𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓 / 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓

          THE ORACLE WAS UNMISTAKABLE, even in the moonlight which blanketed the bamboo grove. It was the air about her, something in the way she carried herself. Shock might be the best word to describe the expression which crossed his face, though upon giving it some thought Nyx came to the conclusion that if the powers-that-be here could bring back the dead, the living might also be in their reach. Still, the Glaive hadn’t expected the Princess of Tenebrae to be here, of all places. Last he knew, she and Libertus were on their way out of the city, to Altissia in order to await the Crown Prince. The implications of her presence kicked up a whirlwind of questions, joining the myriad of others dancing around his head ever since his arrival mere hours ago.

As Nyx approached, his brow creased. So many questions, but where to start? It’s not like he’d been looking for her– No, up until now the Glaive was convinced he’d been alone. 

Though he couldn’t say what had drawn him to the grove in the first place.

“ ━━ Your Highness?”

@fleurteller​​ // sc. 

          She shouldn’t be awake right now; she shouldn’t be awake and so far from her assigned housing, but Lunafreya has gotten braver at wandering in the dark. After all, the Island itself is relatively well lit and there aren’t roaming daemons, besides. The Bamboo Grove is a semi-constant haunt if only for the fact that it reminds her vaguely enough of the heavier forested area of Tenebrae though the types of trees are different.

Still, it’s nice and quiet compared to the city proper. Usually, she doesn’t run into anyone besides a few stragglers and strangers, so the sound of her title, of all things, being spoken is a surprise—seeing Nyx Ulric of all people is more surprising still.

- @fleurteller​   ♡ ‘d  ( springtide festival ! )

      eri had seen fireworks here once before but tonight, they seem particularly different, perhaps much more amazing compared to when she had last seen them. her mouth was partially agape as she stared right up at the night sky as the lights explode into numerous flower shapes. others may think differently but to her, it was almost like magic seeing the fireworks light up before her own eyes. she was standing off at a more secluded little area, just enough to still see the sight of the other guests in the background with the fireworks just shooting up high enough for her to see them. her eyes would become bigger and bigger, mesmerized by the sight that she did not seem to realize a woman in her vicinity. 

      “oooh.”

         Fireworks, celebrations, and other such things were not often pastimes Lunafreya had the freedom to enjoy growing up. She didn’t mind it, not really—not all the time, so seeing them here is a sort of treat she doesn’t feel inclined to pass up. They’re quite lovely, she thinks, and extravagant in a way that she’s never personally seen though her comparisons are little. She had an idea of where to further watch the display in mind, but surprisingly—or unsurprisingly, perhaps—someone’s already there. Lunafreya doesn’t mind sharing the space in general; besides, weren’t fireworks better enjoyed with company?

@fleurteller​ || starter call. 

Ravus’ chest still hurts.

Grief hangs like a thick thing in his lungs, his chest weighted down by the significant loss, a pain he’d pressed down – swallowed in his throat. It feels like he’s sixteen again, watching as his beloved Tenebrae fall to the hands of the Empire. The hopeless and helpless feeling that seeped into his bones as he watched the Lucian line abandon them.

Even if it’s familiar, this one hurts more, somehow. It’s Luna’s death that haunts him; he’s not had enough time to grieve. From his perspective, it’s been a matter of days. The image still haunts him.

Ravus has found himself in the Fibonnacci Ward, drawn to it’s heights out of curiosity and a sense of belonging. He doesn’t have much money, but he feels entitled to the grandeur vibes that the High Roller gives off. It’s easy to drown your sorrows in art and expensive tastes, he thinks, as he wanders around the art galleries.

He pauses in front of one piece in particular. It’s beautiful, and it vaguely reminds him of Altissia, which does nothing to ease his ache. He frowns; it’s that scowl he wears so frequently, a mask by which to protect himself. 

Momentarily distracted he takes a couple steps backwards, eyes on the piece, as he feels his back bump into another. Fueled by this concoction of emotions he turns around, still looking irritated, and locks eyes with the figure.

