bakerstreet | silence is golden

Entry tags:

silence is golden

a meme about communication

For whatever reason, you either can't or won't use your words. Perhaps your voice has been taken from you, or you're in a place that makes speech impossible or impractical. Maybe, for whatever reason, this is just your normal. Fortunately, communication is an art which takes many forms... and learning how to read past one's words can strengthen any relationship. How will you make your thoughts and feelings known?

prompts

1. Inaudible
A very loud place, or else a temporary or permanent loss of hearing stymies verbal communication. Can you work around this?

2. Unintelligible
Perhaps you don't even share a language, or something is preventing you from speaking clearly. Fortunately, there are other ways to share your thoughts.

3. Speechless
A dare, an exercise, a vow of silence, a curse - something keeps you from using your voice, but you won't let that stop you from letting your feelings be known.

4. Illness/Injury
You've lost your voice, temporarily or permanently, through some illness or injury. You aren't used to this at all. How will you compensate?

5. Quiet Place
Your location prevents you from speaking aloud. It could be as mundane as a library or movie theater, or a secret hiding place, or a land where any noise attracts deadly monsters.

6. Silent Type
You're just the quiet type, either by preference or necessity. Obviously, you prefer actions over words to make your opinions known.

7. Wildcard
Anything goes!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ (hrmrmrm do we roll with normal or pharaoh au stuff ;~;?! ~~part of me leans pharaoh au but you decide!~~ )

What a horrible night to have a curse.

The Oracle does not need her voice to speak with those that inhabit the world that goes hand in hand with their own. She can speak with her heart to theirs. It is the human world - their world - that a voice might be required. She needs to be able to speak with those she aids and heals. They need to hear her voice, her words, to know what she might do for them.

Yet, it has been robbed from her.

Lunafreya lays on the ground of the room feeling as if everything has been drained from her. Her voice, her spirit, her energy. Useless is the word she would use if she could but speak it to those near her. ]

[ There isn't very much that Atem knows with any certainty right now, but there is one thing that he's completely certain of: something, whether intuition or something more mystical, is telling him that he needs to stop by Lunafreya's room. Why that is, he isn't sure, but he knows better than to ignore those little pokes and prods.

It only takes a minute of explaining, and he and Yugi switch and he's off to Lunafreya's room, intending to check on her and make sure that she's all right.

Once he arrives, he knocks on the door, waiting for a response. ]

Luna? [ If there isn't one, he'll let himself in, so he waits for a moment or two, listening for any sounds coming from the room. As far as he can tell, there's nothing, so he decides he'll take his chances and enter.

Once inside, he calls her name again, this time using her full name: ]

Lunafreya? [ If she's inside the room, he hasn't yet spotted her, nor has he thought to look downward towards the floor. ]

[ Lunafreya barely raises her head at the knock. Her eyebrows knit together as she tries to think of who it might be that would visit her at this hour. While it is true that Yugi and his friends are visiting, she hardly expects them to make their way across the manor to visit her.

Her room is quiet spacious, filled with whites, blues, and tinted with golds. One would not guess that her room at home would be so rich as she had a simple (but spacious) apartment in Japan. Lunafreya has never felt the need to have such expense in her life, but it is inherited through her family, and thus is what she has. She had simply hoped it would not make her new friends turn away.

She does her utmost to push herself up. Her arms shake underneath her own weight, but at least she is no longer laying on the floor. Of course, she recognizes the voice of who has called out to her. Her hand reaches out to him and a weak sound escapes her. It was meant to be a word, but... ]

[ Maybe letting himself into her personal quarters without asking permission beforehand was too forward of him, especially when he's a guest in her house. But he's already let himself in, and he's already taken in the sight of her room, briefly noting the colors and the furnishings before focusing again on the reason he's here.

It takes him a second more to spot her, and when he does, a worried look is quick to land on his face. She's on the floor, which is obviously not a good sign, but he can see how she barely manages to push herself up into something that's not a sitting position, but it gets her off the floor.

