Twilight’s Burden

“Always something that needs fixing…”

[imperator-ravion]

This city can never catch a proper break now, can it…

Alright, alright. Here I am.

Greetings, and welcome to my humble abode.

As a thank you from me for coming all the way here, I’ll answer your questions or whatever that concerns you. However, should any happen to step out of line, unfortunately I will have to decline.

Unless notified prior, any questions sent to me if unanswered after 2 weeks are considered discarded.

Hmm… I think that’s all for now. If I remember needing to add anything else, I’ll get to it.

———————

I should keep records of Special Events, shouldn’t I?

— Paranoia on the Prowl [Ended] —

— A certain special visit [Ended] —

— Good News Travels Fast [Ongoing] —

— Two Pale Ones Meet in a Bar... [Ongoing] (Oh, right! This is the first occasion of my getting to step outside Sal'thorin for once.) —

[imperator-ravion]

Is it true that you used to always try to trip Velara up and bully her as a child?

My dear, wherever did you hear that from?

Since you asked me about this, it indicates you want to believe it to be true, and you’d like me to confirm it…

If it’s based from your assumption regarding how I interact with Velara… It doesn’t really matter whether or not I used to trip her up in my youth then, does it?

[serenaofesperia]

An envelope flew into Serena's room, the envelope open itself with magic as a letter slip out of it.

Greetings lady Serena. It's seem your beauty is ever so lasting, dazzling like a rare gem. I hope you'll forever shine and dazzling like this, Perhaps just like glitter that won't come off the skin but forever shining.

- Jn.

Before the young lady could look away from the mysterious letter, a portal appears above her and without warning dropped a pounds of dirty mustard yellow glitter directly on her, covered every part of her with glitter from head to toe and basically buried her in ugly colored glitter. And if we know glitter so well, those probably won't come out even after hundreds of shower.

Serena’s shriek is loud enough for the Essail to hear.

[imperator-ravion]

!…

Goodness, what was that?

I sure hope it’s not someone being drowned in glitter somewhere.

[imperator-ravion]

A portal appears in Ravion's bedroom as he's doing some extremely uninteresting work. A woman is visible across the misty surface, her back facing the portal with a mirror in front of her. She pulls out a pin shaped like a wheat stalk from her hair, and the braid wrapped around her head comes undone. She walks backwards through the portal and into the room, pulling her hair loose as stark white strands unravel over her back and curiously, two fluffy fox ears pop up on her head

"Dura above, did you drop a whole bottle of perfume?" She still doesn't seem to have noticed, or rather, looked towards the stunned imperator. She walks over to the bed in the middle of the room, pulling out the last pin from her hair and swerving on her feet to crash onto the silken sheets.

"Has it really been a whole month since I last visited? Something feels diff-" the white-haired mage finally looks at Ravion, freezing in place, her ears disappearing with a poof as normal human ears take their place.

"Ah...." she looks around properly, "well....this is a little bit awkward"

@archon-merlin-magister-supreme

-Ravion recovers from the initial surprise just about as quickly as when the woman first appeared in his room.-

My, my. Another welcoming surprise… From a familiar presence, actually.

Let’s see, the last time you were here was… When this city was being propped as a stage for another of Velara’s unprompted charades.

No need to worry about the awkwardness, Magister. I’ve seen plenty stranger things.

-Plus, this visit is certainly much more fun than the boring paperwork he’s been doing.-

[imperator-ravion]

Gets jumped by a mini-Velara plushie while chilling with mini-Ravion.

(She got rejected by her counterpart)

…

“It takes real courage to meet her gaze”, they say… I don’t know who made you, but you look more… deceptively cute, than actively concealing kindness.

My, what am I to do with you…

Since you’re here, it means Velara doesn’t keep you around, as expected of her. Oh well, I suppose my subordinate can take care of you instead…

[imperator-ravion]

"Your Highness, someone has told me to find you. They claim that you wish me to be your valentine?"

"This isn't one of your ideas to trick me into doing something ridiculous with you, is it?"

( @captain-indris )

Oh my, someone has already found out.

Well, I suppose it is inevitable...

... Considering the occasion, Indris.

[imperator-ravion]

Kalix eyes widen a bit seeing Ravion…new appearance. Beautiful was not enough of a word and soon the mage felt his cheek turned into a soft pink before smiling.« Oh my…aren’t you quite the sight now ? Truly the surface had some success on you~ » Kalix hums, trying to not get too distracted from the imperator clothes…and chest. @thearcanist

Oh dear, Magister.

It appears my attempt to blend in on the surface has failed, then, seeing that look on your face…

[imperator-ravion]

what do you think about your new outfit ?

What do you think, darling?

I hope you don’t think I’m showing too much… You know I’d hate to stand out on the surface.

[imperator-ravion]

A masked plushie scoots out of the nearby bushes and stops at Ravion's feet.

