TOO MUCH

is never enough. silas eluwe / tristan kelindorr / elowen tenelith

[graeclings]

i'm  not  beaten  by  this  yet  /  you  can't  tell  me  to  regret  /  been  in  the  dark  since  the  day  we  met.

silas eluwe, lord of varnmere castle /  introduction. threads. 

tristan kelindorr, lord of minolith keep /  introduction. threads. 

elowen tenelith, ruling lady of vynetwist citdal / introduction. threads.

[graeclings]

for: @wanshangs

location: sitting room at elaris keep

“Could I interest you in a card game ? Or maybe, a more relaxing game of checkers — I am not a master of strategy in affairs that carry weight, but I warn you that I am rarely rivaled in chess.” If Lian had found their quiet consumption of the book clasped in their hands, pitifully interrupted, they gave no indications as Tristan flopped into the seat opposite them. Good humored and rosy cheeked, he felt very much his old self; eager to speak to others, all morose thoughts dismissed from his mind for an afternoon. “We can pretend the crown wearer is not about to be chosen — I wonder what it would be like, to hold such a conversation as to decide our fates; what virtues would you hold most important, in deciding our futures ? I would place empathy, above all others, as so many of our leaders lack a capacity to care.”

[graeclings]

for: @aenaos

location: tearoom in the marketplace

Elowen rose, meeting Lenore’s approaching figure with an all encompassing smile. "I am humbled to see you have accepted my invitation -- please, would you sit?" In her endeavour to reclaim a sense of normalcy, she had sent an invitation for tea; but to sate her aspirations for a wide network of companions, she had sought Lenore for an afternoon of company. She possessed little knowledge of the other, beyond her capable mind, and well mannered humour — Lenore was a point of fascination for Elowen, and she hoped her seniority would afford her an affable figure in the others mind. “I imagine you’re baffled, or intrigued by my proposition —- but let me assure you, I have only gentle intentions. I have heard much of your gifts, and wished to meet you; I shall not burden you with an interrogation, though I shall extend to you my congratulations. You stand apart from your peers in your union; do you believe it is the pressures of parents, that have led so few to wed, or the uneasiness of my times? I worry I am too pushy — but thus is my nature.”

[wanshangs]

the comment about solitude makes them ponder. were they expecting to be alone? do they actively seek it? they do not know. whenever they are on these visits, they feel as if they cannot ever be truly alone, if not in their chambers, in the middle of the night. out there, in public, there are always prying ears and eyes at every corner, something to do, someone to talk to. in this particular regard, lord eluwe's presence is neither unwelcome nor surprising. in a way, they are glad to be pulled from the negative spiral of thoughts their mind tends to go off into when left alone. "no, not at all. it is a pleasure. like you said, sometimes we need to be pulled away from where our minds wander off to." "indeed, i am a lover of books- if nothing else." hours spent in the library at home, the scrolls and books orion and their sister adored and studied. all gone now, unlike the bitter taste at the back of their throat, which does not leave. they attempt a smile. "i am sure you are being humble, my lord. for i believe, the more you read, you will believe the less read you are." the ignorant thought oneself a genius. the wise knew that they were nothing but. "paradoxical yet, the more we learn, the more we realize how little we know." the smile wavers at the mention of their home, and they nod solemnly, finding it easier to look back into the view now, simpler to hold the mask in its place. "i sincerely wish your next visit will be better than the last. safer."

[graeclings]

"My father often told me that I spent too much time daydreaming. In my youth, I felt it was a cold admonishment; I believe I understand him now. Besides, my travels are made worthwhile by conversations such as this." He treasured private moments such as this above all others; interactions with other hollows promised delights, intrigue, alliances. But Silas marvelled at the introspection speaking another, with whom he knew in name alone --- and to them, he offered his honesty, an open ear. He liked to meditate on his failures to often; but in the open air, gazing off into the sunset, he felt much he was shining in his very best. They spoke of books as one who loved their pages, and Silas admired them for it; he admired the other hollows, those who dedicated themselves to knowledge and the preservation of the past in ritual. "What do you love to read most? History, or tales of grand adventures? I used to prefer the latter; the former, seems to call to me now." Upon being offered a compliment, Silas bows his head; he is touched by their willingness to extend kindness and charity to his person so readily. "You are kind, and I thank you for a generous interpretation of my being. And you speak wisely --- the most curious shall never have their desire for knowledge to be stated." Silas had never considered himself worldly --- but the more he ventured, the more he was endowed with the insight that he had a poor handling upon the world he believed he knew." "I would like to return; I know normalcy shall never return after tragedy, but I envision a time where we no longer fear, or gaze behind our shoulders in fear. It would nice, wouldn't it? Rambling from hollow to hollow, meeting others in friendship."