Even more worrying is how she tries to speak, but no words come, only a quiet, weak sound. He crosses the room, moving to her side in what feels like one step, and he drops to the ground next to her. ]

What happened? [ As far as he knows, she was fine when they parted ways for the evening. What could have happened in that time? And where did Gentiana go? The two women never seem to be parted for very long.

He slips his arm around her, hoping to provide her with some added support, because it looks to him as though she can barely keep herself upright. ]

[ Given what little they've already shared with one another? Entering her rooms should hardly be something to be considered forward. In fact, it is a relief to see him. His arm goes around her and Lunafreya all but collapses against his frame. Granted it is not much. Yugi's body is small and light, but, surely it can hold hers for just a moment or two.

Long enough for her to be able to set herself upright. Even if her body is refusing to listen to her.

She shakes her head for she knows not. A hand raises and makes a falling gesture, as if that is to explain how suddenly it came about. The two are used to communicating without words, so, surely her meaning must be understood. It as if night has fallen and with it came something else. ]

[ Somehow, it felt different when the room they shared wasn't theirs but was part of a hotel instead. Now, he's in her house, standing in her room, and even though they've shared so much with each other, somehow, this feels like an invasion.

But the second she collapses against him is the second all those thoughts fly right out of his head. He pulls her in, hoping to be able to support her because it's apparent that she can't.

That shake of her head and the motion of her hand tells him that she doesn't know what happened, and that it was unexpected. Combining that with her failed attempt to speak earlier, it's enough to plant an idea in his head: one that's unwanted but seems unavoidable at the same time. ]

Luna- Is something wrong with your voice?

[ He knows that they can communicate without needing words, but this is different. ]

[ Once more she opens her mouth to speak, and once more words fail to leave. It feels as if long sharp fingers grasp at her neck every time she attempts to speak. They dig into the inside of her throat and clench down on anything that might leave her . Every time she attempts to move, it as if those same fingers dig into her body and pull at any strength she attempts to muster.

What she does know for certain is that it is not a magic that the Pharaoh's spirit may have encountered. How to express that to him without making him or his vessel worry more...

Lunafreya raises her head once more in order to look at him. A frown falls on her face. Regardless of what the situation may be, she knows that sitting upon the floor does little to help any of them. A hand raises to his shoulder in an attempt to push herself up. Although, her body is far from willing to listen. ]

[ That only confirms for him what he already suspected: that she can't speak for one reason or another, and that whatever happened to her has left her weak and barely able to stand. He resolutely ignores the stab of guilt and the accompanying reprimand that he should have been there to stop whatever it was that happened, but feeling guilt over that won't help her deal with this sudden turn of events.

And even though he knows that not every negative thing that happens is something that can be explained, either through what he knows and has experienced, or by other means, but part of him wonders if this isn't somehow related to the confrontation she had with Dartz. If it is, it's a bit of a delayed reaction, but he'd be a fool to say that magic doesn't have lingering effects. And considering the magic that Dartz had tapped into, it really shouldn't be surprising that they might all experience some aftershocks from it.

Still, he couldn't have anticipated Lunafreya being hit this hard, if that is really what's going on.

When he realizes she's trying to move, he's quick to put an arm around her to support her, using all the strength he has to bolster her as she attempts to stand. If she has to lean all her weight on him, that's fine; he'll do his best to stand as firmly as he can, to be the support that she clearly needs right now. ]

We need to get you to a doctor.

[ Especially since the only person he knows who can heal is presently in no condition to attempt such a thing. He wouldn't suggest it anyway, any more than he'd let her try. ]

[ Lunafreya takes the offered help with a nod, using his weight to help steady her. Her hand rests on his shoulder to ground her, but, she gives it a gentle squeeze as well. It does not take a mind reader to tell that his mind jumps to the latest trial as explanation for what must have happened. She doubts it has anything to do with the darkness of the Orichalcos Great Leviathan.