Eyes widen, his expression confounded. “Lunafreya?”

          A walk through the upper levels makes for a calming pastime, enough so that Lunafreya ventures through the galleries and gardens often. After all, there’s enough to keep her mind occupied and from wandering too far. Or maybe not—despite the space the area provides, she still finds herself running into someone.

The collision is sudden, and she already has apologies set to form on her lips, but they fade before becoming fully realized as soon as she turns. Her brother is the last person she expects, for some reason or another. It makes her feel at a loss of what to say and how to react—initially, at least.

Lunafreya is happy to see him, she realizes. They butted heads much too often and never had to the proper time to rectify anything because suddenly there was no time left for her. That, she can think of later, because she never thought she’d see Ravus again and suddenly, he’s here and looks healthy and whole.

                                                                ☆  @fleurteller​!  ☆

      ☆—       “ say, you look like a pretty interesting person— ” and he’d seen some interesting people, that’s for sure. in his profession, you see it all, “ whaddaya think? reckon something’s up there, watchin’ over us? ”

     hawks peered aside toward the other as he crudely shattered the silence haunting the vicinity, a hand perched at his hip. towering before them both a mural, illustrating the wordless story of two deities apparently becoming one. he’d been studying it for some time to glean more information on this place and its beliefs, but it clearly wasn’t meant to be read so simply like a book. oh well, made for some interesting art in any case.

          “ —just curious. ” he added, subtly noting how odd it may seem to ask such a question of a stranger in a church, “ lots of different views ‘round here, y’know? ”

          Not a strange question to ask, but not necessarily one Lunafreya has ever had to answer before. After all, most people back on Eos knew of the tales of the Astrals—it wasn’t often a question of if they existed but when their words would come to pass.

“I’d be the last person to deny the existence of any god or pantheon in general.” She starts, mulling the question over carefully. He deserves a serious answer at the very least. “While the one here isn’t one I’m familiar with, that doesn’t mean I’d claim them to be false. This isn’t my world; I don’t have the power to pass that sort of judgment.” She hasn’t exactly gotten too deep with the studies either—perhaps that should be taken care of soon.

It’s expected to happen; getting hurt during the chaos, defending your life and livelihood and those you care about. Death, too, if we’re going to be morbid about it. Badou expected some scrapes and bruises, from running, but actually defending something? Didn’t know he had it in him. 

As such, scrapes and bruises sting a little but its nothing compared to his potentially broken nose. He sniffs hard, snot and blood are a horrendous sound at once, and points at his face.

“Can you do anything about this? This freaking suuuucks…”

          “I’ll try my best.” Lunafreya nods; it’s not the worst she’s ever seen or healed, but it isn’t a pretty sight either way. Scooting closer, she thanks the Astrals that she’s long since grown out of any squeamishness—rather, there wasn’t time to allow it to take root. She carefully touches the bride of his nose, no need for an intricate prayer like healing the Scourge does, and with her healing down to the dregs it’s only a brief and comparatively dim flash of light before it ends.

“ ….”

It’s easy to make promises. Give people some sort of hope to hang onto. Plentiful gift of weapons and unlimited powers will seem tempting whether you agree on the goals or not. 

“ Well, they will give you back whatever was yours … That gives you upper hand against those without right? “ he asks, head slanting to the side.

“ But then… Do you really think some strangers appearing out of nowhere will help you with no strings attached? “

          “Of course not.” She answers immediately, an easy response to give. “People in power rarely do things without expecting something in return. Always a catch, implication, or debt to repay.” Lunafreya allows herself a sigh—she knows the exact type and has interacted with them often: nobility and politics are always a mess, throw in a war and it gets all the worse.

Of course Ardyn is amused with the situation. Who wouldn’t be, watching a group of people as mighty as the Stars be thrown from their metaphorical throne, having their underlings doing all their dirty work for them? Cutting wires, trying their best to stay safe while the threat of NULL looms in the distance – it’s entertaining.

