[Miracle, force of will, whatever it is, it has ended here and now, with the centaur trotting forward and making it clear that he's naturally rather loud. It's a contrast to the rest of him, tall and quiet, but there's no war to worry about now.
There's such pride on his face though, beaming at them both. Fiore was always his real student, Caules only earned that designation at the end of it all, and now....well, now they've surpassed everything entirely.
It means they can stand as equals, and that in and of itself is a true joy.]
Fiore, Caules. [He says their names with impossible warmth.]
[ The siblings exchange glances, Caules' questioning and fondly exasperated at his sister's serene smile, as though Fiore hadn't been the more anxious one this whole time.
"Long enough for my sister to drill me into being a proper head of a magus family," he says dryly, "as if that stuffy mage at the tower wasn't enough. But it's good to see you, Chi-- Arch-- whatever. And my sister's been stupidly excited to--"
Fiore gently clears her throat, shutting him up in an instant. ]
Caules, could you give us a moment?
[ A short pause, and then he grins wryly and shoots Chiron a salute, walking out of the room with a great deal more confidence than he'd had the last time they'd met. ]
[It's the only words Chiron even attepts to get in edgewise, before Caules is politely asked to wait for the conversation so that an appropriate reunion can take place.
Watching the young man go, there's clear pride on Chiron's face. The question of how long it has been since they last saw each other remains unanswered, but maybe that's for the better. Time isn't as important as growth, and Chiron can already see it in Caules just by how he carries himself out of the room.
But some dynamics never change, and that much is also clear. His attention returns to Fiore, and Chiron trots forward, going so far as to lean down and regard her with the centaur version of a knight's bow, as elegant as it possibly can be.]
[ She's aware (he's told her himself, after all), that such chivalrous gestures weren't customary of his time, but the intent is warm and welcomed-- even as Fiore laughs, flustered, and waves a hand in gentle dissuasion. ]
Chiron, please-- you needn't bow. I should be the one trying to reach your level.
[ … within reason, given his new (original) height. ]
But I'm... very glad to see you, too. [ It feels a bit like an understatement. ] I'd hoped, of course, but there was no actual guarantee... yet, here you are.
You weren't lonely, were you? [ It's a very obvious tease, at least. ]
At that, Chiron's eyes move from Fiore to her chair and back to her, trying to divine the meaning of the words. He doesn't dare press and ask does that mean you have your feet beneath you? She shall tell him in time.]
Luck, will, and skill. You exceeded expectations, and I suspect a few written rules as well.
[Heroic Spirits should't be so easy to call forth, after all.]
... Ah... well, since I'm no longer a proper mage, the Association shouldn't immediately descend upon me...
[ There's still a twinge of sadness there, but Fiore quickly shakes it off. Chiron's silent study of her hadn't escaped her notice, after all. Right... that needs to be addressed. ]
But you could say I've been working on "will" lately.
[ She's nowhere near where she'd like to be yet, but her hands tighten on the chair's arms as Fiore ever-so-slowly lifts herself up. Her legs are shaking badly when she stands, but.
[Will she says, and all of Chiron's responses to what the association might do is gone. Instead watches as Fiore (and what a joy it is to only call her Fiore) rises to her feet.
Her feet.]
You've done so much.
[How can four words contain such pride? Who is to say. It is there, and Chiron then lowers his forearm, offering it to Fiore to steady herself off.]
Here. It'll be more comfortable than the arms of a chair.
[ It's with no small amount of gratitude that Fiore transfers her grip from the chair to Chiron's arm, sucking in a tiny breath to try and steady herself further even as her legs threaten to buckle beneath her.
For now, she stays upright, focusing on that and the warm glow suffusing her body at just how nice it is to hear pride when it's regarding something that's not just her talent for magecraft. Her own efforts. Her hard work. ]
Thank you. I've been going to physical therapy, but I've still got a long road ahead of me. But I remembered running when I dreamed of your past... and I wanted to experience that for myself one day. Properly.
I'll restrain myself from asking about the actual physical therapy. [He's still also a doctor, and thus there's a genuine interest in the technical details. For now, this is much more important.]
