Chiron & Fiore; catch-all

[cheir]

Comments

[horsepowered]

It's hardly the same for me on two legs.

[He squeezes back, careful not to apply too much pressure there.]

Besides, there was a war to attend to. I'm not Astolfo, I could never indulge in whim when faced with something far more serious.

[cheir]

I wouldn't have wanted you to be like Astolfo. It was because of your seriousness and your strategies that we were able to get as far as we did... and obviously if you hadn't taken an interest in my future and spoke to my brother, I'd still be in a wheelchair.

[ She doesn't slip her hand free; he can release it when he wishes, but she's quietly enjoying this. ]

But I like seeing you like this. You seem much happier.

[horsepowered]

Do I?

[He must be then.]

With fewer weighty responsibilities, it must come easier to me then. Made even better for your presence.

[cheir]

[ Fiore clears her throat after a minute, hoping her cheeks aren't actually looking as warm as they feel. ]

Actually, I had a question for you... it might be a little heavy, though.

[horsepowered]

Heavy?

[Chiron nods, angling so that he is looking at Fiore. He's breathing normally now, calm as ever.]

Go right ahead.

[cheir]

Your family... I know you exist in the Throne of Heroes, but does that mean you can't be allowed to see them again?

... And if that's so... is that really all right with you?

[ To see him again had been the wish Fiore herself had fought for... but now she's wondering if that wasn't too selfish. If she ought to be trying harder to reunite him with his wife and daughters. ]

[horsepowered]

[Fiore is right. It is a very heavy question, and it is one that renders Chiron silent as he tries to find the right answer. There's a lot to unpack, and he has to figure out where to even start.

There's a soft noise, closer to equine than human.]

I am...unsure about being able to see them again. Gods willing, they are within the realms of Elysium, or at the least, within the Asphodel Meadows. Hades guards the dead with great care, and I am no Orpheus. They deserve all the rest in death.

[There is another part here:] I do not know if any of them were so fortunate as to be a part of the Throne of Heroes as I am. Our lives, in private, were ordinary. I would not expect to find them there.

[But if it is all right with him, that's a very different question.]

If I am only here for a few days, then I imagine that I am okay with it. I may well find a place for offerings, even if their burial places are thousands of miles away.

[cheir]

[ Fiore frowns apologetically, giving his hand a squeeze. It really wasn't her business to ask, but she appreciates that Chiron commits himself to answering anyway. ]

I'm incredibly sorry for bringing up a painful topic. The path of a Heroic Spirit really might end up being a lonely one...

[ A place for offerings, though... ]

... This actually isn't far from where I said goodbye to someone important. If you'd like...

[ At this point, Fiore thinks, it's probably the least she can do. ]

[horsepowered]

Perhaps later today? I'd like to be as traditional as I can, if there is milk, honey, water, or wine that can be spared.

[The wine is a stretch, given Fiore's young age and the sensibilities of the day. He doubts the rest will pose the same problem.]

But I would be content to walk by the place, so we can get to it easier later on.

[cheir]

Of course-- I can get you all of that.

[ She says that confidently enough-- Fiore's near adulthood, and there's a wine cellar that holds enough bottles that he should have a decent selection. ]

As well as the location, of course.

[horsepowered]

Thank you.

[He means it. He squeezes Fiore's hand gently, happy for this much at least.]

It means more than I can put into words.

[cheir]

We were comrades in the last war, Chiron. And while our relationship has changed, it hasn't changed the fact that I want to support you just as much as you've supported me.

... And I intend to do that, completely.

[horsepowered]

[There's no words to respond to that. Chiron hopes that the look on his face makes up for that fact. The smile there, it is small, but it is composed of utmost sincerity and real adoration that a centaur could ever have.

Fiore is very much a comrade, far more than she is a student or a Master or anything else. That kind of relationship is a rare thing, one that is sacred for how it comes about.

Words come eventually, even if they are small.]

Thank you.

[cheir]

[ The smile he gives her more than makes up for his initial silence, and Fiore dips her head in a small, graceful nod. ]

You're very welcome. My only request is that you permit me to pay my respects at some point.

[horsepowered]

How could I refuse?

[This is nice, isn't it? Chiron considers if they should move on, but no. There's a soft breeze that picks up, and in companionable silence, this all feels too perfect.

Rather than move on, Chiron lowers himself down onto the ground, relaxing and becoming much too content with the world around them both.]

[cheir]

Ah-- I can slide off, if you'd like to rest a little more comfortably.

[ This does indeed feel wonderful, but he's been carrying her this whole time... ]

[horsepowered]

Only if you wish.

[Chiron pauses, then adds:]

I'm told my flanks are comfortable to rest against, if you'd like.

[cheir]

[ ... Now it's her turn to pause. ]

I can't help but feel as though I'm being increasingly disrespectful to a centaur like this...

[ Riding one... leaning against his flank... ]

[horsepowered]

Or my middle. I can only go by how I've seen others get comfortable.

[Tiny, tired Greek heroes pick weird nap spots.]

You realize that it's only disrespectful if I tell you not to do something and you do it regardless, yes?

[cheir]

Yes, but I'd rather avoid accidentally offending you... perhaps you could tell me what I shouldn't do before I risk doing it unintentionally.

[ She's moving though, sliding off his side and painstakingly arranging her legs out in front of her. ]

[horsepowered]

Generally, anything you shouldn't have done, I've allowed for already.

[There's a small, embarrassed smile at Fiore.]

Most of us don't appreciate being used as horses, so for someone to ride our backs is a rarity. That's the biggest taboo.

[cheir]

Chiron!!

[ Her worst fears... realized. Fiore flashes him a chagrined stare in return, tone taking on a touch of petulance. ]

You really didn't need to allow me, I wouldn't have minded--!

[horsepowered]

And what other centaur are you seeing that you're so worried about any of this?

[He's never seen her flustered like this before. Maybe it's cruel to tease but...well, what other centaurs would she even make this mistake with?]

[cheir]

[ He's definitely teasing her, and Fiore realizes it, but flushes with a very quiet huff and turns her head to the side to deliberately avoid his gaze.

Is she sulking? Quite possibly. ]

It's the principle of the matter...

[horsepowered]

[Oh.....he's gone a step too far, hasn't he? Chiron knows to knock it off, and there's a far more apologetic look on his face. He turns so that it's easier to face Fiore.]

I hadn't realized that such a thing mattered that deeply to you. I won't do it again, although I am afraid you are not going to talk me out of letting you ride.