#isolvar

He had said, once, that it didn't matter. That he didn't care to know what the truth actually was, that he was satisfied with what he was. That he was, even, relatively happy, that he overall liked being what he had become. 

Yet… he also couldn't deny that there was a curiosity there. Like an unreachable itch it lingered, a desire to know, to just have answers. 

And, unfortunately for him, he could only think of one place to ask them.

And so Idristan found himself with pen in hand, scrawling out a letter on his best parchment. It was important, at least in his mind, to make a point with this. That he was not going to be intimidated by the person that he was sending it to.

Dear Baron Isolvar Ravendarke,

If that is truly the name you wish to use; from what I gathered, it seems your contemporaries prefer their titles. If that is the case, then you must forgive my ignorance, for I don’t believe that you have ever mentioned what yours is.

Regardless, I have decided to write to you on a matter that has come to light over the last few moons since we spoke. I have come to believe that I perhaps have more in common with your kind than I suspected. I am curious if you would happen to know anything about the matter, as I rather loathe to ask Dream and Death is not always the most helpful.

Sincerely,

Idristan Agache

“I like the colored lanterns to carry wishes to the sky. I like the thought that they might carry my thoughts even further than that. But as for wishes? I am not sure what to wish for. What I wanted most I have as long as you’re with me. And though I am so far from home even a wish lantern might not find the way, I am very happy when you smile.”

Salutations, Baron Ravendarke,

I believe that we are on a familiar enough basis that we might dispense with polite titles and pleasantries, don't you think? I do hope my blood didn't leave too large a stain on your floor. As well, I hope you have recovered from that nasty business with your lungs. To the point, then.

I would like to invite you to the cafe that we have opened for discussion of a subject within your expertise. Refreshments will be served to all present.

Please respond at your earliest convenience to the address listed below. I do sincerely hope that you feel comfortable attending, as the cafe is intended to be neutral ground. If you would prefer an alternate location, please indicate so with your response.

With Regards,

-- Marius Vieremont

Prompt 14: Commend - FFXIV Write 2021 Characters: Isolvar Ravendarke and Helivant Morgoric; with mentions of Marius @marius-vieremont​ and Idristan @roses-and-grimoires​.

When Dream and Discord meet, several minutes pass where they stand and observe one another.  Neither says anything, no greetings, no acknowledgement other than the slow slide of gazes down one another and back up.  Only when they’ve met gazes and both have lingered without looking away does one speak and the other answer.

“Helivant.”

“Isolvar.”

The need to pay obeisance to this man irks Isolvar.  Somehow Dream clings to his status as one of Death’s kin, as one of the Silver scales, while Discord and his brothers are the banished.  Their scales tarnished in the eyes of the rest, the Mercurial.  Isolvar steps forward, a smile coiling serpentine along his lips.  

“You are looking well.  This Shard agrees with you, cousin.”

“I’ve been exercising.  Don’t waste my time, Isolvar.  Why am I here?”

Isolvar straightens his spine and lifts his chin at an angle that lets him peer down his nose at Helivant.  White robes swish when he shifts his posture.  Dream doesn’t move, resplendent in his robes of midnight black strewn with tiny specks of gold that resembled stars.  Straight, black hair flows free down his back and not one thing about him is out of place.  Helivant is perfect. Loathing bubbles in the back of Isolvar’s throat like bile.

“While I commend you on your work, dear cousin, I ask that you rescind my earlier request on the one called Marius.  Allow his dreams to return to normal.”

Helivant stares at him and allows minutes of silence to pass between them.  A single nod of his head marks that he heard him.  “As you like.”

Discord blinks.  That’s a touch too easy.  His eyes narrow, and he clears his throat before continuing.  “Death has requested those in association with him go untouched.  Why he couldn’t tell you this himself, I’ve no idea.  I said I’d mention it when I saw you.”

The smile that grows on Helivant’s lips is vicious.  The dagger glint in his green eyes and the way a hint of pearly white teeth appear under the curve of his lip is unnerving. Isolvar sighs, familiar enough with that particular expression.  He’s worn something similar himself in the past.

“Death can rest assured I will follow our laws to their utmost.  I see no pillars tied to him.  Only the one connected to my sister.  That one I will leave untouched.  And Isolvar?”  Helivant steps in closer, lifts his hand to dance the tips of his claws under Discord’s chin.  

Isolvar sneers and jerks his head away.  “What?”

Prompt 5: Free Choice - FFXIV Write 2021 Character: Isolvar Ravendarke; Mentions of Lyrin’a (Death) @hiraethwyl​, Vaelanys @thornsofsunlight​, Marius @marius-vieremont​ and the Covenant. In response to this letter.

The scent of the tea wafts lazily under his nose.  He breathes it in and eyes the letter on the table once more.  The fragrance reminds him of a place long ago, sunshine and spring leaves, sea salt and warmth.  Isolvar briefly wonders if Vaelanys remembers the source of this blend.  Not that he had the luxury to ask him at the moment, Vaelanys departed not long after leaving the tea to steep for him.  

A sharp breath cuts through the quiet of the sitting room.  Isolvar sets the cup down and reaches for the note.  The boon he promised the miqo’te a while ago proves to be one of the few things Isolvar can’t guarantee.  Who in the hells has any control on Dream?  Convincing the dragon into mischief is far easier than getting him to stop.  Isolvar drags over a pen and paper.

“Angel, 

You must think me a miracle worker to ask for such a boon.  I am responsible for only one of the mishaps, and that I may be able to end.  Whatever else Dream has taken upon himself to do to your people is likely beyond my control.  I will see that the dreams Marius receives return to normalcy.  I can but only put in a suggestion to Dream watching his behaviour otherwise.  You, my dear Angel, have far more chance than I in ending his behaviour.  Perhaps you should take that little feline shell of yours and go command him yourself.  Unless you are interested in forfeiting your crown?  Then we may have more to talk about.  

Consider the debt of a boon paid.

Yours,

Isolvar.”

The pen is set down next to the page.  He stares at it while he sips his tea and by the end of the cup, his answer hasn’t changed.  The tea cup clinks against the saucer.  Isolvar folds the letter and slips it inside the waiting envelope.  He writes the name Lyrin’a on the front of the envelope after sealing it and leaves it on the table for Vaelanys to take back with him when next he goes to visit the miqo’te.  

“Leave them wanting what you are, and none will ever forget you.”

Isolvar, The Baron Ravendarke