☀️🌑

i will not grovel for it. i refuse. but it grows unbearable.

make the pain stop. leave me my prize. i deserve it. i do not deserve this. i do not deserve to be punished like this.

do not make me beg.

—@scholar-in-red

you know of what you deserve.

this is precisely what you deserve.

make it stop. i...

run back with your tail between your legs.

do i not entertain you now, hastur?

have i outstayed my welcome after fooling the almighty King?

...you disgust me.

i’m truly w o u n d e d .

on the contrary.

i regret ever naming myself for you.

what a fool you are.

[the scholar stands to try and leave, but collapses just as quickly. xey still cannot see straight from the head-splitting pain. xeir voice breaks as xey curl into xemselves.]

i had thought you were just about to make your grand exit.

something about me rueing the day i ever say your face?

[this is his fault.]

something wrong?

[the king presses further, the amusement clear in its tone. a tendril reaches out to poke at xeir chin, tilting xeir head side to side.]

[with the little strength left in xeir body, xey struggle. xeir vision is a smudge of yellow, tunneling at the edges and stirring xeir stomach like a rowboat in a storm. hah, bravado…hastur thinks xem waifish and weak, now, does he? unable to handle this… burden?]

[xey can. xey must.]

like a caged animal you bite.

it is pathetic.

and you still have yet to answer me.

How are you faring lately?

Apologies for my recent silence

-@the-golden-artist

hello, artist.

There was a book in a courtyard

I... don't really want to go into detail.

but i will not pry.

it let out a sigh, moving to the artist's side. shall we do something? i haven't interacted much with anyone else, in truth, other than my detested king, and a few others. ria, and the librarian. someone was being left out on purpose, but what the artist did not know was not going to hurt them.

Everyone had their secrets, she was no exception.

...but i see, and i will keep that in mind. at the very least, he pulled back. the smile fell from his face, and he shook his head. perhaps i will have to look through such cave; admittedly, i do not remember how i got here, other than knowing that i simply did.

we could go together, but i truly do not mean to push. i can take you back to your... study, was it? if need be.

it was the gates. he managed to get that correct, at the very least.

She glanced around for a moment before nodding quietly.

i certainly wouldn't mind listening. such topics do not disturb me.

seeing the stars will be for a later date.

pushing that thought aside, syzygy's attention returned to moea. yellow eyes were trained on her slumped form, and he watched her gather herself.

before you start, he paused awkwardly. this was not his forte, but he would try for her. someone he did not know, and yet he would listen. say what you wish at your own pace. if you need a moment to recollect yourself, then take it.

How are you faring lately?

Apologies for my recent silence

-@the-golden-artist

hello, artist.

There was a book in a courtyard

I... don't really want to go into detail.

but i will not pry.

it let out a sigh, moving to the artist's side. shall we do something? i haven't interacted much with anyone else, in truth, other than my detested king, and a few others. ria, and the librarian. someone was being left out on purpose, but what the artist did not know was not going to hurt them.

Everyone had their secrets, she was no exception.

...but i see, and i will keep that in mind. at the very least, he pulled back. the smile fell from his face, and he shook his head. perhaps i will have to look through such cave; admittedly, i do not remember how i got here, other than knowing that i simply did.

we could go together, but i truly do not mean to push. i can take you back to your... study, was it? if need be.

it was the gates. he managed to get that correct, at the very least.

She glanced around for a moment before nodding quietly.

i certainly wouldn't mind listening. such topics do not disturb me.

seeing the stars will be for a later date.

How are you faring lately?

Apologies for my recent silence

-@the-golden-artist

hello, artist.

There was a book in a courtyard

I... don't really want to go into detail.

but i will not pry.

it let out a sigh, moving to the artist's side. shall we do something? i haven't interacted much with anyone else, in truth, other than my detested king, and a few others. ria, and the librarian. someone was being left out on purpose, but what the artist did not know was not going to hurt them.

Everyone had their secrets, she was no exception.

...but i see, and i will keep that in mind. at the very least, he pulled back. the smile fell from his face, and he shook his head. perhaps i will have to look through such cave; admittedly, i do not remember how i got here, other than knowing that i simply did.

we could go together, but i truly do not mean to push. i can take you back to your... study, was it? if need be.

it was the gates. he managed to get that correct, at the very least.

