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the random scenario meme

comment with your character.
respond to others
lbr — no one uses rng. just go wild, and maybe kinda sorta pick from the scenarios below?
post picture prompts OR write starters OR whatever!
have a grand ol' time

TYPES OF SCENES
① Action → Gun fights, bar brawls, fights to the death are all possible scenarios.
② Angst → Characters suffer emotionally or physically from relationships breaking up, death, injury, etc. Hurt and comfort themes are included.
③ Crack → Genderswaps, super powers, sudden compulsions are all possible outcomes.
④ Fluff → Something that is devoid of angst. It's light-hearted and might have the overtone of romance.
⑤ Gen → General fun, things that didn't fit in the other categories.
⑥ Sex → First times, kinks, even dubcon are all possible themes of sex related scenarios.
⑦ Your choice → Think of your own scenario, choose one of the above or make a combo even!

ACTION.
① Zombies → It's the zombie apocalypse, lock and load!
② Bar brawl → You had one too many drinks, said something wrong, and now you're being asked to take it outside.
③ Chase → You're caught in a high speed chase.
④ Gun fight → You're caught in a big shoot-out.
⑤ Fight with a friend → You're fighting with a friend, all out.
⑥ Interrogation → You're being interrogated for some offense you've done.
⑦ Aliens → Aliens are attacking and you're not going to take your probe laying down!
⑧ Final battle → This is it. The battle that will end all the fighting for you. Will you win? Will you get that peace you want?
⑨ Training → You're not actually fighting, just training for the inevitable.
⑩ No hope → You know this fight has no hope. It's not going to end well for anyone involved, but you can't turn away.
⑪ Sneaking in → You're stealing a diamond or sneaking in to kick some bad guy butt, but whatever it is, you have to practice stealth.
⑫ Blue wire → You're faced with a bomb that needs to be disarmed.
⑬ Fight for honour → You've been disgraced or someone you care about has, so it's time to fight for honour.
⑭ Showdown → Time for a cowboy-style showdown. Whoever draws the fastest wins.
⑮ War → You're caught in the middle of a war here. Remember to keep your chin up and keeping fighting.
⑯ Apocalypse → The apocalypse finally happened and now you're left to scavenge and fight for whatever is left.
⑰ Sabotage → It's time to sabotage someone's plan! How is entirely up to you. Do you set up a bomb in their toilet? Do you double cross them at the last minute?
⑱ Big damn hero → You know you have to handle this one alone, so that means disarming or knocking unconscious the person who wants to join you.
⑲ Fight club → You know the rules... you're in an underground fighting ring and you're fighting with all you've got.
⑳ Threaten → You've just been sent here to rough them up a little, threaten them into behaving.

ANGST.
① Injury / illness → Your character has become injured or ill! To what extent is the mun's choice.
② Last moments → You character has been gravely injured and this is their last chance to say their last words.
③ Depression → Your character is depressed, what actions they take is up to the mun.
④ Betrayed → You character has been betrayed by the other. How do they react?
⑤ Tortured → Your character is being tortured and needs rescuing or at least a sympathetic ear to help him through it.
⑥ Jealousy → Your character is feeling jealous and must deal with it, how will they do it?
⑦ Breakup! → This relationship has gone as far as it can, it's time to breakup.
⑧ Broken → For whatever reason, the character is broken, mentally or or physically.
⑨ Fight → You can't even be in the same room as your friend or lover without arguing anymore.
⑩ Lost → You lost the biggest fight of your life and now all you can do is try to pick up the pieces.
⑪ Worst nightmare → Whatever you fear the most is now real or maybe you're just trapped in a dream together, but whatever it is, it feels too real.
⑫ Addicted → You're addicted to something, alcohol, drugs, sex, whatever. It's destroying your life and you can't do anything to stop it.
⑬ Hurt you → You're being forced to hurt someone you love either by betraying them or even being forced to shout things you don't mean. It's for their own good in the end though.
⑭ Separation → You were forced to leave this person for their own safety and while you've been miserable without them, you really didn't mean to run into them again... maybe it was by accident or you were watching them from afar this whole time.
⑮ Becoming a monster → You are slowly changing, becoming a monster: vampire, zombie, demon, something you can't recover from and no-one can help you.
⑯ Frozen → You are entirely helpless, frozen, to stop some kind of disaster.
⑰ Prison → You were very bad and now it's time to pay the price by turning yourself in or maybe the law just finally caught up to you.
⑱ Fear → You're not sure why, but you are suddenly terrified and you can't deal with it. You need help.
⑲ Hated → You are now hated by the person you loved the most.
⑳ Down and out → You're living on the streets, you've hit rock bottom, and you don't know what to do.

