Romani Montclaire - Will and an Anchor (4/26)

[02:59] Romani cos Montclaire says, "Greetings Alexander, Lloyd."
[02:59] Alexander rei Petrakis asks, "Greetings. How are you all?"
[03:00] Alexander rei Petrakis asks, "I trust you can start to talk, Lloyd?"
[03:00] Lloyd Durages asks, "Hm? King Alexander...and Ophelia..and Romani, too?"
[03:00] Romani cos Montclaire says, "There are better days. But, I needed to see you all as soon as possible."
[03:00] Lloyd Durages says, "I'm so glad you all came to visit! . .I'm doing better. Just needed some rest."
[03:01] Ophelia Soleis exclaims, "I'm glad you're doing better, Lloyd!"
[03:01] Lloyd Durages says, "Of course. I just wished that damnable wraith didn't get away again.."
[03:01] Lloyd Durages says, "..Curses."
[03:02] Romani swallows, just a bit.

"I am glad that you are feeling better as well, Lloyd. But you may wish to still lay down. Alexander, Ophelia, you two may wish to take a seat too."

The Bishop said, nodding for a moment and reaching out into his pocket. A small breath was taken.

"Two years ago, Berrios made a request of me, asked for me to carry a certain burden for him. He said that he had two years to live. And he asked, if after those two years,"

"I could gather you three, and read you his will."
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[03:04] At the sight, she could only breathe out a small "oh, dear."

More water. More. It's liberally spread on the rag and promptly caressed around the edges of the gash, touching off with the most gentle of tapping against its inner fringes. The white material was gradually stained in remnants of dried blood and ichor that layered itself over the laceration gouged deeply in his flesh, until it was no longer serviceable and resigned to a nearby stand.

First and foremost, his old and stale dressings are swept to the side to be picked up at a later time. Her eyes scanned the perimeter for gauze; it was typically kept in abundance around the church. Drawers are sifted through, raided even, until a roll was acquired.

"Hold still - as still as you can, please."

Netting is stretched and pressed into his person, wound around and fastened with utmost concern for his pains. She didn't want to be too rough, nor toogentle in her bearings, lest the fresh bandages fall away.

A final tearing away of the roll marks completion, and her eyes drift to a third figure, then a fourth and fifth. "That should be sufficient until a day or so has passed." Measured distance is stretched between the two as she makes way for the new arrivals.
(Filia)
[03:05] There was a pause, Ophelia's general jovial demeanor disappearing rapidly, deflating upon hearing about her Uncle. Her eyes scanned the room quietly, doing the math. Two years ago, he had two years to live.

Her heart skipped a beat, and there was a sharp inhale of air that was taken before she very quickly moved to the edge of a bed and took a seat upon it.

Ophelia held a distant, far off look.
(Ophelia Soleis)
[03:10] The Petrakis King had heard word of Berrios death, the man was put to rest and a mention was made in the Tomb of Heroes for him.

Alexander takes a step to the side, eyes roving from Lloyd over to Ophelia, and then quietly back to the Montclaire.

There was nothing that needed to be said in wake of these words.
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[03:13] Lloyd remains absolutely detached. He still had that mindless smile on his face as Filia tended to his wounds and the new arrivals had spoken.

"..ow, ow, ow." He complains. He's not the best at handling this kind of pain, but he'll abide by her request nonetheless. He nods his head slowly as she works. When she's done cleaning and rebandaging him, he nods his head some now. "Thank you."

Now! His attention focuses on Romani, listening on in.

Lloyd had no intentions of going anywhere, even if he could at least talk now. So he'll lend him an ear. For a time, his countenance remains positively neutral, though the more Romani speaks, the more his face begins to contort. First it's a bit of confusion, then a bit of discernment, and finally..

Some measure of disbelief. Doubt.

He feels it. That brief throb in his chest, and he tries to laugh it off. Awkwardly.

"What are you talking about, Romani..? Wha--"

A moment is taken, and he slowly begins to absorb more realization of this situation. Why is the King here? Why is Ophelia here? Why are they looking at him like that?

Why do they have those looks on their faces?

