Hi Mr. Ustrain, my name is Blake, and I have a question I'd like to ask you. I was talking with Essek about shield magic -- I have a new house, and a training room that I'd like to enchant the walls of to make them immune to damage -- and he mentioned a couple of artificer friends of his that could do something like that, yourself included.
So my question is, is that possible? Would you be able to lay a protective spell onto walls and protect them from damage? And if so, how much you would like to be paid for your services?
Greetings, Miss Blake. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, especially on Essek's recommendation. As for your request, fortifying the training room walls is a simple task that I can easily complete. I've done something similar in the past for the magic academy in Menzoberranzan, but it was to prevent certain types of magic from being used.
As a result, it is entirely possible, but as for payment, make me an offer. How much are you willing to spend on such an endeavor?
I'm glad to hear it's possible! I've contacted both yourself and another artificer, Tayron Darrington -- it's a pretty big training room, so I'd assumed that two artificers would sound about right for the job?
I'd be happy to pay either 50 shards, or, as I work at the Flame and Claw blacksmith, I can forge you something equivalent in price, like a set of armor, or some weapons, whatever you might have in mind?
[Oh, so he'll be working with Tary on this project? Saelfen couldn't help but grin once he read that.]
I welcome any opportunity to work with Tary, especially since we are well acquainted. His abilities are very similar to my own. I'm confident that the two of us could finish the job in no time.
I believe 50 shards would suffice, but I am interested in having a dagger crafted, preferably from mithral. I haven't had a proper weapon in a long time, so maybe that can be my payment.
We don't have mithral on hand -- if this world produces it, I haven't found a vein to source from yet -- but I can wish for specific ore from the crystal, so that'll about work out to the same price! I'd be happy to forge that for you; we should talk details about what you want, like length, embellishments, a sheath, etc.
Is there no mithral in this realm? How odd, but I suppose wishing for some is fine. Very well, I accept this offer! I've been wanting to commission a good dagger for a while, but money is always an issue.
In terms of details, a 10-inch hilt and sheath with a spider-like motif should suffice. In terms of color, I prefer silver and white, but you are not limited to these choices. However, I request that the dagger itself include a small compartment within the blade to hold poison.
I know it's a bit much, but I'm hoping to recreate a replica of the dagger I lost prior to my arrival here.
No, so far we've only managed to find things like iron, copper, those sorts of basics. But luckily we can still wish for rarer ore!
I'll get a few sketches going, because I'd love to be able to recreate that dagger you lost with as much detail as I can. It's not too much at all -- trust me, you're never going to beat the request we got and filled for all pink and purple armor :P
All pink and purple armor? Goodness, I... I will refrain from passing judgment, but I certainly hope you were well compensated for that colorful commission.
[Still, he cannot believe someone could be so tacky. It's rather frightening.]
Are rare gemstones such as jadeite and emerald available here? If so, I wouldn't mind having a jadeite stone placed on the hilt of my dagger. Nonetheless, feel free to be creative and design the dagger however you see fit.
As a fellow artisan, I'm confident in your decisions here. We can always talk later, after you've completed a few designs.
A jadeite stone would be perfect, I can definitely do that. It'll help with balancing, too. I'll get back to you once I've sketched up a few designs.
[ Much later that day, in the evening, Blake texts through a few different images: clean sketches of varying designs. Some are stouter, thicker daggers with wider blades, others are longer and more elegant, all with different spider designs incorporated into the hilt, and a green stone sometimes squarely in the hilt itself, sometimes at the end. ]
[ She is a bit finnicky about the fact that Saelfenn met her younger model. Unable to do anything about it and curious if Saelfen thinks they are one and the same, she seems to randomly one day text him.
The prompt for the day is: Sending him an unsolicited bunny pic, it's a LARGE bunny looking to weigh like about 40LBS. It's got moon spot patterns all on its butt, with a beautiful blueish-silver-gleam all around it. ]
BB is running a poll right now, what do you think of this bunny 10/10?
[No, he really means it. He looks over each sketch, intensely studying the shape and design of the dagger in question. Blake seems to have a talent for design. Hell, her design is superior to the original dagger he once owned.]
I especially like how you incorporated the spider-like legs to the hilt. That's a rather nice touch.
