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Post by πΎππππππππ on Apr 3, 2021 18:17:15 GMT -5
[ I had an idea for a World eater cult character too :3 I'll probably introduce him later tonight or tomorrow. Just finishing up a quick assignment for school ]
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Post by willowflower on Apr 3, 2021 20:00:11 GMT -5
ｑβΊΛ*ο½₯ΰΌβΎγE M B E R Eγβ½ΰΌο½₯*ΛβΊο½‘ Embere nearly jumped out of his skin at the sound of laughter behind him, a quiet βwhat the ffffff-β hissed through his teeth as he spun around to see a young, well-dressed lady grinning at him from on top of the wall. βHow - what - when did you get up there?β he sputtered. Alarm jolted through his system, and he took a few steps back, looking around as if waiting for a few Illusionist guards to spring up from the darkness. His shoulders did not sink from his ears when the lady reassured him that she was no βsnitch.β
βWow, thank you, so very generous of you,β he said, his frown pulling hard at the corners of his mouth as he watched her jump down from the wall. Alarm jolted through his system the moment he recognized her. βEven if I said anything itβd be your word against mine, Miss Vanish -β
βHold that thought,β she immediately interrupted. (βOkay, rude,β Embere muttered.) Her eyes looked wild and bright, as if sheβs seen wondrous things. βSee, Iβve just traversed half the galaxy and nobody even missed me.β
Embere blinked at her. One glance at her messy appearance suggested that such an impossible thing might have happened. Then again, the Vanishers were full of strange and wild beings who played with space and time like the strings on a harp. Still, the mechanic still struggled to actually wrap his mind around such a thing.
βWow,β he said. βGood for you.β
He did make an insulted sound at the base of his throat at Alantaβs insinuation that the Gran was more βfunβ just as she looped her arm around his and promptly dragged him off towards the massive forbidden building. βAre you - are you planning to cause a scene?β he said, his words rising in pitch as he stumbled over his feet along the plant-riddled path. Dang, did she move fast.
βAlanta,β she said, her mischievous eyes shining through the dark. βVeritable Princess of Disaster. Charmed, Iβm sure.β
Well, that answered his question.
βYes, yes, I know who you are,β Embere said flatly, his stomach starting to twist with nerves the closer they grew to the gleaming lights of the ballroom. He drew closer to Alantaβs side, trying to seem like he vaguely belonged there amongst the glamor. Then again, as his eye snagged on the dull grays of the Vanisherβs outfits, maybe he wouldnβt be too out of place. βHah, distinguished, I wish. Iβm Embere. I, uh, work for you?β
Oh wow the ballroom was gorgeous. The many colored lights in their dim, softly glowing glory gave the entire space a dreamlike quality, only heightened by the shifting of splendid skirts and polished shoes. Embere was partly hauled along by Alanta across the squeaky clean floor, so busy was he gawking at the display of class and wealth.
Finally his eye landed on the drinks table. βOh I am so down for some non-alcoholic, totally legal beverages,β he said, heading right for it and taking Alanta along for the ride. His gaze lifted to find another member of the Vanisher family standing by the drinks, looking like she really needed one. She was dressed perfectly for a jaunt on the moon, all decked out in silvers.
βI also work for you,β he said off-handedly, perusing the options. Embere glanced at Tieran again, at the tightness in her face and the weariness in her eyes. βWow, you look like you could really use a drink.β
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Post by Starchaser on Apr 3, 2021 20:28:45 GMT -5
{ willowflower RIP Embere, whose only fault was wanting to not be bored out of his mind. I must say that I'm already really liking him. He seems like a riot, and I'm sure we'll have some great misadventures with Georgina. Maybe she and Alanta could initially get involved over their mutual goal of causing a ruckus at the party, though Alanta's intentions are a lot less dark. In the kidnapping scenario, maybe Georgina slips the sleep poison in a drink meant for one of the eldest heirs of the royal families, but somehow Alanta gets a hold of it instead, if we want her to go annoy the cult Β―\_(γ)_/Β― Like I said, I'm cool with whatever everyone decides to do.
πΎππππππππ You can get in a response first, if you like, or I can throw Alanta in for more dialogue/interaction opportunities. Just let me know c: }
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Post by πΎππππππππ on Apr 3, 2021 20:31:29 GMT -5
[ you can go ahead and respond (: I am distracted by something atm lol ]
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Post by willowflower on Apr 3, 2021 21:42:41 GMT -5
((rip embere, he's just here for a drink
hehe thank you! i really enjoy the way he and alanta bounce off of each other
i'd be so down for gran to pop in and be like 'so, chaos?' and alanta be like 'chaos' - i like the idea of alanta being swept up in gran's plans at first, like i'm thinking i'll have gran trick her by being like 'this cookie will make this person quack like a duck,' something funny and harmless, only it doesn't and - depending on what kind of character alanta is - alanta could realize gran is no good and try to save her sibling, thus getting kidnapped herself, or alanta could realize gran is lying and wind up eating the cookie herself thinking that it's something special, or do another choice altogether
then again if gran's sensing the true chaotic nature of alanta she could try recruiting her lol
also i just realized that i used 'alarm jolted through his system' twice in that last post
noooo
))
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Post by Starchaser on Apr 4, 2021 0:24:09 GMT -5
{ willowflower πΎππππππππ Sorry this one took a while again. I got a little carried away, despite meaning for this to be shorter. It is something I have been trying to work on as of late. I promise I will get better.
Yes! I think they they'd make quite the dynamic duo, give both their similarities and contrasts in personality. Alanta hauls Embere on adventures while he snarks and complains the entire time, but maybe starts to secretly enjoy it.
I could totally see Alanta being drawn into Georgina's plans, thinking it's fun that she's somehow found a kindred spirit in this random elder, only to realize that she's actually contributing to the very thing her family is fighting against. I feel like Alanta definitely would try to take matters into her own hands and stop the cult's plans on her own. She tends to hide it under layers of rebellion and "i do what i want," but she secretly really wants to be seen as someone important and useful rather than the just the problem child of the Vanishers. So something like that could definitely work for her character. Maybe once she gets taken, Alanta could decide to try working in the cult as a double agent, convincing them she really wants to be part of their schemes. And perhaps in time she would start to sympathize with them, maybe see their side of things.