[moonvcils]

seren sat beside her mother, legs tucked under her as she flipped the page of the book she was reading. there was always a sense of comfort around her mother that seren had yet to find in another's company. when elowen spoke up, the youngest tenelith lifted her head to gaze upon her mother's features as she closed the book, her finger trapped within to hold her place. "i have. it is surprising how much i've grown to enjoy such social gatherings and the people who attend them," as she had always claimed she was comfortable in her solitary silence amongst the walls of the citadel's library.

of course, she blushed as her mother clearly inquired about a potential suitor or two. it was not until the last month spent in vallarion that seren herself had noticed how enamored she had become with the youngest elarion (the ever present smile she found herself wearing in his company was sorely missed), so confessing such interest to her mother hadn't come up. "a matchmaking ball? is marrying off your children all you worry about?" she asked. "if so, lukesh should be your focus. i will be fine." he was the heir after all.

[graeclings]

Seren was her child; it mattered not what lack of blood lay between them, for Seren had sprouted into a woman so wholly alike Elowen. But she possessed a restraint, and a penchant for eschewing company, that had always been remarkable; the latter seems so inate to her being, that Elowen had thought the prospect of her child moving freely through the throng, an unlikely one. Thus, not only her willingness to befriend the other hollows, but to enjoy unrestrained success in the venture, had been a delightful discovery. "It makes me so happy to hear you say so; I have wondered as of late, whether removing you and Lukesh from the safety of our home had only brought you misery, and proximity to danger." Elowen was not so dismayed, as to shoulder unnecessary blame; but the corners of her mouth cannot help but turn downwards, unhappily reminiscing on the events past. Their conversation on the matter of a matchmaking ball, returns her spirits -- Elowen sits a little straighter, as if poised to jump up and begin preparations at once. "It is not a worry, but rather a wondrous calling. Is this your way of letting me know you would not be opposed to such a thing?" She brushes back a strand of Seren's fine hair, as if sweeping away notions that she would be spared from Elowen's endeavours. "You are both my focus, as it always has been --- I seek to find you a companion worthy of your gifts, your love. Has no one yet emerged as a viable prospect in your eyes? I must hasten my efforts, if so."

[aubadement]

✧˚ · . ─── " It is the way in which this world of ours works , no ? I cannot say there is little that will stop Death's touch for once it has begun it is difficult to thwart it's path . " Her voice was airy and serene as though Efigenia took great pleasure in this fact even if it meant her own quietus could greet her soon enough. Either, she would miraculously obtain the title of crown or her status would remain unchanged within society, yet her relationship with her siblings would be forever marred. Especially when it came to Amarei and such was an unbearable truth.

She nearly balked at his words, though they were a succulent insight as to his own views of this entire debacle of crown and council. " It must be awfully cushy within the hollow of Morkhul , Lord Tristan . Your house is the one which lords over the tying of destinies as I recall ? " Her brow arched as though in great scrutiny over the idea , " This dark spell is only just beginning . Do you not find it beautiful ? " Her head cocked to the side, extempore rapidly expelled from her lips in a true show of her current ailment; a curse of her house, the wretchedness of Graveholt terminal.

[graeclings]

"We are bound to our mortality -- but does that not give us better incentive to be glad for our brief time on earth? I do not know if I fear death yet, but youth may shield me from its true realities. One day, I shall greet it with understanding and care." Death in Efigenia's hands, moulded in her words, felt like a dark spectre, haunting his steps. A hungry thing, seemingly unchained and prowling; death in her hands was no light thing, nor one he could ever submit to.

