inlikethebrume | Open RP Post

[For the first time in a long time, Mira honestly had no plan on what to do with herself. Where does one do after saving the worlds from the deepest despair? With the Scions now 'disbanded' and everyone off to do their own work, what left was there for her?

Well, there was that list a certain someone mentioned at the edge of the universe. Now that she thinks about it, that was why her mother and mentor told her to leave Ishgard as she started out.

But before she goes on this next adventure, Mira should probably take some time to relax and recuperate. That includes trying out some of the fetes going on in the Firmament. It all felt normal for once and Mira can appreciate it.

Besides, not like anything odd will happen as she's walking across the Mattock's bridge and taking in all the festivities, right?]

[ That may very well depend on one's definition of "odd." Because while it's likely not too odd to find someone leaning against some building, rubbing hands together in order to stay warm, a person dressed entirely in black looking as though they could set the entire world on fire probably isn't an everyday ordeal.

Though the gaze isn't really meant for anyone in particular. Rather the Ancient - because he can't rightfully call himself an Ascian now can he? - is silently fuming, or brooding really, over his current situation. A situation that shouldn't even be, as far as one Emet Selch is concerned. He had made it perfectly clear that he thought his duty and purpose had run its course; that in passing off the stewardship of the star to another is enough to allow the peace that comes with returning to the start. Apparently his companions ( well only one of them would he outwardly call a companion ) had other ideas. Oh he wouldn't put it passed Hythlodaeus to do something to this degree, but he certainly would have only thought it. Venat is the true enabler here.

"It's not quite time" they had said. "You've been miserable for so long. It's time to find some measure of happiness first" had passed their lips. Or at least something like it. He had been so gobsmacked in that moment that Emet Selch can't recall what had been said word for word. Only that one moment he is in the aetherial sea and the next he's being ejected. Thrown from it into this frigid wasteland where he immediately had to create a coat for himself in order to just keep warm.

Is there really a reason that the star itself seems hellsbent on keeping him from a well deserved rest? ]

[People would question the fashion choice if he had shown up wearing less. Coerthas is still very much frozen and icy but not as bad as other places Mira can list and one just recently visited.

It only took a side glance for her to stop as some children run by in means of making a footrace. A trick of the light is what she thinks because what her mind is assuming cannot be real. The whole thing can be still considered fresh and maybe her mind still sees the one who admits to enjoy watching. So Mira blinks hard once, thinking that the image would vanish once her eyes open again.

It hasn't. She still sees the Ancient standing there and looking like his surly self.]

My mind really seems to enjoy playing with me.

[Muttered more than anything but she has to be sure and not scare some poor bystander because he looks familiar. And so, Mira began to walk towards him. The name that almost escapes her lips but then remembers that particular name might be awkward so she stops herself and tries again:]

Emet...Selch?

[ It's the sound of his name - title, he reminds himself - that draws his attention from his own inner monologuing about how Venat and Hythlodaeus are likely laughing at the situation that they put him in. His eyes, for they are truly his own now, land on one whose soul he is far too familiar with now. Almost immediately he understands why here of all places and seems to scowl further.

Yes. They likely are howling with laughter. Emet Selch swears he will pay them back in the next life. Augh. Can his dignity be torn any more? It's already in shreds and now it would seem that this isn't sufficient. It has to be threadbare. ]

If you are asking yourself if your eyes are deceiving you, hero, I regrettably inform you that they are not.

[That is definitely his voice, right down to the scowl. Mira can't help but make a small noise of shock because it means he is actually here and she's not losing her mind. She's close enough to poke him but instead cranes her head up to look at him. He's still tall even without slouching.]

I...I cannot believe it. I thought you went to rest after everything. So why-

[Her face pales because she knows of one way he can be here but...]

Oh hells, I didn't somehow use the crystal without knowing did I?!

[ Yes, please continue to remind him that he had said that he would not suffer to be alive through Hydaelyn's magicks. That he had made something of a dramatic exit only to end up being very much alive.

Hades knows what she is going to think far before Mira even utters the words out loud. It's painfully obvious that she would think to blame herself instead of thinking that something else could have occurred entirely. ]

This may be hard for you to hear, but you do realize that not everything places you at the center, correct? Or do you think that you have far surpassed your mortal limits and breathed life into a spell that has been fully depleted?

[ Well if there had ever been a doubt that this is the original... ]

[Seriously, how many times has something happened and somehow it involves her in some way? It feels like the norm and of course she jumps to that conclusion.]

I would honestly hope not to that last part.

[Seriously, she's not that type wanting power for power's sake. It just feels empty.]

And clearly you would not be here of your own volition so...why are you here?

[ Not here of his own volition. Matters not that it is true. What matters is that she says it as if she knows him or something. ]

Why else would I be here? Clearly it is to enjoy this frozen wasteland of a city. Take in the sights and what have you.

