❪ event ❫ khalo? can you hear me?

[natha]

In normal circumstances, this would have been near the time in which you're called upon to greet the newly awakened. Unfortunately, I speak to you to inform that we must postpone that — there is trouble on your horizon. What, I cannot see for sure. We shall continue to monitor the situation, however — we - ... we — [feed cuts off.] OLYMPIAN PRESERVATION     The city of Olympia is preparing the send-off of its most prized artifact: the heart of the ancient dragon, Ysverai. In doing this, they've transformed the palace court into an exhibition detailing the centuries-old war between Wyver and Olympia. Sculptures of Nithor the Exalted and his men and women in clean, white marble, while their armors are polished in perfect gold. Among Nithor are the sculptures of stallions in all shapes and sizes that also aided in the great war. Further in the exhibition, one may also find other artifacts of much older weaponry, rusted by its time in the earth, and items found from a time when humans feared the dragons. The Royal Guard has increased its numbers in wake of such a public event, particularly because the heart will be in display also. The heart is not what one might expect it to be: about the size of an average human, the heart's core is surrounded in stone, a red glow emitting from its still beating core. If that were not unsettling enough, one might also find that lingering around this particular exhibit will have undue affects on one's inhibitions. You'll notice your heart has fallen into sync with the organ, and your more selfish desires will come forth. Things that have long been buried will rise up and place you in a state of unease, encouraging paranoia about your companions intentions. Allow it to fester, and one will carry this feeling with them long after you've left the scene. It's probably a good thing this is leaving Olympia — perhaps it's a source of so much conflict you've endured. It's easy to become mesmerized by all the historical artifacts that are present in Olympia's exhibition. Some even seem mystical or, like Ysverai’s heart, to hold unspeakable powers. Others are just a little eerie. Either way, Olympia prides itself in its generosity and their grand displays, and so refugees are urged to learn more about their artifacts by spending the night in Palace Court. Though, someone should probably mention that there are rumors of strange, almost occult things happening around these relics at night. People speak of armored soldiers casting shadows that have the ability to walk on their own, or gemstones that catch the moonlight in a certain way and show you visions. But those are just silly ghost stories, right? TALL TALES OF KHALO VILLAGE     Because of Khalo's proximity to Wyver, it's no surprise that they would catch wind of the peace talks between Wyver and Olympia. In response, for the first time in centuries, Khalo Village has willingly granted passage to outsiders — but visitors will immediately find out that one cannot just simply walk into the village. Visitors will need to inhale the smoke of a fyrra herb in order to enter the premises without falling into slumber. Khalo is notably different than what refugees are used to. Visitors, specifically refugees, will find that they are exceedingly accommodating. The Khali are very intrigued by the outsiders, thus they're treated with much respect and given instant access to some of the best lounges and fyrra the village has to offer. In exchange, the village is interested in hearing about your journey thus far. Whether it be through a conversation with another individual or the Khali themselves, they'll very likely to have been eavesdropping and recording the tales of their exploits. Why, exactly? Perhaps it will not be immediately clear, but if you happened upon a venasou, a tamed Khali creature, it may have guided you to their Enchanted Library. Upon entering the library, visitors will notice that it is quite the happening place — but not because it's occupied by the Khali, but because there seems to be an assembly of magical quills seemingly writing on their own. The quills are mostly undisturbed by the intrusion and will not stop writing even if parchment is taken from it; it will simply produce another piece of paper and continue its tales. If you happen to read the parchment, you may notice that there is a daunting similarity between your story and the ones being written here. Tales of Thesa birthing new races and sending them from the sky, for example, are very popular in Khalo Village. They mark July 15th as the day in which the Moon Goddess, Thesa, created more people in her image and brought them to El Nysa as saviors. The coincidences don't end there: