let's have a watch 👀

lurien rp blog - worlds #1 pale king simp

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

"Though my gaze shall no longer fall upon this city, I will act forever in its protection" - Lurien the Watcher

Lurien the Watcher rp blog! Let's have a watch shall we?

Probably won't be that consistant, sorry all!

"General Rules"

Please try to be nice to Lurien, he has been through a lot in his life and it would be cool if you didn't antagonise the anxious, prone to anger, gay moth; constantly being in arguments with him or having him have to defend himself is not fun for me and I would prefer to not have to keep stopping him from being insulted. Respect the character and he'll respect you.

Anyone may interact, you do not have to be a roleplay blog. Anon, non-anon, roleplay, just passing through; come by to say hello; I answer things pretty slowly or all at once, so don't worry if I am taking some time to get there. Please be patient with me. I am not online all the time, I am busy irl or some days I just do not have the energy to be here. Be patient with me.

I do accept suggestive asks as I and this character are both adults but I do reserve the right to not answer or block you if I feel like you've crossed a line. Do not just bring the Lurien into any sexual rp or suggestive stuff without clearing it with me first. Don't be fucking disgusting with him or me. Further more do not try to force a pregnancy on this character as that is just weird; ignore this and I will block you.

I'm cool with starting stories with people but only if we've discussed it beforehand or it gets brought up during a reply or something: Please don't come into my inbox expecting to start something. I am here to be sillay with this white boy! If you want me to play a part in your arc dm me, I'm usually down for most things <3 FURTHER MORE, do NOT EVER just expect me to be involved in your arc and plan for me to be there under any circumstances. Do this and I will block you.

If you don't like the way I play my character or do not like the stories I'm telling then feel free to unfollow and/or block me. People have preferences and I cannot believe I have to explain this to you but, I am here to have fun in my own way. I like and enjoy writing heavy angst and often flirt with darker topics which I will tag appropriately; if knowing this and you come here and get upset, know that I have warned you and choosing to look and ignore the warnings is on you.

Don’t correct my spelling or grammar mistakes; I am dyslexic and am trying so so so hard. If you see something it’s free to not be an asshole and bring it up; if you can tell what I’m saying then it isn’t a problem.

Also, don't shout or swear at me if we're talking because honestly, I just don't respect that and it is so ugly. I'm not saying don't swear, I swear a lot, I'm saying don't swear AT me; there is a difference. I am fine discussing things calmly but as soon as you start raising your tone or get pissy with me I will stop responding until you chill out.

"Tagging System"

[watching...dreaming...] general posting/original posts

[city news] interactions with other rp blogs through asks or reblogs

[his grace] interactions with The Pale King

[her light] interactions with The Radiance

[dreaming...waking...] interactions with Monomon and Herrah

[in service eternal] interactions with any of the great knights, denizens of hallownest not falling into the other categories above, and the white lady

[butler business] interactions with Lurien's Butler

[lets have a watch] interactions with anons/non-rp blogs

[loreian the watcher] posts that contain Lurien Lore

[ooc: reblog] for ooc reblogs

[ooc: not rp] for ooc posts

[louie-the-caterpillar]

Me and a friend had an epiphany.

[jakejavu-offical]

@valhallas-last

[partial-pablo]

...

@lurienthewatcherofficial Father?

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

'bout to go get milk and smokes brb

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

Can i help you in some way?

@baldwin-the-protector

...Who is looking after Strelitzia if you're here? Ah never mind. No I'm good, almost home at any rate. Want to check on him after I... ...did something that may or may not have helped him.

[smallunfamiliarcreature]

*Lurien's preperations are complete, everything is in order including a babysitter, eyes to watch over his injured love, and for once the city hadn't imploded under some new disaster. it is then that he, just for old times sake, leans over to gaze through his telescope onto the now dry city streets. its a strange sight for certain. stranger still though is the trail of red he can just about make out upon the grey stone

curious, he gathers his things and descends clumsily upon his awkward wings, dropping down to where he saw the trail leading off away from his line of sight. its still wet and clearly shouldn't be outside of the one who owns it. someone needs some help. with a little caution in his step, Lurien begins to follow the trail*

@lurienthewatcherofficial

The trail of red puddles, some puddles seeming very recent and some having been there long enough to have dried onto the backstreet stones, leads through to an area of the city thats... Well, an abandoned block, seemingly. Left to degrade and collapse, with no residents to care- Atleast, thats what was thought.

The trail leads to the entrance of a partially collapsed building. You can hear the crackling of a small fire inside, along with the light bleeding out of the building. Someone is in this building, with a 3-fingered print next to the doorframe.

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*Lurien stands near the abandoned block, his shadow flickering in the fire light, dancing across the stained stone. someone is clearly living here, that much is certain, and honestly the shadows and backstreets of the city probably hide more secrets than even his eyes can gaze upon. he stoops down to investigate the print; despite the confusion and dire feeling hanging in the air something about it seems... familiar?*

Hello? Someone there? I'm not gonna hurt you and you're not in trouble.

[smallunfamiliarcreature]

You can hear shuffling as something- someone- moves within.

a few seconds later, the creature appears at the doorway. They appear... Worse for wear; Multiple decently deep cuts are all over their form, most of them poorly bandaged with what they had avaliable, with the uncovered wounds showing traces of void in them, along with some sort of foaming in the cuts.

various tenticles are present jutting of their back- Teethed, with sharp blade-like sections at the end. The creature looks up at you, with a smile. "H...Hi L-Lur...ien!

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*Lurien stumbles backwards, a little bit surprised by the sight that greets him. he had not expected... this. the creature, his little friend, he had begun to wonder where they had gone but just hadn't thought about searching, some friend he is it seems, and now, well, just look at them! this looks bad...*

Hey buddy! You uh. You got a lil... um...

...You need any help with this?

[smallunfamiliarcreature]

"I'm... Okay!" They are... Evidently not. "Is... My house! W-want... come in?" They step out of the way so Lurien can enter the dusty, run-down abode.

Inside, to your right, you can see the fire a few feet from the door- Simply some wood piled in a shape and lit. It has... Well, essentially the hollownestian version of a rat on a stick cooking above it. In the corner opposite to the fire is what used to be a chair, although it seems to now be used as some sort of nest. Theres a box against the wall that seems to contain various (mostly stolen) items, and... Thats kinda it.

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*Lurien looks around very briefly, trying not to comment on the state of things but very much feeling a pile of guilt begin to twist in the depths of him. this little creature, his friend he supposes, do they really just live like this? very few personal belongings, nothing to call their own. is that why they're always stealing? is that why they invaded his pantry so much? ... he should at least bring them some blankets. that big soft one that Strel likes won't be missed while he's deep asleep after all*

How long have you lived here? I've watched over this city for a long long time and even my eyes failed to see you here. A failure on my part... never mind.

You sure you don't need anything?

[smallunfamiliarcreature]

*Lurien's preperations are complete, everything is in order including a babysitter, eyes to watch over his injured love, and for once the city hadn't imploded under some new disaster. it is then that he, just for old times sake, leans over to gaze through his telescope onto the now dry city streets. its a strange sight for certain. stranger still though is the trail of red he can just about make out upon the grey stone

curious, he gathers his things and descends clumsily upon his awkward wings, dropping down to where he saw the trail leading off away from his line of sight. its still wet and clearly shouldn't be outside of the one who owns it. someone needs some help. with a little caution in his step, Lurien begins to follow the trail*

@lurienthewatcherofficial

The trail of red puddles, some puddles seeming very recent and some having been there long enough to have dried onto the backstreet stones, leads through to an area of the city thats... Well, an abandoned block, seemingly. Left to degrade and collapse, with no residents to care- Atleast, thats what was thought.

The trail leads to the entrance of a partially collapsed building. You can hear the crackling of a small fire inside, along with the light bleeding out of the building. Someone is in this building, with a 3-fingered print next to the doorframe.

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*Lurien stands near the abandoned block, his shadow flickering in the fire light, dancing across the stained stone. someone is clearly living here, that much is certain, and honestly the shadows and backstreets of the city probably hide more secrets than even his eyes can gaze upon. he stoops down to investigate the print; despite the confusion and dire feeling hanging in the air something about it seems... familiar?*

Hello? Someone there? I'm not gonna hurt you and you're not in trouble.