Tristan cannot help himself; he gazes at Efigenia with rapt interest, finding fascination in every expression that crossed her countenance. He cannot tell what has cast her in such a light; whether it be fabled madness, or reactive grief. It can only be hoped, that it is not a secret knowledge of dark events to come. "It has been --- like a wonderful, prolonged childhood. But the time has come for it to end, hasn't it? No longer can I enjoy such peace." Whatever fear had been placated in his heart, comes rising to his throat --- he fears for her, balancing so precariously, speaking giddily of death and darkness. Does she long for such a thing; to what end? "You must know more than I, my lady. Do you propose that we stand upon the edge of a knife, waiting to tip into our total destruction? Do you desire such a thing?"

[moonvcils]

she had not even considered all the kinds of events that could be held. the life she had once dreamed of while in her childhood bedroom came to her mind in quick images. for a moment it saddened her that once again it seemed as though it were only possible in a dreamscape. but she pushed that thought away. it would be possible, someday. "a garden party sounds magnificent."

she smiled brightly and laughed at her brother's words, coming to sit next to him and grasp his arm. "we could never be apart for long. i would write you every day, and i would make sure to always return home long enough that it wouldn't even feel as though i was gone." how she wished he would be her companion, but eliza knew if he wanted that he would have offered. her brother seemed to be at peace when they were back in the lush gardens of their home. at the mention of him spending his days in said garden with a loved one, her expression took on a cheerful feature. but it was quickly driven away by concern over courtly gossip. "you are not foolish. how could you be the source of such a rumor if you do not even remember starting it?" she shook her head, determined to return back to the subject of love. "i do hope to see you find someone soon, brother. in fact," she paused, getting up to grasp the list she had just been thinking about.

she tugged it from under the mattress before bounding back over to him. "i have made a list of every eligible person currently at court. look over the list and tell me what you think of them, or what they think of you." she had even put her friends on the list, although she found her heart constantly at war over the disgust at thinking of her friends in a heated embrace with her brother and the idea of spending almost every day with them in minolith manor.

[graeclings]

"We shall have one, even if I have to beg our beloved hosts on my hands and knees." It was fool-heartedly in some sense, for Tristan to envision such a thing; but he longed for moments of tenderness that resembled his sunny childhood years. Even amidst tragedy, Tristan reflected upon those years with a sense of longing; his world had been far small, but it had been safe, consistent. He could trust little now, beyond his sisters --- the rest, he could no longer regard with blind optimism. "You promise? I will hold you to your words, even if I am forced to hunt you down in a remote forrest. But is it what you wish to do for all your days? Or shall you make your home somewhere?" Eliza had amassed enough companions to offer her a host of options for a new home; privately, he would nurse the possibility that her rambling would return her to their hollow, to sit beside him in his garden and pass their years in peace. "Well I did not intentionally cast myself in such a role, but my manner has cemented it into being. Come! The world would not exist if we were as charming as you --- who would fill the silences with endless chatter?" Tristan reached for his sisters hand, patting it gingerly. He did not wish to depress her large heart, nor cause her concern; he delivered the verdict with a smile, an accepting air. When his love came at last, it would be one who accepted his oddities, his manner entirely. Tristan stirred instantly, as Eliza rose --- his brows could not stop themselves from furrowing, unsure what her display would bring. "A list of eligible suitors?" Despite his shock at his younger sister taking up such an endeavour, he gives way to a bright smile, and a laugh of pure joy --- he is unsure if he is amused, impressed, or mortified his romantic affairs have reached such a lowly state. "A list .... dear sister, when did you begin this? Who could be on this list!"

[talesinrequiem]

for a moment, denma could do nothing but sense how surreal it was to be having such a conversation. her entire life, outside of her home, she avoided them. careful with every word. every move she ever made. neutrality was always the goal of her family. if one could truly remain neutral, they could continue their life’s purpose – to take care of those that had passed. it was only in the last years that they began to raise their voices. still, it had been tied to the dead once more. the worry of them walking among them. the sounds they heard at night. heir fukuyama did her best to not allow it to color her day to day actions. breathing softly, she nodded.

“i fear there are games beyond our sight that will make decisions for us. whether we wish to be involved or not,” she thought of her brother. of holding his body in death only to burn it. true anger filled her then. her hands had shook for the first time when she took care of their bodies. his body.

“you are dear to our people. one of the few who can still see the sunlight. be touched by it without fear. while many have made homes in the dark, some still envy.” it was a warning she could provide. not because she knew of anything, but she did know of people and those with power. “i pray your family remains safe. that you never need me because of hands that were not nature’s own.”