specifics about your home world might be found in the writings if you search deeply enough — but it's not without its exaggerations. These stories are given all sorts of poetic and literary forms, from short stories to limericks, biographies to something similar to haiku. If asked, the Khali will inform visitors that the enchanted library has access to vague parts of your memories, and thus it is duty-bound to record. The Khali have not seen stories as strange as the ones being made by refugees, which is largely why they are interested in them. NOTE: This is entirely optional! You may make up your own "stories" (fanfiction) and it could be as accurate or inaccurate, or as serious or silly as you'd like. While tales of the Thesa's descendants are still being written, visitors of the Enchanted Library might find intrigue in the more complete works — KING AND KIN. If one is willing to delve deep, they may also find parts of Wyver's past that have been removed from their own archives. These pages will recount the tales of Shanrian and Rasyc. Though a lot of the narrative seems to divide at certain points in the story, it becomes obvious with some quick reading that Rasyc is not only the son of Shanrian, but that he glorifies the Wyver of old, more bloodthirsty and brutal than it is today. Unlike his father, he does not take kindly to Olympia and the threat they will always pose for their people. He has not forgotten Olympia's past sins and he believes that, in his foolish quest for peace, the king has gone soft and no longer possesses the real will to fight. His present voice in affairs of state is not a loud one, as he chooses to speak in whispers and move in the dead of silence. In these quiet murmurings, he boasts of his unwavering belief in the power and dignity of his people. Of how they should all return to what they once were — the kingdom, its citizens, and naturally the father who he had once admired greatly. Though perhaps it can be argued that any estranged son would wish the same. It's difficult to pinpoint what becomes political and what is and always will be more personal for him. But, it hardly matters. It's clear that Rasyc will stop at nothing to achieve his objectives, even if it means never returning to place he calls home. Even if it means turning his back on his own father, Shanrian, King of Wyver... DRAGONFIRE. While tales of the Thesa's descendants are still being written, visitors to the Enchanted Library might find intrigue in the more complete works. In particular, tales of Ysverai, the last of Wyver's great high dragons. Ysverai is most commonly known for being slain by Olympia’s past king and legendary hero, Nithor, but here in Khalo he is depicted in another light. Ysverai is known to the Khali people as a wise being, old as the first inhabitants that walked El Nysa. The creature spoke in the common tongue to the early settlers, guiding them to refuge when his kin began to dominate the land at the cost of its own isolation. It ultimately becomes a tale of sacrifice, for its stand with Nithor became a testament against the Olympian Empire's long reaching influence. At the bottom, there is a quotation: Your hearts will fill with greed and malice the moment my own stops beating. Take care in the Eye of the Storm. Find strength in one another, before it is too late. It seems to end there. Refugees are naturally allowed to question the natives. However, keep in mind that many of their replies will seem more like speculation than fact. But maybe that can be fun too? If you have no interest in the library and the tales they've woven, feel free to explore any of the other areas of interest. Khalo Village is thrilled to be open for you all. THOSE THAT SEEK PEACE, AND THOSE THAT SEEK --     The morning of the 20th is marked by fairly dismal weather. The sky is overcast and a downpour seems imminent. Regardless of the poor forecast, those who signed up to assist in this mission will be required to come early in order to receive their briefing. Members of Group A: ▸ Jon Snow (song_of_ice) ▸ Daenerys Targaryen (dorzalta) ▸ Loras Tyrell (triplerose) ▸ Terra (earthy) ▸ Alisaie Leveilleur (adelphoi) ▸ Solider: 76 (personalwar) ▸ Ardyn Izunia (daemonized) ▸ Mai(maipokerface) ▸ Olivier Armstrong (wallsofbriggs) ▸ Atsushi Nakajima (gekkajuu) Members of Group B: ▸ Kale (kaleorbekaled) ▸ Diana Prince (wondie) ▸ Pheonix Wright (objectionattourney) ▸ Revolver Ocelot (shashka) ▸ Frederick (pebblestone) ▸ John Sheppard (impavid ▸ Ianto Jones (torchwoodteaboy) ▸ Lena Oxton (quevarly) ▸ Allura (quintessent) Due to the rain, members of Group A will have to immediately stop by the checkpoint at the East Watchtower. Additionally, the Royal Guard and Knightryders are