[smallunfamiliarcreature]

You can hear shuffling as something- someone- moves within.

a few seconds later, the creature appears at the doorway. They appear... Worse for wear; Multiple decently deep cuts are all over their form, most of them poorly bandaged with what they had avaliable, with the uncovered wounds showing traces of void in them, along with some sort of foaming in the cuts.

various tenticles are present jutting of their back- Teethed, with sharp blade-like sections at the end. The creature looks up at you, with a smile. "H...Hi L-Lur...ien!

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*Lurien stumbles backwards, a little bit surprised by the sight that greets him. he had not expected... this. the creature, his little friend, he had begun to wonder where they had gone but just hadn't thought about searching, some friend he is it seems, and now, well, just look at them! this looks bad...*

Hey buddy! You uh. You got a lil... um...

...You need any help with this?

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

I wonder how the queen be doing through all this?

Have you checked up on her yet?

The Queen is a goddess and capable of looking after herself regardless of what others may think. I'm not going to fight with her on that, especially after she and Dryya didn't see eye to eye about it all. But I should probably tell her about what happened in the Resting Grounds above and, well, maybe I should've asked her about Strelitzia's condition before running off to do stupid shit.

Ah well, I'll be home in a while, just gotta walk off the pain after I ate shit trying to backflip on a moving elevator.

~ouch my bones, Lurien the Watcher

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

Not to be political but you should do a backflip

Bet.

*Lurien attempts to do a backflip while on the lift returning to the Tearless City but only manages to fall and break his face, arriving back in the gloom face first on the ground like someone hit him with a fly swatter*

...hopital

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

Hey, Lurien. Go check up on your kids, it'll do you some good.

I will... I will. I just. This is like the, what, fourth time I've killed him in technicallity? I threw him from a window once full well knowing the damage to his wings had yet to truly heal and that he could not fly to save himself, so that's one. I stabbed him in the gut in an alternate world in some desperate attempt at freeing us from that madness, so that's two. Down in the void, with him writhing and infested by that shade, that's three.

And now I just strangled a... a what? An alternative reality version of himself? Holy fuck.

I should check on him. And give what time I can to our children. I've been a pretty bad father so far, haven't I? Better fix that up before I become my own dad, promised I'd give my kids a better upbringing that I got to have.

~urgh, Lurien the Watcher

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

Hey, ever heard of the melody of the Halcyon Pearl?

[Insert_Halcyon_Memories_Music_Pearl.mp3]

I didn't know gemstones could play music but this looks more like a glass bead than a pearl. The melody is nice however, I could see it being played at a concert for the nobles of this city in some lavish theater somewhere. Such days have passed us by, certainly, but one day I hope such things can be enjoyed again by all.

~I don't know much about music, Lurien the Watcher

[smallunfamiliarcreature]

*Lurien's preperations are complete, everything is in order including a babysitter, eyes to watch over his injured love, and for once the city hadn't imploded under some new disaster. it is then that he, just for old times sake, leans over to gaze through his telescope onto the now dry city streets. its a strange sight for certain. stranger still though is the trail of red he can just about make out upon the grey stone

curious, he gathers his things and descends clumsily upon his awkward wings, dropping down to where he saw the trail leading off away from his line of sight. its still wet and clearly shouldn't be outside of the one who owns it. someone needs some help. with a little caution in his step, Lurien begins to follow the trail*

@lurienthewatcherofficial

The trail of red puddles, some puddles seeming very recent and some having been there long enough to have dried onto the backstreet stones, leads through to an area of the city thats... Well, an abandoned block, seemingly. Left to degrade and collapse, with no residents to care- Atleast, thats what was thought.

The trail leads to the entrance of a partially collapsed building. You can hear the crackling of a small fire inside, along with the light bleeding out of the building. Someone is in this building, with a 3-fingered print next to the doorframe.

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*Lurien stands near the abandoned block, his shadow flickering in the fire light, dancing across the stained stone. someone is clearly living here, that much is certain, and honestly the shadows and backstreets of the city probably hide more secrets than even his eyes can gaze upon. he stoops down to investigate the print; despite the confusion and dire feeling hanging in the air something about it seems... familiar?*

Hello? Someone there? I'm not gonna hurt you and you're not in trouble.

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*the Resting Grounds feel like they go on forever and ever. either that or Lurien had walked much further in than he thought but, now alone, now left to think about how big of a disaster this had been and how the soul, the spirit, whatever the remains of his father had been, had simply been... taken. destroyed. consumed. absorbed. not a great loss by any means but, still, there is an ache in his chest, a hollow hurt as he mourns what could have been. or, more precisely, what he could have learned from him

knowledge of his tribes past. secrets passed down from the seers to their apprentices and children. information on the fixing of shattered souls. the name of his mother...

Lurien's fist finds the closest wall, his weak hands doing more damage to him that the rough stone. slowly, he allows himself to lean against it, his mask pressing harder against his face as he does so. this is a mess. a disaster. a complete and utter failure at worse

what if he never finds a way to fix this? what if he can't wake him up?! stupid stupid stupid stupid!

he smacks his head against the wall with a dull thump*

Thou shouldst stop that. Mortals like thou art rather breakable after all!

*Lurien stumbles back, stares at the wall for a moment as if that's the thing that spoke until slowly, his gazes lifts to above where pale golden light spills down the shaft illuminating the sign pointing to the stag station. and there, up above upon feathered wings wrapped in gilded silk that almost seems to stick to his body is a very familiar looking figure*

...What?

[the-pale-king]

*a gentle laugh, a radiant gaze, the Providence watches the tortured moth attempt to smash his head through solid stone, only stopping him when it starts to become a little sad and more than pathetic to watch. he looks up at him and, well, isn't that interesting? the toy he had planned to sink his claws into wandering right into his nest willingly? how fun!

desperate enough to easily take any bait dangled, he knows this for truth, but the Providence's eyes see beyond just his mortal shell and gaze upon his tangled soul proper. but there's something... wrong. a glimmer. a light. bright as his own, bright as it must be, like someone cut a sliver of the sun and pierced it through him. other things too like hooks with strings, not yet pulling but waiting to make him dance like a puppet. then there's the deathly light pale glow, the claiming touch of another god upon him

...how is this mortal even alive right now?!*

What's wrong little seer, has thou seen a ghost...?

*light, gentle, teasing, enticing. he floats down and picks a ledge closer, close enough for the mortal to reach should he wish to, and sits, leaning forwards to peer at him, elbows resting on his thighs, fingers drumming on his cheeks as he tries to appear all sweet and welcoming. the mortal simply stares

but he can see it closer now, brighter. this isn't just a Higher Being's favoured pet. this moth, this mirror of his most loyal slave, he has claimed this Path's Other in return. disgusting

but that just makes this so much easier. he can play the game of seduction... how vile*

It seems thou hast been shocked into silence by Our beauty! We understand, tis few mortals that canst look away once they art caught~

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*his voice. Lurien had honestly started to forget what it sounded like. subtle accent that dips and weaves around the words, smoothing them out in places, turning them sharp in others, soft, feathery, barely there as if he's speaking in a whisper. never overstaying its welcome, always there and gone, never heavy, a breath of spring breeze

it's his voice, the same one coming from this golden stranger. the voice he's been dreaming of, yearning for

and yet

it is different. just enough to give him pause

most others wouldn't be able to tell, Lurien is certain of that, they don't know Strelitzia like he does. they have not heard him cry as he has, laugh as he has, sing and shout and... other things... and he knows this particular tone of voice

heavy. honeyed. the kind reserved for behind closed doors. the kind used between bedsheets and privacy. he'd be lying if the temptation wasn't there

but this isn't Strelitzia. they have his face, his voice, his shapes and they fill the hole he left just a little, but it isn't him. it can't be. too brazen. too bright. too much of a scream of 'look upon mine light and weep'. and damn right disrespectful

Lurien crosses his arms and stares, hard*

Who are you and why do you have his face? You better start explaining quick because I am not in the mood to be fucked around with right now, especially when it comes to Mine Beloved like this.

*and, he adds in his mind, he finds he's the one to always be bet on when it comes to a fight*

[the-pale-king]

We art the Providence, and yes, to thou perhaps We hath thine "Beloved's" face but, ah well, there is little difference between he and We!

*he slides from his perch like liquid, oozing and slow, a brush of wings through air and he lands besides the skeptic, circling him like prey waiting for the first sweet bite. but this one, he's more skittish than expected, wise to his ways, a hard shell to crack, which is rather funny! moths are usually the easiest to break, all it took was eating their goddess and they were all over him like dung beetles on crap

still, he draws in close, tastes the same air he breathes, brushes up besides him, fingers reaching out for a touch*

We art the same creature after all, why would We not share his features? The only difference is We art not afraid to make choices he would deem, hrm, unsavory.

