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[freezespirited]

[No one can see him, not even himself. He forgot a long time ago what he looks like, and he wonders if anyone even remembers who he is. Not that he can exactly go and ask someone. He holds onto his cloak, digging his hands into the fine, intricately detailed fabric, more of a decoration than a barrier against the cold. Snow falls wherever he walks, sticking to the ground a bit longer than normal snow. He talks to himself to keep himself company, mostly commenting on anyone else he sees. The curse missed his voice, even if it silenced it from everyone else. Right now he follows someone carrying groceries.]

Heading home?

[No answer.]

People are talking that there could be a blizzard. [No they're not.] Sure that's enough if you're stuck in your...whatever you call what you live in?

[No answer.]

[So he tries harder. He talks and talks, about the mundane and the extraordinary, until without thinking, he gives one light tug to the bag, causing the person to drop it, ruining everything and making a mess. Jack laughs, loudly and a little wild. He feels a little guilty afterward, but no real harm done, right? Now that the distraction's over, his mood sours once again. He doesn't know what else to do, but what other choice does he have but to keep trying? The snow whips around him violently, as he wanders, looking for someone new to follow.]

Comments

[freezespirited]

[...What's the new fashioned curse? Jack walks by to hover over Arthur's shoulder, reading the tale with intensity. Someone had written a book about him? Who? How long had it been?

He goes back to keep writing. If it were, you would be able to see me. Believe me, I have tried everything.]

[rule_britannia]

[Arthur mutters under his breath as he reads, and though he doesn't know Jack is the cause by his leaning so close, the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. He rubs at them lightly, glancing over at the paper as the boy writes.]

When I say old fashioned.. it's a rather classic curse, though intolerably difficult to break. [He says 'intolerably' as if he views this kind of curse as an inconvenience.]

Since they can't be deliberately broken... It must be a selfless act.

[freezespirited]

[The temperature in the room begins to drop, the wind whipping around a little while snow forms.

But I always think about it. How am I supposed to not?]

[rule_britannia]

That would be the entire point of a selfless act. [As if he needs to point that out, right? Right? Not that he's terribly inclined towards selfless acts himself. He could probably count the number of them he's performed on one hand, but it was the very nature of them that made them difficult, and particularly in this case.

Of course the first thing Jack is going to want is for people to see him.]

I.. am going to have to give this some thought. Would you mind not creating a blizzard in my home?

[freezespirited]

[Jack refrains from banging his head into the bookcase. Arthur's just trying to help, it's not like he's the one who made the curse, and curses are meant to be difficult.

Of course, Wizard. Perhaps I should step outside.]

[rule_britannia]

Hm? Oh, no, there's no need for all that, just keep yourself under control.

[Arthur huffs out a breath and frowns. It's exciting, in a way. How many people got the chance to be even a small part of something like this? He leans forwards, resting his elbows on the table in front of him and pushing a hand over his hair, rocking gently back on his heels.

Near the edge of the table, a candle wobbles, close to sliding to the floor.]

Do you recall who put the curse on you?

[freezespirited]

[It takes some effort, but Jack manages to keep the cold from spreading. He distracts himself by spinning a stream of snow around his hands, though, to Arthur, it will only appear to be some snow floating in midair.

The former wielder of Winter, from a close-by neighboring kingdom. Our kingdom is resilient to attacks. He knew this, and he knew he could never defeat us. After it happened, he--

He was executed on sight.]

[rule_britannia]

.. Oh, bloody marvellous.

[And likely all his work was destroyed along with him. Arthur pushes his hands into his hair then drops his head to the table, jolting the candle and sending it toppling to a pile of books and curling parchment. The closest edge of the paper begins to slowly blacken and curl, then catches alight, orange flame running along it.]

[freezespirited]

[In hindsight, perhaps it hadn't been the best action to take, but there's nothing to do about it now.

