sticks and bones. (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
sticksandbonesmods) wrote2023-08-24 11:28 am
sticksandbonesmods) wrote2023-08-24 11:28 am
Entry tags:
NPC CONTACT
NPCs
To request a thread with an available NPC, put their name in the subject line and anything else you feel is relevant. NPC threads cannot be used for Main AC, but can be used for Bonus AC.
Available NPCs:
Shopkeeper / Heimr.
(he/him)
A tall, heavier man who dresses in slightly oversized clothing not unlike that of a wandering merchant of sorts. He has golden orange eyes and long, curly dark hair that's starting to turn silver here and there, and though he carries a certain weeriness, this does nothing to mask his kindness. He has absolutely no pokerface whatsoever. During the day and late at night he mans the General Store with the help of Plum's magic, though now that he needs to sleep, he's more prone to catnaps at the counter. That said, he'll always be ready to listen or offer a cup of tea. Late winter/early spring, he became human — but not the man he used to be. Heimr gained his name from Mizuki.
A tall, heavier man who dresses in slightly oversized clothing not unlike that of a wandering merchant of sorts. He has golden orange eyes and long, curly dark hair that's starting to turn silver here and there, and though he carries a certain weeriness, this does nothing to mask his kindness. He has absolutely no pokerface whatsoever. During the day and late at night he mans the General Store with the help of Plum's magic, though now that he needs to sleep, he's more prone to catnaps at the counter. That said, he'll always be ready to listen or offer a cup of tea. Late winter/early spring, he became human — but not the man he used to be. Heimr gained his name from Mizuki.
Trader / Ydalir.
(she/her)
A large woman who adorns herself with rich colors and baggy clothes to hide her shadowy form, and the Shopkeeper’s sister. Like her brother, she has given her name to the forest and with it, her identity and humanity. She is much more energetic, but more likely to anger as well. She runs a trading booth, armed with magical items from who knows where and a mirror that allows her to reach for items across dimensions, which she will use for the new residents of the Grove! For a price. Her name was given to her by Mizuki.
A large woman who adorns herself with rich colors and baggy clothes to hide her shadowy form, and the Shopkeeper’s sister. Like her brother, she has given her name to the forest and with it, her identity and humanity. She is much more energetic, but more likely to anger as well. She runs a trading booth, armed with magical items from who knows where and a mirror that allows her to reach for items across dimensions, which she will use for the new residents of the Grove! For a price. Her name was given to her by Mizuki.
Rusty.
(he/him)
An old dog who desperately wants to go home. Before the fence erected itself, he spent most of his days trying to get into the manor with little success. The Shopkeeper says the children of his former master are inside the manor, and he wants to return to their side. He can be fussy and has a flair for that doggy judgmental side eye, but he’s gentle and loving as well. What secrets does he hold?
An old dog who desperately wants to go home. Before the fence erected itself, he spent most of his days trying to get into the manor with little success. The Shopkeeper says the children of his former master are inside the manor, and he wants to return to their side. He can be fussy and has a flair for that doggy judgmental side eye, but he’s gentle and loving as well. What secrets does he hold?
Zahliya.
Played by purifier
(he/they)
A Gargoyle rescued from the fog who is very fond of his titles. Known as "the Purifier, He Who is the First Sentinel, the Grove's Guardian" and fifteen other things, Zahliya is short, combative, and possesses the ability to cleanse corruption by taking it into himself, or burning it out with magic. While formerly unable to conjure said magic, Zahliya is now capable of curing all but the most dire forms of Corruption. His true name is "Amun-Ra", given to him by the Goddesses who created him. He can typically be found perched on the roof of the church, and wields two holy blades called Daybreak and Nightfall.
purifier(he/they)
A Gargoyle rescued from the fog who is very fond of his titles. Known as "the Purifier, He Who is the First Sentinel, the Grove's Guardian" and fifteen other things, Zahliya is short, combative, and possesses the ability to cleanse corruption by taking it into himself, or burning it out with magic. While formerly unable to conjure said magic, Zahliya is now capable of curing all but the most dire forms of Corruption. His true name is "Amun-Ra", given to him by the Goddesses who created him. He can typically be found perched on the roof of the church, and wields two holy blades called Daybreak and Nightfall.