well-prepared with extra cloaks for those who may require it. They also will provide basic refreshments such as water and bread. People are encouraged to take what they need prior to their departure on this mission. The checkpoints are a bit far between, after all. Members of the envoy will also be encouraged to utilize this time to become familiar with one another. Maybe some introductions are in order? You never know who will end up having your back... For both groups, the paths will be relatively straightforward with evenly spaced checkpoints along the way. The only issue seems to be the downpour, really. The rain is unforgiving and the roads easily become unstable and increasingly difficult for the carriage to be drawn through. Hence, there may be more than one occasion where you will be expected to lend a hand in prying out its wheels from a particularly pesky (and muddy) pothole. Or perhaps you will be called upon by a fellow guard to assist in getting a particularly stubborn creature out of the path ahead of you. Seems like it may be a longer journey than you expected. Dirtier, too. While weathering the conditions may have been a bit tiring, this journey isn't too bad, right? Well, maybe not. GROUP A. Once the carriage gets through the worst of the terrain and finally manages to depart from the watchtower, it won't be long until the group is met with a physical roadblock. A large tree trunk will be set down the center of the road, acting as a blockade. But, before the group can react or begin crafting a plan around this obstruction, the carriage will be attacked without warning. At first, it's unclear where the attack comes from or from whom, but you don't have the leisure to deliberate this. You hear one of your fellow guards mention something about bandits frequenting these parts, but maybe there's more to it? Either way, your task is clear: protect the artifact, Nithor's skull, and fight the bandits off. You'll be encouraged to try and capture them so that they may later be turned and questioned by the authorities. GROUP B. With clear motives to restock and collect a few more materials for the carriage, it's evident that the envoy will appear restless to arrive at the second checkpoint. However, despite their unspoken delight at seeing the South Outpost from a distance, it's clear something has gone awry. There will be several hooded figures awaiting them right where the mud path meets the cobblestone of the Outpost's road. Soon, several more of these figures will come to flank them from both sides. While they seem like bandits, at least from their physical appearance, there is something far more polished in their movements. They will be attacking the envoy in concise, practiced formations. For those who are more perceptive, it becomes obvious that they are moving around and acting as decoy to one central figure. This member is likely the "leader" of their group, but no matter how one may try to close the distance between themselves and this mysterious leader, someone will constantly get in the way of that. The fighting also seems to act as a distraction since by the time everything is cleared up... only two things are missing. The leader of this group of bandits and more importantly — Ysverai's heart. NOTE: Those RNG'd to thread out the capture and questioning of the bandits will have starters below. For everyone else that signed up, you will still have the opportunity to capture the assailants even though they were not selected to thread the interrogation; you are free to make up your NPCs with the same basic guideline: they will not reveal their motive or their organization. You may turn them in to authorities (Wyver or Olympia or otherwise) or find creative ways to get rid of them. FINAL OOC NOTE     To reiterate: you may use this log as a general mingle for everything from the May Outline, including all Khalo Village activities. In other words, your top-levels don't necessarily have to be related to the prompts written here. An AC-eligible thread in which your character participates in anything mentioned in the May Outline and/or Khalo Village location page may be submitted for 2 REP POINT FOR EITHER OLYMPIA OR WYVER. SUBMIT THE THREAD FOR OLYMPIA OR WYVER HERE OR HERE RESPECTIVELY BY June 10th 11:59 PM EST. For those who participated in this month's plot-related portion, to receive IC recognition for it, a summary of the thread must be submitted HERE by June 8th 11:59 PM EST. Please direct all queries to the question thread below. Thank you, and have fun! QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● lore ● map ● npcs ● bestiary taken ● atp/emp ● application ● rep/acp ● quest bulletin calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

