[The Avenger turned Chimera was particularly thoughtful the night before. Quiet and distracted, Salieri had finally allowed himself the fitful reprieve of sleep before waking many hours later to- predictably, at that- find Amadeus missing beside him.
He woke alone. It was, as he knew it- the fifth of December.
The fifth...
...
Springing out of the bed, Salieri's heavy paws hit the floor with a resonating thud.] Amadeus?
[He calls, his voice just ever so slightly teetering on the err of panic.]
[ if he can hear the distant sound of wyverns sailing through the sky from miles away, he can certainly hear his bonded uttering his name a couple rooms over. especially so in its quiet urgency. ]
Yes? [ he calls, giving salieri an immediate answer before meeting him.
guessing that the leopard had a nightmare of some kind, amadeus pops his head into the bedroom again, half eaten piece of bread in hand. ] Salieri? You called me?
[From the moment he realized he was alone to the next few minutes of Amadeus popping his head in Salieri could his heart race unreasonably quick in his chest. As he finally takes in the sight of the Maestro just across the room and realizes that yes, he was up before him- as always!โ] ...
[His entire being seems to deflate slowly.
He's there. Right there.] Ah.
I did. [Because of course, he can't deny that.] But do not mind it. I was ... startled.
[ meanwhile, amadeus steps further into room, watching salieri go through the motions. there's nothing in the chimera's explanation to make him doubt it, and so he's free to take another slow and casual bite of his toast – sending a gentle dusting of crumbs onto the floor. ]
Ah. Could the chill be giving you fitful sleep, mein Schatz? They say a storm is on the way.
[A brief twitch beneath his eye lets Salieri know that yes, this is no hopeless dream or sleep depraved delusion. The man before him is very much... present, as real as those falling crumbs are.
And while the endearment only promises to soften the reprimand hanging on the tip of his tongue, Salieri finds he cannot will himself to scowl just yet.
Instead he stalls. Keeps him in his line of vision.] Maybe so.
We'll need to make sure the fireplace is properly stocked, Amadeus. [Speaking is a bit easier now.]
[ amadeus is only as willing to move on as salieri is, but he does quickly assume that the man is feeling better after waking up a little more, with that comment.
he flashes a smile. ]
Right. I'll see about picking up some extra lumber on my way back home. We could also do with stocking a few more spiced wines for the evenings, I think!
[It must be the lightness in his step, or the way that smile lifts so easily that tells Salieri that Amadeus has not yet realized the significance of this day.
Briefly he wrangles with this revelation. What is could I even possibly sayโ] โoh?
[On his way back home?] You're leaving? [He only barely manages to make his words light.]
Not right away, but this month is so busy, Salieri! [ he lifts both arms into the air, bread-occupied hand and not, for emphasis. then begins counting on his fingers. ]
Classes are still on at the Coven, I have gifts still to buy, ideas to discuss with both the music halls and the troupe. Supplies to buy for the cookies ... and much else I'm forgetting at the moment, but my point stands! I'd like to take advantage of the merciful weather before the storm hits while I can.
[It's halfway through Amadeus's winding list of chores that Salieri begins to hear the words meld together.
He focuses only on the gestures which the composer uses to emphasize his points, his parted mouth and wayward strands of hair. To think... that by this time on that day- this dayโ
โall of that was already gone. Still. Cold.
Drained of life.
Salieri rises suddenly, his tail limp behind him.] No.
[Oh.]
You cannot leave yet, Amadeus. [He cants his head away, unable to meet those vibrant green eyes.]
the word, so pointed and sudden, puts a gentle stop to amadeus's energy. he reels it back, arms lowering as he observes the chimera.
so something else was wrong, after all? ] Huh?
[ still, he tries a smile. ] I told you I don't have to leave right away, but— [ a glance at the clock. 6:30am; roughly an hour and a half until the sun finally rises, if it makes it past the clouds at all ] —well, eventually, I must. What's the matter with you, Salieri?
