i belong bodily to the earth / i'm just wearing old bones from those that came first / i've been unraveling since my birth / gonna wander out there and see what i'm worth
the passage of time was one thing izar never grew accustomed to in their travels to transvania — how quickly things passed in the human realm compared to the endless, sometimes sluggish nature of the fae and vampire kingdoms. to have carried a message to see a child, a teenager upon return, an adult the next. they remember it all well and perhaps that's what helped along their own hurried strides by fae standards : messenger, royal messenger, member of the guard... short lives did not mean stupid. izar has learned humans only burn bright and fast because they must, not always driven by stupidity.
" i'm afraid we meet under less fortunate circumstances this time, " izar greets, a touch of humor in their voice at a familiar face, their posture remaining relaxed on the step they rest upon. " i'm afraid a tavern would be much more joyous in these moments than now. i could use a pint of ale. " it is only a half-truth — izar didn't care much for the taste of human beers, nor felt all that affected by them. but the things that came along with them were not so bad.
the wind feels different here , colder somehow , more so even than in branholm where cold from the windows of her chambers shudder in from the mountains . here there is nothing glittering in the air , there is no magic and the rules which come with it . aleera is fascinated by these mortals , the swift beauty they create in their tiny lives .
chaos has erupted and still , they have slipped free of the noise for a moment of peace on the castle grounds . they creep into the night , their hands coming to rest on their shivering shoulders when they notice another body , quiet in the darkness . " i didn't mean to interrupt your solitude , " her voice is soft , it is dandelions floating across the waters of home . " i just . . . wish to explore this place . "
it is not uncommon for izar to feel at odds with the years they have and the expectations of others are their looks — stuck somewhere between human experience and fae immortality. but it is most odd for them to feel this way around another fae, and certainly one with so many years on them. they sense aleera's presence before they see them, their hands remaining placidly at their sides, weaponry untouched.
" there's no need to apologize, " they reassure, " i think many of us seek to not be trapped within the keep's walls in these moments. " izar is enjoying one of their few breaks, knowing that likely in the hours and days to come they will be plastered to the side of one royal family member or another. they turn to capture aleera in their gaze. " though i would caution against exploring too deeply — peace hangs by a thread, swords may be drawn even on the innocent. "
she's petty and can be a brat sometimes, saraiya knows this (heaven knows her mother has told her this many times in the past and won't ever let her forget it) but despite her knowing this, she never can stop herself from doing something or saying something that she'll regret later. it's as if she's possessed by the little green eyed monster and she's watching herself outside of her body, screaming at herself to stop acting like a petulant child.
the bitter words come tumbling out before she can even register what she's saying, her mouth having a mind of its own it seems. "pray tell, who did posion the queen? what's your seer powers telling you izar? perhaps the humans aren't as trustworthy as we once thought, or perhaps one of the vampires poisoned their own."
izar did not consider themself all that ambitious — if anything, their trajectory to serve the royal family is something attributed to luck, and perhaps just a little bit their abilities as a seer ( though they hoped they had climbed on their own merit as well — it was not their powers that got them through the grueling tests to become one of the guard ). but there are things that they miss about being a lowly messenger : the adventure, the feeling of freedom, the sanctity of their mind, and perhaps, their friendship with saraiya. they had clocked it for what it was when it became apparent the cold shoulder they were given by the healer was not so much a result of other things, but rather, seemingly unique to to them only.
there is little they can do to fix it, or at least so it seems. izar has long stopped trying, expression neutral as they hear saraiya's familiar voice saturated with an equally familiar tone. " they are not a crystal ball you shake and ask a question, " they intone politely, meeting saraiya's gaze levelly. " that question deals in the past now, anyway. perhaps it is a daemati you seek with your inquiries. "
Madelinde is shaken up, as she supposes most people are. A joyous event, a union of species - what sort of being would commit such an act against another? It is something she cannot comprehend. A familiar voice captures pulls her from her mind, and she offers the other a soft smile. ‘‘ your mother ought not feel such things. My work does not hold a candle to her years of expertise. ’’
izar laughs, a fond sound. they do not try to twist madelinde's words — it's true that a couple hundred years of experience could not compare to even the most talented of human hands, but they have seen plenty of needlework growing up to know a creative spirit when they see one. " perhaps, but creativity is not something learned over the years — you have a keen eye. far better than i could have ever hoped to be at your age. " but they are grateful all the same for their mother's stubbornness to teach, even if it only manifests now in mending tears and taking in seams. izar carefully holds their hands behind their back, a casual position as they tilt their head slightly. " i brought you metal sequins from one of our markets in branholm — tis not much, but they may look extravagant on a hem of one of your creations. "
this will end in chaos, one way or another. he would have wished there was another way, but they were at the mercy of those holding power. his life had never been his own, decisions were made for him binding his purpose to duty. forced to set aside his morality to walk the fine line in-between - he was a tool in the grand scheme of things, a means to an end. elas found himself wondering momentarily, if the guilty party in the poisoning of the queen, was but a chess-piece themselves.
