"I have loved the Stars too fondly..."

continued from here @lorddevourer​

“I won’t claim that some parts of the fringes are too hard to defend as they are… that even bolstered in the ways Askalion seems to want the military would be spread far too thin trying to secure all the border marches. It has been a point of contest within our alliance that some will be more impacted than others due to their home constellations lying too far from major traffic lanes to realistically be defended.” A frown of distaste passed over the Merchant Prince’s features as he focused on pouring even measures of freshly squeezed fruit juice into crystal tumblers, moving then to the delicate paper-thin china for the kaf.

“And yet, anything will be better than the Empire cocooning itself around its core constellations and abandoning the rest of us.”

Having served the drinks Yazad took a seat as well, a serious air about him, and slowly swirled the fragrant sweet juice in his glass. It was no wonder that the Musca delegation had been among the first to approach lady Seraphina after her appointment as Speaker - the fringe alliance had found no response to the current threat that didn’t require them to evacuate their lands along with a handful of others. But still, a small loss was still preferable to a devastatingly massive on. It had to be.

“We have formed a tentative draft of our own, though as time is short it still lacks any proper suggestion or analysis on the logistics on realising it, as a rather extensive overhaul of parts of the internal policies of most imperial systems would be required…” He took a sip—rather larger than etiquette dictated for a conversation drink—to let the slight acidity center him. To voice what he intended was a risk, but a necessary one to take should he truly want Seraphina to trust his intentions.

“…and should all else fail, I have means to halt any debate within the council for… a decently long while, unless their imperial majesties choose to intervene directly.”

Seraphina listened attentively, hands folding into her lap with an enforced effort. The practice maintained a calm exterior for herself, a habit when she found them empty and want to do something. As he poured she watched his posture, and his expressions just as keenly as she listened to his words and tone. 

There was a bitter reality that had to be accepted, some regions could not be saved. Judgment calls on which systems those were would have to be made, the way of life that existed would be uprooted. Small losses over greater ones, being able to control that loss was advantageous but it was never easy when people’s lives and livelihoods were involved. 

The scents of the drinks mingled together, sweet and bitter. Once he was seated she took the fine china and tasted the dark drink. They were a pleasant taste to her, her chosen focus as Yazad discussed further the situation. 

Blue eyes locked with the ember hues of his as he spoke his final, and daring statement. Certainly, his concern was valid. While she wanted to provide some ease of mind, she also had a strong loyalty and dedication to the Lunanoffs to not betray their intentions.

“If my review of political history is correct, the Imperial Majesties intervene in times of great discourse and imbalance.“ she chose her words carefully, placing the warm bitter drink down on the table. “While hasty, the intercession of House Saggistarius’ proposal halted such disaster. And here we are...“ she gave a small gesture with her hands. 

Knowing what she did in personal confidence, this proposal was something hinted at to her awareness. It had been clear to see the rift between them over the impending issue. In their own way, they had warned her, but not for her to take action the way she had. They’d both specifically warned against it, separately even. To a fault though, she was stubborn and reckless. If she considered anything outside of the singular focus of the proposal, it was a bit of a mess.

freespiritedstarling:

Her head tilted towards them, her focus finally settling on the bond they shared, letting her emotions, feelings, experiences filter through. Some with more clarity than others, focusing on the most present mission she’d returned from. She subdued the memory of the pain she had felt, the surprise of being overtaken by the creature. As well as the other risks and dangers are she had faced, only focusing on the thrill and rush. Her level headed decisions regardless of the risks taken, and how effective it was. The mission had been a success, with new sights to see, and data to provide back. She was good at what she did as a pilot.

The young pilot chuckled, nodding her head. “I think at some point you will need to take a sabbatical from all your responsibilities then. I will happily take you on an exploration venture to some of these places I’ve seen.”

She linked her arm with theirs, her gaze turned up towards the stars. “Truly, there are some beautiful places and creatures you would be inspired by Hevel. So many natural things that I can imagine you seeing and being able to craft something that does what they do… Imagine the opportunities and the creativity.”

It wasn’t hard to tell Seraphina was downplaying the negative aspects of her encounter, but such was her habit as Hevel knew well. The wonder and excitement were just as real regardless of what surrounded them.

“I would love that.”

A getaway with the two of them, even if only in areas deemed safe for travel, could be a delight. No rush, no responsibilities, and the endless vistas of space stretching before them with countless sights to see and places to explore.

The young dæ chuckled, mind radiating fondness.

“With you to guide me to such treasures, I will become Exalted before gaining my Lines.”

She hummed in an affirmative response, her mind responding in harmony with theirs. Positive, warm, hopeful. The latter being a rare expression.

“That would truly make me most happy in this lifetime I think.“ She responded with a deep sincerity. 

