( picture prompt meme )

[socketeer]

the picture prompt meme I — Comment with your character. II — Others will leave a picture (or two, or three...) III — Reply to them with a setting based on the picture. IV — Link to any pictures that are NSFW, please. V — Be aware that this meme will be image-heavy. Link to an image: <a href=IMAGEURL>TEXT</a> Embed image in your reply: <img src=IMAGEURL> Image width and height: <img src=IMAGEURL width=500> OR <img src=IMAGEURL height=INSERT>

Comments

[punybanner]

[ The response isn't encouraging. If there are more people on the way, Bruce's entire way of life is at risk. His choices are either to flee and find another part of the forest that's less inhabited, or to stay and risk killing more people - people who are probably innocent. The nature of the knight's wound doesn't speak to the reason it was given. He could very well be a criminal.

Still, Bruce may be a monster, but he's not cruel. As soon as the knight begins to move he frowns and presses him back down against the bed by his shoulders. There's a strength in him that his body doesn't quite communicate, though he rarely has reason to use it.]

Don't be ridiculous. Stay. [He waits for a moment to make sure that Steve won't get up again, then moves to the small kitchen next to the bed and busies himself with making tea. ]

If you move now you'll just reopen the wound. Twine is hard to find around here, so I won't be able to stitch you up again. [He glances over, checking to see that Steve is listening, before he asks,] What's your name?

[defensebonds]

[ It's a hell of a lot easier for the man to push him down on the bed than it should be; he chalks it up to his wounds, wondering if they're worse than he thought. With some hesitation, he finally relaxes back into the pillow behind him, though not without trepidation. It's not a good feeling, knowing that he's putting someone else at risk because of the strange going's on in his life. ]

Thank you.

[ The question of a name earns a slight grimace. He considers offering something else, but he's a damned miserable liar. His name is somewhat recognizable — which is why he only gives the first, and not the last. ]

Steven. Steve, usually.

[ Plenty of others with that name, aren't there? Plenty of knights, he's certain. Of course, none of them are men outside time; they didn't fight in the phalanxes of Rome, or face down the might of the Empire when pushing too hard against its lust for power. But there was no need for his savior to know about any of that — so he doesn't bring it up. Better he just be another soldier run afoul of a sword. ]

Might I ask yours?

[punybanner]

[ Bruce catches the grimace, but it doesn't seem to be anything other than an expression of pain. He doesn't recognize the knight, though the name sounds familiar. Then again, it's a common enough name. Bruce knew a few Stevens back when he was still living in the village, practicing medicine. They all left him alone eventually, scared off by rumours and religion, and none of them were knights.

The question makes his lips curl up a little in the shadow of a smile. Does it matter what he's called, at this point? Monster is the most accurate descriptor. Still, he clings to his humanity. If he gives that up, he's certain the curse will take complete control over him and force him to stay in that beastly form forever. ]

Bruce.

[ A strange name for a strange man. The kettle boils, and he pours the steaming water over the leaves he's placed into two small clay cups. They're rough and uneven, but they'll do. Stepping away from the hearth, he reaches for a small pouch and adds a pinch of its contents to one cup, before bringing it over to Steve. ]

Drink this. It'll help.

[defensebonds]

[ It's hard to miss the discomfort in his caretaker; a sense of unease and unhappiness seems to cling to him like spiderweb. He has no right to comment on the matter, so he holds his tongue. Perhaps the man's mood will be eased when Steve is healthy enough to be out of his hair. The offered tea is accepted gratefully as Steve shifts up enough to hold it. ]

I wish we might have met under better circumstances, Bruce — but I appreciate all you've done for me.

[ Blowing on the tea lightly, he sips at the edge. It's hot, but he's resistant enough that it doesn't scald him, though it logically should. His thumb rubs against the rough edge of the cup in a brief and thoughtful silence. ]

I should be able to leave tomorrow. I appreciate your kindness, but... I don't want to put you at any further risk.

[ What does he seem like, he wonders? A criminal on the run, perhaps? He could clarify, he supposes — but this is no one's business but his own, and he won't drag an innocent man into it just in a bid to seem less the villain in his eyes. ]

[punybanner]

[ For a few moments Bruce just observes, not missing the way Steve can so easily drink the tea without recoiling at the heat. There's something strange about him - not that Bruce is one to judge - and it piques his curiosity. Dangerous as it is to keep him here, there's a part of Bruce that wants him to stay.

He's also slowly realizing how nice it is to have someone to care for and talk to. He was a doctor for a reason, after all. Taking care of others has always been in his nature. His forced solitude is a necessary evil, to keep everyone safe. ]

I'm more worried about whoever's after you, to be honest. [ A small smile plays across his face as he takes a seat next to Steve once again. Should he tell him, he wonders, about what he truly is? He's in no shape to run. Bruce doesn't want him to reopen those wounds, though, so for the moment he keeps the truth to himself. ]

How did you find me? [ He asks instead, knowing there are more important things to discuss. ]

SO VERY LATE I AM SORRY

[defensebonds]

[ Well, that's a fair concern, really. Bruce is clearly not one who wants to be found, and now here he is, stuck with a wanted man in his bed. His mouth quirks wryly at the corner. ]

Mostly luck, if I'm being honest. I know these woods pretty well, but by the end it was guessing and hoping.

[ There was prayer involved as well, but he isn't going to mention that. ]

Those who were after me will have some trouble catching my trail; they shouldn't be able to hunt me down before tomorrow, at least.

[ He hesitates a moment, fingers working uncomfortably against the bed before he adds: ]

I'm not a criminal. This is... It's very complicated.

not as late as this is I'm so sorry ;_; ♥

[punybanner]

[ For some reason, that last comment draws a breathy little laugh from Bruce's chest. He knows complicated better than anyone. Besides, he trusts this man, even though he doesn't have much reason to. He just seems like the kind of person you trust without thinking too much about it. ]

It's alright. [ He raises a hand as though to ease Steve's fears, shaking his head. ] I'm not going to pry more than necessary. Just don't steal my silverware.

[ It's his turn to smile wryly. One glance around should be enough to tell Steve that there's absolutely nothing of value in Bruce's little hut. Well, the various medicinal powders and herbs were worth a fortune, but most people knew too little about those to bother taking them. ]

Besides, I've got my own reasons for being out here.