Stranja(Ioan) Hestios

Greetings and welcome to my study. I only ask that visitors maintain a respectful tone and semi cordial behavior. Thank you.

[eclipse-descendant]

Inbox is open!

"I will do my best to answer any questions tossed my way...but I don't promise swift replies. I hope you understand, things tend to get a smidge....chaotic, on my end."

(The teapot servant standing nearby is quick to refill his cup of water.)

"Please don't mind the attendants, animated objects and flowers, they mean no harm; (my husband sent them to ensure I'm well while away from the manor.) Mind you, there's a few things to note before visiting or sending a letter.... So then, what would you like to ask?"

————---<{ Tags & Information }>---——————

{ Tags & what they are }

Letters to folks - When replying to letters from Magisters and non-Magister oc's. Talks at home — When Magisters & non-magister oc's visit Pirin & co in person.

Alfred's rambles - Pirin's blood-serving teapot takes over (OOC) and/or just takes the spotlight. Candelabra Theodosia greets - Pirin's candle guard when she takes the spotlight.

Photo album's pages - Art and images of the character(s) Journal scribbles - Writing, lore, literature of the character(s).

[yohohonabottle]

Ioan Hestios, most commonly known as "Pirin" and less as "Stranja"... If he was half Eclipse, half Crimsonfang. Or just had lot more Crimsonfang blood in his veins than Moirai and Eclipse. And his dad's genes didn't wheeze right past him. Got to be a dainty, pretty lil flower instead and near spitting image of his mother. To the point he gets mistaken for a flat-chested woman.

[eclipse-descendant]

....I've been robbed. Boss loves showing me this pic... >:(

[eclipse-descendant]

Theater of the guilty

Reprisal of Dynasty of Deception

Come one, come all Allies, strangers and circling foes Keep your eyes pried wide, For the shadows and light dance in endless charade. Remember your masks in the play.. for they'll inevitably fade. You cry to the world your might, yet forget none stand forever onstage. Your smile a cloak for cowardly disgrace. Those that bark, roar loudest, hear not their own fall. Weave your honeyed lies, bellow your muted cries... Flaunt, your vaunted grace. But beware, be not surprised - When the shadows grow eyes to swallow you in their jaws. Hunter eventually turns hunted. Come one, come all Curtain call tolls for the fools' guilty masquerade. Here comes Judgement's day, wrought in flames. Time comes for all - Sinners, saints, victims & martyrs. Requiem, Damnation - the Rise and Fall's pendulum. The masks have been cast down, lights out, stage gone, roles followed. And what will you do now with all what's left? And what will you do now, when the theater is gone? When the truth of reality stares you in the eye? What will you do, now that all has been pried raw apart? Now that curtain call has come? When you inevitably fade...?

"I almost forgot this was in my journal... how fitting for the season. My creator doesn't need to blur as it's nothing spoiler-y for Tower of memory, but still tagged the season as it fits just fine besides Chains of Eternity. "

[windmaedchen-ozaiah]

Have you... met Perseus? I remember he perished twice... could you guide him to rest or was he.. gone already with nothing left to be guided? And... pardon my curiosity, but have you met other, ah.. "versions" of him? One of them seems to be alive again and I'm not sure about the other ones out there.. Also how did you meet Morgan? --Curious anon

After having listened carefully, Ozaiah gently shakes her head.

"No. I have not met Perseus personally at that time. I'm afraid I ... had other things to deal with. For the same reason I have not guided him in death. I have learned of his fate later, and perhaps I could have shielded his soul from Azora's grasp but... there is no point in pondering that now."

"Other versions of him? You have not experienced other dimensions, parallel to ours, but I do know they exist. Dura herself has explained such possibility to me. My devotion to the souls of this realm keep me here. Pray tell, how is this Perseus in other realms? Are the gods still alive then, too?"

"Morgan..."

She remains silent for a short time, thinking about her words. Then, she finally explains.

"My work led to his place, where he researched the dead. He was so terribly annoying and so wrong about Death. I could not leave his misguided opinions unchallenged."

"I frankly did not expect him to be grateful for it. He did not say it, of course, but it was him and the Council to take care of me when I was at my weakest. And from there... it seems we have found a common ground and a shared passion."

