The Scion of Darkness

“...”

It took a lot not to yell and jump on Alm immediately when he first lays eyes on him! Ever the character, Julius stoops low and decides to sneak slowly up to the Valentian from behind, keeping as quiet as possible.

That is, until he does ultimately attack him, throwing his arms around his shoulders and squeezing him as tightly as he could - which was hardly that tight at all, the guy has noodles for arms.

Well! Onto more important things! “You know what they say, food always tastes best with good company. Let’s go!” He wasn’t a stranger to giving rides around like this, although Julius was far bigger than any of Tobin’s little brothers and sisters. He doesn’t quite mind the breath on his hair or even the curtain of red that somewhat blocks off his vision, though, and trudges forward with vigor.

“Steaks, then? Couldn’t have made a better choice myself! Meat’s always the best after a long day.” Turn left, turn right, head straight and… here they were! He has to push the door open with his knee somewhat, but would manage eventually with or without the other’s help, heading straight for the food.

“Alright, lets set you down. Best let you pick your meal, yeah?”

“I only eat meat!” He announces quite proudly, but the gesture of throwing his head up in the air pushes the rest of his body downward and can’t be helping poor Alm much with carrying him.

But, with a fork and plate on a table in front of him, he wriggles off without a fight. Alm can breathe a sigh of relief, for now.

Once seated, he sits up and crosses his legs, expectantly waiting for anyone other than himself to serve him.

He hasn’t changed too much after all.

  ❇

          Heroes arrive in Askr on an almost daily basis.  If Seliph pays close enough attention to it, as he had when he’d first arrived, his head spins.  Unless rumors circulate that the new heroes are from Jugdral, Seliph tries only to introduce himself if they work together.

          It’s the case this time that the new arrival is from Jugdral.  In fact, it isn’t so hard to learn of who that person is.  Every one is talking about Julius joining their ranks, and Seliph feels obligated to be there when he joins.

          They’d be working together, even if never directly, so there is a pang of guilt Seliph feels for even being afraid or worried.  What if he’s not Loptyr and he is in fact the half-brother Seliph never got to know?  If that’s the case, then Seliph would beat himself up for keeping his hand crossed over his torso and resting on the hilt of Tyrfing.  If it isn’t the case, then Seliph would forever beat himself up for not cutting him down where he stood...

          His mind plays tug of war between these ideas constantly as he goes to greet the person called Julius.  Whether or not it’s him...  Whether or not it isn’t...

          Under Seliph’s gloves, his knuckles turn white.

          He cannot speak to Julius.  All he can do is stare.  There he is.  He remembers those robes, before the powerful light magic wrought by Julia stained them.  He remembers that face, smiling condescendingly as he chased down anyone he could find so that he could beat Ishtar in that sadistic ‘ game ’...

           So Seliph stares, and allows Julius to inform his next action.

         Julius is scrutinized to the fullest Seliph is capable of.  The small falter backwards at his approach, the icy glare fixed on him, the small creak to Julius’ voice – the sound of a growing teenager.  While those were points in Julius’ favor, there was no telling if Loptyr would not just try and fabricate such evidence in some attempt to gain the trust of those around him.

         Still, his grip on Tyrfing, and the fist beside it, loosens.  He isn’t sure the thought is entirely his own: Askr has a known policy against in-fighting, and he’s witnesses its effects previously.  …He’s worried now that even if this is Loptyr, he wouldn’t be able to protect any one from it.

         “ Julius, ” he starts.  His voice is level, if not a little strained.  “ …If you’re… yourself… ”

         How is he even meant to say this?  With a contract, would he even be able to subdue Julius, should he not be ‘ himself ’?

         “ …Then there won’t be a problem. ”

         And he leaves it at that.  Truly, he’d like to say he’d like to speak with Julius.  He’d like to get to know the younger brother he never had a chance to meet.  But if it’s Loptyr before him, he doesn’t want the dark god to know.

                                                                         ( ⚔ )

Seliph would think himself indirect, but it means enough to Julius. He hates the idea of being so transparent that Seliph would ask that, but the idea that he did at all sends Julius’ exterior breaking down faster than he wanted in front of all of these people - who seem to be frowning or glaring at him, he’d noticed. Maybe they heard the stories.

“...Seliph.”

He puts all of his earnest intent in his voice, raising barely above a whisper. It’s so soft, he fears it might not make Seliph’s ears.

𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁!!!

Heya, long time no see. Artwise my year has started pretty good, here’s some FE stuff i made so far. My Commission info is here again as well, new and updated!

no, you didnt let me say bitch, I HAVE TO SAY BITCH