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*Lurien catches his wrist before those fingers can invade his space, not too gently guiding the Providence back and putting some space between them. he knows this game. he knows this game very very well, has played it himself in fact more times than is comfortable to admit

flirting, seducing, an easy thing to do if you find a loose thread and pull on it. he's no stranger to making pretty noble girls blush behind their fans, no stranger to getting up close and personal with the gents of the city to pinch a few geo. he's flirted his way through politics before with disgusting ease and grace, somehow. honestly, Lurien has never thought himself as desireable

but a moth was once a rare thing to see, especially one with power, and the stupid half-brained idiots of the upperclass of Hallownest found him exotic enough to want. as a pet or partner, he could never tell, but he could use that then

and he can use it now

he'll play along until the cracks start showing*

Unsavory how? I'll have you know My Star has done much most bugs—most Higher beings even—would deem such so I doubt anything you say will surprise me.

I must ask though, is one such choice the act of throwing yourself at a married man?

[the-pale-king]

*the Providence is taken aback twice in the space of a mere minute. the first is that this puny mortal easily pushed him away despite the clear flirting and desire dripping in his voice, a stronger will than he expected. the second is that not only does the mortal question him on such actions but he hits the nail right on the head too; the moth knows he's playing and damn well isn't going to let himself be fooled so easily

is it time to truly turn on the charm or time to snap his neck?

there's power in this one, enough to give him enough strength to sunder whatever weak forces defend this failed kingdom he hopes and, if not, getting rid of him would leave this Path's Other exposed. choices choices

he does need a little more knowledge about the state of the lands beyond this one; whatever memories and visions his Other has allowed him to see just isn't enough to know who to hit and when. this Path's Unn could be all powerful or this 'White Lady' he's heard of might simply tear him limb from limb if she's much like the Wither Root of his own world

better play it safe. better play it smart. better really turn on the charm and use the damn eyelashes he has to his benefit

said eyelashes are fluttered a couple times as he fakes offense taken*

Perhaps thou may be married, yes, but considering what We hath said thou art married to Us. Tis hardly what thou thinks it to be~ Ah. If only We could take thou back to Lumindell with Us and swap thou for Our own version of thou!

He is... boring. Quiet. Loyal yes, but thou hast cheek! A glib tongue that insults! We hath n'er had more fun with a mortal!

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*Lurien can see it, plain as daylight. himself. small, thin and achingly miserable kept at the beck and call of this tyrant emperor. never speaking, keeping himself as silent and unobtrusive as possible to avoid being burnt. but his eyes yet linger, happily blinded by the glory of the sun. adoration for the cruelty. a true moth drawn to a flickering flame

its fucking sickening

but, the Providence for all his bluster, for all the power Lurien can feel leaking from him, is also stupid. he's a talker. and talkers are the easiest ones to beat; you just keep them yapping until their guard is down and then, you strike. and this one really really loves to hear himself yap. he's practically already won*

Lumindell? Is that where you're from? An alternative Hallownest where you rule supreme? And here I was starting to think of you as nothing but a reflection of him, or, I don't know.

How did you even get here if you're from somewhere where he... where you... made choices different? Must have been a long journey!

*show interest. ask questions. keep the words flowing. buy time with letters and syllabels*

[the-pale-king]

*got him. caught in a mite trap, the teeth clap shut around the mortal. the Providence knows he's won. he didn't lie about this one existing in his reality, not at all! he was blue. he likes blue. so he decided he'd keep this one close by his side, a stupid empty headed pet granted a godly boon

using his own foresight was so much effort and he wished to focus on other things than searching different futures, different paths, and as such he had granted a slice of it to his favourite plaything so that if there was anything important he need do to prevent a future where he'd fall to some outside threat he'd be warned of it. clever but, ah, mortals just don't last when they contain divine power!

which is why he's still confused as to why this one is still walking and talking and, well, breathing*

Long? No, not really. We yet exist there, physical, real, and here We hath simply slipped through the cracks in part; tis what happens when a god falls over and breaks their soul.

Others seek to take the space they left behind. That is what We art doing!

But the world continues after a Higher Being's physical form perishes, always has and always will, for we cannot die proper deaths. Tis the essence or soul or whatever else we contain that gives us true power; remove that from play and our influence vanishes. Break it and parts of us rush to stem the bleeding.

Consume it... and that power is yours.

My~ Tis nice to see a mortal so interested! Planning to devour a god of thine own and join Our side eternal?

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*Lurien files that information away to be examined later, Monomon'll probably find it interesting but right now it answers a couple of his questions. this Other—the Providence—he's one of those colourful shadows, one those ghosts he saw back when Strelitzia laid there broken and defeated amongst the shattered shells of his own children. and that means he's important

he needs to know more, needs to make him think he's won. fighting back the desire to gag, Lurien leans in, closing some of the space he'd put between them, allowing gilded fingers to giddly grab for him, allowing that body so familar to fill in the space His Beloved should be standing in

if he knew he'd survive it Lurien would have punched this arsehole in the face by now but, he's pretty sure he'll be atomised on the spot*

Well, I could do that but, well, I've got enough god in me to not justify the effort. I mean. I don't exactly like the idea of taking Unn's place after all! I wouldn't make a good slug!

But. Um. What do you mean by you mean by breaking his soul? If you're part of that or whatever what happens to him if, in theory, something happens to you? Or well, what would happen to you here if you got murdered by another Higher Being?!

I'm just worried is all~

[the-pale-king]

Oh don't you worry about Us! We wilt simply return to the vase We chipped from when it fell and shattered upon the floor so carelessly~ We art a part of him, a part he hast always repressed into a little dark corner. Choices made different that flourished in another path!

We wilt always exist, in part.

How nice of thou to be worried for Us~

*what an absolute idiot, letting his guard down like this, he's won. caught him. now to tear that light from him. the Providence cannot believe he's about to do this though, how utterly uncouth and foul of him. and yet, he draws in closed, pressed up against the moth, his fingers trace the curve of the others mask and he flutters those eyelashes, wraps his wings around himself, and leans forwards as if asking

in reality he's going to tear the little mortal asunder and eat his remains once he's done drinking the power right out of his chest. small pleasures and all, he's not all work*

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*ah. so that's how it works... perfect

Lurien knows this lean, this slight look up to reach the minor difference in height between them (as a young gay he always imagined himself with someone much taller; Hegemol at the time had seemed ideal but knowing what he knows now, it probably wouldn't have worked. not because of the maggot thing, he's just not his type). regardless, Lurien knows the silent ask for a kiss as well as his own heart beat

he allows himself to act out the motions. not moving back, hands on shoulders, letting those fingers try to pull back his mask...

but the Providence doesn't realise how foolish he has been letting slip that should he die he will simply return to the place he came from. he will simply help fill in the cracks he'd left behind in the wake of Strelitzia's sundering. Lurien waits for the Higher Being's guard to drop entirely before he strikes

he's quick, hands snapping around that thin golden neck, thumbs pressing in where he knows there's soft spots (Strelitzia is ticklish there, laughs when he nuzzles his face into his neck) and he squeezes. as hard as he can. hard enough for the Providence to gag and heave and gasp and claw at his arms cutting grooves through his soft shell. but he doesn't let go

he doesn't stop

even as he watches tears drop from the Other's eyes, even when kicked and bleeding and as that familiar voice begs. Lurien just strangles him while staring blankly ahead. holding on until

CRACK

its like shattering stained glass, all glittering pieces sharp at the edges. uneventfully the Providence simply... isn't, becoming a haze of golden light before dissipating in the stagnant breeze

for a moment Lurien just stands there, hands still gripping onto nothing, breathing a heavy rattling thing in his chest

his legs give out and he drops to the floor in a heap, shaking, trembling, barely able to comprehend what he just did. well. looks like gods can actually die from oxygen deprevation!*

Oh. Fuck. I hope I didn't just fuck it up...

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*the Resting Grounds feel like they go on forever and ever. either that or Lurien had walked much further in than he thought but, now alone, now left to think about how big of a disaster this had been and how the soul, the spirit, whatever the remains of his father had been, had simply been... taken. destroyed. consumed. absorbed. not a great loss by any means but, still, there is an ache in his chest, a hollow hurt as he mourns what could have been. or, more precisely, what he could have learned from him

knowledge of his tribes past. secrets passed down from the seers to their apprentices and children. information on the fixing of shattered souls. the name of his mother...