ββΠΎΟ That's a good point, probably best if the biggest bads maintain a bit more obscurity. I think Salus is a rad name, and it might be interesting if the cult has maybe a base of sorts there, though I imagine the planet might be too dangerous to inhabit permanently. I think having two separate plotlines would be good, though I unfortunately don't have much to contribute idea-wise, beyond saying that it sounds neat. Maybe one of the union couples is sent to each place so that both families can have their say in how the World Eaters threat is handled? }
Alanta laughed further at the man's reaction, unable to hide her amusement, though she didn't try very hard. Based on his panicked expression, he clearly had more faith in her threats than she did. The cyborg gave the impression of someone who wasn't entirely comfortable with themselves, and his mannerisms only served to further accentuate that. She had the feeling he had something hidden beneath that distant, cautious exterior, but was reluctant to show it. Alanta could work with that though.
Dusting off her clothes as she listened to the cyborg's response, Alanta hummed in thought. He didn't sound particularly grateful or pleased. "Yes, well, that is one of the virtues my family is supposed to uphold. The Vanisher code of honor or something." She shrugged. Her family had many rules and responsibilities, considering themselves dutiful protectors of the solar system, watching over its planets and their inhabitants like benevolent rulers. It was the role they'd carried out for generations. Alanta... not so much.
She'd never been very good at all that keeping order and helping others stuff, though it wasn't exactly that she didn't like it. Rather, she fancied herself something of an adventurer, discovering uncharted lands and fantastical sights. It just wasn't enough to wander about in one solar system, not when the universe held so much to explore, though the rest of her family didn't seem to agree. It was reckless, they said. It was selfish. Alanta needed to focus on what was important: her family, her home, the people they were meant to serve. What she did was important though, right?
There would always be need for someone who would take the leap and charge towards the unknown. Surely the World Eaters' new boldness was evidence of that. What if the key to stopping them required a bit less stringency? And, sure, Alanta might have been in it even just for the excitement, but so what of she were? Her purpose in life didn't have to exclude enjoyment. According to her family, it did. Duty always comes first, Alanta. We serve the greater good, not ourselves. A bit of her disillusionment might have seeped into her tone as she continued, "But even if it weren't I'm not in the habit of telling my family much. What they don't know can't hurt them."
Alanta was desperate not to feel so confined, and by the time she returned back to the conversation she'd so brazenly abandoned, she was feeling a lot better about herself. Oh how she hated when people just wallowed in their misery. Alanta couldn't do it; if she were bothered by something, she just left it all behind to see the stars.
To his credit, he at least had the decency to look somewhat impressed rather than just annoyed when Alanta explained what had just occurred. Or maybe puzzled was a better word. Either way, Alanta appreciated a more favorable reaction. The Vanishers did not seem so widely hated or revered as the Illusionists, but they certainly were viewed with some aversion. Their powers weren't the most... palatable. "It is, thanks," she remarked brightly when the man finally replied, any prior unhappiness pushed aside.
Despite the man's half-hearted reluctance, Alanta continued onwards to the palace without slowing, nonplussed by his concerns. "Of course," she stated, as though the answer to his question could not have been more obvious. "Do try to keep up, dear. We'll never make a hellion out of you at this rate!" she fretted, though her voice was filled with mirth. Still, there was a determined look in the princess's eyes that suggested her mission of chaos wasn't entirely unserious.
"Really? Aw, I'm flattered," Alanta grinned, bumping the cyborg's shoulder amiably. She elected to ignore his lack of enthusiasm, however, setting about freeing a twig (probably courtesy of her brief journey into the woods) that had somehow found its way into her curls. "Me being the least important royal and all, it's nice to get some well-deserved recognition. One day my escapades will be known throughout the solar system, maybe even beyond." Her dark eyes shone in the palace lights as the pair arrived at their destination, and were swallowed up in the dream-like atmosphere.
Without missing a beat, Alanta leaned in closer to say over the din, "Wish granted." She'd seen enough of the party to no longer be as enraptured by it, but nonetheless found some enjoyment in this Embere fellow's amazement. "Well, yeah, but just my parents, really," she conceded, briefly searching the crowd to see if she could spy any of her family. She wondered if they would mind her bringing in one of their drivers for a romp with the rich.
"I do remember you. I'm just not very good with names," Alanta commented. "Don't take offense. I've been introduced to dozens of people tonight, allegedly some of the most important in the solar system, and I couldn't tell you who a single one of them was. Not even the Illusionists themselves, though they're easy enough to find." She nodded towards the table where the Illusionist King and Queen sat with their entourage. The air around them seemed to shimmer and waver like a mirage. "Weird, huh? I don't think they're all the rumors say though. But I never had much interest in people like them anyways."
Alanta sighed, sounding just faintly wistful, "Other things on the mind. Places to go, sights to see, you know how it is." She turned to meet Embere's mismatched eyes intently. It was one of her few personal principles, the insistence she never to stop moving, for fear of being trapped or stagnating. Her tone took on an odd impishness as she continued, "People only live so long and all. And my parents seem convinced that I'm destined to meet an untimely fate if I keep up the way I am. In fact, that's about all they say to me." In a strange way, Alanta found that prospect almost alluring. Far better than living a long, dull life as so many others did.
Her thoughts were interrupted as Embere suddenly switched courses, dragging Alanta right after him, a quiet noise of surprise emanating from the princess. She hadn't expected him to take charge of his forced interaction. A smile briefly tugged at her lips. Maybe the dour carriage driver has some spunk after all. That could certainly provide a bit of fun.
