. all you have's your axe to grind . closed

[shikomizue]

Who: Takasugi Shinsuke (shikomizue) & "Friends" | Closed
What: Catch All For April-May-June
When: Over April / May / June
Where: Mostly Wyver, some Thesa and Olympia
Warning(s): alcohol + graphic violence + bang + will edit as needed

[ closed starters in the comments ]

Comments

[almaredemptoris]

[Such a broad question is difficult to find a good answer to. Moreover, until the Storm descended and he was brought here, he had been nowhere else, and so it is hard to say what qualities are unique to his motherland. But as always, a simple answer is best.] It is peaceful now. I live there with my daughter, and God has provided well for us. [Soon enough he turns the conversation back to the boy.] And what of here? I have only just arrived and know so little.

[shikomizue]

[Peaceful, huh? Takasugi's face falls when he hears the word. Not because he can't relate - there may be upheaval elsewhere in his country, but at the school their calm days are interrupted only by childish spats. He's disappointed, because he's always been far more interested in stories of strife.] Here... [His gaze slips upwards, towards the gentle blue sky.] Some people say there's a war. Some people say it's nothing more than a few madmen causing problems. [He doesn't really see the difference.] You should be careful traveling, old man. Or you might wander onto a battlefield. [The wry warning is enough for a smile to twist on his lips, but it's fleeting.]

[almaredemptoris]

[As when clouds blot the sky, his countenance briefly turns grim when the boy speaks of war. Yet what ensnares his attention more than the troubles of this country is the blithe manner of this child. Perhaps he is too young to remember the wars of days gone by, or perhaps he childishly equates war with tales of courage and glory. Then his look is mild once more.] Thank you for the warning. I shall be careful when I set out again. [He nods toward the school that stands beyond them.] When do your lessons begin? Will the other children awaken soon?

[shikomizue]

[The man's fleetingly darkened gaze draws Takasugi's attention. Gentleness masking something else - world weariness, or a grim past - captures him, sends adrenaline flowing from his core. He's interested in that side of people, more than their money or their treats.] You'll hear them when they wake up. They're rowdy. [Takasugi casts a glance over his shoulder, back towards the room he shares with two of his closest friends.] If you have a war story, I'm sure they'd take that, instead of trying to pick pocket you. [Or they'd take both but... whatever. That's this guy's problem.]