Aefenglom Inbox

[newtralize]

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I'm not sure if I'm using this correctly...Is this recording? Oh- Yes! Hello! I mean, I'm quite sorry that I can't get to you right this moment. Do leave a message and I will try to get back to you in a timely manner. Thank you.

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[thisisamazing]

[Things have been rough since the last dreamwalking experience. Dorchact was... even worse, somehow, than the dream of Aefenglom destroyed and ruined. Monsters in collars and chains, witches wielding their magic for control and terror instead of creation and good. He hasn't slept a whole lot since then, hasn't even really gone back to bed - in the days following, he just sort of crashes wherever he happens to be. Usually the forge, since he's been using this sudden insomnia to catch up on work. The pounding of hammer against iron, the heat and the smoke, the sizzle of steam, it all helps to drown out his memories of the Black City temporarily.

It always comes back, though, eventually. The protest, specifically, trying to fight back against the guards and being dragged away, to a deserted side street. Cold hands against his head, and the sizzle sear of magic, then blackness. Waking at the gates.

They executed him in that dream, and he keeps reliving it when he closes his eyes. Sometimes, he even relives it with them open.

Today, it's a bit of a gloomy morning, clouds covering the sun, the possibility of rain, but Toothless is restless and they haven't gone for a fly in a while. He steers them toward the barracks, eventually, and touches down near where Newt is staying, going to knock on the door before he even realizes he's doing it. Maybe Toothless can play with Greg for a while, he shouldn't have to suffer for Hiccup's insomnia and irritability. Maybe he just needs a friend right now.]

[newtralize]

[Newt hasn't been particularly honest about how he has been recently. He hasn't outright lied or anything, but he has been rather withholding about how he has been feeling.

The events of home constantly plagued his mind, but he had to be strong for the sake of his brother. Ultimately, he wasn't really being honest to himself. To trivialize the loss of Leta as inconsequential in comparison to what his brother had lost. His brother had lost the love of his life. Someone he was to wed. But, Newt had also lost one of his only friends from school. Someone he had held affection for so long that it had made him bitter.

To make matters worst, the events of the dream and Dorchact had done nothing but cause more grief. The brutal treatment of Monsters and how they were treated as lesser beings. How he could only imagine that this is what type of future Grindelwald sought after back home. That this would be how muggles would be treated by wizards and witches if Grindelwald was successful.

And the "re-educating" that he had been subjected to. He hadn't told Theseus (or anyone) about that either.

Greg is out in the courtyard area as usual. She perks up when she sees Toothless and Hiccup and goes to meet Toothless halfway; tail swishing behind her in excitement. There's a delay before Newt opens the door.] Theseus, you have a ke-oh. You aren't Theseus. [He had expected his older brother, though that was quite silly of him. His brother was out and wasn't due back for another few hours.

Newt looks ragged though. Like he hasn't been sleeping or resting at any capacity. Also, his eyes looked irritated. Almost as if he had been crying, perhaps.] Is something the matter? You seem troubled.

voice; after the espionage group leaves

[thisisamazing]

[The ship leaves in about a day. Hiccup has been hard at work with Yako recreating the runes the resistance used in the dreams, with the intent to place them into pieces of armor or clothing, or wristbands, to protect the monster dignitaries. His stuff is already messily packed into Toothless' saddlebags and he's nearly consumed in his current task when he feels, out of nowhere, a jerking on the new Bond he has with Newt.

Where it had been settling in comfortably, like a warm weight on his chest, now it feels abruptly strained, distant - like he's being pulled on a string, and boy does that break his concentration.

He scrambles for his watch across the workbench, feeling a spike of panic of his own as he's trying to suss out Newt's emotional state.]

Newt? Did something happen?

I am a wordsmith.

[newtralize]

Oh, bugger me.

backdated to the 14th, post-mists; watch audio

[faithlikeaseed]

Serah Scamander-- [Wait, should it be "Enchanter"? He'll think about that later. Myr sounds deadly tired.] --I hope I'm not intruding but I've need of your help as a healer.