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[torchwoodteaboy]

Ianto nods in response to the question, reaching up to put a hand on the ice pack to make sure it doesn't slip off the top of his head while he does.

"They did," he replies. "And we managed to get some information out of them. None of it good." He eyes the sandwich in front of him, wondering if he should have eaten before he started talking but this is important information to share, especially if Jim has some input in return. "One of them told us about the plans for the heart, as I'd said. Bringing it to the shamans, reviving the dragon. It's wise, for whatever that's worth. But they also hinted that Olympia could be in danger, should they succeed. For obvious reasons, I suppose, given their history."

Okay he gives up he's going for a bite of food. It's been a long day of traveling from the Southern Outpost to get here and he needs this. It's only the one bite though, before he puts it down again to say, "It gets better. The other bandit. Suggested that the whole thing might have been organized by Shanrian's son..."

[willrevile]

Jim nudges the sandwich closer to him, his expression rueful. It's okay, man, there's no liquor or depressants in the sandwich, you're clear.

At that reveal, he makes a 'huh' noise and leans back in his chair, contemplative.

"Rasyc," he says, clearly aware of the son in question. "That.. just about scans, actually. He's Shanrian's son, alright, but supposedly they're estranged. He was the leader of group called Mythi's Fangs, which as far as I'm aware, were borderline urban legend as far as vigilante gangs go, but they ended up more prominently known over the past few months between the shamans' activities being exposed, and the kidnappings. It surprised me-- people in Wyver wanted both the Knightryders and the Fangs to investigate the shamans, which was ... I don't know, unexpectedly bipartisan, even here where it's not quite as 'Baby's First Fascism' as in Olympia."

Like, barely, but still.

"Word is, though, as soon as the Coalition was announced, he disbanded the group and torched their headquarters in protest of peace talks. Meanwhile, his father's still participating."

[torchwoodteaboy]

Rasyc. Ianto tests the name, running over it and committing it to memory. He hadn't heard all of this before, and now that he has...

"Forgive me for saying so, but it doesn't appear as though he's disbanded the group after all," he replies. "I suppose that theory will have to be tested with further questioning of the captured bandits, but. They were far more organized than any group of bandits I..." He trails off because honestly when has he ever encountered any bandits before. Especially if he's supposed to be working in an office as he's given the impression of thus far. He shrugs before continuing, "Well, they were organized. Kept us distracted while their leader -- maybe it was this Rasyc fellow himself -- ran off with the Heart."

He glances across at Jim before continuing, "They're upset that Shanrian is working across the divide. He's looking for power, and with the Heart, and the alleged dragon they might be able to resurrect from it... He's certainly got that."

[willrevile]

"It was an obvious tantrum at the time," he says with a shrug. "In retrospect, it may have been more of a move to shake loose any refugee compatriots they'd managed to net than actually else. Since we're the ones who've been pushing the hardest for peace."

No one ever really thought the estranged prince had just given up, but no one - as far as Jim's aware - had any evidence of him being in league with the shamans. Jim shakes his head, lets out a humorless laugh. "He'd been as pissed as anyone after the violence. But maybe he was just pissed his co-conspirators got busted." He drums his fingers on the table. "Yeah, the heart. Hopefully it's actually being brought up there so we know where it is, and it's not some-- stupid trap."

Jim pushes a hand through his hair. "Why are people like this on every planet, humor or otherwise. Willing to doom entire populations just because they don't get their way."

It's pathetic.

[torchwoodteaboy]

Ianto glances down at the sandwich in front of him. Picking one-handed at it a little as with the other hand he keeps the ice pack in place, but not quite feeling like bringing it up to take another bite just yet. Not with the strange bitterness in Jim's voice lingering in the air. He's right, after all. It may very well be a trap. But can they afford the time to hang back and wait while they do too much investigating otherwise? It's been a full day already.

"It's more than that," he says. "They're father and a son. That makes this personal for him. An affront, he... I don't know. Deserves some say in the matter, estranged or no. Is entitled to it? And since he doesn't agree with his father's actions, he's set forth to take matters into his own hands." Things always have a tendency to get messier when they are personal. When there's family involved. Ianto understands that just as well as any.

"At least we have some direction to go in at all, I suppose," he continues. "Going on the word of a captive, who could be leading us in circles for all we know, or yes. Worse, I suppose. But it's a lead." And Ianto is Torchwood. Might as well be dangling a carrot on a stick. After a full month of sitting on his hands, at least here is a mission. Even if he's not entirely qualified to solve it...

the number of bad auto correct swaps in my last tag is amazing, oh my god

[willrevile]

"Whether or not he deserves a say is a matter of opinion," Jim says flatly. "Neither he nor his father are elected officials."

