Event Log: June, What Lies Beneath

[faileas]

Event Log: June, What Lies Beneath

Down, Down, Down The group leaves on the morning of the 16th, a band consisting of Mirrorbound, Theodore and Sowilo from the Coven, and one of the two returned Wilders to lead the way. The latter three will only be present for the first leg of the journey: from the North Gate to the Northern Outpost by teleporter, then a few hours' hike to the site. A tunnel yawns open, fallen rocks built up around it in mounds. Everyone is offered enchanted lanterns to light the way, and their guide takes them perhaps a mile down before he and the pair from the Coven must part ways with the Mirrorbound. The poorly-lit tunnel leads steadily downward. The way is marked by their gracious hosts to be, with arrows drawn in softly-glowing algae painting the walls so there is no mistaking which way to go; a good thing, because the deeper the party goes, the more tunnels branch off of the largest one, twisting and turning into the dark. It takes some hours to reach a familiar cavern lit with algae and glowing crystals, a herd of the velvet wormipedes idly milling about the small lake and stream that led into town in the dream. Much nicer long boats are set up and waiting to take them deeper, along with respectfully quiet Monster guards to steer them. They take a slightly different route from the dream, but before long, they reach the curtain of grayish green moss that dangles down into the water, stretched across the wide tunnel exit like a membrane. It parts on its own as the boats pass, though beware if you are infected by the Cwyld - it will not allow passage, only reach out long, tough tendrils to try and envelop you, the touch of it burning acid-bright where it is harmless for those uninfected. Past the curtain of strange moss, the cavern city opens up before them, vast and spacious, dimly lit with more algae, crystals, and softly glowing orbs of magic. It's like being plunged into an eternal twilight, somehow soft, cast in gentle colors. The boats bypass the markets this time, drifting farther down a branching stream into the city proper, to dock next to stone platforms. The winding streets and flowing canals branch out all around them with no rhyme or reason, the city sprung up around the natural layout of the caverns rather than the other way around. Buildings are carved out of tall stone spires, the windows and doors covered in fluttering silk, many of which are pulled away so that fascinated locals can peer out at the scene unfolding. The Matriarch herself comes to greet the group, ringed at the back by spear-carrying guards, all Monsters. A tall, long-limbed Arachne woman bearing battle scars and stark white hair, she looks perhaps in her 30s, and speaks with a booming, commanding voice, amplified by a charm. As she speaks, ten Wilders are released from silk rope bonds and nudged to join the Mirrorbound; they're a little roughed up, perhaps, and shaken, but none are seriously injured. A few Monsters also make the rounds, placing copper tokens in the hands of ten individuals. "Welcome, travelers! This meeting was foretold and so it has come to pass. During your stay you will be treated as our honored guests. You may come and go as you please, but we ask that you use the same tunnel you entered through; we have not yet re-secured the other entrances from Cwyld nor the tribes. I would hate for danger to befall you while you are under my care." Her smile is wide, her eight eyes bright, and her teeth are very sharp. "We have prepared temporary residences for your use. I hope you will stay for the celebrations. I look forward to meeting with some of you very soon." Notably, she does not mention the surface where from the Mirrorbound came, and those around her do not ask.