[graeclings]

"How do you deal with such a reality? I find myself increasingly aware that my air of blithe shall not hold, as my fate remains beyond my control -- it is a merciless thing." His tone, matched by the strength of his gaze, is not quite melancholy; as always, Silas spoke ugly truths with a resigned air. He did not wish to be passive, particularly in regards to his own affairs. But he felt no sense of peace, in open rebellion towards what he could never conjure into being -- namely, to rid their world of its darkest ailments.

Denma's words, though lined with an omen of danger, were a warm balm to his heart. He had never regarded himself as a being dear; his gift, so intertwined with his existence, had not occupied his mind as a point of wonder. Yet, to consider himself a point of envy; or more so, a relic of retreating tradition, and to incur other wrath, was wholly new in an unsettling matter. "You speak so intelligently my lady, that I find myself unmoored by my own ignorance --- the sun is my most cherished companion, but it is my affection that has blinded me to others malice for its being. I wonder what would become of us, if the whole world was consumed by darkness -- my own demise, would seem certain." Pausing, Silas composes himself; dark spectres had sprouted in his mind, occasioning misery across the lands. "I wish the same for you; I know your kin has already weathered a loss that I cannot fathom, though one day I know I shall, I must. Perhaps in a years time, we shall look upon the misery of these times, and feel it is so far away from us."

[aubadement]

✧˚ · . ─── " If I wished to harm you , indeed , you would be struck , " there is no ego in the message, his cadence unwavering in the truth of his precision as a blade. Amidst the canopy of branches which housed him, Taemris studded her; shoulders rolled high, unrestrained elegance, certainly she ruled over a house. That fact alone inspired Taemris to remain perched upon the branch for now, not out of fear of harm, but within a disinterest of being recognized by a significant figure within a house or hollow. " Pray tell , my Lady , for I wish not to offend with my assumptions , but have you ever held a blade with the intent to maim , to kill ? " She spoke of being at her mercy if he were to continue this reckless charade and that alone spoke to talents she kept hidden within; he figured one of her caliber and status would not make an empty threat to bargain with.

[graeclings]

"Then I shall consider myself lucky, to not have yet incurred your wrath." Elowen possessed no dexterity, no strength in arms; her gifts lay in intellect, in the consumption of words and knowledge. She had no false airs about his ability to overtake her, should he desire so; but she felt no threat as he gazed down upon her, perfectly perched like a jaguar, admiring its domain. His question intrigued Elowen, and made her give pause, to let a smile encroach upon her features. Above all else, his words were so remarkably young -- youth steadied his hand, and guided his blade. "I have not -- but why would I? You find strength and comfort in demonstrations of physical prowess; I find more satisfaction in immaterial displays. The better question may be, would I do such a thing? And the answer would be yes, for the right reasons."

[wanshangs]

their elbows rest on the balustrades, figure hunched over, watching the lights play tricks on the horizon. they don't know if it is their imagination, or if they are able to see maybe a few rays peeking through the darkness, signaling the sun that was there mere hours ago. some of their mind remains there, thinking of what it would be like as a sunwalker, to feel that warmth on one's skin. it doesn't take long for that thought to remind them of the dangers of it. the warmth that turned into fire, the embers and the ashes that showered upon them. it seems every thought leads back there, to the tragedy that they could not stop, the home they do not have anymore. lost in their own mind, it takes them longer to realize they have company. their hunched posture straightens, their hands moving to the balustrade instead of their forearms. the armor that is back up again, the countenance turning from sorrowful to neutral. it takes a few more seconds for them to recognize lord eluwe, another potential crownwearer, the heir of varnmere. they briefly bow their head in greeting, before looking back at the view in front of them. the sorrow returns to their eyes again as they look away. "it is quite beautiful." so much so that it turns into terror. "i seem to have lost a few hours myself. thank you for your company." they pull back slightly from the balustrade, trying to distance themself from where their mind had wandered off to, convincing themself it is pure night stretched out in front. a small smile is offered as they shake their head, humming before they speak. "no, not idiotic at all. i haven't been... only read about it before." they do not know if it lives up to the descriptions. their vision has not been as colorful as it used to be. "was it your first time visiting vallarion then?"