Jim's opinion: monarchies are inherently abusive. He can't stand this sort of crap, and neither Wyver nor Olympia's leaders have done anything to change his mind. He's fully aware that democratic-style institutions can be just as bad, but he comes from a place of constant self-improvement.

(Also, socialism.)

"It's good to have a direction. I honestly think they should shut that stupid thing down up there. No good's ever come out of that cult as far as I can tell." But then he shakes his head. "I know that's brutally insensitive of me, it's a supposedly a religion, but-- damn."

that’s okay mine was missing words myself oops...

[torchwoodteaboy]

"It is," Ianto agrees. "It's his opinion. And the fact that he wasn't elected but born into it just makes him that much surer of it. I suspect his father is only putting fuel on the fire by keeping him estranged. He'll just want it that much more."

Ianto lives in Wales. Lived. Whatever. You don't need to tell him how useless a monarchy is. They've even got a prince and it's pretty much just a title to mark that that person isn't the King of England.

He takes a bite of his sandwich, chewing thoughtfully before he replies, "There comes a point when you can only be so sensitive, and the line must be drawn. The fact is that if they are willing to work with a man who is threatening destruction upon an entire people, then they have made this into a business. And a dangerous one at that."

He glances across at the other man, studying him carefully before he says, with as much forcefulness as he can considering he's sat with a sandwich in one hand and an ice pack on his head, "We've got to put a stop to whatever they've planned, Jim. Or that's what I'm trying to do, anyway. I'm pretty fond of my little whole in the wall in Olympia, for all the fuss I've given you about it. I'm pretty sure I might actually die anyway, if you forced me to live in this humidity."

[willrevile]

Jim just rolls his eyes, plainly disgusted. Not with Ianto, obviously-- this is a definite character flaw, for him, one he struggles with at home as well, and it's one of the reasons he's been forcing himself to stay in Wyver despite how much it reminds him of Klingon culture. Because it reminds him of Klingon culture. Captain Kirk can be patient and bite down every reaction and always swerve hard to the diplomatic path for even the most disparate of cultures - pulls up his crew for slipping, even - but privately, he's just a mess of ugh these fucking morons. He's got to keep at it, keep making himself learn these lessons.

But: "What's the alternative, though, a violent coup and force a democratic system of some kind? Equally garbage." He shakes his head. At least he knows they have to work with what they have.

Since he doesn't have a head injury, Jim's free to drain the rest of his beer while Ianto speaks to him, listening with as much seriousness as the younger man is leveling at him. And then has to abruptly bark a laugh at his death-by-humidity prediction. "I dunno, have you been to Khalo village yet? It's kid of worth the humidity. Let's hit it up when we've had a break."

(That's pretty much an invitation to bang fyi.)

"It's gonna get stopped. It has to. I believe that. Knowing there were representatives from each city's defense force present for this ensures that. I'll do what I can-- I wish I could clone myself, honestly." He smiles, lopsided and a little wry. "This minute I'm committed to seeing something through about the station. But we've got enough people to cover the bases."

[torchwoodteaboy]

Ianto smiles a little at the laugh he's managed to get out of the other man. A lot of things might be shit right now, but there's no need for them to lose themselves to it. His cheeks pink a little at the following question and he shakes his head but look at that smile on his face, Jim, he's definitely not unopposed to the idea.

"Yeah, I'd like that," he replies. "Once we've caught a break, of course. From all of this. Maybe you could show me around, a little."

(That was pretty much an acceptance of his invitation, for what it's worth. It's just Ianto's luck that the sky is falling when it happens, really. Bloody beans.)

He takes a deep breath and tries to force himself to focus without getting too doom and gloom again. "Thanks, Jim. Honestly, though, don't push yourself. I don't mean to drop this on your head. You've got your own business and that's fine. There are enough of us on this as it is, and we've come this far already. I just need a place to stay tonight that's not passed out in some gutter in the street, if you'll have me. I can be out of your hair come tomorrow."

[willrevile]

Eeeyyy establishing a date mid-basically-a-crisis. Could be worse. (inb4 something else occurs and this never happens.) Jim flashes a proper smile, though it's brief out of respect for the real conversation happening around that little aside. He thinks Ianto will like Khalo, though, despite the weather. So long as he doesn't mind getting stoned as fuck.