How are you faring lately?

Apologies for my recent silence

-@the-golden-artist

hello, artist.

There was a book in a courtyard

I... don't really want to go into detail.

but i will not pry.

it let out a sigh, moving to the artist's side. shall we do something? i haven't interacted much with anyone else, in truth, other than my detested king, and a few others. ria, and the librarian. someone was being left out on purpose, but what the artist did not know was not going to hurt them.

Everyone had their secrets, she was no exception.

...but i see, and i will keep that in mind. at the very least, he pulled back. the smile fell from his face, and he shook his head. perhaps i will have to look through such cave; admittedly, i do not remember how i got here, other than knowing that i simply did.

How are you faring lately?

Apologies for my recent silence

-@the-golden-artist

hello, artist.

There was a book in a courtyard

I... don't really want to go into detail.

but i will not pry.

it let out a sigh, moving to the artist's side. shall we do something? i haven't interacted much with anyone else, in truth, other than my detested king, and a few others. ria, and the librarian. someone was being left out on purpose, but what the artist did not know was not going to hurt them.

— 💎🌹

@the-silver-stranger

a wanderer, if you will.

if you are here, then you have become acquainted with my king, yes? you haven't gone very far.

“I… yes, I think so. H-he said I was safe here. And told me to talk to… the red fool, I believe? Or… other court members. For… advice? And-and to learn…”

yellow eyes stayed on the other. a gaze unwavering, unblinking, with eyes almost unseeing. looking only through her, than at her.

i can see to send you elsewhere; it may be helpful to find other places during your stay here. the other court members have many different duties in how they serve the king, that of which suits their capabilities. clearly defined.

*Ria’s eyes are silver; reflective. A mirror, showing a reflection of whatever is before them.*

“Elsewhere…? I’m… afraid that I don’t quite understand. I-I was just… told to talk to the fool… I don’t think I was given any duties… nor do I have any… particularly useful capabilities. Unless you consider identifying mushrooms useful, I suppose. Hah…” *They shake their head.*

“…”

the fool isn't here, nor am i well-acquainted with them. but i can help look for them with you.

he looked away, his hands shifting within his robes. the many layers covered nearly every inch of skin, except for the expanse of his throat and of his face. shadows seemed to warp his features, and yet those yellow eyes were not dulled.

i assumed you to be another that has joined the rankings of the court. i was mistaken, and do not worry yourself over your capabilities as of now. you will learn and grow over time, yes? you can change yourself, for the king.

syzygy's head turned away, a flash of confusion and regret lingering a second too long. what was he saying? surely he was not so influenced. he sighed to himself.

*They smile — four fangs being shown off. Two larger ones, followed by two smaller ones.*

“That… would be appreciated. Thank you. I’d rather not disappoint someone so soon after arrival…” *She shifts in place, clearly uncomfortable with the thought.*

“Your eyes are pretty. They look almost like they’re glowing.” *An off handed remark; she doesn’t fully understand what they could signify, if anything.*

“I… I’m not sure if I’m a court member, honestly. Th- my king said that the halls were open to me, and to talk to other court members… I think I may be? Simply because it specified ‘other’. Either that, or he was referring to himself as a court member…”

*They narrow their eyes, just for a moment. And then they shake their head.*

his eyes shift to their fangs, and yet they do not comment on it. it is of no use bringing up such information. instead, they store it within the labyrinth of their memory.

you will not disappoint, as long as you do not disobey the king. such rules are disdainfully vague, however. something to keep you on your feet, lest you get too comfortable. his features are hard to read, due to the darkness. a scowl is certainly present within its voice.

at the compliment, syzygy stiffened in surprise. something unanticipated, a kindness. in these halls? he could only worry if it will be snuffed out. but he mustn't get dragged into the affairs of carcosa too deeply, unless he wished to stay stuck here for an eternity.

...thank you. your eyes are lovely, too.

for now, assume yourself a pilgrim. the matters of the court are not one to be ones pilgrims have to assume; perhaps it is an introductory welcome to the many halls. and, if my king is oh so gracious as he says, the poison seemed to spill from his lips so easily, he will grant you an answer as to your role in his domain.

perhaps he meant "other" in the sense that there are more court members to talk to, aside from the fool.

but outside of the court, you will have your use. do not worry.

its eyes flick up to the fangs again. then his head turns away.