[graeclings]

"You are kind, to accept the intrusion upon your solitude so openly; after all, how often can any of us truly enjoy the comfort of being alone?" He did not drift readily to silent rooms, unoccupied and still --- but Silas was not immune to the pressures of performance, and often sought a reprieve from seeking to appear his best for the crowd. The sun did not shine for the edification for others, even as its display blackened to the death scene as night took hold; he would have liked to have its strength in ambivalence, to exist as freely as the elements above. It was unlikely he would be awarded a seat of ultimate authority; but Silas knew the changing winds would demand all to act, regardless of position. He knew little of Orion's aspirations -- a common calamity that befell Silas, in regards to his peers. But he looked upon their youthful visage and saw something tranquil, reflective; a trick of the scenery perhaps, but Silas had yet to be failed greatly by his own intuition. "You are a great lover of reading, then? I have dedicated so much time to reflection, that my own literary feats are sorely lacking; but I have yet to meet someone who is not more well read, and it provides a great incentive to my plans." Vallarion rises in his mind, at Orion's words; he wishes to think of it in the kindest terms, to bade the events of the past, to not overstate their importance in his reflections. "It was; for whatever misery was occasioned, I enjoyed my stay. I've often thought how wonderful it would be to travel, and perhaps I still shall -- but I have never been so wholly confronted with the dangers of our world, as I have these last weeks."

[graeclings]

for: @insatiabilitics

location: a small garden in elaris keep

"I know a semblance of peace shall be restored by the forthcoming declaration of the new crownwearer. But do you too, feel a sense of disquiet creeping in at the prospect? We are to have a new champion, supposedly; but I have little faith in the idea of change." It is with Brannon, that Elowen can speak so freely --- it is not merely the years of friendship they have shared, but a sacred vow cast within their hollow. Brannon is at least, spared the threat of ascendency; though Elowen privately held the belief the next crownwearer would find their position precarious, and hard to maintain. The sun above them has been sweltering, and has blossomed into an oppressive influence -- Elowen did not crave the dark, but its rays were traitorous illuminating her features and their every micro expression. Seated in a small garden, she is at least comforted by a degree of privacy; they have only the demure bubbling of a fountain beside their bench as notable company. Having paused enough to afford a degree of reflection, words brew in her throat once more; some force has compelled her to speak. "Dear Rhyaenna has made a mighty choice -- how do you feel about such a thing, as her ascending to the crown? I would be delighted, in a sense; but I care for her too much to pretend it is not a frightening thing."

[talesinrequiem]

the lord eluwe spoke true. storms need be weathered with patience. with careful candor when able. perhaps the safety of ones that could be trusted. in times of late, it was the latter that was the most difficult. at least as far as denma had been able to see. nodding softly at his words, she moved to sit beside him, her bells jingling lightly while doing so. “you speak truth lord silas,” while her words were soft, they were steady. “one is safest in a storm when sheltered. it is times like these where trusted ones are needed more than ever.” each syllable laced with conviction as she thought on it more. the death the lady garramoth had surprised her. cleaning and looking upon her spoke of a time that had not been kind. there had been no softness in her death. “have you and yours been well as of late?” quietly she hoped there would be no call for his family as well. not now. not so soon after another. and another.

[graeclings]

"It is a pity, so few trust one another; but perhaps, we are poised to eclipse such antipathy with a new tide of fraternity. I must admit --- it is a rather foolish hope, isn't it? But if I do not endeavour towards peace, I shall be lost; I have no place in open warfare." Denma spoke to him gently, her tone warm and open; if she was disinclined to his blind optimism, her cadence did not betray her true sentiments. Such a reflective humour in another was comforting -- it would always please Silas to sit still, and gaze upon current affairs without agenda. "My family is well; they are removed at least, from bodily harm. But the prospect of the council's decision weighs on them --- but who amongst us can escape such thoughts? The prospect of stability is too tantalising, as is the fear of the unknown. Power; even the most elusive cannot avoid its might."

[moonvcils]

it was a nice reminder, that tristan also was so unexperienced in the world around them. so often did eliza fell as though she was years behind her friends and peers, that she would never catch up to their lived experienced. and yet now tristan did not seem that much different then she. "i believe heliophra may be my favorite so far," she said, with a playful smile. of course she had said the same of vallarion, but she had not seen heliophra at that point.

when he asked of her perfect world, where she could choose a path before her and no longer fear violence or death on the horizon, eliza's eyes grew wide as numerous ideas overtook her. "i think i would travel. see all that nocturnia has to offer. visit ever nook and cranny in every hollow, and perhaps detail my travels in a journal!" she had loved to read books, why not write them? "and you, brother? what will you do when the world is open to you? find someone to share it with?" while eliza was delighted to have one sibling married, she was ready for her brother to find someone to spend his days with. he was magnificent. one of the best people she knew, and so deserving of love. she had already decided to help tristan find a match. he did not know it, but she had a list of all the eligible nobles hidden away beneath her mattress.

