April Showers Brings Naps [Open Catchall Log]

[inlikethebrume]

Who: Mira and OPEN
When: Throughout April
Where: Aefenglom, outside the city
What: Catchall log, quests for the month, Dream a Little Dream event
Warnings: Bar brawl, violence, Dark Knight 50 and 70 spoilers, some Shadowbringers Spoilers



Rule--Be Nice: The Sly Seadog

[A simple job and one Mira is a bit used to. An extent of it at least; the Slydog asked for extra bouncers around due to more sailors coming around and Mira having done her share of escorts and guarding could handle a few drunkards if they get too roudy. Some regulars knew her as the woman who threw a man out the door in the literal sense for annoying her while reading so imagine when she comes in on her shift after working at the potion shop with Shadowbringer on her back and all is well.

For a time.

From the corner of her eye, Mira catches two sailors, clearly four sheets to the wind and starting raising their voices at each other. Oh boy, this does not sound good.]

Daft sods.

[She rolls her eyes and stroll right over, tapping one of them on the shoulder.]

Ease up on the shouting, don't wanna do poorly on the owner's hospitality.

[That just earns a laugh out of him and his comrade. Just be nice, Mira.]

Oi oi, lookat this sweet lil thing thinking she can speak up!

I'm sorry but there are others patrons here wishing to enjoy their drinks in peace. 'Twould be disrespectful to shatter it.

[Spoken calmly but firm, which only gets the patron laughing more.]

Listen, sweetheart. Why don't you go trot your nice arse to the keep and bring us another round. I'll be sure to give you a great tip if you decide to come after I leave.

[Mira's about to retort until she feels a hard slap to her rear, both men laughing at her reaction. Apparently these two are so wasted that they forgot that she has a sword strapped to her back. Someone...should probably step in since her hand is going straight for the blade. Fuck being nice..]



Too Many Books: Streets of Aefenglom

[When she's not working, one of Mira's hobbies is reading anything she can get her hands on. While stories and fairytales are her favorites, she's not focused on that right now. Nor is she focused on her magical studies. Tucked under each arm are bags with several books from the library that she could carry and all each have a theme to them: sleep.

But she's not looking to try and sleep herself, she's looking for any mentions of any kind of sickness where sleep is a key factor. Sounds weird, doesn't it. She doesn't even realize that in her distracted mind, she almost runs into someone and manages to twirl away just to not hit them.]

Oh dammit, my apologies! You alright?



Storytime: Outside the City

Bloody hells, are any of these tales even good?

[The last time Mira was out here, she had to carry the Crystal Exarch back to the city because his dumb butt wasn't feeling so good. But now she's alone in this endeavor and she had an idea to try and work on something she brought up: finding some kind of purpose outside of her duties as a Warrior of Light. Mira's thought maybe trying her hand at something she enjoyed might point her in a proper direction. That is until she saw the books around for the storytime and reacted in the most calm and rational manner: making a strongly opposed face.]

Ok, I understand they might be children but honestly, they are much more intelligent than this. And I can't tell them all my adventuring stories!

[Shit, what is she going to do?]



Dream A Little Dream

[It pulls you in, a tug as you look through the mirrors within the house. And yet one in particular shows itself to be a bit decorative in its etchings. On each side of the mirror, three symbols will be carved in: a handgun on the left, a peculiar symbol on the right, and a sword from the top.

As for the bottom, a message woven, perhaps unknown to those who haven't walked the path.

"In your darkest hour, in the blackest night..."

Words that may mean something to the owner of this mirror. But as you peek in, the urge gets stronger and stronger until you find yourself sucked in and watching something come out. Question is...which memory of the woman are you seeing?]

((OOC: Dream Prompts will be listed in the comments below.))

Comments

Sly Seadog!

[poisontippedcure]

[Rose is at the Sly Seadog for...exactly the reasons that anyone would expect she would be. But still, it's nice to see her friend. That is, until someone gets handsy.]

[Rose has known Mira long enough to know how this will end. But still, she feels like she has to intervene. She floats up to the men, crosses her arms, and frowns.]

[A four foot cat fairy is not very intimidating, no.]

And just what do you think you're doing?

[inlikethebrume]

[The two drunks look at Rose and proceed to laugh madly, gone into their cups.]

Hey hey, I see a cat with wings! Do you think if I rub her ears, she'll purr?

