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Entry tags:
- -event,
- alfyn greengrass,
- alhaitham,
- benedikta harman,
- cidolfus telamon,
- clive rosfield,
- darin altway,
- dehya,
- dion lesage,
- dongfang qingcang,
- faris scherwiz,
- gale dekarios,
- graha tia,
- izuku midoriya,
- jill warrick,
- joshua rosfield,
- kaveh,
- midadol telamon,
- miriam,
- rem tokimiya,
- roxas,
- sherlock holmes,
- therion,
- zack fair,
- zelda
« player event » 🌪️ the eye of the storm
Who: Garuda & YOU.
Status: Open log.
Where: Eltrut, Nogard.
What: Benedikta Harman has primed into Garuda, and is wreaking havoc on the Leviathans.
Warnings: Violence, Final Fantasy XVI spoilers.
"The Warden of the Wind. She takes the form of a fearful harpy, summoning storms and tearing into the flesh of her prey with hawklike talons. Such is the Eikon's frenzy for destruction that even allies of the Dominant of the day are wont to begin fleeing the battlefield when dark clouds gather overhead."
Status: Open log.
Where: Eltrut, Nogard.
What: Benedikta Harman has primed into Garuda, and is wreaking havoc on the Leviathans.
Warnings: Violence, Final Fantasy XVI spoilers.
The morning of May the 4th starts out like any other: calm waters, clear blue skies, ships coming and going from their ports. However, all of that is about to change—and abruptly—as Benedikta Harman soars over the ocean after learning the painful truth about the fate of Cidolfus, and of herself. Her wrath now unbound and unmatched, all coming to a head as her aether bursts at the seams, a storm gathers on the horizon. With every angry beat of her wings, the skies turn a dark, eerie green, the winds grow stronger, and Garuda's voice is louder as laughter rings clearer for the first time since that one fateful dawn...
Her wings are tired, her face stings with the burn of sharp tears and sharper winds that follow after her, but she does not stop. She cannot. Any other day, she would never make it this far, but her body and the air are dense with her aether that she can fly farther and faster than she has ever managed—in no particular direction, so long as it is a direction away from him. Away from the place where she thought home could be. How naive she was to think that anywhere could be; how ignorant of her to have lit even the smallest spark of hope that things could be any different than before.
Reckless to think that trusting anyone, especially after a whole life of never affording to, would end in anything but deceit.
They all leave. They always leave.
Just like they had then, six years ago on that fateful night in Stonhyrr, those claws of betrayal coil tight around her throat and sink deep into flesh. Only this time, who is there to catch her?
The thought of that wide, open freedom that always followed Cidolfus wheresoever he went frightened her to no end. To her, it meant the unknown that came with running away, being whisked on the back of the winds, to a place where she would not know if, when next she landed, there would be a ground beneath her feet. His betrayal left her on her back once before, and she had been fool enough to take that risk again. Six years in an empty pursuit in his absence, chasing what she thought to be stability, power, and even love in another—her king, touch-starved and hunting any warmth that she could find, is what had her listening to the promises he whispered into her ear again. It is what made her take that plunge into that vast unknown, made her lean into his easy-going benevolence...
And look at where it has led her.
Back then, she had King Barnabas to pull her back on her feet. He would show her a better world, through what they both knew to be empty platitudes, and hearts that did not belong to the other, but she would be loyal. She would be good. She would be everything that Cid could not be. She would do his bidding to prove to him—and most importantly, to the rest of the world, and to herself—that she could be valuable. Powerful. Yet, what she thought was love, she realised in hindsight, was nothing more than a passion for his insurmountable power. A stable place above all the rest who thought they could cut her down. And it was his power that gripped her like a vise—she feared him, and yet, she was still loyal.
Look at what trust and loyalty have wrought.
Destined to loneliness and desperation.
Falling, falling...
Alone and afraid, a wrath now unbound as she soars over the bone dragon's head. Fumbling in the dark, she is trying to catch the pieces of herself that have shattered and are now being scattered into the wind—how the fuck is she supposed to put herself back together now?
A tool for love. A way to atone for his past sins. A way to "save her" where he could not before, and to fulfill a promise he could not uphold the first time. To make up for past mistakes so that he may now live with himself. Because that was all she was, wasn't she? A remnant, a ghost of a broken past that haunted him.