There are many things in this world that cause magic and that wish to stamp out those that are strong in it. For now, it seems to be nothing more than that. Something that they have yet to see that has struck first. That alone is why she shakes her head to his statement. A doctor cannot heal something that strikes in the realm of magic. Perhaps once they could, but, now science and technology refuses to admit the existence of their counterpart.

She turns slowly to face him. Both hands settle on his shoulders as she attempts to steady herself. She does not wish to worry him further or pull him from the time he might spend with the boy he shares a body with. Should he need to leave, she will send for Gentiana with Pryna or Umbra... ]

[ Well, at least she's still capable of responding to him somehow, even if her words seem to have deserted her. But he feels no comfort or reassurance, because he still has no idea what's happened or how he can help.

And it seems as though no doctor will be able to help her, if the way she shakes her head is any indication. She's the only healer he knows, and he doubts she's capable of healing herself right now. ]

What should I do?

[ He knows he should be able to work out the answer without troubling her any more than she already is, but this is one instance where he's at a loss for how to proceed.

Still, he doesn't move an inch when she places her hands on his shoulders. And if she thinks he'll be leaving her now, when it seems like she needs his support the most, she should think again. ]

Would Gentiana be able to help? [ And why isn't she here already? He realizes the two women never seem to be apart for long. ]

[ What should he do? Lunafreya is unsure. She hardly knows what has happened, let alone what they might do to fix it. Her lips press together and she squeezes his shoulders. He certainly does not need to stand by and aid her. She spent much of the time after the encounter with the Orichalcos Leviathan God healing on her own, as well as times before she met the small band of duelists. If he wishes to stay she will not send him away... but there should be no feeling of obligation to remain.

Her eyes raise at the mention of Gentiana. Usually the dark haired woman would realize that something was wrong by this point. Lunafreya turns from him, keeping one hand on his shoulder as she properly takes the room in. It seems like the light from outside has been snuffed out, while the light within the room has dimmed. Her eyes narrow at the set of circumstances. Her own health at the moment has been forgotten. ]

[ Atem clenches his hands into fists then, while still supporting her as best as he can. In a duel, he always knows exactly what to do, what moves to make, even if his resolve has been challenged lately, but in this situation, he has no idea what he should do or what would help. And of course, asking Lunafreya herself is hardly fair.

He sees the way her eyes lift when he mentions Gentiana, but that isn't really a confirmation or denial, so he still has no idea whether or not he should alert her. Knowing that she won't be able to verbally answer, he asks anyway: ]

What were you doing when this happened? [ He only asks because he wants to know if something out of the ordinary was going on. ] Did you see something happen?

( YEET )

[Already talks in emoji/small words and phrases between the horns on her head!]

[ voicetesting ]

[ooc: Hello! I'm voice-testing too. We can make this a modern AU if you like and pretend phone exists 👋]

[Lan Wangji isn't the type for conversation at any given time of a day. Morning, he gets up and does his morning chores and gently wakes up Wei Ying and takes care of him, once he feels like getting out of bed. Then he has his routine meditation and writing in his journal, it never crosses his mind to check his phone]

...

[But action is required to break the ice and he sends a text to his phone]

Wei Ying, I almost finished my meditation. After I take care of the rabbits, I'll be free for the afternoon. Is there anything you would like to do?

[ It's been nearly four full, most agonizing days since Wei Wuxian woke up with the realization that he had entirely lost his voice. Nothing raspy or cracking or soreness that even led up to it; his ability to speak straight up fled. Actually, he can't make any vocal sounds in general, either, not even a whisper, a hum or a laugh.

Surely, he still can make noise in other ways, but he has just enough composure to refrain from completely trashing the home that he and Lan Wanji shared.

Even the Lan's silencing spell would be preferable!