Try as I might to distance myself from the Queen of Spiders, I cannot deny my roots.
[Definitely. Saelfen is known for carving up furry woodland creatures.
He is at a loss for words in response to her question. Sael is lonely, but he doesn't want to admit it. But he misses his precious little dolls. Living without his beloved daughters is nothing short of a nightmare for him.
At least he has Tary and a handful of "friends", but even so...]
I suppose I could, but I would rather not spend my shards on something so superficial.</span
[The question makes him pause. Not because he doesn't want to answer, but because he's not sure how. If BB had met him before he arrived here, he would have dismissed all interactions with others as superficial. However, things have changed... dramatically.]
Due to my elven longevity, I usually outlive those around me, including pets. Animals can live for up to ten or fifteen years at best.
To enjoy the companionship while its alive? BB likes to play with her pets like they are toys, so she doesn't really have the same feelings as humans when it comes to pets.
Who cares if you live a long time, that means you are the ultimate form of mortals. Good for you!
You're quite fortunate not to know anything about Lolth. She is the Mistress of Lies, a cold-hearted goddess who would fit right in with the endless Abyss. She rules the Underdark with an iron fist, aided by an army of devoted worshippers completely blind to her treachery.
I was once one of Lolth's little spiders, clinging to the goddess' words—until I decided to break free from her malevolent influence and seek the light of Eilistraee, the Dancing Goddess.
The dagger I once owned symbolized my previous allegiance to Lolth, but it later served as a reminder of my desire to defeat her.
[ Oh dear. No, he's right, she should be glad she doesn't know this Lolth. The only gods that Blake has met are really nice by comparison, even if one of them is prone to mischief. ]
It's an honor to be able to design and make something so meaningful to you, then. I had something similar with my weapon back home: it was broken by someone, and I had it repaired with gold, to remind myself of that challenge and how I overcame it.
Weapons are incredibly meaningful things in my world-- that's a large part of why I chose to apprentice as a blacksmith. I'm glad I help you with this.
[While Toril has plenty of deities who align themselves with the light, there are many others who align themselves with darkness. Saelfen is one of many former Dark Seldarine followers who have fallen out of love with Lolth's treachery.]
Once again, you have profound gratitude for accepting such a commission. It's comforting to know that the artisan before me understands the importance of repairing what was once broken. That in itself is undoubtedly a metaphor for life.
No matter how broken we may feel, we can always mend what was broken. It just takes time.
Is longevity truly a luxury when everyone else dies? Sometimes I wonder if it's a curse rather than a blessing. Nonetheless, I suppose it doesn't make sense to punish myself for something beyond my control.
...and I want a rabbit. Perhaps for dinner, or maybe as a hat?
[On second thought, scratch that last bit.]
I would never. If I claimed such a creature as a pet, I could never slaughter it like cattle.
If you can see nothing beyond death, then yes, that's your own fault though. The death of one person, gone, does not mean no other can replace them in a different way - never the same. Humans, mortals, whatever, you all exist on the living plane in plenty. There is life to be there, and life to have.
You cant just think your suffering over ones death, to mean the end of everything.
That is so pathetic to BB.
WHAT??? YOU ARE GUNNA TURN THE BUNNY INTO THE HAT! ABSOLUTELY NOT! ⁽⁽(੭ꐦ •̀Д•́ )੭*⁾⁾
[He can't help but smirk a little at her bluntness. Leave it to BB to state exactly how some feels about something. It's oddly refreshing.]
You have a point, I suppose. Life continues even after death. While nothing stays the same forever, it makes more sense to enjoy the present rather than worry about the future.
I just need to get used to dealing with such... loss.
Don't worry! I'm not turning any bunnies into hats anytime soon, especially the adorable one in the picture. I was just joking.
Yeah excatly, thats why humanity - or mortal kind in your instance. Is so progressive, that nothing will stand in their way and they will reach whatever perfection means to them one day. BB is excited to see what it means for her humans.
BB does not feel loss the same way your kind does.
[ To be fair, death is not even a problem for her or her kind. They can just remake her, she can just be replaced, be born a new. To lose the things she loves, is the closest understanding of death that she can come to grasp. A truth that she is mindful of, seeing as humanity was in fact gone from her and threatened to be lost for good.