[ Well. That answers at least that this had not been his idea, no. ]

[Like them, he too is a creature of habit. Oh he'll do a thing but someone has to plead with him enough times to wear him down. Except one other time. But Mira wouldn't claim to know him like others do.]

Clearly if you are standing here off to the side and not getting involved with the festivities.

[That would be a sight. But what to do with a cranky ancient now? Well, probably get answers but in a warmer place.]

Mayhap getting out of the cold will suit us better. I have a place not far from here in mind.

[ Appeal to his pride. Make it seem like he is doing the person a favor and then he might readily agree. Well readily agree and continue to act put out and like the task is below him. A chore. ]

I said it before, didn't I? That I prefer to watch?

[ When really this time it is different. He has no idea what to do with himself. Before Hades had purpose. Meaning. A duty. Now there's certainly none of that. What is he to do?

Mira is offering a place to go that's out of the cold. While he is loathe to accept, he finds he is even more disinclined to stay out here. ]

Very well. Define far.

[Welcome to how a Sundered feels, Hades. It sucks a good chunk of the time. But hey, she's managed to get him to listen as she points to a pair of very large doors further down.]

Just beyond there. That's where adventurers are able to stay and have homes. Mine is among them and while it's not as grand as others, it's warm and no chance of snow coming in.

[Honestly, what does he have to lose?]

[ Now he wouldn’t go THAT far. Not at all. But also he’s not going to walk that far either. Not in the cold, mind you. Honestly Emet Selch is starting to wonder how Ishgardians manage without the heaters that Garleans use. They’d certainly benefit from it… ]

How appealing…

[ Augh. It’s not as if he really has other options. Well in truth he does but it’s not as though those places are really better options. Just different ones. ]

Instead of pointing you can make yourself useful by painting a very clear picture in your mind. Imagine your favored room.

[Look, they got people working on it. It's actually better than they were during the Dragonsong War and Mira did see a lot of people make furnaces and heaters as they were restoring the Firmament.]

Well, if you say so.

[Spoken with a shrug but Mira closes her eyes and focuses on a room that she finds dear to her and mostly where she does most of her research and 'work'. A study with bookshelves filled with various tomes from top to bottom, freed from the Gubal Library as well as finding them throughout her adventures. And there isn't just one or two shelves, it's as if someone asked how many she wanted and Mira just answered 'yes'. Hard to tell if there is even a wall there for the most part except a small section where a map of the star is hung up with pins set in various areas. The lighting is never too bright nor dark but comfortable as she imagines the two couches huddled in a small corner made by two big mahogany partitions used by the royalty of Ul'dah. Comfortable as ever and Mira can recall falling asleep on them more than her own bed.

There's her desk as well with her tools of bookbinding and fixing scattered in a organized mess, recalling that her recent project was fixing the binding of one tome speaking about the New World. In all honesty, it's the room that makes Mira feel more at ease and so that's where she immediately thinks of.]

[ It's always easiest to envision the room that one favors above all else. Having a clear picture in mind is essential for Hades' purpose.

Which is to simply reach out and place a hand on a shoulder. ]

Good. Now hold onto it.

[ Because he is not walking which means that he's going to will them both there. Might as well drag along the hero of the star with him. It would be poor manners to leave Mira out here in the cold, as humorous as it might have once been.

Alas, he's not quite that man now either. So with a snap of fingers, it will find them both out of the cold and into this study. ]

That'll do.

[Either he's clever or lazy but Mira doesn't have much time to think about it. Her eyes open and she finds them both in the warmth of her house.

Joint teleporting is still a thing to get used to.]

Ah-! Well, that's one way to do it. And quiet too. I would have heard the cats make noise by now.

[Don't jinx it.]

Well then, I should make us some tea to warm us up. Make yourself comfortable in the meantime.

[ And of course he can't really know about Fandaniel and that whole mess, correct? So Hades would, naturally, have no idea that the woman has experienced it before, in a way. Honestly it is just easier than walking all the time. ]

Dare I ask about the mention of cats?

[ She better not have any in the home. That is the last thing that he needs - to get hair everywhere. Dealing with the creatures constantly underfoot, as is their way. There are times where Hades wonders why that particular aspect of their original concept wasn't scrapped. Who approved of such a characteristic?

~~Probably Hythlodaeus, thinking it would be amusing~~ ]

Go on then. I daresay that I won't be going anywhere.

[ Not that he needs told twice to make himself comfortable. Hades is already meandering towards the bookshelves to see what is there. Likely casting a judgemental gaze upon what he sees. ]

Aye, gaelicats. I have two of them and they're mostly sweet unless you try to take away catnip from them. But I'll be back in a moment.

[And with that she will step out of the room and leave the door open in case if he wanted to try and explore more. Naturally the other residents of the house would probably fly in and lie down on one of the couches like a small one in a green vest like it was no big deal that a stranger is in the area.