"I'm not. I'll take a drink, hold the legality," Alanta said decisively upon their arrival at the drinks table, plucking a crystalline glass and plunging it beneath the nearest stream of effervescent liquid. The table was lined with rows of similar drink fountains, each spouting some equally-fanciful-looking beverage. "Not tonight," she declared cheerfully, glancing up at Embere's next comment, though she spared only the barest of looks towards her sister. "Don't worry, she always looks like that," Alanta said dismissively, her overfilled glass spilling onto the immaculate tablecloth as she lifted it up to take a sip.
"Hey, Tieran," she greeted eventually, nonchalant even in the face of possible reprimand from her elder sibling. It wasn't like she'd done anything outrageous this time though. Would the other Vanishers really begrudge her a little rule-bending? It was a party after all. Alanta decided not to even give the opportunity. If she distracted her sister with enough provocative questions, she could escape any lectures. "How are you doing this fine evening? Having fun with your future in-laws? Or have you even talked to anyone yet?"
Drawing her newfound cyborg companion back to her side, Alanta said, "This is Embere, my esteemed guest, and I decree that he is my official Partner in Crime. That's a real, genuine title now. As a princess, I think I can do that."
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Post by πΎππππππππ on Apr 4, 2021 0:47:36 GMT -5
( I will respond tomorrow ^^ )
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Post by πΎππππππππ on Apr 4, 2021 0:52:53 GMT -5
( ooh also my other character Koane is a former Vanisher (Tieranβs twin actually) who mysteriously vanished after a dangerous mission (presumed dead) but is now working with the cult. Iβd imagine Alanta would be quite shocked to see her brother there lol she could try and convince him to return home or something )
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Post by willowflower on Apr 4, 2021 1:14:48 GMT -5
((!! no need to apologize for lengthy content starchaser! it is a delight to read!
i absolutely adore these two, itβd be so funny once they bond for when alanta gets captured and embereβs like,,, oh no, i accidentally made a friend i now have to go save i guess darn
ooh, double agent, yes
salus! i love it! maybe like right in the core of the planet itβs the safest, and the cult has built a little something there; theyβre like, look at the beauty the world eaters have crafted β maybe the world eaters donβt just destroy, but also affect something else within the solar system? like maybe theyβre bacteria/fungi that recycle matter? the cult latches onto the whole yes letβs raze the world and start anew thing, but what if the world eaters happened to be neutral beings that either went beserk or are an invasive species for this specific solar system?
two plots sound good! i might end up making one more character to balance out my team
i'm super excited for koane, the family drama!))
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ββΠΎΟ
Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄
α΄Ιͺα΄α΄α΄Ι΄α΄α΄ α΄xα΄α΄α΄α΄ α΄Ι΄ α΄α΄Κα΄Κ Κα΄sΙͺΙ΄α΄ss
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Post by ββΠΎΟ on Apr 4, 2021 1:51:01 GMT -5
[ oooh yeah I love the idea that the cult is using its survival on Salus as evidence that the world eaters are good. ]
[ and hell yeah, koane, bring all the family soap opera drama! ]
[ So what I was thinking was that Ceries would get a message during the party that the world eaters were spotted on Invictus. And then she and some of the other Illusionists can have a family powwow where they decide to go there to track them down? But then Vanishers will want to get involved because they're like "hey this is our fight too, bruh." Meanwhile there can be the whole kidnapping plot, which will redirect their attention toward Salus. And that's how they can decide to split up the gang. I'll probably send Devarah to Invictus and Aever to Salus? The salus plot should have plenty to work with with the destroyed planet, cult, kidnapping, reappearing brother, mystery fungus, etc! And then with the invictus plot it might be fun if they actually have an encounter with the world eaters. We might be able to get into the investigation of where they came from with that plotline as well. ]
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ββΠΎΟ
Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄
α΄Ιͺα΄α΄α΄Ι΄α΄α΄ α΄xα΄α΄α΄α΄ α΄Ι΄ α΄α΄Κα΄Κ Κα΄sΙͺΙ΄α΄ss
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Post by ββΠΎΟ on Apr 4, 2021 2:13:34 GMT -5
Devarah started at the sound of footsteps. She ceased her sniffling and glanced up, only to find the cool light illuminating the familiar form of her twin brother. Her shoulders promptly returned to their drooped posture. There was no point in hiding her emotions from him, in the same way it was pointless hiding her deepest thoughts from Grandfather Mors. Besides, Chrys already knew why she was upset.
When he sat beside her, teasing her about her tears, she watched him through the reflection of the pool. When they sat together it was clear they had shared a womb. Though he was distinctly masculine, and she feminine, it was as though they were dolls painted with the same palette. Their golden hair shone in warm contrast to the pale, moonlit atmosphere. Though their skin was lighter in comparison, it was warmly complected as well, like sand. Even their eyes had the same shape. They had looked even more alike as children, when Ceries had referred to them as her little sun babies.
βI came here to dream about how much peace and quiet Iβll get when youβre a married man,β Devarah replied drily. Her green eyes slid over to examine his face, to find some reassurance in that confident smile of his. There was some to be found, but it faded when he released a defeated sigh.
"Come on, Dev, it's not that bad," he said, more serious now. "I don't mind it much."
Devarah felt a lump in her throat. She knew that was Chrys-code for "I actually do mind" Unable to reassure him, she looked back at the water as silence fell. The little fish that darted under the surface were half real and half her own creations. It was difficult to make illusions under water, but they moved quickly enough that it was difficult to distinguish them. The real fish vanished at the slightest movement. But hers were a little braver, occasionally slowing to let their iridescent scales catch the light. She made them crowd around Chrysophon's reflection, seeming to nibble at his hair.
When did he lose the last of the plumpness to his cheeks? When did his face mature into sharp angles and lines? He looked older now, like a real man. The thought of it made her heart seize and a new wave of tears stung her eyes. If he was an adult then so was she. And as far as she could tell, adulthood meant losing more of her loved ones by each passing day. Soon he would be married, then he would be off touring the solar system with his new wife, and one day he would be too busy with his own family to see his twin sister. The same was true of Junai. And Dev would be soon to follow, when her parents inevitably found the most politically advantageous match. The Illusionist siblings would be scattered across the solar system like stardust. She wished she could go back in time and be a child again, just to savor each unremarkable day spent playing in the garden.
