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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 3h

(Descole pushes the boy roughly out of the way, managing at the last moment to bring his sword up to block. He winces as the force strains his wrist, but there are more important things to focus on) Luke, are you insane?! This is why- go! Just go! I can handle this!

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

(Despite his complaints, having Luke as a distraction might actually come in helpful.) (Exploiting Hershel’s split attention, Descole pushes to the offense, finally getting the chance to try getting strikes of his own in.) (It’s been too long since he’s been able to fight properly.)

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

I don’t require the help of a child here! You’re going to get hurt, Luke! He will hurt you!

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

(Descole expends most of his energy in blocking and parrying the strikes against him, fully engaged in trying not to get impaled in front of the child.) I do not always lose- you’ve hardly seen me fight at all! Why must you insist upon inserting yourself where you don’t belong?

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

(He doesn’t comment on the swear, choosing to step more firmly in front to guard Luke and raise his sword.)

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

(He catches the sword and swiftly removes the foam before fixing Luke with a glare) The professor is far too lenient with letting you hang around in dangerous situations. I told you to go, didn’t I? Either he or I will be hurt in this, and it wouldn’t do you any good to be here when it happens.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

I’ll stall for now, but don’t let any of the others in here unless I come out and say it’s alright. There’s nothing you can do for him right now. I don’t trust Hershel not to harm you.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

(Des holds an arm out to block Luke from getting any closer. He leans down a bit) He’s not himself right now. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll leave the two of us alone. See if Desiree will donate some blood to the Hound to calm the both of them down, and keep the little ones away.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Yes, me. Just not in the presence of the children. (He throws a glance over his shoulder and mutters a curse) Luke, you have spectacularly bad timing as always! Where’s the dog?

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

No, no, no, no-! (He hurries to intercept) I refuse to let you hurt anyone else. If you’re going to hurt someone, you’ll hurt me and that’s all. Don’t make me call Keats to stop you. (Desmond isn’t sure that the threat could hold water. He’s not certain to what extent the cat’s powers go.)

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

You can’t kill me. I doubt the cat would let you. And what of your gentlemanly persona, Professor? Hurting me seriously would shatter the illusion for the boy, not to mention that it would cause a great deal of trauma. Stand down.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

(Desmond stands in turn, wiping the blood from his nose) You don’t want to do this. This isn’t a game you’ll win, Hershel. Luke and the others are still on the ship. They’ve probably heard us, you know. (His tone becomes more wry as he straightens properly, inspecting his torn sleeve)

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

We were going to spar but you decided to start hunting me like some kind of animal! We- (Desmond lets go when Hershel starts biting, and he pushes the other man away to sit up and scramble back) Just calm down. We can call a truce here, can’t we? You attacked me, I restrained you, let’s be done.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

(Ideally, it would be disorienting. At best, it might snap Hershel out of whatever state he’s worked himself into. On the other hand, having his hand braced on the back of his brother’s neck seemed to freak him out last time, so maybe he’ll panic instead.)

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

(Despite having previously said that he didn’t care if he was hurt, Desmond very much cares now) (He grimaces at being called the wrong name before he steels his resolve and makes a plan. Letting himself be knocked over with a grunt, Desmond chooses to hug his brother tightly on the way down.)

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

(Desmond backs up, circling back to put the kitchen island between them) (And damn him for leaving the swords in the hallway. He’ll simply have to stall) Pull yourself together, Hershel. You are not… whatever this is. I don’t know what that damned cat did to you, but snap out of it.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

(He lets go as Hershel’s skull collides with his nose.) FUCK! (Desmond clutches at his face, momentarily disoriented. Keats shoots Hershel a glare before tutting and vanishing.) (It’s just Desmond now, and he’s now squared his shoulders, ready for a fight. His nose is bleeding profusely.)

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

What? I- Hershel! (Desmond grabs his brother around the middle, trying to haul him back. Keats very languidly licks his paw, undisturbed) I knew I shouldn’t have left you alone, but I didn’t think the cat would be stupid enough to try talking to you!

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

What on earth are you even talking about!? (He whirls to Hershel, fuming) Is he being as incomprehensible as always, or do you have even an inkling of a clue what the damned cat means?

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

(He manages to scruff Keats and hold him like a baby. Desmond then swiftly makes his way to the door and none-too-gently throws the cat out of the kitchen) (Keats then reappears on the fridge, and Desmond throws his arms up in frustration) What the hell did you do?!

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

(Desmond opens the door, taking a cautious peek before paling at the sight of the cat) Ah- shoo! (He swiftly paces to the fridge, reaching for Keats) Shoo! You are NOT welcome here right now! (Keats bats at his hands, and Desmond looks between the cat and his brother) Hershel, are you alright?

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

You can break things if you want. I can get the cat to fix it, probably. Either way, I have the money to replace everything here. Go wild. (Flashing his teeth in what was probably meant to be a reassuring smile, Desmond leaves the kitchen)

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

(He waves nonchalantly) I don’t particularly care if I’m injured, but I’ll see if I can find anything suitable for sparring. I’ve probably got foam that I can tack onto real swords. (Desmond turns to the door, then hesitates and turns back) Will you be alright on your own?

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Or a spar, perhaps? A good old-fashioned sword fight like back in Ambrosia? (Desmond is itching for it, actually. He feels rather helpless, and that’s melded into frustration.)