' the uncertainty of it all is horrifying... ' he, himself was surprised to have spoken so openly of his feelings. gathering himself momentarily he turned ever so slightly, his eyes now catching hers. ' it feels as though the battle has already begun... fear is spreading, causing one side to point fingers at another - but it is not them who will pay with their lives once this escalates. ' uncomfortable with having shared his inner thoughts, the fae drew his attention to the ground this time, ' sorry - i don't know why i- pardon, loose lips for a spy... ' his usual composure lost as he fumbled for words.
he is being honest. izar cannot tell such things with certainty, but it is a feeling that these words leaving elas' mouth are a seldom heard truth — perhaps drawn out by the circumstances, between them and between kingdoms. they try not to startle when elas' eyes meet their own, but it is a reaction barely repressed : a tightening of a hand at their side, the press of lips almost imperceptibility together. he would not dare trod into her mind again — one thing izar does know with certainty, but it does not stop the instinctive reaction either. if elas did not look away, she would have, almost relieved as their gaze part, alleviating a bare modicum of the tension.
izar swallows, gaze flitting to the side once more, studying elas' movements, the things he says with his posture and fumbling words. " rather fumbling words for a spy, " they counter, though it is more an observation ( and perhaps, just a little bit a tease ) than it is an accusation. how odd it is to feel as if she holds some power here. " some would say the uncertainty is comforting, for it means there is still time to change the outcome — written in sand, not stars. " izar tips their head back. they are young. they have not seen as much as many of their peers, and yet here in the human world, they are experienced in spite of youthful looks. " we will both be used before the end of this. "
When Folen had found out about the chance to turn from his normal duties as Lord, into this sort of ambassador triip, he was thrilled. He was trying to push himself out there, try and meet those beyond his own boarders as this world seemed to be ever changing. And now, those hopes were dashed as soon as the queen took that first sip. Finding one of his long time friends, he knew he needed to inquire about her state. "I agree, this will be a very different trip than expected." He remarked, feeling the murmering of other people's scared thoughts buzzing around. "I'm sure they may, but it won't be of any use right now. Everyone is thinking of it anyways, it would take a week to go through everyone." He said, thinking over what kind of duties they might force upon those with abilities, regardless of status.
izar laughs, humorless at folen's comment, attention turned to one of their bracers, embossed with the seal of the elaris house, working to tighten the leather ties against their forearm. " you are right — it would not be so practical, and perhaps our own attentions are better kept inward. " it is at least what seems to be happening in the aftermath, each kingdom tightening around itself, though whether minimizing the gaps between armor or constricting like a snake, that still is to be foreseen. " i am glad to see you well, at least — " finishing with one bracer, they move to adjusting the other. " — i'm famished : there was not much time for eating after… afterward. " they tuck the loose ends of the ties beneath the rest, straightening to meet folen's gaze with a familiar air of comfort. " what would you say to a trip down to the kitchens ?? "
it was as if he had been frozen, a layer of ice preventing him from moving a single muscle. this was probably the closest they had been in many years, not to mention the number of words they had exchanged - when normally a change of direction would have been the default setting once the other's presence had been noticed. a sort of unspoken agreement to keep each other at arm's length.
what if this wasn't real? a queen being poisoned at peace talks between allies, and the two of them having a conversation within the same timeframe? the world was clearly upside down. elas glanced down at his hands, hoping that their image would be his link to the world as he knew it. forgetting for a moment that the sight of his own hands usually left him with more questions. he shook off the thought and focused his gaze upwards, outwards to the horizon. it was a beautiful world, brutal but beautiful.