βWhy canβt we all just stay together?β she asked softly. Then she shot Chrys an emphatically pathetic look. There was a level of self awareness to her expression. She knew she was being dramatic. Already the corners of her mouth were beginning to tug upwards. Her brotherβs gaze had shifted back to where Grandfather Mors was listening in silence.
She knew there was little point in burdening him with her thoughts. He had his own things to worry about, and she supposed he must be feeling some version of the same things she was. He was just better at managing it. Or at least more stoic.
βRemember when we used to climb those?β Dev asked suddenly. It came out as part laugh, part sniffle. She gestured behind him to the towering trees with leaf-heavy branches that stooped over the grotto. She could picture the pair of them now, like mischievous monkeys, swinging from the lowest boughs. βThe way Mother shouted, you would have thought we were hanging over a towering precipice.β She laughed as she recalled it, and continued, βWhen I broke my arm she had to bite her tongue to resist saying, βI told you it was a bad id--ββ
A sudden, wheezing inhale from Grandfather Mors cut Dev off. Her blonde curls whipped around her face as she turned to see what was wrong. Before she could ask, he was already giving orders. βGo find your mother, children,β he growled. βSomething has happened on Invictus.β His normally warm, slow voice had an unfamiliar sharpness to it. Devβs heart dropped into her stomach. She had never heard fear in her great grandfatherβs voice before that moment.
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Post by πΎππππππππ on Apr 4, 2021 17:24:13 GMT -5
Tieran
With each step that she took away from Aever β and, by extension, the only thing/person that kept her even remotely comfortable in social situations β the headache building between Tieranβs temples only grew in intensity, until it was at such a point Tieran was strongly considering just bailing on the party and claim some sort of illness. It was true in a way; her head was pounding, but it wasnβt from any malady. She hated social situations, and always had β even more so after her twin had died. Just thinking about Koane had her mood dropping even further, and a knot of sorrow building in her chest. She pushed it down and locked the pain away as she finally reached the drink station.
There were numerous tables set up, covered in tablecloths made of the finest silk. There were crystalline pitchers and jugs laid about, filled with drinks of various colors and alcoholic contents. Tieran set her sights on a crystal pitcher filled with a pale amber liquid, but before she could even fix herself a glass two familiar voices reached her ears. She turned her head, watching as her younger sister, Alanta, sauntered up to the drinks table, arm looped through another manβs. She recognized the man as one of the mechanics that worked for her family β Embere was his name. He often cared for the mechanical horses or other carriage animals that the Vanishers used to pull their carriages. Considering her own intense involvement in the world of mechanics, electricity, and technical development, Tieran had made it a point to remember the names and faces of those who worked on the various mechanical life-forms and otherwise that her family owned. Tieran had built a few of them herself, so she was particularly interested in those that were maintaining them.
Still, Embere was certainly not invited to the party, so how had he managed to make it inside? Alantaβs position at his side gave Tieran a few ideas. βI also work for you,β Embere was saying as he made it to Tieranβs position, glancing at her again. βWow, you look like you could really use a drink.β
βHow charming,β Tieran drawled, her tone sarcastic and dry.
βHey, Tieran,β Alanta greeted, as nonchalant as ever. βHow are you doing this fine evening? Having fun with your future in-laws? Or have you even talked to anyone yet?β Alanta reached out and dragged Embere back to her side. βThis is Embere, my esteemed guest, and I decree that he is my official Partner in Crime. Thatβs a real, genuine title now. As a princess, I think I can do that.β
Tieran narrowed her dark eyes at her sister, and studied her for a long moment, before she pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. She really was not in the mood to deal with her sister at that moment, and judging by Alantaβs tone and expression, the younger Vanisher was not even the least bit receptive to a lecture that was meant to set her on the right path. Normally, as the eldest sister, it was Tieranβs duty to try and steer her sister on less rebellious path, but as Tieran wasnβt above a bit of rebellion herself, she decided to forgo any lectures today.
βYes,β she said, pouring herself a glass of that pale amber liquid before taking a long swig. βI know who he is. He cares for the mechanical horses currently. She turned to face Alanta and Embere. βConsidering that the mechanical horses are outside, I am going to guess theyβre not actively being cared for.β She raised her eyebrow at Embere. And then she shrugged. βOh well. Youβre here now β might as well suffer like the rest of us.β
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Post by Starchaser on Apr 4, 2021 19:54:47 GMT -5
{ ββΠΎΟ Thanks, and Happy Easter to you as well! I'm fairly content with how the day's gone so far.
Well, this one turned out long too, despite my best efforts. I think I can manage reining myself in once the action really starts up though. }
Chrysophon held back a snort of laughter as his twin fired a quip right back at him, though neither one of them held any ill will. It was just their way of interacting, always trading insults and bickering sometimes so fiercely that people would seem surprised they could tolerate being in the same room as the other. Their squabbles were rarely ever serious though, usually ending with the twins bursting into laughter or abandoning the fight without another thought. They never meant anything by it, of course, and if someone else tried directing any sort of animosity at one of them, they quickly learned that was a bad idea.
"Hah, too bad it couldn't come sooner, right?" he chuckled, eyes shining in the pale moonlight. "I'm just glad I wont have you bothering me all day now." Chrys prodded his sister, trying to draw a reaction, but their light-hearted banter wasn't enough to completely dispel the somber mood that hung over them. The atmosphere was oppressive enough that Chrys found his shoulder sagging in the silence that stretched on, his voice turning dejected when he continued.
In the quiet of the garden, beneath the vast night sky, it was easier to feel lonely and forlorn as Devarah seemed too. Chrys understood the gravity of their new situation too, though he wasn't as moved by it. In just a few short hours, Chrys would be married and officially part of the Vanisher family. As for what came next, he wasn't entirely certain himself. He could easily imagine a future still filled with delights and fantastic new spectaclesβthere could be nights of festivity and lively causerie, trips to distant lands, and any manner of other excitementsβ, but just as clearly picture one of grays and doldrums as well. The Vanishers were still very much the unknown, even if their families now had a tentative alliance, and Chrys would be a fool to assume that he pulled the strings of his future. That wasn't even accounting for the World Eaters problem. Still, Chrys was hesitantly optimistic. Or trying to be, at least.
And then he almost immediately felt guilty for trying to look on the bright side of things, for envisioning a potentially bright future when some of his family was dreading the very same thing. He had always expected it; the inevitability of his life ultimately going to further his family's goals was one that had hovered at the back of his mind, a steadily encroaching darkness as the years raced on and his days of carefree slipped away. It just hadn't bothered him as much before. But sitting beside Devarah, wrapped in all her despair, Chrys felt like his usual light was being snuffed out as well. Knowing his sister was so hurt by their parents' plans was perhaps the most painful part of it, even if Dev was being dramatic. Still, he knew it wouldn't last forever. Life would go on, it always did.
Chrys tilted his head, observing their reflections in the still grotto as Devarah lamented their situation. Over the years they'd grown more distinct, developing their own looks and styles, though their likeness was still undeniable. The golden twins. It would be rather odd not seeing each other every day. Of course, he loved all of his siblings, but the twins had grown up beside each other. They hadn't been apart in years, so the sudden separation did feel distinctly unreal.
He looked away.
There wasn't much to make out beneath the sheer rocky overhang, but Chrys could spot glimmers of light reflecting off Grandfather Mors's scales. He paused, letting his sister's words hang in the air, before turning back to face her, her features dejected though betraying a touch of humor. Chrys rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Because the solar system would be destroyed if subjected to our combined forces for too long. And you know you'd hate that deep down, we wouldn't be able to tolerate each other," he remarked lightly, watching fish crowd around his figure in the water. After a few moments, he could make out the nacreous quality of Dev's magic.
"It just isn't how things work," he added softly, perhaps more to himself. Chrys reached down to the ground absentmindedly, turning over a smooth stone in his palm. He tossed it across the water, sending ripples through their reflections, fish scattering in its wake until the stone at last sank into the depths. With a sigh, Chrys leaned back on his hands, turning back to face his sister. "Besides, it's not like we'll never see each other again. I'm not going away forever," he stated adamantly.
No matter what happened, Chrysophon refused to lose all freedom. He'd fulfill his responsibilities, sure, but he was still in control of his life, betrothal or not.
It was Deverah's voice that broke through his thoughts, suddenly cutting through the silence, and Chrys followed her movement to the massive trees that loomed over them. Thankfully they were onto much happier topics. He couldn't help but smile at the memory. "How could I forget," he laughed along with her, with a shake of his head, golden locks bouncing. And he did remember, of course. The twins had always been the most troublesome of the Illusionist heirs, always getting into some sort of mischief as kids. They'd been goading each other into jumping off, seeing who could leap the farthest out in the water. "You had people thinking you'd broken every bone in your body, the way you wailed."
They didn't have much time to reminisce on the memory, however, as Grandfather Mors gasped. Chrys exchanged an anxious glance with his sister, though said nothing. He was hoping to get more information, but the utter dread in his grandfather's voice made him obey without hesitation, trying to ignore his own rising alarm. Chrys rose to his feet without argument, wiping the grim expression from his face. He set his jaw, holding out a hand to help Devarah up from the ground. "Come on."
They headed back through the gardens in taut silence, not quite running, through Chrys's heart was pounding in his ears. He didn't slow until the palace was in sight, pushing through the crowds to reach the Queen's side. He was mindful of causing a scene at the party, and subsequently a panic if people realized something was terribly wrong, but still desperate to get to his mother's side. She was exactly where he remembered, still dazzling guests with ease.
By the time he reached the table, Chrys was slightly breathless. "Mother, we have to talk," he interjected quickly, cutting through the current conversation without a second thought. He ignored the surprised stares from the nearby guests, making an effort to correct the slight quaver in his voice. He added emphatically, "Grandfather Mors told us- He told us something important."
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Post by willowflower on Apr 4, 2021 21:16:09 GMT -5
[[happy easter!
sounds good! since i'm sending embere over to salus, i'll prob have junai head over to invictus
i also had an idea for a new character -- a royal guard for the illusionists, who comes along on the invictus journey to defend the royals? she's like, "I GIVE MY LIFE" and everyone's like no, no we have literal magic powers you don't have to - "MY LIFE"]] ｑβΊΛ*ο½₯ΰΌβΎγE M B E R Eγβ½ΰΌο½₯*ΛβΊο½‘ Embere shot Tieran a couple of finger guns at her sarcastic βhow charmingβ drawl. βI try.β
As Alanta greeted her sister, Embereβs eyes were drawn back to the table. Holy flipping pickles that was a whole lot of free food. Lying amongst the glittering pitchers and fountains of flowing wines and gin were towers of finger foods, including fancy cheeses on pretty crackers and the tiniest cupcakes Embere has ever seen. Now, Embere will clock the closest dunderhead who would dare call him a simple man, but in truth, his needs were pretty simple: he was not a rich lad. If there is food, heβs taking it.
By the time Alantaβs drawn him back to her side, Embereβs already downed several fancy bite-sized cheese platters (one was covered in roe, the tiny eggs bursting in his mouth; another, smothered in the smoothest and richest jam heβs ever tasted; and another! chicken liver! heβs never even tasted liver before!) and had stacked four or five tiny cupcakes on the palm of his hand in preparation for further snacking.
Embere had his mouth full, so in response to his introduction as the new and official Partner in Crime, he gave a little wave with his non-food-addled hand and said, still chewing, βI mean she is royalty, that definitely means she can do whatever she wants, right?β He inhaled a cupcake (rose?? is that a hint of rose he tasted in the vanilla bean frosting??) and continued, βHonestly itβs about time Iβve gotten a promotion, donβt you think, Lady Vanisher?β
Watching Tieran pinch the bridge of her nose in sheer exasperation at the their antics was, for Embere, absolutely hilarious. Yes, heβs never held any true fear or respect for his authoritarian overlords, but still, watching the scene play out made the two princesses feel more like actual human people.