He leans forward now, grasping the foot of his bed. His voice grows stern in an instant.

"What are you saying, Romani."
(Lloyd Durages)
[03:18] The distant look of Ophelia, the silence of Alexander, and the moment of disbelief from Lloyd, the words spoken.

A small intake of breath was had as those mismatched eyes would squeeze shut. A swallow. "He did warn that the burden of this was going to be heavy. However, he asked me to deliver this, and deliver I shall. It was a promise, and I like to keep my word."

Lightly the envelope would be unsealed for the first time, rising up with a small breath. "He had asked me for a moment to talk with him, and I agreed." He would explain as Lloyd asked. "And he revealed to me the truth."

"He was dying. An occult based disease. And even still, he did not want people to focus on it. He wanted the people around him to be happy. He wanted them to be with their loved ones, so he spoke little of it. But he asked me to gather you all."

"To deliver his message." A small inhale.

"Would any of you like a moment before I begin reading?" A glance was sent around, before slightly glancing at the work of Filia. A small nod was made towards her work on the medical side, seeing that it appeared that she was working on the bandages and gauze that covered Lloyd.
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[03:19] Filia says, "No."
[03:19] Ophelia Soleis says, "...."
[03:19] Ophelia Soleis says, "An occult based disease.... And he never - .... No, Romani. Go ahead..."
[03:22] Alexander presses a finger to his temple and then runs it down his face. His hand returning to his side. An occult based disease..

"I am fine," he says. A glance to Lloyd is given though. He expected that Berrios' prodigal student would need a moment.
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[03:25] "no. no. no. no. no. no."

That's about as much as you can hear from Romani as he's in the midst of explaining the death of his grandfather. His mentor. They mightn't fully grasp it yet, but this ran deeper than they could ever imagine. It wasn't something as simple as processing it and being able to take it. It'd never be that easy for Lloyd.

So now the knight's breathing is getting ragged.

He's having something of a mini panic-attack. He can feel his chest beating heavily, and he's grasping and tugging at it as the news is being explained. It's a lie. It's some kind of twisted joke, and he's starting to drool and snap like some kind of wildebeest before he edges out of his bed. His feet were still aching him, but he was going to stand on two feet, damn it.

He was going to bear this pain.

Suddenly, he cuts Romani off just at the end of his words, screaming aloud.

"I SAID, WHAT ARE YOU SAYING, ROMANI!? HUH!?"
(Lloyd Durages)
[03:30] The loud screaming does make Romani pause momentarily. The Bishop is silent for a few seconds, watching the heavy grasping, the panic episode that seemed to have befallen Lloyd. A hand would raise, holy magic gathering in the air around him. A calming sensation sent forwards towards Lloyd.

Maybe it would not do much. But he would try. He would at least try to slightly ease the pain that was going through Lloyd, not physicals but far more devastating.

"Lloyd."

"Please breathe. Berrios is likely no longer with us. Please try to breathe."

A glance would be made towards Ophelia, and one towards Alexander. Both other parties seemed to be taking it with less panic, but he did wait a moment and just close his eyes. A few more moments. One or two.
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[03:32] Lloy'd sudden outburst causes the stone façade Ophelia had built in that moment to chip partially. Her eyes squeeze shut tightly, and her hands grip onto the other, knuckles turning white from the effort.

Her breathing sped up, and then it just... Stopped. She held her breath. She only exhale in short bursts, but she didn't dare take an inhale; and she refused to open her eyes.

Not until she was certain she could get through this without a scene.

Even with Lloyd on the edge of a panic attack, Ophelia remained where she was; she didn't know how to treat patients. She wasn't a medic. It took a lot of her just to remain calm as she was, hearing that her Uncle of all people had passed... And from something he knew about, but refused to tell anyone.

Anyone but Romani.
Why Romani?
(Ophelia Soleis)
[03:39] Lloyd can't stop. Even with the soothing caress of exorcism magic tentatively trying to get him to calm down, it would be all for nothing. You see, Lloyd didn't want to calm down. He was livid, but more importantly, he was confused and maddened.