[eclipse-descendant]

"I suspect it's... a dimension thing. Sorry I couldn't reveal myself earlier.. back to your question. From what I've heard according to my Merlin's rambles-- every dimension has its own Esperia, and iterations of its inhabitants. So for the one I live on, he was revived by Merlin using some, ah.. unorthodox methods. And a large chunk of my magic that he asked for, never told me why; Only that I'd see for myself. ...And this seems to have happened in another timeline of this Esperia, if boss's notes can be trusted."

"I do feel tempted to ask Pers about this but, he likely doesn't remember anything from that branch. Only the events of this one, and to him- this timeline, is the only one that is real, from our last talk on the topic. And Morgan being annoying...? Huh, that seems common - at least between your Esperia and mine. Or "Finch's Esperia" as Merlin calls it these days.. But that's neither here nor there. I could talk about it more - maybe some other time - if you're interested. Do note that most is from Merlin."

"Speaking of Merlin... He's thrown me here - another dimension travel and.. Is it okay if I hang on here for a bit while waiting for my friend to get me back? She should be here soon - Pandora - so it won't be long."

"Oh-! I almost forgot - about the gods! Sorry!"

"They are gone... mostly. Tritonus is still a large question mark on whether he's dead like Azora, Helthor, Sarethiel and Dusk Lord. Or just missing. Annih is also unknown... And I'm not on who was the God of Death, but currently it's Morgan. ...Still the sassy, smug cat as he was in the past. Dura... she's like Tritonus - haven't heard a peep from her or about her since the disasters in Halia. ...I cannot say what happened to them and their status in other Esperias though, only "mine".. so apologies for any inaccuracies because of this."

[eclipse-descendant]

An Efficient Essail Guard breaks in through a flash of blue light. They are coated in a purple glow. They make no eye contact before rummaging through the mage's belongings.

"Must find @high-priestess-velara's archives..."

The blue light flashing catches the Candle guard's attention, and the stranger's behavior raises his suspicion. Who appears in flash, avoids making eye contact and goes right for another's belongings without reason nor explanation? Must be a burgler!

The animated servant moves swiftly, catching the 'guest' red-handed.

Candle guard Apollo

....

"Halt! You have no permission to peruse Mr. Hestios's belongings! Identify yourself, intruder!"

The commotion draws the home-owner's attention. Soon a short youthful-looking man emerges from the next room. The ever-vigillant attendant turns to him and stands stiffly like a solder before a higher-up.

"Lord Hestios! This individual appeared out of nowhere and began pilfering through your belogings! They were mumbling about archives.. We shall es-"

|| The 'lord' lifts a gloved hand calmly, silencing the retainer. || "...No need to fuss, Apollo. Ravion or Indris must have sent this guard here by mistake." (Though the fact you got through my wards is curious... I'll be concerned about it later.)

He sighs with a shake of his head tiredly.

"You won't find Velara's archives here, only my nonsensical scribblings and collections of knick-knacks. That said... Please pass this to your superior. Also please leave my bookshelves alone, thank you." Seriously Ravion, did you send a guard to snoop around..? And wouldn't Velara be hiding around Sal'thorin?? "Pray tell, who sent you to this humble corner of Esperia if I may ask...?" The restless animated candelabra keeps a close eye on the 'surprise guest'. Still at attention, waiting for orders. And seems keen on escorting them out of the residence but holds back. You are much too lenient, Master Hestios...

[high-priestess-velara]

The Efficient Guard flinches and turns at the interruption. They draw their sword on instinct but make no movement to attack.

"I come on orders from High Priestess Velara of Sal'thorin. In the name of the Queen, you are ordered to return any papers stolen from the priesthood archive. Prove your claim, and I will leave peaceably. If I find you are lying, I must do my duty."

[eclipse-descendant]

[ Author's note: My deepest apologies for this extremely late reply! Hope it's good! ]

Huh... so she's still alive, guess she high-tailed it. "Prove my claim huh... Well, we Eclipse don't lie as it goes against our principles and honor code - so that's one. Also lower your sword, kindly. You are, in my home after all." ...And everything is a mess. Books out of order...