[Mira lets out a low whistle, knowing full well that miqo'te have a...thing when it comes to people calling them cats. She doesn't know how Rose would react to that but she has maybe an idea as her hand stays on her sword.]

Someone done shot himself in the arse. Show them out together?

[poisontippedcure]

[If there is one thing that Rose hates being called, it's a cat. She doesn't like being called a fairy, but at least it's an accurate description. A cat? Never.]

[Anger burns in her eyes, and it takes everything in her not to throttle the men immediately. Admittedly, even if she used all her strength, she probably wouldn't get very far.]

[But there are other things she can do.]

It would be my pleasure.

[inlikethebrume]

[Yep, Rose is pissed and the men don't seem to care as they laugh it up except when they address Mira, still looking ready to use her weapon on them.]

Didn't I say to get your cute lil arse to get us some more drinks? Might you need some encouragement-

[He doesn't get very far when he raises his hand, Mira grabbing his wrist and twisting it, making him howl.]

You're lucky I'm not resorting to my sword. I don't wanna ruin the nice property the owner has here but do that again and I will be sure to find a way to throw you out in the literal sense. And I will do it.

[She grins at Rose. Do whatever you want cat fae.]

I think they've had enough. Let's escort them out, shall we?

[poisontippedcure]

[Mira doesn't want to do anything that would damage the bar? Then it's good that Rose's fae magic doesn't have a lasting physical effect, isn't it?]

[Rose gathers her magic around her. She summons images of thorns and vines, covering every wall of the bar. The vines wrap around the supports of the building, and the thorns appear to rise out of the floor. Two stop mere inches away from the two men.]

They've had enough for the rest of their lives, I'd say.

[Don't threaten a Warrior of Light, and don't threaten her friends. Rose rarely goes on the attack, but she's merciless when she does.]

Would you like to do the honors?

DREAM A LITTLE DREAM: PROMPTS

[inlikethebrume]

The Arenas of the 'Gods': OTA

[inlikethebrume]

[When you find yourself focusing, the area around you is in utter chaos. There's an energy around you that you can't quite describe but you do notice something: that where you're at has a thematic element.

Perhaps you are surrounded by fire, the earth flat and a ring of bright flame surrounds you, an eclipse above as something comes tumbling down and lands in front of you with a THUD, revealing themselves to be a giant fire like beast.

Or maybe, it's earth that you find yourself in. Deep within the depths of a mountain more than likely as you stand on a platform of yellow crystal and rock high above the surface. This might be a memory but you don't want to really see what happens if you decide to jump off. Spoilers, it's not good. Nor is the creature towering over you.

But there is a third option that you may find yourselves in: stuck in the middle of a cyclone with nothing but four stone pillars and a cackling bird woman lording above you. Easy to tell that this crazy bitch's element is wind.


No matter which you see, it seems that their attacks go right through you. After all, you are only witnessing a memory of someone's past. There's others who are taking the battle to the beasts but one is much more clearer than the rest: a young woman is with them. If she seems familiar to some, this is a time before she had picked up her greatsword, when she was still learning the ropes of adventuring.

And the fights are going to happen. But are you the only spectator around? Or perhaps you see the current version of Mira nearby, slack jawed by the idea of what exactly is happening.]

[battlebound]

[ Fire calls to fire, he supposes, and Steak finds himself surrounded by the stuff, with a monster that wouldn't look out of place in the deserts of Palata. His hands twitch with the instinct to battle, but this is just a memory, and the attack which goes straight through him without so much as a twinge of pain reminds him of that.

In that case... where is he? Whose memory is this?

And there, when he shifts his gaze from the monster, he sees a familiar face and an echo of her among a group of strangers. There's a moment's pause as he watches the echo and the others, and eventually, Steak makes his way over, curiosity etched in his features. ]

Where are we?

[inlikethebrume]

[She's unaware about his element to fire but just sees someone she knows. Mira folds her arms and shakes her head.]

This is called the Bowel of Embers, where the primal Ifrit stays. Or rather, his summoning place. It appears that we are...looking at my memories when I had first started adventuring. I hadn't experienced anything like it before then, gods I can remember how scared I was.

[Even though it never showed as the memory summons something from her tome, a creature sparkling in green and with floppy ears and three tails.]

He needed to be defeated otherwise people would be in danger.