He'd charge at Romani, but a step too soon after and his legs give out, rubbery and defeated. He's on the floor, and the way he moves threatens to open his wounds again, but he's coughing now. Hurting himself. His hands are against the floor, and he's trying to keep himself together.

Breathe. Breathe.

Breathe.

He needs to know more. He needs to hear more, but right now, part of him has accepted what Romani has told him just now as truth.

He could never wholly bear it in his heart so soon right now though. Things were too hard for him to ever be truly fine with all this.

".. He told me .. he wouldn't die .. not until .. I-- I--"

Not until he achieved the things he said he would.





This was the most painful lie.
(Lloyd Durages)
[03:43] A crash and his retainer falls to the floor.

There is a small adjustment of Alexander's eyes, where the blue narrows in on Lloyd. Then a few steps forward and he crouches some. A hand falls to the knight's shoulder.

"It is alright, Lloyd. Let it out," there is a squeeze of the Durages shoulder if the man does not shrug his King off. The Petrakis says nothing more, the silence more appropriate for something like this. To process.
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[03:49] Silver eyes peer continuously ahead in silent observation, not a single word leaving her lips during the revelation of a loss. It was an event that touched all lives, sometime or another, and quiet compassion welled within her veins at the sight of it.

Logic was not to be expected in an instance such as this. No blame was placed on Lloyd's shoulders, and not a shred of fear or surprise manifested on her features when his legs lurched forward, only to inevitably slip in their enraged gait.

She approached steadily and lowered to her knees beside him. This was her life's work, was it not? Natural inclinations took their course, and her hand rested on the other, unoccupied shoulder. "I assure you, he is still watching. Even now."

A tiny statement with the intention of providing even the thinnest thread of consolation.
(Filia)
[03:53] The sudden movement of Lloyd would catch Romani off guard. The pair of mismatched eyes would look at the man as he tumbled off of the top of the bed onto the ground. Luckily he seemed not to reach Romani to tackle him down, or it would have been rather painful. However, the top of the will would be looked at, and finally Romani's lips would part to speak. A small nod is given towards Filia, agreeing with her quiet words.

"If you are reading this, then my time has past. I am either on my deathbed, or long gone. To those that I know and love, I am sorry. Know that I am looking down on you always, and that you are cherished. Not only myself, but those I know are bringing good tidings, love, and power to you."

"To those I do not consider 'close', I am sorry. I am a selfish old man, and I wish every truth and a prosperous life. Yet there is only so much I can do. Know that those loyal to Osrona, the king, and my country, I am an ever present ghost. A heart, filled with love, and a need to see 'more'."

The first that he turns to is Lloyd. Crossing the rug, Romani would gently reach forwards, a hand going to lightly rest upon to top of his head, crouching on the ground to do so. A small inhale is taken, tucking the note a little, and staring him in the eye as the Bishop speaks.

"Lloyd Durages. To you, I gift my legacy, my love, and this small token. My badge, the Sigil of the Blazing Lion Knights. It means little to most, but the world to me. We were the vanguard, the thunderous strike to those that first met the mettle. Yet, I was ever a presence in the backline. A tactical mind, rather than a striking force. I want you to know that I believe in you. Your insecurities, the strife you carry. Carry it. You will be stronger for it. Know that I love you, I love you as the sons I were never given."

The Sigil of the Blazing Lion would be taken out of Romani's cloak, and moved forwards. The Bishop would lightly press it into the hands of Berrios' student. With that, he turned slightly, counter clockwise and his feet would carry him over to Ophelia.

The mismatched eyes would stare towards her as his hand moved forwards. He would gently take hers, giving it a squeeze as he swallowed, looking slightly at the words of the page, then back up to speak to her.

"Ophelia Soleis. You are my niece, and your worth is far more than you think. Far more than a sickly little girl, far more than an artificer or alchemist. Your words. your meaning, your very soul will shake the foundation of this country. In my own soul, as old and decrepit as it is, I give you my love. Know that I am ever watching, even gone. When the dark lurks in the corners, know that I am there to ward it off. Know that I am there, the small warm light that I can manage. I gift you my clasp, the owl that watches over me. I hope that it watches over you in the coming days,"

The clasp that was spoken of would be removed from the inside of Romani's cloak. Gently, he would set the clasp onto the blue dress that Ophelia wore, patting it lightly, before stepping back. And then, he would turn, again counterclockwise, moving forwards towards Alexander.

