(Untitled)

[tenacious_stray]

Who: Gabranth and you!
What: taking it to the streets.
Where: out and about Promenade.
When: during the fear event.
Warnings: probable violence

Comments

[eternityunseen]

Zachary really shouldn't have been outside right now. Really, really shouldn't have, and yet he found himself exiting the building with a deep breath and a very confused mind. His PORTAL was tucked away, turned off and keeping him safe from the influence of the other broadcasts for now. No one had a voice right now, but he could hear the scuffles, practically smell the chaos, and the fear soaked the night and dripped onto his bones.

Yet he couldn't stay inside. At least one person out there needed help, and his senses were screaming at him that sitting still would probably send him into a similar frenzy. What else could he do?

Zachary grimaced as someone ran past, shoved him up against the wall of the building, and he held his position there, keeping his cane out of the way to avoid being separated from it. Now if only he had any idea where he was going or how to get there.
Be careful. Guard yourself.

[tenacious_stray]

So far, Gabranth had been fortunate enough that most of those who crossed his path were too panicked to do anything other than scream or turn and flee at the sight of him. Still, he kept his swords at the ready, just in case...

That was when he caught sight of the man being shoved against the wall, just out of the corner of his visor. What held his attention was the cane; just what in the world was such a man doing on the streets at a time like this? Still, he didn't seem to be panicking like the rest, so perhaps it would be worth his while to see what was going on.

You there. He still found it strange to call to others with his mind rather than his natural voice, but he managed to keep his tone just as commanding as he would otherwise. Be you of sound mind, or have you been struck witless like the rest?

[eternityunseen]

When the voice broadcast into his mind, Zachary turned to the source of the most likely culprit: the heavy footprints getting closer. What the hell was that noise? He reached into the pocket of his vest to switch his own PORTAL on, concerned frown incredibly evident.

Lucky you, I haven't gone crazy, he answered. Talking like that was still strange as all get-out, but at least it was convenient, and no matter the other man's tone, Zachary kept his a hint of levity in his own. Better than giving into what he could feel from all angles. Glad to see I'm not the only one.
What is it?

[tenacious_stray]

So he hadn't; that much gave Gabranth some small amount of relief. Though he could have sworn... No, no. Whatever else he might have heard was not worth his time at the moment.

A man with your condition would do better to remain indoors, he said, his tone not quite as commanding but still firm. The able-bodied will meet with enough peril in the streets under these circumstances.

[eternityunseen]

Sounds to me like nobody is really able-bodied anymore, Zachary replied smoothly. At least, even if they were physically fit, they were likely caught up in whatever was catching so many people with this insanity. He frowned. It was dangerous outside, sure, but he still couldn't imagine staying cooped up in his room all night. Thanks for the concern, but indoors isn't very attractive right now, either.

[tenacious_stray]

Hmph. And for what reason would you choose to remain in harm's way? For surely he must have had some manner of reason for it, Gabranth was certain.

[eternityunseen]

Well, if there's only a few of us left with our heads screwed on right, Zachary started slowly, contemplative, what good is it going to do if we all hide away?

[tenacious_stray]

It was an astute observation, one which Gabranth could not easily refute. But even so...

And you believe you would do some great amount of good out here, with your condition?

[eternityunseen]

I don't know. Figured I'd try and see what I could do before deciding there wasn't anything. He gave half of a smirk and shrugged.
I wanted to know what is going on. That's all.

[tenacious_stray]

With that, whatever regard Gabranth might have held for the man's argument was instantly gone.

Then you are a fool to remain here. He glanced about, looking for any others who might dare attack. Have you no means of defending yourself?

[eternityunseen]

I'd come up with something, replied Zachary, not quite dismissive. It was much more contemplative than anything, really, because he usually didn't. This city didn't follow normal rules, however, and he had been thinking of ways to use that to his advantage.

[tenacious_stray]

Gabranth remained unsatisfied with his answer, and he had every inclination to drop the matter and leave him as he stood. But his honor - rather, whatever honor was left to him - would not allow it.

Come with me. Though his tone was commanding once more, the edge to it was softer this time. I'll not leave you to fend for yourself under such conditions.

[eternityunseen]

Why, Zachary said, his lips beginning to quirk, thank you.

He carefully edged himself away from the wall. Without the other man's voice to actually follow during the conversation, it meant he had to follow the audio cues provided by his... what was that noise, anyway? Chains? Armor? Regardless, it wasn't quite as easy as it usually might have been.