Roland Deschain

Kaine shrugged at that and answered, "I think I pretty much have to, actually? Unless you're all lying out of your asses about eventually meeting up again you wouldn't even know where to begin to look. Ever since 'Cressia' that place has been incredibly locked down, I think it was supposed to keep gunslingers out just as much as Farson." By the way that she spoke it was clear that she had no idea what Cressia actually was, and was only repeating what little she'd heard at some point or the other.

Before she could speak again there was a loud, shaking explosion that didn't sound as close as it should be, given how the Earth itself seemed to rock back and forth for a second. Unbothered Kaine looked over to where Nariko was, knocked on her ass and moving her hair out of her face. What had once been open air was, for all intents and purposes, a blood red wall that extended around Gilead's sizable perimeter, and it's only opening was in front of Nariko. It was so tall and well formed that it nearly blocked out the sun itself.

"… She's fine." Kaine cleared her throat as if that might help divert attention from the subsequent destruction of those walls. Every time it happened the same muffled explosion occurred but the rumbling tapered off. "If no one can give me a decent reason that I should stay behind or go to Kyrat then I'm sticking with what I was told to do, and what I'll likely be told in the very immediate future. And that includes following Roland."

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Bert nodded, his gaze snapping back to Kaine. Nariko's destruction of the walls was fascinating, but he did have some manners. Not to mention, a profound sense of relief. "Good," he said, after a moment, and how much he meant it was clear by the lack of humour. He smiled, though, weary but heartfelt, and pushed himself to his feet. "Someone else ought to be around who's not afraid to cuff Ro' upside the head from time to time."

One of the other gunslingers made a choked sound that might have been a laugh, and Bert turned a grin on them, one much brighter and less true. "Can't say I don't speak true, sai Engel. Ro', by your leave I'll go and pack up our camp."

Roland nodded, settling back down beside Alain, his face stony and creased with thought, but his eyes on Nariko.

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She had expected him to insist that she remain with Nariko, in fact Kaine had been hinging on that so thoroughly that Bert's answer left her visibly red. At first her smile was outright goofy, lovesick and elated in a way that revealed her young age but she had the sense to eventually restrain herself. If she could have Kaine would have gone to help him but the last section of the wall faded and Nariko was halfway to returning as Bert was given permission to leave.

"There," Nariko started as she came back, the Grimoire now floated just behind her. "Cry pardon for the dramatics, but it's done. Is there anything else that needs to be addressed? I don't want to waste the sun."

Kaine shrugged amicably, "I think that's it? I'll get the horses ready for us." Without any more warning than that she gave Alain and Roland a little halfhearted salute and turned back towards the Lunaes side of camp, where they were already gathering up their things. It left Nariko on her own and she addressed Roland almost immediately. "Was there anything else we needed to discuss?"

Because he had certainly been staring with a bit of force, there, and she doubted he was magically overtaken by her looks. Then again, maybe the wheels in his brain deigned he look at her while he churned, Nariko wouldn't pretend to know what made the difference.

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"No." Roland got to his feet, gesturing to his gunslingers, who started to pack up the remnants of their camp and considerately ignore the married couple. After a moment, though, he shook his head, pressing his lips together. "Only that we seem to spend a lot of time lately in parting. Every time I think I have you back, you're gone again." His tone was matter-of-fact, but something a little less steady showed in the line of his mouth and the crease of his brow. He looked like a man with a great burden on his shoulders.

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"Is that to say you wouldn't end up choosing to leave me one way or the other?" There was nothing inherently cruel about the question itself, no was it in Roland's same matter-of-fact tone. It was something that happened to be there, something she said with an underlying fear, if anything. "Or is it that you actually want to value whatever amount of time we have left?" That might actually be somewhat touching if she could believe it was the truth.

"Even if you don't make it back in time to meet me in Kyrat, Kaine's always been skilled in finding her way back. That's partly why she's going with you and yours to begin with. If you follow her in the end then we'll have our reunion." What state she might be in, and what mindset he would find himself in was what concerned her the most, but there was no controlling that.

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"So long as you keep yourself in one piece till then," Roland said, and pressed his lips together, frowning. "It isn't that I think we'll never part. But I." His businesslike veneer shifted, just for a moment, and his tongue darted out to wet his lips. "I grieved you twice over already. When we part, I'd have it be for you to live your life, not to find your home six feet deep. I can't put it plainer than that. I love you, dear, and though I can't swear not to leave you, I can't bear to keep losing you."

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"The only way that you and I will part, now, is in front of that Tower. One of us will die and the other will go forward, Roland. The only parts that we have a choice in involve everything between. If you can hold against that siren call then we can meet one last time. You only have to do that, and ask me not to go without you. To trust you enough to wait. It isn't ka, it's what you choose to do."