Sauntering over to the bookshelves and pulling out a particularly thick tome -- He holds it open and flips through its pages to first cover. It looks to be a fairly recent book, full of indexes with 'Literary archives and ledger of possessions' scrawled in neatly looping cursive boldly underlined.

"Now let's see... 'Alchemy and herbology'.. Beginner's guide to botany - almost forgot about this one- and the three journals I wrote with observations on Dark Forest flora and fauna.. a spellbook Boss forgot to take back three months ago, Meaning of flowers and another journal on past missions..." Still, nothing related to Sal'thorin or the priests there. "Welp, I can hand you this index tome to check it yourself, 'f you still don't believe me. Every literary possession - book, journal, scroll, etc. I have is written to keep track. And I'm currently skimming through 'cause we'd be here all day otherwise."

None of the pages has any priestly archives catalogued in any way, be it under 'Missing', 'Lent', 'Lost', 'In possession' or 'To borrow' and 'To purchase' or 'To return'. The tome seems to be enchanted, ever expanding or shrinking in size but always up to date and accurate. How it fits on the shelf or weighs as a standard book is a miracle of its magic.

"You'll find it rather easily in 'Possession' category under Sal'thorin-related subcategory - if it's really in my hands or home. Page..." More flipping until stopping at the one labeled as 'Sal'thorin-related'. It has 764 at the bottom. "Seven hundred-sixty-four. Everything on Sal'thorin is here, the archives should be too & marked somehow... Also as you see, everything is in alphabetical order. However it's titled, you should find it. (Again, assuming I even have them.)"

"Also, how did you get through my wards, if I might ask?"

[eclipse-descendant]

I hope you have a great time back at the Lyceum! Saving Merlin's lazy behind and reputation, all while you hopefully have at least an interesting case to deal with there...

"Oh, thanks! It's the first time I actually get to see that place - sounds pretty interesting..." Heh, Boss sure is getting ambitious with these missions.. But there probably is some conflict about to drop and I got my contract to keep soo.. No weaseling out of this one, or the next...

"Though given it's in the Lightbearer Empire and near its capitol no less... I guess the interesting case might be playing charades, if nothing else. Got a feeling whatever's going on is related to politics and.. A certain...runaway Court Mage. If Merlin's ramblings about the Lyceum's location can be trusted.." And where's Cyran.. the Syndicates are also likely involved. Still not sure what happened to Illucia after she sank into the abyss and freed Berial is related to this..

"Regardless, I've already notified a few acquaintances and pals on the matter... Val said he'd keep an eye, even if officer Evie has already been dispatched to investigate. I did want to go solo but.. Commander Perseus has already decided to watch my back, Viscount Ludovic only asked when I'm setting off... so yeap, my plan was busted."

" Anyhow, please excuse me for rambling. Hope you have a wonderful evening, Anon! Thanks for stopping by this little garden!"

[eclipse-descendant]

"Inbox is open. That's all I got to say."

[eclipse-descendant]

Sprites pack – "Everstill dawn" unlocked after "The altar, petals & vows" side quest.

[eclipse-descendant]

Sprites pack – Classic outfit "Somber mercenary"

There's another set of sprites for my other attire – "Everstill dawn". So in short: My creator finally grasped proportions (took her long enough), and fixed the uncanny mess my poses were.

[eclipse-descendant]

Okay, for context behind all these eyes: Last time I drew my friend (and love, you know 'im) and showed the pic to 'Vic... He was stunned at how abhorrent it was. And been teaching me (and making me practice drawing) since. ...Yup, I got better but only at the eyes & conveying emotions.

Forgive me for slacking on the rest of the face, Leo. Hehe.

[eclipse-descendant]

"Even when hurled far back in time, still with you." / "Won't you come with me?"

"I predict that a certain Viscount will reblog this and add it to his grimoire. I know you have it with all those memories neatly labeled... like that painting of me sleeping."

Wonder when would Author get around to finishing "The beginning" and write "Desolation of Devotion"...