‘ that's a nice thought somehow... the light to guide the humans home.’ he fell silent, listening to their words. they were right, there was no way the humans would let another species near what seemed to be the ace up their sleeve- not after the poisoning.
' i hope so. ' his voice just barely above a whisper, ' for the sake of those who love and depend on the queen - for the sake of the alliance... ' he paused before asking, ' what do you think the chances are that this will end well? '
perhaps it is because they are not back in branholm that this conversation has happened at all. context is important to consider, they have learned this — not just the poisoning, but the fact they are now amongst others who could not understand them, even less so than elas. ( though understanding her had never been the issue when it came to elas, izar thinks darkly, only just managing to curb a wry laugh at the thought ). they're both too young to have remembered the twilight war, and yet, they can both feel this peace stretch. tenuous, threatening to snap. " i think . . . " izar starts, before trailing off, trying to slot words into the feelings they had felt in the turmoil after the queen collapsed. " this will end in chaos, one way or another. "
the stars look far away and cold. the same ones that have brought her comfort during journeys before, offer none now. " the continent feels as if it is holding its breath, waiting for something to happen. " izar releases a breath of their own, mist hanging in the chilly air, illuminated by starlight. they do not know why they are telling elas this, why they are here at all when the only thing certain between them was that they would avoid each other at all costs. their eyes pull their way down from the stars, settling uncharacteristically on elas, unblinking. " but nothing is certain — lest of all what happens in desperate moments. "
"you have a point," arastina concedes with a smile and a soft hum as the pair of them stroll along the hall ; she intends to guide them to some courtyard or other place, where they will surely be seen in little more than idle and friendly conversation, "as always. though i wonder why some vampire assassin would wait until such a moment ; if they merely wanted their queen dead, why not do it within the borders of their own kingdom? yes, it occurring here offers endless options to push the blame upon others, but at risk of starting a war?"
she tsks slightly in thought and her wings buzz a little as she shrugs narrow shoulders. "i think it most likely, if this would-be killer is from the queen's own kingdom, that creating chaos was the primary goal rather than merely regicide."
" as do you. " arastina's sharp wit is never far from a conversation --- in this way, it's not surprise someone so young would rise from apprentice to master scholar so quickly. perhaps, there is little reason to debate the nature of the poisoning. the truth, izar has learned, does not like to come to the surface clearly, even when it soaked her vision and assailed her senses.
izar's own wings remain flat, almost hidden in their translucent nature against their plain garb that still denoted them as one of the queen's guard. " i am not sure i felt as much sorrow as i would have expected, but perhaps it is only because she still lives — and surprise is a good mask for other things. " another pair pass them with discerning eyes. izar nods politely, unruffled as they continue on their way. " but enough of this idle supposition — what other rumors have you heard ?? "
seers , are a rare type of faerie who are able to predict the future through visions. they are able to sense and experience things others cannot and therefore are very valuable to those in the presence of one.
izar's seer abilities can be split into two aspects : SEEING and, as they like to call it, INTUITION. the latter is certainly far more honed and used regularly than the former, mostly on the basis that cannot exactly be turned off and it's simply been with them all along, which has not always been the case with the visions associated with seeing.
INTUITION : this is what izar uses day-to-day and what has made them a good messenger and a good guard. most obviously, this manifests in heightened common senses. izar has better sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch when compared to their peers save for shadowslingers. this includes being able to see in low light ( though this should not be mistaken for being able to see in the dark ), as well as able to discern details at a greater distance compared to others. the sense of smell is not as heightened as vampires as well, closer to above average than truly supernatural.
however, for izar, this also extends to senses that are not so tangible. it has taken decades for them to parse out these intangible things. some were easier, like the weight of eyes on them, the presence of someone hidden or who does not want to be found. this extends to presences in their mind as well, allowing them to be more sensitive to daemati when they infringe on their mind, though that is still dependent on the daemati's skill and the situation ( and knowing is not the same as being able to stop it ). but other things related to danger and energy had to be learned and have to be interpreted. danger... it is like a gut feeling, only stronger : knowing something is going to go wrong but not knowing exactly what. izar learned to trust these instincts during their travels as a messenger, and now, they are quite hard pressed to ignore them.
