[It's either the planetarium or the forest that Chiron inhabits these days, if you're to find him in public at all. He made himself available yesterday, for anyone whose mind felt too heavy to bear alone --
But today, he takes a few moments for himself, and his bow and arrow.
So Claude will find him in the forest with his arrow pulled back and held (which is... punishing in its own right, the bow is supposed to be a quickly drawn weapon, otherwise your arms will fatigue), waiting patiently until a leaf falls from a tree.
Only then does the arrow fly. It snaps the singular leaf against the tree, straight through the middle. Apparently, his lesson to Claude from before wasn't just for show.]
The thing Claude liked most about using a bow is that it required skilled. One could argue that the same could be said for any other weapon but anyone could pick up a sword and start to slash. It took skill to ready a bow and fire any sort of decent shot. He'd always appreciated the sort of grace and focused control one had to have to use a bow and arrow and now, he watches Chiron carefully. He notes how far back he draws the string and he counts how long he holds it in place.
It kind of reminds him of his first combat instructor. Though, Chiron was much calmer than him.
The arrow whistles through the air and Claude's eyes dart quickly, following the arrow to is intended target and...
He's surprised. He hadn't doubted it after that form but he's surprised all the same and his eyes go wide with surprise. He's certain of what he saw but he also wants to see it with his own eyes. )
I've years of practice. It's only simple math, besides -- the trajectory of the leaf as it falls, the speed of the arrow, the tension of the bowstring...
[said mildly as he reorients himself to claude's position. He doesn't smile -- now is not really the time when there is much on his mind -- but the tension of effort bleeds out of him.]
(Though, when Chiron's age is listed as "long forgotten," he's under the impression that he's had many more years. Instead of answering the question right away, he saunters over towards the tree to retrieve the arrow. Being outside, having some privacy, taking a nice walk... all things that help him collect himself. )
I know better than to ask how you're coping. (It would be like asking Byleth if they were well after their first life or death battle. She was a mercenary who'd seen and done plenty of things in her life before she ever came to the academy.) So let me ask you this: What do you expect will happen from here?
[now spoken with a hint of humor, though it's quickly gone once that question is asked]
What I expect? More death.
[he asked, so chiron answers while he watches the younger retrieve the arrow, knowing that Claude has most likely come to a similar answer. He doesn't know exactly what type of life the other has led, but he isn't willfully ignorant of the way in which the world works.]
Trust has been broken, and anxiety will mount. Even those I believe who would normally not kill might consider it, if only in self defense.
[...]
But that is to say nothing of those who will motivated to regain their memories, if they believe bloodshed is the only answer.
(He notes the leaf at the end and plucks the arrow, catching the leaf in the palm of his hand and holding it. A clean shot, right through the center. He wonders how many of the elites back home would be able to accomplish something like this.)
Everyone is shaken. (No doubt about it.) Whether it brings us closer together or drives us apart... (The natural thing to say would be, "We have to wait and see," right?)
I'm usually all for waiting and watching to see how things play out but I'd rather not stand by while morale drops. We need to keep everyone together.
(Now more than ever. He'd really hoped to avoid everyone turning towards themselves and looking only out for themselves. It's why he tried so hard before and he holds the arrow tightly in his fist,)
Living everyday fearing for your life is no way to live. (He says this absolutely,) When you're always looking over your shoulder, you twist and miss everything in front of you.
(As for those who would kill to protect their memories? To save their own lives or fulfill their own wishes...?)
Sometimes fighting is the only answer. It doesn't have to be though. We just have to find the other answer here.
[It would go against his own core to assume that he must lie down and take the answer given to him when he hasn't even tried to come up with other solutions yet; in that way, he understands Claude's frustrations, and his determination.]
However, strength of heart is not something that comes in a day. Everyone must fight for the conclusion they wish to see.
[His eyes draw down to the arrow in Claude's hand, tightly gripped, but he doesn't ask for it back.]
We'll need to keep everyone together, while also preparing for the worst that will likely follow.
[It will be difficult, but they have to do both: mitigate what disaster they can, while keeping the morale as high as possible.]
(Chiron speaks and Claude listens. When it's all over and it's his turn to reply, he's quiet for only a moment, turning over the words in his mind and lets out a small laugh from the back of his throat,)
Hah. (He relaxes his hold on the arrow and gives it a twirl in his fingers,) Sorry, you just reminded me of someone; my teacher back home, actually.
(She wasn't much of a talker but he did't mind. Right to the point, no frills about it. She only ever said what needed to be said and her words had a way of cutting through whatever frenzy was going on in his mind. And it was always the right thing, too.)
One day at a time, then.
(He gets it. And he taps the end of the arrow against his shoulder before coming over to return the arrow to him.
Holding it out,)
Wrangling people and preparing? Luckily, I've got experience.