CRACK.
① Sexswap → Uh-oh, you're suddenly the opposite sex!
② Forced confessions → No matter what it is and no matter how hard you resist, you're going to be compelled to spill some deep dark secret!
③ Mind-reading → You've suddenly got the ability to read minds!
④ Animal → You're suddenly part animal or transformed into an animal!
⑤ Awkward pick-up lines → You're compelled to use bad pickup lines on whoever is closest!
⑥ Back in School / Graduated → You're suddenly back in school! Or if you were already in it, you've aged and long since graduated!
⑦ Vampires, werewolves, and zombies, oh my! → You're suddenly a vampire, werewolf, or zombie! Maybe even a demon or a devil, whatever creepy crawly you can think of. What do you do now?
⑧ Ghost → You're suddenly a ghost or at least invisible. What are you going to do with this new ability?
⑨ Awkward conversations → So did you just fart or what? Any conversation goes, as long as it's embarrassing and awkward.
⑩ Crossdressing → For whatever reason, you're suddenly dressed in clothes of the opposite sex.
⑪ Suddenly naked → Oops! Your clothes are suddenly gone.
⑫ Suddenly a kid → You're a kid again! Have fun with that second childhood.
⑬ Fortune cookie → You've suddenly received a note with something that will happen in the future, either precise or vague.
⑭ Super power → And suddenly you're like Superman! Any power goes.
⑮ Bodyswap → Somehow you've changed bodies with the other person.
⑯ Back in time → Somehow, you wound up in the past again. Do you try to correct something or just sit and wait for time to jump? Maybe it jumps to various points in your life or maybe you actually think you're back in the day. Have fun, run wild with the idea!
⑰ To the future → Is it everything you've dreamed? Is it horrible? Whatever happens, you're here to witness what happens to you in the future. Either you take the place of your future self or you're just there to watch. Might cause some confusion if people start seeing double though...
⑱ Angels, mermaids, and fairies! → You're not necessary something dark or evil. You're just something different. How do you deal?
⑲ Locked in a closet → For some reason, you're locked up in a closet with someone else. Do you make nice and try to figure your way out or what?
⑳ Finger trap → You're caught in a Chinese finger trap... with somebody else! You can't figure out how to get loose either... have fun with that.

FLUFF.
① Cuddling → For whatever reason, characters feel like being close and cuddling.
② Pillow talk → After the main event, characters are up for some pillow talk.
③ Celebration → Anniversary or some other big event is taking place and characters want to celebrate!
④ Love confession → Someone has finally decided to confess their love and today is the day!
⑤ Appreciation → You feel the need to show appreciation for that person closest to you, even if it's just a pat on the back.
⑥ Apologies → You made a mistake and now it's time to make it up in some way you know the other can't refuse!
⑦ Get back together → Why did you break up again exactly? Whatever the reason, it was a huge mistake and you both know you can work through it.
⑧ Date night → You've planned for a wonderful night together and you can't wait to get it started.
⑨ Family → You've either found out you're pregnant or you've already got that addition to your family.
⑩ Marriage → You're just about to get hitched or maybe you're enjoying your honeymoon. Maybe you've been together for years now! Whatever the case, it's time for that next big step.
⑪ Meeting again → It's time for that happy reunion finally!
⑫ Love at first sight → For whatever reason, you are now insanely in love with the first person you set eyes on.
⑬ Flirtation → You can't resist to do a little bit of harmless flirtation all of a sudden.
⑭ In the snow → Look outside! It's a winter wonderland, so why not go out and play in it?
⑮ Engagement → You've planned it all out and now it's time to finally pop the question.
⑯ Friendly games → You've set up the game station or board games for a friendly competition!
⑰ Gift → Time to give that special someone a gift just because.
⑱ Recovery → You're taking care of someone who's just recovered from some illness or injury.
⑲ Healing → Time to help mend that someone who's been through hell and back.
⑳ Better than ever → You've finally got everything you've ever wanted here. What is your ideal life and who does it include?