A tool for war. Even in death, she was nothing more than that. The king that she pledged her utmost fealty to then saw fit to use her however he wanted. Her body was desecrated and turned into an instrument to fuel the war between cruel men and crueler gods. Nothing more than a vessel for power. Nothing more than Garuda.
Falling...
So why does she refuse her? Why has she been so afraid of her? She should embrace her Eikon again. Become one with her once more, all fangs and no mercy, because that was all she was ever seen as: a source of power, of redemption, but they were not her own. They were never to be her own.
Tighter, the claws squeeze, and Benedikta screams and screams until she can no longer breathe. Until it is no longer her own screams, but Garuda's.
This wretched world... With wretched people...
Liars. Maggots. All of them. They all knew, and they lied.
She is afraid, but she is angry, and she has learned that it is easier to let in the rage than it is the fear. It was at Garuda's hand that she had died before, but that would not happen this time, that voice promises her. Garuda will protect her, swathe her in her comforting winds and rip apart everything that has and could hurt her.
The sky above Nogard falls dark, almost black. The waters rage as the wind abruptly picks up, lightning cracks, and a violent, swirling gale descends, only growing.
Let me help you. Let us show them what happens when they hurt you. Again and again...
If only Barnabas could see her now in all her strength. All power coursing through her pulsing aether, not an ounce of humanity left. This is what he wanted, isn't it?
She can at least take solace in the fact that Cidolfus is here. He could not keep his promise, could not save her, and instead, he lied to her, deceived her. In return, she will hate and hurt with all her love. She will let the fury take her. She will tear it all apart, and he will have to watch, knowing that he did this.
So much for your fucking redemption now.
DIE, DIE... DIE...
And from that whirling gale, she emerges. No longer is it Benedikta at the eye of the storm, but the true Warden of the Wind, the Eikon, Garuda, a reckless harpy with four wings wider than any bird's, claws that could split a man open in a single swipe, and fangs that could rip flesh from bone. With them all bared, her laughter echoes across the sea and sky.
Freedom. She is untethered, let out of the cage that Benedikta chained her in for so long.
And she will ravage this world in her name. Now fall...
Benedikta & Garuda's Wrath (Final Fantasy XVI spoilers)
Reckless to think that trusting anyone, especially after a whole life of never affording to, would end in anything but deceit.
They all leave. They always leave.
Just like they had then, six years ago on that fateful night in Stonhyrr, those claws of betrayal coil tight around her throat and sink deep into flesh. Only this time, who is there to catch her?
The thought of that wide, open freedom that always followed Cidolfus wheresoever he went frightened her to no end. To her, it meant the unknown that came with running away, being whisked on the back of the winds, to a place where she would not know if, when next she landed, there would be a ground beneath her feet. His betrayal left her on her back once before, and she had been fool enough to take that risk again. Six years in an empty pursuit in his absence, chasing what she thought to be stability, power, and even love in another—her king, touch-starved and hunting any warmth that she could find, is what had her listening to the promises he whispered into her ear again. It is what made her take that plunge into that vast unknown, made her lean into his easy-going benevolence...
And look at where it has led her.
Look at what trust and loyalty have wrought.
Destined to loneliness and desperation.
Falling, falling...
Alone and afraid, a wrath now unbound as she soars over the bone dragon's head. Fumbling in the dark, she is trying to catch the pieces of herself that have shattered and are now being scattered into the wind—how the fuck is she supposed to put herself back together now?
A tool for war. Even in death, she was nothing more than that. The king that she pledged her utmost fealty to then saw fit to use her however he wanted. Her body was desecrated and turned into an instrument to fuel the war between cruel men and crueler gods. Nothing more than a vessel for power. Nothing more than Garuda.
Falling...
So why does she refuse her? Why has she been so afraid of her? She should embrace her Eikon again. Become one with her once more, all fangs and no mercy, because that was all she was ever seen as: a source of power, of redemption, but they were not her own. They were never to be her own.
Tighter, the claws squeeze, and Benedikta screams and screams until she can no longer breathe. Until it is no longer her own screams, but Garuda's.
This wretched world... With wretched people...
The sky above Nogard falls dark, almost black. The waters rage as the wind abruptly picks up, lightning cracks, and a violent, swirling gale descends, only growing.