similarly, they are able to sense energy associated with people such as malice in a vague and unspecific way. they are not daemati; they cannot know true intent. but like a gut feeling for danger, there are certain general conclusions they can draw. this does not work in absolutes. they are only feelings and feelings izar must interpret as they experience them. it is not so simple as it seems, but it is something they have worked on all their life. these intuitions are subject to the strength of the original feeling, as well as the number of people nearby. for example, an a crowded ballroom, it's likely izar only feels a general sense of happiness associated with the crowd, even if there were a troublemaker in the midst. but an attacker lurking in the bushes, it is likely they would be able to sense the malcontent. it is all more an art than a skill, and one izar is still learning.
SEEING : izar is much less practiced in this, if only because they have had precious few visions to begin with. often, they have happened when they are alone and not long before the event they foresaw occurred. mostly, due to their extensive knowledge of the lands, they have been able to know where conflicts or negative things will occur and have subsequently avoided such things.
their visions are not under their control, though they have certainly tried to make them predictable and to trigger them on their own with certain thoughts and objects. nothing has seemed to worked quite like that. when awake and having a vision, their eyes turn gold.
the visions they have had were terribly pleasant experiences. they always leave them with the taste of copper in their mouth and a sense of nausea. their visions are never clear either : often the visions pass in a snapshot, short clips format, leaving the interpretation up to izar who feels inept to do so given their limited experience with them. but their visions are one of the reasons they have taken up sketching, so that they may sketch what they saw and revisit it later when time has made it more sense.
izar is never entirely sure if their dreams are their own or if they are visions. there is a certain absurdist air to them both that makes it hard to distinguish between the two. at least, izar thinks if they were visions, then there would be a taste of copper in their mouth when they awake.
the fresh gust of wind was much appreciated, and as he stepped outside, he could feel the fluttering emotions inside slowly settle into an almost silent slumber. panic filled the air as most tried to comprehend the tragedy that had befallen the queen of the night. as his breathing slowed and his eyes adjusted to the darkness, elas began to take a few steps forward.
for a moment, he was enveloped in the calm of the silver lining, the moon's soft touch on the otherwise looming walls. truth be told, he could not imagine life in the mortal realm - so much so that he missed the space and tranquillity that the faerie realm had to offer.
her voice had brought him out of the trance. the hairs on the back of his neck stood up, the ones on his arms quickly followed. a shiver ran down his spine, an instant reminder of the horrors he'd been asked to perform. time would heal all wounds, they said, but he didn't quite believe those words - years later, he still longed to undo what had been done.
‘ nothing compares to the skies back home… ‘ he hummed in agreement. ‘ the dragon fire… it is quite bright, almost like this city is trying to become another star in the sky. ‘ he could not quite bring himself to seek out her gaze. ‘ do you find interest in the dragons? ‘
the night does not scare izar, not when they have spent so many of them traveling alone, the moon and stars shining brightly down above. they do no feel cold as acutely as the humans do, and yet, it still feels chilly in the night air, even with the presence of dragons nearby. odd, when they spend so much of their time now in the snowy peaks, quietly missing the forest. it is easier to look at the night sky than it is at elas ; perhaps, they have never truly looked eye to eye since that fateful last time… izar shakes her own head dismissively, as if the uneasy feelings inside her could be so easily dislodged. " the keep is perhaps a beacon of a sort, and glows brightly as such, " izar offers, still a few steps behind elas. a beat passes, and they finally move again, almost silently moving up beside him.
" i would not mind to speak to one, " they admit. " they are wise creatures too, even young in their bodies they may be. but i doubt any rider would let us near them in these moments. " they both know the power of flight, though it pales in comparison to a dragon. izar shrugs, words stilting to a halt. what is it they sought to accomplish here ?? certainly not company, lest of all with their current one. their mind is clear, not that they expected anything less from elas. they reach out, one hand pressing against the worn stone rampart of the keep. there is unease in the air, though if that is simply their own making or the making of recent events, izar does not know. " it is quiet out there, " they murmur. " quieter than it ought to be — do you think she will live ?? "
"if they were accepting aid they would see there is truly few better places to be poisoned. all of the so-called greatest minds of the other kingdoms are here as well as me," it is obvious she thinks herself superior to other master scholars, "there is no better group to attempt to discover what was used. as it is they will merely remain as foolish as they were for not having their queen's drink tested before consumption." arastina shrugs a shoulder and draws closer to izar, moving to loop one of her arms through the crook of their elbow - - - a familiar touch, reserved only for those trusted.