Sorry for the delay. Work really slammed me and I had 0 time for RP abroad o|-<

[newtralize]

[It's really fortunate that Newt is a little more knowledgeable of the watches at this point, because he certainly wasn't very good with them before.]

Yes- [He sounds a tad confused. Also tired himself.] Nothing of the sort, no. [Even if he were, he seems all the ready to drop whatever things to assist.] What did you need?

More Action than Newt asked for

[kuroi_taiyo]

[ Things have certainly made more sense as time went by, for Newt's temporary resident that's stayed quite a while at this point. However, it's also meant that Newt's been able to observe things with his keen eye. Like the mists, and for a day or so after, Judar didn't even require help sleeping... He'd been too worn out, having a bit of harmless, feral fun. Which was probably its own kind of wonderful reprieve, for the nights that he'd been pent up in spite of whatever sleep aid was administered, if any.

It was only in the past week that physical changes were starting to show, and they were subtle for most people. The faintest of white spots would probably be disregarded by most people, until the pattern grew more distinct. Judar hadn't even managed to notice that, or the subtle changes in his eyes so far.

He'd eaten some vegetable. It was only a bite or two, but he'd claimed, and proven, it was a physical weakness of his. Nothing came up that night, a couple days ago.

So, tonight.

Tonight there wasn't much going on in the clinic, and Newt was off in his room. Judar couldn't explain how he knew, or picked up on that after waking up, but when he went there that's where the 'wizard' was. It was pretty clear to see where he was, even though it was the middle of the night. Not that Judar was thinking or picking up on that. He was busy getting close to cozy on up to Newt. ]

More action than he's ever ha-

[newtralize]

[The mist had been a rather stressful ordeal for Newt that he found that it and anything pertaining to it had distracted him for the duration of it. He hadn't gotten as much as he wanted done after; having needed to recover from his own changes.

Things had seemingly calmed down after though. At least, he felt like he could get himself back on track proper.

Newt had always had a very odd schedule. It was inconsistent at times even (though he did keep up a strict feeding schedule for his creatures). Some nights he would turn into bed early and some nights he would be up until dawn. It really depended on what he was devoting his time to at the time.

Tonight, it wasn't early, but it wasn't obscenely late either. He had mostly just been writing down observations and notes. It was habit to kind of record things and there was always a lot to record when you were in a world that was completely foreign. He was dressed down already, having turned into his room for the evening awhile ago and had no plans to leave until next morning.

He had already discarded his waistcoat and bowtie and his shirt had been untucked and only half buttoned; worn out boots left by the door. Newt finally sets his quill down and moves to get to his feet. A glance out the window before he glances at the door. It wasn't uncommon to hear noises here and there. The barracks were cozy, but old and there were plenty who stayed within the walls of this particular building.

Still. He could have sworn he heard something?]

forward dated a few days into december

[thisisamazing]

[Newt's been working hard. With the Phoenix Tear organizing soup kitchen and donation drive efforts to help the less fortunate, Hiccup's Bonded has been quite busy. Sure, he's been helping as much as he can, all for free (he's providing at least some of the funding to pay 'volunteers' that require it so of course he's not taking any pay - being dragonscale rich is helpful), but Newt has a habit of throwing himself wholly into something and barely coming up for air until it's finished, he's finding out.

One afternoon, during a lull in the proceedings, Hiccup tugs him aside with a smile, dressed - almost nicely for a change, in slacks and a shirt and suspenders. Unusual considering he normally wears his wool and leather from Berk every day, and sometimes changes into patchy second-hand clothes when he's expecting to get really dirty and doesn't need the protection. Today he looks ready to go out.]

Hey, things have died down over here. Can you spare a few hours this afternoon? I haven't forgotten, while we were in Dorchacht. I still owe you afternoon tea. I uh, I got us a table at that nice place, the one we mentioned.