If only Barnabas could see her now in all her strength. All power coursing through her pulsing aether, not an ounce of humanity left. This is what he wanted, isn't it?
She can at least take solace in the fact that Cidolfus is here. He could not keep his promise, could not save her, and instead, he lied to her, deceived her. In return, she will hate and hurt with all her love. She will let the fury take her. She will tear it all apart, and he will have to watch, knowing that he did this.
So much for your fucking redemption now.
DIE, DIE... DIE...
Freedom. She is untethered, let out of the cage that Benedikta chained her in for so long.
And she will ravage this world in her name. Now fall...
WEATHERING THE STORMS
The moment that Nogard senses that something is amiss, its flesh will reform to protect itself and the villages within from the worst of the storms. While the Leviathan does get battered and the winds persist even after its body takes shape, Fang and its docks will be saved from the tidal surges that are bound to come and, upon seeing Garuda take off in the direction of Eltrut, the dragon will follow after her, roaring across the seas to send a signal of warning to the others to either flee or shield.
Heeding its call, the Naughtilust and Norhpip will retreat while Elah comes to their aid. Paladins will be encouraged by Elah to assist with rescue efforts—brave the storms and head out to sea to help. Those who do not wish to face the harpy's wrath can take refuge on the whale's back. But it will be Eltrut that will receive the brunt of Garuda's attacks, and where her magic will be most potent, the build-up of her aether coming to a head when she lands on the turtle's back.
Harsh, hurricane-like winds will assault Eltrut, and with them, a sense of dread and trickles of sadness fall upon the Leviathan. With Eltrut docked at an island, it's easier to see what is about to happen: the tide recedes, and on the horizon, the shadow of a giant tsunami wave guided by the wind approaches. While Eltrut can shield itself with its bubble, it will still need some help!
Using whatever magic is available—and necessary—everyone will have to work together to help Eltrut withstand the worst of it and, when the tide hits, it's best to be holding onto something, or someone, as Eltrut will be knocked around a bit before stabilising. Unfortunately, with the water's far too choppy to swim in, everyone will have to wait it out and work together to reduce the magic, and hope that someone comes along soon to take care of the harpy that keeps tearing through its shields.
With their homes partially destroyed by the massive wave, some of the merfolk have come to aid not only their own that have been washed up onto land, but those who hope to alleviate the stress on the Leviathans, whether it be rescue efforts or fighting off the birds and winged sharks. They have offered their herd of seahorses for people to ride on, but they are a bit temperamental, especially with all the chaos, so they will need to be calmed first before they can be ridden.
All threads will be worth 4 points.
( Bonus ♫ )
Heeding its call, the Naughtilust and Norhpip will retreat while Elah comes to their aid. Paladins will be encouraged by Elah to assist with rescue efforts—brave the storms and head out to sea to help. Those who do not wish to face the harpy's wrath can take refuge on the whale's back. But it will be Eltrut that will receive the brunt of Garuda's attacks, and where her magic will be most potent, the build-up of her aether coming to a head when she lands on the turtle's back.
Harsh, hurricane-like winds will assault Eltrut, and with them, a sense of dread and trickles of sadness fall upon the Leviathan. With Eltrut docked at an island, it's easier to see what is about to happen: the tide recedes, and on the horizon, the shadow of a giant tsunami wave guided by the wind approaches. While Eltrut can shield itself with its bubble, it will still need some help!
Using whatever magic is available—and necessary—everyone will have to work together to help Eltrut withstand the worst of it and, when the tide hits, it's best to be holding onto something, or someone, as Eltrut will be knocked around a bit before stabilising. Unfortunately, with the water's far too choppy to swim in, everyone will have to wait it out and work together to reduce the magic, and hope that someone comes along soon to take care of the harpy that keeps tearing through its shields.
🏝️ On Land. For those stuck on Eltrut or Nogard, the storms are just as fierce. With winds strong enough to rip the trees from their roots, shatter glass, and throw large objects around, it is imperative that people help each other find shelter and safety, and those with shielding magic use it, especially around the docks. Help the locals, assist the merfolk that have been washed up back into the water. There are weaponsmiths asking anyone with a set of hands to help craft things like harpoons and arrows that will be useful against the creatures that now roam the Leviathans.