Zonari.
(she/her)
A Gargoyle constructed by the Fallen Sun/Forest who was brought back to the Grove with some reluctance. Zonari is firmly on the side of the Fallen Sun, though she will entertain being spoken to, and is operating under a truce with everyone here under the promise that they will reunite the Fallen Sun with Beiwe and repair the trust lost between the siblings. She refers to Zahliya as her brother. Her magic deals in Corrupting and modifying memories, and she has a small amount of control over Time. She rarely visits the Grove to "check on you all", and will not get directly involved in affairs of the players at this time.
A Gargoyle constructed by the Fallen Sun/Forest who was brought back to the Grove with some reluctance. Zonari is firmly on the side of the Fallen Sun, though she will entertain being spoken to, and is operating under a truce with everyone here under the promise that they will reunite the Fallen Sun with Beiwe and repair the trust lost between the siblings. She refers to Zahliya as her brother. Her magic deals in Corrupting and modifying memories, and she has a small amount of control over Time. She rarely visits the Grove to "check on you all", and will not get directly involved in affairs of the players at this time.
Moder.
(she/her)
A terrifying, two-story tall moose monster known as the Guardian of the Forest. Moder speaks exclusively in a language that sounds similar to Old Norse, but her words are automatically translated in the heads of those who hear her into something legible. She roams the Grove freely and slips in and out of the fog, regularly killing dangerous monsters to protect the people within the fog's protective bubble. If you ask nicely, she will give you rides around the Grove. During Spring and Summer, mosses and flowers grow along her back and bloom in her hoofsteps.
A terrifying, two-story tall moose monster known as the Guardian of the Forest. Moder speaks exclusively in a language that sounds similar to Old Norse, but her words are automatically translated in the heads of those who hear her into something legible. She roams the Grove freely and slips in and out of the fog, regularly killing dangerous monsters to protect the people within the fog's protective bubble. If you ask nicely, she will give you rides around the Grove. During Spring and Summer, mosses and flowers grow along her back and bloom in her hoofsteps.
Sinann.
(it/its or they/them)
The River Guardian, Sinann is a five-foot long fantail fish. It is the reason the river flourishes, and it is the reason you should return the bones of fish you take from the river back to it. Despite appearances, Sinann is just as powerful as the other Guardians. It has the ability to enter a humanoid form to go on land, but will largely still be a fish in the river. Sinann's healing water can heal all but the most fatal of injuries, and it recommends carrying a bottle of it with you just in case.
The River Guardian, Sinann is a five-foot long fantail fish. It is the reason the river flourishes, and it is the reason you should return the bones of fish you take from the river back to it. Despite appearances, Sinann is just as powerful as the other Guardians. It has the ability to enter a humanoid form to go on land, but will largely still be a fish in the river. Sinann's healing water can heal all but the most fatal of injuries, and it recommends carrying a bottle of it with you just in case.
Callan.
(he/him), art by ![[plurk.com profile]](https://plurk.com/favicon.ico)
winterbolt
The Lake Guardian, Callan, lives within the lake primarily, but his "mobile home" is in a fishtank in Pure Vanilla Cookie's house. He has the ability to charm people with his siren's song, though lately he's learnt to "be good" and ask first before he tries to take bites out of people. To make matters worse, he's also a shapeshifter, and tends to take on amorphous forms. He cannot shapeshift to something that would break his usual powers — no birds/flight, and no saltwater creatures. Mostly, he wants to play and taunt people. He acts much stupider than he truly is, but he's not going to tell you that.
The Lake Guardian, Callan, lives within the lake primarily, but his "mobile home" is in a fishtank in Pure Vanilla Cookie's house. He has the ability to charm people with his siren's song, though lately he's learnt to "be good" and ask first before he tries to take bites out of people. To make matters worse, he's also a shapeshifter, and tends to take on amorphous forms. He cannot shapeshift to something that would break his usual powers — no birds/flight, and no saltwater creatures. Mostly, he wants to play and taunt people. He acts much stupider than he truly is, but he's not going to tell you that.
The Sky Guardian/"Aurora".
