's own temperature seems to be inching down as well. ]

The opposite. I'm an angel.

[ But what's an angel, really? Castiel steps carefully forward, moving over the burned mess, stepping toward Clegane, and his old burns. ]

Are you hurt? Do you need healing?

[ The flames were gone as though they had never been there. For a moment, Sandor wondered if he imagined them entirely. And then Castiel came over, proclaiming he was some kind of angel. Recovering enough of his senses to at least call bullshit, Clegane stared at him as though he was insane. ]

You sure you don't touch the alcohol supply here? Because that sounds like the type of thing someone would say when they're piss faced drunk.

[ But then again, all things were possible. ]

I...I'm fine. Only scratches. [ That were probably bleeding pretty heavily. ] I've had worse, trust me. You should be healing yourself. Or...I guess not. Since you can walk on fire. You sure you're an angel and not the other way around?

[ Castiel shook his head, disbelieving. ] Dean doesn't speak of me, does he? It's okay, I shouldn't expect him to. He has an exciting enough life to remark upon without complicating it with angels.

[ It didn't hurt his feelings, not really. Maybe it should. Then again, Dean clearly hadn't mentioned that he'd been dead, either. He shouldn't feel bad that he hadn't mentioned his relationship with an angel, or even his friendship with one.

He looked Sandor over, tersely, perhaps a little unsettlingly considering the intense stare, and judged the bleeding to be quite severe even so. ]

It would be better if you didn't lose any more blood. You seem like you might be quite awkward to carry back into the city.

Don't really pay much attention when he speaks while we're drinking. But he does talk a whole lot about nothing.

[ Even so, Sandor was pretty fond of the guy. And that showed by the small smile turning up on his lips after that. ]

Besides. He knows how I feel about gods. Angels and all that. Doubt he'd want to bring it up only to have me laugh in his face.

[ A skeptic and nonbeliever was Sandor Clegane. But perhaps he was starting to believe a little bit after seeing the things he'd seen here. ]

But could stand to get out of this armor. It's chafing my arse. Let's go. [ He gestured for Castiel to lead. Just in case any more fires broke out on the way. ]

That sounds most likely.

[ He doesn't know what Dean has been complaining about, or how this man feels about gods and angels and all that, so he just keeps his mouth shut as he steps ahead of Clegane, not sure if he should push the subject at all. ]

Dean and I have gone into battle many times together, but his stories aren't my stories, generally.

But um... He trusts me. Like a brother. I know it's anecdotal, but I hope it's enough. [ To give him some confidence that this strange man in a tan coat knows what he's doing. Hey, at least he's wearing shoes, right? ]

[ Castiel wasn't met by disbelief nor disdain. Maybe Sandor was too exhausted for that. Or maybe he didn't care to discredit him on his history with Dean. Who was The Hound to dispute it? ]

Good. He just lost a brother, so I'm sure he could use another one to keep him company.

[ And even though Castiel was pretty odd in his mannerisms, seriousness, and general lack of a smile -- if Dean really cared about him like a brother, then it was good he was around. Not that Sandor has many positive things to say about brothers. But, at least Castiel seemed less likely to set Dean on fire. ]

How long you guys been in this world again?

Um...eight months, I suppose.

[ He would know the number of hours and minutes exactly, but he's learned that people find that kind of specifics difficult to deal with. In any case, he leads the way confidently, his eyes slightly downturned to keep track of the path ahead of them. ]

Do you kill the monsters in the cave just for the pleasure of it, or are you exchanging the deaths of the creatures for favor with the gods?

[ Unfortunately for Sandor, his very clever insult went right over Tina's head, much like his shadow too. He was more of a wall than a hound as far as Tina was concerned, good at getting in the way and not moving, just like he was now! So, with a cheeky little smile and a grenade held in one hand, the pin rather worryingly clenched between her teeth, Tina dropped to her hands and knees and took to crawling between his legs to the other side. ]

I'm lookin' for mah mount! Only went and found mahself the BEST! kind EVA! Looks like a pig~, smells like a pig~ Kinda reminds me of yoo~!

[ She giggled, rather proud of her little quip right back at him. Although Tina really was looking for a pig-like creature, she'd captured it when all those demons started to show up, managed to trade some goods for a small saddle and were currently in the process of trying to train the thing so that she could ride it!. ]

Hey, yoo think if I only blow it up a incy wincy lil' bit, I'll still be able to ride it? Like if it's only missin' a few legs... An eye. Ear maybe? Half a tail? Spleen?

Comparin' me to a pig? What sort of manners are those? I ain't no pig.