If it sounded as if they were having three separate conversations at one time then, well, it was only because they were. She hadn't meant to mention the bit about the Tower and Nariko visibly beat herself up about it, but then shook her head. "I suppose I can't put it plainly at all, Roland, how much of this you leave to the wheel, when the wheel asks you to help guide it."

So was it any wonder that there had been such stagnation? It was like a never-ending showdown.

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Roland looked at her long and hard, his pale eyes narrowing. One could almost see the gears in his mind working, grinding slow and fine at this new information. But he said nothing for several moments, and, at last, all that he said was "You make it sound simple, as though the Tower is a day's stroll away. So why do I believe you?"

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"Because I'm right?" For all his quiet all Roland received in return was that fly away arrogance that she could be known for when it was easy to be herself, when her mother's death didn't pull everything down. She sobered quickly enough and gave a more reasonable shrug, "It's hardly simple, it's only a matter of resolution. You're going to find the Tower, I'm going to accomplish the tasks that I have been given, that your goal is the middle of mine - That, I suppose, is truly ka."

She grinned, looking like herself again for just a second. "It's also somewhat creepy if you think about it in hindsight."

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"And if I asked what tasks those are, would I get an answer?" Roland held her gaze, his blue eyes stonily unreadable as ever, but his mouth set in a softer line than before. "I'd as soon see you again before I walk the length and breadth of the Beam."

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"There isn't enough time to begin to explain, and it isn't a topic that can stand to be shortened." But she would tell him all the same if those other conditions could be met. "What I do know is that if you, for once listen to what I am saying then we inevitably walk the path together. Take care of yours, and come to me. By that time I should be able to explain it appropriately." Her head tilted and, again, there was that hint of herself. "Besides, I doubt Alain will let me cast him out for his own good, so I'll need to put you two back together as well."

That wasn't to say she wouldn't give it a fair try but of all people to travel with she imagined Alain was the most stubborn, the most unmovable. It was an endearing quality.

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Roland didn't smile, but he did let out a little huffing sound that might have been a laugh. "I think you have the measure of him," he agreed, and reached out to take her hand. "Guard him well, aye? I'd have you both in one piece when I see you again."

And with that, he stepped in closer, leaning in to kiss her.

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It would go without saying that she would look out for Alain, and certainly keep him attached to all of his various pieces. So knowing that she held his hand, allowed herself to lean up into that kiss. And at first it was good enough, but Nariko was the first to pull away, and she looked at him a little strangely, then, as if looking at him in a new way. And whatever she realized or felt brought her back up to his lips, brought her arms around him tightly and pressed her body to his. It was much more passionate than she would have liked to be in front of, well, everyone but this had to be an exception for her own reasons. Even if he didn't answer the obvious need that was far more emotional than physical, she didn't care. At least she expressed it.

The second time she trembled a little, and her gaze fell off to one side - Hopefully Roland would be astute enough to realize that she wasn't upset, just embarrassed at her own display.

"I'll make sure you get the better horses. But before you all run off, there's one more thing I need to do." And since it didn't involve kissing Roland's mouth numb she let go of him, and left, but didn't let go of his hand until she absolutely had to. Nathan, who had never left, and hadn't spoken a word during the entire series of events, smiled at Roland and followed her.

Twenty minutes later the one-hundred fifty something of the Lunaes and company were ready to go, centered at what was once the entrance to Gilead. Kaine held the horses reigns, the ones meant to be handed over to the gunslingers, but Nariko grabbed her friend's arm, and spoke very clearly.

"Find Cuthbert, and come back with him." And she didn't need to say their names for Kaine to realize Roland and Alain would have to follow.

Edited Date: 2015-10-08 10:40 pm (UTC)

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Cuthbert was already on his way to join Nariko and the Lunaes, along with the other gunslingers. They were used to packing up camp quickly and at short notice, after all; most of the last twenty minutes had been spent in assessing what state the remaining gunslingers were in, and how best to accommodate them.

When Kaine crossed paths with them, Bert was supporting the oldest gunslinger, the one with half a leg missing, and carrying full pack on his back. Roland carried two packs, one on each shoulder; not all the other gunslingers were in a state to carry anything much, and he hadn't let them try. Alain walked at the back of the little group, his own pack lighter than the others', his expression hard and set.

Bert smiled at Kaine, waving her over. "Is she packed? Ready to go?"

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"Yes," Her own smile wavered a little, despite the little burst of happiness that came with seeing him. "They spared what they could," She patted the bags tied to one of the animal's sides. "We shouldn't need to worry about much of anything for at least a month."

