Intro Log: June

[moustre]

Intro Log: June

I. ARRIVAL Out of nowhere, a glint of light catches your eye; your heart thunders in your ears as your body moves on its own, your mind consumed with inspecting the source. Your reflection stares back at you, just as curious from the surface - a mirror, a pool of water, your most trusted sword, something fleeting that your mind can barely remember - then ripples at your touch. A moment later, you feel a tug, and you find yourself stumbling into a dark, musty room. Behind you, a mirror stands ornately decorated with reminders of home wrought in brass and wood: the faces of people you know, and symbols important to you; all things that send a pang through your chest with the desire to return to them. Touching the mirror's surface does nothing but leave the stain of your fingerprints. When you turn turn to survey the room, you find there are hundreds of other mirrors. None of them are as decorated as yours - they're plain and dusty, speckled with age. Then you realize a second thing: You're not alone. Distantly, the ringing bell of a clocktower can be heard. But no matter its distance, the time is clear to make out: it chimes three times, stark, resonating like a pulse of something in this mirrored hall that you and many others have found yourselves in. For those familiar with magic, they might feel the power of the witching hour upon them, though it will feel different from what they're used to - in fact, everything does. You're certainly not the only ones here, however. On the first floor, with the doors wide open behind them in the foyer, is a small group headed by two individuals. As people begin to arrive, to come from the highers floor, they're waiting - and they're waiting for you, and your questions. Explore the rest of the mirrored halls you've now found yourselves in, or proceed to the foyer? Leaving the Looking-Glass House makes it obvious that the clock striking three was for 3 AM - the night sky is faintly cloudy, but the stars are dim in the face of two moons, even so close to the new moon as it is. The Looking-Glass House is rather nondescript two-story cottage made of grey brick, sitting at the edge of The Coven's courtyard; stones which glow as you step on them mark the path to and from the two buildings. While fairly small and plain on the outside, the inside has been enchanted to be the size of a large library, with hundreds upon hundreds of mirrors hanging, standing, and resting inside its walls. Some are broken, some are cracked, and some seem completely uninjured - but all of them are just as plain as the cottage itself, showing age in the silver beneath their glass and in the greening of their metals... Well, all except a character's personal mirror; to characters, one mirror - the one they came through - will be decorated lavishly with metal-and-wood-wrought reminders of home, and the surface will be as clear as a brand-new mirror.

II. THE WELCOME PARTY Whether you've decided to find a way out of the building you've arrived in, or decided to explore the rest of the Looking-Glass House - and perhaps finding a few familiar faces among the crowd - you feel a pull towards the foyer of the first floor. It's like a firm suggestion, as if to take you by the hand and draw you to where it begins, and the source of it becomes quite apparent upon finding one's way to the front room: a tall, comfortably-dressed older woman and her even taller wolfish companion. "I suppose you were right again, love," the wolfish one says, voice a low rumble in the quiet night. The woman looks particularly pleased with herself, hands on her hips and elbow nudging at her companion, a quiet eh, eh under her breath. She goes ignored as the werewolf (?) lifts her head to assess the arrivals with her one eye. "Although the excuse of Boaltinn is absent, this time." "Just begs looking into then, doesn't it?" The woman gives her companion an even brighter smile, a little tighter around her eyes, then turns to those gathered in front of them. "Well then, no sense in keeping secrets! This here's Mhairi Ainsley, ambassador to the Parliament and my Bonded, and I'm Nerissa Bell, head Witch of the Coven - but you can just call me Miss Nessie, you can," she adds, winking. "The lot of you must be as tired and confused as the last batch - hullo to those who've joined us, too! - so just a moment, dearests, I'll set all you right up—" With nothing more than a wave of her hand, rows of seats are summoned; despite their wooden nature, they're all sturdy and comfortable, filling the foyer and spreading out a ways into the lawn behind them, making room for all of the new arrivals as well as the previous batch. After all, they'll find this just as interesting. The Witches and Monsters that accompanied Nessie and Mhairi move to make room, and some disperse into the building itself to see if there's anyone who needs tending to. Mhairi steps forward as the chairs materialize. "Please, those who are able, join us for a moment. There are many questions that I'm sure you have - we will do our utmost best to answer them, and you may take any that we can't as a promise to find some sort of solution or answer." NOTE: If you wish to interact with Nessie and Mhairi, please comment here. You have the option of handwaving the IC interaction to OOCly ask what questions your character might have for them, for us to summarize an answer for, or you can request an IC thread. Simply specify in your comment's subject and we'll respond accordingly.