I. The City The Mirrorbound receive mixed reactions from the Underground. Some are fascinated by these visitors personally invited by the Matriarch and allowed past the markets; others are wary and suspicious, believing them to be wolves in sheep's clothing. In the city proper, most passing Monsters are armed, but this doesn't seem to be anything new. Still, step cautiously - plenty do not take well to even unknowing offense and will pick a fight, or may see these guests as easy, weak targets to pickpocket or mug in the dark corners of the twisting streets. The guards only step in if things take a turn for the worse or if the fight is very obviously imbalanced - they step in more for Witches being attacked than Monsters, because they feel Witches require protection more. Still, not all are so unscrupulous: more citizens are delighted to talk, even if they still seem skeptical about a whole world up above. Mirrorbound, as guests of the Matriarch, are given nearly free run of the city, allowed to explore such locations as the marketplace, the library, the shops, the schools (the Arena for Monsters and the Academy for Witches), and the tunnels and caverns outside the protective moss barriers. The only places they (and most locals) are expressly barred from are the Matriarch's audience hall, the upper level of the library, and the guards' barracks. a. The Marketplace The marketplace is much larger than previously thought - it rings the entire city, and stalls spill onto the streets of the inner city as well in a lazy sprawl. There are some shops with actual buildings, but they're fewer and more expensive: alchemy and apothecary shops, a couple of restaurants, a weapons shop or two, nice clothing shops. Most, though, are independent merchants who set up and take down their stalls every day and night. Any number of Underground-sourced foods, clothing, weapons, trinkets, and more can be found at the stalls; they barter, or exchange chips of precious metals and gems, but they'll take cune coins with fascination. The marketplaces are the liveliest areas of the city with Monsters and Witches alike, from all walks of life, mingling and sharing gossip and idle talk. Those who lost items to the burrowing hyenas at the Northern Outpost some months ago should keep an eye out: the hyenas are fairly common down here, serving the roles of pets or working dogs for Underground citizens, and a few merchants deal in more interesting goods. The missing items can be found scattered across some stalls, and the merchants will gleefully tell perusers that these things come from the surface, aren't they fascinating? Don't you want to buy? Luckily, it shouldn't be too hard to get your things back. They'll take all manner of interesting trinkets in trade. b. Library The library is bound to be a popular stop. Monsters get some strange looks if they enter the spire just off the courtyard from the Academy, but they aren't barred from entry; most just feel that reading is for Witches. The building is only two levels - one closed off at the top, guards keeping everyone out, and the rest is just one very tall floor ringed with a spiral of platforms and stairs to access the honeycomb-shaped shelves built into the walls. All their books are written on scrolls of silk, and the librarians bark at patrons to be delicate with them, some are very old. If one has endless time, the scrolls can offer a look at life Underground: historical accounts of past Matriarchs, brave warriors and battles against nomadic tribes or hideous beasts, their history as they know it, scrolls on offensive and defensive magic for Witches, fighting techniques for Monsters, information on their unique flora and creatures that can be found outside the city, and even plenty of fiction - sword and sorcery novels all set in the tunnels and the city. It's just a bit difficult to find what, specifically, you're looking for, because if there's any kind of organization, it only makes sense to the deep-dwelling denizens. Maybe make it a team effort! You'll also need some simple translation spells, because their system of writing is quite different to the common system in Aefenglom; even then, it may not be accurate on older scrolls. c. The Guest Villa Those who choose to spend several days in the Underground are given modest accommodations in a tall stone building. These guest chambers boast gentle lighting, wide beds, backless sofas, potted decorative fungi, and stone furniture. It's... cozy, with humble individual rooms and larger common rooms for gathering. The algae grows in delicate patterns across the walls, pulsing in soft colors. They've gone out of their way to provide what comfort they can, but there aren't enough rooms for everyone to have their own - everyone will need to share with one or two others, so choose someone you can get along with.