For what could he possibly say to Amadeus that would warrant his behavior this morning? What words would he even be able to use? What good would come from reminding him of what happened hours ago on this cold morning?
There is none. Stubbornly setting his jaw, the Chimera moves past Amadeus completely and reaches for the closet. Opening the door, he rummages silently through his trousers.
[ amadeus watches that winged back and waits patiently for an answer that never comes. he takes his final bite of toast and dusts away the crumbs from his hand (and shirt) as he does. after another stretch of silence, amadeus approaches โ none too close, but certainly angling himself so he can see salieri's expression. ]
... Salieri, what is it? I won't know if you don't tell me. [ with another glance at the clock, he sighs and crosses his arms in thought. ] I suppose I can skip the classes for today โ I'm already a few paces ahead with them, after all. But ... I should know why.
[It's not just Amadeus's tentative approach that has the previous Kapellmeister lowering his ears. His voice, his sheer presence inflicts a deep ache within him that Salieri would be all too pleased to tear away from. But it's simply... ]
Wolfgang. [His breath comes out in a rush, as though he were winded simply by speaking his name.] It isn't something I can explain so easily.
Were I to tell you nowโ [How badly would you be shaken? As much as I?
[ at that huff, amadeus lets out one of his own, his crossed arms beginning to indicate something a little more impatient and put out. is salieri really set to dismiss the topic just like that? "stay in," he says – just because?
amadeus turns on his heel, hair swaying behind him as he waves a hand and makes for the kitchen again. ] Sorry, Salieri. I can't do that. [ staying quiet and obeying never was something he was very good at. ] The coffee is ready when you want it. [ is the last thing he say before he leaves the room. ]
He expected a small spark of Amadeus's defiance. More than anything he expected that, as well as the Maestro's equally stubborn insistence in discussing this tight-lipped matter. He was prepared for it.
What he doesn't expect- surprisingly- is Amadeus leaving the room.
A chill that has very little to do with the cold outside settles in his chest. Salieri shuts the closet door, follows with thinly-veiled anxiety.] Wolfgang, wait.
[ —he's about halfway trotted down the steps when salieri relents.
it wasn't necessarily his intention to force the man to talk – but he definitely wasn't about to wait around for the chimera's mood to pass, or comply with his orders without discussion.
amadeus doesn't move from his spot – hand on the rail as he raises his voice in the direction of the bedroom. ] Yes? What am I waiting for, now?
[From his few steps above Amadeus he briefly takes in the sight of the composer frozen still time in his path. He hesitates, thinks of reaching for him, as though any second now Amadeus would fall through the steps and be swallowed up.
His fingers briefly clench. With measured steps he closes the distance, passing Amadeus- only to look over his shoulder at the Maestro.] The music room, Amadeus.
Please. [Another please. Salieri continues his way down and into the lower level.]
[ another defiant huff expels from his nose. he sorely dislikes games like these, the coy hints and lack of words on an obvious issue. ]
Will you finally stop dodging around and tell me what the matter is? [ yet regardless, amadeus will head downstairs to the designated place. ]
I can play a tune for your nerves, if you'd like. [ there doesn't need to be any special reason why salieri chose that room โ music is the way they communicate, express and vent. amadeus understands how highly salieri values his music on all occasions on top of it, but for once, the maestro was hoping they could skip such formalities on what appears to be such an immediate issue. ] But I don't want to play any games. If you don't plan to speak to me, Kapellmeister, I'll leave you alone.
[As Salieri makes his way towards the music room he isn't quite sure if he should feel grateful or exasperated by the Maestro's steadfast prying.
He too dislikes these roundabout games, this dodging about... it certainly isn't like him, and yet. Yet. He sighs yet again and feels a clench in his chest when their piano finally comes into view.
It brings about a reaction he hadn't expected but should have known would come. Reaching for it he brushes his fingers across the first few row of keys.] ...