He stiffened up a little, though, when Tieran mentioned the horses heβd basically abandoned outside. Like, heck, he still didnβt want to lose his job. Embere kept in a sigh of relief when Tieran shrugged it off. βWell I mean they are mechanical beasts made of steel standing in a fancy courtyard, Iβm sure theyβll be fine,β Embere said. βUnless it like, rains or something.β
Now those were creatures Embere held a healthy dose of fear and respect for. They are absolute fools that get spooked by their own shadow, yes, but one kick from those silver-studded hooves in the skull and brain goes bye-bye.
"Oh well. You're here now," Tieran was saying with a shrug. "Might as well suffer with the rest of us."
βYes,β Embere said, slowly nodding as he carried the tiny cupcakes to his mouth. βSuffering. In the process of suffering right now, yes, I will do my best.β
Maybe he was a little too bolstered by the fact that he had an elbow looped through the arm of one of the princesses.
βMaybe we should give the horses little party snacks,β he said. βThey may be heavily altered via technology but theyβre still sentient creatures, arenβt they? Remind me to bring them, like. A sugarcube or something. We donβt treat mechanical creatures on Nerio like actual living creatures, in my humble opinion. Though whether sentience born from machinery is the same as sentience in organic beings, that's a whole other discussion...β
Someone pushed through the crowd, a couple someones in elegant dress and golden hair. Embere peered over at them curiously as they made their way to the Illusionist queenβs table. βWhatβs up with them?β As his gaze lingered the crowd, he caught sight of something that made him choke on his cupcake.
βHoly shiitake pancakes. Princess,β he said, tugging at Alantaβs arm. βItβs that kooky old lady I helped break into the garden.β
Said lady was in deep conversation with one of the guards at the door. Said guard was nodding thoughtfully at her words. Embere slowly moved until he was subtly hiding behind Alanta.
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Post by πΎππππππππ on Apr 4, 2021 21:18:28 GMT -5
( lol Tieran may end up smacking Embere upside the head )
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Post by willowflower on Apr 4, 2021 21:21:45 GMT -5
((lmaooo tieran do it i would not blame u))
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Post by πΎππππππππ on Apr 4, 2021 21:22:40 GMT -5
( sheβd probably use his own hook hand to do it as well )
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Post by willowflower on Apr 4, 2021 21:24:08 GMT -5
((asdjkladsjkal xD))
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Post by πΎππππππππ on Apr 4, 2021 21:25:02 GMT -5
( and then offer to build him an even better hook hand )
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Post by willowflower on Apr 4, 2021 21:27:56 GMT -5
((he'd be like, how dare you
but also yes actually teach me how to make myself a cool hand
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Post by πΎππππππππ on Apr 4, 2021 21:28:27 GMT -5
( iconic )
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Post by Starchaser on Apr 4, 2021 22:44:21 GMT -5
{ I really like all the ideas so far!
Koane sounds like a great opportunity for family drama (his powers also seem fun), and I find it interesting that both the royal families had a set of twins in the same order. who are also roughly the same age. It's like they're perpetually competing with each other.
Also, maybe the two different plots we could have Devarah/Tieran/Chrys/etc. go to Invictus and Aever/Junai/whoever else to Salus? Just cause I figure we want to keep the betrothed together, and each family wants at least one member on both of the missions so that the other isn't getting some kind of advantage over them. EDIT: I started writing this before I saw the next posts. We could have Devarah/Junai/Tieran/Chrys on Invictus and then Aever/Embere/some Illusionist royals on Salus. Tieran and Chrys could go to Salus, but then that puts our characters in the same place. Of course, having a more Vanisher-heavy group would make more sense if they initially only really sent a group out because Alanta got taken there, assuming they don't know how much is going on with Salus.
On the topic of Salus, I maybe have a bit of an idea. Combining the world eaters and fungi idea, maybe the world eaters' original form is a sort of benign fungus that tends to pop up in places considered otherwise mostly inhospitable to life (ie rogue planets, places with bad atmospheres, etc.) and helps bring about new life. Ordinarily, they are simple decomposers, slowly transforming mostly barren worlds into something new (like how some fungi can help plants grow). They are easy to miss, so often get spread around space by intergalactic travelers. Unfortunately, this means they were able to come into contact with a previously harmless parasite of sorts. It infected some of the fungi's spores and created a strange mutation that eventually became the world eaters. Rather than decomposing the old and fostering new life, these powerful beings now have the capability to destroy entire planets, devouring anything in their wake to feed their insatiable appetite.
Perhaps the vines and spooky creatures on Salus are remnants of the place infected by the parasites? Or something? I just got to thinking about the world eaters using portals, so maybe there are some still open on Salus (or they just visit there so frequently), since that's where the majority of the world eaters are now, that species from their world of origin start invading the planet. The vines are reminiscent of the world eaters, growing so quickly and densely that they smother and kill other lifeforms, and blocking out sunlight, but they're also the only thing holding the planet together. Basically, space Kudzu. They could even be carnivorous for added danger, dragging people into the shadows and such. And the cult is like "see how the world eaters have given us new life over the ashes of the old, they will usher in a new era." }
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ββΠΎΟ
Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄
α΄Ιͺα΄α΄α΄Ι΄α΄α΄ α΄xα΄α΄α΄α΄ α΄Ι΄ α΄α΄Κα΄Κ Κα΄sΙͺΙ΄α΄ss
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Post by ββΠΎΟ on Apr 5, 2021 2:37:02 GMT -5
[ Just getting some time alone now! ]
[ The character combos of who goes to Salus and Invictus can totally depend on everyone else's preferences! I figured Dev would go to Invictus because the Illusionists will be the first to hear of a problem there, and Aever going to Salus seemed like a natural fit. But as you pointed out, it might be good to keep the betrothed pairs together for more drama, so I'm totally happy to switch mine around if that makes more sense. They could even go to the same planet if they need to, because I might end up making another character in the next day or so. I don't have any concrete ideas but new charries are always fun lol Anyway, point is, I can be flexible if anyone has strong opinions?