"Trust me, I wish I could be everywhere. It drives me nuts not to have a crew of five hundred people I can just trust to manage multiple fires." It's what he's used to, after all. His crew is the best asset he has, as a captain, far surpassing anything he's capable of individually. And it's near impossible to wrangle that kind of connectivity here. "Besides, I have history with those dicks."

Shamans. >:( Assholes.

"But ... something's going on, and I don't know how many other people have experience with space stations like I do." If anyone. Jim reaches out to snag the rest of Ianto's beer. "Of course you can stay here tonight, don't be ridiculous. And I actually have to head out to Olympia first thing in the morning, if you're up for the walk back that soon."

[torchwoodteaboy]

Oh Jim. Little do you know how much of a rebel Ianto used to be, before all the suits and ties and waistcoats. There were studded belts and chains and everything. He's even been arrested once. Of course he wouldn't mind a little mind altering substances.

He takes a few bites of his sandwich as he thinks about it, before shaking his head. "I don't know," he says. "There's a lot of trouble brewing here, and if there's something I can do about it, I want to try." It probably sounds ludicrous, a teaboy going up against bandits and shamans and undead dragons, but there it is nonetheless. Ianto's ridiculous urge to make a difference, even if he dies trying along the way. He really hopes that he doesn't though. That Khalo date sounds pretty nice, right about now.

"There is, ehm. Something I could use your help with, before you go," he adds. "Tomorrow morning -- before you go. If you could tell us everything you know about these shamans, your history with them, we might at least stand a chance. John and me, I mean." Yes hello sorry did he forget to mention, his roommate is in town and on the job with him as well.

[willrevile]

"Your drunk roommate?" Faintly teasing. But only faintly. "Sure, I can do that." It doesn't matter to Jim that his recent text exchange with John was totally weird - he's trying, and he's probably capable of keeping an eye on Ianto in the event of violence breaking out. Jim hopes, anyway.

"You can stay here, if you want. John too, I don't mind. Just keep in mind what I said about people popping in sometimes - though honestly, with everything going on right now, I expect that crowd to be occupied. You're welcome to whatever's in here."

Questionable food, stuff in the bathroom, whatever. It doesn't occur to Jim to worry about having to pay to replace anything later. What exactly does it look like he spends money on, anyway? The offer is genuine; someday, maybe, his habit of doing this sort of thing will get him in trouble, but he doesn't care about that, either.

[torchwoodteaboy]

His drunk... "That would be the one," Ianto says, flicking Jim a smile, completely oblivious as to their latest interaction which is perhaps probably for the best given the circumstances.

Jim's following invitation confuses him for a moment -- hadn't he just said that he could stay here? -- until he realizes, "Oh, you mean. While you're in Olympia?" The offer surprises him for its simple generosity yes. And it's trust in him as well. This is his home, after all, no matter the size or state of it. Ianto keeps that in mind even if Jim may be rather casual on the matter.

"Are you...sure?" he asks hesitantly, a little in awe of the generosity of the offer in truth.

[willrevile]

"Yeah." Eyebrows. What did he think he meant? Jim takes a large bite of sandwich, eats it hurriedly so he can get more words out without being gross. "I don't mind. It's just a space. Bugs the crap out of me that people have to pay for housing here, anyway."

Jim's not completely naive. As previously noted, there's really nothing worthwhile in this shoebox of an apartment, anything vital secreted away elsewhere.

"Besides, it's not like, luxury accommodations."

It's sort of shit. In fact.

[torchwoodteaboy]

Ianto withholds any judgmental comments or expressions. No, it's not really a four-star hotel. But it's the thought that counts, the gesture that he appreciates more than anything.

He flicks a smile at the other man, shaking his head at how nonchalant Jim is about the whole thing, before shifting freeing his hands to pull out his mobile. "I'll see what he says," he replies, and begins a quick flurry of texts between himself and his roommate. He tries to keep the expression on his face somewhat neutral but it's clear that John amuses him and also puzzles him in equal measures. There's also something of a hint of a frown line between his eyes, if Jim looks hard enough. Though maybe that's the headache's fault. (It isn't. Not completely.)

