It was just an expression. I didn't really mean it.
[Felix waves a hand dismissively, tries not to let his thoughts linger too much on the idea of going that far out with him. Not that it's an inherently bad idea. There's just too much weight there.
He straightens and motions for Claude to come along. Endurance training it is.]
That won't be necessary. Let's just stick to the plan -- the sooner we get to where we're going, the sooner we can leave.
[There's also the case of preserving sunlight. Autumns mean brisk weather and shorter days. Not that some chill and darkness would bother Felix so much, as it's par the course for Faerghus, but there's also the matter of their provisions and short notice. He may have mentioned, off handed, to Ingrid that he'd be going on a hike without any further details, confident that she'll relay it to the appropriate people properly and without question.]
[ Huh. Was it? Suffice to say, where he'd grown up they didn't use that expression. In fact, they called Fodlan's Throat something else entirely. And in the Alliance, especially in Derdriu, the mountains were not so far as to give the phrase the same meaning.
Claude blinks, filing away the colloquialism. Books couldn't get him everywhere. Still -- he'd known Felix hadn't meant it, nor does he seem to give it any further thought. Which works for Claude, who trots forward to step into place beside him, swinging his arms behind his head.
Through the gates and away they go, and off to a good start: Claude laughs. ]
Wow, Felix. Haven't you ever heard of the enjoying the journey? Taking your time?
[ No, he's probably the sort of guy who treats every hike as a training opportunity. Despite Claude's joke about working on endurance, he's not really of that mind. As for the limited hours of daylight... well, that merits more thought. He hadn't told anyone about the ride, never mind this. ]
[They're beyond the gates and on their way. The fields outside of the monastery are flat and open, with low grass and trees just begging for breeze to pass through them. Definitely not a sign of things to come but Felix can appreciate it for what it is...even if it may sound like he doesn't.
Case in point, when he wrinkles his nose and shoots Claude a half-frown for his comment.]
How can taking my time help with improvement? It's not as if I'm trying to be any slower.
[On the contrary, Felix has always leaned towards the more mobile and faster side of things.]
And I can't enjoy a journey if there's a destination to look forward to instead.
[ Though he's only recently begun to get to know Felix, Claude can't be surprised by that answer. Even before all this -- much of that house seemed intense and hyperfocused on training, and the frequency with which Felix could be found in the training grounds suggested it was particularly true for him.
It's a little funny, just how different they are in that regard (even if Claude isn't as noncommittal and lackadaisical toward his own improvement as his projected attitude might suggest). And a bit incredible Felix continues to put up with him. ]
Brace yourself, but not everything has to be about improvement.
[ A beat, glancing his way, before dropping his arms to wave his hand, dismissing his own remark. ]
Scratch that.
[ Because that won't appeal to Felix. Instead... ]
There are different types and stages of improvement, you know? You wouldn't lift weights everyday, because your muscles need time to recover. Taking time to relax follows the same principle. Sometimes, the journey is the destination.
[ True enough for Claude, anyway, whose mind works itself into frothy quagmires. Breaking off into nature -- these sunny plains, the air thinned by altitude but thickening as the path winds down, away from the peaks into which the monastery had been cut -- calms. Though he's usually alone. ]
[Felix could possibly be heard muttering so says you under his breath but as it is a particularly windy day and his gaze -- and presumably his focus -- is more on their environs, it's hard to say for sure. He does look back toward Claude with a tipped brow, amusement threatening to break through his expression.]
The journey is the destination?
[Now he's really smiling, albeit somewhat bitterly, like he doesn't believe a single word coming out of the other young man's mouth. Felix turns his gaze back out over the horizon. Nothing but plains and grass and trees, and beyond them, mountains and graying clouds.]
What could anyone learn from walking like this? How can they improve? Aside from learning how to walk faster to avoid bad weather...
[ That Felix mutters something, Claude's pretty sure of. His hearing is good and it's too ingrained in him by now to listen for offhand remarks, quiet and both intended and not intended for him to overhear. But with the wind and the direction of his attention, Claude can't make it out.
It's fine. The expression on his face tells him enough. Initially taking peripheral note, he turns to look more directly, and looks a moment longer than might be considered polite once Felix again redirects his attention. A moment longer, then he follows his line of sight to the clouds.
Lovely day though it's been, those might be troublesome. Bad weather, indeed. ]
Well, if walking with the right person, you might improve your conversational skills.
