Catch-all: Bradley

[ercnerd]

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[battling]

[He does not mock the tears, he just steps closer, putting a hand on Sieghart's shoulder. To lose everything you held dear, all the people you cared about in one swoop...

There's no way he'd understand it completely, but part of him... does. He won'ts say anything, squeezing his shoulder.]

[ercnerd]

[He lets out a shaky breath, willing the overwhelming emotions away. The hand helps. Comfort is too good for the likes of him, but the hand and the squeeze that follows ground him to the moment. They alert him that he needs to get his act together before he spirals again.

Sieghart tentatively pulls his hand back, not yet dragging his gaze up toward Bradley's face.]

. . . I owe you a spar.

[battling]

Once we get outta here.

[He does not move his hand, but he also doesn't move any closer. They're both adults here, after all. If he says what he needs, then Bradley might help. But with so little to go on... This is probably okay?]

[ercnerd]

[This is okay. The hand helps. But what he needs is a distraction from the guilt and rage that bubble just beneath the surface. There's no outlet, and he isn't interested in mindless violence.]

What's that?

[He lowers his hand and looks past Bradley at the telephone booth.]

[battling]

The booth over there? Lets us contact the Dorm Heads.

Don't think it connects t' anybody else.

[ercnerd]

Oh, really? . . . Do they know about the lost keys?

[battling]

Yeah, said the bear called them before I called.

[ercnerd]

Did they say anything about what we should be doing over here?

[battling]

Mine [ Luke ] said to help the bear find his keys.

[ercnerd]

Where did he find this one, anyway?

[battling]

I dunno-

[It's Bradley and Nero dressed the same. Nero's holding out a hand, it's the ring Sieghart has seen Bradley wear on his left middle finger.

Bradley, "If ya really wanna put that ring on my finger so bad, then you better make it outta this alive, bend down on yer knees and present it to me yerself. Selfless fools ain’t got no business bein’ bandits. Be greedy, and cling to that life with all you’ve got. Don’t matter who condemns you. I’ll always have your back. Tell me ya don’t wanna die. Or, at the very least, tell me ya don’t want me to die."

Nero, voice shaking, "…I…I don’t want you to die…"

Bradley, warm and affectionate, "Ahaha!! Then I guess we better make it back in one piece, yeah? You go an’ put that ring on my finger every time yer up for a big challenge, got it?!"]

[ercnerd]

[Such warmth and affection. Although it isn't his, it's a soothing memory in spite of the implications behind the words shared.

Sieghart's gaze drops to Bradley's left hand.]

You're a bandit, huh?

[battling]

[ The same ring is right there. Bradley rarely takes it off.

At the question he gets a confident grin. ]

You're looking at the leader of the most terrifyin' gang of bandits in the North.

[ercnerd]

Is that right? You sound awfully proud of being a looter.

[He says this easily, not necessarily as an insult.]

[battling]

If you're the best, ya should brag about it. Doesn't matter what it is.

[ercnerd]

I don't disagree with that . . . But what is it that you take?

[battling]

Interestin', useful and beautiful things. Y'know? What royals and old wizards start hoardin' away.

[ercnerd]

I only know one wizard back home, and he doesn't hoard much.

[battling]

Ya haven't met enough of 'em.

[ercnerd]

What's so great about robbery, anyway? You don't sound like you're hurting for money.

[battling]

Had t' be a bandit t' survive. Figured since I was already doin' it, I'd become the best.

[ercnerd]

I do believe people should do well in what they're best at . . .

Well, what you do back in your dimension isn't my business.

[battling]

Ain't like I'll go robbin' you for no reason, Mr. Monster.

[ercnerd]

. . . I'm neither royalty nor a wizard, so what do I have to be worried about?

[battling]

Nothin'!

Sounds like wizards from different places work different anyway. Probably wouldn't get much outta 'em.