Here is Somnius though... She is beginning to come to learn what mortality truly feels like, little by little. ]
But BB would be upset, if something happened and the people she held here. Left, without the faintest memory of BB at all. That would make her.... Very angry.
Like angry about bunny hats made out of BB-chan's bunny!!! ⁽⁽(੭ꐦ •̀Д•́ )੭*⁾⁾ YOU BETTER HAVE BEEN!!!
[At first, Saelfen was overjoyed to receive a message from his beloved Taryon. That is, until he reads the message. He reads it a second and then a third time to ensure he read it correctly. Saelfen may have poor overall health, but his vision is 20/20.]
Dear Taryon,
I admire you for your brilliant mind, not just because we have similar abilities. I'd love you regardless of what happened. However, I would not be so quick to believe whatever lies this horrible sorcerer has told you. Vaeros is a well-known liar and should not be trusted so easily.
I'm not convinced that Vaeros can tell the truth. Everything he does is for his own benefit, nothing else.
We both saw what the future holds for us. This is why I don't trust him to keep his word. However, this would not be the first time we had relied on him to resolve the issues that plague this realm.
I just wonder if relying on him again will further push us into the dark future we've explored together.
[Screw authority. Saelfen isn't so easily fooled. He's skeptical to a fault.]
[He recalls how difficult it was to escape from his prisons and guards even with all of their powers. A plain Taryon, with nothing backing him up? What can he do but try to charm his way out?]
At least we rebuilt the crystal communication system without any of his help. He can't get us there.
What would we do? Is there some other way we can fix this problem that doesn't involve him?
Good question. Unfortunately, I am not sure if I have the answer.
While it is true that we are knowledgeable enough to bring the Network back, I recognize that some aspects of this world are beyond our understanding. This is why, despite our better judgement, we seek Vaeros' help in the first place.
It is frustrating to see our limitations laid bare in front of us, but I have to admit that I do not see any other outcome here.
We have to learn more about the world than what Vaeros allows us, but it's tricky. This is his home, and we know so little about the extent of his powers and the perils of the land.
Maybe we can find those dragons again. They seemed pleasant enough to trust, and they lived here long before he arrived.
Agreed, we must actively work on this if we are to live beyond his means. The fact that we keep crawling back to him after every inconvenience or disaster demonstrates our helplessness, which is actually our neglectfulness.
I truly despise the idea of allowing that sorcerer to help us, especially if it means swallowing the dregs of our pride once more. Vaeros has betrayed us numerous times in the past, and he plots to enslave us in a dark future in which our very autonomy is threatened.
I believe we are too quick to give up in the face of adversity because we cannot imagine a future that does not include Vaeros in some way. But I digress.
The dragons are an option that we should consider in due course. As of now, I believe everyone is willing to give up any remaining autonomy for the sake of convenience.
[Taryon dislikes Vaeros as much as anyone else, but the level of spite painted with these words is on another level.]
I get it. He's bot the best guy to rely on, but I dont think we're horrible for accepting help when he offers it. I don't know what's going on most of the time. And I don't think I'm neglecting my duty to protect everyone.
No one is giving up. I think its difficult to give up as long as we have each other.
Are you feeling alright? Do you need to not be alone?
[His rebuttal was on the tip of his tongue, or, in this case, the tip of his fingers. When Taryon asks if he is okay, he deletes everything. The short answer is, "No." Saelfen is not feeling well. He has been left to stew in his own thoughts for far too long. Since everything has happened, he has developed a severe case of paranoia, making him increasingly hesitant to leave his small treehouse. Despite his best efforts, he can not break out of this unhealthy cycle. Isolation is his bane, but Taryon may be the solution.]
No, I’m not well. I haven’t been well in a very long time.
I could…could use the company, your company in particular. I know you’ve been busy but surely we can just have some time to ourselves and forget all this.
[Taryon also needs the company — apart that of Doty's. The end of the world comes again and again, and each time, Taryon wanted to help. If he doesn't participate this time, will he doom everyone else? Is it selfish not to trust Vaeros?
Saelfen approaches the problem from the opposite end. It's actually kind of concerning how little faith he has, but considering how he, too, was betrayed by the political maneuvering of his family, Taryon doesn't blame him. In the end, a hug might be the best solution.