[newtralize]

[Newt had always kept a rather full schedule. Never truly a dull moment for Newt (though a lot of what he does he would consider relaxing), so perhaps he has always found it a bit relaxing. Caring for his creatures and spending time with them wasn't usually stressful for him and a way for him to relax if anything.

It did mean that Newt spent a lot of time being busy though.

Especially with his determination to assist the less fortunate (many being Monsters and Dorchacht refugees).

Newt immediately takes note of the way that Hiccup wears. It's very rare to see the other clean up. He's pretty sure the only time he had seen the other clean up might have been for the masquerade, so he's surprised. It's a pleasant surprise though.

He can't help the warm smile he gives the other when they ask to have tea. The way his heart might flutter a bit with it. How could he say no when the other went out of their way to dress up?] Of course. I would love that actually. [After all. It was that promise in Dorchacht that he may have held onto to help make his days go a little better.]

A small gift and a smaller gift

[sing_for_me]

[ There's a small wrapped package in front of Newt's place. Inside there's a deep green scarf, a good size for Newt. On top of that is a smaller scarf, a red one just the right size of a certain little thief. ]

Thank you for being so kind to me, Newt. I hope this keeps you both warm.

-Alex

not here

[thisisamazing]

[Though by now he's already given Newt his real gift (the pair of dragonscale painted, falconry-style gloves that are both fire-resistant and set with small dragonscales along strategic points to protect from bites and scratches), one morning of Modranicht still finds a basket on Newt's doorstep, filled with an assortment of new tea blends from the market and biscuits from a nice bakery, along with some treats and toys for the creatures. The note simply reads:

Merry Christmas, and Happy Snoggletog!

-Your Bonded]

modranicht gift;

[wiggleon]

[Guess what Newt? Aziraphale thinks you're neat- and when the angel likes someone, apparently he shows his appreciation through ugly fashion choices for their friends.

There's a little note attached to it, simply wishing him happy holidays and with his name attached to it so Newt knows who the present came from.]

Modranicht gift

[thejoyrider]

[The package left on his doorstep contains a plate of homemade cookies from Marie and a fresh lily flower.

“Happy Holidays! We are not friends yet but I hope we can become friends in the coming year.” is what the attached note says]

12/25

[weirdnecro]

[Looks like Newt got a present! And it's...gloves? And it looks like there's runes that are sewn into them! In the color that matches the coat she's seen him the most in no less.

With the glove, there's a note that reads:]

If fauns are getting a little too hot to trot, put this on and press it against them. I know you're too nice to use it, but just in case. It could prove handy on full moon nights.

12/25

[showsnopiety]

[Looks like Newt got a gift! And it's...a box filled with cleaned feathers and fur? And a...vial of blood?! But hey, at least there's a note to go with it.]

I'm sure you have a collection from all the times you've helped me, but I thought I'd clean these up for you. I don't know what spells you can do with these, but maybe it can do something to help.

I wasn't sure what to give you. But....thank you. For everything.

Belated Modranicht Gift - Deceuer 31st

[kuroi_taiyo]

[ Judar was a honestly a little late in knowing or really understanding the gift-giving part of Modranicht. Mostly because he had no clue what to do. There's no special wrapping around the box, or the packaging for the things inside, and the note's plain paper. However, inside the box is half the golden velvet and one of the antlers Judar had shed during the moon they arrived.

Really, the note's not even signed. He figured it's obvious enough as to who it's from. ]

Sorry this is late. After all the shit I caused, though, I figured you deserved something before the year ended.

It seemed like sometimes monster parts are worth something, either with spells or to sell for a bit of extra cash. I'm not sure which these would qualify as, but if it's junk, then my bad. Go ahead and toss them in that case.