The Bishop would stand in front of him, feet firmly planted on the ground.

"Alexander Petrakis. I have known you, yet not as close as I should have. The burden you carry is insurmountable. I will never know what you carry with you, or the pain you will endure. I leave with you my tactics, words and strategies from countless battles. But also, the cloak I wear. It has seen its wear and tear, and though it is far from an excellent garment, it will keep you warm in the coldest of nights, and break the heat off the very sun itself."

As he spoke, the cloak would be taken out, folded neatly. He would step forwards. Perhaps, it was past what he should do as a noble, but as a friend, Romani would go and set up that cape upon Alexander's shoulders, before stepping backwards.

"I have known many individuals. Many. Too many. So many that I cannot name you all. Know that I watch you all. I am the light that stands when you find yourself alone. In the lightless darkness, I look to you always. "

The Bishop would turn, looking towards Lloyd, reaching for the top of his head and giving it a small pat.

"You are the Order, those loyal, those strong to Osrona."

He turns, walking over to Ophelia, and placing a hand on her shoulder.

"You are loved."

He stepped forwards, towards Alexander, nodding in the face of the king then maintaining eye contact.

"You are determined."

"My legacy is nothing. You are the next generation. Believe, and I will believe in you as well. Stay safe."

"Hic Sunt Leones."
"Berrios Falstaff"

And with the final word said, Romani's eyes would squeeze shut. The promise was fulfilled.

"He put his faith in me, and I delivered."
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[03:54] {Item} You drop Blazing Lion Knight Squad Sigil.
[03:54] {Item} You drop Cape.
[03:54] {Item} You drop Glasses.
[04:06] Lloyd remains on the floor. In the midst of his pain, it gives him some time to register the weight of what was happening. Take it into consideration. Let it settle into his head. Though the more it did, the more he attempted to neglect it to no avail.

His head remains casted down, weak and low. He didn't have the strength to fight off what he was hearing anymore. He didn't have the power to run from reality setting in motion.

His insecurities. His strife. He knew it all, for he was the only man that Lloyd had ever truly confided in, and one of the few people that utterly meant the world to him. When the badge is set before him, he reaches out much like some kind of addict to a drug and cradles it, staring down at it. It was a small token, but he remembers when he had first seen it well.

To never let this get dirty. To always wear it with pride. That's what he had said he'd do with that. Now he was gone.

The badge is clutched, andhe listens to each and every bit of his will. When it ends?

That's when Lloyd breaks down. It's when true grief begins to settle in, and the world comes crashing down. There's no more making sense of this anymore.



Nothing made sense anymore.

"A--"

"A---"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
(Lloyd Durages)
[04:09] She listened to those words with her eyes still shut. She tried to control her breathing but it was a nearly insurmountable task which only became harder as time went on. She didn't want to deal with this, she didn't want to be in this move, but her legs wouldn't carry her out the door.

Ophelia Soleis acted when she needed to, she acted without questioning the morality of it, and she acted without attempting to talk the other party down. She did things that needed to be done and brokered no questions. But this here...? This was a time where she couldn't act. She wouldn't run out the door.

The thought he'd always be looking down on them, that they were cherished... It was a nice thought. The fact it was just them three that the will was addressed to made her heart sink just a little but she didn't speak of it. It was Lloyd first, and as Romani spoke did she open her eyes to stare at that sigil quietly, before the next thing she knew?

Romani was moving over to her, and as his eyes stared at her, he took her hand. The squeeze was appreciated and she inhaled sharply as he began to speak his piece regarding her. That was when the proverbial damn broke; where the chip in that earthern façade didn't just chip, it crumbled away from a torrential downpour.

Tears coursed down her cheeks, and she sobbed then and there. There was no hiding in the bathroom to hide her tears, her grief was plainly upon her face now. Even as that Owl clasp was placed on her dress so neatly, she continued to sob. Her hands came up, covering her face. She could hardly even hear what was bequeathed unto Alexander.