II. The Tunnels Mirrorbound are not restricted only to the city. There are many entrances to the cavern where it resides, the openings all covered with sheets of that same gray-green moss; some wider tunnels obviously see more use than other, narrower ones, and the footpath of many Underground denizens is easy enough to trace, the stone worn smooth. The path to the velvet wormipede cavern is one of them; they're raised as livestock, all at once food, transportation, and producers of silk and hide for clothing. This is much the same as the dream. Another well-worn tunnel leads upward to an agricultural center, though, and still more lead out into the wild. They're warned, but not hindered, before they leave for anywhere other than the farms or the livestock cavern; dangers abound in the Underground. Those who do much wandering may notice something going on as well; the guards stationed at each tunnel mouth can often be found talking to each other in low voices about an unknown red algae that seems to be growing on the protective moss. It can be found primarily around the lesser-used tunnels so far, starkly bright against the dull green, and this seems to be a point of concern... a. A Botanist's Dream It's a short walk down a wide, inviting tunnel to reach the place where the city grows fungi and underground plants for food and medicine. Large rats and hyenas both are present to keep opportunist creatures and insects from demolishing the carefully-cultivated beds of rock and soil, and small blind fish swim about in the large pool of shallow water, in which grows something like seaweed. One of their primary sources of food, besides bug and rat, are mushrooms of many sorts - all the types that grow in the farms are edible, though some may be an... acquired taste. The Fauns and Witches who tend the beds are happy to offer samples of anything that can be eaten raw; they're most enthusiastic about a type of spherical mushroom whose cap opens up to reveal what tastes and feels like savory cotton candy, and a type of flat fungi that tastes sweet and fizzy and offers a heightened good mood for an hour after. b. The Wild Underground The lesser used tunnels are a different story. A mile out from the city, Cwyld runs in thick black veins through the stone walls, infecting the sparse plants and many creatures that live out there. Careful not to touch. Infected and uninfected creatures both are highly dangerous to explorers, including stone-burrowing moles with wicked teeth and claws that can cut through metal like butter, vicious white wasps that carry lethal venom, and berserker vampire bats that survive on the blood of other animals and people alike. Some infected fungi give off blindingly-bright flashes when disturbed, while others will cause rashes and blisters on contact. Explorers are warned not to touch anything if they can help it. As well, the nomad tribes roam the less-civilized tunnels and caverns. These are small bands of usually Monsters of different types in mixed groups, though some can be found dragging humans along with them. Nearly all of them are some degree of feral, and plenty bear Cwyld infections in different stages of seriousness. They don't stop to ask questions before they'll attack anyone, including each other, in hopes of robbing them blind and leaving them for dead. As vicious and quick as they are, perhaps it's no wonder they value strength in the city?

III. Graduation Day (21st - 23rd) The Underground does not have 'Litha' as Aefenglomites know it, but come the 21st, they do have a major celebration. They simply call it the New Year, or Graduation Day, depending on what festivities are asked about, because the three days serve as both. At this time of year, with more magic in the air, the algae and crystals glow much brighter, cycling naturally through different colors that cast beautiful rainbows across the imposing stone structures. This display is how they mark the start of a new year, and it coincides with the graduation of young Monsters from the Arena and Witches from the Academy. The New Year is a time to celebrate Bonding, partying, and showing off one's skills in the hopes of attracting a new Bondmate or romantic partner. Tensions can also rise high as rivalries are settled, and small brawls in the streets are common; the guards don't interfere, again, unless things get too dangerous. They're content to let citizens work out their own issues, but unfortunately, this means Mirrorbound may get dragged in on occasion! Small fights are also a tried and true tradition to show off one's abilities around this time of year. It serves multiple purposes: attracting a Bondmate, establishing a place in the unspoken hierarchy of the city, and working out problems with others. Monsters are more likely to start brawls than Witches, though it isn't wholly uncommon to bear witness to two rival Witches throwing spells at each other in an alleyway over their grievances. They're more likely to be stopped, as magic can be quite destructive. a. A Matching Pair The un-Bonded should take precautions during the New Year celebrations. These fascinating newcomers are bound to draw the eye of curious locals, and they may put on a violent or flashy show trying to draw your attention in return! The most common way to show that you're already taken during the celebrations is with face-painting: several stands set up around the marketplace with cosmetics and brushes, and two (or three, or more) people painting matching designs on their faces and bodies signify them as a set - either Bonded or intending to Bond. That doesn't mean there won't still be competition for your heart, but it will lessen significantly, especially if you're a Monster-Witch pair already. b. Exhibitions Primarily intended for the graduating classes of Monsters and Witches, the exhibitions are an official stage set for their coming-of-age; this year, however, the Matriarch has decreed that Mirrorbound may participate as well, in the interests of getting to know one another! They're interested to see what these strange travelers can do, especially against some of their own. Mirrorbound are encouraged by excitable locals if they seem reticent, but of course, no one is forced. (Just don't be surprised if you're called a coward for refusing!) At the Arena, a massive sunken ring with stone benches for spectators ringing the whole of it, young Monsters learn combat skills, with and without weapons, and how to harness their unique physiologies in the dangerous world of the Underground. Their yearly exhibition fights take place all through the three days of the New Year, and young Monsters battle each other til first blood to the cheers and jeers of citizens (and more importantly, Witches) come to watch. The longer the battle, the more impressive it is - and Monster Mirrorbound will have no shortage of eager opponents wanting to test their skills against the unknown. Generally, the fights result in bruises, small cuts, and little else, but rivals for the same Witch might take it farther on purpose before they're wrenched away from each other by the teachers. Meanwhile, at the Academy, the tallest stone spire building in the city, young Witches learn magic from a young age. It isn't exactly the same as magic taught at the Coven, but many concepts are similar - barriers, evocation, enchantments meant for weapons or shields, healing, most of the magic they're taught at this younger age is for combat, protection or practical purposes. They only learn more frivolous magics after graduation. Much like their Monster counterparts, they give solo or duet shows of their flashier and more impressive magical skills in the courtyard, with many citizens coming to watch and take stock of the new generation. Mirrorbound Witches may find themselves being cajoled into putting on a show of their own by curious locals wanting to know what kinds of magic are taught elsewhere.