As for the books Hades will notice, they're a mix of different myths from various lands as well as tomes involving areas such as the New World or the Bounty. The map on the wall also points out of potential places to go to, showing that Mira has taken his words to heart about exploring. But there are many others such as about arcane magicks, some biographies about some folks from Sharlyan that have seen better days, and even some tomes holding Ishgardian faerie tales. These too are old but they appear to be well taken cared of and Mira makes good on her word as she comes back with a kettle and two deep mugs.]

Surprised that even during the exodus, they decided to leave the library as is. But more books for the rest of us I suppose.

[ Yes, he is making a face. Because gifting a cat flight is another mistake. Imagine... Hairballs flying around as they please. Now Hades almost makes a comment about not realizing that Mira would be such a "cat lady" what with at least four of them in her immediate circle ( G'raha, Y'shtola, and these two ) but thinks better of it.

Instead he does peruse the shelves. Occasionally he will pull one out, look at the title and scoff, then place it back. He's lived in this world for so long that anything of historical value is immediately dismissed. Different theories and what some write as their thesis... Oh he could do much to shed some "enlightenment."

Best he not though, right?

It doesn't escape his notice, that map. He sees the marks placed upon it and has a moment where he might do something like smile to himself. Only to immediately hide it when he turns and faces the woman once more. ]

So it is a quantity over quality then, hmm?

[This is Mira so if anything, expect something like 'but I'm not a miqo'te' to come out of her mouth. The fact that he hasn't noticed Breezy there might be good for now and Mira doesn't blink at Hades's questioning.]

While having many tomes are good, I also believe in preserving them and try to restore as many as I can.

[Gesturing to where her binding and restoring tools are as well as her current projects. As well as holding out a mug of warm tea for him.]

So the answer is a bit of both.

Even if the contents are not worth preserving?

[ Actually, that was a rather silly question. He should know that. Even if it is on a smaller scale, that's what their entire contrasting viewpoints had circulated around. Maybe one day he'll let some of this go. It's not really his star anymore now is it? If they want some flawed texts to remain in their history then so be it. ]

Nevermind. 'Tis not important.

[ He sees the mug. Strange to actually take something from her and make his way to sit down. How odd it must be to interact as thus. Her most recent dealings with him came from the past while his had been while still heavily under the influence of Zodiark and his own jaded view of life at that point. ]

[She's about to ask but something is telling her to not for now. Focus on the matter at hand before getting mad at small matters. Well, small for now is what her logical side says.]

We can set that aside for now. The more important matter is why you have returned and where to go from there. Pretty sure it's not a simple thing considering.

[Since Hades is still here and would have just jumped back into the Lifestream, it's kind of obvious.]

Oh the why I do, indeed, know. Or rather, I know the how. There are two annoyances behind the entire thing, no doubt conspiring even now.

[ Hades is so put out by it. He still holds some grudge against Venat. That's not likely to disappear any time soon. Of course this behavior should be expected. Especially from those two. ]

As for the where to go from here, now that is what I would also like to know.

Edited 2022-01-06 05:02 (UTC)

Two...? Do you mean Hythlodaeus and Venat?

[There's also Hermes but given that meant Asahi is still on his tail, no. It's logic that makes her think on those two since Hyth would totally do that to his best friend. And Venat...well, she trolls.]

Reminds me of a friend of mine. Nasty habit of getting me into situations I rather not be in. Non-Scion companion mind you. But why would they force you out?

Who else, save you, could vex me so?

[ It's really not hard to figure out. Mira should have enough insight to realize at this point it isn't as though Hades really went out of his way to make friends. Or have them.

He gives a dramatic sigh as she asks the question. Because even now he has to ensure that he's expressing himself appropriately. ]

Again we come back to how should I know? They were rather adamant on the idea that I should stay.

...yeah, I know the feeling to an extent.

[They mean well? And if they're preventing his return to rest, not much that can be done. Besides, assuming wasn't going to get them anywhere.]

But in the meantime, you can stay with me until we figure out a way to get you back.

[Yes she means it. And yes, that means Hades will have to deal with her and the cats.]

[ That's unfortunately true. There is little that he can do about it. But he's hardly going to admit to that. Of course it's likely more Venat than Hythlodaeus, but a wish can be a particularly strong thing, huh? ]

Here. With the cats.

[ She can't be serious. Rather, Hades knows that she is but the idea of it all. ]

There are plenty of locations I can see myself to.

Yes, with the cats. Most they'll try to do is maybe try and sleep on your lap. In that case, you're doomed until they decide to get off.

[She don't make the rules.]

Oh? Where would you go then?

[Go on, tell her.]

Besides, best to do things with someone than be alone isn't it?

Open RP Post

For ancientspark (post Endwalker so Spoilers)

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

needed those genshin pulls

I hope the gacha gods were good

ended up with C6 so i assume good

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject