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𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 7h

- to ‘interrogation’—‘accusation.’ But this one… seems different.

Zandik sighs, head shaking.

“A lot in this city is odd—what do you mean by strange? What happened?”

𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 7h

Entertaining as his new visitor is, his haggardness doesn’t escape Zandik. He gives the other a once over, carefully cataloguing every noticeable difference.

Hairs prickle at the mention of ‘questions,’ dread settling deep in his stomach. Questions from the Akademiya’s elites tends to translate -

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𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 7h

“… It is conducive to my research.” The tip of his shoe nudges the rug up, idly pushing it back and forth in an imitation of waves.

A heap of broken Ruin Automations sits against the far wall, scraps of bodies torn apart and left in a messy pile of limbs and broken wings.

𝑨𝑳𝑯𝑨𝑰𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑴. @ideal-circumstance.bsky.social · 14h

"I'm not here for that, don't worry." He didn't quite pick up Zandik's invitation to sit, so he stood there awkwardly.
The situation was a little bit tense.

"...you live here?" That question overrode all the rest, mostly because he couldn't help taking a look at the surroundings, trying to rest »

𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 1d

Zandik blinks as his stalker generously comes into view.

… Shit. He never asked the man’s name, did he? His jaw tenses as a flurry of new concerns claw at the back of his mind, panic taking root.

“… Hello.”

Carmine eyes stare right back, unsteady as they try to focus on the taller man.

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𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 8h

between his ears, gentle as he attempts to calm the other.

“I am not sure what to do with you… at least you won’t be tiger food like this.”

𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 8h

- in scrutiny.

A string of whispers tumble from his lips, unintelligible mutterings in a long-dead language, punctuated by a simple “fascinating.”

And with that, Zandik places him into the awaiting crate, sliding the slatted top into place. A finger pokes through the gaps to pet the space -

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𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 8h

Contrary to how the records of the Akademiya may describe him, Zandik is not some sort of crazed ruler with a power complex. The exposed skin of his arms is an angry red from the rabbit’s scrambling, decorated by a few bloodied cuts.

He sighs, turning the bunny around a few times, eyes narrowing -

⊹ ࣪ ˖ ㅤ bunveh !ㅤ @birdofparadisea.bsky.social · 1d

He's not usually scared of heights but this is... ridiculous.

How he misses being a tall man! He's now at this stranger's mercy... Looking up at Zandik with his very VERY large eyes, he waits.

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𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 1d

He gestures to the other seat, an unspoken invite to his… cozy den-thing.

“I don’t think I ever caught your name… Scribe.”

Zandik shifts uncomfortably, gaze dropping to the rug-covered floor.

“Is there a reason you’ve decided to follow me? I’ve already returned everything…”

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𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 1d

Zandik blinks as his stalker generously comes into view.

… Shit. He never asked the man’s name, did he? His jaw tenses as a flurry of new concerns claw at the back of his mind, panic taking root.

“… Hello.”

Carmine eyes stare right back, unsteady as they try to focus on the taller man.

𝑨𝑳𝑯𝑨𝑰𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑴. @ideal-circumstance.bsky.social · 1d

If Alhaitham had wanted to be subtle, Zandik wouldn't have heard him coming. So the sounds of his steps behind, the crunchy leaves getting pulverized under his feet, are deliberate.

But he can't just, call his name like that. Doesn't want to startle him, really. He's just so bad at approaching »

𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 1d

Three thoughts cross the young scholar’s mind as the crunch of a twig meets his ears:

1. He is being followed.
2. The person following him really needs to work on being more covert — really, who stalks someone without coverage in broad daylight?
3. If he doesn’t move elsewhere, he’ll never know -

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𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 1d

into a chair, head tipped to watch the road outside expectantly.

𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 1d

to the side as he pulls something from his pocket—a small device cobbled from scrap—and uses it to dismantle the elemental seal.