Mini Ravion: ...!

Wow, to have a plushie version of me to be right here is not on my bingo card. A welcoming surprise.

-Ravion picks up the plushie, taking note of the intricate details on it, even on its tiny mask.-

Interesting… Even the armor you have feels soft to the touch.

-A perfect replica of himself, just shrunk in size, is softer to hold… and looks cuter.-

You don’t like the idea of having to work, either, I take it? That’s perfectly fine, we both can just have fun. Maybe you can help me keep watch while I do have to work, then?

Hmm… If there is someone behind this, I wonder if Velara’s got the plushie version of herself pay her a visit yet. If so, I’m sure they’d toy with her, and that would be fun.

[afkj-morgan]

// Continuation from here. @imperator-ravion

(Two pales ones meet in a bar - 1, 2, 3, 4, ...)

*While Morgan reports to Merlin, the three of them do keep an eye on Ravion. He seems to be enjoying himself, curiously studying both the environment and the people within. Without faltering. After a moment, Morgan returns. with two large rolled up leafs in one hand, and two ceramic bottles.*

Nothing challenges your beliefs as much as exposure to unfamiliar things.

And I have seen things that make you question everything.

Ah, well, anyway... Merlin's sending her regards. She thought it was better not to overwhelm you with too much novelty. And I agree. Your place wasn't the first I have stumbled into and even that little I have seen ... ugh, it's gonna take days to process.

Here. Let's relax. Grilled beast steak in bread and fresh water. A real treat!

[imperator-ravion]

Truth be told, friend, this has been the most fun I’ve had yet. I can’t help my curiosity… And to a degree, I get to experience history itself, even if only a corner of it.

This is going to take me a while, too… There is still so much to see here, but the time I’m in still needs my grand presence.

Let your friend Merlin know I send my regards, too.

-The moment Ravion lays eyes on the food, he nods in acknowledgement. From how things are looking around here, this is probably the best they can have.-

-And of course, no one in his time is going to believe that he can drink fresh water no problem.-

Best of a treat as we can get, and well-earned for us stumbling into our times.

[imperator-ravion]

given that you have scales too…do you shed ?

Interesting question...

My mother is definitely more knowledgable at that, but it depends on whether she agrees to humor you.

Now, my dear, since you said “too”… I hope it doesn’t cause you as much discomfort as the nobles here usually experience. I have a feeling you wouldn’t like to try the Mystic Dew.

[afkj-morgan]

// Continuation from here. @imperator-ravion

As long as mortals are at the mercy of their gods, there is indeed no point trying to overthink it, for they are powerless to do anything.

To challenge that status quo is exactly why I am traveling with Merlin. Magic provides a power to the people that will allow them to stand up against the tyranny of the gods.

Once the gods are all gone, it will be entirely in the hands of mortals to establish their ways of life. Granted, humans can be just as dark as a fallen god, but at least these mortal tyrants stand on equal footing with their subordinates - that's a fair conflict, unlike god-versus-mortal.

Oh? Do you wish to venture anywhere else? 

[imperator-ravion]

Challenging such a status quo is difficult—especially if it’s a stubborn deity, so I commend you and your Merlin for taking up the roots of the work.

And yes, a part of me is curious of how the Wildborn is like, preferrably watching from a distance… Though, it might be too far from the portal here.

But hey, if push comes to shove, I can teleport back.

[afkj-morgan]

He, be my guest! I need to check on them anyway. Merlin should be in Mirehold, so let's go there.

Mirehold's a dull little sister of their main home and hearth, but the Wildborn have still added their charm to that place. You won't fail to miss it.

Though will you be able to appreciate it? Given the glamour of your place, I frankly doubt it. Hahaha.

Oh, and if we're lucky we might be catching them just in time for freshly baked bread and grilled meat.

[imperator-ravion]

Anything that can be tasted or touched in Sal'thorin, I already knew. Something new in a different timeline doesn't seem like a bad idea.

Freshly baked bread and grilled meat... Don't mind if I do.

I get to try new things, you get to check on the Wildborn and catch up with your Merlin. It's two birds in one stone.

[afkj-morgan]

Oh, now that you mention it... given your origin you may not be able to stomach our food very well.

Buuuut that's nothing a little magic can't fix. Come on then...

*Morgan leads Ravion down the path towards the bridge, across it and into Mirehold itself. On their way, a giant snake hangs wearily upon a branch above their heads, several soldiers turn their heads when they see Ravion stroll past, and the Wildborn kids even follow behind the pair as they enter the village above the swampy area.*

Ah, the fires are burning, the barbecue is in the works and over there I can see Merlin.

And Gala.