[ Or lack thereof. Claude's smiling, the curve sharp into his cheek. Teasing, if only just. ]
Really though... I guess you truly don't do anything for fun? Just because you want to, or to unwind?
[ It wouldn't be much of a surprise if not. Felix seems wound tight. ]
Of course I do things for fun. Just nothing like this.
[Or like much of anything, if he were to be truly honest. Felix's hobbies, if they're even dared to be referred to as such, revolve primarily around training and self-improvement. He doesn't consider anything strictly for fun, believing if he's going to do something to past the time, it might as well go toward his goal of becoming a better swordsman.
He glances toward Claude out the corner of his eye, almost suspicious of the other young man although he has no outward reason to be. Felix may be an awful conversationalist himself but he at least can recognize why someone would want to make idle chatter during a time like this.]
If I do go on a hike, then it's because I want to go somewhere in particular or just improve myself. Unwinding comes later, when I sleep.
[He turns his head fully now, to better look at him. One could even squint and catch the tiniest glimpse of a grin there on his lips.]
Let me guess -- is wandering aimlessly and talking non-stop one of your hobbies?
[ Eh, Felix doesn't really need an outward reason to be suspicious of Claude. Most people are without having one. Or, without having a good one.
But Claude holds onto the question: what do you do for fun? He suspects the answer, or that Felix might struggle to land upon one that doesn't in some way center on the sword. Holding proves both amusing and dangerous, because when Felix says that he unwinds when he sleeps, it takes much of Claude's considerable self-control to keep from laughing.
And he's glad he fights it, unsure of whether that barest suggestion of humor in Felix's expression, his line of his mouth less rigid and straight, would have survived it.
Safe enough to laugh at himself, right? He does. ]
Good guess! I'm not sure that counts as a hobby, but close enough. As it happens, I wander more than I talk. You're just lucky.
[ Or unlucky. Or, because Claude generally meanders about on his own, all his non-stop talking is restricted to his skull.]
So this hike... did you invite me to improve your patience, or did you want to go somewhere in particular?
[And despite his better judgment, Felix's grin slides into something wider, more obvious, yet still teasing. A smirk, if you will.]
Hm, so it's not a hobby. Just second nature for you. I see.
[As if in response to their current topic of discussion, the landscape seemingly shifts. Flat, grassy paths are now rockier and becoming steep. Less trees and bushes surround them. They're not climbing just yet but it's undoubtedly a less straightforward path for them now.]
We're on this walk because I mentioned not wanting to ride. Which, in turn, was brought up because you had asked my opinions on riding. Remember?
[And that was only mentioned because Felix was being dodgy about his poor life choices and Claude was being his usual curious self.]
[ Wait. Waiiit a minute. That expression. That quip.
Felix is teasing him.
With him, it might be a fine line between his customary brusque disregard, and this sort of mockery, but it's a nuance Claude can appreciate. He isn't a bit sensitive, able to comfortably take aim at himself, and besides... a smirk like that looks good on Felix.
So Claude grins back, shrugs. ]
You got me. Hey, that means you can't blame me, right?
[ With the terrain breaking into rock, there's more care to take in where they step. But after months here, he's able to do so without paying much attention. At least at this juncture, before the incline really sets in. ]
I do.
[ Remember, and he's still amused. And he hasn't forgotten about the taste of Felix's mouth. (Uh. There might be better ways to put that.) ]
Instead of rejecting me outright, you challenged me to a hike. I was very flattered. But, didn't you say, "the sooner we get to where we're going"?
[Felix shrugs, not too keen on the details at the moment to remember if he did, or didn't, challenge Claude. He likely did, hence why he doesn't argue and accepts the other's word.]
Is that your way of telling me to hurry it up, Claude? Or that my hiking pace is too slow for your liking?
[And, yes, Felix is still smirking and teasing him.]
[ Claude might have taken this opportunity to remind Felix that he had been the one in favor of taking their time. Remember~?
But, given that lasting smirk, he suspects Felix remembers well. ]
That's right. I thought you were supposed to be quick?
[ Playing along. And maybe he shouldn't, before he plays himself right into a race while overburdened with those excessive supplies.
But what, is he not supposed to tease him back?
Another thing he maybe shouldn't do: accelerate his pace enough to get head, then spin around, walking backwards while facing Felix. Even with the rocky ground, even with the gradual start of an incline, he keeps sure-footed. For now. As if this little display is effortless, he swings his arms back up behind his head, the spread of his grin broad. ]
I get it, though. You just enjoy my company that much.