Taryon passed by several Dreamers rushing to donate their powers while other urge them to do so or to refrain. His heart breaks at his inability to commit either way.
He arrives with Doty at his side to protect the two artificers while they take a break. After a brief knock at the door, he steps inside without waiting. There's a sense of understanding between the two: their houses are open to the other at any time.] Sael?
[Whether it was selfish or not, Saelfen could not bring himself to trust the sorcerer after several obvious instances of betrayal. Vaeros is not a benevolent ruler in any way; he is not even a fair man in Saelfen's opinion. Vaeros' actions are motivated by a delusional sense of grandeur. Saelfen has witnessed firsthand what a villain will do to subjugate them, and it has tainted his opinion of the sorcerer forever. However, Saelfen is unsure whether he is simply projecting his own biases or not. It is so difficult for him to tell, especially since he is become skeptical of everyone here.
That is why he isolated himself in his small home. It is been awfully cold lately, so he turned up the heat a little higher than usual. Nonetheless, Saelfen could be found nestled within a thick purple blanket, sitting on what could be considered his living space. He peeks out from beneath the blanket, his blue eyes wide with surprise. When he asked Taryon to come, he did not expect him to arrive so quickly. However, his surprise quickly turns to relief as he gets up with blanket in tow.
Saelfen wordlessly shuffles his way over towards Taryon. He stares up at him for a moment, his seemingly calm blue stare studying Taryon’s face briefly before suddenly resting his head against the man’s chest.]
[Taryon swiftly undoes his snow-streaked coat and slides his off his arms while Doty pulls it the rest of his way off. Though he removes most of his winter attire, his scarf remains when he steps forth to meet Saelfen at the center of the living space. He watches the shorter man with eyes questioning how he feels, unsure of what is needed.
The closing of the space between them tells him that the first step is to comfort him. Taryon wraps his arms around the lovely purple blanket, warming himself at the same time. Saelfen's solid body is dulled beneath the layers of fabric, and Taryon hugs hims tightly without worry that his bony frame will dig uncomfortably into his body. His head rests on its side atop the silvery hair.
He smells nice. Not that he never smells nice, but Taryon has noticed this in particular now in close proximity.]
[ A box is left outside Saelfen's Home, with the following items!
Obtained x1 Box of Chocolates x1 Box of Cookies x1 Plain Journal wrapped in leather x1 A Small sakura flower that fell from a tree that will never age or die. It is clearly imbued with magic to make it this way. It seems like it can easily be crushed or destroyed by other means, though. Handle with care! x1 A metal insulated cup to keep cold or hot beverages inside. It has an image of a cute stylized Mug Logo on it with an image of a Bow and Arrow, along with the Moon in the background. It then says: #1 Hunter on it. This is very basic looking and was clearly made here in Somnius.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2024-07-02 07:48 am (UTC)[ ooc : open logs will be posted on the 6th and 7th of July, where players can make their own toplevels and tag into others! 🥳 ]
[text] ⸻ un: copycat
Date: 2024-08-22 04:13 am (UTC)So my question is, is that possible? Would you be able to lay a protective spell onto walls and protect them from damage? And if so, how much you would like to be paid for your services?
text ✧ un: orator
Date: 2024-08-24 03:48 am (UTC)As a result, it is entirely possible, but as for payment, make me an offer. How much are you willing to spend on such an endeavor?
no subject
Date: 2024-08-24 08:12 pm (UTC)I'd be happy to pay either 50 shards, or, as I work at the Flame and Claw blacksmith, I can forge you something equivalent in price, like a set of armor, or some weapons, whatever you might have in mind?
no subject
Date: 2024-08-24 08:58 pm (UTC)I welcome any opportunity to work with Tary, especially since we are well acquainted. His abilities are very similar to my own. I'm confident that the two of us could finish the job in no time.
I believe 50 shards would suffice, but I am interested in having a dagger crafted, preferably from mithral. I haven't had a proper weapon in a long time, so maybe that can be my payment.
no subject
Date: 2024-08-24 09:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-08-24 09:39 pm (UTC)In terms of details, a 10-inch hilt and sheath with a spider-like motif should suffice. In terms of color, I prefer silver and white, but you are not limited to these choices. However, I request that the dagger itself include a small compartment within the blade to hold poison.
