hadriel_logs | Icescapades

Entry tags:

Icescapades

Who: Glacius (

glacius) and Carlisle (

tongueamok)
What: A lightheared attempt at cold camping that inadvertantly lets these two avoid Rage's influence following Delight's demise.
Where: Outside the city limits.
When: 2/23
Warnings: N/A

What sunlight made it through the light cloud covering of this cold world shone down on the even colder alien that crested the hill, using the vantage point to cast a glance back at the city that was dwindling in size behind them. Then, those glowing green eyes dropped to the human following behind him, extending his long limb to aid the human behind him as he tackled the incline next. It wasn't uncommon to see Glacius trudging diligently out beyond the city limits, exploring and keeping watch, but for his partner to join him was a special occassion.

Glacius had long been keenly interested in exploring this planet for an extended period of time, and Carlisle had mentioned a few times that he wouldn't mind going out with him on a camping venture. Now, given the most recent transmission the citizens of Hadriel had received from the Null, it seemed like the perfect time to get away from it all. The ice alien did not want to be involved in the exchange, did not want to be dragged into the conflict between the murderous machiens and the torturing parasites any more than he already had been... so, what had initially been planned as a fun get away together now had added incentive.

"Ah, there you go," Glacius speaks, pulled out of his thoughts by the human's much warmer gloved hand resting lightly in his own. He clasps it supportively and helps him the the rest of the way up the hill, happy for Hadriel to vanish behind it. "The terrain may be uneven, but you are doing well... and soon we will be far enough away to look for a place to set up camp and rest. How are you doing, my partner?"

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As happy as Glacius is to see the city vanish from sight, Carlisle is far happier to hear they may be stopping soon. His hand trembles in his partner's grasp, his legs quaking beneath him, the pack on his back seemingly heavier than it was when they left.

"I—" He swallows some air, trying to catch his breath. "I'm fine. Just- just winded." He leans forward to brace his hands on his knees, giving his back a break as he continues, his words punctuated by breaths. Despite the chill, he feels a bead of sweat on his brow, and he debates removing his scarf. "I hadn't thought we would stray so far from the city, I will admit, and I have not walked difficult terrain extensively in some time. I merely need a moment."

Edited 2019-02-24 01:56 (UTC)

"We can take a moment," Glacius replies, keeping close by the human as he doubles over and breathes. Privately, he is glad that he gave Carlisle even a moderately heavy pack to carry; though the alien initially considered carrying everything himself (and is still carrying most of the weight given his greater strength) this seems like a good way to hopefully start training some endurance into his partner. Every little bit helps in a world that can be as unforgiving as Hadriel.

"Though sometimes it can be harder to resume your progress once you have stopped," Glacius continues, cautioning lightly. "Just let me know what you would like to do."

What he would like is for Glacius to carry more of their supplies; though his partner is already carrying more than half of them, Carlisle is well aware of the alien's physical endurance in comparison to his own, and cannot help but wonder why Glacius gave him such a load to haul when he has, in the past, offered to just carry everything. However, what he'd like and what he actually vocalizes are two different things, and the clergyman has enough consideration for his partner's feelings to not complain too much just yet. They are taking this trip to reconnect before the gods, Null, or anyone else brings even more madness to the city, after all. Better not start off on the wrong foot.

After a minute or two, he straightens up with a nod that they can continue, choosing to distract himself from the ache in his back with words. "My apologies, Glacius. I'm afraid I have never been one to trek too far into the wilderness, despite my upbringing."

"You do not need to apologize," Glacius replies, quirking a little smile as though he finds the thought funny somehow, "Trying new things is nearly always difficult. I just appreciate you being willing to offer up and follow through on this idea to begin with. On top of that, I imagine most humans do not wander far in weather like this."

The ice alien turns with a slight toss of his head, and indication for Carlisle to follow him. As he walks he does his best to scuff the snow and frost and break the dirt up a bit, giving the clergyman an easier path to tread. "All that being said, if you get too exhausted, do let me know. We do not want to sap all your energy right away."

"I will endure," Carlisle returns, "I assure you. And if- if it proves too much, I can always lean upon you for support." In every way, much to his chagrin at times. Blessed as he feels to have such a caring and providing partner, he cannot help how it frustrates him to know that, in trade for a longer life on his part, he is slowly but surely draining the life from his lover. And there's no arguing against it -- it was Glacius' choice, and one Carlisle wouldn't dream of stripping from him, given how little agency he's had throughout his own existence.

