Revus Demnevanni

Indie RP for ESO's Revus Demnevanni; Must/ Mun 21+; Penned by Inkwell; Lore and Headcanon-based.

[colleggtorofcogs-a]

frxstbittcn‌:

          Medira adjusts the books in his arms to keep them from falling to the floor. “They should be more than enough,” he gently assures Revus with a grin. He sets them in a neat stack near the runes on the floor, before placing the rose and incense on top of them. 

          He looks up when Revus offers him a place to sit, and his cheeks darken. He sits on the floor next to his quarry, tucking his feet under his behind and curling his tail around himself. “I see.” he hums. “I’m…not entirely sure if I qualify as a higher daedra or lesser daedra? Some Twilights see me as above them, but others see me as below. The Matriarchs are definitely above…” 

          He tips his head back and forth, closing his eyes as he tried to determine his rank among other Azuric daedra, to no avail. “I have absolutely no idea how their hierarchy works. If I did, maybe I would know where I stand.” Medira’s chuckle is dry and full of a deep confusion that he’s seemed to have felt for years, if not eras.

Only a few of the Daedra's words registered in the old mer's ruined ears, try as he might to hide his disability; though he'd already made the mistake of releasing an unbound daedra upon the college's unsecured grounds, he feared any further show of weakness would end in true disaster. After all, with no way to listen for the daedra. and once out of eye-shot, what was to prevent the creature from wreaking havoc? Revus swallowed another knot as he folded his hands behind his back.

"Ah, yes," he hummed, nodding his head. "I have encountered a few twilights. I find them far more pleasant than Dremora, if a little. odd." He chuckled and shook his head. "Of course, my dear friend is a different stripe of daedra entirely, but I doubt you will meet him any time soon."

His smile faded as his eyes turned to the books. "Will-- will those suffice? What will I have to do next?"

[colleggtorofcogs-a]

frxstbittcn‌:

          The daedra takes a step back and bends into a low bow, one hand over his sternum while his free arm stretched out to the side. When he stands and straightens his clothing, he inwardly gags. He could sense another daedra somewhere nearby, though he couldn’t tell how close. The taste of ink coated his throat; the other daedra had to be one of Hermaeus Mora’s. His ears flatten nervously, always unsure of what to expect from the other Prince.

          But Medira forces himself to be calm. His conjurer was already nervous as it was, it would not help him if he appeared just as on edge. Just as he was about to speak, the Dunmer interrupts himself and thrusts tomes into his hands. The daedra looks down at them, then back up at Revus, his eyes wide in surprise. He blinks a few times before he composes himself and pages through a couple of the books.

          “These notes are all so… Are…Are you sure you want to sacrifice these?” he asks, twitching his tail in wonder.

With another cough, Revus shoved the ancient books into the daedra's hands. "Yes, of course!" he said quickly, clasping his hands before his chest as the other thumbed through a decade's notes, with diagrams, illustrations, even an aside on what he was supposed to have done later in the day. A small smile curved his lips as he thought about the memories kept between the heavy guar-leather covers and swallowed. "I would gladly sacrifice them for time to complete my work. They are but a few of the many journals I've written over my life. I would... I would offer them all to Azura, if she deems them an appropriate offering."

He turned back to the chair he had been sitting in and walked slowly over, setting his staff to the side as he took a seat. "Would you like to sit? I know there are certain, ah, procedures to follow when conducting this sort of business." He rubbed his hands together in anticipation as he glanced out the snow-covered window into the vast, bleak Winterhold sky. "I must admit I've never done something of this magnitude before. An odd banekin? Sure, I've tried it, especially when I was young and still learning magic, but... I'd never sought a higher daedra before."

[colleggtorofcogs-a]

frxstbittcn‌:

          Medira’s lips bend into a warm, gentle smile, mirroring his matron at dusk. The moons shone her love of her people down on dewy grass and sparkling water, while the sun burned with her wrath of being scorned and betrayed. The blue daedra seemed to take after her nightly persona rather than her daily.

          “Your cause is noble. If I were in my matron’s place, I would surely grant you the time.” His smile falls after he speaks, and he looks down at the simple offering. “But she does not forgive or forget so easily as I. As a House Dunmer, especially Telvanni, you will have to work much harder to receive her blessing.”