[battlebound]

[ It's harder to see when he's half-squid, and when the things which make him a Food Soul seem to have been dampened by the city's own magic, but there's an affinity there, one which is obvious enough when his namesake is considered.

The explanation, despite the furrowed brow on Steak's face, actually clears a few things up. He has never tried to summon any of Tierra's so-called gods, but he knows there are a myriad of stories about their existences, places favoured by each, and that they can be as dangerous as any Fallen Angel. ]

This is how you started adventuring?!

[ But what's more alarming is that comment. Even Steak didn't start out by launching himself at a god. Hell, he still hasn't. ]

The Merchant Friend: OTA

[inlikethebrume]

[You blink and suddenly you stand in the middle of a street with various stalls lined along the way. The hustle and bustle of the port city of Kugane is a dull roar as the focus comes to a miqo'te woman and...is that a small catfish with legs with her? Both are standing outside a door and excited for something to happen. But a familiar voice rings through:]

I'm not coming out! Where's my actual clothes?

[It sounds like Mira but very annoyed at the same time.]

I've hidden them! Get out here, I wanna see your new look!

No!

[The catwoman pouts and folds her arms.]

Honestly, I spent good coin to get you that outfit and hairstyle, the least you can do is show it off.

I recall not getting a say in this!

If you don't come out, I'm pulling you out!

[There's nothing but silence for a minute and Mira groans. She mutters something about looking too fancy and feeling awkward as the door slides open, revealing Mira and what exactly has gotten her so bothered. Clutching her arm tightly and looking away while her friend claps and the weird catfish creatures jumps from side to side.]

I really don't see why I need this, Tala. Shouldn't you save your money instead of spending it on things like this? It's not really needed.

[Tala groans and puts her hands on her hips.]

Look, I know it's hard to break out of that poor person mindset but even the Warrior of Light deserves something nice other than books and boots.

[The two women speak while the present day Mira simply stands by and pinches the bridge of her nose. Of course this memory had to play and show off how much she isn't a fan of dressing so...ugh.]

[bergamotrose]

[Out of all the memories he had witnessed from those he knew, this was the first pleasant one-- however frustrating it may have been for Mira, given the way she seemed to be trying to soothe away a headache. Lorenz chuckled quietly to himself, charmed by the entire affair.]

Sometimes people just wish to dote on their friends, Mira. [Lorenz said, smiling.] Helping you helps them, for reasons that my never be explained.

...You know, that really is an exceptional look on you.

[inlikethebrume]

[Seeing the semi-familiar face, Mira simply frowns and crosses her arms. Well, better to see this memory than another she supposes.]

...she's always been like this. I don't know how many times I've said no and she refuses to listen. Besides, I look weird in fancy things like that.

[bergamotrose]

You don't like dressing up?

[Lorenz asked for clarification. Given her plain style, he had suspected as much, but it was still a surprise to hear out loud.]

Even if it's not ideal for daily wear, the look suits you if you ever find yourself attending a ball. Unless you friend brought it up to tease you... did she?

Agent of Inquiry: OTA

[inlikethebrume]

[It's a blazing hot day in the Sagoli Desert and two women can be seen: one is a younger looking Mira and the other is a miqo'te woman panicked by seeing several undead men surrounding them. Her arms flail and her face is twisted in fear while Mira herself keeps herself guarded. And then a voice calls out:]

My brothers, lend me your ears! A gentleman does not dine on his guests!

[Everyone looks up and sees a tall hyuran man balancing on the spire tip.]

Spare these two ladies your mastications. Withdraw I say, and harass them no more!

[Meanwhile, a bit away from the group, the current Mira can't help but try and keep down a giggle. Being a spectator in her own memories and seeing this one can't help but bring a smile to her face.]

And here is where my sanity went to die. Dammit Hildibrand, only you.

[The scene plays as the miqo'te declares the man as 'inspector' and the zombies disperse, Mira turning to whoever is with her right now.]

What you are about to see might scare you but rest assure that he's tougher than he looks.

[Her eyes scan back to the scene as a talk begins and the miqo'te tries to explain that the man is not dead with words. She doesn't look discouraged in the slightest despite it.]

Oh Inspector, you're just confused is all. Don't worry--I'll knock some sense back into that noggin of yours!