But I can say that to be here speaks volumes to what you've accomplished so far. I'm sure that running won't be too far away.
[...actually.]
Are we in a location with open grounds and some privacy?
[ She'll have to give him all of the information at a later date; she remembers his medical know-how, and it wouldn't hurt to hear his thoughts on things, as well as learning any additional exercises to try and strengthen her legs further. If nothing else, Fiore's sure he'd find it all interesting.
But first things first, and she blinks slowly at him. ]
We... are. We don't have neighbors, so it's largely just me and my brother when he has time off from classes.
[ Fiore takes an additional second, if just to brace herself for no support whatsoever (even if just for a literal second), and then she nods firmly and releases his arm. ]
[It's two seconds, because it takes a lot of effort to arrange Chiron's limbs just so. He lowers himself entirely onto the floor, horse underbelly resting on the ground, and the plan is so very clear.]
If you can, swing one leg over my back and try to settle. It'll be best if you place your arms around my waist rather than up around my neck.
[ ... She should have seen this coming. And maybe a part of her had suspected, when he'd asked about open grounds and privacy and giving him room to move, but all the same, Fiore's mouth falls open slightly.
Very slightly, because she was raised to at least be a proper lady, and she wants to protest for the sake of propriety, but then he was the one who offered, but the thought of actually riding him is--
In all actuality, Fiore can't stammer and fumble for long, not when her legs have very little strength remaining, and she'll only worry him if she falls onto her face rather than following his instructions. So, before she can think too hard about it, she finds just enough strength left to get one leg over and then she's half-falling onto his back with her arms wrapping around his waist for support. ]
A-are you really sure about this?
[ Did anyone actually ever ride a centaur?? She's so embarrassed. ]
I am. [Chiron turns his head, and there's such a smile on his face.] You may not be running yet, but I can help with the illusion of it.
[He isn't a subtle horse when it comes to certain things. This is one of them, but it's also hard to be subtle when you're horse sized and take up so much room.
Fiore's weight is an easy thing to adjust to, and Chiron shifts only after she has settled and her legs have given all that they can for now. Usually he'd be urging the use of legs to help hold on as well, but that is not an option here.
He can be careful.]
Now, hold on as I stand back up. I'll go slow for now, so you can adjust to the movement.
[ Nothing really seems to faze him, but she'll chalk that up to Chiron having been immortal once, and having all of the experience that he'd gained from being a teacher.
It makes Fiore want to try and at least act a little less childish in response, and she breathes out slowly, meeting his eyes and making sure her hold is secure enough. ]
[There's no more preamble. He nods his head, and then faces forward so that the movement can be focused on. Chiron rises to his feet, his rear end rising up first, and then his front end follows.
He's up! Once up, Chiron moves very slowly, one hoof after the next, careful not to force any marks upon the floor. As he does so, the natural movement of Chiron's body makes itself apparent, especially towards his front. The front lets do a lot of the work, constantly shifting as he moves.]
[ It's a very strange experience to slightly feel the shift and slide of the muscles beneath her, but be unable to respond accordingly with her legs, but she can additionally feel just how much work is front half is doing just through her arms.
She'll even allow herself a few seconds to press her forehead against his back, marveling at just how unique an experience this is. He seems even warmer in this form. ]
You seem... so much taller like this. But I don't feel as though I'll fall off.
[The forehead against Chiron's back is unexpected, but also very pleasant. Chiron can't possibly comment on his own body temperature, but he can feel how warm and comfortable a weight Fiore is. Allowing people to ride him was a very rare thing. It's impossible to say how special Fiore is for this ride.
He walks out into the hallway, pausing so he can look back to her.]
We'll have to be careful with the stairs though. Speaking of, where are they?
[ She hasn't ever dared to ask, if centaurs ever did carry around people like horses did, but she'd assumed that Chiron didn't do it often. He was a dignified and respected teacher to so many heroes, after all.
But it also hasn't escaped her notice that he's doing this for her sake-- because of what she'd told him, even if she would have been fine moving around in her chair.
Not for the first time, Fiore thinks that Chiron's kindness is more than she deserves. ]
Down the hall and to the left-- there's a ramp there, at least.