Also good note about Chrys and Dev mirroring Koane and Tieran!
That leads me to the origins of the world eaters discussion. The idea that they're related to the fungi is super interesting! I think the two can definitely be related either in the world eaters coming from the fungi or the fungi being left behind by the world eaters. The image of a decomposing planet is meaningful, because as you were getting at, decomposition ultimately leads to life as well. So the Cult could cling to the fact that while the planet was falling apart, its destruction has also led to new growth. This theory that you have about the world eaters being essentially born from the infection is one that we might give to a character? It could definitely be a working theory within the world that is used in their investigation of the world eaters.
I am wondering if perhaps the world eaters are in some way connected to the illusionists and the vanishers. They travel through portals much like the vanishers. The fact that they take the form of wolves is an element of mystery but one could begin to wonder if they think as wolves do or if they're actually much more intelligent? So their wolf forms could be a sort of illusion that hides their true forms?
This could be another working theory in the story world too. Perhaps those who go to Salus could make the connection between the fungi and the world eaters, and those who go to Salus could make some observations about how they move and behave as well. I'm not sure we have to decide now exactly where the world eaters come from yet and what they are trying to accomplish, as our ideas might morph as the story goes on. ]
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Post by Starchaser on Apr 5, 2021 2:57:22 GMT -5
{ willowflower πΎππππππππ Finally got this finished. I'm pretty tired at this point, so apologies that it's not the greatest.
I'll respond to the other things tomorrow c: Sorry to leave you, ββΠΎΟ ), I just can't form a coherent thought right now. }
Challenge sparked between the sisters as their dark eyes locked, Alanta holding the gaze unafraid and unabashed despite her behavior just asking for reprimand. She even had the audacity to put on an air of innocence. After what seemed like forever, Tieran's severe look subsided, and the elder princess broke the tension with a sigh of resignation. Alanta allowed herself to return the gesture with a smug grin. She'd won that battle.
Tieran merely redirected her attention the wide variety of drinks laid out on the tables before them, her tone unimpressed when she responded. "I do have the best taste in companions," Alanta said agreeably as her sister and Embere traded sort-of-introductions. They may have only been formally acquainted for a few minutes, but Alanta wasn't generally in the habit of practicing patience. Or self-doubt. "Not to pat myself on the back or anything." She looked on serenely as the cyborg continued to devour food at an impressive rate, though it had drawn the attention of a few guests lingering by the refreshments, their eyes wide at the rather inelegant display. Maybe the World Eaters should recruit this guy.
βI mean she is royalty, that definitely means she can do whatever she wants, right?β Embere had replied, not halting his feast to speak.
Now that made Alanta laugh aloud.
The princess shook her head in return, voice full of longing as she sighed, "Oh, if only." Her expression briefly turned contemplative as she watched the party with a distant look, before acknowledging Embere, "Trust me, if that were the case, so many things would be different."
Alanta had shifted to studying the ground, though her head jerked up in mock outrage at Tieran's comment. It wasn't directed at her she knew, but she decided to take insult anyways. Eyes wide and betrayed, she gasped, "Suffer? Are you serious? I'm deeply wounded, Tieran." To further play up this guise of hurt, she lifted a hand to clutch her heart. However, she flashed a smile only seconds later, adding, "I'm exceptionally entertaining. A hoot, even. This is probably the most fun Embere has had in his entire life." Alanta jostled the cyborg, as though expecting him to back her on this idea. "Admittedly, the party could be better, but I'm here now, so that's soon to change."
As the conversation went back to the horses outside, Alanta found herself feeling genuinely curious about the talk of technology. She didn't know as much as she probably should have about such things, given how many mechanical beings roamed the solar system, and her sister's interests, though she found them intriguing. "I didn't think fully-mechanical creatures ate organic food," Alanta put in, though it was really more her wondering out loud.
"If you're that concerned, let's just go fetch them and bring them inside," she suggested, listening to the others' back-and forth. There was an impish lilt to her voice as she prompted, "You know what I thought upon first seeing this place? 'Nice, but it could definitely use an equestrian touch.'" Alanta's eyes gleamed as she imagined the possible outrageous scenarios, though each was more unlikely than the next. It was still fun to picture the fancy party disrupted by mechanical horses tromping around. "It really would be such fun, and have the added bonus of stirring up a little mayhem, which need I remind you is our intention here."
There wasn't much time to dwell on such foolish ideas though, as a duo of Illusionists came darting through the throng of people, clearly in a rush. They looked as though they'd seen a ghost, and perhaps there were such things in Vesta's gardens, such stories did exist. Alanta had always wanted to see them. She trailed the Illusionists' movements with subtle interest, though it was lost a moment later as she considered all the petty things other nobles had gotten upset over in the past. "Not sure, but it looks pretty serious," she said with a shrug. "Which means it's apt to be boring."
"Keep your voice down," Alanta scolded immediately, before even looking in the direction Embere had indicated as he tugged at her, though she wasn't even certain who she was pretending would care if they overheard. "You must never admit your crimes out loud, no matter how petty. And you can call me Alanta. I'm really just a princess in title." She trailed off as the cyborg started to slink away, trying to conceal himself behind Alanta.
Which, frankly, was ridiculous, given the at least one foot difference in their heights. It was hilarious though.
Alanta bit back a snicker, peering over her shoulder at Embere. "Oh, come on, you're not really afraid of a little old lady, are you?" she challenged. "No partner in crime of mine is going to shy away from a little danger. Chaos fears nothing." Then, as an afterthought, she added, "The guards can't rightly throw you out if I command otherwise."
"You know what? This is exactly the opportunity I've been waiting for," Alanta said suddenly. She pulled the cyborg closer to her level so she could whisper to him, "I hear the Illusionists have a dragon that lives in their garden. We should go looking for it while we have the chance."
With a furtive glance around, Alanta stepped away from the table, beckoning Embere after her. "Come on, before anyone tries to bother us. We can see what your elderly friend is up to while we're at it." If she'd been breaking into the palace, that could only mean she was up to some kind of mischief as well, and Alanta intended to find out what that was.