(she/her)
Dubbed "Aurora" by the residents of the Grove, The Sky Guardian, the "bird of rainbow", was killed by the Fallen Sun when it Fell. Thanks to the efforts of Pure Vanilla Cookie, she has been resurrected. When she initally perished eons ago, it is said the stars fell from the sky with her; with her return, the stars, too, have come back. She is kinder and more patient than the other Guardians, and can shapeshift into various types of birds. When in her real form, she stands at three stories tall. A single rainbow tailfeather can bring people back from the dead without consequence — but the offerings required can be steep.
Dubbed "Aurora" by the residents of the Grove, The Sky Guardian, the "bird of rainbow", was killed by the Fallen Sun when it Fell. Thanks to the efforts of Pure Vanilla Cookie, she has been resurrected. When she initally perished eons ago, it is said the stars fell from the sky with her; with her return, the stars, too, have come back. She is kinder and more patient than the other Guardians, and can shapeshift into various types of birds. When in her real form, she stands at three stories tall. A single rainbow tailfeather can bring people back from the dead without consequence — but the offerings required can be steep.
Dragon Hatchlings.
(varies)
A clutch of seven dragon young who hatched upon the beach midwinter. The young vary greatly, but are friendly and playful little things. They like to play at the Rec Center or can be found in various places around the Grove, though they all have favored guardians and caretakers.
You may ask them for a blessing or two, threaded here.
A clutch of seven dragon young who hatched upon the beach midwinter. The young vary greatly, but are friendly and playful little things. They like to play at the Rec Center or can be found in various places around the Grove, though they all have favored guardians and caretakers.
You may ask them for a blessing or two, threaded here.
Nene.
Played by mermaidcursed
(she/her)
A young girl who was previously corrupted, but healed by the Cosmic Serpent's holy rain and Pure Vanilla Cookie's efforts. This has resulted in the more malignant plant growths on her to drop and die, but at this point she is still significantly plantlike, as she's come to rely upon these mutations to survive for thousands of years. At a glance Nene will stand out due to her eyepatch, metal legs and the flowers growing out of her hair. As she's now free of the Forest, her exuberant and bright personality is starting to really shine through. Upon death and revival, Nene will personally lead you back to the Grove. Just don’t let go of her hand on the journey.
mermaidcursed(she/her)
A young girl who was previously corrupted, but healed by the Cosmic Serpent's holy rain and Pure Vanilla Cookie's efforts. This has resulted in the more malignant plant growths on her to drop and die, but at this point she is still significantly plantlike, as she's come to rely upon these mutations to survive for thousands of years. At a glance Nene will stand out due to her eyepatch, metal legs and the flowers growing out of her hair. As she's now free of the Forest, her exuberant and bright personality is starting to really shine through. Upon death and revival, Nene will personally lead you back to the Grove. Just don’t let go of her hand on the journey.
Elsword.
Played by simplicitas
(he/him)
A young man who was once living among the Grove's residents and formerly Corrupted. Elsword formerly resided in The Garden, where he greeted and spoke to the dead, as well as researched the secrets of it. He decided to resurrect for a chance at attacking the Fallen Sun out of revenge. Fully blind, he can be found living with Mizuki, but spends a majority of his time outside camping out across the river and upstream from Vash's House.
simplicitas(he/him)
A young man who was once living among the Grove's residents and formerly Corrupted. Elsword formerly resided in The Garden, where he greeted and spoke to the dead, as well as researched the secrets of it. He decided to resurrect for a chance at attacking the Fallen Sun out of revenge. Fully blind, he can be found living with Mizuki, but spends a majority of his time outside camping out across the river and upstream from Vash's House.
Callisto Abella.
(she/her)
A merchant and 'treasure hunter' if you believe her words, Callisto is a cynical woman who has the unfortunate crime of freeing the Fallen Sun, letting him claw his way back to power. He's kept her as a personal pincushion for centuries, killing and resurrecting her at whim, and though she's still full of fire, she is also weary from years of guilt, suffering and the realization that everyone she knows and loves is dead. Callisto keeps to herself but can be drawn from her room at the inn with good company, good food and good wine- which she also enjoys making.