I know it's a bit much, but I'm hoping to recreate a replica of the dagger I lost prior to my arrival here.
no subject
Date: 2024-08-25 01:16 am (UTC)I'll get a few sketches going, because I'd love to be able to recreate that dagger you lost with as much detail as I can. It's not too much at all -- trust me, you're never going to beat the request we got and filled for all pink and purple armor :P
no subject
Date: 2024-08-26 07:55 pm (UTC)[Still, he cannot believe someone could be so tacky. It's rather frightening.]
Are rare gemstones such as jadeite and emerald available here? If so, I wouldn't mind having a jadeite stone placed on the hilt of my dagger. Nonetheless, feel free to be creative and design the dagger however you see fit.
As a fellow artisan, I'm confident in your decisions here. We can always talk later, after you've completed a few designs.
no subject
Date: 2024-08-27 02:22 am (UTC)[ Much later that day, in the evening, Blake texts through a few different images: clean sketches of varying designs. Some are stouter, thicker daggers with wider blades, others are longer and more elegant, all with different spider designs incorporated into the hilt, and a green stone sometimes squarely in the hilt itself, sometimes at the end. ]
UN: mooncancer | Text
Date: 2024-09-04 11:21 pm (UTC)The prompt for the day is: Sending him an unsolicited bunny pic, it's a LARGE bunny looking to weigh like about 40LBS. It's got moon spot patterns all on its butt, with a beautiful blueish-silver-gleam all around it. ]
BB is running a poll right now, what do you think of this bunny 10/10?
un: orator ✧ text
Date: 2024-09-04 11:31 pm (UTC)A perfect 10. In fact, I'll take two of those, one for me and one of Eren.
I'm sure he could use one on his farm.
/sorry for the late tag!
Date: 2024-09-04 11:36 pm (UTC)[No, he really means it. He looks over each sketch, intensely studying the shape and design of the dagger in question. Blake seems to have a talent for design. Hell, her design is superior to the original dagger he once owned.]
I especially like how you incorporated the spider-like legs to the hilt. That's a rather nice touch.
Try as I might to distance myself from the Queen of Spiders, I cannot deny my roots.
SDFHSEIDFJK SFLKMNFAO
Date: 2024-09-04 11:36 pm (UTC)NOOO!! You can't have her she's my bunny, I found her in the forest though so maybe there are more her size out there.
[ Probably not because that was totally her as a bunny. ]
Infact, if BB finds another one! She will send it to you.
What do you want them for anyway?
XD i had to get that joke in somehow
Date: 2024-09-04 11:41 pm (UTC)cuteinteresting in the middle of the forest? I suppose I should go on a day trip into the woods.[Not that he would ever enter the forest alone. No, Saelfen had had enough of being pursued through the woods by an enraged mob.]
BB? [That causes him to pause briefly. He could swear her name was "Sakura".]
No reason other than to have something fluffy around.
...
Either that or carve it up for meat.
no subject
Date: 2024-09-04 11:48 pm (UTC)"૮₍ ˶•⤙•˶ ₎ა Just ask the crystal for a bunny or something then?
Are you like lonely? BB got a dog recently too.
no subject
Date: 2024-09-05 12:13 am (UTC)He is at a loss for words in response to her question. Sael is lonely, but he doesn't want to admit it. But he misses his precious little dolls. Living without his beloved daughters is nothing short of a nightmare for him.
At least he has Tary and a handful of "friends", but even so...]
I suppose I could, but I would rather not spend my shards on something so superficial.</span
no subject
Date: 2024-09-05 12:24 am (UTC)[ What is considered superficial to a magical elf person, from a world where magic seems as endless as it is here? ]
no subject
Date: 2024-09-05 06:46 pm (UTC)Due to my elven longevity, I usually outlive those around me, including pets. Animals can live for up to ten or fifteen years at best.
So what's the point of having one?
no subject
Date: 2024-09-05 08:47 pm (UTC)Who cares if you live a long time, that means you are the ultimate form of mortals. Good for you!
no subject
Date: 2024-09-05 09:05 pm (UTC)Missing something or someone that deeply? It sounds hellish to me.