Lurien's fist finds the closest wall, his weak hands doing more damage to him that the rough stone. slowly, he allows himself to lean against it, his mask pressing harder against his face as he does so. this is a mess. a disaster. a complete and utter failure at worse

what if he never finds a way to fix this? what if he can't wake him up?! stupid stupid stupid stupid!

he smacks his head against the wall with a dull thump*

Thou shouldst stop that. Mortals like thou art rather breakable after all!

*Lurien stumbles back, stares at the wall for a moment as if that's the thing that spoke until slowly, his gazes lifts to above where pale golden light spills down the shaft illuminating the sign pointing to the stag station. and there, up above upon feathered wings wrapped in gilded silk that almost seems to stick to his body is a very familiar looking figure*

...What?

[the-pale-king]

*a gentle laugh, a radiant gaze, the Providence watches the tortured moth attempt to smash his head through solid stone, only stopping him when it starts to become a little sad and more than pathetic to watch. he looks up at him and, well, isn't that interesting? the toy he had planned to sink his claws into wandering right into his nest willingly? how fun!

desperate enough to easily take any bait dangled, he knows this for truth, but the Providence's eyes see beyond just his mortal shell and gaze upon his tangled soul proper. but there's something... wrong. a glimmer. a light. bright as his own, bright as it must be, like someone cut a sliver of the sun and pierced it through him. other things too like hooks with strings, not yet pulling but waiting to make him dance like a puppet. then there's the deathly light pale glow, the claiming touch of another god upon him

...how is this mortal even alive right now?!*

What's wrong little seer, has thou seen a ghost...?

*light, gentle, teasing, enticing. he floats down and picks a ledge closer, close enough for the mortal to reach should he wish to, and sits, leaning forwards to peer at him, elbows resting on his thighs, fingers drumming on his cheeks as he tries to appear all sweet and welcoming. the mortal simply stares

but he can see it closer now, brighter. this isn't just a Higher Being's favoured pet. this moth, this mirror of his most loyal slave, he has claimed this Path's Other in return. disgusting

but that just makes this so much easier. he can play the game of seduction... how vile*

It seems thou hast been shocked into silence by Our beauty! We understand, tis few mortals that canst look away once they art caught~

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*his voice. Lurien had honestly started to forget what it sounded like. subtle accent that dips and weaves around the words, smoothing them out in places, turning them sharp in others, soft, feathery, barely there as if he's speaking in a whisper. never overstaying its welcome, always there and gone, never heavy, a breath of spring breeze

it's his voice, the same one coming from this golden stranger. the voice he's been dreaming of, yearning for

and yet

it is different. just enough to give him pause

most others wouldn't be able to tell, Lurien is certain of that, they don't know Strelitzia like he does. they have not heard him cry as he has, laugh as he has, sing and shout and... other things... and he knows this particular tone of voice

heavy. honeyed. the kind reserved for behind closed doors. the kind used between bedsheets and privacy. he'd be lying if the temptation wasn't there

but this isn't Strelitzia. they have his face, his voice, his shapes and they fill the hole he left just a little, but it isn't him. it can't be. too brazen. too bright. too much of a scream of 'look upon mine light and weep'. and damn right disrespectful

Lurien crosses his arms and stares, hard*

Who are you and why do you have his face? You better start explaining quick because I am not in the mood to be fucked around with right now, especially when it comes to Mine Beloved like this.

*and, he adds in his mind, he finds he's the one to always be bet on when it comes to a fight*

[the-pale-king]

We art the Providence, and yes, to thou perhaps We hath thine "Beloved's" face but, ah well, there is little difference between he and We!

*he slides from his perch like liquid, oozing and slow, a brush of wings through air and he lands besides the skeptic, circling him like prey waiting for the first sweet bite. but this one, he's more skittish than expected, wise to his ways, a hard shell to crack, which is rather funny! moths are usually the easiest to break, all it took was eating their goddess and they were all over him like dung beetles on crap

still, he draws in close, tastes the same air he breathes, brushes up besides him, fingers reaching out for a touch*

We art the same creature after all, why would We not share his features? The only difference is We art not afraid to make choices he would deem, hrm, unsavory.

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*Lurien catches his wrist before those fingers can invade his space, not too gently guiding the Providence back and putting some space between them. he knows this game. he knows this game very very well, has played it himself in fact more times than is comfortable to admit

flirting, seducing, an easy thing to do if you find a loose thread and pull on it. he's no stranger to making pretty noble girls blush behind their fans, no stranger to getting up close and personal with the gents of the city to pinch a few geo. he's flirted his way through politics before with disgusting ease and grace, somehow. honestly, Lurien has never thought himself as desireable

but a moth was once a rare thing to see, especially one with power, and the stupid half-brained idiots of the upperclass of Hallownest found him exotic enough to want. as a pet or partner, he could never tell, but he could use that then

and he can use it now

he'll play along until the cracks start showing*

Unsavory how? I'll have you know My Star has done much most bugs—most Higher beings even—would deem such so I doubt anything you say will surprise me.

I must ask though, is one such choice the act of throwing yourself at a married man?

[the-pale-king]

*the Providence is taken aback twice in the space of a mere minute. the first is that this puny mortal easily pushed him away despite the clear flirting and desire dripping in his voice, a stronger will than he expected. the second is that not only does the mortal question him on such actions but he hits the nail right on the head too; the moth knows he's playing and damn well isn't going to let himself be fooled so easily

is it time to truly turn on the charm or time to snap his neck?

there's power in this one, enough to give him enough strength to sunder whatever weak forces defend this failed kingdom he hopes and, if not, getting rid of him would leave this Path's Other exposed. choices choices

he does need a little more knowledge about the state of the lands beyond this one; whatever memories and visions his Other has allowed him to see just isn't enough to know who to hit and when. this Path's Unn could be all powerful or this 'White Lady' he's heard of might simply tear him limb from limb if she's much like the Wither Root of his own world

better play it safe. better play it smart. better really turn on the charm and use the damn eyelashes he has to his benefit

said eyelashes are fluttered a couple times as he fakes offense taken*

Perhaps thou may be married, yes, but considering what We hath said thou art married to Us. Tis hardly what thou thinks it to be~ Ah. If only We could take thou back to Lumindell with Us and swap thou for Our own version of thou!

He is... boring. Quiet. Loyal yes, but thou hast cheek! A glib tongue that insults! We hath n'er had more fun with a mortal!

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*Lurien can see it, plain as daylight. himself. small, thin and achingly miserable kept at the beck and call of this tyrant emperor. never speaking, keeping himself as silent and unobtrusive as possible to avoid being burnt. but his eyes yet linger, happily blinded by the glory of the sun. adoration for the cruelty. a true moth drawn to a flickering flame

its fucking sickening

but, the Providence for all his bluster, for all the power Lurien can feel leaking from him, is also stupid. he's a talker. and talkers are the easiest ones to beat; you just keep them yapping until their guard is down and then, you strike. and this one really really loves to hear himself yap. he's practically already won*

Lumindell? Is that where you're from? An alternative Hallownest where you rule supreme? And here I was starting to think of you as nothing but a reflection of him, or, I don't know.

How did you even get here if you're from somewhere where he... where you... made choices different? Must have been a long journey!

*show interest. ask questions. keep the words flowing. buy time with letters and syllabels*

[the-pale-king]

*got him. caught in a mite trap, the teeth clap shut around the mortal. the Providence knows he's won. he didn't lie about this one existing in his reality, not at all! he was blue. he likes blue. so he decided he'd keep this one close by his side, a stupid empty headed pet granted a godly boon

using his own foresight was so much effort and he wished to focus on other things than searching different futures, different paths, and as such he had granted a slice of it to his favourite plaything so that if there was anything important he need do to prevent a future where he'd fall to some outside threat he'd be warned of it. clever but, ah, mortals just don't last when they contain divine power!

which is why he's still confused as to why this one is still walking and talking and, well, breathing*

Long? No, not really. We yet exist there, physical, real, and here We hath simply slipped through the cracks in part; tis what happens when a god falls over and breaks their soul.

Others seek to take the space they left behind. That is what We art doing!

But the world continues after a Higher Being's physical form perishes, always has and always will, for we cannot die proper deaths. Tis the essence or soul or whatever else we contain that gives us true power; remove that from play and our influence vanishes. Break it and parts of us rush to stem the bleeding.