[being compared to another's teacher is always a gamble, but given how Claude seems to settle himself, Chiron hopes that means his response is being taken favorably, and that at least sets the beginnings of a smile on his features. He understands the inherent frustrations of being told to be "patient" when it seems like inaction is what will poison the water first.]
And yes, one day at a time. Pace yourself; we'll need that experience if you have it.
[he takes the arrow back, letting it linger between his fingers before placing it back with the other arrows]
You are well-liked here. I believe you will be able to make a difference in the eyes of many.
(He really doesn't have to ask. He can tell on his own. The question is entirely rhetorical and he smiles to himself, glancing to the side just slightly as if enjoying some sort of private joke to himself before replying mildly,)
I don't get that often.
(He isn't used to being particularly "liked." It's still a new feeling for him.)
Guess it helps when no one cares who you are...
(Hm, it's something he'll have to think about more later.)
That's right so don't get any funny ideas like forgetting.
(Which is... a very real possibility and he probably shouldn't laugh but if someone doesn't, what will they do instead?)
No. As far as I can tell, Hilda is the only one from the same world as me. (Chiron might have noticed that the two wear uniforms with a similar design,) We're from Fodlan.
Maybe I'll tell you about it some day.
(He will. He might have his secrets but Fodlan isn't one of t them.)
I would of course enjoy hearing about your homeland.
[He expects it will be as interesting as Claude is... or more likely, filled with some sort of strife. Perhaps he's projecting but he doesn't feel like you get personalities like this without some level of conflict happening in the background.
Though putting that aside for the moment, he has the nerve to chuckle, folding his arms]
But you do not hail from Earth... In that case, my True Name will mean nothing to you.
[how hilariously anticlimatic. Chiron supposes he should have checked first.]
Even still, I will honor my word if you wish to know now.
(He... hadn't expected that. He isn't going to complain though and the way his eyes light up with curiosity and a desire to know gives away that he wants to know now,)
Careful, Teach. I might think you have a favorite.
(Him.
(hah)
But he nods, trying to treat this with some level of seriousness. )
[And again, he is not expecting any particular reaction to this -- a name is just a name, even by a being such as him.
But he will be indulgent and elaborate as fair payment for the deal]
Back during the times of Ancient Greece on my planet, I was hailed as a deity for my intellect, and the students I taught often went on to become famous heroes of the world.
(Yup, no obvious reaction other than a raised eyebrow as he waits to hear what this means. He doesn't have to wait long though because Chiron carries on...
And it's then that his expression starts to change. The smile on his face drops and he finds himself looking over Chiron once more,)
So you're from a place with many gods but there's some sort of divine order?
(It's not... a strange concept to him. Even in the Church of Seiros, there's a certain hierarchy to how things are laid out even if there's only one goddess.
He truly doesn't mind listening to Chiron prattle away about his godly resume. It's impressive, really, even if it makes his head spin with questions and thoughts until he finally shakes his head and runs a hand through his hair,)
Sorry... It's not that I don't believe you or anything like that. I've just never really believed in gods or goddesses before. Well, until recently. Maybe.
[Nodding in a pleased manner that Claude is keeping up with him]
There are, for instance, a few long-lived species that would be considered "immortal" by the average human, and they perhaps have a few skills to their name, but they are no gods.
And then of course are the demi-gods and demi-heroes: usually the product of a union between deity and non-deity. If they are immortal or godlike depends on their parentage and the deeds they do through life.
[It's a wild, lawless system but Chiron tries his best anything to structure it like a lesson plan]
Regardless, whether you believe me or not is unimportant. [And to be frank, the last thing Chiron is interested in] I wouldn't demand understanding from anyone, and can hardly prove my divine status here.
This is only so that we might consider our deal honored.
(And this is where they start getting into foreign concepts he's never heard of before. It's truly a lawless system! And yet, he doesn't hate the idea. He can kind of appreciate how wild and flexible it seems. Though, he wonders what the catch is.
... There's always a catch.)
Nah, I believe you, Teach. (He's still "Teach" even if he knows his name.) And as long as you don't make me sing choir once a week, it doesn't matter to me.
No one here has made me prove myself... well, except you. (THAT LEAF...) Maybe I should! Ask for another blessing or some miracle.
("another"
Closing his eyes, he speaks out to the sky dramatically,)
"O, Great Teach! Answer my prayer!" (It's kind of impressive how he can manage to keep his spirits high, even after everything that's happened. ) "Grant me strength to protect these souls!"
(No arrows! No blessing! Nothing! Just a name! Not that he's complaining. He appreciates every answer he can get here. Anything to learn more about those around him and other places.)
I take it back. Maybe you've got a different favorite after all.
(HE HAS HIS SUSPICIONS.)