IV. Aefenglom - Litha (21st - 23rd) Meanwhile, for those who have chosen to stay above-ground or those who have left early, Litha comes once more to Aefenglom, bringing with it beautiful pink and purple skies, a far departure from last year's red tint. It has the city in a much cheerier mood for the celebrations. While they know that several Mirrorbound left for a while, they don't seem too aware of the actual mission, and have very little to say on the matter - they'd rather have a nice Litha, after last year's bad omens! Many of the activities from last year return, better than before, including the brothels opening up their doors (showing off all the wonderful new styles in lingerie!), collecting flowers to put under one's pillow in order to dream of future partners, and wandering the hedge mazes that have been magically constructed in certain parts of the city. Seeing off ships happens regularly as well, citizens setting floating candles into the harbor and river to wish them luck. a. Love Boats A new attraction for Litha is being rolled out this year right on the River Temese! Near the gate, an enterprising Faun has set up a few small boats, each just big enough for two and shielded with fine gauzy curtains for privacy. Couples are invited to buy a ride down the river together, assured it will certainly set the mood. Those who have no partners are offered (or cajoled) to be randomly paired with someone, because perhaps it's fate! The boats drift lazily down the river and stop on their own next to a small dock right before they reach the Harbor. Unless you're willing to swim, hopefully you like your boat partner, because you're stuck with them the whole ride. b. Predictive Pools One bathhouse in the Entertainment District has laid an enchantment on one of their semi-public baths for Litha. When two people stand in the water together, bare, it will begin to glow and take on one of a handful of colors that they say will predict the pair's compatibility level! Sexually, romantically? Well, why not both? The only thing is, they've lost the instructions, and cannot seem to remember what color means "most compatible" and what color means "not compatible at all"... As a reminder, all sexual content should be clearly marked in comment headers, or else moved to a comm-locked log or personal inbox! Be good to each other.

Welcome to June's Event Log, What Lies Beneath! The Underground will be open until mid-July at minimum, and possibly longer. Characters can come and go if they're willing to make the trip multiple times. As always, please direct your questions here! The NPC threads will take place here. Aaand, the Action Tracker is right here! Make sure to let us know what your characters have been up to, good and bad, by July 7th, as this will help determine how Mirrorbound-Underground relations might proceed in the future!

Comments

[unsundered]

Would you rather I left? 'Tis an easy thing for me to arrange, and I might even indulge such a request.

[A faint shrug.]

Besides, I could ask much the same of you. Even lacking the ability to teleport, you could've simply kept moving. I would not have followed.