Wei Wuxian honestly has half a mind to roll over and go to sleep again. ]

I just want to talk again!! I don't care if Lan Zhan has heard this all before. IT'S THE WORST. ‧º·(˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ )‧º·˚

[ At least they're certain it isn't permanent. The origins are what is unknown. ]

[Lan Wangji's usually stoic face nearly broke into a soft smile, seeing the message. He missed hearing his voice and his laugh even if it's for a few days, but a sore throat is a sore throat, and he can't help it that Gusu Lan's medicines tend to be bitter. He's not strict enough to silence him, and he allows him to vent his frustration]

I'll be coming over to your side now. Do you need medicine? I can go prepare it.

[ (Your smile is healing, though, Lan Zhan.)

But no, really, Wei Wuxian appreciates just about everything that Lan Wanji is doing for him, despite all of the whining. So long as his husband doesn't go off elsewhere for an extended length of time. He's more than allowed to be needy for these things. ]

I don't think it's been especially effective, but I'll try. Just make sure you bring something that will help to go down a little easier. I'll never get used to how awful it all tastes.

[ You know, like maybe a bit of liquor mixed with tea? ]

Mn. [He can't help it that most of the homemade medicines are bitter, mixed with medicinal herbs. While he knows alcohol isn't a good mix with the tea, he knows how his husband is resistant to even swallow his medicine down.

He shuts off his phone and leaves the meditation room. He made the tea in the kitchen, and then he goes find Wei Ying resting in the room on the bed. He brought tea and sweets, and spicy-type snacks served on a tray. The things he do to serve his dear husband.

He kneels by the bed and brushed his fingers through the bangs of his hair]

Wei Ying, I'm here.

[ It's true. Getting Wei Wuxian to properly take any kind of medication (at least by mouth) can be next to impossible. He also knows that mixing alcohol with it, among other things, is a bad idea - of course it is - but that doesn't mean he's necessarily going to heed to that suggestion.

Although that's neither here nor there. He's only taking as much of the possible remedies as he's able to because of how prolonged this has become. To even think that legitimately being ill sounded ideal in comparison. . .

Given the way he immediately brightens when Lan Wanji eventually makes his way into their room, one might assume that it actually has been a Very Long Time since Wei Wuxian saw him. It's so much nicer to hear his voice, opposed to reading a text.

The tea mixture goes untouched for the moment, while instead he happily soaks in the soft gesture with a tip of his head. Even the look in his eyes when met with Lan Wanji's seems to express that he missed him. ]

[Lan Wangji hasn't been away for long, there isn't a single day he doesn't miss him with his yearnings. He's simply a morning person, doing his routine and meditations. Even during the marriage, he doesn't strictly enforce his Lan sect lifestyle on him other than asking him to join him in his meditations.

Lan Wangji smiles softly, looking at him with fondness and deep love. He knew Wei Ying doesn't like the medicine and he even added sugar to sweeten up for the taste]

Have you been resting? The medicine is bitter, but it will help you get better.

[He strokes his forehead to check his fever, then cups his cheeks and then he help him sit up so he could drink and brings the cups to his lips to encourage him to drink]

[ The question immediately gets Lan Wangji an almost tearful pout. He reaches for his phone and is quick to type, although what Wei Wuxian shows him is just stating the obvious. ]

I'm soooo tired of resting. ;o;

[ He has, though, at least that much is true. Now he's needing to fend off how antsy he's feeling. Nevertheless, he lets Lan Wangji assist him into sitting up more properly. It's no secret that Wei Wuxian loves to be doted upon, especially by his most favorite and beloved person.

Either way, even though the sugar helps, he visibly makes a look of distaste once he's consumed the medicine. He types again while reaching for the snacks. ]

It didn't taste AS bad this time. [ . . . ] Lan Zhan is also doing his best. ♥

[He lets Wei Ying eats the snacks. Lan Wangji took a moment to read his text. It's humored him to see Wei Ying type even though it wasn't necessary since he can read him and takes a guess on his moods because he's mostly the silent one and doesn't even resort to texting if any at all. In the past, if anyone sends him a message, even his own brother, he left it on "read", and eventually with much coaxing, he types a real answer

Lan Wangji enjoys taking care of him and spoiling him and no request is too big or impossible for him. Lately, he smiles more ever since being married to him]

Resting is good for you. It's important to allow yourself to heal. But if you're tired, I'm here now to stay by your side. I can continue my meditations here with you.