          He smiles again when the soul gems are pushed away, though in relief this time. The vice grip on his chest ceased and he could breathe more easily. He tentatively tests the outside of the runes, before he finally manages to step out. Medira turns his smile to Revus once more. “Thank you, Revus Demnevanni.”

The pace of the old mage’s heart quickened, and he gave the daedra a nervous smile as a sick feeling twisted in his gut; he’d just broken the cardinal rule of summoning daedra: letting it out without any binding whatsoever. Naturally, he did not look like one to attack without warning, but neither did others he’d met in his very long life. Besides, even as the Mother Soul, Azura was petty and had a long memory; what was to stop this daedra from smiting him with his new freedom? He cleared his throat, the grip on his staff tightening. “I-- of course. I only want to see my home restored.”

The elf pursed his lips as he nodded absently, his hands wringing at the newfound block in the road. “I suppose I understand, but what more could I possibly do? I’m too old to go gallivanting about collecting--” He paused, his ears flicking as a new idea. His eyes darted to his books, and he moved quickly to grab them. Revus held them out to the daedra. “These! Take these. Books about kwama, written in my own hand. Would be that be enough of a sacrifice?” 

[colleggtorofcogs-a]

frxstbittcn‌:

          Medira’s tail twitched nervously, the fur at the tip bristling and making it appear twice its normal size. He walks within the perimeter of the circle, tapping the invisible walls with his knuckles. 

          The Dunmer’s cough catches his attention again, and he twitches his ears. “…A House Dunmer?” he murmurs. “…I see.”

          The daedra forces the fur on his tail flat and stands straight, clasping his hands behind his back. “Then what would you ask of her?” He regards the scent of roses and incense for a moment, before looking to Revus again. “Your offering might not be enough,” he warns. “But if you let me out of the circle, I can assist you with that. Medira makes sure to word the request so as not to seem like a trick. 

          His advice would be given in exchange for his release, and so it was not freely given; thus the mage wouldn’t have to worry about daedric malice. Medira wasn’t one to supply that malice, in any case.

A click reached the old mage's ears as he turned quickly to ensure the two were not interrupted. To his great relief, it was merely a quill falling from its place in the inkwell. He sighed, placing a hand over his heart as he returned his gaze to the daedra. "Yes," he said simply, nodding in understanding. "I realize my House doesn't have the greatest record with the Daedra, and the forces of Oblivion, but..." He shook his head. "I have tried to avoid coming to this point, truly. I would not be making this deal under other circumstances; I'd made my peace, but this is far too important."

He swallowed a heavy knot in his throat as his hands moved to clasp just below his chest. "Please, hear me out." He moved as quickly as he was able to the nearby desk, taking up several tomes written in his own, scrawled handwriting. "I would ask Azura only for more time to complete my work. All my life, I've been working with eggs, and the creatures that come from them; very few alive know the flora and fauna of Morrowind-- of Vvardenfell-- as well as I." He cleared his throat and set the books back down, taking up his staff. "I wish to help rebuild Vvardenfell's environment. I realize it will never be the same, but I wish to do all I can to help, but I am running out of time."

His eyes filled with worry as they flitted down to his simple offering. "It-- it isn't?" He groaned, shaking his head. "Of course not." The mer grimaced as he considered the offer. His dear friend had taught him to never trust a daedra, but something about this one was different. More trustworthy. "Alright," he said carefully, knocking away several of the binding soul gems with the end of his staff. "I'll accept your offer."

[colleggtorofcogs-a]

frxstbittcn‌:

          As his claws caress the roses that makeup Azura’s palace, he prunes extra stems and branches. He was tempted to pick one of the roses and tuck it behind his horns. Every now and then he would see a Twilight disappear in a ball of indigo flames and petals. Some of them would return after a few minutes. Others would not. He suspects their essences were used to imbue mortal weapons with magical energy.

          Medira is in the midst of pruning more of the branches when he suddenly feels a tightening around his essence as if a giant hand had reached forth and squeezed him as tight as possible. His tail, normally in a relaxed and waving curve, tucked between his ankles and stiffened as he was pulled from Moonshadow.

          His new environment was cold and appeared so bland compared to Moonshadow’s unnatural and blinding beauty. As he turned to take in this unfamiliar space, he finds he’s unable to move from a circle of runes on the stone floor. Medira hums, trying to force the feeling of discomfort from his chest as he looks to the mortal who’d pulled him from his home.

