{open | event catch-all}

[fulgency]

Who: Ozymandias + you
When: 13th
Where: Looking Glass House/Memories and/or other locations to follow up with him
What: Memsharing!
Warnings: Death, attempts at blowing up an entire city that one time. No other warnings as of now, but will add as needed!

[Strangers will see nothing and pass by Ozymandias' mirror. Much as with other strangers' mirrors, there will be nothing about the mirror that catches the eye or suggests that it even belongs to anyone. But with any sort of familiarity to Ozymandias, the frame gives way the identity of its owner near immediately. How could it not when there is a blatant depiction of himself at the top of the frame? Symbols of Upper and Lower Egypt mark the corners, his beloved wife depicted beside him. Further knowledge of him reveals more details than just this. Great structures and temples along the bottom of the frame. Ramesseum takes center stage. Monuments and depictions of his beloved gods appear interwoven with this seemingly impossible complex. Each side holds depictions of great battles, those he fought in life and those after. An archer, swordsman, and lancer stand in defiance of a brilliant sun on one side. A young man is half-turned, a sea of people reaching to him.]

[The frame itself is, of course, golden. It shimmers with precious stones for those closest to him. A small reflection of his radiant light as pharaoh.]

((ooc: these are ota as far as i'm concerned! some of the memories will have present-day ozy for your character to interact with during the memory while some are going to play out for a bit beyond what's initially posted here. i'm down for your characters interacting with the environment as much as they'd like! any questions or other requests can be pm'd to this journal or to me on plurk (rebreather)!))

Comments

[unyieldingmarch]

[A part of her hopes that one day these two will arrive in Aefenglom, though it may be a cursed existence. It's clear that Ozymandias values and holds them close to his heart, and that is something everyone should have the chance at here. Much like seeing Byleth had been this way for her.]

...This is truly moving. I feel almost bad for intruding upon the memory. But love is a thing I've seen few examples of, so I shan't apologize.

[She turns a smile on the true Ozymandias.]

I hope to speak as sweetly to my loved ones, one day.

[fulgency]

[Ramesses has an equally unrealistic, youthful promise in return to Nefertari’s hopes. His words likewise do not lack sincerity.]

Then I shall make it so.

[It’s fortunate that Edelgard does not apologize for witnessing this. Ozymandias wouldn’t have accepted any sort of apology. Although Moses remains a complicated figure in his past, he is still his brother and dearest friend. And Nefertari? There is not a day that goes by that he does not think of her. There is no reason he should ever wish to conceal her or his love for her.]

One day? Have you a reason not to?

[Aside from potential distance, of course. It is a bit difficult to speak kindly to those who are not within Aefenglom.]

[unyieldingmarch]

Ah...

[Well, this is complicated. She had not expected to be called on it, even a little. But she supposes that it can't hurt to open up, just a bit. She's seen his past, and it's not as though she lacks the words but merely the timing.]

...The timing is poor, I am afraid. Here in Aefenglom, the person I am closest to are both here, but I am also close to one of my Bonded from another world. Byleth has only recently arrived, and in the six months we were apart, Corrin...became my lover.

I do not wish to drive a wedge between Corrin and Byleth by appearing to choose. So I am trying to avoid choosing a side and picking one. They both understand, as...it's not really the proper time for furthering the relationship I have with Byleth, and Corrin is eventually going to have to return to her home.

[She sighs.]

...Truth be told, I simply don't want to give up what I have with either, and I simply want to enjoy both of their company because I love them both in different ways.

[fulgency]

[It's not as though the concept of jealousy among one's lovers is a foreign concept for Ozymandias. Although his household was harmonious, he is not a fool and knows he was fortunate. All throughout human history in his world there are jealous spouses and lovers, unhappy even when it is expected that they should not have the object of their affection to themselves or displeased with their place within or outside of a household.]

[But he cannot actually tell from what Edelgard shares if that is the case between Byleth and Corrin or not.]

Forgive me if this is overstepping, but I'm not entirely certain I understand the problem. [Ozymandias does not move to follow his younger self and young bride towards the banquet, letting them get out of their view for the moment.] You seem quite confident in your feelings despite the unique complications that exist in your relationship with each. And from what you've said, it seems that each is aware of their and the other's importance to you. There does not appear to be any danger of one overshadowing the other.

What is it then that gives you cause to believe something must be sacrificed be it their relationship with each other or what you have with one of them to express how you feel?

[unyieldingmarch]

It's not overstepping.