[Her arms will behind her back and she pulls out two very large orbs with a string on the top of each. Hold on, are those...bombs?]

St-Stay your hand, m'lady. You know not what you do...

[She doesn't listen as the fuses light up themselves and she grins from ear to ear. He tries to convince her not to use such force, that it could cause him more harm but does she listen?

Considering she just hurls the bombs at him, the answer is no. All he could do is look on in horror and embrace his fate as the bombs explode. Welcome to case solving with Hildibrand.]

Even If Far Away: Closed to Emet-Selch (ShB Spoilers very likely)

[inlikethebrume]

[The memory begins with Mira waking up in the middle of the night. Her eyes snap open and she sits in bed, clutching her chest and taking a deep breath. Breezy rolls off and yowls in concern but her owner doesn't pay attention to it. Raking any stray hairs from her face, she gasps out.]

Seven hells, what was that?

[It's her room within House Darkness, which says to the viewer that the memory is a recent one. Taking a deep breath, she kicks off the covers and wobbly stands on her feet. But there's something deep within her that feels completely wrong. Something is missing and it's making her feel so much pain right now. She closes her eyes and tries to focus on what is causing the issue; certainly not any physical means but what about her Bonds? She can feel Irhya but...that empty feeling from her other Bond...what the hell is going on?]

Hades...?

[There's a panic in the air as the scene shifts to the streets of Aefenglom, people putting up posters and cleaning up from the fires, giving him a certain time when this is taking place: during the time of the Rathmore kidnappings. Clad in her armor, Mira searches the town and questions people at all times of the day, unable to seemingly rest. And yet her thoughts echo:

'Where...? Where...?'

'Where are...'

The thoughts bounce around and become muddled, sounding like two people trying to overtalk the other and the message getting lost in the abyss that is Mira's mind. But they linger like spice on the tongue, always seemingly there as the memory of the dark knight runs through the area, searching for any clues. Any that can lead to the missing victims...

'Where...? Where...?'

Like a ticking, never leaving.

It's during one of these moments that the Mira in the dream runs into a friend, he may know who Marie is due to the Valentione's celebration but it sounds like they knew each other before then.]

Mira! Were you able to find out something?

[The memory Mira shakes her head.]

Nothing yet. I am trying to see if there is anything out of place...but what about you?

Nothing as of now. I have been searching, asking others but there’s nothing I have been able to find out. My Bonds also are not helping - I am unable to track down Amadeus using it. Well, whoever is responsible must have prepared for this... Is it the same for you with your Bonds?

[It's when her hand goes over her heart at the mention of Bonds that the pain grows. It hurts so much that it's hard for Mira to focus.

'Where...? Where...?']

One of them is still here. The other one unfortunately has disappeared like the others.

[But Marie takes notice of Mira's gesture and immediately addresses it:]

I am sorry to hear that...Mira, are you hurt somewhere?

[Shite.]

Do not worry. I am sure that something, any kind of clue shall turn up soon and they will be back with us before long.

[The blonde's words attempt to soothe the dark knight but they have no effect. She pretends to be fine but it's far from it. She's not fine. It feels like a part of her is missing and it makes Mira unsure what to do and try to not lose herself. Why does she feel this way? What exactly happened to their Bond that makes it so?]

I'm fine, no need to worry. [Another lie.] I do hope you are right. Even a day is too much for this.

[Even though the memory continues on, there's another form that has been watching the same scene with arms folded and eyes half open, solemn in her thoughts. It's not a trick of the mirrors; it is the actual Mira watching as she can't help but put her hand over her heart like her counterpart. This obviously means a lot to her...but why?]

[unsundered]

[Finding Mira's mirror had been easy, and Emet-Selch wondered if it was because they were Bonded, that he felt more drawn to it than he would a stranger's? And he'd felt no hesitation when it came to using it; Mira's life was his to observe, and he wondered what bit the mirror would deign to show him. Something from her childhood, perhaps? That would be amusing, and he wondered as well how the mirror decided on its contents....

But this was not a Mira from a distant time; her appearance was quite familiar to him, as was this room. This was relatively recent history, apparently. But when? And why? Emet-Selch had the impression that these mirrors only showed memories that were of some importance; this distress wasn't just a random nightmare. And then, the sound of his name....

When the scene shifts, it doesn't take Emet-Selch any longer to discern the when: this was during his captivity, the other side of those events. What Mira, at least, had been doing during that time.