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

(His face scrunches as he resists the urge to snap about Hershel potentially breaking something in his kitchen. It wouldn’t help to get angry here.) Did you want to wreck something? I find destruction to be calming on occasion when other methods of calming are ineffective.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

I can just feel when he’s watching. It’s horribly unpleasant, mind you, and- What on earth are you doing now?

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

(Desmond can feel the sensation of being watched heighten with the cat’s focused attention, but he lies smoothly) All is well. Keats has likely gone away for the moment. (He chances a peek back at the door, hoping it’s not the cat outside) Don’t pull at your hair. You’ll hurt yourself.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

(He watches Hershel pace, both discomforted and a bit fascinated. Desmond’s eye also catches on the door, and he starts moving to place himself in between it and his brother) Take a deep breath. You’re getting yourself all turned around. The cat’s not here, and he won’t hurt anyone.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

(How peculiar. No matter what he’s done, Desmond can’t recall a time that he’s ever seen his brother so angry. It’s disconcerting. Desmond frowns and pulls away to look at Hershel’s face) … well, I wouldn’t recommend that particular course of action in good conscience.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

What happened to our family wasn’t your fault. What happened to Ascot is the fault of his own ambition. And though I’m not as knowledgeable in your other endeavors, I can hardly believe that you had a hand in the death of your lover. To claim fault here is, quite frankly, preposterous.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Think more broadly. It’s hardly your fault that we’re in this predicament in the first place. I shan’t speak the devil’s name lest he appear, but there’s a clear party at fault for all of our situations. Spanning further back, it’s always been beyond you as well.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

It’s hardly your fault. There’s nothing that you need to apologize for. (He swipes the damp rag over Hershel’s hair, grimacing at the blue hue that begins to stain it) You feel far too much guilt over things that aren’t your fault, you know. None of this has ever been up to you.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Don’t scrub so hard that you hurt yourself. (Desmond resists the urge to sigh again, shoving the rag into the water stream and then wringing it out and cleaning the blood from his own hands) There’s still some in your hair. Do you mind if I get it for you?

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Well don’t waterboard yourself. (He sighs and grabs a dishrag) I’ll get what you’re missing.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

(Desmond does his best not to snort at the sight) Do you need any help with that?

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Lean on the counter if you need to. (He takes Hershel over to the sink and pulls away before walking over to the tooth. He picks it up, turns it over in his hand, and stuffs it in his pocket) If it hurts me, so be it. It wouldn’t be the worst punishment for what I’ve done.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

(Desmond also turns, and he scowls at the tooth) Would you like me to hold it for you? I could put it in my pocket or something so there’s no contact. If you don’t mind being essentially being tethered to me instead.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

…hm. Keep your head forward if your nose keeps bleeding. I don’t want you swallowing blood. (He takes the cloak off Hershel’s shoulders to drop it on the floor before shuffling them towards the kitchen) I’m terribly sorry. You’ll be able to rest soon. Can you handle food? Or juice?

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Don’t- stay with me. We’ll go to the kitchen sink. I think it would be best to avoid the children like this. (He helps Hershel up, bracing for his brother to be entirely deadweight)

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

I’m sorry. I’m so sorry… (He rocks them both) What can I do to make you comfortable?

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Don’t apologize. It’s my fault. I did this to you. If anything, I should be the one to apologize. (He opens his mouth to do so, but hesitates) Please just settle. You’re making this harder than it has to be for us both.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

(He hasn’t entirely realized that Hershel has stabilized, so Desmond just holds him more tightly and pats his back) Shhhhhh… shhh calm down. It’ll be over soon.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

(Desmond has survived mostly by letting his mind drift and gently shushing his brother when Hershel would make distressed sounds. Whenever Hershel’s form is coherent, he’s been rubbing his back. He’s decided that he can’t shut his eyes continuously, so he’s been staring at the wall instead.)

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

It’s not.. I don’t need it anymore. But thank you. Just rest. It’s over and we’re fine. (Desmond ducks his head to lay it on Hershel’s shoulder, but cringes and reels when the fabric is damp with blood. On reflex he opens his eyes before shutting them again to avoid the eyes) Jesus Christ.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

(Desmond was never very fond of blood, so he shuts his eyes tightly. He’s trying valiantly to take deep breaths of his own.) (Was Hershel dying? What if he’d severed some important connection? He could never forgive himself if he lost his brother. Not like this.) You’re alright.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

It’s over. Just breathe, please. (Des pulls his brother into a proper hug, rubbing his back as he fights nausea.) No more hurt, it’s all over. You can rest. (It reminds him all too much of his family slipping through his fingers. He’s not entirely certain that he hasn’t ruined everything.)

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Shhhhhhh shhhhh, it’s over. It’s over. (He chucks the tooth and its tendrils into the fort to get it out of sight and sets his hand over the wound. Des has begun to tremble more and slides his other hand from his brother’s shoulder back to the nape of his neck) I’ve got you. It’s over.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

3… 2…. (He grabs hold of the tooth to the best of his ability. Instead of fully counting down and having Hershel tense again, Descole yanks on the count of two to try getting it out.)

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

He’s gone off with the Hound I believe. I’ll try to shield the view of you, though. Bite down on the cloth or something so you don’t bite your tongue. Take a deep breath, and I’ll give you a countdown. Just relax, it’ll be over soon.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Very well, very well. (Descole sighs and runs a hand through Hershel’s hair, avoiding the wound) Would you prefer that I try to be gentle, or that I try ripping it out? Either way you’d best relax.

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