DOES YOUR MUSE , WHILE FIGHTING ( not sparring ) …

fight honourably  /  fight dirty  /  prefer close-quarters /  prefer range  / chat during / go silent  /  low pain tolerance  /  high pain tolerance  /  attack in bursts  /  attack steadily  / go for the kill  /  aim to disarm  /  fight defensively  /  bait an opponent’s first strike  /  strike first /  provoked easily  /  provoke their opponent  /  tease  /  get visibly frustrated  /  shout while attacking  / use strategy /  focus on their battle /  experience conflicting thoughts during battle  /  rush in recklessly  /  try to read their opponent before fighting /  fight wildly  /  fight calmly apathetically  /  fight with anger  / fight with excitement /  fight because they have to  /  fight because they want to /  fight without regard to wounds  /  run away when wounded  /  hide wounds  /  take a blow to protect another  /  prefer a blade /  prefer a gun  /  prefer a bow  /  prefer a shield  /  prefer a spear naginata  /  prefer a personalized weapon  /  prefer magic or spells /  prefer brawling  /  their greatest weakness is physical  /  their greatest weakness is mental  /   their greatest weakness is emotional  /  transform for battle  / fight as they appear  /  rely on strength  /  rely on speed  /  use everything they have  / hide their full potential  /  exhaust quickly  /  high stamina  /  doubt their strength  /  proceed with caution  /  behave arrogantly  /  brag after landing a hit  /  belittle their abilities  /  use psychological tactics  /  use brute strength  /  avoid civilians  /  strike down civilians  /  damage surroundings  /  avoid damaging surroundings  / signature fighting style  /  making it up as they go  /  mastered skillset /  learning their skillset  / fancy footwork  /  sloppy footwork  /  messy fighter  / elegant fighter  /  accept defeat  / refuse defeat  /  beg for mercy /  compliment their opponent  /  insult their opponent  /  use unnecessary movements  /  move efficiently  / barely move  /   prefer to dodge  /  prefer to block  /  defend their blindside  /  has no blindside  / use all available advantages  /  strictly use one main method  /  play around /  hold back  /  fight ruthlessly /  show mercy  /  wait for opponent to be ready  /  strike when opponent isn’t ready  /  fear death  /  fear pain  /  fear killing  /  has PTSD /  avoid fighting  /  has lost a fight  / has won a fight /  has killed /  refuses to kill  /  want to die standing  /  would succumb slowly  .

Tagged by: @lorddevourer​

Tagging: @lordsextans​ @lorddevourer​ (yazad)

freespiritedstarling​:

A Late Visitation

continued from here with @lorddevourer​

The assumption made was assessed with a clear reaction. Agitation. Lips pursed and a brow quirked before pressing her lips to her glass and taking a sip. A sip that made her grimace at the bitter burn. 

“My Lord, you take my dislike in history as not regarding it as much as I should. And yet you do not know me well enough to make more than conjecture. Understanding particular aspects of history has been a personal venture to even understand the weight of my own family. I don’t give it too little credit, but I certainly don’t worship the path it’s carved, no matter how deep or shallow.“

Another small sip, just enough for the flavor to activate her senses this time, and set the glass down. Seraphina took care to set her hands down on the arms of the chair and then fold them in her lap.

“It has given me awareness as you’ve said, as well as the gaps in it. I give it the credit it deserves.“

“You misunderstand me, my little lady.” The black hole gave Seraphina a surprisingly open, if lazy grin, swirling his drink slowly. “I don’t criticise. I simply find it amusing that you dislike something so fundamentally tied to what desires you’ve voiced for the future.”

A potential tragedy in the making, that, if only a small, personal one. But this type so rarely took the actions required to avert it—after all, it would require either learning to find joy in something disliked or drastically changing one’s dreams. And as far as he understood, both were immense undertakings for such a short lived creature.

“It’s entertaining to follow, even for someone who has seen countless variations of the pattern repeated in history. Because always there is that slight chance something different might occur this time. Your circumstances certainly are unique.”

He sipped his drink, eyes twinkling slightly as they remained focused on his conversation partner, a personable air about him that was reminiscent of any old celestial-blooded far more than of one of the frozen stars.

She nodded her head slowly, his response did not ease her. 

“It is possible to both respect and dislike something or even someone. Part of it is direction for my endeavors.“

The young woman sighed, momentarily diverting her attention to her hands.  

“While unique I doubt they are outstanding. Many figures in history have had unique circumstances, and inevitably some are forgotten or just become black ink on white paper. Even as they live their stories are changed by those around them, the perceptions of them... truth dies on the words not spoken by the individual. Perhaps for the better.”  

Her gaze returned to his, head leaning into the back of the chair. 

freespiritedstarling​:

A Late Visitation

continued from here with @lorddevourer​

A light of humor slipped in her eyes with a soft lift at the corner of her mouth as she rose from her seat. 

“I do have something that should be suitable.“ she walked toward the cabinet at the side of the room, picking the key from atop of it to unlock it. Pulling out a dark glass bottle and pouring an adequate amount of the golden scotch into a cup for each of them. 

Not a common choice for her, but one of preference for a few occasional guests. It also served to have a suitable strength for something stronger. 

Seraphina returned, offering the Lord his glass from the arm of the couch he reclined on. “The studies would have been far more valuable if they were not so one-sided yes. Perhaps not so surprising that even actual history seemed less acute by the lens given. Personally, I was weary of sitting in halls of books reading.”