[ He protested as he scratched at his side and let out a belch. Not very pig-like indeed, psh! The dog of Westeros craned his head over his shoulder as Tina rolled right between his legs and wound up on the other side. Slippery little thing, wasn't she? ]

Don't think it'll be any good if you blow it up. But the little piggy might taste good all charred and burnt. [ Man. How long had it been since he had himself a good hunk of pork? Too long. His stomach growled. ] Not gonna be too good for ridin', though. Can tell you that much. Seen plenty a horse blown to pieces by a catapult before.

[ And wildfire. But Sandor didn't talk about wildfire. ]

[ Tina bends forwards and looks at him from between her legs. Pushing her finger to the tip of her nose, making it all squished up looking, then? Then she oinks at him. ]

Oink~ Oink~ Ahahahahah!

[ Falling flat on her ass, almost dropping that grenade she had in her hand, as she holds her stomach and laughs up at him. He was fun, just like Roland could be or Brick when he was wound up, she liked him and some day she would watch the world bow to them both as she rode proudly on his giant shoulders! ]

D'aww~ Yoo can't eat Sir Fredrick Crinkle Bottom, The Homefry! He's part of the family yo! Even if he do like to run away. -OI!! Get 'em!! Get 'em!!

[ Suddenly, the Nug made a run for it! Jumping clean over Tina as she sat there laughing, making a break for it between Sandor's legs, just as Tina had! ]

[ The Hound had only just digested the entire name she had given the not!pig, arching a bushy brow and about to ask about it (no comment about the oinking) when the damn thing bolted out from no where and leaped over Tina's head. Agile fucker, it was! The Nug got between Sandor's legs before he could even bend down to scoop it up. ]

How the hell is it going so fast? What did you do to it?

[ Likely nothing. But who knew what Tina ate or drank to make her act the way she did. Sandor wasn't very fast. Giving something a chase when he wasn't on horseback wasn't his forte. But goddamnit, here he was -- trying to run the damn creature down. It turned a corner real fast just as he bent over to grab it, and it caused Clegane to bowl over himself and collide with a tree. ]

Fucking hell. It's headin' your way!

Who me~?? Why I did nuffin' at all~

[ Pressing a hand to her chest, swaying innocently and smiling as politely as she could. That is, until he collided with that tree, sending Tina into a fit of laughter. He was pretty clumsy for a big guy, must be because there's hardly any oxygen all the way up there where his head is. ]

AHAHAHAHAH HAHA AHAHA! Oh shi--!!

[ Tina sprung into action! Pulled her long sock up and pushed her short one down... Don't ask why... Getting ready to catch it as the nug came bolting her way. ]

Here it comes! Here it comes!!

[ She cried out, leaping in its direction head first, arms spread wide and like a majestic Orca catching a seal, Tina grabbed the thing in her arms, wrestled it to the ground and pinned it. After a moment, she stood. Victorious and triumphant! Holding it up like a scene from the Lion King. ]

Awww who's a cute lil' ugly piggy, yoo is~ yoo is- EW!! It's peeing! Peeeeeing!!! Ew ew ew ew ew ew!!

[ And just like that, Tina dropped the little fucker in a heartbeat. ]

[ Victory! For all of a few seconds. And then Tina let the thing go. But by then, Sandor had regained himself enough to grab the stupid Nug by the scruff of the neck as it neared him and pissed all over itself. He wasn't afraid of a little bit of waste. ]

Slob like you can't handle a little piss when you probably roll around in the mud with this pig? How do you expect to take care of this thing, then.

[ It might have seemed like he was lecturing Tina like a father. Until he said. ]

I'd say the best use for this thing would be to fry him up. I see some nice, juicy porkchops when I'm lookin' at him.

[ She feings a gasp. ]

Oh, how very dare yoo~ I'll have yoo know I'm no slob~

[ It'll take more than a fancy voice and prissy face to convince him of that, considering the way she's dressed and the clear lack of hygiene, Tina would have a hard time convincing anyone she was as fancy as he liked to pretend she was.

The moment he turned to talking about the Nug as food again, Tina ran over to his side, wrapping her arms around his middle and squeezing as tight as she could. ]

NOOOOOO! Yoo can't eat Sir Fredrick Crinkle Bottom, The Homefry! Yoo cans eat anyone else butt not him~! If yoo eat him I'll explode!! And I'll take your leg with me!

[The whole demon invasion has been pretty hellish for Jill. Now that she's back to her senses again, she decided she needed to stop for a break and a drink. Generally, she's not prone to staring or rudeness. Right now, she's tired enough to not realize she's even doing it until Sandor points it out with his remark.]

Sorry.

[The woman several seats down the bar shakes her head a little and lifts her drink.]