[His wings gently fold inward, as much as they're able.] Amadeus... to think you have no recollection at all of the significance of this day.
Or perhapsโ that is not so surprising at all. [His last words are almost a bitter whisper.]
... no. impossible, he's good with dates! ones that really matter, anyway.
suddenly he feels terribly put on the spot, guilty for some crime unknown to him. ] Wait, what?
The date? [ what is it, then? the 5th? the beginning of december?
... well, he has one idea, and the longer he entertains it in his mind, the more salieri's behavior comes to make sense.
and
yet: ]
... You know, it's been an awful long time since I've referenced the liturgical year, Salieri. If I've forgotten a feast day – or the like, you'll have to forgive me. —Ah. [ wait!! ] I've forgotten to commission the Advent calendar. Is that it?
[... And once again, Amadeus boasts his almost frightening ability to put all matters dreary and dark out of mind. Or rather in this case... out of memory completely.
No, it would not be so easy. God would not make it so painless!
Salieri can't quite help himself then. He lets out a weak breath, less of a chuckle and more like a blow to the chest. How surreal it seems now for them to even be having this conversation...!
He allows the barest of smiles to tilt his lips before he sobers once again.] No, Wolfgang. No.
On this day, many hours ago... [His fingers ghost across the key board. His face becomes tight and miserable.] You fell ill. You were ill.
Do you remember? [Do you remember, when I took your hand?]
[ ... ah. and so his faint speculation is confirmed aloud.
amadeus allows salieri to take the helm, then. to slow their tempo, to tentatively settle the mood into something steep and dreary ... even if he has long since concluded that phase of his post-life process. truthfully, this is salieri's moment more than it is his own.
"do you remember?" hah. ]
You mean when I died. [ even after all this build up, salieri is still unwilling to say it? from this angle, it's difficult to remain gentle when he's already spent mornings very much like this one — cold, frozen occasions in an observatory in the arctic — wondering about his untimely demise.
amidst a small army of servants, his story is nothing special. tame, even, in the way of shakespeare-approved tragedies. ... should he feel grateful that salieri still mourns?
... ]
I can't say I remember much of any of the days prior — running a fatal fever, you see — ... but I've read accounts from my family [ what few were left of it, anyway ] that sound very close to the truth. [ a beat. ] Well, except in one thing. [ his wife, his sister-in-law, his friends, all had recounted details that were at least adjacently correct ... but there is one perspective they could never know. one thing they would never learn about his last days.
fortunately, the memories and visions of amdusias that had engulfed his mind and obscured all else can fill those blanks, piece together the whole morbid picture. ]
I suppose I was long dead by this time? [ spoken like a query; like he were guessing at a simple math problem with a shrug of his shoulders. ]
[The question itself is yet another quiet blow to the chest, but what makes him buckle even more so is the way Amadeus gracefully guesses without even a hint of a hitch in his breath. Yes, his candid reply only further solidified the weight still lodged in his chest.] By this time they had already taken you away.
[Unceremoniously lifted his lifeless body from the bedโ as if though he were nothing but a rotted slab of meatโ] Nngh.
[Salieri's tempers himself once again, rests his hands upon the piano and hangs his head.] I was there until... I could no longer see the cart, Amadeus. It was as if... God had trulyโ
[Ripped you away from me.] ...
[The only movement left is the flattening of those thick round ears. He utters, finally:]...Do you understand now?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
action.
He woke alone. It was, as he knew it- the fifth of December.
The fifth...
...
Springing out of the bed, Salieri's heavy paws hit the floor with a resonating thud.] Amadeus?
[He calls, his voice just ever so slightly teetering on the err of panic.]
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Yes? [ he calls, giving salieri an immediate answer before meeting him.
guessing that the leopard had a nightmare of some kind, amadeus pops his head into the bedroom again, half eaten piece of bread in hand. ] Salieri? You called me?
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[His entire being seems to deflate slowly.
He's there. Right there.] Ah.