[ Well that's entirely besides the point. In other words, right now, Wei Wuxian doesn't care that Lan Wangji is able to so effortlessly read him.

And so, this time, he simply won't bother with the text. To please his husband.

Instead: the most unimpressed expression that Wei Wuxian can muster. Resting is good for him, of course he knows this. But it's been days, now. He's tired OF resting!

His expression shifts to an exaggerated look of boredom as he grumpily folds his arms across his chest, shaking his head. ]

[He figured he isn't tired and he's bored. With amusement, he's inwardly sorry, and now that he's here, he'll do his best to make it up to him. If anything, he wants nothing more in the world than to spend time with him and entertain him with his undivided attention and adoration.

He smiles a little. How cute, looking all grumpy and pouty at him]

Is Wei Ying angry at me? This one is sorry.

[Inwardly, he wasn't outwardly affectionate. He reaches over to wrap his arms around his midsection and gently pulls him over for a hug]

Wei Ying, meditate with me. I'll give you spirit energy.

[Which he has plenty of, and it shows when they're dual cultivating during their night-time activities as well. He rubs his neck and back. He has experience handling rabbits, and he has the healing touch, his touch is much better than the bitter tea medicine]

[ Both. Wei Wuxian is both angry and not. Obviously he shouldn't be taking any of this out on Lan Wangji (and it isn't as though he honestly wants to, either), but, well. That's just where his thoughts are at the moment, frazzled and frustrated and fed up.

Still, he does allow Lan Wangji to draw him in close, and for a moment or so, Wei Wuxian just lets himself nuzzle into the crook of the other man's neck. The scent of him is familiar and warm and settling, and something Wei Wuxian always is wanting to be wrapped up in. He deeply breathes him in.

Those few, initial moments turn into minutes, until almost a half an hour goes by. . . before he feels the need to squirm again. Enough so that he's able to leap to his feet, brightly excited because he has an idea!

Making a fist with both hands, one on top of the other, Wei Wuxian pretends like he's holding a sword, swinging it around, and in general trying to mime the actions. They should spar! His body feels just fine!

Although, however Lan Wangji wants to interpret that is up to him. (It's obvious enough, right?) ]

[Lan Wangji closes his eyes, enjoying the warm feeling of holding him in his arms. His affection is welcomed. There's a warm scent of sandalwood on his robes mixed with his own scent. He took a few moments to send a warm glow of his spirit energy to transmit to him to heal him. He knew Wei Ying isn't truly angry at him, he's being playful, and didn't like his medicine, but the bitterness of the medicine comes from the herbs collected from the surrounding mountains.

Followed by a few moments of peaceful meditation and then, he felt his excitement as he squirms, and he gently lets him go]

Wei Ying? [What is he up to? It took him a few moments to read his movements and it's obvious. He felt his energy and he figured he didn't feel like resting]

Of course, we can spar. I'm ready when you are.

[I'm partial to 3 or 5, if it's Aziraphale who needs to remain silent.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

silence is golden

Atem | Yu-Gi-Oh | OTA

3 | < appears as summoned! >

well hello there

i was requested, i arrive!

just picturing that cat crashing through the wall plurk emote hahah

/cat crashes in/ sup ya'll its me, ya boi

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Nyx Ulric | FFXV | M/F

☄️ Hali / Samurai Jack / OTA

Pure Vessel/The Hollow Knight ↓ Hollow Knight ↑ OTA

A Plain Doll | Bloodborne | ota

Wei Wuxian | Mo Dao Zu Shi

5 + 6

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

sorry for the wait!

no worries! I'm back

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Aziraphale | Good Omens

Alastor | Hazbin Hotel