She understood it, but she didn't respond to it.
Those words hit her hard.

But more than that, her loss hit her even harder.
(Ophelia Soleis)
[04:18] The hand on Lloyd's shoulder fades as Romani approaches and Alexander returns to his full height.

The words of Berrios read aloud were surreal. The Petrakis remembered the brief lessons they had, the few chats. Even in old age the Falstaff was staunchly loyal. A true Knight. A Blazing Lion Knight.

The Petrakis listens in as Lloyd is given words of encouragement, like a son the Falstaff had never had. A quiet respect shown, as Alexander would not dare interrupt a dead man's words, nor his will especially to Lloyd, Berrios' prodigal son.

And then Ophelia. Words of love and the homage of the owl to watch over her in the coming days. A true trust in her. Confidence and pride.

Finally came Alexander. Blue eyes meet Romani's, listening to every word. It was reassuring and also saddening. They had not the chance to know each other as closely as he would have liked either. Though, the Petrakis remembered every letter. The words. The meetingsof the war council, the strategies. The tactics. And finally a gift.

The King allows Romani to place it on his shoulders, and takes a steep breath in as it set. Quiet.

The final words and then Berrios' call. Hic. Sunt. Leones.

Silence stews while Ophelia cries and Lloyd breaks down. Even as King, Alexander was not prepared to handle this. To carry the burden of his people. Then does his voice break the silence.

"Thank you, Romani. You did him a great honour."

And then Lloyd. Ophelia. Words were simply not enough. The Petrakis eyes, if anyone had looked were clouded and creased at the edges. The sparkling blue hidden behind what looked to be a tear. A short glance is given to Romani and then a look to Ophelia. The glance says enough. She would need comfort.

A step forward and Alexander crouches once more, a hand presses to his retainer's back. It sits there for some time. This would not be easy to accept.

"He was a good man."
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[04:23] Every word of the Will was read, and the burden that had been placed upon the Bishop finished. He should have felt free. But instead, hearing the sobs, the pain of those around him, he could only breathe. A moment to look down at Lloyd screaming to the heavens, to look towards Ophelia, the first time he had seen her cry in front of him and resolute strong will of Alexander, barely looking to hold back those tears.

It was a feeling he did not know at all. It was not freedom, not yet. But instead of stress, he would walk forwards. The first person he went to would be Ophelia, pulling her into a tight embrace. The tears that flowed to no end, the sobbing that could not be run from. Tightly he would hold her, lightly pulling her to the others as he did so.

And then? The screams of Lloyd. As the man broke down, as the grief was crushing him and he held that sigil, Romani's other arm would move, pulling the boy in tightly for the group hug that he had begun forming.The strife, the pain.. It was not something he knew, but it was something he hoped he could make everyone not suffer alone.

Last but not least, Alexander. The King was ever strong, in fact, if not for that close look into his eyes, Romani would have almost assumed he did not need reassurance. All the same? With Ophelia having one arm around her, and Lloyd the other, Romani would attempt to pull Alexander towards his chest into the ground hug.

And then? What comforting words he could say? Again, Romani would quietly speak the words of the Will.

"You are the Order, those loyal, those strong to Osrona. You are loved. You are determined."

"You are my generation. Believe, he believes in you as well. He would not want you all to be crushed by this pain, this loss. Cry, feel what you need to, but know he will always be here for you." He raised his hand and would lightly poke where the heart of each person remained in their chest. "He will always be in here."

He nodded, in agreement with the words of Alexander. "He was a very good man, and we can ever keep him alive in our memories."
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[04:32] Romani despite it all, remains the calm, loving temperament of the group. There is no shying away from the hug from Alexander, instead, his arms outstretch as he embraces the group of them. Words escape for a little while.

The final words of the Will repeats and the air hangs in silence, before a finger presses to his heart. There is a blink of the King's eyes and the tear in the eye fades.

"Romani. This was how he would have wanted it delivered." A quiet whisper.
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[04:35] As Romani came to wrap his arms around her, she hid her wet face against him. It was a much better alternative than everyone seeing her as she was. Even as he pulled her closer to the others, she found her legs unable to work, and so she was awkwardly pulled, stumbling.

