timeandtides_backup | Mirror Image

Entry tags:

Mirror Image

Characters: Basch and Noah fon Ronsenburg
Progress: Ongoing
Summary: The twins finally meet
Location: Narshe
Date: March 1804
Warnings: Twins with serious lineface issues? I'll let you know.

Noah was exhausted. After dealing with everything recently, and not having any time to himself, he was tired of walking around in full plate armour and suffering the day-to-day life he had. He adored Larsa. Of course he did. It just got tiring to spend so much time on your feet and watching over someone to the point that you forgot to watch over yourself. Gabranth was getting sick from the cold, but he wasn't going to complain or even let Larsa know. Judge Magisters did not let themselves get ill or inform their Lords of the fact. No, he would just put up with his exhaustion and illness without a word.

Finally free of his armour, for a rare change, Noah wore thick pants, a warm cotton shirt and boots to help him through the snow. A cloak that, along with all his clothing, was black was tied around his neck and the youngest fon Ronsenburg twin trecked from Larsa's abode to the inn. He wanted to finally speak to Basch now he had a chance and with thick gloves covering his hands and his blades abandoned at home, he was leaving himself completely unarmed for a reason.

It showed his desire not to harm his twin again. After everything he'd done, and said, Gabranth was ashamed of his behaviour. Certainly, he still had issues about what had happened when Landis fell, but Noah wouldn't bring it up. Basch's decision to leave their sick mother to him and flee to Dalmasca would always anger him, but the things he'd done to Basch were unforgivable.

Pushing open the doors to the inn, Noah's blue eyes searched for his almost identical twin. They'd be exactly the same if Basch just learned to shave and would damn well cut his hair, but they'd chosen to look differently on purpose. It was never nice when people called you your brother's name.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Likewise, Basch also felt weary. The past several days had been a whirlwind of confusion and conflicting emotions, especially after that night spent with Balthier. There were so many things he wanted to feel, and yet he couldn't settle on one. Excitement? Fear? Trepidation? Though he wasn't in Ivalice any longer, that remained the least of his worries with everyone he thought dead or lost now very much alive.

He was perched on the edge of the mattress, his head cradled in his hands. Slowly, the blond exhaled a heavy sigh, opening those tired eyes to gaze upon the hardwood floor. This room was so depressing. Any longer in here, and he would think himself to death.

Basch stood, feeling stiff, and made his way to the door, quietly shutting it behind him upon exiting. The corridor smelled much less stuffy, and he took in a breath, heading for the entrance doors to the inn for some much-needed fresh air.

And when he spotted his brother, he slowed to a stop, face blank with surprise.

His gaze fell when he felt Basch's eyes on him. His initial emotion? Shame. He was ashamed of the things he'd done to his brother, he always would regret most of his actions as a Judge Magister, but he wasn't going to press these issues outside of apologising in person. He didn't need to remind Basch of the things he'd done. Many nights blended into early mornings when he'd tortured his twin to both their breaking points. Noah still suffered nightmares of his own cruelty, but he didn't want to think about it.

Swallowing thickly, Noah lowered his hood and crossed the room to stand before his twin, eyes finding a pair almost the same and a slight frown creasing his brow.

"My apologies for not coming to meet you upon your arrival, Basch. The events of late have kept me far busier than I had expected..." And he had been a coward. He had wanted to stay away because who was he to request civil calm between them?

The sound of Noah's voice -- less gruff, more regal -- kept Basch grounded where he was, unable to even shift as he laid his gaze on the other man. He was out of his armor and just like he'd remembered before he-- No. He would not go down that train of thought. Having Noah here right before him in the flesh, rather than over a small screen, was almost frightening in a sense. Although Basch believed in fate, he did not believe that those who had passed could return from the dead.

Yet here his brother was, breathing and alive.

He swallowed thickly and also averted his eyes, but only for a moment. "Do not apologize. I did not expect you to leave behind your duties so easily."

Unsure of what to say, Noah clasped his hands behind his back. He was so used to hiding his emotions behind his helmet that it was difficult to speak to Basch without being able to hide his feelings. Even while torturing him, the helmet would usually be in place to keep Basch from seeing the sorrow and the anger in his gaze. He still loved him; of course he loved him, he just didn't know how to make ammends for the things he had done and didn't believe he deserved any kind of respect or forgiveness.

"Have you a desired destination, or would a walk about Narshe suffice, Basch?" Giving him the choice would be better than to make any demands, decisions or take any leading role. This was a delicate situation and while he was definitely the more demanding twin, he would let Basch take control.

Basch was torn between relief and hesitance, but the former won, and briefly, a small -- and in some way, nervous -- smile flashed across his lips, only to disappear as quickly as it'd surfaced.

"You've good timing. I had planned a short walk for myself, but company would be most welcome," he announced, wondering why those words felt so foreign on his tongue. When was the last time he had done something so casual with his brother? Could it really have been more than two years? The thought was baffling.