[eclipse-descendant]

"....Alright, just wanted to say inbox is open and I finally got enough work off my shoulders; I can reply sooner next month. Still slow for now but come December and I'll be able to get to you right away! ...Also excuse the lack of expressions, Finch has been getting distracted and hasn't done new ones yet."

"Also... I've been hearing Merlin mutter about that Never-ending book of his lately, something about timelines and me being involved?? I have a feeling Looney-mage has opened Pandora's box, and all that was in the book will spill out. Or... he's just playing with his mystical orb-thing.. Whatever the case: Something is brewing..."

[eclipse-descendant]

Who's Tyr? And where's Soren? Also! What's Berial to you?

"Hm? I don't know who you're talking about, and Soren is with his clan in the Ashen Wastes. ....Berial is just a nuisance, nothing more or less. Though at least that clown has the decency to stay out of my way– I don't get why the time I saved him from dying at Merlin's hand red as green light to pester me in his head but... like I said, he's somewhat helpful."

[eclipse-descendant]

So how did you get with Ludovic? Also thoughts on Sigmund & Yolena?

"..Let me guess: You tried to get 'Vic into talking about us but he chose to be tight-lipped;" A small amused smile, though it can't be seen as the Night-nymph moves around the illusion-protected garden.

"Well...He caught feelings for me after some years but was hesitant to make a move at first. Simply watched my back from a distance... then one day got the courage to try courting me– except I still partially took his appearance at face-value and didn't feel comfortable reciprocating.. And eventually, I started to warily accept after getting past the way he looks. Heh, never seen him so flustered and happy before..."

The shuffling stops... silence..

"....Sigmund did what he thought was best in his grieving desperation. I don't agree with his actions, but can't judge a father for wanting to save his only child, being unable to accept his daughter is dead right away. ...He didn't deserve to be murdered twice. And Yolena– It hurt seeing the cards she was dealt. I... still feel guilty for not having been there to help–"

A sigh. "It stings every time...."

[eclipse-descendant]

Ludovic ........... "Ah, thanks. Indeed, your memory serves you well." He steps inside the cozy living room to not crowd the doorway, noting the clay cup already set on the table. The carefully selected bouquet of everblooms, heather and roses he'd gifted is still in it's corner by the window... only the everblooms are left, misted and fresh-looking. Well cared for and lovingly kept safe.

"Though I can sense your lingering doubts as to whether I am an impostor or the 'right' Valesa... Understandably. In this case, I have brought a trinket that I would like to bring to your attention."

Ludovic procures a locket that looks almost like a compass or pocket watch at a glance. It has white lilies entwined with forget-me-nots and white peonies carefully painted on the top lid. It opens with a soft click, revealing strands of snowy white hair over a picture of Pirin smiling happily.

"Of course, it is a most treasured memento. I still recall the afternoon you presented me the vacant locket you had found. ...Allegedly it reminded you of me and believed it would make for a charming gift." It did certainly make for a lovely gift... the flowers you painted on the top lid are beautiful, uniquely your style.

The evening passes over pleasant chatter over tea and water... In the end Ludovic stays over, enjoying the warmth of the hearth and love of his undead life in his arms. For once neither tomorrow's bounties nor eternity's cold embrace matter. The two lovers united, content to watch the flickering flames in comfortable silence.

----------------「 🌾Previous🌾 」------------------

[windmaedchen-lavinia]

' Dear Lavi, How's it been (thsese) - (these) sheesh, Common tongue decided to (sya). ...Say, bye-bye tonight it seems. There goes the first paragraph of my letter. How's it been lately? I heard General Hogan escaped death by a hair because of Priestess Velara's orders, and, also the gist of what happened to Sal'thorin. (Mostly from whispers on the winds around Ryeham, plus Valen and Kallina -my baby sister- filling me on the matter when I last went to Holistone.) I hope this letter finds you all well and thriving - And you're all taking good care of yourselves as each other. I... actually was planning on coming by with Carol, Callan & fam but.. Well you know how chaotic and whimsy Merlin can get on my end, so I'm hesitant to plan any trips. I'm not making any promises, but do hope Mr. Loony mage settles down a bit 'n lets me actually visit without worrying he'd pull some antics. (I swear he's like Igor and Berial fused into one..not in the fun, goofy way only.) Maybe I could let Berial keep him busy to buy me "time-off"...? Thoughts, thoughts; (Also I'd be lying if I say the rumors of a blood moon & war on the horizon don't bother me.. It's probably best I stay out of it but knowing my luck sometimes? I won't be surprised if I find myself on the front lines. Also I hear Soren will be a fellow teammate/crewmate this time around since it's the desert. It's.. kinda how I found out about this war thing- Alsa and Soren wrote to me recently half on behalf of Brutus: To warn of this. Apparently there are tensions between Maulers and Lightbearers in that territory that might be rising to conflict..) Hope to see you folks in person (cause this letter is already almost as long & rambling as Lorsan's and I apparently got a lot to say.) - Hugs & best regards to all, your Work-addict ---"Little Finch" @eclipse-descendant