He'll come to terms with it eventually. For now, he needs to focus on coming to terms with the fact that they're still walking, and the pack on his back feels like more of a burden with each step. "I will admit that this is preferable to a hike in a jungle -- for you especially, I am sure. The circumstances could be worse. I've- I've told you about the jungle, haven't I?"

"Ah, you are learning. I am always happy to help," Glacius replies, his smile growing from one of amusement to pleased fondness as Carlisle mentions leaning on him for support. He knows that it is hard—they are two people that do not want to burden others, despite the fact that in their dealings with each other they can be no such thing— and that has only grown to be even more so given the introduction of the Siphon. But it was a necessity, and it was not something Carlisle took from him but rather something he gave to Carlisle—and gave gladly, at that. He hopes his partner can one day adjust, and this is a good first step.

Speaking of steps, they still have a ways to go; though talking will take a lot of breath from the already struggling human, Glacius hopes it will help to pass the time faster for him. "You have told me a fair bit about it, and to be honest it does not sound like it was all that good of a time. If you want to talk about it, though..."

"It was not," Carlisle admits between breaths, apparently unbothered by the topic. "Insufferably hot. Dangerous. The water was undrinkable. The company was—"

He pulls in another deep breath, giving himself a moment to reconsider his words; perhaps he is bothered by it, if only a bit. And he knows the topic of other Glaciuses out there -- however unlike Glacius Algidus often was -- unnerves his partner. He decides on a fairly neutral answer. "It, too, could have been worse."

Glacius makes a face at that response; whether the strange grimace was elicited by the description of the jungle or the allusion to that... other ice alien... is hard to tell. "And now you have better. Well... I am not sure if living in a prison-city is better, but... ach. You know what, never mind. I never know how to feel about everything that apparently transpired in that jungle. Perhaps I should just leave it alone."

Carlisle's brow knits, his lopsided smile fading. His gaze lands on the ground, focusing on each step as he tries to assuage his partner's concerns.

"This place, awful as it may be at times, is a vast improvement, Glacius," he reassures. "Were I not here, I likely would be dead, whether in Bear Den or in the jungle, and all unfortunate to suffer my presence would find themselves damned by a Revenant. Were I not here, I would have no reason to keep living, knowing there are others whose concern for my well-being, as misplaced as I may find it at times, does exist."

He picks up his pace, trying to get in front of Glacius to meet his eyes. He manages to get beside him before he stumbles, catching himself despite the heavy pack on his back. It doesn't stop his earnest confession, his words a far cry from the despair that so ensnared him as his soul dwindled away to nothing. The Siphoning restored not just his body, but his mind as well, and with such an immediate, immeasurable burden lifted from his shoulders, he finds his very attitude freer than it has been in some time.

"Were I not here, Glacius, I would not have you, and you would not have me. I know not what this plane would hold for you, but I would be alone... utterly, dreadfully alone. That is far more intolerable than a prison-city if you ask me."

And if there is one thing that is apparent -- from the lonely vision of his past self in his dreams to the man his solitude shaped him to be, and how it affects him even to this day -- it is that loneliness is a wound that crippled Carlisle far worse than his affliction ever did.

"'Unfortunate'... for everything you learn it seems we still need to work on your own self-image," Glacius muses... but that is not the main point being addressed, and he knows it.

He sighs, tilts his head, and simply... observes the human in front of him. For a moment he looks very much like the ice alien that was first brought here, regarding each and every human with a sort of aloof scrutiny, as though he is not sure what to think of them. Thankfully it does not last long; whatever he is thinking he settles on a fondness that has become more familiar over the past year.

"It is so strange to hear a human say these things to me... and yet, it becomes less so every time that I hear it. And I have heard it quite a lot these past months, haven't I! I will not say that I am happy that we have been brought here, but I am happy that we have met... and that I have been able to... change your life for the better, I suppose," Glacius replies, then flexes his hand slightly. "It is just so hard when this damned city claims so much! Is it wrong of me to want of more for both of us..?"

At Glacius' musing, Carlisle's hand immediately goes to pick at the bandage at his arm -- one that is unfortunately behind several layers, leaving him tugging on the fabric of his sleeve instead. He hadn't meant it quite in that way, but his partner is right in that his self-image has never been the best. That isn't the matter at hand though, and so he makes a mental note to address it later.

