[closed]

[brynwieldr]

Who: Leo, Forrest, and Niles
What: So last event, Forrest nora'd Leo. Leo needs to talk to the two of them about this.
When: June 3rd
Where: Forrest's temple.

[Leo wasn't sure at first that what he was seeing was really there, but catching Niles in the hot springs confirmed it: Niles had a second name on his body.

Niles was a noragami.

It was apparently to Forrest, if what Niles said was true, and while Leo wasn't mad at either of them for it, he was a bit annoyed that no one had thought to tell him after it had been done...and that Forrest didn't revoke the name he gave Niles after the zombie attack.

They needed to talk.

Leo called ahead to let Forrest know he and Niles were coming by and then headed out with his shinki, after reassuring them both he wasn't mad in the slightest.]

Comments

[deniles]

[And now they're even.

Niles sighs as he walks a step behind Leo towards Forrest's temple.]

Not sure why you're making a big deal of this at all.

[But whatever, he's not going to fight this at all.]

[brynwieldr]

I just want to discuss some things, and I'd rather you be there during the discussion as it involves you.

[deniles]

If you say so.

[He's not going to fight it. He could, probably, but here's no point.]

So what do you need to discuss then?

[brynwieldr]

How we're going to handle you having two gods, mostly.

[Simple enough.]

[deniles]

Let's hope it goes better than how we handled the last addition.

[A.K.A. How Niles handled it which was not at all.]

[brynwieldr]

[Leo just gives Niles a Look as they reach Forrest's temple. Don't even try that bullshit right now, Niles. Leo knows better.]

[deniles]

[He's fully aware. There's still a hint of bitterness involved, however, as he moves up and knocks on the door.]

[clothes_make_the_man]

[Forrest comes to the door shortly thereafter, looking guilty and worried despite his father's earlier assurances.]

...Please, come in.

[brynwieldr]

[And in they come. Leo looks around, hoping to find a quiet place to have this conversation]

No need to be worried, Forrest.

[deniles]

[Niles has no regrets as he steps inside, nodding to Forrest.]

I'm sure it's not a big deal, but maybe don't give your son heart attacks.

[clothes_make_the_man]

We'll go to the inner chamber.

[It's the most comfortable place in the temple. Forrest leads them back through opulent golden hallways filled with bright colors and lotus flower iconography, and into a room with velvet sitting pillows. Ostensibly it's where Lakshmi would hold audiences, where she here. Forrest, however, sits down on one of the pillows. He's not going to presume to place himself above either of them, even in his own temple. And once he's settled in, he folds his hands in his lap and simply looks at Leo, waiting.]

[brynwieldr]

He'll be fine.

[Leo can't blame him--unless it's a power thing, Leo hates using his throne room for anything other than looking nice. It's weird, to be seated on a throne.

He takes a seat on another pillow, legs crossed in front of him.]

So. Can I ask why neither of you told me about this before? Why I had to find out by chance?

[deniles]

We've been busy. Everyone has.

[Boy, that's a flashback, huh.]

I'll take responsibility for it, however. I simply didn't see a need. I would have thought you'd want me to let Forrest name me a long time ago. We only just happened to run into an opportunity for it.

[clothes_make_the_man]

[Forrest waits for Niles to finish before speaking up.]

...I wasn't sure how to tell you. I was worried you'd be upset with me. And then, as more time went by, I got even more nervous, and it got even harder to talk about it. I didn't mean for this to be a surprise.

[brynwieldr]

[Leo shoots Niles yet another Look. Grow up, you manchild.]

Why would I be upset? If it's a matter of life or death, I'd rather you use either of my shinki than die, Forrest. I would have just also like to be told upfront after everything. That doesn't explain why you didn't say anything, Niles, but what's done is done.

[Yes, he isn't taking the "no need" bullshit]

...that being said, I am grateful you offered to become a nora for him, Niles. And I'm grateful you accepted, Forrest.

[deniles]

[You keep giving him hell about these things and who knows what's going to happen Leo.

And don't take his bullshit. Then he'll simply continue what he's doing.]

Is that everything then?