🌊 Out at Sea. Crews will need to batten down the hatches and work together to weather the storms as well as rescue anyone else, including locals, who might be out there. Though, it is recommended that people try to outrun them as that is one big wave that is heading for Eltrut. Thanks to Garuda's magic, some of the wildlife have grown wings, and sharks are chomping down on boats and even leaping onto decks in search of a good meal.
☁️ In the Air. Male gryphons from The Hideaway's island will arrive to aid those who wish to take to the skies for search and rescue efforts. They are still wary and a bit erratic from being attacked earlier on the island, so working together to earn their trust will be imperative. Offering them food or small gifts such as feathers or beads will appease them, as well as protecting them from oncoming attacks from their fellow birdkin. Once in the air, riding on gryphon-back will take some getting used to, as they will always travel in pairs, and will employ tactical maneuvers to dodge the debris and any creatures that attack.
🌊 Out at Sea. Crews will need to batten down the hatches and work together to weather the storms as well as rescue anyone else, including locals, who might be out there. Though, it is recommended that people try to outrun them as that is one big wave that is heading for Eltrut. Thanks to Garuda's magic, some of the wildlife have grown wings, and sharks are chomping down on boats and even leaping onto decks in search of a good meal.
☁️ In the Air. Male gryphons from The Hideaway's island will arrive to aid those who wish to take to the skies for search and rescue efforts. They are still wary and a bit erratic from being attacked earlier on the island, so working together to earn their trust will be imperative. Offering them food or small gifts such as feathers or beads will appease them, as well as protecting them from oncoming attacks from their fellow birdkin. Once in the air, riding on gryphon-back will take some getting used to, as they will always travel in pairs, and will employ tactical maneuvers to dodge the debris and any creatures that attack.
With their homes partially destroyed by the massive wave, some of the merfolk have come to aid not only their own that have been washed up onto land, but those who hope to alleviate the stress on the Leviathans, whether it be rescue efforts or fighting off the birds and winged sharks. They have offered their herd of seahorses for people to ride on, but they are a bit temperamental, especially with all the chaos, so they will need to be calmed first before they can be ridden.
All threads will be worth 4 points.
( Bonus ♫ )
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
It isn't just the violent skies and seas that pose a problem. Garuda's magic has somehow affected all of the birdkin and bird folk alike across Nogard and Eltrut. What once were peaceful, friendly creatures have now turned on others, as well as each other, and will be attacking and fighting on the streets.
More than that, while some birds have transformed into menacing beasts large enough to pick up a whole person—sometimes two—there are also dozens and dozens of Wind Elementals that have spawned all around the Leviathans, all of them under the command of Benedikta's sisters, Chirada and Suparna, the strongest of them. They hardly ever leave one another's side, but when they are provoked, they will not hesitate to attack. To make matters worse, when threatened, they will tether their aether to each other to make themselves more immune and to regenerate. They are fast, agile, with wide wingspans and talons that will rip anyone apart if they manage to catch them. They are weak to lightning magic and can be held off by the plumes found throughout the forest, and destroying them will buy time for those fighting the smaller Egis to defeat them... However, be warned, they will only respawn again elsewhere, and will keep doing so until Garuda is chased away. (Note: this video of their boss fight can be referred to if needed.)
There will occasionally be white plumes that will flutter down from the skies. These feathers are from Garuda's wings, and gathering them will provide a ward to protect one from harm for a short period of time. They can shield against one hit or act as a repellent to the birds and the Egis before they are destroyed. Search for them in the treetops and the vines, gather them, and they should be shared so that everyone can make it out of the forest safely. If anyone is able to collect enough of them, they will have healing wind properties that can mend small wounds and cuts.
For those at The Roost (the Hideaway crew's island), the gryphons will be up in arms, not only because one of their nests has been destroyed, but because Benedikta's uncontrollable magic has bled into them, too. The female gryphons, led by the Matriarch, will attack the males, and a fight will break out among them. The males will flee down into the Roost to seek help, but the females will surely soon follow. Killing the gryphons is not an option, and anyone who threatens the lives of the females will have to get through the males in spite of this war, so they will need to be chased off for now. In return, the males will allow anyone to ride on their backs and carry them to Eltrut should they wish to help there.
All threads will be worth 4 points.