She took her seat back up after he had accepted the offered drink, taking a small sip of her own and contemplating the flavor. It did seem more palatable than usual. “I preferred learning by action, or at least conversation. Juvenile begrudging against inanimate objects. I preferred science over history, astronomy, physics, biology… zoology… topics of how the universe works, not the choices the people in it make. Everyone has their preferences. 

History is more enjoyed by those who have more time than others to do so. Less need to act, or at least not pressed for the time to do so. Forward momentum, not stagnation.”

If she was to be an object of observation she was willing to give him something for his efforts. She was never inclined to prefer an assessing eye, but if she engaged with it she could offer what she wanted to be seen and withhold what she did not. Full transparency with him or anyone else was incredibly unlikely, but enough believed her to be. An oddity of society on display, she played into it well enough.

“Ah. Reading.” The black hole allowed distaste to colour his voice while directing most of his attention to the glass given to him, gently swirling the liquid within and tasting its aroma in the air. Faint, as mundane nourishments tended to be, but not unpleasant.

“Why inflict it on youth at all is a mystery. Text best serves as a means for short lived beings to keep records, and even then there is rarely a way to be certain a book tells the truth.” Mass produced texts—those most often spread wide—were the worst offenders, too, as languages and their symbols were ever changing and where a handwritten manuscript would still carry faint echoes of the intentions of its writer for Celestial Speech to pick up on, there was nothing of the sort in soulless copies. A mere handful of millennia down the line there could be no way left to know what had been written.

Nero finally gave his drink a sip, mindful to not destroy the delicate glass in the process. The caustic chemical in the drink—and wasn’t it ever amusing that so many terrestrials sought to ingest this poison exactly because it was one—had a surprisingly pleasant tang in this form, if one that passed too fast to his liking.

“You give too little credit to history and the study of people, my little lady. Knowing what has been is a gateway to knowing what will be - and awareness of how and why is in turn the first step on the path to getting to direct the future yourself.”

The assumption made was assessed with a clear reaction. Agitation. Lips pursed and a brow quirked before pressing her lips to her glass and taking a sip. A sip that made her grimace at the bitter burn. 

“My Lord, you take my dislike in history as not regarding it as much as I should. And yet you do not know me well enough to make more than conjecture. Understanding particular aspects of history has been a personal venture to even understand the weight of my own family. I don’t give it too little credit, but I certainly don’t worship the path it’s carved, no matter how deep or shallow.“

Another small sip, just enough for the flavor to activate her senses this time, and set the glass down. Seraphina took care to set her hands down on the arms of the chair and then fold them in her lap.

continued from here with @lorddevourer​

A light of humor slipped in her eyes with a soft lift at the corner of her mouth as she rose from her seat. 

“I do have something that should be suitable.“ she walked toward the cabinet at the side of the room, picking the key from atop of it to unlock it. Pulling out a dark glass bottle and pouring an adequate amount of the golden scotch into a cup for each of them. 

Not a common choice for her, but one of preference for a few occasional guests. It also served to have a suitable strength for something stronger. 

Seraphina returned, offering the Lord his glass from the arm of the couch he reclined on. “The studies would have been far more valuable if they were not so one-sided yes. Perhaps not so surprising that even actual history seemed less acute by the lens given. Personally, I was weary of sitting in halls of books reading.”

She took her seat back up after he had accepted the offered drink, taking a small sip of her own and contemplating the flavor. It did seem more palatable than usual. “I preferred learning by action, or at least conversation. Juvenile begrudging against inanimate objects. I preferred science over history, astronomy, physics, biology... zoology... topics of how the universe works, not the choices the people in it make. Everyone has their preferences. 

History is more enjoyed by those who have more time than others to do so. Less need to act, or at least not pressed for the time to do so. Forward momentum, not stagnation.”

The young supermassive snarled silently—what kind of a creature would attempt to save a lesser being when it became obvious sacrificing it was the logical choice to end what danger was building?

Whatever the case, it hadn’t been expecting an interstellar cyclone, and for a moment the flare-bird and its rider gained some of their lost distance.

But using such an effect against a black hole was a risky manoeuvre indeed, especially one as skilled beyond his size as this one. Slowly, laboriously the cyclone shifted—a minuscule change in its kinetics but a monumental one in effect.

A cyclone made into a whirlpool. A force that had expelled now irrevocably drawing in, though with the cost of time. Much like a miniature galaxy, it would turn and turn for a good while before his prey sank to the middle. But sink they would.

Until then… a stalemate.

What was done could always be undone. 

Expelling more energy on this flight was becoming a greater burden. Genuine frustration rose as the shift in the cyclone developed it into a whirlpool She had begun to reach it’s outer reaches when that had happened, and it’s pull was strong. 

This Singularity was more capable than initially anticipated, or at least a greater prodigy of it’s kind. They had been given momentum though, and she would not lose it now.

The creation of the massive phenomena had taken more effort than it’s destruction. Her will extended into it relinquished and faded away. The whirlpool no longer had a hand it’s existence, with that removed the conditions for its presence dispersed and so did it.