[But yet here they both were. And yet here they remained. Though he has to bite back his first sarcastic comment (probably something along the lines of 'still sulking about being rejected, are you'), he does bite it back. Had months of distance not occurred he might not've been able to, but he recognizes a few more of his less-friendly impulses. He can at least choose when to indulge them (sometimes) (occasionally). So he glances aside instead with a deeper frown, thoughtful.

How did he want to approach this....]

I'll be forthright. An uncommon thing for an Ascian, so I hope you appreciate it.

[Looking directly at her, his tone is neutral, serious.]

It was a mistake on my part to Bond with any of you Warriors so casually. I thought I was being careful, that I'd thought through my requirements... only to find that there's some things I cannot just accept. Or forgive.

[A breath.] That being said- I should've informed you and the others when I found myself taking on a fourth Bond. There were no ill effects at first, so I saw no need. And when that proved not to be the case... well, I still saw no need. It was my own problem to handle. [Another sigh, slightly more disgruntled, accompanied by a wave of one hand.] Still. Even were it inevitable that I lost the ability to tolerate any of you, there was no reason any severing of Bond needed to occur out of such... tempestuous circumstances.

[inlikethebrume]

[The logical part of her says yes, she should have. However, this is Mira they speak of.]

...no. You're the only one around here not trying to shove the feeling of the festival down my throat. I'm grateful for that.

[And how she hates having certain thoughts forced into her. Pesky free will and all that but those are the breaks. She half expected someone to come running past, drunk on love but finds the maze eerily quiet. She is expecting a tongue lashing, more of what happened during when everyone could see each others' memories through the mirrors and yet...the affair is much more subdued. As Hades speaks, Mira does the only thing she can do: listen and listen carefully.

She will give him that there were things he could not accept nor forgive; after all, she herself once touching her mirror saw her own reaction. Realized that after the initial numbness came the tears. She had never mourned over those she had bested in battle but now...it was the first time she did over her once enemy. The first time where she didn't join the celebrations in defeating the 'big bad enemy' and it didn't feel right. While the darkness returned and the First safe for the time being from a Rejoining, Mira felt the victory as being hollow.

Even after talking about him to the Ministraling Wanderer, it still felt raw. She knew it needed to be done but...far from happy with the outcome. Abyss knows of sacrifices and how there are some matters that call for them but...wasn't there another way? Couldn't someone have actually communicated before everything went to shite?

But what he says next...floors her. It's not an apology of any kind but he does acknowledge the fact that he did do something pretty stupid. Keeping her in the dark as well as Irhya about it still stings her. Can anyone blame her considering the last big stinger she had? The fact that she had no say in it at all, hurts. It might be his life but like hells did she want it thrown away in this star. Not out of guilt, not out of some semblance of duty, which only left...

No, not possible. Right?]

But we were bonded then. That meant that it was not just yours to handle alone: that is what hurts most of all, Hades. The fact that I was yet again kept in the dark when all that was needed was words spoken and I would have done everything to help. There are times where we must do things on our own but if it would affect more than one other person, should they not hear it out?

[And then the annulling of their Bond. One of the hardest things Mira had to do and something she did not take lightly. It wasn't just 'hey he was pissy with me and I have to cut it out', Mira had to face one memory and then actually walk through others as means of reflection. Hades may have said some harsh words to her and boy do they still hurt, but it only brought up something else within her that she didn't realize.

Somehow, Fray still teaches her things.]

I did not want you to fall asleep one moment, only to never wake up again. When I made that choice, it was not because of heated moments but because there were things that even I had to face but never realized it until then. It was for both of us that I did it.

[For his physical health and her own mental health, Mira had to. Not only that but if it was made out of hurt or anger, the worry was that the feeling she had when he was stolen away would come, except that he may feel it too. That is a pain Mira wishes on no one. And to be honest, she's unsure of telling him about her growing disdain for Hydaelyn would be good. She has an idea that he would use it against her somehow.

Strange enough, she has to thank him for that.]