III. THE HAVEN After an hour or two of general chaos, questions that the natives attempt to help with, and injuries tended to for those who arrive in poor condition, it's time to make a trek to where you'll be staying while Nessie and Mhairi continue to search for a solution to the situation. As you're leaving with a few Bonded for guides, peculiar-looking devices - watches, the native Witches explain, compliments of Parliament - are passed around to all the new arrivals; they're given a quick rundown on their functions and bid to test them out when they can. They can even do it as they make their way out of the Coven's courtyard and to the Haven. Formerly part of the Aristocratic District, The Haven is just as well-kept and brightly-lit as the district it hails from. The houses err on the tall and ornamental-side, large enough to fit several families (or, according to the upper class, their one family, several dozen servants, and guests), especially closest to the Aristocratic District. They become a little more modest and smaller as one gets away from the realm of high society and nearer to the Residential District proper. Newcomers are shuffled here and invited to find somewhere to live - the Coven is currently handling expenses for the houses themselves in an program implemented by the Parliament, though if your character wishes to have anything extra - like maids, chefs, and so on - they'll have to pay for them themselves with their own earned money. Much of the landscape and fixtures are the same as in the Aristocratic Districts, though it lacks formal emergency services due to its roots as part of a district that already did. Much of the housing already has furnishing due to the speed at which homeowners were relocated; they were given enough time to collect their valuables, but standard furniture such as kitchenware, couches, beds, etc. were left behind for those moving in. Other houses appear the same, but the dust on the floors suggest these houses were left before the new arrivals even showed up - a reminder that the Cwyld can strike just about anyone, regardless of standing. Another portion of this district has been opened up to the new arrivals: the barracks, the row of buildings pressed against the very edge of the Bright Wall. As the city's military force no longer has the same presence it previously did, the barracks have gone into disuse, and a cleanup effort has been in place since before the new arrivals came through the Looking-Glass House. For those who desire something a little less opulent, the barracks might just be the answer. The barracks can also be used for business, for a welcome center, a communal space, for anything that the residents of the Haven see fit to use it for - so long as the legality isn't questionable, on the surface. To help with filling up the larger houses - and even some of the smaller ones, and the shared rooms in the barracks - the Witches put together a little roommate finding service, on a smaller scale from the grand opening of the Haven. For those who aren't entirely sure who they want to shack up with, they have a small survey for them to fill out and post on the board they've magicked up in the center of The Haven. The board also very helpfully reads aloud each form for everyone to hear in a cheerful, monotone voice. It isn't able to be shut up, nor is it easy to ignore, being imbued with a kind of amplification magic. It seems like the prank previously attached to the spell has been fixed now, at least, so it doesn't read rude descriptions anymore - simply the information you've offered up yourself.