Past the gaping maw of the cavern sit a few chairs, a pile of cushions, and an unlit oil lamp atop a rickety table. He drops his bag on the floor before flopping -

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𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 1d

- who this ‘stalker’ is.

So much for his expedition plans today…

Sighing, he readjusts the straps of his bag, wincing at the very unsubtle sound of metal grinding against metal. He switches paths without fanfare, heading towards a cave not far from the main city.

Zandik casts a wary glance -

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𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 1d

Three thoughts cross the young scholar’s mind as the crunch of a twig meets his ears:

1. He is being followed.
2. The person following him really needs to work on being more covert — really, who stalks someone without coverage in broad daylight?
3. If he doesn’t move elsewhere, he’ll never know -

𝑨𝑳𝑯𝑨𝑰𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑴. @ideal-circumstance.bsky.social · 1d

Alhaitham is in a terrible mood.

Well, that's something anybody would say about him on a daily basis, but this time, it's incredibly real and disrupting.

It's not that no one could find him at his desk, he's actively skipping work due to the inability to concentrate on it. That deeply disturbs »

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𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 1d

apostasya

We’re eating GOOD today 🤝

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𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 5d

Capturing him is the responsible thing to do, if he’s some sort of pet or invasive species——and maybe he can ask that grey-haired fellow for help locating his owner.

Setting the box down, he sticks his hands into the pit, doing his best to gently scoop him up.

𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 5d

Zandik’s nose crinkles as the rabbit works himself into a frenzy, hand hovering just out of reach of his claws and teeth. Allowing his hands to he torn to ribbons is not particularly on his bucket list, but his curiosity outweighs the fear of a bunny mauling.

“…… Please don’t bite me.”

⊹ ࣪ ˖ ㅤ bunveh !ㅤ @birdofparadisea.bsky.social · 5d

"Squeee sqrqrrrrrrlll" he throws an un-bunnylike tantrum, spinning and jumping and scratching the air. Please don't eat him!!!

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𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 8d

Ah well… He’s long since accepted his fate of being a ‘crazy weirdo.’

“Ears don’t match native leporids… Are you someone’s pet? Or escaped livestock…”

𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 8d

He almost feels bad watching the crude trap unfold, foliage giving way as soon as the poor bunny puts its weight down.

Box in arm, he makes his way to the shallow pit, eyes narrow as he peers down.

“… Hello.” The silence grows uncomfortable enough for him to entertain talking to an animal.

⊹ ࣪ ˖ ㅤ bunveh !ㅤ @birdofparadisea.bsky.social · 8d

Normal Kaveh wouldn't be a big fan of cucumbers but they look damn scrumptious right now. And Alhaitham- CURSE HIM- hasn't opened the door the entire day! He'll have him repay whoever loses their greens.

With a sigh of sadness, he hops to chomp the offerings... unaware.... but squeaking happily.

𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 8d

Zandik remains crouched a few paces away, quiet as he watches the odd rabbit’s approach.

It would, of course, be irresponsible for him to let a potentially lost pet run loose…

The cabbage leaves rustle gently as the evening breeze passes through, brushing against meticulously sliced cucumber.

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𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 8d

Zandik remains crouched a few paces away, quiet as he watches the odd rabbit’s approach.

It would, of course, be irresponsible for him to let a potentially lost pet run loose…

The cabbage leaves rustle gently as the evening breeze passes through, brushing against meticulously sliced cucumber.

⊹ ࣪ ˖ ㅤ bunveh !ㅤ @birdofparadisea.bsky.social · 8d

bunveh's been out the entire day, tired and upset and ... hungry. So hungry. All the damn time. He wasn't that hungry before! Twenty flowers weren't enough?!

He comes across the plate by chance. He has a bad nose. It calls to him ... but he won't just steal (more)... he can't ....

𝙕𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙠 @veritasabexilio.bsky.social · 8d

Setting out a plate of nice, fresh leafy greens... That definitely do not have a trap connected to them.