          “You’re a bit old to be summoning daedra.” he muses, his brows knitting together in what seemed to be a deep concern. “You do know this spell could have killed you, yes?”

Revus stood as straight as he was able, projecting the strength that remained into a collected, calm mask. His eyes narrowed as he studied the Daedra; he did not look like others from Moonshadow, but perhaps his information had been incorrect; after all, he had never before tried contacting the forces of Oblivion. The daedra was alien, but no less intriguing than he had imagined. With another cough, he folded his hands behind his back after setting his staff to the side.

“Yes, that’s right,” he said with a weak chuckle, “I’m a bit old to be doing many, many things. I appreciate your concern, though.” He gave the other a sympathetic smile as he looked between the daedra and the summoning circle. “Please, forgive the circle— I will release you soon, but one can never be too careful.” Revus dipped his head in a quick bow. “Oh! How stupid of me—introductions. I am Revus Demnevanni, of House Telvanni… or whatever is left of it by now.”

The old wizard nodded at the daedra’s concern. “Yes, I know it was a risky spell, but it was a necessary risk. I must make an arrangement with your matron.”

[colleggtorofcogs-a]

@frxstbittcn

Even as the last, dim light of the Winterhold sun shone orange in the frosted windows, the glowing lines of the summoning circle alighting the room in a soft violet glow. Revus pursed his lips as he reviewed all he would need for the ritual: the books he had gathered from the Arcaneum, covered in dust and only whispered about by the novices, and a simple offering of roses and incense. The old mer frowned and turned to latch the door to the extra, empty conjuration classroom shut. Had he been at his home—rather, where he, his son and granddaughter had taken up residence since the Red Year—he might have allowed the door to remain open, and been able to provide a more elaborate offering to win the Prince of Twilight’s good graces.

The wizard grunted as he took a seat in a chair near the glowing rune and rubbed his hands together, his brows creasing as his mind wandered. He’d begun to feel the sands of time tearing at his body, eroding his energy far too quickly. If it continued—he shook his head quickly, halting the thoughts before they formed. With a huff, he pushed himself up and ambled to the summoning circle before he could talk himself out of the plan.

With closed eyes, head bowed, he began muttering the incantation to summon a daedra from Moonshadow. A portal opened to the old mer’s astonishment, and the words of his request came tumbling out haphazardly. “You—you’re from Moonshadow?” He shook his head and coughed. “Yes, of course you are. I seek a deal with your Prince, Azura.”

[tesrpc]

[gvildmastcr]

tesrpc‌:

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[oopsiewoopsie123]

THE MUMMY (1999);

send one for my muse's reaction!