Ah, very good. That'll be much easier than stairs.
[Stairs are...complicated at this size and with four feet. It goes without saying that a ramp is a relief, and as Chiron makes his way there, he gains just a little bit of speed so that Fiore can adjust.
There were doubtlessly easier ways to even go about this act. Waiting until they were both outside, for example. But none of that had felt right, and as much Chiron is a creature of logic and sound reasoning, he's not ignorant of the fact that some moments really demand whim be followed.]
[ Her grip loosens just a bit, if just so Fiore isn't just clinging to his waist like a fawning maiden, though the situation is still a strange one. ]
As promised, the homunculi were all given their freedom and a choice about their future-- many of them have left, understandably, but we have a few who wished to stay with us and help around the household.
Rider went on a journey-- er, Astolfo, that is. He said he was going to see the world for his Master's sake, but he's promised to come visit. If you're still-- that is--
[ ... She has no idea what Chiron's plans are, if he means to only visit and then return, but... ]
If you're still here, I'm sure he'd love to see you.
[Chiron is careful to not pick up speed at this point, even as he rounds the corner and the ramp come into view. It's not too much of a problem anyway - Fiore will be leaning forward because of the angle of the ramp.]
If it's possible for me to remain long enough for him to return, then I see no reason not to. He is....unique, and always will be.
[But there is a very important person missing from this list of where are they now.]
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pullmeoutalive2019-03-27 05:13 pm
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There's such pride on his face though, beaming at them both. Fiore was always his real student, Caules only earned that designation at the end of it all, and now....well, now they've surpassed everything entirely.
It means they can stand as equals, and that in and of itself is a true joy.]
Fiore, Caules. [He says their names with impossible warmth.]
How long has it been?
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"Long enough for my sister to drill me into being a proper head of a magus family," he says dryly, "as if that stuffy mage at the tower wasn't enough. But it's good to see you, Chi-- Arch-- whatever. And my sister's been stupidly excited to--"
Fiore gently clears her throat, shutting him up in an instant. ]
Caules, could you give us a moment?
[ A short pause, and then he grins wryly and shoots Chiron a salute, walking out of the room with a great deal more confidence than he'd had the last time they'd met. ]
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[It's the only words Chiron even attepts to get in edgewise, before Caules is politely asked to wait for the conversation so that an appropriate reunion can take place.
Watching the young man go, there's clear pride on Chiron's face. The question of how long it has been since they last saw each other remains unanswered, but maybe that's for the better. Time isn't as important as growth, and Chiron can already see it in Caules just by how he carries himself out of the room.
But some dynamics never change, and that much is also clear. His attention returns to Fiore, and Chiron trots forward, going so far as to lean down and regard her with the centaur version of a knight's bow, as elegant as it possibly can be.]
I'm glad to see you again.
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Chiron, please-- you needn't bow. I should be the one trying to reach your level.
[ … within reason, given his new (original) height. ]
But I'm... very glad to see you, too. [ It feels a bit like an understatement. ] I'd hoped, of course, but there was no actual guarantee... yet, here you are.
You weren't lonely, were you? [ It's a very obvious tease, at least. ]
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At that, Chiron's eyes move from Fiore to her chair and back to her, trying to divine the meaning of the words. He doesn't dare press and ask does that mean you have your feet beneath you? She shall tell him in time.]
Luck, will, and skill. You exceeded expectations, and I suspect a few written rules as well.
[Heroic Spirits should't be so easy to call forth, after all.]
If I was, that isn't the case now.
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[ There's still a twinge of sadness there, but Fiore quickly shakes it off. Chiron's silent study of her hadn't escaped her notice, after all. Right... that needs to be addressed. ]
But you could say I've been working on "will" lately.
[ She's nowhere near where she'd like to be yet, but her hands tighten on the chair's arms as Fiore ever-so-slowly lifts herself up. Her legs are shaking badly when she stands, but.
She's standing. ]
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Her feet.]
You've done so much.
[How can four words contain such pride? Who is to say. It is there, and Chiron then lowers his forearm, offering it to Fiore to steady herself off.]
Here. It'll be more comfortable than the arms of a chair.