"It is not wrong to want more for the both of us, no," he confirms, his fingers tightening on a wrinkle near his wrist as he slows to a standstill. "But neither is it productive to fully condemn this place when, for as torturous as it has been, there... has been good, as well. Good that I would not have experienced elsewhere. Or that if I had, it would not have been exactly the same. What if, despite what I would like to believe, the circumstances here are the only ones under which we become partners? Lovers? Is it wrong to accept that our brighter future might only exist because of what we have shared here, both good and bad?"

He reaches for Glacius' torn mandible, a visible sign of their losses and suffering -- but also their bond.

Glacius lets out a beleaguered rumble of a sigh, even as he leans into Carlisle's caress—his way of acknowledging the truth being presented even if he does not like the circumstances. "I will not deny that the tribulations we have endured together, nor the way you have selflessly supported me in my times of need, have brought us closer. I am grateful for that, not matter how I might protest or rally against this place. So I suppose that, as much as I wish I could change things for us... I would not, not if it meant jeopardizing what we have now."

The ice alien finally smiles again, keeping his face still with the raking, gnarled scar in Carlisle's palm before turning his head a bit to nuzzle tenderly at his partner's hand. The tine of his intact mandible cannot reach skin like he wishes it could thanks to the cleric's protective gloves, but it is still a very open display of affection from a normally reserved creature. "That does not mean I will not keep trying to change things for us moving forward, but... it is good to remember that everything we been through has not been for nothing. I would credit that to us, though... not to this place."

"That is all I could ask for," Carlisle relents, giving his partner's scar one more affectionate touch before returning his attention to the wilds ahead of them. He's aware there are just some things they will always disagree on, given their very different upbringings, worlds, and ideologies; however, their similarities are greater than the sum of all that separates them. If there is nothing else real around them, their bond is, and he will not allow himself to doubt that again, not after it was nearly all that held him together as he neared his very grim end -- an end averted because of their bond.

However Glacius wants to attribute it, the most important part is that it exists. That will do for now, and so Carlisle decides to change the subject. Don't talk about the city, don't talk about their burdens. Probably shouldn't talk about Pendlebrook Brimstone, as Glacius has no doubt heard enough of that. Carlisle latches onto what comes to mind first.

"Uncle Boris used to go on walks like this to clear his head," he starts, his breath picking up again as he carefully steps over a precarious rock. "He would, ah, sometimes march into the woods with nothing but the clothes on his back, and be gone for the better part of a week, surviving on what the world provided."

Edited 2019-02-27 00:12 (UTC)

"That is more in line with how I would do it, too," Glacius replies; even though he has strength aplenty to carry the great majority of their supplies, he cannot deny that it feels strange and awkward to have a pack across his back to begin with. There is a lot about human camping that he will have to adjust to, it seems. "I have to admit I am surprised a human could fare very well like that, given how frail your species is. And your technology... primitive..."

Not that Carlisle's world even had much in the way of technology. The ice alien clicks his intact mandible, thinking of it. "Yet, your species is still alive and flourishing for a reason. You must have found ways to do it. You will have to share them with me as we go about this venture so that I may learn—it will help me look out for you if need be."

"I doubt I will be the bastion of knowledge you see in that regard," Carlisle returns, slowing down again, "but I will do my best to share with you what I know."

He takes a few quick breaths, trying to even himself out before he continues. His words are still punctuated by breaths, but his enthusiasm for the topic remains strong. "In terms of human frailty, Uncle Boris would have been considered anything but. He was very sturdy, I assure you. A man weathered and worn, and a capable warrior. A- a bit like yourself, actually. I believe the two of you would have gotten along."

"I believe you have mentioned him to me a time or two before. I would imagine that any human whose primary profession was to be a hunter of beasts would have to be," Glacius muses. "Did you live close to your whole family, then? Both immediate and extended? Or did he simply come to your town for visits?"

"Our entire line lived at our estate," Carlisle answers, placing a hand on a rocky outcrop to steady himself as he catches his breath again. He quickly removes it, realizing just how cold the stone is, and opts to cross his arms instead.

"I haven't any extended family that I know of," he continues. "None on the Longinmouth side. I- I suppose my mother might have had blood ties that remained, but I wasn't told about them if so." His brow knits. He's never actually considered he might have familial relations on his mother's side out there somewhere.