…Though, I really do want a little fuzzy pet.
no subject
Date: 2024-09-07 12:27 am (UTC)Unfortunately I'm not familiar with the Queen of Spiders, though. Or should that be fortunately?
no subject
Date: 2024-09-07 12:40 am (UTC)Feel free to miss them? While also enjoying the luxury of living beyond what they became.
As well as anything new that comes into your life.
no subject
Date: 2024-09-11 12:55 am (UTC)I was once one of Lolth's little spiders, clinging to the goddess' words—until I decided to break free from her malevolent influence and seek the light of Eilistraee, the Dancing Goddess.
The dagger I once owned symbolized my previous allegiance to Lolth, but it later served as a reminder of my desire to defeat her.
no subject
Date: 2024-09-13 03:07 am (UTC)It's an honor to be able to design and make something so meaningful to you, then. I had something similar with my weapon back home: it was broken by someone, and I had it repaired with gold, to remind myself of that challenge and how I overcame it.
Weapons are incredibly meaningful things in my world-- that's a large part of why I chose to apprentice as a blacksmith. I'm glad I help you with this.
no subject
Date: 2024-09-13 04:23 am (UTC)Once again, you have profound gratitude for accepting such a commission. It's comforting to know that the artisan before me understands the importance of repairing what was once broken. That in itself is undoubtedly a metaphor for life.
No matter how broken we may feel, we can always mend what was broken. It just takes time.
no subject
Date: 2024-09-13 04:27 am (UTC)...and I want a rabbit. Perhaps for dinner, or maybe as a hat?
[On second thought, scratch that last bit.]
I would never. If I claimed such a creature as a pet, I could never slaughter it like cattle.
no subject
Date: 2024-09-16 03:25 am (UTC)You cant just think your suffering over ones death, to mean the end of everything.
That is so pathetic to BB.
WHAT??? YOU ARE GUNNA TURN THE BUNNY INTO THE HAT! ABSOLUTELY NOT! ⁽⁽(੭ꐦ •̀Д•́ )੭*⁾⁾
no subject
Date: 2024-09-16 01:55 pm (UTC)You have a point, I suppose. Life continues even after death. While nothing stays the same forever, it makes more sense to enjoy the present rather than worry about the future.
I just need to get used to dealing with such... loss.
Don't worry! I'm not turning any bunnies into hats anytime soon, especially the adorable one in the picture. I was just joking.
[No, he wasn't!]
no subject
Date: 2024-09-17 03:35 am (UTC)BB does not feel loss the same way your kind does.
[ To be fair, death is not even a problem for her or her kind. They can just remake her, she can just be replaced, be born a new. To lose the things she loves, is the closest understanding of death that she can come to grasp. A truth that she is mindful of, seeing as humanity was in fact gone from her and threatened to be lost for good.
Here is Somnius though... She is beginning to come to learn what mortality truly feels like, little by little. ]
But BB would be upset, if something happened and the people she held here. Left, without the faintest memory of BB at all. That would make her.... Very angry.
Like angry about bunny hats made out of BB-chan's bunny!!! ⁽⁽(੭ꐦ •̀Д•́ )੭*⁾⁾ YOU BETTER HAVE BEEN!!!
@Goldilocks, during event
Date: 2024-11-21 07:35 pm (UTC)[A long pause while Taryon realizes he should clarify what this is about.]
This isn't hypothetical, Vaeros is telling us to give up our powers to fix the island and I'm waffling on joining in.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-21 09:39 pm (UTC)Dear Taryon,
I admire you for your brilliant mind, not just because we have similar abilities. I'd love you regardless of what happened. However, I would not be so quick to believe whatever lies this horrible sorcerer has told you. Vaeros is a well-known liar and should not be trusted so easily.
Do you truly believe he will keep his promise?
no subject
Date: 2024-11-21 10:05 pm (UTC)Maybe he's lying, but what if he's telling the truth? What benefit would come of holding back?
[And Vaeros spoke in an authoritative voice. How can Taryon not listen?]
no subject
Date: 2024-11-21 10:17 pm (UTC)We both saw what the future holds for us. This is why I don't trust him to keep his word. However, this would not be the first time we had relied on him to resolve the issues that plague this realm.