[Not even rolling his eyes at Claude or sighing out his supposed exasperation diminishes Felix's smirk. If anything, it widens -- he reckons he would have chuckled too, if he didn't gnaw at the inside of his cheek and turned his head to glance away, ostensibly to regard the paths and hills around them. And not, you know, to conceal the fact that he'd been thisclose to chuckling in the presence of someone he didn't know.]
Yeah, that's it. I enjoy being around you so much, I'm willing to risk being in shitty weather just to spend more time with you.
[Another eyeroll-that's-not-really-an-eyeroll.
He looks back over to Claude, his gaze sinking down to the other young man's feet and noting the unreliable terrain he's being so cavalier with.]
You might want to be more careful, yeah? I don't want to have to carry you anywhere if you fall and hurt yourself.
[ True enough: Claude talks a big game. In fact, he talks multiple big games, one of which pertains to his general greatness. Oh so talented, oh so charming, truly delightful rogue, and so on, and so forth. Putting aside the question of whether, and to what extent if so, he actually believes any of it -- he doesn't really think anyone else buys in.
Especially not someone like Felix, unfamiliar but known enough that Claude expects the truth in the most curt, unfriendly way possible. The last person who would choose to go on a hike with Claude von Riegan because he enjoys his company, right?
Thing is. Claude's also not blind. Over-attentive despite his pretense at otherwise, he can see well enough that Felix is still amused, such that his glance away is simply too timely to be believed as anything but the suppression it is.
After all -- one way or another, he is risking the weather to walk with Claude. Which Claude would observe, pressing the point past politeness, but for a tiny problem: it's mutual, isn't it? He would've gone out here regardless, but he had sought Felix's company. ]
Yeah, I'm enjoying myself, too.
[ Pressing further risks his own exposure, now shrouded in the flippancy of his remark, but really, he shouldn't punctuate that with a wink.
He does it anyway.
Now dropping his arms to press one hand over his heart. ]
Why, Felix -- you don't want to, but reading between the lines, you would. My hero.
[Ironic, isn't it? In an effort to simply warn the other young man of potential danger, Felix damn near trips over himself -- both literally and verbally -- and recovers by the skin of his teeth on both fronts. He keeps marching forth and looks on ahead, his face about as red as a certain Gautier's hair, lips drawn into a tight line.
And while he's very much aware Claude was just teasing him -- and was well within his rights to, considering Felix's behavior -- he can't shake it off or riposte with something of his own.
A hero? Him?
Ugh.]
...whatever. Just come on.
Edited (the link didn't work! ahh!!) 2020-01-01 04:48 (UTC)
[ If Claude believed in jinxes, or any supernatural force compelling a result due to happenstance or deliberate phrase or action, he'd jest that Felix had jinxed himself. He doesn't (which doesn't forestall jest), so irony suits, and regardless, he wouldn't have in the moment.
In the moment, surprise flickers over his features, and his stance shifts enough that if Felix is unable to recover, he'd be able to quickly stop his fall.
But Felix keeps from falling without assistance, which Claude had expected (or he'd have really moved to help).
Giving Claude the liberty to resume his grin. In a gesture of good will, he pivots to jog forward and resume walking beside Felix, rather than in front and facing, so as to have less of that red face to admire. ]
Nicely done. It's much less of a given that I'd carry you.
[ but breezing right along ]
Sooo, where are we going? Unless you'd rather talk about your mouth.
[And Felix, on the other hand, is quite convinced some supernatural force is to blame for the irony that just transpired. It was too coincidental, too perfect for it to not have been the result of some cackling god looking to get a scheme in at Felix's expense.
He grumbles under his breath and keeps marching forth without considering Claude's pace alongside his. Figures if it's a so-called "given" that Claude would carry him, then he could easily keep up without trouble.
He waves a hand dismissively.]
A cave.
[How exciting.]
Found one out this way while on a scouting mission with the others.
[While he had ventured on ahead without them, to be more precise. Not that he'd care if Claude knew of those particulars or not. They were on a hike, not going through a detailed account of recent activities.]
[ Fair enough -- less of a given is still something of a given. And yeah, don't tell, but he isn't the kind of guy to leave someone in that position.
At least not under these circumstances.
Embarrassment seems to have quickened Felix's pace. (He'd be further generous and attribute it to aggravation, but that's kind of his baseline, isn't it?) Claude can keep up, though he's beginning to feel the weight of those excessive supplies. Weight that's still easy to ignore, with Felix so entertaining at his side.