She didn't let go of the reigns just yet, though, and looked at all three of the ka-tet she knew best. "I think there's one last thing Nariko wants to do before we all go our separate ways, though. Will everyone be alright without you three for a moment? She wants to speak with you," meaning Bert, "So I doubt it'll take very long."

But the possibilities made her anxious all the same. Kaine looked over her shoulder to Nariko, who wasn't quite with her own, but stood outside of earshot, directly in the middle of both groups.

"... I'm getting the feeling that it's something really important." The idea of yet more drama could threaten to knock Kaine on her ass, but her instincts had never failed her, and it would be what it had to.

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"Must be, if she wants to speak to me," Bert said dryly, and sighed. "By your leave, then, sai Chavis. James, will you take him?" And he beckoned over the young redhead, ducking out from under the older man's arm to pass his support over.

"Wait here," Roland told the others, with a little nod, and put down both his packs. "Al, with me. Will, Percival, pack up the horses."

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Kaine waited through the shuffling of bodies and such, and then lead the way. At first she attempted to wear a smile but it melted all too quickly underneath her elder friend's stare, which was decidedly hard, and unnerving. Kaine opened her mouth but found herself beat to the overall punch.

"You're serious about this." Kaine appeared as confused as she happened to be, but then thought to look at Bert. It clicked, very suddenly, that this was about him, so she nodded, and somewhat pointedly looked away as she gave her answer.

"I want to stay with him for as long as possible." And because she had already caught onto what was going on it only made sense to go on. Her usually level tone was broken up into an utterly embarrassed lilt, not out of any sense of humiliation. It was the wavy tone that could only be associated with exposing feelings she would have preferred to keep to herself. "I don't have any illusions about what the future looks like, and I'm still not sure I'm the marrying kind, but -" By now her face was apple red, and almost ready to emit heatwaves. "But I'm going to do my best to keep him unless he says otherwise, or until it only makes sense to part." She paused, and twisted her heel into the ground. "... Not that I'm looking forward to that happening, if ever."

While it might have been easy to mistake the shift in Nariko's posture as aggressive, and the sharpness in her eyes as angry, it was the exact opposite. She was jealous in her own way, and it took far too long to shake off. When that feeling was mostly gone Nariko pushed more steel into her voice, she needed it to face Bert.

"And you?" She waved a hand lazily, as if the motion took whole pounds of strength from her, "You don't have to be so elaborate, just speak honestly. If there's any part of you that will, or does genuinely love her now is the time to be clear about it. I don't expect miracles, Cuthbert, but I can't rightfully let her go to someone who won't even try. So it needs to be said before we've run out of time."

And in that there was the heart of the matter, a cross between an over worried mother and a concerned best friend. Maybe the particular significance couldn't be grasped but the whole thing was, in a very pointed way, official. Greater than solidifying a relationship but less than a marriage, and judging by how Kaine's gray-blue eyes flitted from Nariko to Cuthbert and then, oddly, also to Roland, it meant as much to her as it obviously did to Nariko.

So if there was ever a time to be a little tactful, it was right then and there. If nothing else Nariko's expectations were criminally low, so it wasn't as if he lacked a handicap.

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Cuthbert swallowed, his own cheeks dark under his tan. His tongue darted out, wetting his lips, and he glanced at Roland. Then, biting his lip, he cast a long look at Kaine, and finally back to Nariko. He looked less hunted now, more certain, without even a hint of his usual levity. "Yes," he said quietly. Then, slipping into the High Speech under the gravity of the situation, "Serious as ever I have been. She has been life in a place of death, and a strength when strength failed. And for her I would leave Roland, and weep to do it, but do it still. More than that I cannot say. By all my fathers and the guns I bear, I am serious. If there's more you need than that, Nariko, then cry pardon; I don't have more in me."

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Judging by the utter amazement painted all over Kaine's face she hadn't expected half, or maybe even any of what Bert decided to answer with. Before she could manage anything more than an awkwardly pitched squeak she was interrupted.

"It's more than enough," Certainly enough to threaten tears on Nariko's end, but this was hardly the moment to lose face. "... I'm really supposed to go into a long speech about the expectations of a promised couple but I think most of us can agree that tradition doesn't always get us to where we need or want to be. Kaine," Said girl finally yanked her gaze from Bert to pay attention, her back snapping rimrod straight. "You've a heart that can encompass worlds, so do not fault a man when he is foolish or even cruel, never admonish a gunslinger for being what he is. Use that heart to exorcise respect and understanding, respect for the great man Cuthbert is and will continue to grow into, understanding for the steel in him as well as the humanity. Remember that these are aspects of love, and use your time away to grow with him, and in that way you will become worthy of a man born from the line of Eld."