I just wonder if relying on him again will further push us into the dark future we've explored together.
[Screw authority. Saelfen isn't so easily fooled. He's skeptical to a fault.]
no subject
Date: 2024-11-22 03:57 pm (UTC)[He recalls how difficult it was to escape from his prisons and guards even with all of their powers. A plain Taryon, with nothing backing him up? What can he do but try to charm his way out?]
At least we rebuilt the crystal communication system without any of his help. He can't get us there.
What would we do? Is there some other way we can fix this problem that doesn't involve him?
no subject
Date: 2024-11-22 04:06 pm (UTC)While it is true that we are knowledgeable enough to bring the Network back, I recognize that some aspects of this world are beyond our understanding. This is why, despite our better judgement, we seek Vaeros' help in the first place.
It is frustrating to see our limitations laid bare in front of us, but I have to admit that I do not see any other outcome here.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-22 04:37 pm (UTC)Maybe we can find those dragons again. They seemed pleasant enough to trust, and they lived here long before he arrived.
I just hope they can keep us safe long enough.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-22 04:58 pm (UTC)I truly despise the idea of allowing that sorcerer to help us, especially if it means swallowing the dregs of our pride once more. Vaeros has betrayed us numerous times in the past, and he plots to enslave us in a dark future in which our very autonomy is threatened.
I believe we are too quick to give up in the face of adversity because we cannot imagine a future that does not include Vaeros in some way. But I digress.
The dragons are an option that we should consider in due course. As of now, I believe everyone is willing to give up any remaining autonomy for the sake of convenience.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-25 03:54 am (UTC)I get it. He's bot the best guy to rely on, but I dont think we're horrible for accepting help when he offers it. I don't know what's going on most of the time. And I don't think I'm neglecting my duty to protect everyone.
No one is giving up. I think its difficult to give up as long as we have each other.
Are you feeling alright? Do you need to not be alone?
no subject
Date: 2024-11-25 04:30 am (UTC)No, I’m not well. I haven’t been well in a very long time.
I could…could use the company, your company in particular. I know you’ve been busy but surely we can just have some time to ourselves and forget all this.
I just want to be held.
no subject
Date: 2024-11-28 11:07 pm (UTC)[Taryon also needs the company — apart that of Doty's. The end of the world comes again and again, and each time, Taryon wanted to help. If he doesn't participate this time, will he doom everyone else? Is it selfish not to trust Vaeros?
Saelfen approaches the problem from the opposite end. It's actually kind of concerning how little faith he has, but considering how he, too, was betrayed by the political maneuvering of his family, Taryon doesn't blame him. In the end, a hug might be the best solution.
Taryon passed by several Dreamers rushing to donate their powers while other urge them to do so or to refrain. His heart breaks at his inability to commit either way.
He arrives with Doty at his side to protect the two artificers while they take a break. After a brief knock at the door, he steps inside without waiting. There's a sense of understanding between the two: their houses are open to the other at any time.] Sael?
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Date: 2024-12-06 01:28 pm (UTC)That is why he isolated himself in his small home. It is been awfully cold lately, so he turned up the heat a little higher than usual. Nonetheless, Saelfen could be found nestled within a thick purple blanket, sitting on what could be considered his living space. He peeks out from beneath the blanket, his blue eyes wide with surprise. When he asked Taryon to come, he did not expect him to arrive so quickly. However, his surprise quickly turns to relief as he gets up with blanket in tow.
Saelfen wordlessly shuffles his way over towards Taryon. He stares up at him for a moment, his seemingly calm blue stare studying Taryon’s face briefly before suddenly resting his head against the man’s chest.]
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Date: 2024-12-08 11:38 pm (UTC)The closing of the space between them tells him that the first step is to comfort him. Taryon wraps his arms around the lovely purple blanket, warming himself at the same time. Saelfen's solid body is dulled beneath the layers of fabric, and Taryon hugs hims tightly without worry that his bony frame will dig uncomfortably into his body. His head rests on its side atop the silvery hair.
He smells nice. Not that he never smells nice, but Taryon has noticed this in particular now in close proximity.]
12/25 gift delivery!!
Date: 2024-12-27 03:42 am (UTC)Card/Letter: Merry Christmas, enjoy~! - BB ]