“You’re with me on this one, right?” “Your strength gives me strength.” “Hey! Don’t you close that door!“ “Oh, look at this! Sons of the pharaohs! Give me frogs! Flies! Locusts! Anything but you! Compared to you, the other plagues were a joy!” “My girl, when Ramses destroyed Syria, that was an accident. You… are a catastrophe!” “Why do I put up with you?“ “Have you no respect for the dead?” “Ha! [NAME], please, I’m really not in the mood for you.” “I have just the thing to cheer you up.” “Oh, no, [NAME], not another worthless trinket. If I have to take one more piece of junk to the curator to try and sell for you– Where did you get this?“ “I lie to everybody. What makes you so special?” “Could you tell me how to get there? I mean, the exact location.“ “Oh, I’m so sorry. Now we must watch him strangle to death.” “Well, personally I think he’s filthy, rude, a complete scoundrel. I don’t like him one bit.“ “Can you look me in the eye and guarantee me this isn’t some kind of a flimflam? Because if it is, I am warning you–“ “You’re warning me?“ “Oh, no. What are you doing here?” “I only gamble with my life, never my money.” “The only thing that scares me, [NAME], are your manners.” “Still angry about that kiss, huh?“ “Angry about that kiss? Well, if you call that a kiss.“ “Did I miss something? Are we– Are we going into battle?” “Um… by the way… why did you kiss me?“ “I was about to be hanged. It seemed like a good idea at the time.” “My good friend, you’re alive! I was so very, very worried.” “You always did have more balls than brains.” “Oh, for heaven’s sake, girl, it wasn’t that good of a kiss, anyway.” “Relax. I’m the map. It’s all up here.” “We’ve lost everything! All of our tools, all the equipment!” “Never did like camels. Filthy buggers. They smell, they bite, they spit. Disgusting.” “I think they’re adorable.“ “So, uh, what are these old mirrors for?” “Uh, here, this is for, uh, you.” “If I don’t make it out of here, don’t put me down for mummification.” “You don’t believe in curses?“ “I believe if I can see it and I can touch it, it’s real. That’s what I believe.” “Hey, tough stuff, try a right hook. Ball up your fist and put it– put it up like that. And then mean it. Hit it right here.“ “Okay, it’s time for another drink.” “Uh-huh. And unlike him, [miss/mister]… you, I just don’t get.“ “Ah. I know. You’re wondering… what is a place like me doing in a girl like this.” “Look, I– I may not be an explorer, or an adventurer, or a treasure seeker, or a gunfighter, but I am proud of what I am.” “I… am a [profession/being]. And I am going to kiss you… [NAME].” “Oh, I’ve dreamt about this since I was a little girl.” “That’s called stealing, you know.” “According to you it’s called borrowing.“ “It’s just a book. No harm ever came from reading a book.” “Damn it! It’s a trap door. There’s gotta be a switch or something around here someplace.” “Come on. Let’s get out of here. Whoa!” “I thought you said you didn't believe in that fairy tales and hokum stuff.” “[NAME], I appreciate you saving my life and all, but when I signed on… I agreed to take you out there and to bring you back. I have done that. End of job. End of story. Contract terminated.” “That’s all I am to you? A contract?“ “You can either tag along with me or you can stay here… and try and save the world! What’s it gonna be?” “Yes, that is very romantic, but what has it got to do with me?” “You can’t leave me behind like some old carpetbag.“ “Coward that you are! [NAME], you are not leaving me in here!” “What friend? You are my only friend.” “I’m goin’ downstairs, get me a drink. You want somethin’?” “Patience is a virtue.“ “Come with me, my princess. It is time to make you mine for all eternity.” “You better think of something fast, because if I’m turned into a mummy you’re the first one I’m coming after.” “Do something! Do something! Not that! Not that!” “Well, I guess we go home empty-handed… again.” “How ‘bout you, darling? Would you like a little kissy-wissy?”

[myrcella]

— ᴛᴇʟ ᴍɪᴛʜʀʏɴ: the telvanni tower. home of the last silt strider 🌋🐜

[corvidaesuggestion]

God just,,,, fuckin mushrooms man, y’know?? Just fuckignnn amazing little,,,,,,,, fung i,.,,..,,, tiny bitches with hats..,,……,,,,,,., goddamn epic

[colleggtorofcogs-a]

“I may need to throw out the components and start again.” (Norrim-of-artaeum)

Revus hummed thoughtfully, leaning on the table as he examined the younger mage’s handiwork. She’d done a decent enough job putting the gyrocore together– very well indeed, given the College’s limited resources on the subject and her own young age– and he didn’t quite see what was the matter with it. He shook his head and straightened. 

“Nonsense!” he said, waving a hand at the idea and setting his staff aside to take up the invention with both hands. “This is perfectly acceptable work, particularly for someone of your age. Besides, these parts are difficult enough to obtain, no need to waste them.” Gently, he set the little gizmo down and took up his staff once more. “Now, are you a new student?” he asked, turning his head. “I can show you to the Arch-Mage’s office, if you wish.”

[colleggtorofcogs-a]

"I know Nirilhe is terrified of me, so I thought it would be best to ask you; how is he feeling?" The General rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact. "Is there anything I can do...?" Gods, he was awful at this being a decent mer thing.

Revus flipped through the book on Dwemer technology idly, a content smile on his face. Only a few weeks had passed since he had helped Nirilhe, and he still felt rather pleased with himself for such a fine job done. Before he could reach the segment on the use of steam power in tonal magic, a body in ostentatious gold armor appeared over the top of the book. Still looking at the pages, Revus sighed to himself, marking his spot and snapping the book shut. He had heard Talasse complain about this mer before, he was sure of it. The Telvanni wizard had never met the infamous ‘General Manarion’, but this old mer surely fit the description. 