( Bonus ♫ )
More than that, while some birds have transformed into menacing beasts large enough to pick up a whole person—sometimes two—there are also dozens and dozens of Wind Elementals that have spawned all around the Leviathans, all of them under the command of Benedikta's sisters, Chirada and Suparna, the strongest of them. They hardly ever leave one another's side, but when they are provoked, they will not hesitate to attack. To make matters worse, when threatened, they will tether their aether to each other to make themselves more immune and to regenerate. They are fast, agile, with wide wingspans and talons that will rip anyone apart if they manage to catch them. They are weak to lightning magic and can be held off by the plumes found throughout the forest, and destroying them will buy time for those fighting the smaller Egis to defeat them... However, be warned, they will only respawn again elsewhere, and will keep doing so until Garuda is chased away. (Note: this video of their boss fight can be referred to if needed.)
🐦 Birds and Birdfolk. Beware of feathered friends! Garuda's magic has made both the birds of the islands and the bird folk particularly aggressive. Bird folk will be quick to anger, and those caught up in the worst of the effects will attack anyone unprovoked for so much as looking at them. The only cure for this is taking out the Wind Elementals that have spawned, as they are what sustains Garuda's magic. In the meantime, until they can be destroyed, luring them further away and outside of town or finding a humane way to knock them out for the time being will work to help alleviate the threats at the eye of the storm. Cats will also be effective against them. Be careful, however—the birds are capable of stealing the breath of anyone who wanders too close, strangling them through lack of air.
🌪️ Wind Elementals. Minions of Garuda herself, these Wind Egis will indiscriminately pick out anyone they find to assault with their large wings, sharpened talons, and powerful wind magic. Men will be carried out to sea where they will attempt to drown them, while women will be carried to "safety" in the nests that the birds have built within the forests. Defeating them is the key to weakening Garuda's magic, so take them out by any means necessary. Note: Players are free to use and control the Egis however they want.
🪹 Within the Nest. For those caught in the nest, escaping on the ground will be the only way out as horrific winged beasts and Egis guard the skies. Beneath the trees, people will need to carve out a path through the messy vines and thorns. It will be safer with a partner, as all sorts of horrors lurk. Eldritch hummingbirds, cassowary, magpies, human-sized hawkmoths, guineafowl, pelicans, and a strange breed of geese that are prepared to feed on or tear apart anyone who might threaten their nest.
🌪️ Wind Elementals. Minions of Garuda herself, these Wind Egis will indiscriminately pick out anyone they find to assault with their large wings, sharpened talons, and powerful wind magic. Men will be carried out to sea where they will attempt to drown them, while women will be carried to "safety" in the nests that the birds have built within the forests. Defeating them is the key to weakening Garuda's magic, so take them out by any means necessary. Note: Players are free to use and control the Egis however they want.
🪹 Within the Nest. For those caught in the nest, escaping on the ground will be the only way out as horrific winged beasts and Egis guard the skies. Beneath the trees, people will need to carve out a path through the messy vines and thorns. It will be safer with a partner, as all sorts of horrors lurk. Eldritch hummingbirds, cassowary, magpies, human-sized hawkmoths, guineafowl, pelicans, and a strange breed of geese that are prepared to feed on or tear apart anyone who might threaten their nest.
There will occasionally be white plumes that will flutter down from the skies. These feathers are from Garuda's wings, and gathering them will provide a ward to protect one from harm for a short period of time. They can shield against one hit or act as a repellent to the birds and the Egis before they are destroyed. Search for them in the treetops and the vines, gather them, and they should be shared so that everyone can make it out of the forest safely. If anyone is able to collect enough of them, they will have healing wind properties that can mend small wounds and cuts.
For those at The Roost (the Hideaway crew's island), the gryphons will be up in arms, not only because one of their nests has been destroyed, but because Benedikta's uncontrollable magic has bled into them, too. The female gryphons, led by the Matriarch, will attack the males, and a fight will break out among them. The males will flee down into the Roost to seek help, but the females will surely soon follow. Killing the gryphons is not an option, and anyone who threatens the lives of the females will have to get through the males in spite of this war, so they will need to be chased off for now. In return, the males will allow anyone to ride on their backs and carry them to Eltrut should they wish to help there.
All threads will be worth 4 points.