[imperator-ravion]

-Ravion has long gotten used to eyes on him the moment he walks past people, except this isn’t fully like how the maids are transfixed by admiration, or how the guards express reverence, or even how the nobles only consider him as the Prince of Sal’thorin and need to tiptoe their moves.-

-These looks are of intrigue, Halian adults and Wildborn kids alike. Of course, he himself is hardly like either of them, people are understandably curious.-

-… The giant snake particularly stands out to him as he senses it above the two. Watchful eyes even around these parts, assumingly so?-

-While Morgan catches up with Merlin and Gala, Ravion checks around the area. A few small talks here or trying something new there… He’s got this, simply have some fun.-

-… Children will always be a headache, though. But hey, he’s also got the maintaining composure part handled.-

My my… No one in the time I’m in would believe any of this when I return.

[imperator-ravion]

BOO!!

!…

-However surprised Ravion appears to be from Igor’s sudden entrance, is quickly brushed aside the moment he realizes the whimsical one before him is a Graveborn.-

-The kind that his dear mother taught him and Velara just as much about.-

My goodness gracious. An interesting kind of greeting you have there.

Hello, nonetheless. What may you be here for?

[mad-daggerrrrrrrrrr]

Heheheh!! Just passing by!! I thought you looked interesting enough to spook!!

(whispers) I'm also technically sneaking out from my hometown to adventure, it's getting kinda boring back there!

Anywho, your mask is very shiny and pretty!! I can't believe I'd find another person who wears a mask!! Well, technically I wear a helmet but it's pretty much the same!!

This technically makes us mask buddies, no? Yeah, dapper mask buddies!!

Might be a hunch, but you also look like the type of person to be interested in games!! Would you like to play a game? It can be your liking, I'm down with any!!

[imperator-ravion]

Oh, sneaking out to find something fun, keeping our face hidden, playing all kinds of games…

You’re just as interesting. I, too, have a hunch we’ll get along splendidly.

Since choosing is up to me, I happen to be wickedly good with card games, so let’s have ourselves some fun ones.

[imperator-ravion]

*booping you*

My, quite an adorable gesture. Appreciate it, cutie.

[imperator-ravion]

BOO!!

!…

-However surprised Ravion appears to be from Igor’s sudden entrance, is quickly brushed aside the moment he realizes the whimsical one before him is a Graveborn.-

-The kind that his dear mother taught him and Velara just as much about.-

My goodness gracious. An interesting kind of greeting you have there.

Hello, nonetheless. What may you be here for?

[afkj-morgan]

// Continuation from here. @imperator-ravion

As long as mortals are at the mercy of their gods, there is indeed no point trying to overthink it, for they are powerless to do anything.

To challenge that status quo is exactly why I am traveling with Merlin. Magic provides a power to the people that will allow them to stand up against the tyranny of the gods.

Once the gods are all gone, it will be entirely in the hands of mortals to establish their ways of life. Granted, humans can be just as dark as a fallen god, but at least these mortal tyrants stand on equal footing with their subordinates - that's a fair conflict, unlike god-versus-mortal.

Oh? Do you wish to venture anywhere else? 

[imperator-ravion]

Challenging such a status quo is difficult—especially if it’s a stubborn deity, so I commend you and your Merlin for taking up the roots of the work.

And yes, a part of me is curious of how the Wildborn is like, preferrably watching from a distance… Though, it might be too far from the portal here.

But hey, if push comes to shove, I can teleport back.

[afkj-morgan]

He, be my guest! I need to check on them anyway. Merlin should be in Mirehold, so let's go there.

Mirehold's a dull little sister of their main home and hearth, but the Wildborn have still added their charm to that place. You won't fail to miss it.

Though will you be able to appreciate it? Given the glamour of your place, I frankly doubt it. Hahaha.

Oh, and if we're lucky we might be catching them just in time for freshly baked bread and grilled meat.

[imperator-ravion]

Anything that can be tasted or touched in Sal'thorin, I already knew. Something new in a different timeline doesn't seem like a bad idea.

Freshly baked bread and grilled meat... Don't mind if I do.

I get to try new things, you get to check on the Wildborn and catch up with your Merlin. It's two birds in one stone.

[afkj-morgan]

// Continuation from here. @imperator-ravion

As long as mortals are at the mercy of their gods, there is indeed no point trying to overthink it, for they are powerless to do anything.

To challenge that status quo is exactly why I am traveling with Merlin. Magic provides a power to the people that will allow them to stand up against the tyranny of the gods.

Once the gods are all gone, it will be entirely in the hands of mortals to establish their ways of life. Granted, humans can be just as dark as a fallen god, but at least these mortal tyrants stand on equal footing with their subordinates - that's a fair conflict, unlike god-versus-mortal.

Oh? Do you wish to venture anywhere else? 

[imperator-ravion]

Challenging such a status quo is difficult—especially if it’s a stubborn deity, so I commend you and your Merlin for taking up the roots of the work.

And yes, a part of me is curious of how the Wildborn is like, preferrably watching from a distance… Though, it might be too far from the portal here.

But hey, if push comes to shove, I can teleport back.