"Well, no sense in driving yourself crazy over something we currently have no way of finding out," Glacius replies. Currently, he's preoccupied watching Carlisle steady himself with barely-disguised wariness. When the human removes his hand from the stone outcropping, the alien steps closer in response, ready to catch him should the frozen ground prove too slippery.

"I am curious, though—what constitutes a 'line' in your culture?"

Carlisle glances Glacius' way, offering his partner a polite, reassuring smile as he realizes just why he's hovering so close. The alien is as attentive and considerate as ever.

"A bloodline. Those who are directly and legitimately related to a family name through birth, such as my father and my uncles, and my grandmother before them. One can be married into the line, of course, but inheritance follows the blood itself rather than ties of matrimony."

"I see. That is what I had been assuming, but... well, it just seems like a great many people to have in one home! I suppose yours was rather large, I would just be worried about the need for space for one another..."

No wonder that Boris took nearly week-long walks. Glacius supposes he should focus more on their own; he strides ahead, surveying the cold lands before them. Though the terrain has plateaued for a fair distance, he can still pick out ravines and rises they will have to either go around or traverse. The former would take time; the latter is no issue for him, but he will have to be sure they can find a way to do it that is safe for a human that can't shift their limbs into natural climbing tools.

He pauses, swiveling his head back to Carlisle; he knows his partner has limited experience in these regards, but he is curious to know what he thinks, or to see how he might figure this out. "I see some obstacles ahead, my partner. Which way would you like to go?"

A little less winded after another moment's break, Carlisle catches up to Glacius, giving the terrain a look-over himself. He doesn't know how deep the ravines go, nor what may lie on the other side of those rocky rises, but he knows one thing for certain: he is no climber.

"I... suppose we could see if there is a way into the crags and crevices of those ravines," he suggests. "Perhaps they would block the wind and make for a suitable camp?"

"A crag is an idea," Glacius muses, rubbing at his tapering chin. "We would not want to stay in the bottom of the ravine itself—the wind could get funneled, and rocks could break off and fall on us from above, but if we could find at least a portion of a wall that could give us some cover, that might be our best option. I can use my powers to make added protection with ice, too."

The alien adjusts his pack, being sure that the fabric does not snag on any of his various spikes as he walks. "We should both keep an eye out. At least those mammalian predators are not built for scaling uneven terrain, what with how large and ungainly they are. We should not see to many of them this far out, though I may have to go looking for something to bolster the rations we have brought."

"Ah," Carlisle remarks with a nod, deferring to Glacius' judgment in regards to both their potential camp and supply options. He might know a thing or two about survival on paper, but there is a reason he has very little practice in such methods. Well, many reasons, actually, most of which involve a painful and sudden demise at the hands of a wild beast. Thankfully, Glacius has been handling said beasts since they arrived on this planet; he feels he's in capable hands.

"I mean, right," he picks up, realizing ah was neither affirmation, nor a helpful comment. "I'll, er. Keep an eye out for somewhere that would provide adequate protection for me, should you have to go hunting. I wouldn't want to be in the way."

"Of course. I would not just leave you out in the middle of nowhere while I wandered off. We'll find a place and we will make sure it is safe and comfortable before I even think of leaving you... and no matter what, I promise to not go far," Glacius reassures his partner, well used to his nervousness whenever any potential scuffle is on the horizon. He does not want Carlisle to feel overwhelmed, so he carries on.

"We will have plenty of supplies for tonight at least, so let us not worry about all that for the time being. Let us find a place to set up camp so you can rest and warm up, and then we will see about doing... whatever it is you humans like to do on an outing like this. For my people it is climbing and exploring and then swapping stories as we relax after a long day; usually there is lots of stargazing and meditating, too. I think we can manage at least one or two of those things together."

"Stargazing sounds splendid," Carlisle admits, casting a cursory glance to the sky above them; they have some time before nightfall, but he did like what he could see from the city, the void above them occasionally filled with colorful, dancing lights unlike anything he's ever seen. Glacius has spent so much time hunting, trying to provide for the city in the gods' absence -- surely he has seen them to, he thinks.

"As for what else we do, it sounds very similar," he continues as he follows his partner. "Stories, exploring and whatnot. I could regale you with tales of the Longinmouths. Or Pendlebrook Brimstone. Or- or you could tell me of some remarkable figures of your people? Or family? A favorite author, perhaps?"

Is he asking if there is an alien equivalent of Pendlebrook Brimstone? Yes, yes he is.

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