( Bonus ♫ )
THE LADY OF THE WIND
For those few who are brave enough to encounter Garuda and live to tell the tale, and those fewer who are daring enough to chase her down seeking to clip the vengeful harpy's wings, they will likely not have to look very far. Garuda is a mischievous and wicked Eikon, chaotic, as if she were made of the winds and storms herself, and through all of the destruction she brings, she also finds enjoyment in taunting others, sometimes swooping down or over one's head just to toy with those on the ground before flying off again.
If she is feeling particularly naughty, she may even kidnap a few, scooping them up in her claws and flying them off someplace else... just for fun. Whether it is the nest, into the sky, out to sea, who knows, but one thing is for certain... one does not want to be engaged with her for long, lest they wish to feel just how sharp her claws and fangs truly are...
Try as they might, however, it will take the might of another full Eikon to take her down, and the battles will end as Ramuh, the Warden of Thunder, makes his appearance and chases her away from Eltrut, and they will face off against one another over the ocean.
Note: This portion of the log is closed to those who signed up for an encounter with Garuda. Please leave a starter at your designated top level down below! They will be worth 6 points.
( Bonus ♫ )
If she is feeling particularly naughty, she may even kidnap a few, scooping them up in her claws and flying them off someplace else... just for fun. Whether it is the nest, into the sky, out to sea, who knows, but one thing is for certain... one does not want to be engaged with her for long, lest they wish to feel just how sharp her claws and fangs truly are...
Try as they might, however, it will take the might of another full Eikon to take her down, and the battles will end as Ramuh, the Warden of Thunder, makes his appearance and chases her away from Eltrut, and they will face off against one another over the ocean.
Note: This portion of the log is closed to those who signed up for an encounter with Garuda. Please leave a starter at your designated top level down below! They will be worth 6 points.
( Bonus ♫ )
This is the designated log for a player-run (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
garudas) mini-event. After revelations came about surrounding her fate, Benedikta Harman primed into her full Eikon, Garuda, and she is now ravaging the seas, skies, and land.
Players are free to make their own top levels and tag around, and those who have signed up to face Garuda can leave their starters beneath their designated top levels. Information can be found on the OOC post and please direct any questions here. New players/characters are free to tag into this as well, as this is all occurring after their arrival.
The event and its effects will last less than one day ICly and will have a resolution, so there will be no bearing on anything afterward. Any post-Garuda events will be on the main monthly log that will be going up, including Leviathan clean-up and helping the mermaids after parts of their underwater dwelling were ruined by the wave that hit Eltrut.
garudas) mini-event. After revelations came about surrounding her fate, Benedikta Harman primed into her full Eikon, Garuda, and she is now ravaging the seas, skies, and land.Players are free to make their own top levels and tag around, and those who have signed up to face Garuda can leave their starters beneath their designated top levels. Information can be found on the OOC post and please direct any questions here. New players/characters are free to tag into this as well, as this is all occurring after their arrival.
The event and its effects will last less than one day ICly and will have a resolution, so there will be no bearing on anything afterward. Any post-Garuda events will be on the main monthly log that will be going up, including Leviathan clean-up and helping the mermaids after parts of their underwater dwelling were ruined by the wave that hit Eltrut.
no subject
If a common shopkeep of oddities and an eclectic arrangement of books doesn't have what he's looking for-- ]
You're looking for something more obscure, then? [ She inquires, keeping her voice gentle. He looks like man about to set fire to the entire street. ]
no subject
Books ranging from the history of riftfarers to lost treasure, from every fairy tale to ancient myths or relics. Many, like the ones seen currently on the floor, where outsider's observations. There was nothing concrete- only theories which lead to another dead end.
Another dead end. ]
Something— anything that can give me a clue. [ It sounded like a plea. His low, agonizing voice drifted to the ground he continued to stare at before shaking his head of any thought. ]
I... I'm trying. I— [ He let's the words drift away with another tightening of his grip before letting his feet carry him towards the door. The other guests in the establishment seem somewhat relieved, but carefully guarded. Some are even whispering of finding a Paladin. ]
—I don't know.
no subject
…Ah.
Rem glances at the other patrons as Clive walks out, and then decides to places a few coins on top of the books before doing the same. A chime above the door rings as the door shuts behind her, and she quickly follows after him.