[graeclings]

"The climate is at least, inclined to inspire warmer dispositions -- maybe we shall have a grand garden party, or a ball beneath a sunny sky. Would it not be wonderful, to be merry and pretend we are all fond of one another?" It warmed him to see Eliza express glee; health had made its grand return to her features, which bore a lively expression. His own pallor had finally dissipated, though Tristan retained a trace of the melancholy that had haunted him during her convalescence; optimism had yet to making a daring return to his humour.

Eliza bloomed beneath the prospect of a free and blessed future; he would never claim ownership over politics, but it would be his one earthly endeavour, to see her enjoy rambling across lush fields, slipping between hollows, unburdened by anything but wanderlust. "But you will come home to visit, won't you? I do not know if I am meant to travel anymore --- I have discovered I am at my best, when situated in my garden. I shall however, prize your future chronicles with great delight; I suspect that you may be in possession of a companion, in your journeys." He spoke of her friendships chiefly -- Eliza was too beloved for her newly acquired menagerie of companions to allow her to slip from their sides. Of companions of another nature --- ignorance as to such matters, kept Tristan from unbecoming irritation, or the unsightly throbbing of a vein in his forehead. "As for my wishes .... should we see peace, and be left to our own devices, I would like to grow my garden. I should like to do so with one I love, but I fear I am rather an acquired taste --- there's a rumour going around I'm rather foolish, and I worry I may have started it myself."

[graeclings]

@wanshangs

location: balcony in elaris keep

There is little hiding that could be accomplished now; with a single declaration, Silas had unveiled himself as a man with a propensity beyond quiet reflections. But he has been unable to ascend, and becoming a politician --- in lieu of courting favour, Silas lingers on a balcony, surveying the fleeting sun as its rays begin to dim. He is not alone; Orion stands a foot away, unmoved by Silas' intrusion minutes prior, into what had been a private movement. Turning to survey the other, Silas' pangs a moment --- he thinks they look so young, even though his own age has not yet reached one of note. To be six and twenty at such a time; Silas would have been wholly adrift, and willing to surrender to the tides. "Do you find it beautiful too? Sunset, that is; I am never glad to see the sun surrender its dominion to the moon, but the brilliant blaze it sets upon its departure feels unrivalled. A distraction, almost -- I cannot lose more hours to pondering the tragedies that have befallen us." Orion, more so than he, claimed ownership of tragedy outright --- but by nature, the calamities that had struck other hollows, had become seeping into all others, casting a haze of dark mist over all things. "Have you ever been to Heliophra before? If you think the question idiotic, I must inform you I have been shocked at how well traveled others are; before we first set out for the capital, my life had been so small."

[graeclings]

for: @moonvcils

location: elaris keep, tenelith quarters

A quiet harmony blankets the room, a nature balance restored by content lounging by mother and daughter. Seated side by side upon a flush couch, Elowen's eyes periodically close, as a gentle hum leaves her lips; she is happy, at least for now. She knows such stillness will not last, and thus pockets of joy must be relished --- and taken advantage of. "Have you enjoyed reuniting with the other Hollows, my love? Perhaps one or two figures in particular, that you had missed in our little interlude?" An honest addendum to this inquiry, would unveil that Elowen had no real insight as to whom these people might be --- but she desired they might exist, and Seren would gleefully unveil their identities to her. It was a longing for her children to be happily settled, in lieu of a blind quest for matrimony; nothing would warm her heart more, than to hear they had settled their affections upon those worthy of them. "I may be forced to blackmail the council, and guide their hands to throw a matchmaking ball; one where all windows and doors are locked, to ensure some measure of success."