I did. [Because of course, he can't deny that.] But do not mind it. I was ... startled.
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Ah. Could the chill be giving you fitful sleep, mein Schatz? They say a storm is on the way.
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And while the endearment only promises to soften the reprimand hanging on the tip of his tongue, Salieri finds he cannot will himself to scowl just yet.
Instead he stalls. Keeps him in his line of vision.] Maybe so.
We'll need to make sure the fireplace is properly stocked, Amadeus. [Speaking is a bit easier now.]
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he flashes a smile. ]
Right. I'll see about picking up some extra lumber on my way back home. We could also do with stocking a few more spiced wines for the evenings, I think!
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Briefly he wrangles with this revelation. What is could I even possibly sayโ] โoh?
[On his way back home?] You're leaving? [He only barely manages to make his words light.]
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[ he is only showered and dressed! ]
Not right away, but this month is so busy, Salieri! [ he lifts both arms into the air, bread-occupied hand and not, for emphasis. then begins counting on his fingers. ]
Classes are still on at the Coven, I have gifts still to buy, ideas to discuss with both the music halls and the troupe. Supplies to buy for the cookies ... and much else I'm forgetting at the moment, but my point stands! I'd like to take advantage of the merciful weather before the storm hits while I can.
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He focuses only on the gestures which the composer uses to emphasize his points, his parted mouth and wayward strands of hair. To think... that by this time on that day- this dayโ
โall of that was already gone. Still. Cold.
Drained of life.
Salieri rises suddenly, his tail limp behind him.] No.
[Oh.]
You cannot leave yet, Amadeus. [He cants his head away, unable to meet those vibrant green eyes.]
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the word, so pointed and sudden, puts a gentle stop to amadeus's energy. he reels it back, arms lowering as he observes the chimera.
so something else was wrong, after all? ] Huh?
[ still, he tries a smile. ] I told you I don't have to leave right away, but— [ a glance at the clock. 6:30am; roughly an hour and a half until the sun finally rises, if it makes it past the clouds at all ] —well, eventually, I must. What's the matter with you, Salieri?
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For what could he possibly say to Amadeus that would warrant his behavior this morning? What words would he even be able to use? What good would come from reminding him of what happened hours ago on this cold morning?
There is none. Stubbornly setting his jaw, the Chimera moves past Amadeus completely and reaches for the closet. Opening the door, he rummages silently through his trousers.
No point in going back to sleep.]
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... Salieri, what is it? I won't know if you don't tell me. [ with another glance at the clock, he sighs and crosses his arms in thought. ] I suppose I can skip the classes for today โ I'm already a few paces ahead with them, after all. But ... I should know why.
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Wolfgang. [His breath comes out in a rush, as though he were winded simply by speaking his name.] It isn't something I can explain so easily.
Were I to tell you nowโ [How badly would you be shaken? As much as I?
Salieri frowns.] Stay in for today. Per favore.
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amadeus turns on his heel, hair swaying behind him as he waves a hand and makes for the kitchen again. ] Sorry, Salieri. I can't do that. [ staying quiet and obeying never was something he was very good at. ] The coffee is ready when you want it. [ is the last thing he say before he leaves the room. ]
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He expected a small spark of Amadeus's defiance. More than anything he expected that, as well as the Maestro's equally stubborn insistence in discussing this tight-lipped matter. He was prepared for it.
What he doesn't expect- surprisingly- is Amadeus leaving the room.
A chill that has very little to do with the cold outside settles in his chest. Salieri shuts the closet door, follows with thinly-veiled anxiety.] Wolfgang, wait.
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it wasn't necessarily his intention to force the man to talk – but he definitely wasn't about to wait around for the chimera's mood to pass, or comply with his orders without discussion.
amadeus doesn't move from his spot – hand on the rail as he raises his voice in the direction of the bedroom. ] Yes? What am I waiting for, now?