A merchant and 'treasure hunter' if you believe her words, Callisto is a cynical woman who has the unfortunate crime of freeing the Fallen Sun, letting him claw his way back to power. He's kept her as a personal pincushion for centuries, killing and resurrecting her at whim, and though she's still full of fire, she is also weary from years of guilt, suffering and the realization that everyone she knows and loves is dead. Callisto keeps to herself but can be drawn from her room at the inn with good company, good food and good wine- which she also enjoys making.
Semi-Available NPCs:
Semi-Available NPCs are NPCs that are only able to be spoken to under specific circumstances. The circumstances are outlined under each NPC's informational blurb. These NPCs may or may not be moved to Available or Unavailable status depending on further plot updates. Characters who do not fulfill the requirements will not be able to thread with these NPCs. They live under a cut to save page space.List of Semi-Available NPCs (Click to Expand):
The Behemoth.
(she/her)
The "daughter of Callan", The Behemoth is an enormous, many-eyed crocodile who is now trapped outside of the lake due to the fog wall. She has interest in humankind, and will regularly stalk anyone near the river, but will not try to harm them unless she is harmed first. She claims that she will side with whoever makes her home better, be it humankind or the Creature in the Woods. She can only be spoken to while using the Bone Ring.
The "daughter of Callan", The Behemoth is an enormous, many-eyed crocodile who is now trapped outside of the lake due to the fog wall. She has interest in humankind, and will regularly stalk anyone near the river, but will not try to harm them unless she is harmed first. She claims that she will side with whoever makes her home better, be it humankind or the Creature in the Woods. She can only be spoken to while using the Bone Ring.
Plum.
(they/them)
A little fox spirit within the General Store, Plum is the reason that Heimr can get so many supplies and keep it stocked year-round. There is a shrine to them in the back of it. Plum can only be spoken to while using the Bone Ring.
A little fox spirit within the General Store, Plum is the reason that Heimr can get so many supplies and keep it stocked year-round. There is a shrine to them in the back of it. Plum can only be spoken to while using the Bone Ring.
Beiwe.
(she/her)
The Goddess of the Sun, Beiwe's statue rests next to the well. She traditionally wears armour and wields a sword. She is boistrous, loud, and passionate, and praying to her will make the area feel warm for a time. At one point, she rode on the back of a giant dragon named Sehul. Her statue shows her without her horn-halo cracked, but the real Beiwe does indeed sport that injury. She can be contacted via prayer, but unless otherwise noted, cannot be physically interacted with at this time.
The Goddess of the Sun, Beiwe's statue rests next to the well. She traditionally wears armour and wields a sword. She is boistrous, loud, and passionate, and praying to her will make the area feel warm for a time. At one point, she rode on the back of a giant dragon named Sehul. Her statue shows her without her horn-halo cracked, but the real Beiwe does indeed sport that injury. She can be contacted via prayer, but unless otherwise noted, cannot be physically interacted with at this time.
Ourania.
(she/her)
The Goddess of the Moon, Ourania's statue rests next to the well on the opposite side from Beiwe's. She wears a flowing gown and a scarf in her statue. Little is known about her, though she is said to be "very ill". Another humongous statue of hers lies underneath the far-off lighthouse, built into the cliff face. When prayed to, she makes the world feel colder for a moment.She can be contacted via prayer, but unless otherwise noted, cannot be physically interacted with at this time.
The Goddess of the Moon, Ourania's statue rests next to the well on the opposite side from Beiwe's. She wears a flowing gown and a scarf in her statue. Little is known about her, though she is said to be "very ill". Another humongous statue of hers lies underneath the far-off lighthouse, built into the cliff face. When prayed to, she makes the world feel colder for a moment.She can be contacted via prayer, but unless otherwise noted, cannot be physically interacted with at this time.
Felicity Morais.
Played by amethystic
(she/her)
A young witch and Star who was called to an uninhabited star shrine to empower it once more. She stays to both provide a beacon of safety to other Stars in the forest, share her power and a third, much less pleasant reason: to be live bait for that which would kill the holy lights and give them time to protect themselves best.
amethystic(she/her)
A young witch and Star who was called to an uninhabited star shrine to empower it once more. She stays to both provide a beacon of safety to other Stars in the forest, share her power and a third, much less pleasant reason: to be live bait for that which would kill the holy lights and give them time to protect themselves best.