Consume it... and that power is yours.

My~ Tis nice to see a mortal so interested! Planning to devour a god of thine own and join Our side eternal?

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*Lurien files that information away to be examined later, Monomon'll probably find it interesting but right now it answers a couple of his questions. this Other—the Providence—he's one of those colourful shadows, one those ghosts he saw back when Strelitzia laid there broken and defeated amongst the shattered shells of his own children. and that means he's important

he needs to know more, needs to make him think he's won. fighting back the desire to gag, Lurien leans in, closing some of the space he'd put between them, allowing gilded fingers to giddly grab for him, allowing that body so familar to fill in the space His Beloved should be standing in

if he knew he'd survive it Lurien would have punched this arsehole in the face by now but, he's pretty sure he'll be atomised on the spot*

Well, I could do that but, well, I've got enough god in me to not justify the effort. I mean. I don't exactly like the idea of taking Unn's place after all! I wouldn't make a good slug!

But. Um. What do you mean by you mean by breaking his soul? If you're part of that or whatever what happens to him if, in theory, something happens to you? Or well, what would happen to you here if you got murdered by another Higher Being?!

I'm just worried is all~

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*the Resting Grounds feel like they go on forever and ever. either that or Lurien had walked much further in than he thought but, now alone, now left to think about how big of a disaster this had been and how the soul, the spirit, whatever the remains of his father had been, had simply been... taken. destroyed. consumed. absorbed. not a great loss by any means but, still, there is an ache in his chest, a hollow hurt as he mourns what could have been. or, more precisely, what he could have learned from him

knowledge of his tribes past. secrets passed down from the seers to their apprentices and children. information on the fixing of shattered souls. the name of his mother...

Lurien's fist finds the closest wall, his weak hands doing more damage to him that the rough stone. slowly, he allows himself to lean against it, his mask pressing harder against his face as he does so. this is a mess. a disaster. a complete and utter failure at worse

what if he never finds a way to fix this? what if he can't wake him up?! stupid stupid stupid stupid!

he smacks his head against the wall with a dull thump*

Thou shouldst stop that. Mortals like thou art rather breakable after all!

*Lurien stumbles back, stares at the wall for a moment as if that's the thing that spoke until slowly, his gazes lifts to above where pale golden light spills down the shaft illuminating the sign pointing to the stag station. and there, up above upon feathered wings wrapped in gilded silk that almost seems to stick to his body is a very familiar looking figure*

...What?

[the-pale-king]

*a gentle laugh, a radiant gaze, the Providence watches the tortured moth attempt to smash his head through solid stone, only stopping him when it starts to become a little sad and more than pathetic to watch. he looks up at him and, well, isn't that interesting? the toy he had planned to sink his claws into wandering right into his nest willingly? how fun!

desperate enough to easily take any bait dangled, he knows this for truth, but the Providence's eyes see beyond just his mortal shell and gaze upon his tangled soul proper. but there's something... wrong. a glimmer. a light. bright as his own, bright as it must be, like someone cut a sliver of the sun and pierced it through him. other things too like hooks with strings, not yet pulling but waiting to make him dance like a puppet. then there's the deathly light pale glow, the claiming touch of another god upon him

...how is this mortal even alive right now?!*

What's wrong little seer, has thou seen a ghost...?

*light, gentle, teasing, enticing. he floats down and picks a ledge closer, close enough for the mortal to reach should he wish to, and sits, leaning forwards to peer at him, elbows resting on his thighs, fingers drumming on his cheeks as he tries to appear all sweet and welcoming. the mortal simply stares

but he can see it closer now, brighter. this isn't just a Higher Being's favoured pet. this moth, this mirror of his most loyal slave, he has claimed this Path's Other in return. disgusting

but that just makes this so much easier. he can play the game of seduction... how vile*

It seems thou hast been shocked into silence by Our beauty! We understand, tis few mortals that canst look away once they art caught~

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*his voice. Lurien had honestly started to forget what it sounded like. subtle accent that dips and weaves around the words, smoothing them out in places, turning them sharp in others, soft, feathery, barely there as if he's speaking in a whisper. never overstaying its welcome, always there and gone, never heavy, a breath of spring breeze

it's his voice, the same one coming from this golden stranger. the voice he's been dreaming of, yearning for

and yet

it is different. just enough to give him pause

most others wouldn't be able to tell, Lurien is certain of that, they don't know Strelitzia like he does. they have not heard him cry as he has, laugh as he has, sing and shout and... other things... and he knows this particular tone of voice

heavy. honeyed. the kind reserved for behind closed doors. the kind used between bedsheets and privacy. he'd be lying if the temptation wasn't there

but this isn't Strelitzia. they have his face, his voice, his shapes and they fill the hole he left just a little, but it isn't him. it can't be. too brazen. too bright. too much of a scream of 'look upon mine light and weep'. and damn right disrespectful

Lurien crosses his arms and stares, hard*

Who are you and why do you have his face? You better start explaining quick because I am not in the mood to be fucked around with right now, especially when it comes to Mine Beloved like this.

*and, he adds in his mind, he finds he's the one to always be bet on when it comes to a fight*

[the-pale-king]

We art the Providence, and yes, to thou perhaps We hath thine "Beloved's" face but, ah well, there is little difference between he and We!

*he slides from his perch like liquid, oozing and slow, a brush of wings through air and he lands besides the skeptic, circling him like prey waiting for the first sweet bite. but this one, he's more skittish than expected, wise to his ways, a hard shell to crack, which is rather funny! moths are usually the easiest to break, all it took was eating their goddess and they were all over him like dung beetles on crap

still, he draws in close, tastes the same air he breathes, brushes up besides him, fingers reaching out for a touch*

We art the same creature after all, why would We not share his features? The only difference is We art not afraid to make choices he would deem, hrm, unsavory.

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*Lurien catches his wrist before those fingers can invade his space, not too gently guiding the Providence back and putting some space between them. he knows this game. he knows this game very very well, has played it himself in fact more times than is comfortable to admit

flirting, seducing, an easy thing to do if you find a loose thread and pull on it. he's no stranger to making pretty noble girls blush behind their fans, no stranger to getting up close and personal with the gents of the city to pinch a few geo. he's flirted his way through politics before with disgusting ease and grace, somehow. honestly, Lurien has never thought himself as desireable

but a moth was once a rare thing to see, especially one with power, and the stupid half-brained idiots of the upperclass of Hallownest found him exotic enough to want. as a pet or partner, he could never tell, but he could use that then

and he can use it now

he'll play along until the cracks start showing*

Unsavory how? I'll have you know My Star has done much most bugs—most Higher beings even—would deem such so I doubt anything you say will surprise me.

I must ask though, is one such choice the act of throwing yourself at a married man?

[the-pale-king]

*the Providence is taken aback twice in the space of a mere minute. the first is that this puny mortal easily pushed him away despite the clear flirting and desire dripping in his voice, a stronger will than he expected. the second is that not only does the mortal question him on such actions but he hits the nail right on the head too; the moth knows he's playing and damn well isn't going to let himself be fooled so easily

is it time to truly turn on the charm or time to snap his neck?

there's power in this one, enough to give him enough strength to sunder whatever weak forces defend this failed kingdom he hopes and, if not, getting rid of him would leave this Path's Other exposed. choices choices

he does need a little more knowledge about the state of the lands beyond this one; whatever memories and visions his Other has allowed him to see just isn't enough to know who to hit and when. this Path's Unn could be all powerful or this 'White Lady' he's heard of might simply tear him limb from limb if she's much like the Wither Root of his own world

better play it safe. better play it smart. better really turn on the charm and use the damn eyelashes he has to his benefit

said eyelashes are fluttered a couple times as he fakes offense taken*

Perhaps thou may be married, yes, but considering what We hath said thou art married to Us. Tis hardly what thou thinks it to be~ Ah. If only We could take thou back to Lumindell with Us and swap thou for Our own version of thou!

He is... boring. Quiet. Loyal yes, but thou hast cheek! A glib tongue that insults! We hath n'er had more fun with a mortal!