But like I said, I don't care whether you're a god or not. Since you heard me regardless, I'll be counting on you. Who needs a god when we have ourselves?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
week 0, post-execution
But today, he takes a few moments for himself, and his bow and arrow.
So Claude will find him in the forest with his arrow pulled back and held (which is... punishing in its own right, the bow is supposed to be a quickly drawn weapon, otherwise your arms will fatigue), waiting patiently until a leaf falls from a tree.
Only then does the arrow fly. It snaps the singular leaf against the tree, straight through the middle. Apparently, his lesson to Claude from before wasn't just for show.]
no subject
It kind of reminds him of his first combat instructor. Though, Chiron was much calmer than him.
The arrow whistles through the air and Claude's eyes dart quickly, following the arrow to is intended target and...
He's surprised. He hadn't doubted it after that form but he's surprised all the same and his eyes go wide with surprise. He's certain of what he saw but he also wants to see it with his own eyes. )
You really did it... and on the first try too!
(He made it look so easy.)
no subject
[said mildly as he reorients himself to claude's position. He doesn't smile -- now is not really the time when there is much on his mind -- but the tension of effort bleeds out of him.]
What can I do for you, Claude?
no subject
(Though, when Chiron's age is listed as "long forgotten," he's under the impression that he's had many more years. Instead of answering the question right away, he saunters over towards the tree to retrieve the arrow. Being outside, having some privacy, taking a nice walk... all things that help him collect himself. )
I know better than to ask how you're coping. (It would be like asking Byleth if they were well after their first life or death battle. She was a mercenary who'd seen and done plenty of things in her life before she ever came to the academy.) So let me ask you this: What do you expect will happen from here?
no subject
[now spoken with a hint of humor, though it's quickly gone once that question is asked]
What I expect? More death.
[he asked, so chiron answers while he watches the younger retrieve the arrow, knowing that Claude has most likely come to a similar answer. He doesn't know exactly what type of life the other has led, but he isn't willfully ignorant of the way in which the world works.]
Trust has been broken, and anxiety will mount. Even those I believe who would normally not kill might consider it, if only in self defense.
[...]
But that is to say nothing of those who will motivated to regain their memories, if they believe bloodshed is the only answer.
no subject
Everyone is shaken. (No doubt about it.) Whether it brings us closer together or drives us apart... (The natural thing to say would be, "We have to wait and see," right?)
I'm usually all for waiting and watching to see how things play out but I'd rather not stand by while morale drops. We need to keep everyone together.
(Now more than ever. He'd really hoped to avoid everyone turning towards themselves and looking only out for themselves. It's why he tried so hard before and he holds the arrow tightly in his fist,)
Living everyday fearing for your life is no way to live. (He says this absolutely,) When you're always looking over your shoulder, you twist and miss everything in front of you.
(As for those who would kill to protect their memories? To save their own lives or fulfill their own wishes...?)
Sometimes fighting is the only answer. It doesn't have to be though. We just have to find the other answer here.
no subject
[It would go against his own core to assume that he must lie down and take the answer given to him when he hasn't even tried to come up with other solutions yet; in that way, he understands Claude's frustrations, and his determination.]
However, strength of heart is not something that comes in a day. Everyone must fight for the conclusion they wish to see.
[His eyes draw down to the arrow in Claude's hand, tightly gripped, but he doesn't ask for it back.]
We'll need to keep everyone together, while also preparing for the worst that will likely follow.
[It will be difficult, but they have to do both: mitigate what disaster they can, while keeping the morale as high as possible.]
no subject
Hah. (He relaxes his hold on the arrow and gives it a twirl in his fingers,) Sorry, you just reminded me of someone; my teacher back home, actually.
(She wasn't much of a talker but he did't mind. Right to the point, no frills about it. She only ever said what needed to be said and her words had a way of cutting through whatever frenzy was going on in his mind. And it was always the right thing, too.)
One day at a time, then.
(He gets it. And he taps the end of the arrow against his shoulder before coming over to return the arrow to him.
Holding it out,)
Wrangling people and preparing? Luckily, I've got experience.
(H e h.)
no subject
[being compared to another's teacher is always a gamble, but given how Claude seems to settle himself, Chiron hopes that means his response is being taken favorably, and that at least sets the beginnings of a smile on his features. He understands the inherent frustrations of being told to be "patient" when it seems like inaction is what will poison the water first.]
And yes, one day at a time. Pace yourself; we'll need that experience if you have it.
[he takes the arrow back, letting it linger between his fingers before placing it back with the other arrows]
You are well-liked here. I believe you will be able to make a difference in the eyes of many.
no subject
(He really doesn't have to ask. He can tell on his own. The question is entirely rhetorical and he smiles to himself, glancing to the side just slightly as if enjoying some sort of private joke to himself before replying mildly,)
I don't get that often.