GEN.
① Nice meeting you → It's your first time meeting this person! You bumped into each other on the street, in a bar, at work... whatever!
② Drinks → You're out for drinks! Or just chilling at home with some beers. Wherever!
③ Lost → You're lost and you kind of need help finding your way to where you're going. A little help with directions?
④ Costume party → You're at a costume party, both of you are wearing masks. Do you keep the anonymity or take it off and see whose company you've been enjoying?
⑤ Wrong number → Oops, actually you didn't mean to call that person...
⑥ Drunk → You're already drunk! Drunk dialing, stumbling into someone, showing up unexpected... what type of drunk are you anyway? Aggressive, loving, happy? How does the other react?
⑦ Old friends → you haven't seen this person in a long time!
⑧ Rivals → you're suddenly rivals! Or maybe you have been all along...
⑨ Problems → you've got a problem with each other, just got in a huge fight, whatever. Try to work it out!
⑩ What are your intentions... → This person? They're dating a close friend, family member, etc. You need to find out if they're going to hurt them! Or you need to discuss your friend/family's dating choice.
⑪ I saw you → you saw the other person doing something bad and you need to confront them about it.
⑫ Sorry but no → the other person has feelings that you just don't share. They don't necessarily have to be romantic... maybe you just don't agree with their sudden desire to quit their job and start a business making tiny, fuzzy teddy bears.
⑬ My hero → you need to tell this person how much they mean to you. They've been your best friend or your role model your whole life and they need to know.
⑭ Enabler → you're enabling the other (or each other) to do something bad, really bad. Addiction, stealing, killing, or just any other self-destructive behavior.
⑮ Cooking → Time for an impromptu cooking lesson!
⑯ Oh, sure, I remember you... → It's that awkward moment when someone comes up and seems to know you, but you have no idea who they even are!
⑰ Rescue! → One of you was in trouble, but you came to the rescue!
⑱ Boss → One of you works under the other. Is your relationship good? Are you scheming things? Or do you hate each other?
⑲ Perfect crime → You and the other person have just pulled off the perfect crime... or you're planning to! What are you doing? The heist of the century, an assassination?
⑳ Movies → movie night! Maybe it's a sleepover. Whichever the case, it's time to eat a lot and have fun.

SEX.
① First time → it's your first time together or your first time ever! Enjoy the awkward times!
② Bondage → You and your partner decide to experiment a little with ropes or handcuffs or whatever you'd like to tie your partner up with.
③ Rough / Aggressive → Your characters want it rough.
④ Romantic → Slow and gentle, meaningful, that's how characters want it.
⑤ Dubcon → Character A wants Character B and it doesn't really matter if Character B wants it as bad or not.
⑥ In public → Characters feel like taking a risk and doing it in a public place.
⑦ Roleplay → Naughty nurse fetish? Pirate kink? You and your partner decide to try it out now!
⑧ Healing → You've both fought hard or gone through a rough time and it's time to get some R&R in.
⑨ Last time → This is the last time you're going to this because you're breaking up or maybe your lover is running off to sacrifice their lives in some heroic way. The possibilities are endless, but you better make this one count.
⑩ No strings attached → You're just friends with benefits. Nothing wrong with that, right?
⑪ Anonymous → You met in a restroom or bar, any location of your choosing, but you don't even know each other's names.
⑫ Toys → You're eager to try something new, so why not toys?
⑬ Aphrodisiacs → You've been slipped a strong aphrodisiac somehow and now you absolutely cannot control yourself.
⑭ Show → You're putting on a show by either doing it right in the club or filming it for a bunch of people.
⑮ Ménage à trois → It's time for that threesome you've always dreamed of.
⑯ Non-penetrative → Frottage, handjobs, whatever you want to try out.
⑰ Controlled → You are under mind control and must do whatever your lover asks of you.
⑱ Hatesex → It's not just rough or aggressive, you absolutely cannot stand each other.
⑲ Extreme → Fisting, knifeplay, whatever you can think of so long as it tests the boundaries.
⑳ Fantasy → This is just a fantasy, a dream, and you know it, but what is your ideal fantasy and how willing is your partner?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only | Expand All