Anyway, while I've been trying to help and do my part in this place, it's not changing that being here's a bigger strain on resources and everything. You're probably used to me heading out during the night from the faun things. This time, I'm not coming back. Bed's been stripped and I fixed what I could of the headboard. I'll try to help sometimes, but you've got space for another patient.

Letter

[chosenside]

[There's an envelope on Theseus' desk that's clearly addressed to Newt, that reads 'to be opened if I should ever return home.' If Newt does decide to open it, a simple letter will fall out, containing the follow message.]

To my dear brother,

Unless you've decided to open this while I'm still around, in which case, I will know and be rather disappointed, it means that I'm no longer present in Aefenglom. I figured that such a thing was always possible and I wanted to be ready in case it happens without much notice. There's quite a lot that I want to say, that perhaps I've been negligent in telling you. You can say that your older brother is bad at these sort of things, just this once though!

I know we've had our arguments in the past, our relationship strained and almost distant at times, but please know that I've truly cherished our time together here. You've come to surprise me in several ways, in the good sort of manner, really! Admittedly, it's of my own fallacies that I probably did not notice beforehand, but I'm glad to see so now. The situation of being brought to this strange city has not always been wholly fantastic, but I do not regret any of the time I spent with you.

Let us hope that we can rebuild our relationship like this back home, right? I want to.

Also, Newt, know that I'm proud of you. I truly am. Even if I get angry or disappointed at times, know that I'm proud to have you as my brother. I wish I could be there longer for you, in ways that I couldn't in the past, but I know that you also have a good head on your shoulders... and that you have a good group of friends to support you. Don't be afraid to lean on them.

Love,

Theseus

P.S. Do tell Hiccup about your feelings for him! Believe me when I say that it's not good to let those sort of things fester. Take the opportunity! Seize it!

february 1, early morning

[thisisamazing]

[Word gets out pretty quick that more people are coming through the mirrors. Or came through, at 3 am. Hiccup figures he'll go out and see if there are any familiar faces, or if anybody needs help with settling in, but he's been working on the repairs around the Phoenix Tear since getting up at 5am, and he's filthy. His second-hand shirt is covered in ash and sawdust, and he figures he should be at least somewhat presentable before heading out.

Hiccup hadn't wanted to bother Newt, but his things are in a bit of disarray currently. He's digging around in the residence looking for a change of clothes (he's not necessarily dirty, but he tends to spread out when he's been working on something - clutter, it's just clutter), and finally, reluctantly, calls out,] Hey Newt? Have you seen my clean tunic?

[Moving aside some papers, that's when his eyes settle on a letter, skimming over it before his brain catches up and realizes that he's officially toed into snooping territory. It's addressed to Newt, from Theseus, and he knows, absolutely knows he shouldn't be reading this, especially not without Newt knowing, but- His own name draws his attention to the last line, and his brain kind of stops.]

[newtralize]

[Newt has, more or less, spent a lot of time sleeping or avoiding sleep depending on whether or not he ends up waking up in a cold sweat or actually gets a restful night of sleep. Right now, it was leaning to nightmares and bad dreams that leave him so exhausted he eventually has a dreamless sleep. Perhaps it was more akin to passing out than falling asleep.

Hiccup was adamant that he take it easy though, so he hadn't really been allowed to do anything strenuous. While he understands, it does make him somewhat antsy.

He's in the kitchen brewing tea when the other calls for him. Sleep had not been particularly kind to him that morning. He abandons the kitchen to make his way over to the room though.] It should be in the top drawer of the dresser. [He finds the other at his desk and frowns a little.] Hiccup? What are you doing?

29th

[thisisamazing]

[It's the last day of the month, and while Vikings aren't the best at keeping track of dates, he knows that this, 22 years ago, is when he was born. He's not one to make a big deal, doesn't want a party or anything like that, but he is newly dating someone, and, selfishly, he wants to spend his birthday with Newt. So, after all the chores are done for the afternoon, and after he's decided to take a break from working on the Phoenix Tear's repairs, he finds Newt in the kitchen, doing something at the counter.