Wait. Something smells like smoke. Fire? Oh no. Not good. Jack really doesn't like fire, at all, and this fire isn't contained on a candle or in a fireplace, so he reacts without thinking, soaking the paper (and possibly Arthur) with several waves of snow.]

[rule_britannia]

Agh!

[He brings his hands up to cover his head, too slow, and suddenly there's snow sliding down the back of his neck. The wizard sits up, shuddering.]

I said control yourself! Are you incapable of following a simple instruction?

[freezespirited]

I'm trying!

[Jack spreads his arms out in anger, knocking over a few books.]

You're welcome for saving your books.

[It takes him a moment to calm down, and when he does, he simply scrawls, Next time I'll just let the candle burn.]

[rule_britannia]

Oh, yes, because soaking the books is a far better bloody option, try harder t--

[In the middle of crouching to dig his books out from under the snow, Arthur seems to realise something.

That something is that he hasn't looked at the hastily scrawled words on the desk, but rather, he heard a voice. He straightens up slowly with his back to the prince, clearing his throat.]

That is, I suppose they'll dry out well enough.

[freezespirited]

...What?

[Jack jumps onto the corner of the table, crouching as if to make himself as small as possible.

He doesn't hope. It was only a coincidence, or maybe he misheard Arthur, so he's surprised when he speaks without thinking.]

Try harder to what?

You're welcome.

[rule_britannia]

[Ehem.]

Try to, ah..

[Bloody hell, it can't have been that easy, could it? A dropped candle (he should know better than to leave flames lying around, he really should), and a few saved books. Had he thought about what he was doing?

Curses are such tricky things, after all.]

Control yourself.

[freezespirited]

[Yeah, that whole thing about control? Totally forgotten. He scrambles on the table, knocking things over until he's closer. Voice caught in his throat, he doesn't sound like he can quite believe it.]

You can hear me now?! W--why? I don't understand! Can you see me too?!

[rule_britannia]

Oh, bloody hell, I don't want to look-- can you stop making a mess of my house?!

[He knows it's already a mess, Jack, but this is what we call organised chaos and we don't need it getting any worse! Arthur does turn around to scold him, though, then looks taken aback for a moment.

The wizard sure is looking directly at him.]

... Well, then.

[freezespirited]

Would you stop whining about your house and pay attention to what's going on now?!

[He stares, clearly a little frightened. Years of wandering with only the wind as his companion has left his clothing tattered at the ends and stained, and forget shoes. Regardless, clearly he's dressed like a noble, in garments of mostly blue, though he wears a cloak that looks like it was woven from moonlight itself.]

That's not an answer.

[rule_britannia]

I have to sodding live here, thank you very much.

[Huff! He can hear him. That much he's sure of. He's pretty damn sure he can see him, too.]

... Get off the bloody table!

[How's that for an answer?]

[freezespirited]

And you have my sympathy.

[Jack jumps back, startled, which has little to do with Arthur's demand. He gives a thrilled shout, jumping in the air to land on his table once again, laughing and probably knocking a few things over.]

You actually see me!

[He wishes his voice wouldn't sound so hoarse there, but he doesn't notice.]

[rule_britannia]

Yes, I bloody see you, in all your wondrously scruffy glory.

[He's just going to move forward now to chivvy Jack off the table before he breaks something.]

[freezespirited]

[That's the first time he's ever been called scruffy, but he doesn't care. He laughs, so close to crying, waving his arms around dangerously close to hitting Arthur as he steps off the table.]

You broke the curse! You brilliant, courageous wizard! I must repay you. Anything you want, gold, riches, books, tools, a new table, anything and it's yours.

[rule_britannia]

[He steps back from the excited young man, and as much as he's trying to hold on to his irritation he can't help the faint smile that pulls at one corner of his mouth.]

Should it suit you, I'd like to keep the favour until such time as I need it.

[freezespirited]

[His head bobs up and down in an eager nod. It starts to snow in the room, soft, almost blue colored flakes.]

Of course. And know you are always welcome in my Kingdom. Should you wish to visit, lodging can be provided at the castle.