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For now, she stays upright, focusing on that and the warm glow suffusing her body at just how nice it is to hear pride when it's regarding something that's not just her talent for magecraft. Her own efforts. Her hard work. ]
Thank you. I've been going to physical therapy, but I've still got a long road ahead of me. But I remembered running when I dreamed of your past... and I wanted to experience that for myself one day. Properly.
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But I can say that to be here speaks volumes to what you've accomplished so far. I'm sure that running won't be too far away.
[...actually.]
Are we in a location with open grounds and some privacy?
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But first things first, and she blinks slowly at him. ]
We... are. We don't have neighbors, so it's largely just me and my brother when he has time off from classes.
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[He has a plan. But Fiore must let go, if only because he has to shift his current position.]
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[ She'll make it be enough. ]
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[With Chiron, he probably means the measurement literally.]
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If you can, swing one leg over my back and try to settle. It'll be best if you place your arms around my waist rather than up around my neck.
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Very slightly, because she was raised to at least be a proper lady, and she wants to protest for the sake of propriety, but then he was the one who offered, but the thought of actually riding him is--
In all actuality, Fiore can't stammer and fumble for long, not when her legs have very little strength remaining, and she'll only worry him if she falls onto her face rather than following his instructions. So, before she can think too hard about it, she finds just enough strength left to get one leg over and then she's half-falling onto his back with her arms wrapping around his waist for support. ]
A-are you really sure about this?
[ Did anyone actually ever ride a centaur?? She's so embarrassed. ]
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[He isn't a subtle horse when it comes to certain things. This is one of them, but it's also hard to be subtle when you're horse sized and take up so much room.
Fiore's weight is an easy thing to adjust to, and Chiron shifts only after she has settled and her legs have given all that they can for now. Usually he'd be urging the use of legs to help hold on as well, but that is not an option here.
He can be careful.]
Now, hold on as I stand back up. I'll go slow for now, so you can adjust to the movement.
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It makes Fiore want to try and at least act a little less childish in response, and she breathes out slowly, meeting his eyes and making sure her hold is secure enough. ]
... All right. I'm ready, Chiron.
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He's up! Once up, Chiron moves very slowly, one hoof after the next, careful not to force any marks upon the floor. As he does so, the natural movement of Chiron's body makes itself apparent, especially towards his front. The front lets do a lot of the work, constantly shifting as he moves.]
How does that feel?
{ooc: calling it a night here, good night!}
rest well!!
She'll even allow herself a few seconds to press her forehead against his back, marveling at just how unique an experience this is. He seems even warmer in this form. ]
You seem... so much taller like this. But I don't feel as though I'll fall off.
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He walks out into the hallway, pausing so he can look back to her.]
We'll have to be careful with the stairs though. Speaking of, where are they?
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But it also hasn't escaped her notice that he's doing this for her sake-- because of what she'd told him, even if she would have been fine moving around in her chair.
Not for the first time, Fiore thinks that Chiron's kindness is more than she deserves. ]
Down the hall and to the left-- there's a ramp there, at least.
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[Stairs are...complicated at this size and with four feet. It goes without saying that a ramp is a relief, and as Chiron makes his way there, he gains just a little bit of speed so that Fiore can adjust.
There were doubtlessly easier ways to even go about this act. Waiting until they were both outside, for example. But none of that had felt right, and as much Chiron is a creature of logic and sound reasoning, he's not ignorant of the fact that some moments really demand whim be followed.]
What else have I missed in my absence?
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As promised, the homunculi were all given their freedom and a choice about their future-- many of them have left, understandably, but we have a few who wished to stay with us and help around the household.
Rider went on a journey-- er, Astolfo, that is. He said he was going to see the world for his Master's sake, but he's promised to come visit. If you're still-- that is--
[ ... She has no idea what Chiron's plans are, if he means to only visit and then return, but... ]
If you're still here, I'm sure he'd love to see you.
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If it's possible for me to remain long enough for him to return, then I see no reason not to. He is....unique, and always will be.
[But there is a very important person missing from this list of where are they now.]
You haven't mentioned yourself, Fiore.
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gonna get to bed now it's been a long day!
sleep well! I hope tomorrow is more restful
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