Unavailable NPCs:
Unavailable NPCs are, well, not available for threads for one reason or another, but are listed here for bookkeeping/lore reasons. They may or may not become available at a later date. Available NPCs may also become unavailable at a later date, and will be moved to this list accordingly. To avoid clutter, this list lives under a cut, but all NPCs are lore-important and should be considered part of the story even if they aren't necessarily contactable.List of Unavailable NPCs (Click to Expand):
Aldric.
(he/him)
The founder of the Grove, owner of the manor, and Rusty’s previous master. He had planned on establishing the Grove as a pitstop town within the woods while trying to clear space for a shortcut trade route between towns. It seems that he invited people who needed to get away from their hometown as means of refuge as well. ... Recently, the Shopkeeper has confessed to being Aldric, though he can no longer call himself by name.
The founder of the Grove, owner of the manor, and Rusty’s previous master. He had planned on establishing the Grove as a pitstop town within the woods while trying to clear space for a shortcut trade route between towns. It seems that he invited people who needed to get away from their hometown as means of refuge as well. ... Recently, the Shopkeeper has confessed to being Aldric, though he can no longer call himself by name.
Renard.
(he/him)
Aldric’s best friend and the co-founder of the Grove. Currently, he is deep within the forest, sealed into a tree and awaiting rescue. He is said to have taken a magic artifact long ago that the forest wants, intending to hide to protect it.
Aldric’s best friend and the co-founder of the Grove. Currently, he is deep within the forest, sealed into a tree and awaiting rescue. He is said to have taken a magic artifact long ago that the forest wants, intending to hide to protect it.
Olivia.
(she/her)
Aldric's sister, who lived within the grove. Apparently she guards the star shards. Through magic and great sacrifice, Olivia gave up her name and with it, her humanity, to become the Trader.
Aldric's sister, who lived within the grove. Apparently she guards the star shards. Through magic and great sacrifice, Olivia gave up her name and with it, her humanity, to become the Trader.
Audrey.
(she/her)
Aldric’s youngest child. Her body was discovered in the manor, laid to rest within her bedroom. She has a gravestone outside of the manor, and both Rusty and the Shopkeeper can be found there sometimes.
Aldric’s youngest child. Her body was discovered in the manor, laid to rest within her bedroom. She has a gravestone outside of the manor, and both Rusty and the Shopkeeper can be found there sometimes.
Rillian.
(she/her)
Aldric’s oldest daughter, the middle child. She remains within the manor for reasons unknown, and refuses to exit, insisting that it’s for something necessary.
Aldric’s oldest daughter, the middle child. She remains within the manor for reasons unknown, and refuses to exit, insisting that it’s for something necessary.
Evan.
(he/him)
Aldric’s oldest son. He remains in the manor alongside Rillian, and refuses to exit, insisting that it’s for something necessary.
Aldric’s oldest son. He remains in the manor alongside Rillian, and refuses to exit, insisting that it’s for something necessary.
"The Forest".
(he/it)
Or rather, the entity possessing the forest as a whole. Childish, sadistic, and power-hungry, the Forest has invited you to play! And you will play, whether you like it or not. Though it can show acts of kindness, it views all life as its toys, and will not be convinced otherwise. Known also as the Creature, the False God, and the Fallen Sun, the entity possessing the Forest was formerly a God that Fell and has seen fit to wreak havoc upon the world. The Guardians will tell player characters to call it anything other than a God so that it doesn't regain any more power. While not available for direct threads on request, the Forest will interact with characters through major events and storylines. At one point, it was named "Suri" by Affogato Cookie, though this name is not known by other player characters and should never be used ICly due to that. Do not do a metagaming, thank you.
Or rather, the entity possessing the forest as a whole. Childish, sadistic, and power-hungry, the Forest has invited you to play! And you will play, whether you like it or not. Though it can show acts of kindness, it views all life as its toys, and will not be convinced otherwise. Known also as the Creature, the False God, and the Fallen Sun, the entity possessing the Forest was formerly a God that Fell and has seen fit to wreak havoc upon the world. The Guardians will tell player characters to call it anything other than a God so that it doesn't regain any more power. While not available for direct threads on request, the Forest will interact with characters through major events and storylines. At one point, it was named "Suri" by Affogato Cookie, though this name is not known by other player characters and should never be used ICly due to that. Do not do a metagaming, thank you.