With a cheeky smile, Lavinia waves the paper of the letter in front of Valen's nose. "I'll be busy answering this, so the dishes will be your task today."

"Just - today." He responds and pats her thigh before she gets up to grab a pen and delve into her response.

Dear Vanja, thanks a lot for your letter! We are doing fine, really. It's not very busy at the moment, so thankfully we can actually enjoy our time off and won't have to rush in for some extra hours. The same applies to General Hogan. He is still, in some way, recovering from his trip to Brimstone Village. It is still not public knowledge but there is an underground society living beneath the mines, that was protected by the dwarfes for centuries! The General was taken down there and it has really shaken him up! Thankfully my Magister Merlin was there to get him back and thanks to the work of and the contacts among the Solitaires, he was instantly taken care of once back on the surface. He will be fine, I am certain. Oh, it would be so lovely to see you and Carolina again! The others, too. Valen and I have asked for some time off BEFORE the usual chaos of the Winter Carnival, so we might come round Cedartown ourselves. We will be in touch about that. As for the new Blood Moon news... we have heard something similar. The Solitaries are on it. Hopefully it won't be dragging you into it, because you really should not need to solve the problems of others all the time. The Maulers we have met are our friends, so I hope they will do everything to avoid conflict.... but I can tell already... in the end... you are just as good as my own Merlin. If there really IS a problem and your friends are concerned? You won't rest until everything is resolved! In that case, don't forget that you have people around you to help. You are not alone. And I am certain that Ludovic has no intention to see you fight alone. In that regard, perhaps I should wish us both luck for the future. May we both be strong enough to protect and love enough to be protected. No matter what comes, we shall meet when the snow comes! Promise! Give my warmest regards to everyone. Yours Lavinia

[eclipse-descendant]

|| Receiving the letter from Zhar, the peony Teapot attendant carefully places it on Pirin's desk. It will be an hour before Mister Hestios returns home... In the meantime he sets on tidying up. ||

Later when the Night-nymph returns and reads the letter, he smiles fondly at its contents. It's good that they're all okay. Thank the stars, the sun and the moon. The rosella parrot perches on the hearth's mantle, dozing off... I'll likely move back to Everstill these days, my 'office' isn't seeing many visitors anyways. And if anything, the candle guards can handle any unwelcome guests if it comes to it... Might have to go and snag something- it's poor manners greeting guests empty-handed. Wonder what snacks Hysen likes...? Humming, Pirin places the letter back in its envelope and tucks it into the drawer of his desk. A phoenix feather on top of it serving as a bookmark. (A feather he'd managed to pluck from Talene's wings like the one from the Celestial's shed tail-feathers that he randomly found in Ryeham.)

[eclipse-descendant]

Leisurely walk - Memory || 12.08. xxx Rustport ||

"I still remember it like yesterday: The gentle salty breeze, the lap of waves on the beach after rain... and the beautiful, calm sunset near Brineville. Heheh, I had to rise on my very tip-toes to give my Princeling a smooch. (And given he towers by a head or two, had to kinda lift me up a bit too.) I also, remember, how red 'Vic got from embarrassment - still not used to this open affection in public to this day- but didn't mind.

Oh and that devilish wind! Ruffled & lifted the hem of my robe like Merilyn Monroe-! (It was my turn to be a red tomato, haha)"