IV. CLASS ACTS Once is happenstance, and twice is coincidence - but Nessie won't take any lip about it, especially given some of those who arrived aren't turning out to be Witches, but the other half of the spectrum: Monsters. It's one thing to grow up knowing what you are and what you'll look like, and it's another entirely to be thrown into a world and have to deal with it without any idea of what to do. In the days following arrivals, Nessie gathers her best Witches and Monsters, and gives them a simple task: figure out who is what, and give them a little help. On a volunteer basis, of course; anyone who doesn't want to be tested for magical potential (or a lack-of it, signifying being a Monster) will not be forced to be, but they will be encouraged to check out the classes offered regardless. a. A LITTLE BIT OF HOCUS Those exhibiting magic potential - or who are interested in magic or Witches, regardless of if they were tested or not - are brought out to the Coven's courtyard. They're given a quick primer on magic, the different classes, and taught a few entry-level spells and concepts before they're set free to practice their new magic (with supervision, naturally). Try your hand at conjuring candy, evoking a little fire, teleporting a few feet, tossing a few enchantments on others or inanimate objects - get those flowers singing! But be careful: inexperience is a Witch's greatest enemy, and these spells might just end up going a little haywire. Your simple light spell might end up as bright as the sun, or maybe instead of a nice breeze you bring in a major windstorm - effects are either big or small, with nothing in-between. b. A TINY BIT OF POCUS Those exhibiting a lack-of magic potential - or those who are simply interested in Monsters and Bonds, regardless of if they were tested or not - are brought to the Coven's basement. Despite its below-ground existence, the area is well-lit and feels as open as the main room above. They're given a quick primer on Monsters and transformations, the full moons and their effects, and a key part in keeping them from going too wild: Bonds. Those attending are encouraged to form temporary bonds, which is done by the two characters simultaneously drinking a tasteless silver-colored liquid from the vial provided to them. This Bond will last up to a day and has the same effects as a real Bond, though lessened in strength and muted in feeling.

Welcome to the intro log! While mingling on the log itself is highly encouraged, feel free to make your own logs; take the prompts offered and go wild, go crazy, go stupid, have fun. The network system is free to use once characters have their watches as well; information on that can be found at the bottom of the Setting page, while any extra questions about it can be found in the FAQ index. Quests can be picked up now as well! While new characters will have to get settled in, you can go ahead and put your name on some by replying to the June Quest Pickup thread on the Quest Board. Finally, if your character is getting into any Shenanigans, let the mods know and if you have any questions about the log, ask them here!

Comments

Class Acts

[exterreo]

[As luck would have it, Somnus hadn’t seen his brother until now.

As luck would have it, because it’d probably have not been as easy to accept this place for what it was if he had seen a ghost walking on and about. But can he really call him a ghost, a specter, a memory if he’s so different from the older brother he remembers? The hair, the clothes, the way he walks and talks- it’s like there’s an anger underneath it all now, a frustration that hadn’t been there before. The young, nice, naive Ardyn he remembers was kind above it all, he would never have treated people like this. Right now, Ardyn sounds like-

Well. Ardyn sounds like Somnus.]

Why the anger, brother? [He says, trying to force his voice to stay calm because right now even he can’t tell his emotions appart in the turmoil he’s feeling inside. So it’s better to just play it safe, and the best defense has always been an attack.]

One would think you’d be quite used to turning into a monster by now.

episode ardyn spoilers

[scourged]

[ Of all the people in all the worlds, he had to be stuck with this guy. It couldn't be someone that was just an enemy — perhaps a high up Insomnian official or something — oh no, it just had to be the one being in all of creation that Ardyn cannot stand.

Why this place thinks bringing his brother will help them Ardyn will never know. It does at least give an opportunity that has been sorely missed, a chance to better the man that stole everything from him. Ardyn just can't decide if he should go all out warfare now or take his time and draw it out.

The comment tests that immediately, Ardyn's jaw clenching as he tries to ignore how smug that voice sounds. There's every chance if he attacks now these Coven members will be quick to react. Naturally the only option left is to counter said attack and Ardyn lets his lips curve in the hint of a smirk.]

Brother dearest, have you not been paying attention here? You always were one to skim on the details. You are here because you are a monster. Fancy that!

tbf Somnus is a walking spoiler lol

[exterreo]

[So, straight to the yugular then. Somnus isn’t exactly surprised, but he also didn’t expect him to counterattack so quickly. He only allows himself a second to show his displeasure- the corner of his eyes tightens, his lips twitch downwards. But it’s all gone, back to a grin in the span of a second. A trick Ardyn should be more than familiar with.]

May. I may become one. [We shall see. If he’s going, he’s not going quietly. Plus Ardyn had a choice, back home. He could have stopped, he could have not taken the plague to himself like he had, like Somnus had begged him to, they could have gotten rid of people who showed symptoms and let it go.

But no, he had to allow himself to be corrupted. At least the astrals ended up seeing it Somnus’ way, eventually.]

I did not expect to see you here, brother.

[scourged]

"May" become one?

[ Ardyn gives the smallest of laughs at that one. Ever the delusional brother, Somnus is being awfully ignorant of what is seemingly happening in this place. Obviously the right thing to do would be to break the news gently.]

If you're here and you can't cast magic then you are a monster, no ifs and no buts. Let's hope you get one that doesn't look like your personality.

[ Hearing Somnus talking of seeing each other again almost has Ardyn rolling his eyes. Would the coven be so forgiving if he snapped his brother's neck after so much sass? At this rate it's a possibility.]

I did not expect to see you either, if that's the answer you are looking for. Though I must say, I could have gone the rest of eternity without setting eyes on you again.

[exterreo]

You did always have a tendency to try to guess the answer I wanted.

[With the very clear implication that he didn't always succeed at it.The thing is, when they were little Ardyn could read him like an open book- it was one of the things Somnus liked the most about him. He didn’t have to explain himself, didn’t have to say something if he didn’t want to- Ardyn always understood. But that changed once Somnus grew up and started to see the world differently.]

You can choose to believe them at face value if you so please, I will wait and find the answers myself.

[So basically: he’s going to be in denial until he has no other choice. The way Ardyn reacted to him tells him he knows Somnus will betray him but he still wonders how much, exactly, does he know. He’s never seen Adyn’s hair do… whatever it is it seems to be doing now, so he can’t help but wonder-]

What’s the last thing you remember before you were brought here, brother?

[scourged]

[ It's a big brother thing, a sentiment that could probably be shared across most of the universe. Normally it's also the big brother's job to be a good mentor to the younger one and keep them out of trouble and for that Ardyn can hold his hands up and say he messed up on that front.]

It's not a guess if it's correct, Somnus.

[ Seriously, if Somnus wants to be in denial then Ardyn isn't going to convince him otherwise. No, Ardyn will just enjoy every single bit of the struggle Somnus goes through when he starts changing into whatever. Fair is fair.

The question posed should be ignored. Ardyn knows explaining the last two thousand years is going to be a pain and in his mind Somnus doesn't deserve such effort. He folds his arms, looking thoughtful as if at least considering it.

Ah!

Perhaps if Ardyn simply said a truth, one intentionally vague.]

The last thing I remember after escaping the place you oh so nicely dumped me in? I was sitting on the throne that you denied me. [ In darkness, waiting for a young man and his entourage to turn up. Eh, details.]

[exterreo]

[Somnus frowns, taking an angry step towards him before he catches himself. He will not actually fight with Ardyn in this place, he will not, he really will not. That would be embarrassing at best, actually get him in trouble with the people in charge at worst and that’s not something he can afford right now. Not when they are apparently giving them literally everything they need to survive in this place.

But Ardyn is just- well. Somnus can admit that he started this, but Ardyn just makes it so easy.]

You couldn’t have escaped, dear brother. I made sure of that. [He would have gone an extra step and actually killed Ardyn if that had been a possibility. He made that clear.]

But I suppose if you know what I did then that’s enough of an answer, to me. Should I sleep with my blade on my hand?

[Our blade, says a small voice in his head. He ignores it as he usually does with moral things that won’t fit his view of the world.]

[scourged]

[ Ardyn holds his ground when he sees that step being taken. He's had many a year to think of what Somnus has done. Right now he'd love nothing more than to cause a scene, to have a fight he feels has been unfairly denied to him before. It's just that at the moment it would be inconvenient in the long term plans and Ardyn understands on some base level that brawling so soon after arriving would have him on a list somewhere for however long this place will keep him.]

Oh of course, silly old me. If I didn't get out then that means I was able to change my clothes and cut my hair all in the span of arriving here. How useful such a skill must be!

[ Seriously Somnus. Ardyn isn't even going to bother explaining how he did get out and how there's nothing his brother or the Lucis Caelum line can do about it.]

Sleeping with your blade? Do what you want, brother, you're not worth my effort right now.

[ If Somnus feels the need to sleep armed then so be it; Ardyn is both thrilled at the idea his brother is feeling so threatened and also taking the chance to tease the other some more, winding him up until one day he eventually snaps. It's simply more interesting that way.]

[exterreo]

[He isn’t sure if Ardyn meant for that comment to sting, but Somnus is more surprised than anything at that. He’d figured that the moment Ardyn get out (and he’d known that, being immortal as he seemed to be, it was only a matter of time that he would) his focus would be on getting revenge, on making Somnus pay for what he had done.

Is the throne what he’s after, then? That would make sense, except not in this place where neither of them have a claim to royalty. They are both commoners, peasants who were plucked from everything they knew, everything they loved. And Ardyn is here in this explanatory meeting as well, which means he can’t have been here for that long. He can’t have found a new purpose already. Somnus squints.

Where is Ardyn’s attention if not on Somnus?]

Then what is worth your efforts, brother?

[scourged]

[ That seems to get the attention of Somnus and it's all Ardyn can do to not be too outwardly gleeful. Somnus doesn't seem to understand what is going on in this place, too stubborn to consider anything outside of his bubble of thought. Ardyn on the other hand can sense the brewing shitstorm on the horizon, understanding that what is going on here is powerful enough to displace people through worlds and time.

That and well, he has all the entertainment he could ever want right now and the smile he gives his younger brother is nothing short of malicious.]

Why would I want to spend my time killing you, brother? Don't you get it? I know I can understand very well what is going on here. Why would I end things quickly for you when I can stand back and watch you become the very thing you hate? Killing you would be a mercy I'm not going to grant you.

[exterreo]

[Mercy, he says, and the word goes straight to Somnus’ chest like a dagger.

Because that was what Somnus thought he was doing when he tried to kill Ardyn, that was why he’d been willing to actually kill him. Because the truth is he’s aware Ardyn just wanted the best for his people, the best for their kingdom, and they could have reached an agreement eventually. But as long as he kept on taking the plague into himself, as long as he refused to listen to reason and kept turning himself into a monster with every single person’s life he saved, Somnus had known that the ending was unavoidable.

He doesn’t really care what they think of him for doing what was, in his opinion, the only way he had to handle the situation that didn’t end with his brother destroying everything they’d worked so hard to build on.

And now it’s his turn. Now he’s going to slowly lose control over his body, his actions, his own mind and turn into somebody he doesn’t know with no way to stop it and he realizes that part of him had been hoping that Ardyn would return the favour.

Well.

No matter, he’s got his own sword doesn’t he?]

Unlike you, brother, I do not refuse to dirty my hand or expect others to the harsh decisions just because I want to maintain an air of superiority.

I will end this on my own if I must.

[scourged]

[ Maybe killing his brother had been a mercy, Ardyn could have understood that part. But locking them away in Angelgard to be forgotten is not an act of mercy but of spite and Ardyn knows he can never forgive Somnus for those few thousand years lost. Had he been allowed to die in the throne room he could have followed Aera to the next step and beyond.]

Still just as deluded as ever I see. You aren't listening to what is going on here and the evidence is stacked against you. There is a difference between being cautious and being an outright idiot. But by all means, don't let me stop you. If you wish to cover your eyes and put fingers in your ears then go right ahead.

[ Please do Somnus, it will make things all the more entertaining in the long run. Ardyn can't wait to see the inevitable breakdown, the range of emotions Somnus will run through during his turbulent descent into monsterhood. If only Ardyn could be there for every moment of it!]

You'll be pleased to know that since leaving Angelgard I have made many a harsh decision.

[exterreo]

[Ardyn is his brother, Ardyn has always been by his side, Ardyn basically helped raise him. Usually, those things would just be endearing in a normal family but right now all it means is that Ardyn knows exactly the right way to hit him. He clenches his fist until he can feel his nails digging him into his skin- that’s always helped him ground himself, the pain making it easier to focus. Even when dealing with his asshole brother.]

Oh?

[He says, and his voice shouldn’t quite crack in that single syllable and yet, it manages to.]

Harsh decisions? Like not letting millions of people die because you thought yourself too good to deal with the illness engulfing out land effectively?

[scourged]

[ The comment of letting million die gets a smile, the sort that doesn't do anything to soften the mockery in Ardyn's expression. This argument is ancient, almost prehistoric and Ardyn idly wonders if Somnus will ever move past it. He seems determined to be right and history is somewhat on the younger brother's side, but then it relies on the fact that no-one knows how Somnus went around burning villages down.

If Somnus thinks he has some kind of trump card, Ardyn will be the first to point out that he does not.]

The joke is on you; in doing what you did you ensured all but the end of the world further down the line. I'm sure those left behind will be thankful to you for the lives they are spending in perpetual darkness.

[exterreo]

You lie.

[He snaps, even before Ardyn has finished his sentence, snaps as he takes yet another step towards Ardyn. The more he talks the more he can see how he's changed, how the naive, hopeful, frustrating brother he once loved is gone leaving a creature of Somnus' own making in his place.

Ardyn has to be lying. There's no if, there's no doubt in Somnus' mind- he has to be lying. Because no matter what they think of him, no matter what they believe of his motifs he'd always done things for the good of the people, he'd always put their kingdom first. And he'd made so many mistakes, done so many things he'd regret until his last breath- but he had to keep telling himself it was worth it, he had to keep telling himself it was for the greater good.

It can't all have been in vain. He can't have condemned his future descendants when he condemned himself.]

I am the founder King, I was told that much. I know my descendants will have a line of people protecting them, I know there will many, many generations to come. You're lying to me, dear brother.

[scourged]

Why would I waste my effort in making up such tales of fancy?

[ Really. If Ardyn really wanted to he could have weaved such a fantastical story to really raise Somnus's hair. As it is the truth is all that more lethal and he watches as his brother tries to digest what he's hearing. Even as the other takes a step forwards Ardyn does nothing in his defense; there's no squaring of the shoulders or steeling of his self to prepare for any blow. There's simply the smallest, defiant tilt of the chin and and even wider smile.

It almost makes all the suffering worth it. Almost. Ardyn can't wait to see the look on Somnus's face when he hears the same thing from someone else.]

Whoever told you that was right in there would be many generations to come. One hundred and fourteen or so if I'm right, though really, it's hard to keep count of them all sometimes. [ Ardyn leans in, completely unconcerned so far about anyone lashing out as he lowers his voice to a whisper full of venom.]

I can guarantee you it won't go further than that.

[exterreo]

[So Ignis and Prompto’s king, his descendant, the one that everyone has told him looks so much like him will be the last one of his line if Ardyn is to be believed. And once he would have never, ever doubted Ardyn- he was the honest, hopeful, frustratingly naive brother while Somus learned how to brandish his lies like he brandished his blade. But it feels like, right now, their roles have been reversed because Somnus is doing his best to find out the truth while Ardyn hides behind a cheshire smile.]

I did it for them.

[He blurts out, his mind kind of reeling with the possibility that every little thing he did, every sacrifice, every person he lost and every hard decision he had to make were for nothing. That Ardyn and Aera were right all along and all he did was doom everyone even further on.]

I did it for their future, to help the Astrals along with their plan. I didn’t- I can’t have doomed them. You were the one that was turning into a monster, brother, I simply helped everyone see.

[His voice is weaker than usual, it lacks his usual grandiosity and exuberance. But that's because he's aware that if Ardyn is telling the truth, if he really condemned his descendants into darkness... he doesn't really need this place to turn into a monster.]