Casual activities between them had not happened for many, many years, though in the years between their first seperation and the night that Noah framed Basch for treason had flown by all to comfortably for the younger twin, which set him ill at ease. It was never nice to think how he had forced himself to forget he ever had a twin, just so he could ignore the feeling that half of him was missing.

Noah gave a small nod and turned for the door, leading the way out into the snow. Leaving his hood down, the younger fon Ronsenburg waited again, allowing Basch entire control over their rendezvous. "Have you settled well into Narshe, brother?"

"It shames me to admit that I've not seen much of her," the ex-Captain began, pausing momentarily before stepping forward, a glance over his shoulder implying that Noah should follow. "But I did not come to see her sights."

I came here for you, he silently added, eyes and fingers running over the entrance door as he pushed it open.

His tunic was a change from his normal vest, and he was fortunate to be wearing it as a cold blast of air settled over him, light snow falling like discarded feathers from the grey of the sky. It would not be enough to keep him from shivering, but Basch could use the chill to clear his busy head.

Noah was not amused by Basch's decision to wear so little in the snow, but he was so used to playing a fatherly role to Larsa that he couldn't help but assume the same role with Basch. It'd only take a while with him for him to relax and find himself playing the part of a brother again, but for now he would just frown disapprovingly.

"I see. Then I suppose it is time we spoke upon what we have yet to discuss." He crossed his arms over his chest, listening to the crunching of the snow under foot as they settled into a brief silence.

The Judge Magister wanted to apologise again, but apologies were usually rather awkward and he didn't want to spoil things so soon. Especially considering he had to inform Basch of his pirate friend being arrested for murder, even if he knew Basch would be indifferent to Vayne's death.

The other man assumed the worst from his words, figuring they were now going to discuss their very recent reunion, and Noah's near brush with death. He didn't let the tension and displeasure translate to his face, and merely nodded, fingers beginning to curl into a fist, either from the impending conversation, or the cold. Perhaps both.

"... I do not know where to begin, Noah." His tone was pained, a clear contrast with his expression, but the anguish was there.

Mouth slightly agape, one brow raised, Noah looked at Basch in complete confusion. What in the world was so upsetting? Stopping his strides, a gloved hand came to curl against Basch's bicep. "Whatever you've set your mind on, Basch, you are clearly mistaken..."

Shaking his head slightly, Noah sighed at his twin. "I... must inform you of something that has happened on Gaia." He still had hold of Basch's arm, though it was a strangely gentle touch for someone so brutal.

"Vayne Solidor had been alive here, and supposedly doing good work, at least in the eye of the public. However, the sky pirate Balthier has been arrested for his assassination. I believed it best to inform you, as you insist upon calling him a friend." Finally releasing Basch's arm, his hands hung at his sides.

"And also, brother... I apologise for the mistakes and brutality. I understand why you will not forgive me," or he believed Basch would not forgive him, "but I must apologise to you in person."

It was best to get it all done now and out of the way.

To say that Basch was bewildered was something of an understatement. He stared disbelievingly, almost dumbly, into his brother's eyes, completely taken aback by the string of reveals. Vayne had only died in Ivalice several days past, but that wasn't what startled him. It was that Noah seemed to be saying that Balthier alone assassinated Vayne Solidor. It had taken six of them to defeat the man. As much as he had been prepared to discuss their respective wrongdoings and mistakes, he couldn't decide what to respond to first.

So he opted for the first.

"Where is he?"

"The dungeons of Lindblum Castle, I believe." Noah's gaze fell and he clasped a hand around his own wrist, behind his back. "He was arrested on Saturday just passed, but I had not the chance to inform you sooner." Swallowing thickly, he glanced towards the way they had been walking, though now they stood in the snow with only one cloak between two men. It was irritating Noah. He would be taking his cloak off and offering it to his twin soon enough.

Clearing his throat and forcing himself to look at his twin, he sighed slightly. "Should you desire an airship to pay him a visit, I will be willing to pay the air fare... and if you would like a travel companion, I will request time away from My Lord..." He didn't expect he'd get it, though. Larsa could be demanding at times.

Basch's brows furrowed lightly as he took in the information, his first thought lingering on the location of Lindblum Castle. When he'd first arrived, Fran had instructed him how to access the map, and he would surely be looking up this city of Lindblum. He faced away, looking deep into the snow as if intending to burn a whole into the blanket of white, before facing Noah once again.

"Aye. I would like to visit him." A pause-- not awkward, but pensive. "You've a duty to Lord Larsa. Protect him well, brother. Eighteen he may be, but still he remains a child. I know, too, what it is like to lose a brother."

And here he was, back on that topic again. It would take some great self-restraint to keep off it, and to veer away from those words, he lightly touched Noah's shoulder.

"Thank you. I will go on my own."

