VIDEO | SEELIE

[colorofthesky]

[ The audio feed begins with the sound of a muted tapping. ]

Is this on?

[ He taps it again, and a young man with spiky, black hair appears. He's peering...much too closely at his locket, but eventually he leans back, the scar on his left cheek becoming visible. For those familiar with the area, the training grounds in Caer Glaem are behind him.

Satisfied that it's on, he smiles a bit. ]

Hi. [ Awkwardly, he scratches the back of his head. ] I'm sure it's pretty obvious to those of you who've been here a while that I'm new.

I've already gotten a few different versions of what's going on here so I think I should be good in that respect.

[ Oh Zack, you sweet summer child. Moving right alone, though, he has other things to say. ]

Since it's a war we're here to fight, I'd like to know if there's anyone around who'd like to spar sometime - hand-to-hand or with weapons.

Also, if there are any places you'd recommend visiting, I'd like to know!

[ A large black head nudges him roughly, and after a soft "hey!" Zack turns briefly to pet his horse's face. A large sword becoming visible, hanging on his back before he looks back at the locket. He flashes a small, sheepish smile. ]

Any tips on riding horses would be good, too. Thanks.

Comments

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh has plenty of familiarity with people who won't say no but won't quite give him a yes, either. He deals with maybes an awful lot lately. He's going to marry one of them, after all.

Indeed, Zack may recognize those eyes drawing close, catty and sharp and crimson instead of the emerald which haunts his darkest nightmares.]

The end of this world beckons, Zack Fair. You didn't strike me as the sort to sit idly by and let it happen, Seelie credo or otherwise. Unless I judged wrong.

[And I never do, his tone strongly implies.]

We are in need of good men like you down here. You'd do well to more than simply consider it.

[colorofthesky]

[ Maybe that's what it is. Even though it's technically been years, it doesn't feel that long ago to Zack -- the day the man he looked up to (that all of them looked up to) lost his mind and became something other than human.

Zack doesn't trust Gilgamesh, those eyes, or how he pushes and fishes for things that aren't his business. ]

I'm a SOLDIER. That's all I am.

[ His dreams, his honor - what did those things mean in a world so far away from home? He has no idea. ]

I won't promise you anything.

[babbylon]

And if I were to promise you something?

[Just like that, in the space of a breath, Gilgamesh retreats from that snappier tone. Smiles coyly at his locket and pops another sweet in his mouth.]

But then you'd tell me I don't have anything you want, right? So prickly. People like you are a handful.

[colorofthesky]

You don't.

[ He doesn't say it meanly, but it's just how it is. Everything Zack has ever really wanted is a world he won't ever see again.

Aerith. Cloud.

His hands curl into fists. ]

If we're prickly, why do you like us so much?

[babbylon]

Because that's what makes you interesting.

[Gilgamesh lets the matter go. Hums and considers the door.]

Did you want to see the Void, Zack? What you're fighting against... or for?

[colorofthesky]

[ 'Interesting.' It makes him bristle, but Zack reigns himself in. He isn't going to pick a fight over something like this.

Except Gilgamesh brings up the Void, and part of him just wants to say no, even though it's a lie. Of course, he doesn't. ]

...I was planning on it.

[ Sooner, rather than later, even. ]

[babbylon]

How about now?

[Again with that casual sort of flippancy. He's discussing the fate of the world but doesn't seem any more concerned over it than a stray hair out of place. And even though he appears to ask, he doesn't really, already moving down the stairs with the locket in tow.]

You can see it from the roof. It's a pretty romantic view, they say.

[colorofthesky]

[ Dude, seriously?

Zack scowls. ]

No.

[ A sharp, unequivocal answer. ]

If I'm going to see it, I'll see it for myself.

[babbylon]

[He halts, abruptly, locket caught dangling in his grip. And nudges with deceptive gentleness:]

So you will come and visit me, then?

[colorofthesky]

[ Goddammit.

Zack opens his mouth...and closes it. He's in a corner now, and hell if it doesn't piss him off.

He chews on his answer before he gives it. ]

I'll come.

[ BUT NOT TO VISIT!!!! ]

[babbylon]

I'll keep the candles lit.

[So it begins. Pawn to e4...]

[colorofthesky]

[ More scowling, sorry Gil.

Zack snaps his locket shut. This talk is over. ]