[aubadement]

𝖜𝖍𝖔: efigenia velwyrn && OPEN [2/5] 𝖜𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊: a balcony within elaris keep 𝖜𝖍𝖊𝖓: within 48hrs of hollows/houses arriving

.✦ ݁˖ ⸻ Efigenia sat precariously close to the edge of the balcony's precipice. It felt as though if she leaned far enough, she could spill out over the side and the stars would carry her afloat, their essence burning brightly, starkly, madly, within the evening sky. She'd barely spent her time in Heliophra, the golden sands and ivory pillars the complete antithesis to the grayscale of her home within Drakathar. One of her pets was perched upon her knee, the beetle chittering into the quiet buzz of the night. She had tossed everything to the wayside by throwing her name into the battle for Chosen - a losing battle - but one she fought madly to entertain. Her sister had chosen a life within Vexmarsh, a deliberate act of silence against Efigenia for all her recklessness. She was ruling lady of the house and though she had opened the door for Amarei to walk away, a means of refuge against Graveholt, the silence screamed louder than ever before.

Though she heard the other approach, she did not address them directly, speaking to the beetle which was one of the only one's left within the empty embrace of Graveholt; it made sense she would not leave them behind in her journey to Elaris Keep.

" Who will be next to fall ? " Cooed to the creature perched on her leg, her eyes finally wandered to the one who joined her on the balcony. " Who joins the Lady of Sheer Castle in her sacrifice ? " An inappropriate laugh escaped her for if Efigenia was to meet the hands of death before her name was offered vengeance then all would be for naught.

[graeclings]

"Must another fall?" Tristan's musing was open, extending beyond the bluntness of Efigenia's words; was the natural order of their world, predicated on mortal sacrifice? He had approached her person cautiously, unsure whether she would entertain company --his easiness had been tainted by a sense of uncertainty, a guarded air dimming his natural affinity to seek company wherever he went. Efigenia's proximity to the balcony's edge quickened the pace of his heart; she seemed to float upon it, with little care paid to the precarious nature of her position. Perhaps such was the nature of those of her Hollow --- mortality seemed to hold little weight in their world. His eyes cannot help but stray to the insect perched upon her knee, appearing as commonplace as a cat, nestled on ones lap --- Tristan could not claim the sight unsettled him, but it brought him little comfort. "Would you make such a sacrifice, my lady? I hope that we have given enough; may the will of our next crownwearer, be just and true. My only hope is that whatever dark spell has been cast upon us, shall now be bade to dissipate."

[aubadement]

𝖜𝖍𝖔: taemris morvaen && OPEN [capping at 4] 𝖜𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊: vague enough, somewhere within elaris keep 𝖜𝖍𝖊𝖓: within 48hrs of hollows/houses arriving

.✦ ݁˖ ⸻ Similar to the last gathering, where they were forced to linger in close chambers while madness and undeath lurked, Taemris placed as much distance as one could before it could be translated as fleeing from obligation. His things were placed within the chambers designated for House Morvaen and before Marya and he could even plausibly discuss such fetid turn of events, Taemris disappeared into the blinding hues of gold and ivory. Even amidst the blankets of dark which housed their kind as velkynar, the sharp brilliance of Heliophra was unnerving. Elaris Keep was built fragile as glass yet had withstood time as resilient as stone; an anomaly within itself yet something to be respected.

Taemris sat within the sanctuary of night, perched within a low hanging branch. Silence had overtaken him and only thing which broke through such stillness had been the occasional thwack of his throwing knife hitting the tree bark opposite of him. It sprayed in small splinters, dusting the ground beneath it. When footsteps resounded off the path leading to his little alcove of peace and solitary, Taemris did not pause his target practice; the knife now diving into the ground, nestling just between the two feet of that who had approached.

It was not entirely a warning, but a silent reminder that whoever felt it wise to break his solitary make it worthwhile.

[graeclings]

"Do you wish to warn me off, or has your aim simply missed its target?" The knife nestled in the ground between her feet glinted in the pale whispers of light emanating from the moon; what had been an aimless venture, meant to test her strength, was now tinted with an air of uncertainty. Such had become Elowen's existence, when life demanded she leave the sanctity of her home --- she had yet to determine whether she relished or despised such interruptions to a life of quiet. "My children often climbed trees when they were young, hiding out for hours at a time; I always cautioned them, that they could easily fall. But I look upon you now, and I think it is a vulnerable thing, to find refuge in a tree. You are above me, but entirely at my mercy, should you ever choose to descend."