A lot, apparently. While in considerable discomfort; that had been, at least, the one thing the Ascian had been 'spared.' He'd barely been able to feel the existence of his Bonds at all, during that time. Had wondered, occasionally, on what they'd been up to. How long it had taken them to notice he was gone, what sort of token efforts they might go to in order to find all those who were missing (and incidentally himself). As time went on, as his injuries increased, so did his cynicism; why would they look for someone they'd already murdered? They were enemies, after all; nothing would change that. Perhaps they were pleased to be rid of him, of the reminder his presence brought.

...And yet here Mira was, pained and searching. Emet-Selch looks slightly disconcerted as he watches, arms crossed, as though closing himself off from this new information. Not wanting to believe it, not wanting to--

--Two Miras? No, one was the real Mira- or rather, the current Mira. And the Ascian is torn between observation and approach. Observation of both of her- as the woman's expression made it clear that this was something of an important memory to her. An important series of memories, even.

In the end, he does step over to her, while keeping an eye on the scene playing out (gods, seriously why did he still only have one working eye, even in a dream). He doesn't say anything, though, only stands next to her.]

[inlikethebrume]

[There doesn't appear to be any physical recognition from the actual Mira to his presence, keeping on looking ahead at the scene before them. But there is a faint brush against their tether from her end. Why she doesn't speak is a simple reason: what would be seen will explain it more than she could at the moment. And the memory continues on between the two women.]

Are you sure? Do not overexert yourself. We will all need the strength to search for our loved ones, wherever they are. I wonder how it is done, this Bond breaking... Have you heard anything about such magic?

[Even then, there were those who were telling Mira to take care of herself. But unlike what she knows now and how it does impact those who care about her, she didn't listen. It didn't matter about her health back then but those who needed it.

'Where...?'

'Where are...?'

'Where is he?']

No, I haven't. Besides, this isn't the worst I've felt. I can still continue on.

[She's a terrible liar but she thought she could handle it. While she did have much worse pains such as holding in too much tainted light, whatever this Bond smothering or cracking or breaking thing is, Mira hates it. She's wondered why it's being affecting her more than the rest; a lot of people have been affected and feel pain more than likely but why was her's much more intense? Why was it that this bond that makes her feel this way? Could it be due to that time where they shared and looped emotions, fed them to each other?

Was it because she had felt something positive come from him, even if small?]

Just because you can does not mean you should. I know you are worried but... Can you promise me that you will take a break when needed?

If it is needed then I will try. But I do not do well in situations where I must wait.

[Stubborn no matter what. Marie is right on needing to rest but Mira refuses to do it; the less she's out there, the further and further those gone will be. And while her instinct is to say 'save everyone', there's a much bigger stake than the common good. People she knew were taken, including one she cares for. How could she stop? Even at her words, Marie simply looks worried.]

Alright then. Just do not self destruct while trying. I am sure they would not have wanted that for you. The people you live with. Including Vanitas, of course.

[Telling a dark knight to not self destruct when it came to their own value. That's an odd joke. Mira never intended to worry herself sick or work to the point of collapse but that's for another time. But this is the beginning of that streak where she couldn't sleep and pushing herself to help anyone who needed it came from.]

I'm hard to do that to so it'll be fine. I won't try to worry them but I fear they also are feeling it too; it is one of our housemates that has vanished.

[Mira never kept who she Bonded with a secret, it's always been a matter of no one asking. With the exception of the Exarch because she still is leery about telling the man that she has gotten close to the 'enemy' even if she sees him less of it. But this is one of those rare moments where she does speak up. Just by the tone in her voice and how Marie reacts by taking the woman's hand in her own, it's important to Mira.]

Ah... I am so sorry to hear that, but I am sure we will find everyone before long. Who is it? If it is something you want to talk about...

[And even if it's a small matter, Mira does.]

I do not think you have met him possibly; he tends to keep quiet. But there were some occasions that brought him out. A tall man with golden eyes and a white stripe of hair that constracted with the rest of his color.

[It's from there that the memory grows dark, fading into the black as another one forms before the two's eyes. It's a smaller one compared to the conversation prior but it must mean something to the woman standing there. It's during a time when Mira is investigating that she runs into a small bat. At the time, she didn't know it was Irhya and it may seem out of place but it's what happened next that could give a better understanding: the fact that Mira looks greatly concerned and worried, and Irhya chirps and rubs her cheek to try and calm her. A small moment but meaningful after the fact.