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*Lurien can see it, plain as daylight. himself. small, thin and achingly miserable kept at the beck and call of this tyrant emperor. never speaking, keeping himself as silent and unobtrusive as possible to avoid being burnt. but his eyes yet linger, happily blinded by the glory of the sun. adoration for the cruelty. a true moth drawn to a flickering flame

its fucking sickening

but, the Providence for all his bluster, for all the power Lurien can feel leaking from him, is also stupid. he's a talker. and talkers are the easiest ones to beat; you just keep them yapping until their guard is down and then, you strike. and this one really really loves to hear himself yap. he's practically already won*

Lumindell? Is that where you're from? An alternative Hallownest where you rule supreme? And here I was starting to think of you as nothing but a reflection of him, or, I don't know.

How did you even get here if you're from somewhere where he... where you... made choices different? Must have been a long journey!

*show interest. ask questions. keep the words flowing. buy time with letters and syllabels*

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*the Resting Grounds feel like they go on forever and ever. either that or Lurien had walked much further in than he thought but, now alone, now left to think about how big of a disaster this had been and how the soul, the spirit, whatever the remains of his father had been, had simply been... taken. destroyed. consumed. absorbed. not a great loss by any means but, still, there is an ache in his chest, a hollow hurt as he mourns what could have been. or, more precisely, what he could have learned from him

knowledge of his tribes past. secrets passed down from the seers to their apprentices and children. information on the fixing of shattered souls. the name of his mother...

Lurien's fist finds the closest wall, his weak hands doing more damage to him that the rough stone. slowly, he allows himself to lean against it, his mask pressing harder against his face as he does so. this is a mess. a disaster. a complete and utter failure at worse

what if he never finds a way to fix this? what if he can't wake him up?! stupid stupid stupid stupid!

he smacks his head against the wall with a dull thump*

Thou shouldst stop that. Mortals like thou art rather breakable after all!

*Lurien stumbles back, stares at the wall for a moment as if that's the thing that spoke until slowly, his gazes lifts to above where pale golden light spills down the shaft illuminating the sign pointing to the stag station. and there, up above upon feathered wings wrapped in gilded silk that almost seems to stick to his body is a very familiar looking figure*

...What?

[the-pale-king]

*a gentle laugh, a radiant gaze, the Providence watches the tortured moth attempt to smash his head through solid stone, only stopping him when it starts to become a little sad and more than pathetic to watch. he looks up at him and, well, isn't that interesting? the toy he had planned to sink his claws into wandering right into his nest willingly? how fun!

desperate enough to easily take any bait dangled, he knows this for truth, but the Providence's eyes see beyond just his mortal shell and gaze upon his tangled soul proper. but there's something... wrong. a glimmer. a light. bright as his own, bright as it must be, like someone cut a sliver of the sun and pierced it through him. other things too like hooks with strings, not yet pulling but waiting to make him dance like a puppet. then there's the deathly light pale glow, the claiming touch of another god upon him

...how is this mortal even alive right now?!*

What's wrong little seer, has thou seen a ghost...?

*light, gentle, teasing, enticing. he floats down and picks a ledge closer, close enough for the mortal to reach should he wish to, and sits, leaning forwards to peer at him, elbows resting on his thighs, fingers drumming on his cheeks as he tries to appear all sweet and welcoming. the mortal simply stares

but he can see it closer now, brighter. this isn't just a Higher Being's favoured pet. this moth, this mirror of his most loyal slave, he has claimed this Path's Other in return. disgusting

but that just makes this so much easier. he can play the game of seduction... how vile*

It seems thou hast been shocked into silence by Our beauty! We understand, tis few mortals that canst look away once they art caught~

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*his voice. Lurien had honestly started to forget what it sounded like. subtle accent that dips and weaves around the words, smoothing them out in places, turning them sharp in others, soft, feathery, barely there as if he's speaking in a whisper. never overstaying its welcome, always there and gone, never heavy, a breath of spring breeze

it's his voice, the same one coming from this golden stranger. the voice he's been dreaming of, yearning for

and yet

it is different. just enough to give him pause

most others wouldn't be able to tell, Lurien is certain of that, they don't know Strelitzia like he does. they have not heard him cry as he has, laugh as he has, sing and shout and... other things... and he knows this particular tone of voice

heavy. honeyed. the kind reserved for behind closed doors. the kind used between bedsheets and privacy. he'd be lying if the temptation wasn't there

but this isn't Strelitzia. they have his face, his voice, his shapes and they fill the hole he left just a little, but it isn't him. it can't be. too brazen. too bright. too much of a scream of 'look upon mine light and weep'. and damn right disrespectful

Lurien crosses his arms and stares, hard*

Who are you and why do you have his face? You better start explaining quick because I am not in the mood to be fucked around with right now, especially when it comes to Mine Beloved like this.

*and, he adds in his mind, he finds he's the one to always be bet on when it comes to a fight*

[the-pale-king]

We art the Providence, and yes, to thou perhaps We hath thine "Beloved's" face but, ah well, there is little difference between he and We!

*he slides from his perch like liquid, oozing and slow, a brush of wings through air and he lands besides the skeptic, circling him like prey waiting for the first sweet bite. but this one, he's more skittish than expected, wise to his ways, a hard shell to crack, which is rather funny! moths are usually the easiest to break, all it took was eating their goddess and they were all over him like dung beetles on crap

still, he draws in close, tastes the same air he breathes, brushes up besides him, fingers reaching out for a touch*

We art the same creature after all, why would We not share his features? The only difference is We art not afraid to make choices he would deem, hrm, unsavory.

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*Lurien catches his wrist before those fingers can invade his space, not too gently guiding the Providence back and putting some space between them. he knows this game. he knows this game very very well, has played it himself in fact more times than is comfortable to admit

flirting, seducing, an easy thing to do if you find a loose thread and pull on it. he's no stranger to making pretty noble girls blush behind their fans, no stranger to getting up close and personal with the gents of the city to pinch a few geo. he's flirted his way through politics before with disgusting ease and grace, somehow. honestly, Lurien has never thought himself as desireable

but a moth was once a rare thing to see, especially one with power, and the stupid half-brained idiots of the upperclass of Hallownest found him exotic enough to want. as a pet or partner, he could never tell, but he could use that then

and he can use it now

he'll play along until the cracks start showing*

Unsavory how? I'll have you know My Star has done much most bugs—most Higher beings even—would deem such so I doubt anything you say will surprise me.

I must ask though, is one such choice the act of throwing yourself at a married man?

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*the Resting Grounds feel like they go on forever and ever. either that or Lurien had walked much further in than he thought but, now alone, now left to think about how big of a disaster this had been and how the soul, the spirit, whatever the remains of his father had been, had simply been... taken. destroyed. consumed. absorbed. not a great loss by any means but, still, there is an ache in his chest, a hollow hurt as he mourns what could have been. or, more precisely, what he could have learned from him

knowledge of his tribes past. secrets passed down from the seers to their apprentices and children. information on the fixing of shattered souls. the name of his mother...

Lurien's fist finds the closest wall, his weak hands doing more damage to him that the rough stone. slowly, he allows himself to lean against it, his mask pressing harder against his face as he does so. this is a mess. a disaster. a complete and utter failure at worse

what if he never finds a way to fix this? what if he can't wake him up?! stupid stupid stupid stupid!

he smacks his head against the wall with a dull thump*

Thou shouldst stop that. Mortals like thou art rather breakable after all!

*Lurien stumbles back, stares at the wall for a moment as if that's the thing that spoke until slowly, his gazes lifts to above where pale golden light spills down the shaft illuminating the sign pointing to the stag station. and there, up above upon feathered wings wrapped in gilded silk that almost seems to stick to his body is a very familiar looking figure*

...What?

[the-pale-king]

*a gentle laugh, a radiant gaze, the Providence watches the tortured moth attempt to smash his head through solid stone, only stopping him when it starts to become a little sad and more than pathetic to watch. he looks up at him and, well, isn't that interesting? the toy he had planned to sink his claws into wandering right into his nest willingly? how fun!

desperate enough to easily take any bait dangled, he knows this for truth, but the Providence's eyes see beyond just his mortal shell and gaze upon his tangled soul proper. but there's something... wrong. a glimmer. a light. bright as his own, bright as it must be, like someone cut a sliver of the sun and pierced it through him. other things too like hooks with strings, not yet pulling but waiting to make him dance like a puppet. then there's the deathly light pale glow, the claiming touch of another god upon him

...how is this mortal even alive right now?!*

What's wrong little seer, has thou seen a ghost...?