"He'll come," he says, slipping his phone away before it's too long to be impolite, reaching for the ice pack again. "I don't think I'll manage to convince him to stay here, but I may take you up on the offer. I've no idea where else I'll find that comes equipped with a ceiling fan, after all. And there's. A fridge, indoor facilities, and a shower. And that's really all I need. Speaking of..." He smiles sheepishly at the other man. "I don't suppose I might be able to take advantage of that now?"

[willrevile]

Ianto's crush on John is cute, if a little weird in its execution. (Personally Jim's not overly concerned with anything resembling monogamy for himself, but it's worth keeping an eye on in other people, to avoid awkwardness.)

Jim shrugs, expression 'no skin off my nose'. It's an open offer, and he's not bothered about it either way. The dilapidated shoebox is here if they need it.

"Of course," he says, and pushes back in his chair so he can get up. "I'll show you where the towels are. And uh, I don't do pajamas, so I don't have any to loan out, sorry, but believe me, it's too hot for them here, anyway."

[torchwoodteaboy]

Whoa there, Jim. Please pardon his sudden flush at that mental image it's just the heat he swears. Doesn't do pajamas...

"Oh, ehm," he stutters. "Thanks. That's okay, I'll just. I'll manage with this, it's fine. I've just got to, ehm. You know. Walking. Fighting. I did my best to clean up but now here with the humidity..."

No pajamas. He was planning on taking a cool shower anyway but now he'll definitely need one.

[willrevile]

How flattering. Jim tries not to notice but--

"Do they not have underwear in the 21st century?" grinning. Sorry, Ianto, he can't help but elbow in some teasing. Look he ain't walking around naked, it's fine. (He missed that in public by opting out of Khalo!)

"Cabinet back here has a couple towels. Go ahead and take the bed, get some rest. I've got to stay up and talk to a couple people anyway. I'll be quiet."

[torchwoodteaboy]

God. Ianto puts down the ice pack and tries not to embarrass himself any further by hiding his face in a few bites of sandwich. At least, until Jim offers for him to take his bed and nope, he's awkward all over again.

"Oh -- your... Are you sure?" He glances back at Jim's bed and then around the apartment, realizing that there really aren't that many places to sleep here otherwise. "I didn't mean to. If you just give me a blanket or something I can take the floor, I don't mind." He'll probably wake up stiff as all hell, but he doesn't mean to impose on the other man's space or take advantage of Jim's hospitality.

[willrevile]

"Quit asking me that," he chastises, though there's no heat in it. "Yes I'm sure, I just spent several days in an air conditioned space station with bunks my spine is actually used to, and you're covered in bruises. You're not sleeping on the floor."

Jim gets his hands on Ianto's shoulders and steers him towards the narrow hallway that leads to the closet-like bathroom (at least it's clean, and the water's nice). "Go, and if I see you longingly eyeballing the floor I'm going to subject you to my terrifying space-stun technique, the Vulcan nerve pinch, and then you'll really be out."

Spooky voice. (Fun fact, Jim can actually do that unlike his Prime counterpart.) "Relax. Everything's fine."

[torchwoodteaboy]

Ianto supposes he can't argue with that. He definitely is covered in bruises and it definitely would be a nightmare to sleep on the ground, especially with his head still feeling so achy and off. Alright, fine. Towels, shower. He can do this. He can be a functional human, and he can let Jim host him, and he can allow himself not to feel like an imposition for just one night. He really doesn't need to get knocked out, thank you very much.

He casts a glance aside at the other man, shooting him a sheepishly gracious smile. "Remind me never to get on your bad side then," he quips, because it's easier to focus on this Vulcan nerve pinch than it is to question anything else. He wields the towel he's fetched with a small flourish.

"Thanks for this. All of this. I'll try to make it quick."

[willrevile]

Somewhere, Spock's pointy little ears are burning. But anyway, Jim smiles at him.

"You're welcome. Don't worry, it'll all keep 'til morning."

AND THAT'S.. probably that, for this thread. Go team go!