#lumenjorun

[ladyleonster]

Awkward 80′s Family Photo

Ethlyn is overcome by a mix of emotions as she waits in line for the photo-artifix with both of her children.  She is thrilled that they even get to have this moment.  That she can see them grown and dressed in their finest for such an event.  Altena is stunning, truly radiant.  She looks as though Njorun herself stepped forth out of one of the huge paintings and tapestries adorning the walls of Leonster Castle.  And Leif looks even more like his father even sporting a cravat the way Quan did.  It is hard not to be joyful in their presence.

As they get closer to the front of the line, she is able to sneak a peak at just what exactly this whole thing is about and she remembers the only time they were able to sit for a portrait with all four family members.  She held an infant Leif while Quan stood proud with one hand on the Gae Bolg and the other holding Altena’s.  Finn had to position himself next to the painter and made faces to try and keep Altena’s attention from wandering.  If they’d had something like this, the poor man’s job would have been so much easier!  It seems as though each group is in and out just like that!

Finally, it is the Claus family’s turn to pick through the available props.  Ethlyn points at the little unicorn with a laugh and turns to her children.  “I might be small enough to fit on that, what do you think?”

@diadic @lumenjorun

[nagargent]

hc + sacrifice

The first thing that comes to mind is Deirdre warping her away after Julius first touched the Loptous tome. A mother’s loving sacrifice to save her daughter, with no hint of anger or anguish at her son.

Beyond that, she often heard her father talk about sacrifices for the “greater good”. Even as a child, she would wonder - what was too much? An unacceptable sacrifice for an unworthy gain. These weren’t thoughts she lingered on particularly but the idea of losing someone dear to her? No, that would be too much. Surely other’s must feel a similar pain.

She understands why her father can not live on. His final sacrifice for a better world. It doesn’t make it hurt any less but she understands. Does not blame Seliph or anyone else. When it comes to the final battle though, it’s harder to swallow. Harder to accept that her once caring twin brother is a necessary sacrifice; that a child must be destroyed for the sake of others. But they must bring Loptous down, no matter the personal cost. It hurts, hurts so much Julia wishes the pair of them could swap place. Dreams of a better life, where she can hold both Seliph and Julius’ hands and move forward.

Sacrificing herself would be so much easier, she thinks. But that is not an option. Julia steels her resolve - she is where she needs to be. The loss cuts deep and she fears she’ll spend the rest of her life atoning for it but... she will do what must be done. For the sake of her father and brother especially, but most importantly because it is the right thing to do..