*light, gentle, teasing, enticing. he floats down and picks a ledge closer, close enough for the mortal to reach should he wish to, and sits, leaning forwards to peer at him, elbows resting on his thighs, fingers drumming on his cheeks as he tries to appear all sweet and welcoming. the mortal simply stares

but he can see it closer now, brighter. this isn't just a Higher Being's favoured pet. this moth, this mirror of his most loyal slave, he has claimed this Path's Other in return. disgusting

but that just makes this so much easier. he can play the game of seduction... how vile*

It seems thou hast been shocked into silence by Our beauty! We understand, tis few mortals that canst look away once they art caught~

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*his voice. Lurien had honestly started to forget what it sounded like. subtle accent that dips and weaves around the words, smoothing them out in places, turning them sharp in others, soft, feathery, barely there as if he's speaking in a whisper. never overstaying its welcome, always there and gone, never heavy, a breath of spring breeze

it's his voice, the same one coming from this golden stranger. the voice he's been dreaming of, yearning for

and yet

it is different. just enough to give him pause

most others wouldn't be able to tell, Lurien is certain of that, they don't know Strelitzia like he does. they have not heard him cry as he has, laugh as he has, sing and shout and... other things... and he knows this particular tone of voice

heavy. honeyed. the kind reserved for behind closed doors. the kind used between bedsheets and privacy. he'd be lying if the temptation wasn't there

but this isn't Strelitzia. they have his face, his voice, his shapes and they fill the hole he left just a little, but it isn't him. it can't be. too brazen. too bright. too much of a scream of 'look upon mine light and weep'. and damn right disrespectful

Lurien crosses his arms and stares, hard*

Who are you and why do you have his face? You better start explaining quick because I am not in the mood to be fucked around with right now, especially when it comes to Mine Beloved like this.

*and, he adds in his mind, he finds he's the one to always be bet on when it comes to a fight*

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*the Resting Grounds feel like they go on forever and ever. either that or Lurien had walked much further in than he thought but, now alone, now left to think about how big of a disaster this had been and how the soul, the spirit, whatever the remains of his father had been, had simply been... taken. destroyed. consumed. absorbed. not a great loss by any means but, still, there is an ache in his chest, a hollow hurt as he mourns what could have been. or, more precisely, what he could have learned from him

knowledge of his tribes past. secrets passed down from the seers to their apprentices and children. information on the fixing of shattered souls. the name of his mother...

Lurien's fist finds the closest wall, his weak hands doing more damage to him that the rough stone. slowly, he allows himself to lean against it, his mask pressing harder against his face as he does so. this is a mess. a disaster. a complete and utter failure at worse

what if he never finds a way to fix this? what if he can't wake him up?! stupid stupid stupid stupid!

he smacks his head against the wall with a dull thump*

Thou shouldst stop that. Mortals like thou art rather breakable after all!

*Lurien stumbles back, stares at the wall for a moment as if that's the thing that spoke until slowly, his gazes lifts to above where pale golden light spills down the shaft illuminating the sign pointing to the stag station. and there, up above upon feathered wings wrapped in gilded silk that almost seems to stick to his body is a very familiar looking figure*

...What?

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*the Resting Grounds remain as they always have been; serene, quiet, peaceful. and dusty. Lurien sneezes for the hundreth time since arriving, the sound echoing out through the rows of gravesc, graves fresher than the ones he seeks in truth, just reading the dates and causes of death is more than enough to tell him that. his sisters are amongst the ones he passes by, a slight pause and glance the only tell he notices. while he has come for important business reasons another task lingers at the back of his mind

he should go to that secluded corner, visit those that didn't make it

right now he needs to stay on task; if any bugs in this whole wide world knew about whatever strange affliction had caused his beloved to now fester silently, neither healing nor rotting, then it would be the moths. and who better to seek than... the only man he never ever wanted to see again*

Thanks for coming with. Probably would have run away by now if I came on my own.

@xero-and-markoth @teacher-of-the-archives

[teacher-of-the-archives]

Monomon lingers by the cenotaph of the victims of the city fire that Orchid set while infected long ago. Her tendril brushes over the cold stone and withered flowers as she floats past.

I won't stop you from running. That's not what friends do. But, I can tell you that leaving now would only give you regrets.

@lurienthewatcherofficial

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

Yeah well. Asking the ghost of the guy who I intend to speak with isn’t exactly going to be fun.

*Lurien kicks at some loose gravel as he leads his companions away from the main path and into some older territory, the graves showing their age with cracks and patches of moss. Lurien walks for a while, ignoring urns and names of his fellow moths–friends and strangers both–until he stands before a particular stone*

My father might’ve been an ignorant liquor guzzling piece of shit but, if there’s one thing he knew, it was the lore of our tribe. My grandmother was a seer after all.

I’m not a coward, by the way, I just don’t really like the idea of seeing him again after he disowned me for… several reasons. Sorry if this is hard for you both to see.

@xero-and-markoth

[xero-and-markoth]

Should i say that i once trained as a seer, and think i know more about our tribe's lore than your abusive piece of shit father?

Can i desecrate his body while he's watching?

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

Firstly; this is a thing I need to do. This is both about getting answers and about rubbing it in his face that I’m still a little gay boy and not only that but I also got soul bound to the guy my father called “an imitation of the true glory of light”, y’know?

And uh, no, no you can’t do that. He might be trash but we respect the dead here. We are better than him. And Markoth? You training as a seer is the exact reason I agreed to bring you both; you’ll be able to call him here.

Monomon if you’ve any questions feel free to ask, I know you’ve had an interest in the ancient moths. Or at least I think you did?

@teacher-of-the-archives

[teacher-of-the-archives]

Monomon lit up, literally. A wave of electricity surged over her as ger curiosity piqued. She pulls out a notebook from under her cloak, then swam through the air up to Lurien, leaning over on her back and resting.

I have so many questions! Firstly: how old is the tribe? Did they originate from lesser bugs or were they spawned of Dream Essence? The old light made them, but were she ever physical? Do the mandelas the moths used for charms have any inherent meaning or power, or are the patterns irrelevant? How come most moths historically went without masks? Did their connection with the light make masks unessesary? Did their connection speed up the infection? Why are there no buildings or settlements from the old moths?

@lurienthewatcherofficial

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

Uh... its... old? Like pre Strelitzia old? I dunno where they came from and I guess yeah? I guess the Old Light had a physical form? I mean, Mine Beloved has talked about defeating her in the flesh before and I don't think he had a reason to lie? What's a mandala? You mean the dream catchers? Uh... I mean I wear a mask and uh... I dunno about all that other stuff...?

*Lurien looks to Markoth and Xero for help, clearly very confused. the look in his eyes seems to say 'help me!!'*

@xero-and-markoth

[xero-and-markoth]

Hey, Lady Monomon.

This idiot here doesn't know anything about our history, unlike us...

We can tell you about it, but not right now...

Yeah......not.....right.....now........

Markoth?

I'm......feeling......

Markoth starts shaking

His pupils starts glowing orange

@teacher-of-the-archives

[teacher-of-the-archives]

Monomon rushes over, looks Markoth in his eyes, then, with determination attempts to zap him, focusing on his head. It might knock him out, but the infection would at least be halted if he cannot dream.

I'm sorry about this.

She unleashed her charge, not lethal, but painful.

@xero-and-markoth

[the-radiance-of-dreams]

Markoth grabs her tentacle

Foolish woman....

Markoth stands up right while shoving her away, with a glow from his eyes resembling her gaze.

LURIEN....

MAY I SPEAK TO THE HERETIC YOU CALL FATHER.....

@lurienthewatcherofficial

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*Lurien crosses his arms, exasperated and offering the Old Light a withering look that clearly speaks volumes about how he feels about her. unimpressed, distaste, just a general look of disapproval really. he grumbles*

I wouldn't call him a heretic. A bastard and a sorry pile of stagshit who loves the bottle more than his kids, sure sure, but a heretic? No. If anything he was more loyal to the old traditions than most of us at the time; I barely paid attention in truth.

But yeah, whatever, knock yourself out. I mean technically you are. Also! I am not an idiot; I do know plenty of the lore of the tribe but, as you can imagine, I'm not exactly in the mood in this moment.

@the-radiance-of-dreams

[the-radiance-of-dreams]

LOVING YOUR FAMILY IS A TRADITION OF MOTHS, SO HE IS A HERETIC...

EITHER WAY, VERY WELL....

The radiance starts disappearing from markoth's mind

After she dissapears, Markoth is on the ground coughing, with Xero immedietly rushing to him

@teacher-of-the-archives

[teacher-of-the-archives]

Monomon pushes herself from the ground, looking hurt and scared.