Just why it is he gets such a kick out of Felix's grumpiness, may merit consideration he won't give it. Maybe because of what it does and doesn't say. Maybe because he "puts up" with Claude, anyway.
Meanwhile, the answer: a cave. Hey, it could prove exciting. Claude nods. ]
Got it. Yeah, a cave would make a good landmark.
[ A good turning point, since Felix wasn't bound to stick around. Sooner they get there, sooner they can leave, right? As for Claude... ]
[Few would argue against aggravation being Felix's baseline -- except, perhaps ironically, Felix himself. He'd insist he's impatient, at the most. Hence why he feels it's necessary to pick up the pace yet again, barely offering Claude a sideglance.]
No.
[Shrugging and walking at the same time puts less emphasis on the shrugging part, but Felix's flippant response conveys his feelings on the matter just fine, he thinks. It's a damn cave and they're on a day-hike. Why is Claude so curious about how far back it goes?
Felix, more or less, already knows the answer.]
Don't get worked up about it -- it's just a cave I stumbled across. I haven't gone too far in, and I don't intend to, but I figure it's worth having a look inside for a bit. If only to get shelter for a bit and see the spring...
[ If Felix picks up the pace any faster, they'll be proceeding at a light jog. Claude can still keep up, still match it, but it's almost enough to make him wonder whether he'd overestimated just how much Felix (secretly) enjoys his company. Notwithstanding his general approach to hiking and, at least as he described it, most activities.
Almost. If in large part because Claude left the part of himself that concerned himself with that question, whether someone likes him beyond the utility of a favorable opinion, far east and far in the past.
He does get the feeling that any suggestion Felix slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the scenery would get at best scoffing dismissal, so just this once, he keeps it to himself.
After all, there's a cave to get worked up about. ]
Too late, you've sold me. I'll just have to compensate for your cold disinterest by dedicating myself to its study.
[Claude's right in that any suggestions -- about anything, really -- would be swiped aside in his usual grumbly fashion. But now that they've made it over a short hill, and there's an impressive expanse of foothills, not very far from where they currently are. A cluster of young trees and trails lay on both sides and Felix, more or less, steers them both towards the thicker patch. No more jogging, though, so there's that.]
It's just a cave, Claude...
[And though he's more preoccupied with their semi-climbing and keeping balance, Felix realizes it's perhaps the first time he's ever said the other's name out loud and in his presence. It sounds weird in his own ears and tastes different on his tongue. Not necessarily bad -- just jarring enough to make him pause as he's stepping up onto a shelf of gravel and rock.]
...nothing there worth more than ten minutes' time, at best.
[ Huh. That sure is his name. It might be that it feels like the first time, that there is something of a first in it.
There's excuse enough for Claude's distraction, at least: unlike Felix, he does like to stop and enjoy the view. The span of foothills is outright picturesque, and though the air is thinner at this altitude, the smattering of green from the hills and trees lends an earthy freshness to the air.
So while Felix pauses, Claude takes that moment to appreciate what surrounds them, and for once in his life not overthink something. That something of a first.
Then glancing to their feet, confirming the soundest step amidst the slanting gravel.
A breezy observation: ]
If you haven't gone too far in... how do you know, Felix?
[ Not his first time speaking his name, of course. Nothing to it, right? ]
It could open onto winding passages into the mountains or have the remains of a hapless traveler from the past. Until we check it out, our little cave of mystery could have anything.
[ Our, though by all rights, it should have just been your. ]
Figured if it was too far or too dark in for me to see, then it wasn't meant for my eyes.
[Our earns Claude a narrow look, though Felix (wisely?) refrains from commenting on that particular word choice. If Claude wants to think of it as something of theirs, no matter how preposterous Felix wants to say it is, then who is he to stop him? Harmless naming shouldn't take up this much awareness.
(Even if he's thinking about it a lot more than he perhaps should.)]
But you'll see and then you'll be disappointed. Soon enough.
[What awaits them on the other side of this easternmost hill is a scree slope, down which leads into a thicket and a cluster of trees and, eventually, the cave in question. Not easy to see from where they currently are but Felix's memory hasn't failed him yet.
At the very least, they're no longer moving upwards so this portion of the trip shouldn't put too much strain on their bodies. And good -- Felix is getting a little tired and hangry.]
Then it wasn't meant for your eyes? I didn't take you for the type.