[unsundered]

[It's almost too quiet suddenly, though it's not as if the background din of the festival has been silenced. But without interruption, it's as though the focus has changed; there was this conversation, and nothing outside it. A different sort of shutting out the rest of the world than the intention of the festival would imply... but effective nonetheless.]

I know you would have. [Even before he'd seen those memories of her going all out to save him, he knows she would've done this. And yet he hadn't told her. He hadn't asked for help from her, or from Irhya, or from K'rihnn. Because of his own stubbornness, his own arrogance his own- not wanting to hear the only likely solution.] But what if there was no help to provide? No solution other than a severance?

[All of that resentment and fear and exhaustion- of knowing something had to give. And so when presented with the possibility of an escape... Emet-Selch had taken it. Forced an opening. Forced a larger opening than required, but his spitefulness, once provoked, was a difficult thing to pull back from. So he'd ripped it all apart. It satisfied both his deepening resentment, his inability to accept both their care and that they would always, always murder him- and it freed him from dealing with either.

Until now. Until Irhya had kept approaching him, until chancing across Mira now- he'd thought he'd found some kind of answer by breaking things, but it remained yet incomplete. Had he been avoiding the problem this way? 'Problem'... as though it were something small, something that implied a solution existed, and wasn't a depthless crevasse that couldn't be crossed.

But no, he didn't think it was avoidance exactly. Not entirely; but nor had he solved anything either, else he would be able to maintain a general indifference, and not only manage it if the topic was never broached.]

The only thing I know... is that we're both the better off this way.

[And despite it all, there's a shade of grief in those words.]

How do I reconcile all that you've done- both for me and to me? I can't. [And that part, that word is sharper, a thread of that bitterness and pain rising to the surface. But he pauses, limits it to a word.] How can I? Why should I? [Alright, two words. But he stops, then continues in a quieter tone, near imploring:] Tell me, Mira- were our positions completely reversed, and I was the catalyst for your downfall, the architect of your demise, and the deaths of all you love, and all that you care for. I've made futile the solitude of thousands of years, thousands of lives, I've rendered your hopes to naught but ash. And yet here... here, I face you with affection. What would you make of it?

[inlikethebrume]

What if there was?

[A phrase that is needlessly hopeful but the tone Mira carries holds nothing of that naivety. What stings most is that he knew she would and yet...this happened anyway. What was it that Vani said...? To push people you care about away due to fear?]

How many times have people been told that something is far from their reach and prove it wrong? What would make that same kind of thinking not possible currently? I am sure you too have had your naysayers who believed your ideas to be too risky or unable to be reached until proven otherwise.

[In his twelve thousand year lifespan, surely there have been people who laughed or scorned his ideas until he proved them wrong; that's not even the affection showing, that's just a normal reaction for anyone being challenged.]

But naught can begin if not spoken about it. That an idea can possibly be broken or changed if the problem is shown and not hidden. The worst outcome is knowing about a possibility but the fear takes over than seeing if it works.

[After all, it was him and Vani who made her begin to see the cracks in the plans laid by her comrades. The fact that she was not given a say nor a choice let them scrambling to find a way to take all the Light out of her until the most extreme measure was left. It may have changed if people communicated. Mira will constantly beat that idea into anyone's heads until it sticks.

But there's a large part of her who disagrees with what he says. Better off like this? Ha! While he's had his Bonded probably comfort him, she had been feeling like utter shite when not writing. How much she's been hurting in quiet suffering at everything she knows and learned from home and her realization that she's had enough of being used by higher beings. Trust her, do not mention Hydaelyn unless anyone wants to hear how she should be dumped somewhere forever.

It's strange really but...weren't what they were fighting for were the exact same thing? To save those they love and the world they come from? Were they both the heroes and villains in their own stories? But he expects an answer and she must answer truthfully and from the heart. To open herself up fully.]

Let me ask you this then, Hades: do you believe that once the dust settled that I only have seen what has happened as another victory? Another win for the Light and all that is considered 'good'? [That's a strange question.] Trust me, this does have a point with your own.