“Are you saying that you are not, Lady Lunafreya?” he asks. He’s decided to be honest with her, as there’s no point in lying. She’s seen through him; she’d seen the scourge that sat in the center of his chest, eating him alive, and she saw the hatred in his eyes as he killed her. Really, then, what else did he have to hide?

          She doesn’t know how serious his question is, or if it’s only asked to get a rise out of her or something along those lines. Lunafreya had an inkling of his answer anyway despite the lack of a proper one being given. That too, isn’t entirely surprising. It feels as though it’ll be rare day whenever or if ever Ardyn decides to deign her with a straight answer about something.

||  █ ▌— ignis is not faring too much better, but he refuses to let that show on his face. it wouldn’t do to demonstrate a lack of confidence, especially when that can translate to making mistakes. he has enough power that he can defend himself, and the oracle if it comes down to it, though he doesn’t underestimate the skills she possesses of her own. 

his hand crackles with electricity as he tenses and releases the muscles, wanting to keep moving but willing to wait. he turns to her with as reassuring a smile as he can muster. ❝ of course, my lady. there is safety in numbers, after all, and i would like to see to it that we both make it to safety. ❞

         Relieving to know at least one of them has on hand offensive capabilities; Lunafreya would have to rely on a makeshift weapon, but with the state everything is in, it probably won’t be too hard find something that would make do in a pinch.

          “It’s not safe here.” It’s not safe anywhere, really, but the point still stands. Lunafreya would like to think she has a good enough grip on what’s going on, enough understanding that she can at least set some priorities straight. She’s been looking out for people as much as she can, ferrying civilian stragglers to safer places. Sneaking unnoticed around is a skill of hers, after all, formed from childhood and perfected with each use. 

          “I wonder if you’re amused by the current events. Pray, feel free to correct me if I am wrong, however.” She can’t help but question. There’s a certain sort of chaos inspired by a declaration of war within the city, a place gone turbulent in less than day with little warning. Respite does not truly last long for anyone, it seems, and Lunafreya takes to the change with as much efficiency as she’s able to.

          Barely here a season and things have already escalated to dangerous to the point of detrimental. While Lunafreya trusted this place little, she had to admit to growing steadily complacent. After all, it seemed fairly peaceful for a spell, more so than she’s experienced in a long while. Now this has happened leading her to walking around a fog dense Archimedes wary of monsters she’s not strong enough to deal with. The irony of it all tastes like a bitter pill.

She doesn’t take long to come down. It’s immediate, ASAP that she’s back on ground. She’d normally jump down but she had a feeling the lady might worry she’d hurt herself. Mirae doesn’t want her to worry and so, she climbs down. “Do you miss tree climbing, miss Goddess.” The lady reminds her of a goddess, really. JUST like how the other woman made Mirae think of an angel. 

“And I won’t climb trees in your presence. I promise.” And she’s someone who keeps their words!

          Once the girl is safe with two feet on the ground and Lunafreya has one less reason to fret, she corrects the nickname gently. “I am no goddess. My name is Lunafreya.” She is flattered by the assumption as close as it is, but not quite. “I am, however, an Oracle and it was my duty back home to commune with the gods and goddess. But that wasn’t your question, was it?” Not wanting to leave it unanswered but it wasn’t necessarily something she had considered until now.

Ardyn’s fingertip ran along the handle of the teacup, a little pout on his face. So she had thought about it. He wondered if she thought about it when her mother had been killed, or perhaps it was earlier than that. Or later. For Ardyn, death had always been a sought after thing, something that he would reach for but never grasp. That’s the beauty and pain of being an immortal being; something as simple as dying was always unattainable.

“Well,” he said, finally, bringing the cup to his lips. “I would have thought that you would enjoy death with a view. Did I not give you that at least?”

         “Altissia is a lovely place, I will grant you that.” She decides to humor for the moment. Part of her does wish she could have enjoyed the city more in the time that she had. But that’s the feeling about everything isn’t it? If only she was granted more time even when she knew it would never be a possibility.