“I… see. That’s good to know. I’ll have to ask about the extra rules, then… No matter how vague they may be, they’re still a decent starting point. Perhaps it’s case-by-case…?” *They offer, trailing off. She hesitates a moment.* “Are… you alright, Syzygy?”

*The freezing and stiffening only worries Ria, it seems. She frowns, ever so softly. Quietly reaching out; sometimes, all that’s needed is the knowledge of another there…*

*Her hand lowers at the mention of her own eyes, however. Hm.* “I… thank you, Syzygy. I got them from Mama.”

“I… see. That seems a safe assumption. Perhaps I’ll ask, next I see him. I hope pilgrims have at least some use, though… or that my king will allow me to be useful, in some way…” *They shake their head. Drowning in that thought is hardly useful, is it? Their red hair bounces with the movement, whipping around. It’s quite long…*

“I believe it was brought up before the red fool was mentioned. Although, perhaps I’m simply misremembering. Time has never been a strong suit of mine… “

“Do you know what those outside of the court do, Sygyzy? Perhaps it would be a good direction for me, if you do. Or I could ask, if not…”

as long as you do not disobey him, and you worship him, you will thrive. however, when you are of the court, such matters become more complicated the closer you are to my king.

he noticed the way ria reached out. he hadn't meant to worry. i am well, was all he could say. not a lie, but a circumstance that could change quickly at the king's will. he dared not to linger on it, the same way he did not question the mention of ria's mother. familial relations were not of his forte, nor did he have good experiences with them.

pilgrims have their use, worry not. what is a king without his people? but you will come to understand what you must do, in time.

syzygy was repeating to her something that it told itself.

and time passes here differently than it does elsewhere. even if you misremember it, my king knows. if you truly must have the answer, then return to him.

outside of the court, i am admittedly unaware. i was pulled into my king's throes; he expects of me. and he will come to expect of you too, perhaps, if he is asking for you to visit the other court members. his intention are unclear but, like ripples in water, it shall settle, and you will see in due time.

time, time, time.

as he walked, he looked back every so often. how did one like her appear here? he had a sense that she was different from the other pilgrims. she felt young; if his king wanted someone childlike, then she must have something different.

“Listen, and worship…” *She nods, before grinning.* “That sounds simple enough! I guess if I… become part of the court, I’ll learn as I go along. Or be told more of the specifics. Right, Syzygy?”

*They go quiet for a few moments, before nodding. She offers him her hand, nonetheless.*

*Another nod.* “Yeah, my king said… something similar, too. That I was here because I had to be. So… I’m assuming there’s some sort of purpose. Maybe one that will be revealed, the longer I stay…”

“I’m afraid I don’t know much about worship, though. Or what my king would particularly enjoy… so I suppose that I’ll have to learn, then.” *Be it through asking, or observation.*

*She tilts her head, thinking for a moment.* “I… see. I haven’t really noticed anything off, time-wise. Although I’ve never been all that great with time. Usually, I just base it off of the weather outside…”

“Hm… I hope I’ll be useful, no matter the plan. I’m fine with not being all that important, so long as I may remain.”

*The hopping is fast. Silent, too. Oddly so. It seems to take little effort, considering the lack of movement in Ria’s chest. Or perhaps she’s simply Incredibly in-shape.*

it is simple, until you are within in the court. if the king deems you worthy of a clear role, then you carry out your duty. otherwise, you wait until you are required from my king. but yes, you are right. you will learn when you need if it is necessary.

e̸v̸e̷n̶ ̶i̸f̵ ̵i̵t̵ ̶i̶s̶ ̷a̴g̴a̶i̸n̸s̷t̵ ̴y̷o̵u̶r̵ ̸w̴i̷l̶l̸.̶

he took her hand, at the very least. his grip doesn't tighten, in the case that she wished to pull away after his well-meaning warning.

but you are here now. you will know what you must, and you will learn. worship will come to you soon, and you can watch the other pilgrims pray. what words they utter, what actions they do to please my king.

you will fall in line with them, soon enough. the idea itself is revolting.

and you may not notice time now, but days will be long, and then suddenly short. the shadows lengthen here. so on, and so forth.

i am sure that you will remain here. you will do well.