By now there was a noticeable tension among the group behind Nariko, expressions ranging from outright shock to muddled confusion. "As the thirtieth matara of the Lunae clan, I wholeheartedly welcome Cuthbert Allgood, son of Robert Allgood, to the arms of Kyrat, and to our family. He is of us, of Kaine, and of me," Here, she turned to face her own people, "and if any of you feel so strongly as to mutter and priss like pathetic, weak-willed pieces of shit I will take every one of you to the days of your training and beat you so furiously that your ancestors will shudder with disgust to see how pathetic you have become!"

Straightening her top, Nariko sloughed off that peculiar form of roughness that might have been easier to here from someone like Cort rather than herself. "Now, hug or kiss or something, I don't control your lives so whatever works, but we're losing daylight, so feel free to save it for later."

"... That's not how this is supposed to end," And if Kaine sounded mournful, well, she'd never admit to it.

"I really don't want to spend the next two hours chanting and singing, Kaine, we all literally have better things to do with ourselves." And since Nariko was back to business it was Alain she addressed next. "When you're ready." Because now there wasn't anything left over, or at least nothing that she would linger around to address.

Kaine waited until Nariko was at least halfway to her horse before whirling around to hopefully pull Cuthbert into a hug, one that might break a bone or two if he didn't speak up.

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Cuthbert was still staring after Nariko in slack-jawed shock, and was taken off-guard by Kaine's hug, letting out a low oof! as she knocked the wind out of him. His confusion didn't fade, but he did hug her back, that familiar smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I don't know what spirits like you need," he wheezed, the lightness back in his tone, "but here in Mid-World we need to breathe."

Roland, who was looking more than a little misty-eyed himself, cleared his throat and nodded, tapping his throat in salute to Alain as the blonde followed after Nariko. Wiping his eyes, the dinh of what little was left of Gilead turned, patted Kaine and Bert's shoulders, and turned to head back to the gunslingers.

Alain, meanwhile, caught up with Nariko, raising his eyebrows at her. "Am I much mistaken, or did I just witness a marriage?"

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"Sorry!" Granted the apology came a few seconds after Bert had asked her to let go, but she just needed to put a little extra love into it. "Sorry, it's just - I never thought!" And then she laughed in a delirious, shocked kind of way before finally coming back to herself. "I wasn't expecting any of that! Not from her, or you! Oh man." It was taking a near dangerous amount of effort to remain still. "We should get going before I come down from the high."

They had enough to go over, both joyful and angry, but there wasn't a lot of time left over for that. "Does anyone else need help?"

Across the way Nariko wiped at her eyes without any subtlety, but didn't attempt to hide it from Alain. "Marriage takes a week on our end, that was just a promise ceremony, along the lines of an engagement." She paused while securing her book to the horse, "... Although if that's how Cuthbert received it then I'm even more impressed with his response."

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Cuthbert laughed, kissing her soundly before letting go himself, and raked his hair back from his face. "Could've done a lot worse, couldn't I?" he said lightly, then, clearing his throat, turned to follow Roland back towards the gunslingers. The smile lingered, though, tugging at his lips despite himself.

"We'd be best to decide now who's fit to ride, and who'll go pillion," Roland said matter-of-factly, when they were all gathered. "The more can ride alone, the better - if we find others, there'll be more space for them that way. Alfred, ride with Percival. I won't hear argument," he added sharply, as the one-legged man opened his mouth. "Mayhap you can ride one-legged, and mayhap you can't, but that's a thing to learn another time. Bert, you'll take a horse along riderless. Rope one up, and keep it in tow. You're up to that, aren't you?"

"Aye, Ro'." Cuthbert nodded, trying to look serious, but that smile kept sneaking in around the edges.

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That Roland could maintain himself so well had to be some magical testament to his strength or focus as a leader, but Kaine was pleasantly below that. She couldn't really stop herself from grinning either, and didn't do nearly as much to hide it as she should have. And while Roland doled out orders and Cuthbert followed them, she mostly stuck to Bert, idly noting who was who, but otherwise keeping to herself.

Somewhere in the back of her head she could hear that ever familiar voice reminding her to observe and be watchful in a new situation but - She could get to that later. What did catch in her mind was the group opposite of them, and she reached over to tug at Bert's arm gently.

"... He'll be okay, right?" She meant Alain, of course, because there was no question about Nariko or the rest of them.

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"Sure." Bert looked only a little worried, and it was easily missed under his smile. "He's got a better head on his shoulders than any of us, you should kennit by now. Save your worry for yourself, you're the one heading into occupied territory with two madmen as your guides." Finishing his work of knotting the reins of one horse to the saddle clasp of the other, he turned to look at her, reaching up to brush her hair back tenderly with the tips of his fingers. "He'll be fine. And so will we. The worst is past, I think."

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