(He isn't used to being particularly "liked." It's still a new feeling for him.)
Guess it helps when no one cares who you are...
(Hm, it's something he'll have to think about more later.)
no subject
[this is perhaps not the time to be full of empathy, but...]
no subject
(A pointed glance and a wink,)
I haven't forgotten our deal.
no subject
[Said with a slight smile. Semantics. But he hasn't forgotten.
... That said]
You are not from the planet Earth, are you?
no subject
(Which is... a very real possibility and he probably shouldn't laugh but if someone doesn't, what will they do instead?)
No. As far as I can tell, Hilda is the only one from the same world as me. (Chiron might have noticed that the two wear uniforms with a similar design,) We're from Fodlan.
Maybe I'll tell you about it some day.
(He will. He might have his secrets but Fodlan isn't one of t them.)
no subject
[He expects it will be as interesting as Claude is... or more likely, filled with some sort of strife. Perhaps he's projecting but he doesn't feel like you get personalities like this without some level of conflict happening in the background.
Though putting that aside for the moment, he has the nerve to chuckle, folding his arms]
But you do not hail from Earth... In that case, my True Name will mean nothing to you.
[how hilariously anticlimatic. Chiron supposes he should have checked first.]
Even still, I will honor my word if you wish to know now.
no subject
(He... hadn't expected that. He isn't going to complain though and the way his eyes light up with curiosity and a desire to know gives away that he wants to know now,)
Careful, Teach. I might think you have a favorite.
(Him.
(hah)
But he nods, trying to treat this with some level of seriousness. )
... Tell me.
(Please.)
no subject
[And again, he is not expecting any particular reaction to this -- a name is just a name, even by a being such as him.
But he will be indulgent and elaborate as fair payment for the deal]
Back during the times of Ancient Greece on my planet, I was hailed as a deity for my intellect, and the students I taught often went on to become famous heroes of the world.
no subject
And it's then that his expression starts to change. The smile on his face drops and he finds himself looking over Chiron once more,)
A deity... Like a god?
(He doesn't sound like he truly believes it.)
no subject
[which then begs the question, what's the difference? And at that, Chiron cannot help but continue on like he's handing out a lecture]
To be considered a god, you must rule over a concept-- though I suppose since I was sometimes worshipped as giving birth to the science of medicine...
[rubbing his chin as he just... goes over his godly resume...]
no subject
(It's not... a strange concept to him. Even in the Church of Seiros, there's a certain hierarchy to how things are laid out even if there's only one goddess.
He truly doesn't mind listening to Chiron prattle away about his godly resume. It's impressive, really, even if it makes his head spin with questions and thoughts until he finally shakes his head and runs a hand through his hair,)
Sorry... It's not that I don't believe you or anything like that. I've just never really believed in gods or goddesses before. Well, until recently. Maybe.
("Maybe.")
no subject
[Nodding in a pleased manner that Claude is keeping up with him]
There are, for instance, a few long-lived species that would be considered "immortal" by the average human, and they perhaps have a few skills to their name, but they are no gods.
And then of course are the demi-gods and demi-heroes: usually the product of a union between deity and non-deity. If they are immortal or godlike depends on their parentage and the deeds they do through life.
[It's a wild, lawless system but Chiron tries his best anything to structure it like a lesson plan]
Regardless, whether you believe me or not is unimportant. [And to be frank, the last thing Chiron is interested in] I wouldn't demand understanding from anyone, and can hardly prove my divine status here.
This is only so that we might consider our deal honored.
no subject
... There's always a catch.)
Nah, I believe you, Teach. (He's still "Teach" even if he knows his name.) And as long as you don't make me sing choir once a week, it doesn't matter to me.
No one here has made me prove myself... well, except you. (THAT LEAF...) Maybe I should! Ask for another blessing or some miracle.
("another"
Closing his eyes, he speaks out to the sky dramatically,)
"O, Great Teach! Answer my prayer!" (It's kind of impressive how he can manage to keep his spirits high, even after everything that's happened. ) "Grant me strength to protect these souls!"
(Opening one eye, glancing at Chiron,)
You heard that, right?
no subject
Oh, forgive me for not elaborating earlier:
I'm retired.
[NONE BLESSINGS FOR ANYONE]
no subject
(No arrows! No blessing! Nothing! Just a name! Not that he's complaining. He appreciates every answer he can get here. Anything to learn more about those around him and other places.)
I take it back. Maybe you've got a different favorite after all.
(HE HAS HIS SUSPICIONS.)
But like I said, I don't care whether you're a god or not. Since you heard me regardless, I'll be counting on you. Who needs a god when we have ourselves?
no subject
He blinks owlishly a few times.]
Favorite? Who is my favorite?
[Is he playing favorites already? Goodness, he didn't even think he had enough students for that.]
(no subject)