The memory is gone just as it arrives and the next one shows The Coven and how they were trying to find the people missing. Many witches were using some form of scrying and the two can see that Mira is among them. She's never done much or this kind of tracking but she's willing to try.

'Where...?'

But it goes wrong. Everyone who tries this gets massive headaches and have to take potions to cure them before needing to rest. But Mira didn't take that advice. Unlike the previous memories where she was concerned, this one showed how frantic she had become. Every failed attempt to find him, she takes a potion and went right back to it. Over and over again. She can work through pain and this is nothing. She could take it.

It doesn't stop the screaming though.

Combining the massive migraines and the pain from the Bond, it was a surprise that she didn't pass out right then and there. Mira refuses to give up and goes against the concerns of the witches there. They tell her to rest, that they will take care of it but she refuses more.]

You spoke of needing others to help! I can still try! Please, let me help!

[She has to do something. She can't sit idly by when others needed help. When Hades was still out there.

'Where is he?!'

She still keeps going. She still keeps moving, feeling the pain begin to take over but refuses to give up. It's a surprise to hear her speak in a calmer tone but it's not the memory who does; it's the viewer.]

...remember when I asked if you wanted to have an idea what it was like while you were gone through my perspective? While not intentional, this can do more than what words and feelings can.

[unsundered]

Why?

[A short word, a low tone, said even while the scene is ongoing. And how it keeps going, getting worse and worse, the concern growing ever more desperate, more frantic. As though any pause would be letting him down somehow, would be reducing his chance for survival. As though any break would leave her responsible for his death- that was the feeling Emet-Selch was getting from all this.

His hackles were up; he wanted to turn away from it, for all that he'd still be able to see it. He shuts off his side of the Bond, blocking Mira out- though that in itself is a sign of his unease. Discomfort. But he can't block out the words.

Instead he focuses his gaze on the current Mira, tone sharp, heated.]

We're still enemies, you might recall- were this our star, you--

[She would kill him.

But this was not their star. It couldn't be. They weren't enemies here, he knew that. But it was something Emet-Selch kept returning to, couldn't forget; either as a means of defense, or to remind himself of the futility of it all--

It meant nothing, didn't it?]

Unless you've forgiven all that I've done? All that I would continue to do, were I still alive in your time?

[This was an absurd amount of effort. Gods, he can still hear the screaming; a sound he wanted to be indifferent to, to close off from, but he couldn't. This was- far more pain to devote towards finding someone who was just a casual acquaintance or someone merely tolerated.]

So- why, Mira?

Our Answer (Level 50 DRK Spoilers): Castmates and CR

[inlikethebrume]

[The scene before you shows a fortress of stone, snow covering the ground as two figures come running through the entrance. One appears in the garb of a simple knight while the other is the owner of this mirror but different. Younger and without the bigger burden on her shoulders. Around them lies knights injured and fallen, none being dead but there is a lone figure clad in black covering all but their eyes and they turn their head and scoff at the newcomers.]

Hah hah..."surrender your weapon"? After what happened in Ul'dah? They must be mad.

[Fully turning themselves, they face Mira who looks on in surprise.]

Pay attention, Mira. This could be the greatest moment of our life...That is, if you can stop denying the truth that's been staring at you in the face since the moment we met.

[And then their eyes glowed brightly against the night.]

Say my name. Say it. My real name. Our real name!

[While this goes on, the viewer will be able to see the real Mira leaning on the wall close by, closed eyes as if in thought but she hears it. So the mirror decides to show this one then. Of course it would.]

[poisontippedcure]

[Rose knows exactly whose mirror it is that she's walking into, but if pressed, she'd probably say that she didn't. These feels like a weird invasion of privacy, but she's curious, and can't help herself.]

[She finds herself at a familiar Ishgardian outpost, with a younger Mira in front of her. The Miqo'te doesn't have the foggiest idea of what's going on, and that's probably for the best. Still, she crosses her arms and looks in, intrigued.]

Well, this looks like it will prove to be interesting.

[inlikethebrume]

[Even if the current Mira doesn't take notice at the moment, her memory still plays, the one in armor speaks freely while the woman is shocked and quiet.]