“You must be Manarion, then?” he asked, using his staff to push himself to his feet. He quickly set the book down and turned back to the Altmer. “What did you need, hm? I’m afraid you’ll have to speak louder; my hearing isn’t what it used to be.” 

[colleggtorofcogs-a]

dyslexic-daedra‌:

“For years, Revus.  He’s all I spoke about for years.  And I am certainly softer for it.” With a soft chuckle, he pressed another kiss to Revus’s forehead and began working in the hair oils, rubbing Revus’s scalp and really making it feel good.  “No.  No, that was a different man.  And he should have known what he was getting into when he asked you out on a date in the middle of hatching season.  Props to you, Revus.  He was very sexy, but you had your priorities straight.”

He would let Revus’s hair sit in the product while he quickly and effectively cleaned his own.  “You’ve aged like a fine wine, my friend.  If it weren’t a matter of health and safe choices…”  He gave him a knowing look from the side of his eye.  “Well.  There would be many evenings that ended quite differently from how they do now.  But of course Urcelmo and I were a more handsome couple. From the mere artistic aspect, a composition is better with contrast, and every color about us, our skin, our hair, our eyes, and our clothes, we sported a lovely contrast.  But the handsomeness of a couple is the least important thing about it.”

“I meant more than physically handsome, Talasse,” he said, steepling his fingers in front of his chest. “You and Urcelmo complimented each other in nearly every way; I never doubted that you two were meant to be together.” He frowned thoughtfully as he felt Talasse rub whatever miracle soap he’d found into his hair. “I am certain you had your difficulties-- not that I can remember them now, of course-- but you fit together so well...”

The old wizard sighed and shook his head. He’d often wondered how many relationships he let pass by in favor of his work, and if he was reaping the rewards of his many years of study in the form of loneliness. “Perhaps, but I suppose it wouldn’t have hurt to let an apprentice take care of the guar for one  night.” 

He stopped himself before he could think further about the past. Now he was here, with his oldest friend, determined to enjoy the time he had with the Daedra. He smirked, twisting as far as he could to raise his brows playfully. “You do know how to flatter a man, Talasse,” he said with a grin. “But let’s not pretend that I am not a restoration mage. I’m sure I could-- I could figure something out.”

[colleggtorofcogs-a]

dyslexic-daedra‌:

Before Talasse could comment on how cruel words, especially often repeated, did the longest lasting damage, Revus changed the subject and drew a hearty laugh from the daedra.  He leaned into the kiss, angling his face so Revus could better smooch him, then turned to kiss his forehead.  

With a sigh, he reached for the hair soap and began to lather it in his hands.  “My only regret…. is that I wasn’t a better wingman.  I dare say I only had eyes for Moe– I can say his name… it’s just us.  Forgive me, Revus, my beautiful friend, but when my heart fell for Urcelmo I was lost.”  He chuckled before mopping Revus’s hair in suds and bubbles and laying it on top of his head.  

“Remember that time I tried to wingman for you… and I ended up gushing about my husband– boyfriend at the time?  That Redoran fellow just laughed– though if I recall correctly, he did try to get you to spend time with him.  He even pretended to care about your work.”  Talasse filled a cup and began to rinse Revus’s hair.  “You were quite a looker back then.  Still are, if you ask me.”

He closed his eyes as he felt his head doused with warm water and hummed. He had met Urcelmo many times in the past and, despite the fact that they had both been intimate with Talasse, became good friends. He huffed a short, light chuckle. “Oh, I remember,” he said, letting his hand come to rest on his stomach. “He’s all you would talk about for weeks.” He shook his head as he picked up one of the bottles of bathing oil, idly turning it in his hands. “It was wonderful to see. I am glad you were able to have that. He, and your nibblets, changed you. For the better, if I may say.”

“I don’t believe that fellow ever really forgave me for-- how did he say it... standing him up. Truthfully, I’d even forgotten what House he’d belonged to.” He huffed a short sigh as he returned the bottle to its place on the rim of the tub. “You know, I don’t believe he ever really cared about the effect of tonal magic on living beings...” 

The room seemed to become far warmer after the Daedra’s compliment, and Revus’s ears flushed a deep red, nearly matching the color of his hair in eras passed. “I-- I suppose--” He tripped over his words like an eager fifty-year-old, embarrassed by his poor preparation for a compliment, as well as his own appearance. “Thank you,” he finally managed to say through an airy chortle. “I’m glad there’s one person who remembers me before, well, this. Though I think you and Urcelmo were a far more handsome couple.”