[Niles certainly seems far less pleased than he probably should be.]

[clothes_make_the_man]

[Forrest is relieved, but not entirely happy about the prevailing mood in the room.]

I understand. I'm sorry for not coming to you sooner.

[He frowns, glancing for a moment in Niles' direction.]

I hope this won't become a problem for either of you. I know nora aren't very well regarded in general. I'd hate for this to reflect badly on you because I was too weak to take care of myself.

[brynwieldr]

[Oh Forrest]

You weren't weak at all, and I frankly don't give a damn about what the general thoughts on noras are. I trust Niles not to nora to anyone who looks at him funny and I trust you not to abuse him. If someone thinks poorly of me, it's more a reflection on them than it is me or Niles. I'd rather a nora who does it to protect people than a "loyal" shinki who lets people die.

[deniles]

I'm fine taking the poor thoughts on myself.

[Because he's already doing that anyways.]

Try not to worry about it, Forrest. I told you to do it. If it reflects badly on me, so be it.

[He shakes his head.]

[clothes_make_the_man]

[Conversational pivot: successful. At least Niles and Leo are agreeing on something now. He tries not to look too happy about it, but it's true that he's relieved to hear it from both of them.]

Thank you both. And Niles, please feel free to stay at my temple whenever you wish. I'll set up a room for you.

[He's pretty sure it's okay to extend an offer like that without expressly asking Leo first. Honestly, he's hoping it will help all around for Niles to have somewhere to go when he's feeling disenchanted with things at Odin's temple.]

[brynwieldr]

If anyone gives you hell for it, Niles, please speak to one of us.

[He doesn't want to risk that blighting either of them, not after what he's seen happen.]

Please.

[deniles]

I get hell for so many different reasons, it's fine.

[He doesn't regret this for a second. And he has absolutely no shame involved in that.]

...Actually, Forrest. I think I'd like to take you up on that offer. For a few nights.

[Spoilers: Guess who is 100% disenfranchised with Leo right now. He steps forward to turn to his first god.]

For training purposes, of course.

[clothes_make_the_man]

[nooooooo Niles you were agreeing on something don't ruin it]

...Yes. Of course.

[brynwieldr]

[Leo searches Niles face when he looks at him and is very clearly unhappy by what he sees.

But he's an adult. He's a prince. He's a god. He can't be a petty child over this. It isn't his fault. It isn't Niles's fault. It's the fault of the people who killed Niles and the powers that brought them both here.

Still, he knows what Niles really means. And it hurts. Years of trust and friendship, gone because of some dastard assassins.

So Leo swallows, but nods]

Of course, Niles. I'll send some of your things over, if you'd rather not return to my temple right now.

[deniles]

[He'd rather not see you, if you're going to constantly downplay his feelings about things. A lot of everything back at Odin's temple hurts.

And he still feels like another Shinki is the favorite, just by the way they interact.

Perhaps that's just Niles's fault, of course. For having so much distrust in Leo.]

...Thank you.

[It is his fault. He moves to walk over to stand beside Forrest with a nod.]

Just a few days. I'll be back to your temple soon.

[clothes_make_the_man]

[Well, this is awkward. Forrest was trying to help, and now it looks like he's making a power play. He hopes Leo doesn't think of it that way, and looks even more worried than before.]

Yes. Well. I suppose I should get to work readying the room, then.

[brynwieldr]

[Leo nods and stands]

Thank you again for protecting Forrest, Niles. I'll send someone over with your things--not Saix, don't worry.

[deniles]

It was my pleasure.

[He nods slowly, and keeps looking right at Leo.

Hoping he'd say something else.

But sure that he wouldn't.]

[brynwieldr]

[Leo turns to say something to Forrest, but his son has already headed off. He'll have to call him on his way back to his temple.

He turns back to Niles]

...whenever you feel like coming back, we should train more. I enjoyed that session we had a few weeks ago.

[deniles]

...I look forward to that.

[He looks to Leo. Feeling very bitter sweet about the whole thing.]

Have a safe trip home.

[He cares about Leo. Never would wish him any ill will.

But today. He only wishes for some peace.]