Sehul.
(they/them)
A long-dead Guardian, formerly Beiwe's mount and said to be a flame-coloured dragon. Sehul was killed by the Fallen Sun in an attack. The Guardian's skeleton can be found at the lake's edge, sunken into the sediment.
A long-dead Guardian, formerly Beiwe's mount and said to be a flame-coloured dragon. Sehul was killed by the Fallen Sun in an attack. The Guardian's skeleton can be found at the lake's edge, sunken into the sediment.
The Cosmic Serpent.
(any/all)
Lying in the whirlpool in the middle of the ocean viewable from the cliffside, the Cosmic Serpent is a long, glittering leviathan who feasted upon the fallen stars eons ago. They will not entertain conversation, and their preferred hobby is taking a nap.
Lying in the whirlpool in the middle of the ocean viewable from the cliffside, the Cosmic Serpent is a long, glittering leviathan who feasted upon the fallen stars eons ago. They will not entertain conversation, and their preferred hobby is taking a nap.
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Would you rather be Her Serene Holiness?
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No, no. Carry on without me. I'm here for support.
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[ Said with as much fondness as Clive can, which is a lot, but he will go back to focus on the Statue. Hello, Beiwe, sorry about that. Little brothers. ]
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Hello, hello! Would you both come up here for a moment? I'm afraid I can't get down there!
[When the boys blink next, they'll be — where else — in Beiwe's dining room with a flash of light. She'll wave her hands to make them tall, like she did the last time she brought visitors here and everyone came in ant-sized.
Ough. Just that much, without a proper circle, sapped some energy. She must be getting old.]
There you are!
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Oh.
Seems all "Gods" have the ability to transport and Clive stiffens for a moment, hand clutching the handle of Joshua's rapier, before relaxing because it... it smells like muffins? And she's making them as big as her, which is comforting.
It takes him a moment though to get his bearings and he blinks. This is a dining room? Forgive him for looking bewildered because this is most certainly not what he was expecting. ]
Ah.
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So, unlike Clive, he isn't as taken aback. He's somewhat used to this! A little bit. The only disorienting part is the brief moment of being far, far too small.
And, also unlike Clive, he isn't struck speechless. ]
Ah. You must be Lady Beiwe.
[ Respectfully, he places his hand on his chest, bowing slightly at the waist. ]
Thank you for your gracious invitation.
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[She is so tempted to ruffle Joshua. So, so tempted.
...
Beiwe leans forward and ruffles Joshua. Sorry.]
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Neither of them have exactly fond memories of a God touching either of them. ]
Nothing for me, thank you.
[ He sounds more confused than cold at least. Would things have gone differently if Ultima had simply showed up and asked him to tea and dinner?
Buy me dinner before you get in me sort of thing. ]I have some questions, however... Ah, on top of the desire to spar, if you will indulge me.
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Despite having no prior fond memories of being touched by a god (outside of Ourania's hug the week before), Joshua feels no malice in this touch, just affection. He takes the ruffle good-naturedly, only lifting his hand to fix his hair back into place once he's certain that Beiwe is finished. ]
Whatever it is you have made, it smells lovely. I would be happy to try it.
[ He could have, like Clive, politely declined. But it does smell good, in all honesty. ]
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I'll indulge. Hit me.
[Both literally and figuratively I guess—]
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All right, this is very much not going how he expected this to go. Of course he wasn't entirely sure HOW it would go but he expected less day at Martha's and more sass as you spar.
Very well, to the heart of it. ]
Right. Why didn't you simply kill him?
[ Yes, you know who he's referring to, his expression a little dark in itself. ]
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But, he won't butt in on his brother's questions. He will simply sit and listen, and politely pull small pieces off of the muffin. Eating like a bird.
... ooh, it's delicious, though. ]
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Clive will sit and grab a muffin, setting it in front of himself. ]
Thank you...
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You are from a world where there aren't consequences for the divines dying, aren't you? To be clear, I'd love to — I think I could take his Domains of power from him and fix everything wrong with the world if it happens — but there's the small issue of the fact that I, on my own, am not as powerful as he is. Or perhaps... we're now on equal footing, but when two people of our strength contest, the battle goes on for thousands of years with no resolution.