[colleggtorofcogs-a]

dyslexic-daedra‌:

“Revus…”  Talasse pressed his lips to Revus’s temple.  “It doesn’t hurt any less.”  He brushed a lock of Revus’s hair back from his face as he still held him tight.  He knew too well how cruel words could wear away at the strongest of confidence.  It didn’t matter where those words came from.  

Still, he leaned back just enough for Revus to see him and to touch him as he touched his friend.  “As much as I would love to say that I once distracted you with my looks, there were plenty of times where either one of us stopped in the middle of whatever we were doing together to jot something down.”  He chuckled at the memories the thought carried with it.  Some of the activities he mentioned had been the sort to typically consume one’s thoughts, and some were as mundane as stopping midsentence.  

Talasse frowned.

“Revus… Did I leave you lonely?  I know… We weren’t compatible, but did you ever find someone you were compatible with?”

Revus hummed, content to simply sit with Talasse for as long as they were able. He sighed. It was a necessary evil, he told himself, even if those cruel words had kept himself, his son, and his granddaughter from advancing in life; his mind wandered back centuries, when Reyne had accused him of having ‘no ambition’-- a truly great sin for a scion of House Telvanni. He forced away a bitter smile and shook his head. “Talasse, it may hurt, but so many other things in this world do. Cruel words are nothing in comparison to other events.”

He tried to remove himself from such thoughts, choosing to move on rather than linger with his memories. A playful grin spread across his lips. “You know, perhaps it’s my old age catching up with me, but I keep forgetting to tell you how distracting you still are,” he said, leaning backward to press another kiss to the Daedra’s jaw. He laughed for a moment, before pressing himself against his friend. At the professor’s question, he pursed his lips.

“Well,” he began carefully. “I suppose you know what happened with Mehra. I--” he paused, his ears flushing violet in embarrassment-- “I don’t believe I ever became close with another mer, no.” He turned as quickly as he was able to face Talasse. “Please, don’t blame yourself, though. It was my decision. I couldn’t do it, not after Mehra.” He smiled and leaned against Talasse’s chest. “Besides, we’re here now, aren’t we?”

[colleggtorofcogs-a]

dyslexic-daedra‌:

“Pah, Revus.  You could get scrolls.  I will make you some so that when you return, you can bathe regularly.”  He wrapped his arms more securely around Revus as his friend leaned against him.  Bathing was intensely intimate, but it wasn’t actually bathing unless they did something to get clean.  Talasse would wait a moment before he started on Revus’s hair. 

“Disaster? Revus Demnavanni you’re almost a thousand years old and you’re still trapped in that?”  He kissed the top of his friend’s head.  “Maybe some things have taken pit stops in disaster, but you are not a disaster.  You just successfully undid a dwemer inhibitor collar– something that was designed to never come off.  You ensured the survival of the kwama.  You– I don’t know if you want this in your list of credit, but you’ve softened me.”  Talasse pressed another kiss to his friend’s cheek.  Closer to his lips this time. 

“And… yes.  I choose this form, and I remember that evening.  Talk about disaster,” he said with a laugh.  “I am still very sexy.  I still have strong muscles and a lithe body, but as a professor, I also maintain the illusion of age.  I don’t hide my tired language, but without running the altered perception spell, I still appear as a mer in their middle adulthood.”

He dropped the spell for Revus’s benefit.  Most of his hair still clung to the water, but long locks floated upwards and outwards.  His eyes were gold with pupils curled, but his skin was still dark.  His skin was not an illusion in the magical sense– it was chromatophoric.  Talasse looked younger, certainly, but he still looked tired, even more ageless than before.  His face wore the experience of a mortal lifetime, but his body and skin spoke of vague youth. 

“It would be hard for a student to learn when their professor is stupid hot.”

“I suppose you’d be happiest if I did bathe every evening, wouldn’t you?” he asked, looping his arm around the Daedra’s waist again. Though the bath had been near boiling when he’d come, it was nearing a temperature on the warmer side of lukewarm. Sluggishly, he reached down with his free hand and cast a small alteration spell, bringing the temperature back up to a more acceptable temperature. “Now, how is that?” he asked, returning his hand to rest on his lap. 