"oh, of course! as they always do. and we will offer our most sincere apologies that our seers did not concern themselves with foreign royalty we have scarcely interacted with."
izar is not nearly as flippant as arastina and does not laugh, but there is —as there almost always is— more than a grain of truth to arastina's words. they straighten, near imperceptible at the touch. it is not common for anyone to be on izar's arm, or for them to be on anyone else's. they are far better at lurking a half-step behind than they are to stand on equal ground. but they do no mind so much with arastina. the young master scholar is amusing in a callous way : a refreshing taste.
" do you wonder if perhaps it might have come from within their own kingdom, after all ?? " izar questions as they begin to walk. there is no destination in mind, but a pair slowly ambling and engaging in quiet conversation makes for less suspicions than a pair murmuring in a darkened corner. " it would be quite ingenious if it is. no one would suspect such a thing. "
"when have i ever been known to cause trouble?" mock offense colors her tone as arastina turns to the face that goes hand in hand with a familiar voice. "if anything, i merely seek to soothe the ache caused here. should i be asked, i am plenty willing to begin researching what manner of poison was used upon that poor woman, and what can be done to create an antidote." she has not been asked, though, and is not in the habit of offering aid freely - especially to strangers. "oh, yes, certainly. perhaps even the event of the decade."
arastina's response draws a rare quiet and genuine laugh from izar, unable to be amused at her antics. the new master scholar is equally loved and distrusted, depending on who is asked, but as far as izar is concerned, arastina means no genuine harm — at least to her or the celesta crown. " i would not take it personally — i imagine they are not very friendly toward outside help in this time, even though we are allies — " izar huffs another laugh, sarcastic this time, devoid of any mirth, a sharp contrast to their previous one. " — though they will be the first to ask why it was not foreseen and the information shared with them. "
“it wouldn't be the first time I've given such a fright. and yet, somwhow; you always find me, izar. quite odd, I must say. comforting as well.” comments the princess, staring up at the night sky. navier in search of the moon but even it is content with remaining in the shadows, casting darkness upon their current surroundings. “the moon.” navier responds after what feels like ages. “where did she go?” // @izarara
izar makes a soft noise of amusement but little more, stepping closer to the celesta princess, hands clasp behind their back as they too cast their gaze skyward. " it is the queen of night who struggles for her life, " they observe. " perhaps even the clouds know that tonight. " it is dark here, though they can see for the most part, enough to know they are not in any danger at the moment. but they also suppose of the three elaris children, perhaps navier is the most equip to feel comfortable among the shadows. " or perhaps it is an omen of something else. "
STARTER FOR : elas ( @deliiriums )
EXTRA : somewhere semi-outside in draconia keep ( a rooftop, courtyard, etc. )
izar has been exploring in their free time, what little of it they do possess in the wake of the nyxen queen's poisoning. there is something off about the keep, beyond the stiffling panic barely hidden behind the walls. they chalk it up to the seeming impenetrable nature of the place, a hunk of stone and mortar, at odds with the lighter, freer nature of fae places. perhaps that's why she's not so surprised to come across another fae in this sliver of fresh air she finds ; what is more surprising, is that she does not turn and leave him to experience the peace on his own. over ten years and izar still feels like she's hunting for her own peace of mind around him.
when their gaze too is lifted upward the stars above are familiar, albeit duller, izar notices not for the first time. " they're not as bright here, " is their own quiet greeting. polite. little more. " i blame the dragon-fire. "
even amidst the decades-old talents of the fae seamstresses, izar had to admit there was an unparalleled artistry to madelinde's skills. they would know, daughter of a nobel seamstress and all, though izar would never let such words leave their mouth within earshot of their mother. " i thought i saw your needlework on one of the princesses — it's a shame it couldn't have been appreciated longer. " there's no malice in izar's voice, if anything, a hint of fondness. " my mother would be jealous. "
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