I'm not asking either of you, or anyone else, to kill him in my stead. I just wouldn't bother bringing you here if I thought I could pull that off on my own, however. Does that make more sense?
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Then he arches his eyebrow, before it furrows down aggressively. ]
You could bind him with the others, but let him live after. You turned your eyes away. You knew what he could do, you knew what he had done-!
[ He stops suddenly and inhales, closes his eyes. He's letting his dislike color this interaction and view of her before she can properly defend herself. Too fresh still off Ultima. His fingers tighten into a clench, and he exhales. ]
Is it him that is bringing us here again, or you?
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[Serious mode: Entered. Sorry, the sillies are mega gone now.]
If you find them for me, then sure, I will gather the Guardians — one of which no longer exists — and we will commence the re-binding. But is that the solution you or I want?
My eyes have never been turned away. I've only just now regained my power — I was dying before a few residents uncovered my statue and began to worship again. That was only in the last year.
It is neither him nor I bringing people in. The ritual is being maintained by another.
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And he can't help the sneer that it took humans to bind him. ]
Of course it did.
[ He doesn't seem surprised by that. So far no God has ever shown him that humans were created to be free and not just a useful tool. He thinks he read the knowledge that they were being brought in by another in the notes in the Inn but he wanted to confirm. And considering how it seems to fuel the Black Suns powers from their misery, he can't help but feel it's malicious.
He hates those that toy with someone elses lives without giving them the chance. ]
Do not misinterpret my words. I do not want him rebound. [ Clive wants him dead. ] But you had the power to bind him then and, after, you let him live when he was helpless and the sensible thing would have been to ensure there would only be one Sun after. Did mercy stay your hand? Pity? Love?
[ What is it, Odysseus? Why stay your hand with the Cyclops when it only made the life of you and yours miserable after. What made your will weak, or was it merely weakness of the flesh. At least Clive doesn't seem like he's trying to pick a fight, more like he's trying to understand. ]
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[Whoops. Now she's yelling. She doesn't mean to, it's clear; the shame in her eyes says that much as she slumps back into her chair, looking distinctly uncomfortable, but continuing anyway despite it.]
Because I am weak, [she repeats, quieter this time,] and I have always been weak, even when I am at my strongest. He is my brother — even when he killed my dragon, killed the Sky Guardian, and broke my halo, he remained my brother. I love him despite his crimes, but I detest him in equal measure.
So yes, it was love that stayed my hand, as it always does. It's because, no matter who I am — war, fury, a sword cleaving the earth, strength herself — who I want to be is sunlight, love, and warmth. I have never been strong. I was not strong thousands of years ago, and I often wonder if I'm strong now.
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Love does not make you weak. It is not a weakness to love your brother so much, that to even consider doing what you did is more than you can bare. Love is your strength. It is why you endured so long after, despite on the verge of death.
[ He knows. For her, how many thousands clinging to that love? For him, a mortal, thirteen long years of love burning into desire of vengeance. The denial of who the real murderer was. ]
It is what kept us both going. I'm sorry. [ He means it, with every ounce of his being. ] I do not ask for your forgiveness in pushing into that wound... but it has given me some insight into you.
[ He moves to lift the rapier from where it was resting against the seat and stands. He salutes her with it as he did Joshua, the rapier pointing downwards towards the ground, the hilt clutched in his left as the right mimics the pose the best he can. Then he sets the rapier down in front of her, disarming himself. ]
And it is the you I know and understand who I would pledge my services to, if you would have them.
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And it's... so painfully, refreshingly human to hear. Ultima had been cold, distant, detached, but Beiwe is not. She and her brother portray both sides of a flame - Suri is burning and destructive, and Beiwe is warm and nurturing. Much in the same way that he and Clive are separate sides of the same flame, that Ifrit and Phoenix are.
He sees what his brother is doing. Knew it before they came in, but with how he's saluting, it's clear that he's made his decision. ]
And I would, as well.
[ He stands, setting the partially eaten muffin on the table. ]
Where my brother goes, we go together. Your brother has marked me, but I will not allow him to control me again. I will cleanse his mark and pledge myself to your cause.