[ Go ahead, ask what type.
If he doesn't: it skirts the edge of the devout, doesn't it? Accepting limitation imposed by nature (or, to the typical Fodlan noble, the goddess). Believing that man's inability to act unassisted means he should not do. As though a sword was not itself a tool, as though they could not fly on the backs of wyverns.
Really, though, he's teasing. More likely, it's simply that Felix hasn't got a surplus of curiosity about the backs of mundane caves, and that isn't a bit surprising. ]
Well, thanks for considering my feelings and warning me.
[ Against disappointment. Humor rich in his voice, rippling at the notion that Felix would mind his feelings. ]
Until then, I've got curiosity enough for six cats.
[ Also not a bit surprising: Claude doesn't believe there's anything that wasn't meant for his eyes.
Despite the agility of his tongue, he isn't impervious. Given how much he'd weighed himself down with, he's feeling it, his steps more cautious down the loose slope. He might be long talented at not showing what he doesn't want to show, but he can't control his sweat glands, and even in the growing chill his forehead beads with it. Soon enough is more welcome than he'll admit. ]
[And even though Felix just means a lack of curiosity, he wisely (??) avoids inquiring further, if only to avoid having Claude turn this into a discussion equivalent to an opened can of worms. The guy is too clever and mischievous for his own good. Golden Deer? More like Golden Fox...
The trip down the slope should be easier compared to the rest of their hike, considering it's mostly gravity propelling them down. Once or twice Felix had to skid on the gravel to keep from breaking into a sprint but he's otherwise in good shape. At least enough to feel smug about it when he glances over to Claude and notes the state he's in.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[Felix waves a hand dismissively, tries not to let his thoughts linger too much on the idea of going that far out with him. Not that it's an inherently bad idea. There's just too much weight there.
He straightens and motions for Claude to come along. Endurance training it is.]
That won't be necessary. Let's just stick to the plan -- the sooner we get to where we're going, the sooner we can leave.
[There's also the case of preserving sunlight. Autumns mean brisk weather and shorter days. Not that some chill and darkness would bother Felix so much, as it's par the course for Faerghus, but there's also the matter of their provisions and short notice. He may have mentioned, off handed, to Ingrid that he'd be going on a hike without any further details, confident that she'll relay it to the appropriate people properly and without question.]
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Claude blinks, filing away the colloquialism. Books couldn't get him everywhere. Still -- he'd known Felix hadn't meant it, nor does he seem to give it any further thought. Which works for Claude, who trots forward to step into place beside him, swinging his arms behind his head.
Through the gates and away they go, and off to a good start: Claude laughs. ]
Wow, Felix. Haven't you ever heard of the enjoying the journey? Taking your time?
[ No, he's probably the sort of guy who treats every hike as a training opportunity. Despite Claude's joke about working on endurance, he's not really of that mind. As for the limited hours of daylight... well, that merits more thought. He hadn't told anyone about the ride, never mind this. ]
sorry for the delay!!
Case in point, when he wrinkles his nose and shoots Claude a half-frown for his comment.]
How can taking my time help with improvement? It's not as if I'm trying to be any slower.
[On the contrary, Felix has always leaned towards the more mobile and faster side of things.]
And I can't enjoy a journey if there's a destination to look forward to instead.
not at all!!
It's a little funny, just how different they are in that regard (even if Claude isn't as noncommittal and lackadaisical toward his own improvement as his projected attitude might suggest). And a bit incredible Felix continues to put up with him. ]
Brace yourself, but not everything has to be about improvement.
[ A beat, glancing his way, before dropping his arms to wave his hand, dismissing his own remark. ]
Scratch that.
[ Because that won't appeal to Felix. Instead... ]
There are different types and stages of improvement, you know? You wouldn't lift weights everyday, because your muscles need time to recover. Taking time to relax follows the same principle. Sometimes, the journey is the destination.
[ True enough for Claude, anyway, whose mind works itself into frothy quagmires. Breaking off into nature -- these sunny plains, the air thinned by altitude but thickening as the path winds down, away from the peaks into which the monastery had been cut -- calms. Though he's usually alone. ]
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The journey is the destination?
[Now he's really smiling, albeit somewhat bitterly, like he doesn't believe a single word coming out of the other young man's mouth. Felix turns his gaze back out over the horizon. Nothing but plains and grass and trees, and beyond them, mountains and graying clouds.]