It’ll be a few moments before she speaks up, though. And when she does, it’s light, casual— ]
There’s another bookshop that way…
[ A pause, and then she adds, quietly: ]
But I don’t think you’ll find what you’re looking for in the bookstores.
no subject
He's still reeling from emotions as he exits, footing unstable and out of sync. The only saving grace was a display shelf on the outside of the store, and even that had threatened to fold under Clive's unsteady weight. From the outside he looked no more than a disheveled drunk- an almost regular appearance had the sun not even reached its midway point yet.
And yet still he couldn't manage to even look Rem properly in the eye as he spoke. ]
A world who's magicks tore us away from our homes... could a solution not be more commonplace!? [ His voice grows a little louder, more irritated. As if he was addressing the earth beneath him itself.]
I have to find a way to help him! I have to save him!
no subject
"Him"? Who--? Her mind races, but she can only draw one conclusion. It's been some days since the attack, but the man is still lying ill in bed... with Clive never far from his side. ]
Clive. [ She reaches out to place a hand on his forearm. Crystals, this tugs at her heart to see them both like this. She doesn't know all the details, but she knows that Joshua suffers. Clive suffers. And it's-- it's unfair. In this world, it's unfair to them, and Clive has every right to be angry about it. ] ...Walk with me? [ She insists, gently. ] Please.
[ --But it would be best to guide him away from a crowd. ]
no subject
Still, recognition did strike him whenever the hand was pushed aside, and his expression darkens. ]
Rem, I— [ He's so sorry.
She didn't deserve this. She didn't deserve any of this and the guilt that fights for dominance over his terror wins temporarily. Enough that big, deep and saddened eyes look upon her for forgiveness. ] —Alright. Lead the way.
[ Because Founder knows wherever he ends up walking to would never be a good one. ]
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But he’s agreeing, and so she leads.
Their walk starts of quiet, with Rem neither speaking nor asking questions, a time during which she hopes he’s able to sort through his ruminations. The ambient chatter of the marketplace gradually fades to that of waves crashing upon the shore as she leads him away from the town to the harbor. Cobble stone turns to boardwalk, and the laughter of children are replaced with the cries of seagulls. Despite all that has besieged this leviathan in the past few days, time marches on. History is recorded. People rebuild what is lost.
It’s chillier near the marina, and the spring wind nips at her cheeks. Rem reaches to pull her red clock tighter around her shoulders, stalling as she debates how to speak with him. At length, she decides that a direct approach is best. ]
You’re worried for Joshua, aren’t you?
[ A pause follows as she draw in a quiet breath, clearing her throat of an itch. While she’s seen Joshua after the attack— she’d been under the impression that he was recovering. Rem casts a glance in his direction. ]
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Clive's feet fell heavy upon the boardwalk, and once they have stopped he was nearly as a statue beside her. An empty, sullen husk that failed to properly meet her gaze when she finally questioned him.
It was there with that one word that a reaction finally came from the man. He tensed, muscles tightening before his head sunk deeper into his chest.
It didn't take a scholar to know she was right— that his entire soul was swept up in worry for his little brother. But eventually, and with a heavy breath, the man nodded. ]
His condition cannot he mended by normal means. If this continues, he will— [ Clive stops himself for saying anymore. Instead he'll tightly shut his eyes, gripping a hand to his forearm to hold himself in place. ]
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She's known for some time both Clive and the other Dominants were affected by some curse; which, she assumed, also included Joshua. Then she'd learned the strange, blackened burn marks on him were caused by another matter entirely.
She can only imagine that if there is a solution to any of their afflictions, it is in the Dominants' homeworld. So where does that leave them here? With hope, yes, but with the possibility of frustrating dead ends after dead ends...something with which she struggles, herself. It breaks her heart to see others go through it.
She reaches out to him once more, placing her fingers on his forearm that he grips. The touch doesn't linger, as she's only trying to bring his attention back to the present, out of his thoughts.
But she does finish his sentence for him. ] Live.
He'll live.
[ Does she knows this? No. Obviously, no, but as soon as she catches his gaze, she'll hold it with a determined, level one of her own. ] He'll live, [She repeats, keeping her voice firm. ] and do you know how I know this?