I told you. We can't have this. This won't work. It will only bring more pain than simply accepting the inexorable truth. I can't support this.

@xero-and-markoth

[xero-and-markoth]

What fucking choice to we have?

I will not let him die...

@lurienthewatcherofficial

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

Right now this fight isn't worth it. I cam here to dig through the ashes of our past and I intend to do so; Strelitzia needs me to do it. So, Markoth, if you feel up to it please...

*Lurien gestures towards his father's grave, unkempt, crumbling, uncared for, as it should be*

Call him.

...

...his name is Larimar.

@xero-and-markoth

[xero-and-markoth]

...

Markoth does a very short ritual

Larimar...

Wake again...

Yeah, wake up Larimar, the accident...

@lurienthewatcherofficial

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*several long moments pass, grey and quiet. Lurien kind of stands there, stares, and sighs, shuffles his feet in the gravel and dirt, kicks at a loose stone and watches it clatter away into a pile of its many siblings. this was stupid. of course his dumb dad wouldn't show his ugly mug, not unless they dangle a case of nectar over his stone and whistle like he's some kind of lap pet. of course this wasn't going to work! he's already turned away, preparing to shrug and suggest looking elsewhere when the air... shifts for lack of a better word

it shifts

stagnant stink rolling forth that smells much like the inside of some crusty bar and cigarette smoke and also many poor life choices. Lurien holds his breath as he turns back to face the visage hanging before him knowing damn well what he'll see isn't the man he remembers

the spirit—ghost? soul?—of his father looks a lot thinner than he did than the last time he saw the man alive, his limbs spindly, his cheeks hollowed, age hanging on him like a weight. his eyes are cloudy but still the same deep dark black they've always been, beady and judgemental, his antennae drooping and thin. Lurien hates how much of himself he sees in the man*

Father...

*he breathes the word out. the taste of it is bitter, strange, he utterly dislikes it

Larimar lifts his head, grumbles several violent swears under his breath, and croaks out in a wizend gruff tone*

What? Ya din't jus' bring me back 'ere tae look at yer sorry mug did ya, boy?

And who're these ugly fucks eh? Ya lil' traitor friends from that cursed shithole below?

@xero-and-markoth

[xero-and-markoth]

Atleast i proudly show off my uglyness

Xero removes his helmet

Instead of beating my family like a fucking asshole who can't control his own life.

I never listened to what the seers said, but i fucking know enough to call your existance a fucking sin, you fucking pathetic excuse of a "man"

Hey Lurien, did your grandma drop this shit as a caterpillar? Because he obviously has brain damage.

@lurienthewatcherofficial

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

Can you shut up and perhaps not insult someone we are going to ask to help us? You don't need to act angry for me, not for something I have outlived and grown past.

*Larimar laughs at that, a rumbling mocking thing that has Lurien snap his head to glare at his father*

You've grown a back bone after all this time? Should'a done it sooner, boy. Why'd ya think I'd 'elp you lot, eh? Ain't nothin' you can offer me in death afta' all.

I grew a backbone when I turned myself around and left you to die a sad lonely miserable death, didn't I? I chose my path, as did my sisters, and you chose yours. And what did that get you? Nothing.

An what did yours get you?

...It got my sisters dead but it also got me a life. It got me a home. Got me more power than I knew what to do with. Got me on the King's good side, got him in my bed too, and it got me standing here still alive while your body is dust. Anything to say about that?

*Larimar is silent, scornful, and simply acts like he doesn't give one single fuck about anything that is said*

...I don't know why I bothered. You got much to say, Mon?

@teacher-of-the-archives

[teacher-of-the-archives]

Monomon floats up and places a tendril on Lurien's shoulder.

Don't worry, Lu. Your father probably had confusing feelings about men and decided to take that out on you. That's not your fault. Now, you said he knows a lot about history and such. If he's gonna be like this we can always dig up the grave and see if he was buried with anything.

Monomon turns to Lurien's father and stretches out a tendril for him to shake.

Hi, I'm Monomon the Teacher, Dreamer and smartest in Hallownest. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir.

@lurienthewatcherofficial

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

*Larimar reaches out for the tentacle and phases through it. he lifts his hand waggling his fingers mockingly as if to say 'duh, I'm a ghost!' as he continues to float there, menacingly*

For someone who claims they smart as they are you sure are dumb. But fine. You're all gon' waste my time. Ask yer questions or whatever you 'ave fer me and let me go back to bein' unaware of my failure spawn.

*Lurien shakes his head, asking himself why he didn't go dig up an actual seer like Markoth said he should*

Sorry Mon; I still have those books I got from my uh... 'sources' you can take if you want later.

Um... eugh... father. You know more of our tribe than any other I knew in life, and while you're a pathetic excuse of a man who couldn't even keep his wife, I know you wouldn't want our traditions to end. I just needed to know... how does one fix a broken soul?

*Larimar narrows his eyes, suspicous, unhappy, clearly not going to help*

You ain't earned that knowledge, boy.

You!

*a finger pointed at Markoth, threatening, sharp*

Dismiss me.

@xero-and-markoth

[xero-and-markoth]

....

Markoth starts aproaching to dismiss the failure of a person, but he stops

It's happening again...

His eyes starts glowing

HERETIC...

Markoth falls to the ground, his jaw opens up and pure light starts coming from him

RULE 1 OF MOTHS

LOVE YOUR FAMILY

YOU HAVE BROKEN THE FIRST RULE...

YOU CALL YOUR OWN SON A COWARD, A TRAITOR...

THE ONLY TRAITOROUS COWARD I SEE IS YOU, BOY!!!

I, THE RADIANCE...

YOUR CREATOR...

YOUR TRUE LIGHT...

DEMAND YOU THIS.

YOU WILL HELP YOUR SON IN WHAT EVER HE WANTS, TELL HIM WHAT HE WANTS TO KNOW.

OR ELSE I WILL ABSORB BACK WHAT LIGHT YOU HAVE LEFT IN THAT HUSK YOU CALL A BODY.

YOUR NAME WILL BE AN INSULT IN OUR LANDS UNTIL OUR END...

LARIMAR...

RESPOND NOW...

I WILL NOT REPEAT MYSELF...

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

Do you really think this cheap trick is gonna trick me, boy? Our Light abandoned us long ago, we ain’t idiots, better you accept that than keep livin’ like your life got worth to it.

*Lurien’s head is in his hands with a groan*

Oh I knew this was a bad idea… Mon, I should’ve just asked to see the Archives. Consulting you would’ve been easier.

Quitting? Jus’ like the coward you is.

Shut it old man! I walked into a gods palace and came out the other side alive with that god dead! I’m not some coward who runs you’re just unhelpful!

@teacher-of-the-archives

[teacher-of-the-archives]

I have a sneaking feeling that this isn't leading anywhere. I should've brought some explosives for this. Lurien, do we leave?

Monomon slowly pulls him away from the grave and the infected moth before anything bad happens.

@xero-and-markoth

[the-radiance-of-dreams]

YOU....DARE.......CALL.....ME......A TRICK!?!?!

THIS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED BY THE LIKES OF YOU...

Markoth closes his mouth, starts approaching the heretic's spirit

Markoth starts charging something from his hand, her Dreamnail.

He swings it at the spirit, which dissapates after it's hit.

She has absorbed him

The radiance leaves his body like before, Markoth falls to the ground and Xero rushes to Markoth again.

@lurienthewatcherofficial

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

...this was a waste of time.

Mon, I need to figure out how to fix Strelitzia. I thought, well, I just thought I could get answers here... guess I was wrong.

*his eyes linger on the space his father had been in, now gone from his life once more, vanished into nothing along with his only idea how to get answers about Strelitzia's condition and how to help him. it doesn't matter, Lurien supposes, not at all. instead he sighs and begins to follow Monomon but not before turning to the other two moths*

I assume you'll both be alright here? I have a task to do and I don't know how to fufill it. I'm going to look around for a bit, see if there's anything at all for me to dig up.

@xero-and-markoth

[xero-and-markoth]

We'll be alright....

Don't worry...

Xero isn't looking at Lurien while saying it, he's looking at the person he cares for

Lurien...

I'm sorry.... that i could not stop her....

I'm sorry that i destroyed the only trail you had

@lurienthewatcherofficial

[lurienthewatcherofficial]

I'll make my own path. I always do. It's what I'm good at.