What could anyone learn from walking like this? How can they improve? Aside from learning how to walk faster to avoid bad weather...
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It's fine. The expression on his face tells him enough. Initially taking peripheral note, he turns to look more directly, and looks a moment longer than might be considered polite once Felix again redirects his attention. A moment longer, then he follows his line of sight to the clouds.
Lovely day though it's been, those might be troublesome. Bad weather, indeed. ]
Well, if walking with the right person, you might improve your conversational skills.
[ Or lack thereof. Claude's smiling, the curve sharp into his cheek. Teasing, if only just. ]
Really though... I guess you truly don't do anything for fun? Just because you want to, or to unwind?
[ It wouldn't be much of a surprise if not. Felix seems wound tight. ]
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[Or like much of anything, if he were to be truly honest. Felix's hobbies, if they're even dared to be referred to as such, revolve primarily around training and self-improvement. He doesn't consider anything strictly for fun, believing if he's going to do something to past the time, it might as well go toward his goal of becoming a better swordsman.
He glances toward Claude out the corner of his eye, almost suspicious of the other young man although he has no outward reason to be. Felix may be an awful conversationalist himself but he at least can recognize why someone would want to make idle chatter during a time like this.]
If I do go on a hike, then it's because I want to go somewhere in particular or just improve myself. Unwinding comes later, when I sleep.
[He turns his head fully now, to better look at him. One could even squint and catch the tiniest glimpse of a grin there on his lips.]
Let me guess -- is wandering aimlessly and talking non-stop one of your hobbies?
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But Claude holds onto the question: what do you do for fun? He suspects the answer, or that Felix might struggle to land upon one that doesn't in some way center on the sword. Holding proves both amusing and dangerous, because when Felix says that he unwinds when he sleeps, it takes much of Claude's considerable self-control to keep from laughing.
And he's glad he fights it, unsure of whether that barest suggestion of humor in Felix's expression, his line of his mouth less rigid and straight, would have survived it.
Safe enough to laugh at himself, right? He does. ]
Good guess! I'm not sure that counts as a hobby, but close enough. As it happens, I wander more than I talk. You're just lucky.
[ Or unlucky. Or, because Claude generally meanders about on his own, all his non-stop talking is restricted to his skull.]
So this hike... did you invite me to improve your patience, or did you want to go somewhere in particular?
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Hm, so it's not a hobby. Just second nature for you. I see.
[As if in response to their current topic of discussion, the landscape seemingly shifts. Flat, grassy paths are now rockier and becoming steep. Less trees and bushes surround them. They're not climbing just yet but it's undoubtedly a less straightforward path for them now.]
We're on this walk because I mentioned not wanting to ride. Which, in turn, was brought up because you had asked my opinions on riding. Remember?
[And that was only mentioned because Felix was being dodgy about his poor life choices and Claude was being his usual curious self.]
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Felix is teasing him.
With him, it might be a fine line between his customary brusque disregard, and this sort of mockery, but it's a nuance Claude can appreciate. He isn't a bit sensitive, able to comfortably take aim at himself, and besides... a smirk like that looks good on Felix.
So Claude grins back, shrugs. ]
You got me. Hey, that means you can't blame me, right?
[ With the terrain breaking into rock, there's more care to take in where they step. But after months here, he's able to do so without paying much attention. At least at this juncture, before the incline really sets in. ]
I do.
[ Remember, and he's still amused. And he hasn't forgotten about the taste of Felix's mouth. (Uh. There might be better ways to put that.) ]
Instead of rejecting me outright, you challenged me to a hike. I was very flattered. But, didn't you say, "the sooner we get to where we're going"?
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I may have said that, yes...
[Felix shrugs, not too keen on the details at the moment to remember if he did, or didn't, challenge Claude. He likely did, hence why he doesn't argue and accepts the other's word.]
Is that your way of telling me to hurry it up, Claude? Or that my hiking pace is too slow for your liking?
[And, yes, Felix is still smirking and teasing him.]
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But, given that lasting smirk, he suspects Felix remembers well. ]
That's right. I thought you were supposed to be quick?
[ Playing along. And maybe he shouldn't, before he plays himself right into a race while overburdened with those excessive supplies.
But what, is he not supposed to tease him back?
Another thing he maybe shouldn't do: accelerate his pace enough to get head, then spin around, walking backwards while facing Felix. Even with the rocky ground, even with the gradual start of an incline, he keeps sure-footed. For now. As if this little display is effortless, he swings his arms back up behind his head, the spread of his grin broad. ]
I get it, though. You just enjoy my company that much.