[ Mira is far from the strongest, or the sturdiest. She knows this; it's why she prefers to attack from a distance. She's got a good eye and a steady hand, and after all her training and practice, she's far from a bad shot. To take a direct hit could easily be fatal, but sometimes--

Sometimes, she can't help being reckless, not when it comes to someone she cares about. There are things and people more important than she can ever admit to even herself, which is how she ends up taking a hell of a hit for Dohalim when his back is turned. She at least manages to take the beast down, somehow, but the moment it hits the ground, so does she. ]

[to be fair, Dohalim shouldn't have turned his back on an enemy with the assumption that they were all taken care of. it should have been an easy task: take care of the monsters that have been terrorising the city borders. it was a task that he was advised against going to, that his soldiers should have been the one to take care of it, but when it came to his people, he'd rather do more than sit around and wait for others to do the work, instead.

and, as callous as it may sound to some, the soldiers who fight on behalf of him should be used to the injuries they sustain. as well as he should be used to seeing them injured, as well. the casualties of the battlefield never are prejudiced, other than the separation of the weak and strong.

it's a thought Dohalim doesn't like thinking about, very often.

but to see Mira, a person whom he cares about very deeply (much deeper than he should let on, or admit to himself, granted), sustain such an injury, he can't help but feel a bubbling panic rise up in him, memories that he'd pushed back to the corners of his mind play on the budding anxiety as he rushes over to her, a healing arte already on his lips as he casts it over her.

at least there weren't any screams, this time]

[ She doesn't regret taking the hit. So often, Mira feels like nothing more than a liability. She can heal, but it's nothing compared to others; she's a good shot, but when it comes to close combat, she's useless. There's only so much she can do, even being agile.

It hurts, this pain--but it hurts far, far more to not be able to protect someone she cares about. And she cares very, very much for Dohalim, maybe more than she should. There's a rushing in her ears, but at the very least, the threats are gone.

But--

She can't place the expression on his face, but then again, it's hard to focus on anything that's not the pain and how hard the ground is. Mira coughs, and tastes blood, and despite the fact that she'd do it again, she's-- she's scared.

And then Dohalim casts his healing arte, and she can breathe. Mira draws in a sharp breath, then looks up at him. ]

Th... thank you.

That was very foolish of you.

[Dohalim's voice, while still holding the levelness and decorum that it ordinarily carries, is mired with a tension that sounds foreign to anyone listening. the brief, fleeting moment that panic might have flashed across his face is replaced with the same look he usually has to match his voice (calm, and unassuming).

but there's just something in his eyes that he can't exactly hide, if Mira were to catch it. something out of place of Dohalim's image, something that shouldn't be there, but almost darkens the warm honey irises; he looks away to make sure no other monsters are around]

Can you stand?

Edited 2021-10-06 03:29 (UTC)

[ Ah--

Her eyes widen. She's perceptive when it comes to those she cares about, and Dohalim is at the top of that list. She hears it in his voice, sees it in his eyes, and something curls in her stomach, sour and unpleasant and heavy. She doesn't regret taking that hit.

But she does regret the effect it's had on him. There are other ways for someone to get hurt, after all. In her attempt to protect him, she'd done something to hurt him. Mira would do anything to protect the people she loves, but hurting them in the process is something that she can never, ever forgive herself for.

Mira swallows hard, then nods. She'd been so stricken by that look and the tension in his voice that she can't respond until he asks. ]

... I think so.

[ She pushes herself up, but... she stumbles slightly. ]

[Dohalim isn't so distant in whatever is going on in his head that he doesn't help Mira up. on the contrary, despite the sharpness in his voice, his touch is gentle (perhaps a little too gentle), as he takes her arm with one hand, and wraps his own arm around her waist to steady her]

Please, take the moment to rest, if you need. We should be out of immediate danger, for now.