[She's quick to offer that reassurance. She's just confused. This kind of thing is completely alien to her, if she is being completely honest. This is difficult, and she hasn't even truly considered what exactly could be possible. She just knows that she loves both of them, differently, and doesn't have a clue how to say that to both of them.

But something he says also clicks..]

...It's...just not something that is done, I suppose. In Fodlan, such relationships are between two people. And I would...hesitate...to enter into a relationship with the two of them because of that, I suppose. But talking about it? I suppose there is nothing stopping me from it save tradition.

[She sighs.]

...And perhaps having no idea how to actually say that I have feelings for both of them.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias huffs a laugh as it becomes clear the barrier really lies within Edelgard's mind more than anything else. That is a much simpler problem to resolve than the alternative even if it might take a bit of courage on her part.]

You just said as much to me unless I've somehow misunderstood. [He shakes his head slightly.] If it is not your way to speak in poetry, there is no need to begin trying for their sake. There is nothing wrong with speaking plainly and directly. If it is not your custom to have multiple consorts and concubines, it is perhaps even all the better that you speak plainly to avoid any confusion.

[He hums thoughtfully as there is an uproarious sound of celebration from the room that the teenagers disappeared into.]

Regardless of how it is said, I believe it should be. If not for your own sake to unburden yourself of these anxieties of what to do or say, then certainly for theirs. Every moment you have with them, they should know how precious they are to you.

If you love them as you say, then they are worthy of it.

[unyieldingmarch]

That...might be the wisest thing I've heard in a long time.

[They should know how precious they are to you... is exactly something that she's thought, but it's difficult for her to think in those terms. Ozymandias is right though, they do deserve to know. They should feel loved. And she should support them as they've supported her.

She shakes her head, straightening up.]

...That is very, very sound advice. Thank you for that. I...should not be so reticent, and I have done them a disservice by not being as forthright as I should be.

That changes, this evening.

[fulgency]

Excellent!

[Ozymandias laughs as sounds of the applause in the other room yields gradually to the sounds of music. For a time, it is just the sound of strings, wind, and percussion, but a woman's voice begins shortly after. There's probably no surprise there that a royal family would go all out with their entertainment.]

Then what say you to enjoying some of this banquet as a celebration of your own love?

[unyieldingmarch]

[Edelgard looks to the doorway, smiles, and nods her agreement.]

...I think that sounds lovely. Thank you, Ozymandias. Please lead the way.

[That sounds a perfect way to pass the rest of this evening, until this dream fades.]

[fulgency]

[And lead the way he does.]

[The banquet hall itself is as opulent as one would expect from a palace, but its extravagance is likely overshadowed by the people occupying the hall. The royal family are easy to spot, their table and chairs being placed higher than the rest of the hall. They, of course, are in the best position to watch the dancers. The dancers themselves are clearly well-trained, but there is still an unbridled joy to their movements. It's probably difficult to tell how much of that is accurate or simply Ozymandias' fondness for Nefertari coloring the memory (because Ramesses is paying attention to the dancers' performance, but he is also blatantly stealing glances at Nefertari and his smile grows just a bit wider each time their eyes manage to meet), or if the difference even truly matters.]

[Servants busy themselves already with bringing food and wine to the tables. There is an assortment of meats, bread, and vegetables being placed on each. Those seated closer to the royal family are served sooner than those seated further to the back, but none seem to mind it as everyone attends to the evening's entertainment. In addition to the food and drink, servants also bring about woven collars, similar to those worn by the royal family and those of higher birth. However, these vibrant collars do not glitter and shine in the light as they are made from freshly cut flowers. Ozymandias grabs one from a passing servant and presents it to Edelgard before allowing her to explore and partake in this banquet as she pleases for as long as she is able to remain in this memory of his.]

It is a shame you will not be able to keep this as a souvenir, but while you are here...

[You can't come underdressed to a party!]

[unyieldingmarch]

[Edelgard gratefully follows, moving along into the party and sticking close. The whole thing is a fair bit ostentatious by Adrestian standards, but she appreciates the sight all the same. Her people's culture is more reserved and severe, and this feels more like a Dagdan celebration, but when in Egypt...

She takes the offered collar with a smile and slips it around her neck. It...suits her.]

Thank you, Ozymandias. This is a good dream. Perhaps one of the most pleasant I've had in this strange city.

[Bobbing her head, she makes to slip free and explore.]

I'll see you back in the real world.