[ So he is, so to speak, taking his time. ]
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Yeah, that's it. I enjoy being around you so much, I'm willing to risk being in shitty weather just to spend more time with you.
[Another eyeroll-that's-not-really-an-eyeroll.
He looks back over to Claude, his gaze sinking down to the other young man's feet and noting the unreliable terrain he's being so cavalier with.]
You might want to be more careful, yeah? I don't want to have to carry you anywhere if you fall and hurt yourself.
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Especially not someone like Felix, unfamiliar but known enough that Claude expects the truth in the most curt, unfriendly way possible. The last person who would choose to go on a hike with Claude von Riegan because he enjoys his company, right?
Thing is. Claude's also not blind. Over-attentive despite his pretense at otherwise, he can see well enough that Felix is still amused, such that his glance away is simply too timely to be believed as anything but the suppression it is.
After all -- one way or another, he is risking the weather to walk with Claude. Which Claude would observe, pressing the point past politeness, but for a tiny problem: it's mutual, isn't it? He would've gone out here regardless, but he had sought Felix's company. ]
Yeah, I'm enjoying myself, too.
[ Pressing further risks his own exposure, now shrouded in the flippancy of his remark, but really, he shouldn't punctuate that with a wink.
He does it anyway.
Now dropping his arms to press one hand over his heart. ]
Why, Felix -- you don't want to, but reading between the lines, you would. My hero.
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[Ironic, isn't it? In an effort to simply warn the other young man of potential danger, Felix damn near trips over himself -- both literally and verbally -- and recovers by the skin of his teeth on both fronts. He keeps marching forth and looks on ahead, his face about as red as a certain Gautier's hair, lips drawn into a tight line.
And while he's very much aware Claude was just teasing him -- and was well within his rights to, considering Felix's behavior -- he can't shake it off or riposte with something of his own.
A hero? Him?
Ugh.]
...whatever. Just come on.
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[ If Claude believed in jinxes, or any supernatural force compelling a result due to happenstance or deliberate phrase or action, he'd jest that Felix had jinxed himself. He doesn't (which doesn't forestall jest), so irony suits, and regardless, he wouldn't have in the moment.
In the moment, surprise flickers over his features, and his stance shifts enough that if Felix is unable to recover, he'd be able to quickly stop his fall.
But Felix keeps from falling without assistance, which Claude had expected (or he'd have really moved to help).
Giving Claude the liberty to resume his grin. In a gesture of good will, he pivots to jog forward and resume walking beside Felix, rather than in front and facing, so as to have less of that red face to admire. ]
Nicely done. It's much less of a given that I'd carry you.
[ but breezing right along ]
Sooo, where are we going? Unless you'd rather talk about your mouth.
[ See? He hadn't forgotten. ]
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He grumbles under his breath and keeps marching forth without considering Claude's pace alongside his. Figures if it's a so-called "given" that Claude would carry him, then he could easily keep up without trouble.
He waves a hand dismissively.]
A cave.
[How exciting.]
Found one out this way while on a scouting mission with the others.
[While he had ventured on ahead without them, to be more precise. Not that he'd care if Claude knew of those particulars or not. They were on a hike, not going through a detailed account of recent activities.]
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At least not under these circumstances.
Embarrassment seems to have quickened Felix's pace. (He'd be further generous and attribute it to aggravation, but that's kind of his baseline, isn't it?) Claude can keep up, though he's beginning to feel the weight of those excessive supplies. Weight that's still easy to ignore, with Felix so entertaining at his side.
Just why it is he gets such a kick out of Felix's grumpiness, may merit consideration he won't give it. Maybe because of what it does and doesn't say. Maybe because he "puts up" with Claude, anyway.
Meanwhile, the answer: a cave. Hey, it could prove exciting. Claude nods. ]
Got it. Yeah, a cave would make a good landmark.
[ A good turning point, since Felix wasn't bound to stick around. Sooner they get there, sooner they can leave, right? As for Claude... ]
Did you check out how far back it goes?
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No.
[Shrugging and walking at the same time puts less emphasis on the shrugging part, but Felix's flippant response conveys his feelings on the matter just fine, he thinks. It's a damn cave and they're on a day-hike. Why is Claude so curious about how far back it goes?
Felix, more or less, already knows the answer.]