[ Her tone suggests she's going to tell him anyway, but she waits for his response. ]
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Yet for everything to come circling back around in a hopeless cycle leaves this man as hopeless as the moment he felt when—
Live.
The words strike a deep cord inside of him.
His eyes flash forward, peeling towards Rem as the simple word was spoken.
"He'll live."
A tightness grips at his chest. Painful. Suffocating... yet there was a look behind his eyes. As if he was hoping, praying for someone to say those words. He had reached blindly into the darkness with no intention of seeing the other end, but Rem's gentle touch brings forth a sudden acknowledgement upon his features.
Hope, perhaps?
He won't say anything right away, but the tears forming around the sides of his eyes does give the sort of an indication that he was hanging onto every word she was saying. ]
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You've noticed too, haven't you? The way he draws in others... not because he was born noble, [ Her hand lifts to her chest. ] But because he is kind, he is. Kind, like you are, because you do the same thing.
[ It's difficult not to admire either of them when standing in their presence, because she's seen their earnestness firsthand time and time again. Inspiration softens her tone, but she's no less certain as she continues. ] The people that Joshua draws into his orbit include people like you. The strong, the smart, the crafty, the honorable, and the fiercely devoted. Even more in this world, all gathered to him...
To the both of you, to help him and to help you help him-- because what one of us can't do alone, there will be someone who can across the universes. His kindness has attracted the very best to figure it out, with you leading the charge.
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And here, too, standing before him did Rem say the same thing.
She had noticed it, too... the aura that Joshua surrounded himself with. Clive noticed it from an early age. Not because he was their family's shining glory of the Phoneix, but because of who he was a person. His gentle, devoted, and beautiful personality shined forth and touched the lives of anyone he would encounter. And that did not just extend on their own star, but here, as well.
So many people were willing to help them, to help them both that the knot in Clive's chest only tightened further.
To think that they weren't alone... that there would those who would go through such lengths to help them...
Those who would carry the burden alongside them... ]
I— [ Tears began to flow freely down his scarred cheeks.
For the past. For the horrors he had witnessed and the feeling still fresh against his skin where he held his brother in his arms.
For the present. For the aching and helplessness and anger.
For the future. For the flame in his heart that was once again ignited. That there still may be a chance upon this star to save his brother. With the help of so many others, there was a spark of hope that began to surface.
He had hope. ]
Thank you.... thank you...— [ His body crumbles under the weight of emotions- under her kind and furious words- as his hands go to cup around his face. Allowing all the exhaustion, all the days of wandering and not sleeping and no longer eating to all surface into a loud wail of desperation. ]
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Rem has no doubts that Clive is the foundation upon which his brother will be saved.
To any friend who looks like they sorely need a hug, she typically gives one, and that won't be different, here. Rem steps up to him, hugging him from the side, one hand going to his shoulder, and she'll lend this support without judgement, words, or price for as long as he needs.
... ]
You got this, you do. You got this.
[ ...And she's secretly grateful for this hope, a hope she shares for the both of them, because she sorely wants them to be happy, too. To live and to be happy, and to find peace in a world that isn't their own. Joshua is her friend, too. Clive is also her friend. This world should have granted them respite, not more turmoil, and a path to their peace starts today. ]
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Maybe, just maybe, he could find a happily ever after.
It was wishful thinking given the world he grew up in, how unkind and unjust it was, but clinging to that hope was all that he needed to hang on. By giving it just one day at a time, one meaningful step after another, those who shared in his burdens would lead him forward. Helping him to carry the load and be beside him if he should falter.
Just as Rem did now, holding him as he continued to cry. The anguish in his tone began to fade the more tears he let out, until eventually all that was left was the slow shuddering of his breath. He was exhausted, both mentally and physically, and as his body slumped to the side he willed himself not to put his full weight on Rem, lest she may topple over in the process. ]
Thank you. [ He repeats in a whisper before shutting his eyes to compose himself. ]
It's alright. I'm alright.
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So when it seems as if he's composing himself, she draws away from the embrace, clasping her hands together, studying his face. Exactly how long has it been since he's let himself feel?
He... looks as if he needs sleep more than anything else. ] I know you are... and I know you will be.
But-- here, take this. [ She slips off the Ring of Returning from her pinky, and she offers it to him. ] It'll bring you back to the roost. You look like you could use some rest.