Noah paused and sighed, shaking his head a moment later as he turned to walk away. It was tiring to think of how many times they'd lost each other, and only once had it been through death. It was sad, and it hurt, and it depressed him.

Deciding it was well past time to push the tense atmosphere away, Gabranth scooped a gloved handful of snow, packing it into a discreet ball without alerting his twin to it and swiftly turned on his heel, aiming right for Basch's head as he tossed the snowball. Yes, he was thirty-six. Yes, he was a serious-by-nature man. Yes, he was a Judge Magister. Did he care? Not in the slightest.

There was too much tension and this would perhaps relieve it. "Enough mention of losing one another. You have me now, do you not? And I've you. Thus, enough. 'Tis dull to hear you drone on." There may have been a smirk on his face. Just a small one.

Even in his slight daze, the older blond managed to dodge the airborne snowball, allowing it to whiz right past his head. He stared, incredulous, at the Judge Magister, as though he couldn't understand what'd just happened. Did Noah just... did he actually--

"Drone, you say?" Basch lowered into a crouch and hesitated before mirroring those actions, coming up to his feet and hurling the ball at his twin, perhaps a bit more gently. Oh, that was cold.

Taking the snowball to his shoulder, Noah snatched a handful of snow and lobbed it at Basch, his eyes narrowing just a little. "Aye. Drone. Your voice is no longer a pleasant sound thanks to this gruffness you've acquired, Basch." Even if he'd said many times in the past how his pained sounds from the constant torture had been like music to him, Noah had put up a spiteful front to disguise how it tore his heart to harm Basch despite how desperately angry he was at him.

Striding towards him, Noah smirked, crossing his arms as he awaited retaliation.

The snowball connected with his chest, hard and rather painful against his barely guarded skin. But Basch took it with stride and barely winced, bending back toward the ground to gather another handful into his gloved hands.

Rather than lugging it at the other man, he remained crouched, rolling the ball back and forth between his palms.

"You speak as though you've not heard it before."

Crouching, Noah gathered another snowball, waiting for Basch to speak before he even considered throwing it. "I've heard it far too much. Odd, that we can appear so similar yet sound so different."

And finally tossing the snowball at Basch, he smirked a little. "Are you to wait and bide your time forever, big brother, or must I wrestle you to the ground?"

This time, the man dodged the projectile snowball, but only barely. He said nothing, however, and allowed his brother to gloat as he continued to roll that ball, cold nipping at his fingertips. It would've been in his best interest to dress up before stepping out into the snow, but he'd only been meaning for a short walk, and certainly not to bump into Noah. He had no intention of heading back to his room to fetch something warmer, not when he'd finally been reunited with Noah face to face at last. This sort of atmosphere was oddly comforting, yet failed to set him completely at ease. Here he was with the brother who'd died before his very eyes, throwing snowballs at each other as though they were once against children.

Basch briefly wondered what their lives would've been like if their home had not been destroyed. Would it have been like this? This easy? It felt as much, but deep in his heart he knew good things never lasted for long. Whatever might have happened then could've led them right back to this point, perhaps not engaged in a snowball war, but at the very least, at each other's throats. Even something this harmless held a brief note of hostility, however innocent.

He smiled very faintly, lowered his head so that he could gaze into the snow. Perhaps that feeling stirring in his chest wasn't uneasiness. Maybe it was relief. Love.

For the first time in a very long time, Basch felt happy.

"I'm afraid you must," he uttered eventually, glancing up and finally hurling that chunk of snow in his brother's direction.

Those words reached his ears a lot swifter than the snowball was released and while it hit him square in the chest he just kept running at his twin, tackling him down into the snow, a hand instantly cradling the back of Basch's head to protect him from cracking it on the ground beneath.

Of course, by the time they were on the floor, Noah having tackled him down and thrown his legs around him to knee him in the ribs just enough to make a point, he didn't exactly know what they were supposed to do next.

Laughing, his voice a lot smoother than when he was trying to sound intimidating, Noah tugged Basch's hair lightly before rolling off him, sitting in the snow with a small sigh of amusement. It was nice to be so relaxed and he felt happy as well. It was like he expected things would have been if life never took such a sour turn.

Basch finally felt his age creeping through his old bones when his brother ran right into him, which he didn't even try to prevent, and he'd hit the snow with a gruff and quiet oof. He, too, laughed breathlessly, laying there in the cold for a few moments and gazing up into the bright sky with a slight squint, one hand draped over his ribs. This all felt rather strange, but not unwanted.

"A truce?" The blond looked to the other, that smile fading as he continued to squint against the hidden sun.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Mirror Image

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

/GUTTTTERSSS

/TOTALLY LIVES IN THE GUTTER

/sets up house

/house warming party!

/it's time to derp

/derpity derp

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

guess he'd better stop smoking :|a

yes he really should >|

look I'm two weeks late but don't judge me

/judges, judges so hard

/oh thank god he's not in armor omjesus