Come now, you knew Fray was dead from the beginning but you didn't care! You had a sword and a soul crystal, but what you wanted was a mentor. A mentor with the gifts and the knowledge. A dark knight who could guide you on the path--who you could aspire to become.

[And Fray looks at their hand, no one being able to tell what emotion they were sporting except from the tone of their voice. For they spoke the truth. For this is what was buried deep for a long time.]

A woman who was free to say and do the things you could not...Even now, you continue to deny it. Well. Deny me all you want but you cannot deny what we have done.

Our Compromise (Level 70 DRK Spoilers): Castmates and CR

[inlikethebrume]

[Where the viewer goes is a land of rocky mountains, beautiful amber colors mixed in with reds and browns but what brings them there is not for sightseeing. Oh no, not when they see Mira with her sword drawn and two people injured and panting off to the side: a man clad in black armor with what could be described as draconic features and a small elezen girl knocked out alongside him.

What the dream Mira looks at appears to be a young boy with long white hair and bright blue eyes but she's leery. He smiles as from the shadows comes figures long forgotten to the woman: a man dressed in blue, a woman clad in white armor including her face, and a man wearing green and red step out in front.]

So many broken by this world, and then by you. So, so many...

[The boy's tone is melacholic, looking away with his hands over his heart, as if he were in feeling such heartache.]

Woe betide the man who stands opposed to the Weapon of Light, for death will be his reward. Death for him and his kin and all that he holds dear. Woe betide the man who stands with the Weapon of Light, for death will be his reward. Death for him and his kin and all that he holds dear. Like sand through the hourglass, everything we fight for so desperately to protect slips through our fingers...and what remains...what remains...

[Such sorrow in the boy's eyes, almost pleading.]

...is us. Only us, and the memory of our sin.


[Confusing isn't it. And the viewer is not alone in seeing this unfold. The actual Mira, the one who owns the mirror, looks downward with her fists clenched.]

...you really had to show me this now, didn't you?

[Do you ask?]

[darkcharge]

[ Unlike some of the others, Vanitas had actually been seeking Mira's mirror. It's not too difficult to find, if one knows her well enough. Thus Vanitas presses his hand against the shimmering glass with the intent to see some of her past. He wonders what sort of memory he'll see. Given what he already knows, Vanitas wonders if it will be a pleasant one or a battle out of the many that she has fought.

He's instead a little more than surprised by what he does witness. That the present-day Mira would be here too does not give him pause. Rather his focus is on the scene that is playing out before him. Granted, Van doesn't quite know the context of this memory. Who is this boy? What is his connection to Mira? He looks innocent, but the words that come out of his mouth? Anything but. It makes Vanitas frown, knowing that if pressed that he'd use similar words to hurt people if he is able.

So what is all of this? An attempt to tear Mira down? To discourage her? Or is there something more at work here? ]

Maybe it's been on your mind often?

[inlikethebrume]

[A jolt as she turns to face the boy, assuming she was alone. But of course not, the fates always seem to want to slap her into reality. Mayhap it's a reflection of her emotions right now.]

..deep down...possibly.

[It makes her heart swell in anger. The mere mention of the word 'weapon' brings up such a sense of hopelessness. But she knows how the memory plays out and yet despite this, Mira feels this powerful sensation. Looking at the boy, he doesn't move and the more he speaks, the more sorrowful his face appears. It terrifies him and in turn, terrifies Mira as well. Even if she doesn't show it.]

To walk this path is to suffer. To sacrifice...

[What has been drilled into her from the moment that she picked up her sword. What all has she sacrificed in the name of those who needed succor? Has she become less than herself? Even here in Aefenglom, has this become true? Has she done all of this and yet, her own needs have been ignored and by herself no less? The memory of Mira looks pained as she looks at the shades of the dead before her and then shuts her eyes. What happens next is...]

Listen to my voice. Listen to our heartbeat...

[The echos of the memory and the woman watching speak as one, the current Mira placing a hand over her heart. She knows what she says next.]

I tire of this charade.

[The memory's eyes open and three orbs of dark aether attack each shadow, blossoming into spikes as they fade away with the boy stepping back in horror. As if appearing out of thin air, someone donned in black armor from head to toe walks out.]

Serve...Save...Slave...Slay...I've sins aplenty, aye, but regrets? Not so much.