Don't get worked up about it -- it's just a cave I stumbled across. I haven't gone too far in, and I don't intend to, but I figure it's worth having a look inside for a bit. If only to get shelter for a bit and see the spring...
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Almost. If in large part because Claude left the part of himself that concerned himself with that question, whether someone likes him beyond the utility of a favorable opinion, far east and far in the past.
He does get the feeling that any suggestion Felix slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the scenery would get at best scoffing dismissal, so just this once, he keeps it to himself.
After all, there's a cave to get worked up about. ]
Too late, you've sold me. I'll just have to compensate for your cold disinterest by dedicating myself to its study.
So, you've gone in far enough to find a spring?
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It's just a cave, Claude...
[And though he's more preoccupied with their semi-climbing and keeping balance, Felix realizes it's perhaps the first time he's ever said the other's name out loud and in his presence. It sounds weird in his own ears and tastes different on his tongue. Not necessarily bad -- just jarring enough to make him pause as he's stepping up onto a shelf of gravel and rock.]
...nothing there worth more than ten minutes' time, at best.
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There's excuse enough for Claude's distraction, at least: unlike Felix, he does like to stop and enjoy the view. The span of foothills is outright picturesque, and though the air is thinner at this altitude, the smattering of green from the hills and trees lends an earthy freshness to the air.
So while Felix pauses, Claude takes that moment to appreciate what surrounds them, and for once in his life not overthink something. That something of a first.
Then glancing to their feet, confirming the soundest step amidst the slanting gravel.
A breezy observation: ]
If you haven't gone too far in... how do you know, Felix?
[ Not his first time speaking his name, of course. Nothing to it, right? ]
It could open onto winding passages into the mountains or have the remains of a hapless traveler from the past. Until we check it out, our little cave of mystery could have anything.
[ Our, though by all rights, it should have just been your. ]
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[Our earns Claude a narrow look, though Felix (wisely?) refrains from commenting on that particular word choice. If Claude wants to think of it as something of theirs, no matter how preposterous Felix wants to say it is, then who is he to stop him? Harmless naming shouldn't take up this much awareness.
(Even if he's thinking about it a lot more than he perhaps should.)]
But you'll see and then you'll be disappointed. Soon enough.
[What awaits them on the other side of this easternmost hill is a scree slope, down which leads into a thicket and a cluster of trees and, eventually, the cave in question. Not easy to see from where they currently are but Felix's memory hasn't failed him yet.
At the very least, they're no longer moving upwards so this portion of the trip shouldn't put too much strain on their bodies. And good -- Felix is getting a little tired and hangry.]
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Then it wasn't meant for your eyes? I didn't take you for the type.
[ Go ahead, ask what type.
If he doesn't: it skirts the edge of the devout, doesn't it? Accepting limitation imposed by nature (or, to the typical Fodlan noble, the goddess). Believing that man's inability to act unassisted means he should not do. As though a sword was not itself a tool, as though they could not fly on the backs of wyverns.
Really, though, he's teasing. More likely, it's simply that Felix hasn't got a surplus of curiosity about the backs of mundane caves, and that isn't a bit surprising. ]
Well, thanks for considering my feelings and warning me.
[ Against disappointment. Humor rich in his voice, rippling at the notion that Felix would mind his feelings. ]
Until then, I've got curiosity enough for six cats.
[ Also not a bit surprising: Claude doesn't believe there's anything that wasn't meant for his eyes.
Despite the agility of his tongue, he isn't impervious. Given how much he'd weighed himself down with, he's feeling it, his steps more cautious down the loose slope. He might be long talented at not showing what he doesn't want to show, but he can't control his sweat glands, and even in the growing chill his forehead beads with it. Soon enough is more welcome than he'll admit. ]
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...you know what I meant.
[And even though Felix just means a lack of curiosity, he wisely (??) avoids inquiring further, if only to avoid having Claude turn this into a discussion equivalent to an opened can of worms. The guy is too clever and mischievous for his own good. Golden Deer? More like Golden Fox...
The trip down the slope should be easier compared to the rest of their hike, considering it's mostly gravity propelling them down. Once or twice Felix had to skid on the gravel to keep from breaking into a sprint but he's otherwise in good shape. At least enough to feel smug about it when he glances over to Claude and notes the state he's in.
A smirk tugs at his mouth, then.]
Tired, are we?
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ah the link stopped working
i googled it and think i found it!
praise be to google-sama
our search engine, who art all-knowing, hallowed be thy name
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