[To understand and answer his to the best she can, Mira must explain how she feels now.]

Others may have celebrated the outcome of the night's return but for me...it was nothing more than a blur. All I can recall feeling that time was just a numbness that seeped into my very soul. Why was it that others could rejoice and yet I could not? When others were happy that the danger was gone...all I could think of was ending someone who wanted the same as me. 'Twas a haze even as I returned to the Source. And then...I did something I had never done before.

I cried. I mourned for the life I had took.

[When she woke up in Fortemps Manor after it all, that was when she broke down and sobbed. Despite it all, Mira had cried for the man lost by her own hand. No one else managed to get that kind of reaction out of her. It was by her own hand but in the end, there was no way she could let that plan come to fruition. No one won that day.]

To answer your question...if I could forgive someone for ending my life and destroying all that I held dear and hoped for...but what if I haven't been forgiven for my deeds now? When I haven't even forgiven myself?

[Surprised? The hero and villain who doesn't think herself as doing a good deed but just what needed to be done. Sure yes, but given Mira's expression, it was something not only weighing heavy but something she doesn't take lightly.]

No others has made me feel like this...and yet you have. And if I am honest, I never expected any sort of affection from you. It wasn't until that night at the masquerade when you kissed me that something changed. The more I spent time with you, the more they grew. That someone , even known as my enemy, tried to get to see beyond the title and to the person stripped of it. And was the first.

[Let that sink in, Hades. Outside of the other Warriors, no one else bothered to actively get to know her as Mira. The enemy bothered to do something that her comrades did not do so much. Unintentionally but still happened.]

You are right in not wanting to forgive or accept what happened and if I were in that position, I would not be able to either. And to hear about affection, it would surprise me. But to know someone held those feelings...for me and not as the Warrior, I couldn't scorn those. Will not.

[unsundered]

[The first part gets a sideways glance, not particularly believing that it would've made any practical difference. 'What if?' was neither argument nor reassurance, and without chance to provide more than good intent, he remains unmoved by it.

And really... whether there was or wasn't something to be done hadn't been the point. It was something she should've been told in either case. But he has to wave that part off, since she continues and the rest requires more of a response.

And Emet-Selch listens, silently, and though his expression twitches, a frown lurking, a general stoicism remains. At her conclusion, he glances aside- not to avoid her gaze, but to consider his words. Tapping a knuckle against his lips, he's thoughtful. It was cruelty all around; neither of them could forgive her, and there was no victory worth savoring.

And yet, the focus of her reply did not sit well with him.]

So you wept for my demise.

[It's a quiet tone, carefully neutral; the last time she'd expressed anything like this, he'd snapped his feelings out as he ever would. And the impulse remained, habit a hard thing to override. He takes a breath, closing his eyes.]

--Consider how that comes across to me, Mira. You've turned my death into another aspect of your life. My fate becomes an accessory to your personal growth, and no longer involves me at all. What do you want from me in return? Do you expect comfort from myself, from the person whose hopes you extinguished, because you found yourself moved by the affair?

So I was the first to know you. I stand here, wondering how to live with my resentment towards you and your reflections without it devouring me in its entirety... and your answer is only on how you felt. How you benefited- as though this is meant to provide solace. Do you understand the insult in such a reply?

[inlikethebrume]

[Her first thought is to snap back, speak and question. To shout 'how dare you assume such things?!' but she has to stop herself. Wasn't this...the same conversations that happened after the mirrors? The fact that she yelled about him assuming that she didn't have enough compassion didn't help matters in the slightest. Mira thought that speaking from her heart would help more than hinder, for was that not what everyone has been taught from the beginning of their lives?

And then he speaks.

Getting mad wouldn't help either of them right now, that's what happened last time. This time...she shuts her eyes and takes a breath. To take in his words and while his tone is not so harsh as before, it does not mean that he is happy. A part of her kept asking 'He asked for my answer and I gave it so why isn't enough?' but that's been the problem hasn't it?