*A pause. Ria grins.* “That’s okay! Lots of things happen against my will. I’m used to it!” *Concerning, but okay.*

*Ria’s hand is… freezing. Cold as a corpse. She doesn’t seem very bothered by the warning; nor does she really let go, save for the times she slips away to explore.*

“Yeah… just… watch and learn. See what’s good. Watch the reactions, see what’s normal. See if the abnormal gets a positive or negative. Narrow it down to figure out…” *They trail off. To figure out what appeases the King. It’s something they’ve learned to do, with others.*

*It’s something that she’s usually quite good at.*

“The shadows lengthen?” *Ria is, suddenly, very interested in looking at the shadows. Trying to watch them move.*

“Thank you, Syzygy. It… means a lot, to know someone believes in me.”

*Whenever the two move together, Ria is holding his hand — it seems to be of some comfort to her, in all honesty. Not walking alone. Every once in a while, she forgets to let go of his hand, and starts to drag him with her. She hasn’t forgotten about the fool; of course not. But… everything is so interesting. So pretty.*

*The things Ria look at range. Sometimes, the sky (if it’s visible). Sometimes, small details on the doorframes or walls. Bugs, cool plants, something shiny… nothing is safe from being Studied.*

*…*

syzygy did not question the coldness of the other's hand, being a shapeshifter itself. unusual features were something it was used to. speculating about what the other really was not of it's interest, however. it would simply hold ria's hand again whenever the other returned to its side.

you understand what you must do well. a skill of life. he did not feel the need to comment further on what was required of her. it would all come in due time.

and they do! but they will not if you look. it as they say; a watched pot will never boil. you will simply have to look at the shadows at a later date—perhaps after finding that fool.

yet syzygy does not rush ria at all to find the fool in red. it is almost dawdling, enjoying the company that it did not have previously. it even does not comment when it is pulled along by her as she explored the halls, having a sense of "fun" as it watches over her. a liveliness that he couldn't look over fondly at, though hidden on face. at times, he would even come to her side first to see whatever she was looking at.

Just shenanigans.

@syzygy-given-form | @eclipserewrite

Librarian (??) | Me

How are you faring lately?

Apologies for my recent silence

-@the-golden-artist

hello, artist.

How are you faring lately?

Apologies for my recent silence

-@the-golden-artist

hello, artist.

it appears that my king has visited you himself, as well as the others from the court. i am only curious to see why they speak of you, for you have such a friendly face.

- ☀️🌑

huh, another kiy follower, i didn’t know there was so many of you :p

what do you think of the story written with your name and visage? do you believe it has captured you well, or as well as a mortal mind can understand? i would ask if it pales in comparison to your excellence, but i believe i know the answer already.

i simply ask for your answer for my own, selfish reasons. i care not for just any knowledge, but information in regards to you, specifically. after all, i wandered to find you.

may you grant me this, my oh-so-gracious king? i only wish to know more of you... even to my own detriment.

- ☀️🌑

how much detriment can you take, do you think, syzygy?

would you die for curiosity?

a brief flicker of hesitance lingered.

to leave everything behind, if only to know further about his king? not as a true follower, despite his pledge, but with a hunger all the same. what of the people he will leave behind, or the ones he has yet to meet?

and yet, wouldn’t it have ended the same regardless? going down such a treacherous path that was only going to spell his demise. he was here in carcosa, after all.

without even giving me loyalty.

what do you think of the story written with your name and visage? do you believe it has captured you well, or as well as a mortal mind can understand? i would ask if it pales in comparison to your excellence, but i believe i know the answer already.

i simply ask for your answer for my own, selfish reasons. i care not for just any knowledge, but information in regards to you, specifically. after all, i wandered to find you.

may you grant me this, my oh-so-gracious king? i only wish to know more of you... even to my own detriment.

- ☀️🌑

how much detriment can you take, do you think, syzygy?

would you die for curiosity?

a brief flicker of hesitance lingered.

to leave everything behind, if only to know further about his king? not as a true follower, despite his pledge, but with a hunger all the same. what of the people he will leave behind, or the ones he has yet to meet?

and yet, wouldn’t it have ended the same regardless? going down such a treacherous path that was only going to spell his demise. he was here in carcosa, after all.