Ceremonial curiosity

[heirtothearcane]

In the past few years the Nexus has become more of a home for Viatorus than his own world, despite its strange and changeable nature. So then perhaps it is not so odd that he finds himself feeling more comfortable here than there, able to talk to strangers with nary a stutter. Mostly. Though whatever nerves remain they're still a far cry from how he was when he first came here. Now he can sit and think, his head clear and undisturbed by the passers by.

He sits and watches the crowd flow through the streets, shuffling the ring on his ring finger in slow circles. For once he's without a book in hand, not even with a tea nearby. In fact, he looks quite composed for someone so easy to fluster. Perhaps it's the distraction of speculation, for he certainly sounds like he's been mulling over this a while.

"Do you think that ceremonies hold power? Do they influence anything or do you think they're purely symbolic? Are they an expression of hope, or a way of channelling power?"

Comments

[brother_alone]

"Right now Ice Bear and Harley have been keeping a close eye on me." He sounds tired of it, even if he knows its for his own good. Trading their scrutiny for V and Isidor's doesn't sit all that well with him but he knows why everyone is so eager to keep him under lock and key.

He did disappear without anyone knowing where he was for months. Raving like the lunatic he is. No one wants to see him do it again, even if being like this...pretending to be normal. It's exhausting.

"I think I will. Maybe a change of scenery would do me some good. They don't want me on my own yet, but they'd probably be fine if I was with someone else right? I'll have to ask my 'parents'." And if that last bit sounds a little bitter, well.

Josh has never been good at swallowing his pride when people worry after him.

[heirtothearcane]

Although he offered, he hadn't expected Josh to agree so easily. He wasn't even sure the offer would be welcome, but at least he feels like he can help this way.

He doesn't even notice the way he perks up. "Well, like you say, the change of scenery might be good. You can change who you're with every few days if you like. Whatever you like. Besides, Runa's always baking. You could make a few requests. She loves trying to make new things."

Then he hesitates, going quiet and speaking gently. "And... if you need time alone. If you need to... cry or talk. That's ok too. Isidor and I know what that's like from when I was ill, and... well... Runa's mother passed away when she was young. She knows what sadness is like, too."

[brother_alone]

Anything's got to be better than this, with people waking on eggshells around him at the cafe or checking up on him every ten minutes. He knows they mean well, Josh does. But he can't stop himself from feeling frustrated with it all the same. And it probably won't be any different with Viatorus, but at least it's in a different place.

It feels like Josh is trying something different.

"...I really appreciate it."