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Bisexual
ratvich
um cheesed to meet you?
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Post by ratvich on Apr 5, 2021 8:14:27 GMT -5
[ im so sorry i havent posted yet, i wound up getting busy with school stuff and forgot T^T ill be sure to post today though - also the plots sound so exciting !! ]
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Post by πΎππππππππ on Apr 5, 2021 12:20:09 GMT -5
[ I will get a post up tonight ]
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Post by willowflower on Apr 5, 2021 16:20:20 GMT -5
((yea! for me itβs balancing out my characters - granny and embere to salus, junai + new guard character to invictus; so iβm pretty set there. iβd be so down for more junai and aever interaction
alanta is so much fun i love her
!! yes, space kudzu, exactly! an invasive species that just spreads and chokes out any other living thing! carnivorous plants but Big would be terrifying and an excellent threat on Salus; like they donβt have teeth and whatnot but theyβll drag prey into baths of acid to dissolve and eat them - maybe they have a beautiful color or scent to lure prey in?
bouncing off of your parasite infecting the original world eaters idea, what if the actions of the Pioneers directly led to the creation of the world eaters? like the world eaters used to be the original fungi that existed in the space the solar system was created in, before the Pioneers came. it wasnβt planned, but it was an unhappy consequence of building man-made planets/bringing unfamiliar and potentially invasive species to an ecosystem unprepared for them. maybe the original creators brought over food or animals that carried that parasite that infected the original, benign form of the world eaters. in that case theyβre not evil, theyβre just desperate for healing.
i really like the idea that the world eaters and their powers are connected to the conductors β it makes sense, in a way, that thereβs something in this solar system specifically that gives people and creatures these powers of illusion, space, and time. then the wolf form is an illusion that is used by the world eaters as a form of protection, perhaps? if the world eaters are infected, then maybe their true forms appear weak and riddled with disease, and they want to hide that to seem stronger?
also ratvich gran georgina is open for interaction if youβd like to send your character over to her!))
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Post by πΎππππππππ on Apr 5, 2021 20:49:41 GMT -5
Tieran
βI do have the best taste in companions,β Alanta quipped, causing Tieran to roll her eyes again. Both of the sisters watch Embere with a sort of horrified fascination as the cyborg funneled food into his mouth with a frenzied pace. Honestly, sheβd never seen someone put that much food away, that fast. It was quite the entertaining sight; Tieran studied Embere with a raised brow as she took another long swallow of her drink. It left a warm path as it went down her throat and settled in her stomach. To her surprised, her headache had begun to abate just a bit in the stimulating presence of Embere and her sister, Alanta.
βI mean, she is royalty, that definitely means she can do whatever she wants, right?β
Alanta and Tieran both laughed aloud; the latterβs laugh was a short, raspy chuckle at Embereβs statement.
βOh, if only,β Alanta replied. βTrust me, if that were the case, so many things would be different.β
βIndeed,β Tieran drawled. βThe very galaxy would descend into a chaos born only of rebellion from the youngest Vanisher.β
Alanta gasped in mock outrage at Tieranβs comment about suffering, looking suitably offended. βSuffer? Are you serious? Iβm deeply wounded?β She raised a clenched hand over her heart, looking entirely crestfallen. Tieran only rolled her eyes again and waved off her sisterβs dramatics, taking another swig of her drink. βIβm exceptionally entertaining. A hoot, even. This is probably the most fun Embere has had in his entire life.β She bumped into the cyborg, who was still focused on the platters of food. βAdmittedly, the party could be better, but Iβm here now, so thatβs soon to change.β
As Tieran and Embere bantered back and forth a bit, their subject focusing on mechanical lifeforms, it looked as though Alanta was genuinely interested. βI didnβt think fully-mechanical creatures ate organic food.β
βSome do,β Tieran responded with a one-shoulder shrug. βIt really depends on their internal make-up and whether or not theyβre able to synthesize their own chemicals for energy processing and anabolism, or whether they require the input of energy to function properly. Some can do both, depending on the environment.β
βIf youβre that concerned, letβs just go fetch them and bring them inside.β Tieran raised a brow at Alantaβs suggestion. βYou know what I thought upon first seeing this place? βNice, but it could definitely use an equestrian touch. It would really be such found, and how the added bonus of stirring up a little mayhem, which need I remind you is our intention here.β
Tieran snorted. βHardly. Youβre more likely to find that the mechanical horses are far more interested in the shiny flooring than they are in creating discord. Theyβre quite easily distracted.β
Before their banter could continue, their attention was drawn by the pair of Illusionists that moved through the crowd at a quite rapid pace. She tuned Embere and Alanta out for a moment as she studied the pair; they were clearly twins, with the male being her fiancΓ©. Recognizing that fact caused a searing bolt of pain to jolt through Tieran, and she reflexively lifted one hand to press against her chest, trying to rub away the discomfort. There was no cure for this pain, though; the only thing that couldβve removed the pain entirely was Koane, and no one had seen him in years. Most of the Vanisher family thought he was dead β killed in the midst of some dangerous mission on another planet. Logically, Tieran recognized the thought process that had brought them to that conclusion. If he were still alive, surely Koane would have come home β or tried to contact his family. Especially her. But he hadnβt, and that was terrifying.
Still, something told her that Koane was still out there β somewhere. Maybe it was the bond they shared as twins, or maybe it was Tieranβs refusal to accept that he was dead.
She was drawn out of her thoughts by Alanta and Embere. She watched as they wandered off, although it looked like Alanta was dragging Embere behind her. Tieran rolled her eyes and set down her glass. With another glance around, she searched the crowd for Aever. Had he spotted the panicked Illusionists? Something was clearly wrong, and it was serious enough to make the Illusionists β who valued appearance above all else β interrupt the grandiose party they were throwing.
Tieran wanted to know what the problem was. Call her nosy, but something told her whatever was unfolding would inevitably draw Tieran into its midst.
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