Hiccup presses lightly against his back, slipping an arm loosely around his waist and pressing a soft kiss to the back of his nape. He doesn't worry about startling Newt; his mismatched footsteps are distinct and aren't exactly quiet, on hardwood and tile. He's not really able to sneak up behind anybody without trying to. Hiccup is fresh out of the bath, hair still damp, a few strands distinctly curly where his braids have been undone, wearing a clean tunic fresh out of the laundry, and he smells like the soap they both use (because honestly he just uses whatever's to hand).]

So. [He starts, murmuring, leaving another kiss to the curve of his shoulder. Their relationship is still new, but Hiccup is a surprisingly physical person once the lines are clear.] Today's my birthday. I was wondering if you wanted to spend it with me?

[newtralize]

[No matter how many times Hiccup does it, it always seems to get the same reaction. A slight stiffening of his body before he relaxes into the touch, a sharp intake of breath, and the tips of his ears turning red.

It certainly makes the Brit a little weak in the knees too.

The only thing distracting him is the mention of Hiccup's birthday.] Your birthday? it's today? [Holidays weren't usually something he thought about often and he had never asked the other when their birthday was. Speaking of-] You're born on a Leap year. [Not a question, but pointing out a fact.] I didn't realize our birthdays were so close together.

Mar 11

[futhark]

Hey. Long time no talk. I hope you're doing better now. [ We've met in the dungeon, it wasn't fun ]

So I heard you're running that clinic in Haven, and that you also got a good hand with animals and other creatures. Still on it?

[newtralize]

Oh. Hello. I'm getting on by. I hope you are doing well yourself. I've not kept up too heavily with everyone that had been involved. [A mix between just resting and keeping himself busy and kind of isolating himself.]

Yes and yes. We're still kind of repairing the clinic and replacing a lot of what was damaged, but it's still accessible to everyone. As for animals, I take care of a handful myself, so I'm happy to do check-ups for others. Do you have something in mind?

nebulously backdated a bit?? what's time

[thisisamazing]

[The job had been located in the Red Light District, and Hiccup is not so naive that he doesn't know what that means, but it had been- potion brewing, which couldn't have been too crazy, right? He doesn't really need the money, just wanted to get out and learn something new, and... boy had he. An aphrodisiac potion. It had been a bit of an experience. He got through it, not wanting to be rude, but decided that would be his last day.

And then the man had pushed a small bottle into his hand on his way out, along with his pay for the day. A sample, if he'd like to make use of it with a partner. Report back on the effects. Yeah that's not happening.

Hiccup gets home that evening and goes immediately to the kitchen, absently leaving the bottle (clear and innocuous and unmarked, it doesn't look like an aphrodisiac potion at all) on the table among the other clutter that comes from two people living together: a few of Hiccup's late-night designs, half-full cups, some metal bits and bobs. They aren't messy, it's only the clutter of two intelligent and occasionally scattered men. He's at the counter searching for a particular tin of tea leaves, intending on making a pot.]

Hey, do we have any more of that imported stuff? From the pop-up market? The fruity kind.

Time is fake tbh. It truly feels like it tbh

[newtralize]

[Newt was used to messy, but it had always been somewhat of a organized chaos. It wasn't that Hiccup's messes bothered him (they didn't), but they could be a bit exasperating. He wished the other would, perhaps, keep things in locations where they made sense.

Hiccup, why are your tools in the bathtub. Do they need a wash???

The kitchen was animated at the time with dishes seemingly washing themselves. Of course, that isn't the case as Newt was sitting at the table and reading. Magic was very handy for household chores and Newt took full advantage of it. He places the book upside down and open when the other gets back and moves to get to his feet.]

We should still have some in the cabinet with all the tea. It's in the cylinder tin. The pink one. [Because Newt would be the type to know exactly what every unmarked tin or container had.]