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You still shouldn't have to deal with my rough tone regardless. I apologise, Clive, Joshua.
[She remains seated at the table as they both stand, brows raising, watching the drawn blade until it comes to rest. There's a glint in her eye, the sort of gleam of a feral woman given permission to embody the war aspect she only ever identifies with when it's convenient, or when someone lights her fire. Right now, it seems more like that fire has been reignited, despite her earlier words.]
Well, I can't say no to such earnest requests — but there's a ceremony for this sort of thing, you know. In the old days, my Champions always did battle with me. I won't cause either of you undue harm, naturally, but I do expect you to be able to dent my armour.
[She smiles. The last crop who visited were able to do that just fine... the other Joshua bathtub'd her. Hilarious.]
That said, before we head outside... I do need to speak with Clive about something important that the Corrupted cannot hear. I'm sorry, Joshua, but I'm going to ask you to step into the garden through the glass doors behind you and make yourself cozy by the greenhouse to the righthand side. When you get the Corruption purged from you, I expect your brother to tell you what I'm going to tell him. Rather, I should say, I trust he will.
[She motions to the back door. Sorry Joshua they need like, five minutes tops.]
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The anticipation. ]
That was going to be my other request.
[ He needs to use his left arm, he needs to get it into shape like his right. It has to become as second nature to him to swing a sword with it instead of casting magic.
Though... the fact Joshua has to be sent 'outside' technically makes him frown, glancing to the side to his brother. Nodding to him gently, his voice soft. ]
We'll see Zahliya after this, and I will fill you in. I'll be within seeing distance still.
[ And Joshua will be within his gaze as well. ]
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After his poor showing against Barnabas, he does wonder how he would fare against a goddess on his own, but what can he do if not give it his all?
Being requested to temporarily step out does not surprise him, however. While he does wish that he could stay to hear it straight from Beiwe's lips, whatever it is, he understands. It's too risky. ]
It's all right. This is the price I pay for not besting my fear of seeing Zahliya sooner. I understand the need for secrecy.
[ And he's kind of glad that he hasn't yet, honestly. He hopes that Suri heard every word of how much Beiwe loves him. He hopes Suri chokes on it.
As instructed, he will leave and enter the garden, taking his partially eaten muffin with him. And when he is where he was told to go, he will be sure to turn his back, so that Suri can't even attempt to read his sister's lips. ]
comes back a week late with starbucks. hi, sorry-
[She appreciates you Joshua! But now that Joshua is gone...]
Earlier, we loosely talked about how people are being brought here. I'd like to go into that again. When I said the ritual was being maintained by another, it wasn't entirely correct nor incorrect — it's a combination of factors that are allowing people to be brought in.
At the risk of repeating something you already know: Ourania has a rift in her chest that's making her ill. This rift is connected to other worlds, and allows the darling shithead I call a sibling to pull people in occasionally, but not as frequently as He could thanks in part to the children in Aldric's Mansion, the magic circle Mizuki and a handful of others maintain, and Ourania's own will fighting against Him. That said, one of the children in the mansion — Audrey — died to the bloodletting some time ago, and was discovered by Felicity and Elsword when they broke into it to attempt a rescue. Her death is what allowed my brother some amount of power to start pulling people in.
Those children are dying. The fog wall is maintained by them, and is what keeps Him and most of his legion out. When the next child dies, the fog wall will spread inside the Grove. When the last child dies, my brother will be able to enter your sanctuary and torment you as much as he wants. As it stands, he can only occasionally reach inside with his magic. And, unfortunately, they don't have long left. Mizuki's magic circle has been helping, but it can only do so much.
I implore you, if you can, to save them. There are alternative ways to maintain the fog boundary without allowing people to die.
feel that
He doesn't know if she's telling the truth, but it's easy enough to check by asking Mizuki and Elsword and whomever this Felicity is. God's have their own agendas after all, and she may be spinning it to her agenda.
But she showed the human side of herself to him. Let down her guards.
For now? He will place his belief in her. ]
Very well. We will find a way to save them.
[ There's no hesitation in his voice. No doubt. They will save them. The alternative isn't viable. It's going to be difficult, of course. ]
This other circle, the one Mizuki placed up. Will it bear the weight alone if the children are rescued before we find an alternative?
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