For someone who usually focused on the wellbeing of others, she really has been focused on herself when it came to Hades, hasn't she? Her feelings but never his.]

I did not realize my words came across as such, let alone how much they much have hurt you.

[It's quiet but she opened her eyes and stands up straight with one hand over her heart, staring right at him. It's more focused and not as cowardly, not defiant but humbled. No, she will not run from the errors she has cast but she will not cower either. He deserves no less.]

I am truly sorry for not considering your feelings.

[unsundered]

[He stares for a longer moment at her, before shrugging stiffly. The Ascian still wasn't sure if she really understood why he was offended, but- still. An attempt was made and he can recognize that.

It wasn't fine, because nothing was fine. That was nothing new. He sighs.]

Well. If you accept that you would likewise be unable to forgive were our situations reversed, perhaps things aren't as hopeless as I thought. But when it comes to affection I fear that's where we differ... as you've surely noticed, I would scorn such attempts.

[Even as it hadn't come as any surprise, not really- and even though he hadn't exactly done anything to discourage her feelings prior to this breaking point. He'd become more aware of that destructive habit of his, though: refusing to manage, to discuss, to consider anything painful until some catalyst forced it all into the open at once. But not to work out, but only to hurt; and from there, not to heal cleanly, but to fester. While some things needed broken in order to be fixed, this was just tearing everything apart because that was all he knew how to do.

Emet-Selch doesn't know how to change that. He doesn't know if he wants to or if he even can, but he's more conscious of it, at least.]

--As genuine as I acknowledge your feelings are, and even perhaps that you mean no ill by it, nor offense- I yet resent all of you too far to accept them.

[The most roundabout way of saying 'it's not you, it's me', possibly. But he pauses then, as though reluctant- or possibly unsure. But in the end he continues.]

In return for the fullness of your words, I feel I should clarify a statement left deliberately incomplete.

[As Ascians are so wont to do.]

I still consider you to be Hydaelyn's weapon. [Though bluntly stated, it's not in an attempt to needle her, as he immediately adds:] But I'm not saying that's all you ever must be, or will be. Perhaps you still have the capacity to be something other than a tool. That's all.

[inlikethebrume]

[She is not a mind reader, just another dumb mortal trying to figure out how to live her life without some higher power only speaking to her when convenient and leaving her out in the cold. Mira's halfway expecting Hades to just up and leave because that's all she can really do right now. Accept that she made a mistake, apologize, and work to strive better in the future. Besides, it's not what she wants after all. It's his choice in the end.

But he doesn't. He continues his words and so she must have said something right for once these past few moons. There's less venom in them than before nor as dismissive so that's something Mira can take. It's not condescending but just stating facts. But who said love was supposed to be clean or the answer to all the problems in the world? Whoever spoke those words clearly have an idealized view of the subject. Again, it's not Mira's place to say.

But it is hearing those last ones that makes her heart stop. Of course Vani told her that she wasn't, Irhya said it, Mettaton said the same thing...and even her own darkside spoke of making her own choices. That if her words spoke true, then that is her choice in the end. She is no weapon to the Light, willing to strike her down if needs be. Give her a reason to trust you, Hydaelyn, say something yourself instead of simply running like an automaton like she saw. It still doesn't feel right but that is neither here nor there right now, the focus is on these two.

'Perhaps you still have the capacity'? No, Hades. There is no perhaps. That is what she is trying to do in the here and now.]

Thank you, Hades. Speaking on it from my side seems to not simply suffice. Let actions show them instead.

[There is a time for words and a time for action. This feels like something she has to prove and not to anyone but herself. The point is to stay humble of the situation and to not try and let her emotions get to the better of her. Speaking on something like 'I'll find a way to show that I'm not a weapon' isn't enough. No, this is a time to show it.

Funny thing for once, she doesn't feel like she's being trapped in this damn festival which is a plus. Perhaps this chance encounter was more of a blessing than she thought. Maybe...there is hope for them to be civil again.]