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His fingers briefly clench. With measured steps he closes the distance, passing Amadeus- only to look over his shoulder at the Maestro.] The music room, Amadeus.
Please. [Another please. Salieri continues his way down and into the lower level.]
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Will you finally stop dodging around and tell me what the matter is? [ yet regardless, amadeus will head downstairs to the designated place. ]
I can play a tune for your nerves, if you'd like. [ there doesn't need to be any special reason why salieri chose that room โ music is the way they communicate, express and vent. amadeus understands how highly salieri values his music on all occasions on top of it, but for once, the maestro was hoping they could skip such formalities on what appears to be such an immediate issue. ] But I don't want to play any games. If you don't plan to speak to me, Kapellmeister, I'll leave you alone.
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He too dislikes these roundabout games, this dodging about... it certainly isn't like him, and yet. Yet. He sighs yet again and feels a clench in his chest when their piano finally comes into view.
It brings about a reaction he hadn't expected but should have known would come. Reaching for it he brushes his fingers across the first few row of keys.] ...
[His wings gently fold inward, as much as they're able.] Amadeus... to think you have no recollection at all of the significance of this day.
Or perhapsโ that is not so surprising at all. [His last words are almost a bitter whisper.]
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... no. impossible, he's good with dates! ones that really matter, anyway.
suddenly he feels terribly put on the spot, guilty for some crime unknown to him. ] Wait, what?
The date? [ what is it, then? the 5th? the beginning of december?
... well, he has one idea, and the longer he entertains it in his mind, the more salieri's behavior comes to make sense.
and
yet: ]
... You know, it's been an awful long time since I've referenced the liturgical year, Salieri. If I've forgotten a feast day – or the like, you'll have to forgive me. —Ah. [ wait!! ] I've forgotten to commission the Advent calendar. Is that it?
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No, it would not be so easy. God would not make it so painless!
Salieri can't quite help himself then. He lets out a weak breath, less of a chuckle and more like a blow to the chest. How surreal it seems now for them to even be having this conversation...!
He allows the barest of smiles to tilt his lips before he sobers once again.] No, Wolfgang. No.
On this day, many hours ago... [His fingers ghost across the key board. His face becomes tight and miserable.] You fell ill. You were ill.
Do you remember? [Do you remember, when I took your hand?]
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amadeus allows salieri to take the helm, then. to slow their tempo, to tentatively settle the mood into something steep and dreary ... even if he has long since concluded that phase of his post-life process. truthfully, this is salieri's moment more than it is his own.
"do you remember?" hah. ]
You mean when I died. [ even after all this build up, salieri is still unwilling to say it? from this angle, it's difficult to remain gentle when he's already spent mornings very much like this one — cold, frozen occasions in an observatory in the arctic — wondering about his untimely demise.
amidst a small army of servants, his story is nothing special. tame, even, in the way of shakespeare-approved tragedies. ... should he feel grateful that salieri still mourns?
... ]
I can't say I remember much of any of the days prior — running a fatal fever, you see — ... but I've read accounts from my family [ what few were left of it, anyway ] that sound very close to the truth. [ a beat. ] Well, except in one thing. [ his wife, his sister-in-law, his friends, all had recounted details that were at least adjacently correct ... but there is one perspective they could never know. one thing they would never learn about his last days.
fortunately, the memories and visions of amdusias that had engulfed his mind and obscured all else can fill those blanks, piece together the whole morbid picture. ]
I suppose I was long dead by this time? [ spoken like a query; like he were guessing at a simple math problem with a shrug of his shoulders. ]
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[Unceremoniously lifted his lifeless body from the bedโ as if though he were nothing but a rotted slab of meatโ] Nngh.
[Salieri's tempers himself once again, rests his hands upon the piano and hangs his head.] I was there until... I could no longer see the cart, Amadeus. It was as if... God had trulyโ
[Ripped you away from me.] ...
[The only movement left is the flattening of those thick round ears. He utters, finally:]...Do you understand now?