[there's no admonishment in his voice this time, thought he tension is still there, and while he's doing as well a job as he could to keep himself calm despite the dangers they possibly could still be in, there's the slightest tremble in his touch, one that he's desperately trying to abate]

[ Maybe one day when he touches her, she won't feel like the breath's been stolen from her lungs. Maybe one day, she won't lean so readily into him and his warmth and steadiness. She has an excuse now, as she leans against him and tries to catch her breath.

Mira knows she shouldn't yearn so much for his touch, but it's impossible not to. Equally impossible to miss is that trembling, and Mira places a hand over his. It's to steady herself, she'll claim, but that excuse is bound to fall flat when she squeezes gently. ]

I will. [ It's a miracle her voice is relatively steady. ] ... Dohalim, I-- I'm sorry.

[ Her voice cracks slightly, to expose the guilt that's heavy and thick in those few words. ]

[looking down at their hands, Dohalim lets out a soft sigh, before shaking his head. tresses of wavy red hair brush against his face, and when he looks at Mira again, the warmth in his eyes is back]

Don't apologise. You've only done what you were trained to do.

[his voice is soft, the tension finally melting away as he holds Mira close. maybe a little closer than he should be, but he won't pay that thought any mind, for the time being. if anything, if they were attacked again, he'd be able to defend them both if she was closer to him. yes, that's the reasoning he'll go with]

However, I cannot let you take the blame. I should not have turned my back on an enemy under the assumption that we were victorious.

[ They're so close, closer than they've ever been. Mira finds she likes being held like this, dreads when he lets her go. But that's something she'll deal with in the future. Even better, that tightness in his voice fades.

That warmth in his eyes is powerful, and Mira can't look away. It's one of the reasons she'd thrown herself in harm's way for him; if she lost that, him, she isn't sure what she'd do.

(But he doesn't belong to her; the world would be a lot darker without him in it.)

This close to him, she feels like she's tethered in place by some sort of spell. He really is beautiful, and she hopes she's not being horribly transparent by how entranced she is. (Oh, but she can't help but be transparent with him. ]

... We're both safe, aren't we? [ We protected each other. ] So next time... we can both be more careful.

...Yes, I suppose you're right.

[though, Dohalim does hope that there isn't a next time. the stray monsters outside of the city walls isn't a usual occurrence, and they stay far enough from the gates that they don't cause any sort of concern. but if this continues...

that's a thought for when they're back in the city, however. he holds onto Mira for a moment or two longer, before he slowly lets go of her. the quicker they get back, the sooner he can reflect on these events and push aside intrusive thoughts so he won't have to think upon them]

We should start making our way back to the city. I think we've done as much as we could, for now.

[ Already, she misses the feeling of his arm around her. That's something she can't get used to, though, as much as she wants to. She wonders what it'd feel like for him to hold her like that every night, to turn that warm gaze on her more often.

Those are thoughts she can't have. Mira thinks it's already too late for her. She's all but given him her heart; to deny it is exquisitely painful, but pain is nothing new for her.

So she nods, already heading back when she's sure he's ready to follow. ]

There seems to be no immediate threat, at least. [ And the only one in danger is her and her stupid heart. ] Hopefully, that'll hold true for some time...

[nodding, Dohalim follows, but not before taking one more once over around them to make sure there weren't anymore monsters that could be hiding in the distance. with his affinity for earth artes, he's able to feel slight disturbances in the ground, but that range only goes so far.

but, better safe than story as he keeps his staff out, ready to swing at a moment's noticen if needed]

Let's make haste towards the city, then. I would like to call on a council meeting as soon as possible when we return to discuss this uptick of monster activity.

[and deal with the brewing storm in his head]

[ She nods, because Dohalim is way better at making plans and decisions than she is. She's better at following someone's lead, after all.

Better than all of that, though, is her ability to overthink, to turn situations over and over in her head until they're whittled down to nothing. Mira wonders what'll come next, after they return. There's no way she can forget that pain on his face, how deeply her being hurt had affected him.