The words were repeated again, and her breath hitched in her throat briefly before those sobs wracked her form yet again. Everyone was taking it differently.

For Ophelia, the girl whose Uncle had just passed, she was taking it hard. Berrios had all the love in the world for her, doting on her at every turn, and being fiercely protective of her all in one fell swoop.

So why did she have to lose yet another family member? Someone else she cared for? It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair at all. Romani would feel that icy chill creep along his hands and his arms, the temperature around the Soleis dropping considerably in such a short time span.
(Ophelia Soleis)
[04:39] Even with the hugging and the consolation from both Filia and Romani, it didn't matter. He still felt horrible. He still felt at his lowest, and that pain that swelled in his chest wouldn't go away, try as he might. He didn't want to face the world right now.

He didn't want to do this anymore. He'd walk out if he could, but as he stands, he's already reminded that he's still a person with limits, so he falls on the bed. He stares up at the ceiling now.

Everything is still sinking in, some how.

All he can do is lay here, tears having swelled up in his eyes.

Lloyd doesn't want to be here, there or anywhere anymore.

He didn't have the strength to accept and grow from this experience. Not yet, not so soon.
(Lloyd Durages)
[04:52] What more was there to do for one she was barely acquainted with? No amount of effort afforded would sooth the grief that had steeped his heart in anguish.

... But that wouldn't stop her from trying. Those grey eyes of hers lingered drearily upon him, imbued by the faintest persistence of warmth. Draping sleeves sweep away the tears staining his cheeks in a solicitous gesture, and from her pockets, a single floret is withdrawn and tucked near his head; a symbol of rebirth, to a select few.

Her hands fall away to her side, her feet moving to exit the room.
(Filia)
[04:53] Alexander's whisper does bring a brief swallow from the Bishop, a small nod as the group is embraced. Silence for a few moments before he would nod, holding the group in that tight hug again.

"I can only hope so."

It wasn't the typical way to read a will, not by far. It was supposed to be less emotional from the speaker, and yet..

He would hug them all the same. As Ophelia wrapped her arms around him, hid her wet face against him, he would hug her tightly, accept it. Even as the icy chill creeped along his hand, he would hold her, breathing, eyes closed.

"It is ok. I am here for you, Ophe. Breathe. Cry. Rule twenty five. Nobody can do everything alone."

The transcript of Berrios, written and published would not have evaded the Montclaire's grasp.

His attention turns to Lloyd. For a few moments longer, Romani would watch and hold the man before he would suddenly begin to rise. The holy magic looked to collapse onto the bed, tears still falling fresh from his eyes. A frown on Romani's face, reaching forwards, squeezing Lloyd's ankle.

"Rule nineteen. Never be the first to break a hug. Lloyd. We are here for you. If you need anyone in the coming days, just let us know." And gently, Romani would have given one more squeeze of the ankle before turning to fully hugging Ophelia.

As Filia begins to exit however, Romani would give her a nod. The single floret given to Lloyd is noticed. The Bishop seemed to approve of the action before seeing the Acylote's departure.
(Romani cos Montclaire)
[04:57] It was hard in any case. King or not. To comfort someone. Words could never do full justice.

And Lloyd had experienced a heartache that would last for days.

There is a small shift of his eyes to the Durages and then a quiet nod, a few words whispered.

With them said, the King starts moving to depart. And as he nears the doorway, a finger comes up to his eye. But what happens next is left to only someone on the other side. Alexander lets Lloyd rest.
(Alexander rei Petrakis)
[04:58] Lloyd just remains there.

Their words have not fallen on deaf ears, as much as he might've tried to make it seem so.
(Lloyd Durages)
[04:59] She's silent in her tears eventually, the noise dying down partially. Even as Romani recited that particular rule, she still cried - after all, it was okay. Would the coming days be okay? She wasn't too sure, in all honesty.

She felt tired, she felt exhausted. She felt a thousand different things, and all of them beckoned her to sleep.

To sleep off the grief and the pain she felt.
(Ophelia Soleis)