[scourged]

[ The outburst is enough to have Ardyn blink in mild surprise. Did Somnus still truly believe everything he did was right, no questions asked? He doesn't know if he should be impressed at such a stubborn soul or dismayed; Somnus was meant to be the smarter one. Then again Ardyn knows it took a while to get over the whole Astral thing. Somnus will more than likely be the same and the ex-chancellor is going to love every second of watching that struggle.]

Think what you want, ultimately it is what it is. I could tell you a few more things to get the point home but why should I spend energy doing as such? If you are so keen to call me a monster then don't be surprised when I act like one.

[ Ardyn eventually steps back, giving Somnus a glance over and putting on his most disgusted look.]

I spent so much time waiting for some kind of vengeance, but seeing you here like this? Almost pitiful. That being said I truly can't wait to see what you're going to turn into.

[exterreo]

[He’s so unlike the young, hopeful Ardyn that he once knew, the brother that he once loved so deeply that it feels like he’s talking to a completely different person. He’d thought Ardyn had turned into a monster right in front of his eyes, that he had attacked him and Gilgamesh so viciously because he’d lost any ounce of humanity left in him the moment Somnus had buried his blade in Aera’s chest.

But no, he hadn’t been a monster. Not yet. The monster is right in front of him right now, enjoying his pain.]

How long, brother? How long were you trapped? How long were tales of Adagium told among our people?

[scourged]

How long? My what a personal question to be asking.

[ It would be too easy to tell Somnus, to point out that a few millennia had been spent in that hell hole. Sure, some days had blended into others yet Ardyn had been achingly aware of each and every year spent there once he'd been "rescued", pulled from one captivity to another in a sense. If he told Somnus then the other would have all the info he needed. Sooner or later someone would let the other know and Ardyn has half a mind to let it be the others that mention it.

Oh to be a fly on the wall when that happened.]

Ah ah ah, don't believe for one moment I'll be telling you everything. If you want answers then you'll have to do some leg work, dear brother.

[exterreo]

[And just like that, Somus has a flash. A flash of when they were younger, when Somnus was still a little kid who insisted in learning how to play chess with his big brother even though it as far too complicated for him at that young age. He remembers feeling frustrated, impatient, asking his brother to just tell him where to move the pieces. And he remembers, most of all, Ardyn telling him with a gentle, kind smile that he would never learn if he gave him all the answers, if he told him what to do. That he had to do the work himself.

And suddenly those words become poisonous, twisted, Ardyn using them against him with a sardonic smile on his face so different from the naive brother he remembers.

He’d thought Aera’s death would be the one mistake that hurt the most in this worth ordeal, but maybe that had been a kindness. So she didn’t have to see her beloved turn to this.]

I defeated you once, brother. And I will, once again, no matter what I have to become in the process.

[scourged]

[ What a shame it all is. No matter how angry and bitter Ardyn is over everything even he can see a glimmer of his younger brother in all of this, can remember better times before Somnus had been consumed with a "will of the people" mindset. Which is why it's all too easy to be spiteful to this one, to promise nothing but aggravation and torment. That little brother is gone, replaced with a soldier who has no feelings of his own when it comes to making decisions (or so it seems). Ardyn has no qualms in being dismissive of anything Somnus has to say, especially when it comes to crowing victory.]

Defeated me? My dearest sibling, the last time I looked you were dead and I was not. Locking someone away does not count as a victory and you'd be wise to remember that.

[exterreo]

Neither does survival.

[He says, before he can even stop himself. But why would he, when Ardyn is using his arsenal against him? If his brother is going to throw his weapons at him no holds barred then why should he? The shocked, kind of lost expression has slowly shifted into his trademark smirk because the fastest way to gain control over a situation is to pretend you already have it.]

I will be the one to make history, brother. [And rewrite it. But that's neither here nor there.] There's plenty of ways to survive and I choose the one that truly counts.