Her wound has been healed, but it still hurts. Or maybe that's her heart. ]

... Yes, let's head back. If they're this aggressive and bold... it would be disastrous without taking some sort of action.

And you should have your injuries examined. I've only applied a basic healing arte, but the healers will be able to make sure your wounds are fully healed.

[as talented as he is when it comes to his artes, his specialities lie more with offensive arte skills than healing arte skills.

and maybe, if he can get a reassurance that Mira's injuries are fully tended to, then he can squash down his anxiety]

Ah-- yes, of course.

[ She's grateful to him, in more than just this way. But even so, she doesn't she'll ever be able to forget that look. That sheer panic, the tension. She thinks, even when her wounds heal completely, the memory of that won't.

It looks like she's about to say something, but she swallows it down. There are things she knows she can't admit out loud, even when she's done so to herself. She only gives him a fragile, half-hearted smile, and waits to make sure he's following before she starts heading back. ]

[as soon as they're behind the safety of the city walls, Dohalim can feel the tension he hadn't realised he was holding in his shoulders relax. at least, here, there is no worry of a potentially disastrous encounter. at least, behind the city walls, they're safe. Mira's safe.

and, as much as he'd rather just make a bee line to the palace to take care of his emotions in the privacy of his own quarters, being the compassionate lord that he is, does stop to talk to any citizens and city guard who want to express their thankfulness of his safe return.

to the eyes of anyone else, and possibly Mira, any sign of the turmoil in him is virtually non existent; he's spent years perfecting the craft of building a wall around those emotions he'd rather not let anyone be privy to. they're his burdens, not anyone else's. though, he may have to slip away from the clamouring of his people... Please help him, Mira...]

[ It's that compassion, that care for his people, that does her in every time. Mira, as ever, is quiet and attentive, observant as she stays at his side. He's good at hiding his emotions, but that memory of him, so anxious, is still fresh in her mind. It would surprise her more if he were completely at ease.

So Mira, gentle even in her protectiveness, clears her throat. ]

... We have a meeting to attend, my lord. We shouldn't keep them waiting any longer.

[ The meeting will come later, they both know that. But she's worried, and indeed, the look in her eyes is insistent, touched with concern. He had told her he couldn't let her take the blame. But... she thinks she'll be blaming herself for a long, long time.

She doesn't want to let any of that show, of course. It's far easier said than done, though. Does she even have any right to be worried, when she's the cause? It's to be expected, she thinks, because the best things in her life have always been burned to ashes, while she'd held the flame. ]

[Dohalim lets out a soft sigh, silently thankful for Mira. the crowd around him slowly disperses, as he makes his way through them, his signature smile etched on his face as he hides behind it]

Yes, it is best we be on our way.

[the tension in his voice is back, as he can feel himself very swiftly coming to an overwhelmed state. perhaps he isn't as relaxed as he previously had thought... and on top of the other things he still needs to take care of once he gets to the palace... all he really wants to do is shut himself into his quarters for the rest of the day and evening. though, it is the price to pay, as this country's lord, to put up a front for his people, and to cast aside his own selfish wants and needs.

as soon as they both get to the palace, Dohalim quickly gets to work, doling out orders for a council meeting at its earliest convenience, as well as for someone to find a healer for Mira]

[ While she isn't surprised in the least that he's thrown himself into his work, she's worried. She's always been the sort to worry, perhaps a bit too much. It's something she knows could hurt her terribly, and maybe her biggest flaw is not caring if it does.

As she watches, quiet and aching from something deeper than the wound that still pains her, she wants nothing more than to cross that distance between them and take him into her arms. But she can't; to do so would be stepping over a line she's carved deep between them.

Oh, but how desperately she wants to.

Instead, Mira takes a deep breath. She'd sent for a cup of tea a short while ago, and once it arrives, she murmurs a quick thank you before carrying it to him. ]

... Forgive me if this is out of turn, but please take a moment for yourself. [ Her words are stilted, stiff, awkward; even now, she's uncomfortable with such formality.

She pauses. And then-- ]

I don't think I was the only one hurt out there.