“Oh, Talasse,” he said, shifting to look up at the professor with a smile that edged on sadness, “I know you want to say that, but even I can’t entirely ignore what people think. After a thousand years, do you think I mind being labelled a disaster? I don’t. It has kept me, Baladas, perhaps the rest of my family safe from those who wish to move up in the House.” He hoped Talasse would understand the true meaning of his words. In the cutthroat House Telvanni, his alleged idiocy kept a target off his back-- after all, how much power could a walking disaster have?

There was a sudden shift in the air as Talasse dropped his illusion. It was imperceptible to most, perhaps, but to a mage as old and with as much experience as he, Revus could feel it-- a small taste of Apocrypha that Talasse carried with him, most perceptible when the illusion was dropped. Not that Revus minded, of course; Talasse was his dearest friend, and this bit of Oblivion was simply a part of him. It was, in this era, a comfort. The mage reached up with his free hand to gently brush the lighter skin of the scar, chuckling. “Yes, they would be far too distracted with your gorgeous looks.” 

[colleggtorofcogs-a]

dyslexic-daedra‌:

“I would argue that Sotha Sil didn’t come from the clockwork city…”  When Revus laughed, Talasse felt his chest grow just a little bit lighter.  Even then his hair still curled, the grey mop curling tightly and neatly in the oiled water.  Talasse’s own floated around his back and to his side much like it did without illusion.  “Revus Demnavanni,” he said as if he were about to proclaim something important.  “You are the most beautiful and brilliant man alive today, but you are the biggest dumb ass I have ever met.”  Talasse chuckled, shaking his head and turning his chin down.  “How many alteration or destruction spells do you know?  Can you not summon a fire ball or wall of ice?  My dear sweet beautiful friend…  You could summon water just as easily…”

“And the Apocryphal waters,” he started before wiping a mysterious leaf that had dropped out of an oil bottle on the rim of the tub.  “Are cool.  Neither cold nor tepid.  The further down you go, the colder they get– The Apocrypha is one great ocean, and each land mass is the collection of literature on the back of a great daedra.  But you’re right.  Nirn, and especially Skyrim, is intensely dry.”

Talasse couldn’t remember Mobaner’s name, face, voice, or general appearance, but he remembered Gnisis being in the middle of nowhere and the mer in charge horribly incompetent and grasping for validation.  “And the second fastest bath I’d ever seen you take…”  He let his voice drop low and sultry in preparation for his coming jest.  “Was when that poor intern spilled distilled netch jelly on you, and you were both terrified and quickly growing paralyzed.  In fact you just lept into the ocean.  I tossed you some soap, I think, and the poor kid looked like he’d eaten some of the jelly too, but he was just afraid of being fired.”

Revus turned his head in confusion for a moment, wondering where Talasse could be going with his accusation, before giving his friend a sheepish smile, rubbing his arm as he glanced away. “Well, I don’t usually think that way, that’s all,” he said with a shrug. He idly ran his fingers through the Daedra’s loose, long hair behind his back, “You know I’ve never mastered any destruction spells. Well, except for fire spells, but I am a Dunmer.” He leaned back against Talasse’s chest and listened to him speak of Apocrypha. A pang of sadness filled his chest as he thought about all the professor had missed in his long years of banishment. 

He snorted at the memory, his previous irritation at his former home disappearing in an instant. “Oh, by the ancestors! I remember poor Endar,” he said with a laugh. “What a disaster! But, then again, perhaps that’s what I was meant to be.” He sighed and allowed himself to relax against Talasse again. “I’m glad he was alright, at least, but my left knee’s never been the same. Really!” He chuckled again. “Do you know he ended up becoming a Spellwright for the House? Very important mer, at least before the Red Year.”

After a moment, he began running his hand through Talasse’s hair once more as it floated in the water around the two of them. He sighed again, and studied his friend’s face; he looked far older than he surely felt— agelessness had that effect. But it struck him as odd that the Daedra would choose to look so old. “Do you remember when I asked you how you choose your form?” he asked carefully. Revus had never considered himself attractive, and why Talasse would want to nearly match his age was beyond him. “Why... this form now? I thought you said there were... tactical advantages to attractiveness.”