I'm sure there's a story behind that.

[Whatever happened to him must've been horrible.]

Aye. There is.

[ He takes a large swallow of his drink -- about to leave it there. But perhaps the booze is what gives him the generosity to share his gruesome tale. This woman didn't ask for it and probably didn't want it, but Sandor starts spewing the words anyway. ]

Gift from my brother from when I was a boy. He thought I stole one of his toys, so he grabbed my head and pressed my face right down to the bloody fire. [ A thoughtful frown. ] Slammed it right in there nice and good and let me roast like a mutton chop.

[ Sarcastically raising his glass. ] Here's to family, am I right? [ Tilting back the drink, he polishes off the contents. ]

Jesus.

[That's horrible. She imagined things, but nothing as terrible as that. The poor man. Jill is sure that was just one of the many injuries he sustained from such a cruel sibling.

But given that he told the story, she can't let him drink alone. She lifts her drink.]

Here's to.. being an only child.

[Better not to have siblings than to have one like that. And she drinks.]

[ Well, in spite of himself -- a smile twists up on his lips at her toast. ]

That's one thing to be goddamned grateful for.

[ Sandor waves his hand for another refill and then looks back at the woman. ]

You newer to this world? Or one of the older ones? [ He hasn't really paid much attention to the people beyond himself here. But whichever she happens to be, she seems tough. So he's sure she'll handle this place just fine. ]

A few months.

[Seems like she's been here a long time, though. Or feels like it. After zombies and dragons and demons, that's plenty to make anyone feel seasoned.]

What about you?

'Bout the same, I guess. Yeah. Sounds about right. Hard to tell when every day is pretty much the same in this goddamn cave.

[ His nose wrinkles up. ]

Except when the bloody gods decide it's fun to fuck us up the arse with some new, weird threat.

It would be nice to have a change of scenery.

[Jill was getting tired of being stuck in caves. Even if they were large caves.]

I joined the city guard when I got here. Do you do anything?

There's a city guard? I'll be damned.

[ That showed how out of the loop Sandor Clegane happened to be. He was far too content to stay in his own private, self-made hell of routine and then drinking to forget that routine. ]

Haven't really found much worth doin'. Besides going out and killing things. Seems no matter how quick you take down those little fuckers, more come back the next day.

There is. Though we can only do so much against the things that happen here.

[It's sort of a marathon of killing things and keeping people safe. He might be good at that.]

I come here often to check up on a friend.

[Ever since Nick disappeared and came back, he's been making much more frequent trips to Delight's to make sure the bartender is staying put. Thus far, his fears have been quashed. He takes a seat next to Sandor, unruffled by the amount of alcohol the man has consumed. This is much like the last time they spoke, save for the lack of living dead victims surrounding them. Ushahin grins at him, that slanting smile that highlights the madness in his mismatched eyes.]

If your face is pretty, my young friend, I must be beautiful.

[His own little joke. He would be, were it not for the fractures and breaks that mar his features. The Ellyl were a beautiful and graceful people. His mother had left the stamp on him. Young friend, he calls Sandor, though between the two of them, Sandor looks older.]

[ There's something pretty damn horrifying about it, really. Something that was burned into his subconscious that fills him with a general sense of unease when Ushahin comes over to take a seat. Something about fermented monster blood or something. Hell if he could remember, but he does eye his drink a little bit more suspiciously. ]

Look at us, then. Best lookin' lot in this whole fucking bar. [ He snorts a laugh at that -- able to push his unease aside just a little bit and take a swig of liquid courage to help it the rest of the way. ]

But you're just buttering me up callin' me young friend. [ He glances at Ushahin without a single flinch when he looks upon the man's face. ] But more than that, you mean to tell me you have a friend? You? Not just a whole lot of people you fuck with? Or is that all the same as friends to you?

Indeed, we are.

[His face ripples like one is viewing it through a pool of water. It changes for just a moment, his features smoothing out and becoming whole-looking, his left eye becoming normal to match the right. There's beauty there, but while it's great, there's also something terrible and ancient as well. Then his features revert back to their usual broken-down state, so quickly that it's hard to tell there was ever a change there. Maybe there wasn't. Maybe Sandor's eyes were playing tricks on him. Or maybe Ushahin just likes messing with his mind.

He goes on as if he hadn't just used the power of glamour, take a brief sip of the drink he has in front of him. Non-alcoholic, of course. Alcohol plus his powers would probably end up with all of Hadriel unable to sleep.]

Of course I do. Not many, of course, for caring about people is a good way to end up dead. But even I have a handful I count amongst those I call friend.

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[OPEN] hello darkness my old friend

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