[it's when Mira approaches him with the tea does Dohalim stop for a moment to let everything catch up to him.

what a mistake that is.

it almost feels like the wind is knocked out of him as he feels a weight on his shoulders press down on him, his mind goes back to how Mira looked mere moments ago, and her injuries, and the fact that she wasn't moving--

it's another brief flash of panic in his eyes before it's gone again, as he lifts a steady hand to take the tea from her; Dohalim flashes Mira a grateful smile]

I appreciate the concern, but please, do not worry about me. I am fine.

[he's not, but before Mira can rebut, a healer seemingly appears out of nowhere to guide Mira away to look over her injuries]

Please, look after yourself, first.

[his words aren't that of admonishment, but a gentle nudge to take care of herself. Mira won't be able to perform her duties if she's incapacitated in any way, after all]

[ He says he's fine--

But Mira thinks she knows him better than that. To see him push aside his own well-being hurts. She wonders if she has any right to wish he wouldn't, when she does the same. Still, she's about to respond--

The healer is here, and Mira wants nothing more than to stay here with him. How can she leave him, when that panicked look is practically burned into her mind, onto her heart? The last thing she's concerned about is herself. ]

... I'll be back as soon as I can.

[ It's the only thing she can manage before the healer guides her away. The wound will leave a scar, right down the middle of her chest, but scars are nothing new to her. She doesn't see them as shameful--they're proof that she was able to protect someone, keep them safe, walk out of a fight still living and breathing and looking ahead.

Unfortunately, Mira's not a great patient; she's too keyed up, and the moment the exasperated healer allows her to leave, she heads to her room and changes clothes before she goes right back to Dohalim.

She knocks on the door, waits for him to reply before she enters. ]

[when she knocks, Dohalim doesn't answer.

truth be told, when he finally had the chance to retreat to his quarters, he'd spent a handful of minutes trying to calm down, sipping his tea at a desk tucked in the far corner, reading through the pile of books he'd kept on there (more specifically, "String Scores to Tug At the Heartstrings"), before quickly realising that no amount of concentration will distract him from that brewing storm overtaking him.

tea forgotten, Dohalim rests his elbows on the desk, before pressing his face in his hands as he takes deep breaths in and out, in a futile attempt to reel himself back in. but in the darkness and silence, all he can see is Mira's crumpled form in front of him, as his ears ring loudly (though, he vastly prefers that than the screams that frequent his dreams), dizzying him as all the panic and anxiety finally take him, tight in it's vice grip. he can feel himself gasp for breath as his chest tightens, which only makes the dizziness worse. maybe if he passes out, now, he won't have to think about what had transpired earlier]

[ The silence stretches on, and Mira feels her chest tighten with anxiety. She takes a deep breath and opens the door--

Her eyes widen. She can hear those gasping breaths, and Mira closes the door. It breaks her heart to see him like this, broken down and unable to breathe. She's caught in place by her own anxiety and heartache, but she pushes that down, because this isn't the time to be so caught up in herself.

Instead, she crosses over and hesitates, before she sets a gentle hand against his back. She doesn't say anything, but her touch is warm and, she hopes, steady. She hopes her touch is enough to speak what she can't manage when her throat is so tight.

I'm here. ]

[feeling Mira's hand on his back gets Dohalim to look up, startled at her presence in his quarters. when did she walk in? how did he not hear her? how long had he been sitting there? questions race through his head as recoils from her touch, hand pressed against his chest and shaking his head]

You... Shouldn't be here.

[she shouldn't be here to witness this... she shouldn't have to comfort him while she's supposed to be recovering from her injuries, not obligating herself to taking care of the fraying of his mental health. he'd already gotten her hurt once, he doesn't need to hurt her again]

Please leave.

[ There are countless times when she obeys his orders. That's what she does; he is her lord. She is his aide. But this is not one of those times. She can't leave him.

Gently, she slides an arm around his shoulders. ]

... I won't.

[ To openly defy him-- maybe if it were anyone else, she would think twice. But this is Dohalim, endlessly compassionate. And she is terribly weak to him. ]

I won't leave you to do this alone.